Weekly eNews for

July 16, 2026

NEW THIS WEEK

FROM THE DESK OF THE REV. SYLVIA R. CZARNETZKY


Dear Everyone,


This week, the saga of Jacob continues. We have four Sundays in a row where the character of Jacob is featured in the Old Testament reading. One down, three to go. I simply cannot resist the temptation of preaching about Jacob! He is such a wonderfully wicked fellow! The way he treated his father Isaac over the blessing was really horrible. He managed to steal the blessing that Isaac had intended for Esau, with the help of his mother Rebekah. Even after all this, God still made Jacob a key link in the promise that was given to Abraham and Isaac.


If you are intrigued about the character of Jacob, I have a book to recommend. Frederick Buechner wrote a novel about Jacob, called The Son of Laughter. It is a creative re telling of the Jacob story. Buechner was a Presbyterian minister, who wrote lots of books, and he used his wonderful imagination to fill in the gaps of Jacob's story.


When The Son of Laughter was published way back in 1993, I remember making a pilgrimage to Sewanee. I was fortunate to be able to hear him read a chapter from this novel (and to get him to sign my book!). The cover features a painting of Jacob's ladder, which is the story we will read this weekend. It's a big dose of Jacob, but it's a marvelous novel.

MESSAGE FROM OUR Sr. WARDEN


I hope you all saw the recent letter about housing support for a new rector. Please do prayerfully consider how you might help in any way at any level. We have mentioned we are working on options for how we might support a new rector with various compensation and funding models to do so. We feel these are necessary to be able to bring the conversation to you. Please know we are working diligently on those models and the methods for engaging.you. We want to ensure you have a solid picture on what our options are and the potential sources to get there. Some of that requires clearing our assumptions with the Diocese so that they are assured we can afford to move forward on any of them. Please know we are working on it.


Ed Strong, Sr Warden

A CALL FOR ACOLYTES

THANK YOU!


A heartfelt thank you to everyone who responded to our request for Saturday evening acolyte coverage.


We are especially grateful to Debbie Corey and Ann Hoffman for graciously volunteering to serve. Your willingness to step in ensures that our worship services continue to run smoothly, and your dedication to serving our church family is truly appreciated.



Thank you both for sharing your time and talents with St. Monica's. Your support is a wonderful reminder of the strength of our parish community.

FINANCIAL UPDATE


Our June finances are outlined below. Overall we are in decent shape as we move even further into our slow months. Our year to date revenue versus expenses shows a positive picture. There is also a  link  to the full report.for those who are interested in the details. If you look at the full report, you will note we had a good month in terms of pledge income but are down significantly in non-pledged and plate.


June 2026:       

  • Revenue: $32,203
  • Expenses: $41,753     


Year to Date 2026

  • Revenue  $284,943
  • Expenses $260,591


Please address questions to Scott McCurdy, Treasurer, or Ed Strong, Sr Warden

Summer Adventures:

STEVE & Debbie COREY's Western Journey!


One of the joys of summer is seeing where our St. Monica's family is spending their time, and Debbie and Steve have certainly been on an unforgettable adventure!


They are wrapping up an incredible five week journey through the West, visiting Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, the scenic Beartooth Highway, and several beautiful destinations throughout Montana, including Red Lodge, Virginia City, Missoula, Flathead Lake, and Glacier National Park.


Along the way they enjoyed plenty of hiking, and Steve celebrated his 78th birthday by completing a 5.7 mile round trip hike to Avalanche Lake. WOW  What an amazing accomplishment!


Take a look through the slideshow below to see some of the beautiful sights they experienced. Thank you, Debbie and Steve, for sharing your summer adventure with your St. Monica's family!


WAIT!

Have you been on a summer adventure? We'd love to see where your travels have taken you! Send us your photos and a short description of your trip, and we may feature your story in an upcoming eNews next!


Whether you've traveled across the country or enjoyed a special day close to home, we'd love to celebrate your summer with our church family.

