Weekly eNews for

June 4, 2026

NEW THIS WEEK

A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. SYLVIA


I read in the news last week that Alan Bradley had died at the age of 70. Mr. Bradley is the author of the Flavia de Luce mysteries. He has published 12 in this series and, I am pleased to say, has another Flavia book in the pipeline! So fans like me have something to look forward to. The first was entitled, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, and the most recent one is What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust.


Flavia is an 11-year-old who lives in her ancestral home, Buckshaw, with her father and two sisters. She has a bicycle named Gladys. She loves to solve mysteries! Her passion is chemistry, especially poisons! The books are set in the 1950s, when life was simpler than it is now. I found the books when I was looking for a Christmas present for my 10-year-old niece, Maddie, and Maddie (who is now 24!) has the complete set! I have read most of them but am going back and re-reading them from the beginning, in Mr. Bradley's honor. I also have most of these books on Audible, read by an English girl with a charming voice. If you've never read one, you might want to give them a try. They are just charming!


Normally, I read fiction written for people my age, but when the Harry Potter books came out (and the Audible version, read by Jim Dale), I read them all and listened to them all so I could talk with my niece about them. She loves the books. Then a friend of mine in Cleveland told me about the Flavia books. Mr. Bradley became something of a literary celebrity at the age of 70, and I just adore the books! That's inspiring for those of us closer to Mr. Bradley's age than Flavia's age! I've always hoped to find something creative and fun to do in the last chapter of my life!


Also, I saw on IMDb that somebody is making a movie of the first book! I always worry that the movie won't do the book justice, but I'll have to wait and see. If anybody hears where The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is available to watch in the theater, or to stream on Roku, please let me know!


MEDICAL UPDATE: from Sylvia


I have recovered enough from my surgery to come back to work. I have been warned about trying to do too much! But I am easing back into church work, and I will preside this weekend at both services. I found out this week that they did find that I had endometrial cancer, but the news is very positive. The cancer hasn't spread, and it is at a very early stage. I have a CAT scan scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, then John and I will meet again with my surgeon on Wednesday, June 17, to figure out a treatment plan. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all the prayers, cards, and concern. I am very grateful for it all.

WELCOME BACK REV. SYLVIA & DEACON KEN


This weekend, we are delighted to welcome both The Rev. Sylvia and Deacon Ken back to St. Monica's. We are grateful to have Rev. Sylvia returning following her medical leave and continue to keep her in our prayers as she regains her strength and energy. We are also pleased to welcome Deacon Ken back from his vacation. Please join us in extending a warm St. Monica's welcome to them both!

THIS WEEKEND OPEN PLATE OFFERING

LET'S DOUBLE WHAT WE DID IN MAY!


This weekend services open plate offering will once again support Fostering Success, an organization dedicated to helping foster children right here in our local community.


Last month, thanks to your incredible generosity, St. Monica’s raised $285.00 to help provide tutoring, school supplies, bedding, clothing, summer enrichment opportunities, and other important needs for foster children.


This month, let’s see if we can double it!


Every dollar makes a difference and helps bring stability, encouragement, and opportunity to children who often face difficult circumstances. Together, we can continue showing these children that they are seen, valued, and loved.


Whether your gift is large or small, every act of generosity matters and helps support the important work being done through Fostering Success.


Let’s come together as a parish family and “knock it out of the park” for this wonderful cause!


Thank you for your continued kindness, compassion, and support.



Just a little secret.

Your Parish Administrator was raised in foster care. When children are shown genuine love, support, and kindness, it truly matters. Sometimes, they just need to know they are seen & cared for to make the difference.

Helping Mission Peniel Backpack Drive

DEADLINE IS THIS SUNDAY!


A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has donated backpacks and school supplies for our Helping Mission Peniel Back to School Backpack Drive.


Because of your generosity, we have already collected an incredible number of items that will help local children begin the new school year prepared and ready to learn. Your kindness will make a meaningful difference for families in our community.


As we approach the June 7 deadline, we would love to finish strong with one final weekend of giving. If you have been meaning to pick up a few extra school supplies or a backpack, there is still time to participate.


Let's give this outreach effort one last big push and help fill as many backpacks as possible before they are delivered to the children of Immokalee.


Thank you for continuing to live out St. Monica's mission of caring for our neighbors and supporting children in need. Every pencil, notebook, backpack, and supply donated is a reminder that our church community cares.


Donations may be dropped off after services this weekend. Thank you for helping us make this year's backpack drive a wonderful success!


DOWNLOAD & PRINT THE FLIER TO TAKE SHOPPING WITH YOU HERE:


ORIGINAL FLYER

PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

PARISH OFFICE UPDATE!

VACATION TIME


Please note that I will be on vacation beginning June 8 and will return to the office on June 22.


For any questions regarding pledges, contributions, or other financial matters, please contact our Finance Director, Joe Masters.


For pastoral care needs, please contact The Rev. Sylvia or Deacon Ken.


For non-urgent matters that can wait until my return, I will be happy to assist you beginning June 22.


Thank you for your understanding. It has been a busy year, and I am looking forward to my grandchildren's visit and returning refreshed and ready to serve our parish community.


Blessings,

Laura Stamper

HAVE YOU SHARED YOUR SUMMER STORY YET?

YOUR STORY COULD BE FEATURED!


Last week, we invited you to share your summer stories, photos, and adventures with our St. Monica's family. We have a feeling many of you are busy making summer memories and simply haven't had a chance to send them in yet, so we're sending a friendly reminder that we'd love to feature your stories and photos.!


Photos are especially encouraged! Pictures of family gatherings, travels, service projects, pets, hobbies, outdoor adventures, or fellowship with friends from church all make wonderful additions to our Summer Highlights section.


Don't assume your story is too small or unimportant. Often the simple moments are the ones that inspire and encourage others the most.


Help us show that St. Monica's remains connected, caring, and active all summer long.


Please send your photos and stories to administrator@stmonicasnaples.org.


We look forward to featuring many of our parishioners throughout the summer months!


LADIES & GENTS LUNCHEON

Monday  JUNE 8th

THINGS TO COME

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

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.



FOOD FELLOWSHIP & FUN

SATURDAY JUNE 13th


Everyone is invited to join us for our next Restaurant Social on Saturday, June 13, following the 5:00 PM service.


We'll gather at Sonny's Pizzeria & Sports Bar (formerly Zookies), located at 7740 Preserve Lane, Naples, for an evening of good food, fellowship, and conversation.


Whether you're a regular attendee or looking for a chance to get to know fellow parishioners better, we'd love to have you join us.


No reservations are needed. Just come hungry and enjoy the company!

We hope to see you there!

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.

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES

6/1

Tom & Susan Gibson


6/3

Steve & Debbie Corey


6/8

Ian & Amy Thompson


6/10

Ed & Kathy Romatzick


6/17

Kyle & Heather Williamson


6/24

Richard & Patricia Traverse


6/27

David & Zannah Chalick


6/28

Jeff & Cindy Gault

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

6/1

Linda Butters-Freund


6/3

Joan Fuggi

Colleen Rossomando


6/4

Sandi Zeidman


6/8

Lynn Cutrone


6/12

Gale Neuner

6/13

Brenda Walsh


6/17

Laura Stamper


6/23

Dan Rabideau


6/24

Edward Segall


6/25

Richard Traverse


6/28

Sara Meekins

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.