SAINT MONICA'S NEWS

Your Comments and Contributions

Your comments and contributions are important. Please let us hear from you.

1. Send your emails to: monicahartford@gmail.com

2. Comments can be made on the blog.

3. See me (Floyd Wyche) in Church. I attend 8:00 a.m. service

Special Collections for Haiti

There will be second collections on Sunday, January 24 and Sunday, January 31 for the people of Haiti.

Church Directory

The parish office continues to update the addresses, phone numbers, cell and home and email address of all our members. Please fill out the form Membership Information Update before the end of January. One of the responsibilities of the Rector and Vestry is to have a correct membership list.

Annual Parish Meeting

There will be one service on Sunday, February 7, 2010, at 9:30 a.m. After the service, the Annual Parish Meeting will be held.

Y.P.F. Bake Sale

The Y.P.F. will host a bake sale on Sunday, February 7, 2010 prior to the Annual Parish Meeting.

Timely Reminder

This is a timely reminder to all organizations, wardens and committees to submit their annual reports by January 31, 2010 for inclusion in our Annual Report. There is a template available for those who need one.

Meetings

1. There will be a meeting of all ushers on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. If you are unable to attend please contact Marie Brown-Harvey prior toe the meeting.

1. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew will have a meeting on Sunday, January 31, 2010 after the 10:30 a.m. celebration. PLease contact Vice Director Cyrus Aimey for more information.

Upcoming Events

1. All Vestry members are reminded of the monthly vestry meeting on Thursday, January 14, 2010 beginning at 6:30 p.m. We will discuss and hopefully pass our 2010 budget and present a slate of candidates for our 2010 Annual Election on February 14, 2010. Members are invited to attend.

2. Confession of Peter and the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Monday, January 18, 2010.

3. Observance of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. On Monday, January 18, 2010. Office closed.

4. Conversion of St. Paul on Monday, January 25, 2010.

5. Clergy Conference Wednesday, February 3 and Thursday 4, 2010

Feast of the Epiphany

On the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6th, we remember the magi, the three wise men who came from the East (Matthew 2:1-12) bearing gifts for Jesus. The gifts were gold, a symbol of Jesus' kingship on earth; frankincense representing prayer; and myrrh representing his suffering. Epiphany also reminds us that Christmas has ended. Here is another opportunity for us to show forth Jesus Christ to each other and our community. Here is another opportunity for us to remember that our church will grow when we grow spiritually. So how do we show forth Christ?

1.We must have a deep appreciation for each other as members of our church and be supportive of our working together.

2. We must be prepared to get to know each other more; do not listen to the "stuff" in the corridor and believe it.

3. We must look for the positive and encourage it to be uplifted more and more. We need to advertise the great things happening in our church and be weary of those who see only the negative.

There is an old tradition of blessing the homes during this season. I am inviting you to invite me (Fr. Davidson) to bless your home. This will allow us to spend time together and to become better acquainted. Happy New Year.

40 Days of Discussion

On January 6 we will launch our 40 days discussion on the way forward at St. Monica's.

We will have our discussions in four groups; each group will consist of three tribes.

Our responsibility to each other will be to make certain that by February 13, Absalom Jones Day, we have action plans with time lines to help us improve the life of our parish and our witness and ministries to our community.

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Happy birthday to Jessica Hurdle January 1; Christine Hurdle January 5; Cynthia Timoll January 7; Doreen Radway January 9; Jennie Dixon, Tyreik Noel, and Hubbard Warren January 12; Winston Anderson, Elroy Toppin and Allen James January 20; Nellie Jordan and Joanne Silva January 22; Lorraine Mapp January 24; Mildred Hunter January 27; Mary Pinnock and Floyd Wyche January 28; Janice Binion and Lauren Toppin January 30; Barbara Neals January 31; Gladstone Cooke and Maxine Hillburn February 2; Jeanette Walker February 3; Lisa Powell February 4; Keith Martin February 6.

Happy anniversary to Verna Ferguson and and her dear husband January 16; Floyd and Claudia Wyche January 28.

Condolences

We record the death of Ms. Ruth Colvin. Ms. Colvin was once head of the Daughters of the King; she organized and ran our summer program and was a lay visitor. We extend Christian sympathy to her family and friends. May her and all souls of the faithful departed rest in peace

From her family:

The Colvin (Elliott and Spencer) family express gratitude to all who called, sent cards, brought food, made visits, or just prayed for us. You help us remember Ruth's kind and generous spirt and the legacy she leaves us and the rest of the world. These precious memories, we will cherish. We are most grateful. God bless you richly.

The Daughters of the King and ECW

The Daughters of the King and ECW wish to extend thanks to all who contributed to the repast for Ruth Colvin.

Our sincere Christian sympathy goes out to the wife, children and friends of Mr. William Seymour. May he rest in peace

PHOTO ALBUM

Christmas Eve Preparation and Service

Bus Ride To Hartford Schools

DIOCESE AND ITEMS OF INTEREST

We Have Elected A New Bishop

See either the October 2009 or November 2009 Blog for information about the election of The Rev. Dr. Ian T. Douglas' as the 15th Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut.