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Debbie sent us so many wonderful photos that we simply couldn't pick just a few! Instead of making the impossible choice, we turned them into a slideshow so you can enjoy more of their amazing adventure. Sit back, click through, and enjoy the journey!

THINGS TO COME

Baseball with the Bishop is back

At Tropicana Field on Friday, August 28!

Join Bishop Doug Scharf and Episcopalians from across the Diocese of Southwest Florida as the Tampa Bay Rays take on the San Diego Padres at 7:10 p.m.


Bring your friends, family, youth groups, and fellow parishioners for a fun night of faith, fellowship, and baseball. Our goal is 1,000 Episcopalians in the stands, and if we reach it, Bishop Scharf will throw out the first pitch!


Tickets are $36.60, with $5 from every ticket supporting Episcopal Charities.


Reserve your seats today through the link below or contact Rafael Lazala at 727-825-3445 or rlazala@raysbaseball.com for group seating.


                     > Purchase Tickets Here  <

Do you knit or crochet? Now to Nov 2026

CAN you help me, help sick and premature babies in Uganda?

Let me introduce myself, my name is Ellen Milan. I am a member of St Monica’s and a retired neonatal intensive care nurse and a volunteer with Health Volunteers Overseas, a private non-profit dedicated to improving the availability and quality of health care in developing countries through training and education of local health care providers. I have been teaching, and working with, Ugandan neonatal healthcare providers, and families of sick and premature babies, since 2001.


DID YOU KNOW… newborns (especially prematures) can lose a significant amount of heat from their heads (the largest surface area of their bodies), which puts them at risk for hypothermia (low body temperature). Hypothermia in the newborn period is considered an important contributor to newborn morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) especially in low-resource countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes newborn thermal care as a critical component of essential newborn care. 


Prematures are many in Uganda and other parts of Africa and this is do in part to the high rate of “natural twining”. Twins and higher order multiples (triplets or more) have an increase risk of being born prematurely.


Covering a baby’s head can make a substantial impact in avoiding hypothermia even in the smallest of babies. Knit and crochet hats can be life saving.


God willing, I will be returning again, to Uganda, in November 2026.


If you have any questions or would like more information, you can find me in the directory located HERE.


With gratitude, Ellen Milan

LADIES & GENTS SOCIAL LUNCH OUTING!

MONDAY AUGUST 10


BRUNCH IS CALLING!


Join your St. Monica's friends for another afternoon of great food, gathering with friend, and enjoy laughter at our August Social Lunch!


📅

Monday, August 10


🕧

12:30 PM


📍

Bonita Brunch

26381 S. Tamiami Trail

Bonita Springs

Located near Bonefish Grill


Whether you're a longtime member or new to St. Monica's, we'd love to have you join us. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal, catch up with friends, and meet new people making new friends in a relaxed and welcoming setting.


No agenda. No speeches. Just good food, great company, and wonderful conversations!


Bring a friend, bring your appetite, and join us for what is sure to be another enjoyable afternoon. There's always room for one more around the table!


We hope to see you there!


Why Join Education for Ministry (EfM)?

To deepen your Christian faith.

To learn how to articulate that faith.

To let that faith inspire you into action!


Through study, prayer, and reflection, trained mentors (Kathy Schillreff and Jean Hite) facilitate small group discussions and guide participants to examine life through an increasingly informed and inspired theological lens. More than Bible study, EfM participants read and discuss the Old Testament (year 1), the New


Testament (year 2), Church history (year 3), and theology and ethics (year 4).

You do not have to commit to all four program years nor complete in four years.

 

Our current participants were asked what the title of a book would be if they were to write one about their EFM experience this year. Here are a few of the responses:

  • From Legends to Love
  • EFM: Everything You Wanted To Know About Christianity
  • Finding The Way
  • Ever Changing - Ever New
  • Swept Away - How the Currents of Community, Joy & Love Rose to Embrace Me


If those “titles” intrigue you, we hope you’ll consider joining us when the new EFM year beings  on Sept. 8th. We meet most Tuesdays from 2:30 - 5 p.m. We look forward to welcoming new people.

