LITURGY OF THE WORD AND WEEKLY READINGS

The Song of Mary:Magnificat (first few verses)

Luke 1:46-55 (pp.91 and 92 BCP)

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:the Almighty has done great things for me,and holy is his Name.

Sunday, December 26, 2010: First Sunday After Christmas

There was not a Holy Eucharist Celebration

Saturday, December 24, 2010: Christmas Eve

Holy Eucharist Celebration

Sunday, December 19, 2010: Fourth Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah (7:10-16)

Psalm 80: 1-7; 16-18, page 702, 703 BCP

Epistle: Paul's Letter (Romans 1:1-7)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (1:18-25)

suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Titus 1:1-16; Tuesday Titus 2:1-10; Wednesday Titus 2:11-3:8a; Thursday Galatians 3:1-14; Friday

Galatians 3:15-22; Saturday

Galatians 3:23-4:7.

Sunday, December 12, 2010: Third Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah (35:1-10)

Psalm 146:4-9, page 803 BCP

Epistle: Jame's Letter (5:7-10)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord according to Matthew (11:2-11)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Revelations 3:7-13; Tuesday Revelation 3:14-22; Wednesday Revelation 4:1-8; Thursday Revelation 4:9-5:5; Friday Revelation 5:6-14; Saturday Revelation 6:1-17.

Sunday, December 5, 2010: Second Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah (1:1-10)

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19, page 685 BCP

Epistle: Paul's Letter (Romans 15:4-13)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (3:1-12)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Revelation 1:1-8; Tuesday

Revelation 1:9-16; Wednesday

Revelation 1:17-2:7); Thursday

Revelation 2:8-17; Friday

Revelation 2:18-29; Saturday

Revelation 3:1-6.

SAINT MONICA'S NEWS

Hours for Services During the Christmas Season

1. Christmas Eve, December 24th 11:30 p.m.

2. Sunday, December 26th 9:30 a.m. (There will only be one service)

6. Thursday, January 6, 2011 Epiphany 6:30 p.m.

Annual Bus Ride

Saint Monica's Annual Bus Ride will be Monday December 20, 2010. We will visit a few Hartford schools to share Christmas cheer. Each member is asked to fill a christmas basket/box with food items worth about $60. We are planning to visit four schools and share our baskets with forty families.

The basket (laundry basket) should include:

1) A gift certificate for Stop n' Shop for meat.

2) Potatoes or rice or macaroni and cheese.

3) Vegetables (canned, fresh or frozen).

4) Fruit juice (100% juice only).

5) 2 dozen rolls.

6) Dessert.

The basket may also include foods that children eat during the vacation. For example:

Cereal, peanut butter, jelly, cocoa, soup, bread, crackers, fruit juice (100% juice only), fresh or canned fruits and vegetables.

Annual Reports

All Organizations of Saint Monica's Church must submit an annual report to the Church Office no later than January 15, 2011. You may contact the Church Office for the format of the report and what the report should include. Please feel free to contact either the Parish Clerk or the Church Office if you have questions.

Bishop Ian Douglas

Bishop Ian Douglas will visit Saint Monica's on Sunday, January 16, 2011 during the 10:30 a.m. service. He will meet with the vestry after the service.

Saint Monican Newsletter

The Saint Monican Newsletter welcomes your stories and reflections as it attempts to build a culture of sharing our faith and memories with one another. Please encourage your children to send their stories as well. See Joyce Asiedu for more information.

Gospel Choir

Saint Monica's Gospel Choir will hold its annual elections on Sunday January 16, 2011, immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service. The following are the officers of the Gospel Choir: 1) President; 2) Vice President; 3) Secretary; 4) Financial Secretary; and 5) Chaplain. All active members of the Choir are eligible to be nominated. The names of nominees should be sent to Terry Brown. There is a call for sopranos and altos. The Gospel Choir welcomes any member of Saint Monica's who is willing to share in the ministry of spreading the Gospel through song.

Usher Guild

The Usher Guild is currently seeking individuals who are willing to give their time in serving as ushers in 2011 for either the 8:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. service. Ushers serve three Sundays per month for four months. Anyone interested in this ministry is asked to see either Marie Brown-Harvey or Everton Stewart.

Thanksgiving Out Reach

A special thank you from Susan Davis and Pat Nelson to all the volunteers who helped to make the 2010 Thanksgiving Out Reach so successful: Food Pantry staff, Saturday Feeding staff, individuals who cooked the turkeys, those who delivered the meals to the sick/shut-in and the shelters, those who donated food and the Young People's Fellowship. You exemplify the meaning of teamwork that transcends generations.