I Wonder Why?

This column answers interesting questions.

Ever wonder what the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" means?

The Twelve days of Christmas are the twelve days between Christmas Day, December 25th, the birth of Jesus, and Epiphany, January 6th, the day Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi (Wise Men) and the revelation of Christ as the light of the world.

The Christmas song, "the Twelve Days of Christmas" had its origin in religious symbolism - and with a serious purpose.

It dates from a time of religious persecution. The song, was written as a kind of secret catechism that could be song in public without fear of arrest - a learning or memory aid to Christians in fact.

The song can be interpreted on two levels - the surface meaning, or the hidden meaning known only to the Christians involved. Each element is a code word for a religious truth.

1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus.

2. The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.

3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.

4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels.

5. The five gold rings recall the Hebrew Torah (Law), or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.

6. The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.

7. The seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

8. The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.

9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

10. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.

11. Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles.

12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed.

If you think Jesus being symbolized as a partridge in a pear tree sounds blasphemous, remember: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so." (Luke 13:34 and Matthew 23:34).

The "true love" in the song refers to God Himself.

The "me" receiving the gifts is every Christian.

So that "silly" song we sing at Christmas time has more meaning than we thought.

The preceding explanation was provided by:

Holy Trinity Luther Church

30 Lockwood Avenue

New Rochelle, New York

THE BOOK CORNER

Mere Christianity

by C.S. Lewis

After reading several books on a similar topic that did nothing but confuse me, I was glad that I came upon C.S. Lewis's work. All of the other books about the existence of God are way off in their own world, and discourage anyone who feels lost in their ideas about God. This book really explained the reasons that God must exist, and then moved on to easily describe the major beliefs of Christians, without leaving anyone out in the cold on what the key issues actually are. This book is perfect for the agnostic, the atheist, and even the Christian that wants to know the logical and simple reasons that C.S. Lewis came to be a Christian. Over and over, his words made me see even the simplest concepts of religion in a completely new light. I was greatly impressed and have already read this book multiple times.

Review by B. Stubblefield

LITURGY OF THE WORD AND WEEKLY READINGS

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Book of Isaiah (61:10-62:3)

Psalm 147, page 804, BCP

Paul's Letter to the Galatians (3:23-25; 4:4-7)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (1:1-18)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday John 13:20-35; Tuesday Matthew 18:1-14; Wednesday John 4:46-54; Thursday John 5:1-15; Friday Matthew 1:18-25; Saturday John 6:1-14

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Book of Micah (5:2-5a)

Psalm 80:1-7, page 702, BCP

Letter to the Hebrews (10:5-10)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (1:39-45)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday 1 Peter 1:3-9; Tuesday Luke 1:26-38; Wednesday Luke 1:39-48a; Thursday Matthew 1:18-25; Friday John 3:31-36; Saturday Acts 6:1-7

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Book of Zaphaniah (3:14-20)

Canticle 9, page 86, BCP

Paul's Letter to the Philippians (4:4-7)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (3:7-18)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Matthew 24:15-31; Tuesday Matthew 24:32-44; Wednesday Matthew 24:45-51; Thursday Matthew 25:1-13; Friday Matthew 25:14-30; Saturday Matthew 25:31:46

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Book of Malachi (3:1-4)

Canticle 16, page 92, BCP

Paul's Letter to the Philippians (1:3-11)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (3:1-6)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Matthew 22:22-33; Tuesday Matthew 22:34-46; Wednesday Matthew 23:1-12; Thursday Matthew 23:13-26; Friday Matthew 23:27-39; Saturday Matthew 24:1-14

SAINT MONICA'S NEWS

Rector's Thanks

Today (December 27, 2009) makes it two years since my coming to St. Monica's. The cup is three quarter full and thank God for all of you who continue to love the Lord and support the work of his church, St. Monica's. I continue to settle in to my ministry here. Every day allows me to get to know something new or some parishioner a little better.

Thank you for your words of encouragement, your love and indeed your criticism for they allow me to look again at myself. I know I am a better priest because of my being here at St. Monica's Pray for me and Maureen as we begin our third year.

Many thanks to the Stewardship Committee and Joyce Taylor who arranged the 2010 envelopes in alphabetical order.

Many thanks to our choirs who over the last few weeks worked hard at the musical pieces we will enjoy and to the alter guild for preparing our worship space.

A Blessed and Happy /Merry Christmas to all of you from the Davidsons and the wardens and members of the vestry.

My wife and I thank all of you for your cards and gifts during this time of sharing.