We are a hybrid in-person and Zoom group so snowbirds are able to join us.

 

If you have questions, please contact Susan Docimo, Jean Hite  or Kathy Schillreff for more information.

ACOLYTE FESTIVAL - August 22

Intergenerational and open to all, the 2026 Acolyte Festival invites acolytes, vergers, leaders, and volunteers with all levels of experience together on August 22, 2026, at the Cathedral. Through rotating workshops, a shared meal, and a closing service, we'll deepen our understanding of shared ministry at the altar and strengthen connections across our congregations.


The festival runs from 10 AM to 2 PM, with registration beginning at 9:30 AM. A light breakfast will be available before 10 AM, and a cookout lunch featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the fixings will be provided.



MULTIPLE REGISTRATIONS: This form allows churches and families to register more than one individual at a time. To do so, simply click "yes" when prompted to register another individual.


VOLUNTEERS: There will be a need for volunteers to help with check-in, shepherding, assisting in workshops, floaters, and more at the event. If interested, please register below and select "volunteer" under "Age Range."



Whether you are a longtime acolyte, server, or verger, or are new to this ministry, all are invited to join in this special day of learning, celebration, and worship.


BULLETIN BOARD

DO YOU FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK?

If not, you’re missing out on all the fun things happening around St. Monica’s. Be sure to follow our page so you can stay connected with photos, events, and moments from our parish family.


SUPPORTING FOSTERING SUCCESS EVERY THURSDAY


When you visit Lake Park Diner in Founder Square on Thursdays, $1 will be donated to Fostering Success Naples as part of their giving initiative. This is a great opportunity for St. Monica’s to support one of the local organizations we also help.


Fostering Success is a nonprofit serving children and young adults in the foster care system here in Collier County. Their mission is to provide strategic education and enrichment opportunities that help foster youth reach their full potential. Programs include academic mentoring, scholarships, basic needs support like beds and diapers, and life skills training for young adults transitioning out of care.


Every dollar given through the Founder Square helps extend that mission. It’s another simple way to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families in our community.


     AT TWO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS

LOCATION 1

Founders Square

8856 Founders St  Naples

239.539.1559



LOCATION 2

Downtown Naples

944 7th Ave North  Naples

239.228.6351


COME PRAY WITH US

Your faith and scripture will come alive as we pray together. We invite you to spend a special hour with us each week.


All are welcome to gather in the church sanctuary every Tuesday at 10 am. We will praise God with song, read and pray with Scripture, share faith experiences, share intercessory prayer for our needs and the needs of others and also healing prayer.


For more information  contact Theresa Miller


NAME BADGES HELP KEEP ATTENDANCE

Please take a moment to find and wear your name tags because it makes it easier for visitors and other parishioners to recognize you by name and allows the office to note your attendance. As you leave the church, please leave them in the baskets near the doors and they will be placed back on the board for pick up the following weekend.

REGULAR CHURCH GATHERINGS


Zoom Only

  • Contemplative Prayer: Wednesdays, 11am – Zoom


In-Person and Zoom 

  • Bible Study: Fridays, 9am – Library
  • Men's Book Group: Mondays, 9:30am – Conference Room


In-Person Only   

  • Prayer and Faith Sharing: Tuesdays, 10am – Church   
  • Ladies & Gents Luncheon: 2nd Monday, 12:30pm – Different locations 

 

Please email the church office for the link and password to the Zoom meetings.

OFFERING ENVELOPES - Just as a Reminder

We are so grateful for your ongoing generosity and faithful giving. Every offering you give helps us continue the mission and ministry of St. Monica’s, and we truly appreciate it.