Senior Luncheon

The Senior Luncheon was held on Saturday, December 11, 2010 in the Parish Hall. It began at noon and was a sit down affair. Members of Saint Monica's Church who are 65 years of age or older were invited. Contacts for the affair were Cynthia Timoll and Joyce Taylor.

Birthdays and Anniversaries in December

Happy Birthday to Marion Hanson and Stephanie Lightfoot 3rd; Cameron Jones 5th; Beresford Mapp 6th; Jason Hall and Jefferson McAlpine 7th; Brain Brito 8th; Conor Elliott, Michael Holder and Joseph Noel 9th; Gordon Holder 11th; Joyce Samuels and France Sharp 12th; Gabrille Irving 13th; Michelle Davis 15th; Ivy Anderson and Gwendolyn Bailey 16th; Ena Smith 17th; Winnie Anderson and Kathleen Shaw 19th; Pamela Brown, Julia Rankin and Shenna Petrolito 20th; Marcia Esson and Joyce Taylor 21st; Jane C

ollins and Erica Feurtado 22nd; Withworth Lewis and Cherell Russell 23rd; Christopher Toppin and Kurtis Webb 24th;

Leover Neals and Norest Walter 25th.

Happy Anniversary to Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Anderson 15th; Mr. & Mrs. Allan James 15th; Mr. & Mrs. Peter Marseles 21st.

Condolences

We extend our sincere Chris

tian sympathy to the Oliphant family as they mourn the death of Gladys Brown. May she rest in peace.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

Advent

The word Advent comes from the Latin Adventus, which means "Coming." It is the first season of the Church year. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas day. The color of Advent is traditionally purple, marking the preparational aspects of the season. In Advent we prepare for our Lord's coming in three ways: at Christmas; for his coming into our hearts; and for his coming again at the end of time.

Advent Wreath

A wreath with four or five candles, used in most Episcopal churches and in some homes during the season of Advent. Four candles are placed in a circle, and a fifth may be placed in the center. One candle is lit on the first Sunday in Advent, two on the second Sunday, three on the third and four on the fourth Sunday in Advent. On Christmas day, the fifth candle is lighted.

Source: The Church of the Holy Cross, Sullivan's Island, Daniel Island and I'On Community near Charleston S.C.

Healthy Living

Heart Attack On a Platter

Over the past decade or two we've learned a lot more about the physiological events that take place after eating a meal packed with carbohydrates, fat, and salt. After a large meal (a Thanksgiving feast can easily exceed 4,0000 calories), cardiac output of blood is increased and diverted to the intestinal circulation to aid digestion, which can take as long as 6 hour, leaving other organs, including the heart and brain, relatively deprived. An increase in insulin, triggered by the carbohydrate content of the meal, can compound the situation by preventing normal relaxation of the coronary arteries. The high fat content of a typical holiday feast can precipitate a gallbladder attack in people who have gallstones. The high salt content might trigger acute heart failure in someone with a history of that condition.

Some Suggestions

1) Don't arrive famished. Have a snack an hour or two before.

2) Stay away from the finger food at the d'oeuvres table.

3) Eat the salad first.

4) Use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate.

5) Taste everything to your liking but take small portions, and resist seconds.

6) Eat slowly, and participate in conversation.

7) Skip the dessert, or at least go easy on it. Fruit is preferable.

8) Limit alcohol intake to one glass of wine, and drink at least one full glass of water.

Source: Marvin M. Lipman, MD "Heart Attack on a Platter." Consumer Reports On Health (November 2010): page 11.

Clergy

The Rev. Charles Davidson

Vestry Members

Carol Anderson, Cyrus Aimey (Junior Warden), Walter Benjamin (Senior Warden), Terry Brown (Treasurer), Marie Brown-Harvey (Secretary), Nora Brown, Arlette Hurdle, shannon Holder, Joyce Asiedu, Bates Lyons, Joe Noel, Peter Marsele, Clarence Tuning, Lloyd Wimbish, Herbert Bowen ( Hon)

Music

Rochelle Holder - Youth Choir

Nathaniel Baker - Music Director/Organist

Rector Emeritus

Canon Cyril Burke

Email

monicahartford@gmail.com

THE BOOK CORNER

Skipping Christmas

by John Grisham

We've all been fed up with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season at one time or another. This book shows that feeling this way isn't necessarily a bad feeling but it's not what the holidays are all about. The leading character is Luther Krank, a man totally mad that he is going through another boring, debt-filled Christmas. He thinks if he ignores the holiday completely and goes on a cruise that it will pass unnoticed. He learns through trials and tribulations that money and crowds and last minute shopping are not at all what Christmas is about. Rather, friendship and family make our lives worthwhile!! A treasure of a book that I'd highly recommend to all and I will probably find myself reading every year at this time!