Advent

The Advent wreath: The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. the four outer candles represent the period of waiting during four sundays of Advent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the Prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ. The colors of the candles vary with different traditions, but there are usually three purple or blue candles, corresponding to the sanctuary colors of Advent, and one pink or rose candle. The purple candles are usually lighted every Sunday in Advent while the pink candle is usually lighted on the third Sunday of Advent. The light of the candles itself becomes an important symbol of the season. the light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of god's grace to others (Isaiah 42:6). The progression in the lighting of the candles symbolizes the various aspects of our waiting experiences.

Novena; Nine Mornings of Worship; With Special Worship; Begins at 6:30 a.m.

Wednesday, December 16th: Waiting for Jesus Our Salvation (Matthew 7:20)

Thursday, December 17th: "O Sapientia" O Come, O Come Emanuel

Friday, December 18th: With God all things are possible (Matthew 1:20-21)

Saturday, December 19th: Trust God for deliverance (Luke 1:19)

Sunday, December 20th: "Blessed are you among women" (Luke 1:42)

Monday, December 21st: Feast of St. Thomas "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28)

Tuesday, December 22nd: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord" (Luke 1:46)

Wednesday, December 23: It is all about God (Luke 1:60-63)

Thursday, December 24th: We are redeemed (Luke 1:68)

Upcoming Events

December 12th Advent retreat for tribe leaders and members; December 16th-24th Novena begins at 6:30 a.m.; December 24th Service at 10:30 p.m.; December 31st Service at 10:30 p.m.

Food Baskets

You are invited to bring your food filled baskets to help feed families of Hartford's School children on Monday, December 21, 2009. Dress warmly and please arrive promptly at 5:00 p.m. The basket (a laundry basket) should include Christmas dinner: Turkey, ham, or pork roast of a gift certificate from Stop & Shop, potatoes (sweet or white) or rice or macaroni and cheese, vegetables (canned, fresh, or frozen), fruit juices, 2 dozen rolls and dessert. Deadline for sighning up is Monday, December 14, 2009.

YPF Fruit Baskets

In conjunction with the 1st Annual Bus Ride on December 21st, the YPF will distribute fruit baskets to residents of St. Monica's Apartment. The fruits to be placed in the baskets are: apples (red delicious and granny smith), bananas, pears, grapefruit, and oranges. Any donations will be appreciated.

Memorial Service For The Homeless

On Monday, December 21, 2009 Trinity Episcopal Church, Hartford will hold a memorial service for the homeless who have dies on the street and also a luncheon. We are invited to this ecumenical and interfaith gathering. St. Monica's is collecting new socks, gloves and hats that will be distributed to those at the service. Arlette Hurdle is coordinating this event along with other members of the vestry. Please be generous with your giving.

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Happy birthday to Beresford Mapp December 6; Jason Hall, Jefferson McAlpine December 7; Brian Brito, Gladys Brown, Ruth Colvin December 8; Connor Elliott, Michael Holder, Juliett Mikell, Joseph Noel, Jevon Wilson December 9; Joyce Samuels, Frances Sharp December 12; Gabrille Irving December 13; Michelle Davis December 15; Ivy Anderson and Gwendolyn Bailey December 16; Ena Smith December 17; Winne Anderson December 19; Pamela Brown, Julia Rankin, and Shenna Petrolito December 20; Marcia Esson and Joyce Taylor December 21; Jane Collins and Erica Feurtado December 22; Whitworth Lewis and Cherell Russell December 23; Christopher Toppin and Kurtis Webb December 24; Leover Neals and Norest Walter December 26; Maureen Evens, Asante Asiedu, and Verna Ferguson December 26; Courtney Samuda December 28; Nora Brown December 29; Jessica Hurdle January 1.

Marion Hanson would like to thank everyone for the many kind tokens of affection during his recent birthday.

Happy Anniversary to Calvin and Maureen Evans; Olive and Allan James December 15; Peter and Gloria Mareseles December 21.

Condolences

Rochelle and Shannon Holder thank everyone for their cards, phone calls, and word of condolences after the death of their sister/aunt.

We record the death of Laurie Sealy and we extend our Christian sympathy to his family and friends. My he rest in peace.

We extend our Christian sympathy to Mr. William Washington who mourns the death of his dear wife. May she rest in peace.

We extend our condolences to Maureen Evens and family as they mourn the death of their beloved uncle and counselor Paster Adrian T. Westney. Paster Westney was pastor of the Metropolitan Seventh Day Adventist Church in Maryland.

DIOCESE AND NATIONAL NEWS

We Have Elected A New Bishop

See either the October 2009 or November 2009 Blog for information about the election of The Rev. Dr. Ian T. Douglas' as the 15th Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut.

THE BOOK CORNER

Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem

by Maya Angelou

We live in a troubled world: a world of pain and despair. Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem is about how the Christmas season affects people. As the Christmas season approaches, we go through a transformation; we become more compassionate, more loving, more considerate of others. People around the world share these feelings. The Christmas season causes us to be hopeful that ultimately there will be peace. The book includes a CD on which Maya Angelou reads the poem. Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher beautifully illustrate Amazing Peace with paintings.

Review by Claudia Wyche