That said, we have a small but important request: please do not tape the flaps of your offering envelopes


As shown in the image, the envelope flaps are designed to stay closed once you seal them with the glue inside the flap. When tape is added, it makes it much harder for our office staff to open them quickly and carefully. It slows down the processing, increases the risk of tearing checks or cash inside, and adds extra steps to what is already a detailed task


We know the intention behind taping is likely to keep the contents secure, but we assure you the envelopes are kept safe and handled with care from plate to processing


Thank you for helping us by leaving the flap untaped, it’s a small act that makes a big difference.

A ST. MONICA'S PRAYER

Dear Friends,

 

In our Tuesday staff meeting we ended with St. Monica's prayer. It was for her son to return to the church. When he finally returned he became the future Saint and Bishop Augustine of Hippo who became a prominent Christian theologian and philosopher.

 

We thought we might share it with you:


St. Monica, I need your prayers. You know exactly how I'm feeling because you once felt it yourself. I'm hurting, hopeless, and in despair. I desperately want my child to return to Christ in his Church but I can't do it alone. I need God's help. Please join me in begging the Lord's powerful grace to flow into my child's life. Ask the Lord Jesus to soften his heart, prepare a path for his conversion, and activate the Holy Spirit in his life. Amen.

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

7/1

Fred & Lynn Swendeman


7/4

Dick & Linda Rumpf


7/7

Pat & Brenda Walsh


7/13

Jim & JoAnn Sarconi


7/29

Gary & Mary Gentzle

Hugh & Marge Gower

Bill & Pauline McCown


7/30

Paul & Nancy Nick

JULY BIRTHDAYS

7/2

Linda Duffy

Richard Pfeil


7/3

Bob Des Jardin


7/5

Rita Allan


7/6

Kathi Rabideau


7/9

Donna Cote

Joan Lazarus


7/10

Steve Corey

Barbara Shea

7/14

Jenny Wise


7/22

Nancy Beaupre


7/24

Pauline McCown

Scott McCurdy

Bob White


7/27

Theresa Kempf

Sharon Lapierre


7/29

Suzanne Bodley


7/31

Jack Hufty


PRAYERS & VISITS

PASTORAL CARE
If you go to or are going into the hospital, or your spouse, partner, or family member is experiencing a pastoral or health care issue, please contact the church office during office hours after hours please reach out to:  Rev. Sylvia R. Czarnetzky at 662.645.8887 or Deacon Ken McCaslin at 610.608.0704.

PASTORAL CARE MESSAGE

Your clergy are here to walk with you. Pastoral care is an important part of the ministry of the clergy, so please don't be shy! At any time reach out to one of us and we would be happy to talk to you, anoint you, pray with you, or walk with you. If something is going on medically or otherwise in your life, let us know. If you are going into the hospital, let us know ahead of time so we can visit, and, more importantly, be praying with and for you.

ACCESSING THE PRAYER LIST:
For the safety and privacy of our members, the Prayer List will no longer be published on the website or included in the eNews, as both are publicly accessible.


We understand how important this list is to our church family, and we want to ensure you can still access it in the following ways:

 

1.   Online Access: Log in to our  Members Directory. Once logged in, click on "Additional Pages" and select "Prayer List".


2.   Printed Copies: Printed versions are available at any of our services or can be picked up from the front office.

 

Thank you for your understanding and support as we prioritize the privacy and safety of our members.

SHARE THE eNEWS WITH OTHERS

If someone would like to receive our eNews, they do not need to wait for the church office. The fastest way to sign up is to visit our website: www.stmonicasnaples.org, click the orange “THIS WEEK” button, and select “Sign up for the Weekly eNews.” Once they complete the form, they will begin receiving the eNews every Thursday at 5PM.


If someone has already contacted the office or signed up but has not received the eNews by the following week, please ask them to follow up so we can confirm their email address was entered correctly.


Thank you for helping others stay connected and informed about what is happening at St. Monica’s.