Review by Jeffrey S Schmidt

LITURGY OF THE WORD AND WEEKLY READINGS

Sunday, November 28, 2010: First Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah (2:1-5)

Psalm 122, page 779 BCP

Epistle: Paul's Letter (Romans 13:11-14)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (24:36-44)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday 2 Peter 1:1-11; Tuesday 2 Peter 1:12-21; Wednesday 2 Peter 3:1-10: Thursday 2 Peter 3:11-18; Friday Jude 1-16; Saturday Jude 17-25.

Sunday, November 21, 2010: Last Sunday After Pentecost; Feast of Christ the King

First Reading: Jeremiah (23:1-6)

Canticle 16, page 92 BCP

Epistle: Paul's Letter (Colossians 1:11-20)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (23:33-43)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Luke 18:15-30; Tuesday Luke 18:31-43; Wednesday Luke 19:1-10; Thursday John 6:26-35; Friday Luke 19:28-40; Saturday Luke 19:41-48.

Sunday, November 14, 2010: Twenty-fifth Sunday After Pentecost

First Reading: Isaiah (65:17-25)

Canticle 9, page 86 BCP

Epistle: Paul's Letter (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according Luke (21:5-19)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Luke 16:19-31; Tuesday Luke 17:1-10, Wednesday Luke 17:11-19; Thursday Luke 17:20-37; Friday Luke 18:1-8; Saturday Luke 18:9-14.

Sunday, November 7, 2010: Twenty-fourth Sunday After Pentecost

First Reading: Haggai (1:15b-2:9,2)

Psalm 145:1-5, 18-21, page 801 BCP

Epistle: Paul's Letter (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (20:27-38)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Luke 14:12-24; Tuesday Luke 14:25-35; Wednesday Luke 15:1-10; Thursday

Luke 15:1-2; Friday Luke 16:1-9; Saturday Luke 16:10-17 (18).

SAINT MONICA'S NEWS

Spiritual Exercise During Advent

Members of the congregation are asked to pick a name from the container that is provided and pray for that person during the season of Advent. Feel free at Christmas to let the person know you have been praying for them.

Missionary Outreach to Haiti

The need for pure water is extremely important in Haiti. A gallon of water cost $1. Members are ask to pick any dollar amount from our Missionary Tree. Please put your cash or check in an envelope marked "Clean Water" and place it in the collection plate. We hope this will be an ongoing missionary outreach to the Episcopal Church in Haiti which ministers to handicapped children. We will share more on this ministry.

Pies for Thanksgiving

The Young People's Fellowship (YPF) made and sold pies for Thanksgiving. Orders were placed with any member of YPF. Pies were delivered on Sunday, November 21, 2010. Marie Brown-Harvey and April Elliot were contact liaisons.

Celebrating Thanksgiving

On Sunday November 21, 2010 we celebrated Thanksgiving with a luncheon that followed the 9:30 a.m. service. The luncheon began at approximately 11:30 a.m. Information about the luncheon was provided by Marcia Anderson-Esson, Edwina Tuning, Barbara Lindo, Marva Brito Cynthia Timoll, Wendella Batty, Raymond Brown or Joanne Silva. To all of our members who contributed to the luncheon we say many, many thanks.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Walter Benjamin, our Senior Warden. He was elected to the second highest office in his lodge at its worldwide meeting. Mr. Benjamin is the first Guyanese and New Englander to be elected to so high an office.

Donations

1. Food Pantry. We always need nonperishable food to provide healthy meals for the families who come to our food pantry. Please bring food or money to the alter every Sunday for the pantry. The following are weekly suggestion:

November 7th hot cereal

November 14th mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese

November 21st canned fruit

November 28th canned vegetables

2. Underwear. We collected underwear for the homeless. We gave them away Sunday, November 21, 2010, Thanksgiving Sunday. Carol Anderson and others coordinated the effort.

Birthdays and Anniversaries in November

Happy Birthday to Darryl Burke, Florence Mursell and Myrtle Senior 1st; Cyril Burke and Patricia Nelson 3rd; Evelyn Green 4th; Herbert Bowen and Carmen Brown 5th; Thornton Scott 9th; Marcus Clark 11th; Rory Elliott and Lucy Fuentes 13th; Denzil Sumada 14th; Hylton Cooke 15th; Patricia Hurdle 17th; George Jordan 19th; Bates Lyons 20th; Carol Anderson 24th; Blondell Thornton 25th; Andrea Branch 26th; Austin Tagbo 27th; Verona Francis and Kenneth Lambert 29th.

Condolences

We extend our sincere Christian sympathy to all our members who recently lost a love one and to the family of Mary Baisden. We extend to the Hurdle family and friends our deepest Christian sympathy on the death of a love one. May their love one rest in peace.

Annual Bus Ride

Saint Monica's Annual Bus Ride will be Monday December 20, 2010. We will visit a few Hartford schools to share Christmas cheer. Each member is asked to fill a christmas basket/box with food items worth about $60. there will be more information in the coming weeks.

Senior Luncheon

The Senior Luncheon will be on Saturday, December 11, 2010 in the Parish Hall. It is scheduled from 12 noon to 3 p.m. RSVP by Tuesday, November 30, 2010 to either Mrs. Joyce Taylor or Mrs. Cynthia Timoll. Indicate whether you would like chicken or fish.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

Healthy Living

This column provides information about health

Recognizing that a person has had a stroke may save that person's life. Doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

1. S Ask the person to Smile.

2. T Ask the person to Talk and speak simple sentenced (coherently).

3. R ask the person to Raise both arms.

If the person has trouble with any one of these, call 911 Immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

Another sign a stroke is the tongue. Ask the person to stick out his/her tongue. If the tongue

is crooked, if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

This information was provided by Bob Nelson

Feeding Outreach

Members of the congregation volunteer for the Food Pantry and Outreach Community Feeding

programs. On Wednesday and Friday, food is distributed to approximately 100 communituy residents who are in need.

For more information see the October 2010 blog.

Clergy

The Rev. Charles Davidson

Vestry Members

Carol Anderson, Cyrus Aimey (Junior Warden), Walter Benjamin (Senior Warden), Terry Brown (Treasurer), Marie Brown-Harvey (Secretary), Nora Brown, Arlette Hurdle, shannon Holder, Joyce Asiedu, Bates Lyons, Joe Noel, Peter Marsele, Clarence Tuning, Lloyd Wimbish, Herbert Bowen ( Hon)

Music

Rochelle Holder - Youth Choir

Nathaniel Baker - Music Director/Organist

Rector Emeritus

Canon Cyril Burke

Email

monicahartford@gmail.com

THE BOOK CORNER

Food Rules

by Michael Pollan

Super quick and easy read (seriously, I think it took me an hour). A lot of common sense, but it was nice to see tips for eating right broken down into easy, memorable rules. There are 64 "rules" in Mr. Pollan's book that essentially are suppose to make going to the grocery store easier. By following the rules you should be able to avoid the heavily processed "bad for you" foods and purchase foods that are better for you. For anyone just starting out trying to eat better I highly recommend this book. Or if you've been eating healthy for a while, this offers some reminders and rules to make remembering what to buy easier.

Review by Heather (Wisconsin United States)

LITURGY OF THE WORD AND WEEKLY READINGS

Sunday, October 31, 2010: Twenty-third Sunday After Pentecost
First Reading: Habakkuk (1:1-4)
Psalm 119:137-144, page 774 BCP
Epistle: Paul's Letter (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12)
The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (19:1-10)
Suggested Readings for the Week
Monday Hebrews 11:32-12:2; Tuesday Luke 13:1-9; Wednesday Luke 13:10-17; Thursday Luke 13:18-30; Friday Luke 13:31-35; Saturday Luke 14:1-11.


Sunday, October 24, 2010: A Public Service of Healing

First Reading: Joel (2:23-32)

Psalm 65, page 672, BCP

Epistle: Paul's Letter (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (18:9-14).

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Luke 11:14-26; Tuesday Luke 11:27-36; Wednesday Luke 11:37-52; Thursday Luke 11:53-12:12; Friday Luke 12:13-31; Saturday Luke 12:32-48.

Sunday, October 17, 2010:Twenty-first Sunday After Pentecost

First Reading: Jeremiah (31:27-34)

Psalm 119:97-104, page 771, BCP

Epistle: Paul's Letter (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (18:1-8)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Luke 1:1-4; Tuesday Luke 10:1-16; Wednesday Luke 10:17-24; Thursday Luke 10:25-37; Friday Luke 10:38-42; Saturday Matthew 10:16-22.

Sunday, October 10, 2010: Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost

First Reading: Jeremiah (29:1, 4-7)

Psalm 66:1-11, page 673, BCP

Epistle: Paul's Letter (2 Timothy 2:8-15)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (17:11-19)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Luke 8:26-39; Tuesday Luke 8:40-56; Wednesday Luke 9:1-17; Thursday Luke 9:18-27; Friday Luke 9:28-36; Saturday Luke 9:37-50.

Sunday, October 3, 2010: Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost

First Reading: Lamentations (1:1-6)

Psalm 137, page 792, BCP

Epistle: Paul's Letter (2 Timothy 1:1-14)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (17:5-10)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Luke 6:39-49; Tuesday Luke 7:1-17; Wednesday Luke 7:18:35; Thursday Luke 7:36-50; Friday Luke 8:1-5; Saturday Luke 8:16-25.

SAINT MONICA'S NEWS

Thought for the Month

October is Stewardship Month. Our theme is Catch the Spirit: Spiritual Growth, Outreach and Unity. Our commitment Sunday , when we will promise God our time, Talents and Monday, is October 31, 2010. We ask you to pray for a spirit filled Stewardship Month.

Pies for Thanksgiving

The Young People's Fellowship (YPF) will make and sell pies for Thanksgiving. Orders can be placed with any member of YPF beginning October 24, 2010. Pies will be delivered on Sunday, November 21, 2010. Please see either Marie Brown-Harvey or April Elliot for further information.

From the Desk of the Rector

Fr. Davidson was chosen by Virginia Theological Seminary to be a mentor to newly ordained priest in the Episcopal Church. He attended the training session from Sunday, October 17-19 in Baltimore, Maryland. he thanked you for your prayers.

Donations

1. Alarm clocks. Families in the homeless shelters are in need of alarm clocks. Please donate alarm clocks between October 3-November 7th. For more information contact either Patricia Nelson or Susan Davis.

2. Food Pantry. We always need non-perishable food to provide healthy meals for the families who come to our food pantry. Please bring food or money to the alter every Sunday for the pantry. the following are weekly suggestions:

October 3rd cereals

October 10th peanut butter and jelly

October 17th 100% fruit juice

October 24th canned spaghetti with meatballs, ravioli, beef stew and tuna

October 31st soups

3. Underwear. We are collecting underwear for the homeless. Carol Anderson and others are responsible. we will give them away on Thanksgiving Sunday, November 21st.

Synfoni Green

Synfoni Green successfully completed the Architectural Registration Examination. Congratulations Synfoni; we are proud of you.

Andre Krausz

Our prayers and best wishes go to Andre Krausz, son of Richard Krausz, who will soon be deployed to service his country.

Diocesan Convention

The 226th Annual Diocesan Convention was held Friday, October 22, and Saturday 23, 2010. Business included election of Diocesan Standing Committee (on lay, one clerical member); 2012 General Convention (four lay, four clerical deputies , and up to four alternates each other); and One Synod (one lay, one clerical deputy). Walter Benjamin and Joe Noel represented our church along with Fr. Davidson.

Veterans Day

On Sunday, November 14, 2010, St. Monica's will observe Veteran Day at both services. To have your name or that of a loved one listed among the veterans and those currently serving, please contact Evelyn Green. Remember to provide the person's name, branch of service and war/conflict.

Birthdays and Anniversaries in October

Happy birthday to: Synfoni Green 2nd; Angela Chambers and Trevor Wilson 4th; Beverly Haughton-Watson 5th; Nicholas Harvey 6th; Susan Davis and Carol Harris 7th; Immauni James 8th; Elijah Henriques 10th; florence Burke 11th; Parron Duncan 16th; Eddie Davis, Jason Harvey and Neville Rodway 18th; Andrea Anderson 22nd; Charles Palmer 24th; Beverly Forrester, Jordan Taylor and Kathleen King 25th; Monet Warren 28; Edrick Hall 30th    

Happy

Anniversary to: Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Faucher 3rd; Mr. and Mrs. Percy Nelson.

Condolences

We extend our Christian sympathy to Mary Pinnock and family on the death of her sister. May she rest in peace.