LITURGY OF THE WORD AND WEEKLY READINGS

The Song of Mary: Magnificat (First few verses)

Luke 1:46-55 (pages 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.

Saturday, December 31, 2011: New Years Eve

First Lesson: (Deuteronomy 11:8-12, 26-28)

Psalm 89:1-18, Page 713, BCP

Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (Titus 2:11-14)

The Holy Gospel Of Our Lord Jesus Christ According To Luke (2:1-20)

Suggested Readings For The Week

Monday Acts 6:1-7; Tuesday John 13:1-7; Wednesday Matthew 18:1-14; Thursday John 2:1-11; Friday John 4:46-54; Saturday John 5:1-5.

Sunday, December 25, 2011: Christmas

First Lesson: (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Psalm 96, Page 725, BCP

Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (Titus 2:11-14)

The Holy Gospel Of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to Luke (2:1-20)

Suggested Readings For The Week

Monday Acts 6:1-7; Tuesday Matthew 13:1-7; Wednesday Matthew 18:1-14; Thursday John 2:1-11; Friday John 4:46-54; Saturday John 5:1-5.

Saturday, December 24, 2011: Christmas Eve

First Lesson: (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Psalm 96, Page 725, BCP

Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (Titus 2:11-14)

The Holy Gospel Of Our Lord Jesus Christ According To Luke (2:1-20)

Suggested Readings For The Week

Monday Acts 6:1-7; Tuesday John 13:1-7; Wednesday Matthew 18:1-14; Thursday John 2:1-11; Friday John 4:46-54; Saturday John 5:1-5.

Sunday, December 18, 2011:Fourth Sunday Of Advent

First Lesson: (2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16)

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26, Page 713, BCP

Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (Romans 16:25-27)

The Holy Gospel Of Our Lord Jesus Christ According To Luke (1:26-38)

Suggested Readings For The Week

Monday Luke 1:1-25; Tuesday Luke 1:26-38; Wednesday Luke 1:39-48a (48b-56); Thursday Luke 1:57-66; Friday Luke 1:67-80; December 24 Matthew:18-25.

Sunday, December 11, 2011: Third Sunday Of Advent

First Lesson: (Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11)

Psalm 126, Page 782, BCP

Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)

The Holy Gospel Of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to John (1:6-8, 19-28)

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 4, 2011: Second Sunday Of Advent

First Lesson: (Isaiah 40:1-11)

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, Pages 708-709, BCP

Second Lesson: Peter's Epistle: (2 General 3:8-15a)

The Holy Gospel Of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to Mark (1:1-8)

Suggested Readings For The Week

Monday Matthew 22:23-33; 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.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Welcome From The Rector

Directions To Saint Monica's

The Rector's Desk

Advent Theme

Our theme for Advent is "Prepare for the Expected." We will look at our spiritual, physical/financial life as Christians. We will have our usual Novenas, December 16-24 at 6:30 a.m. and we will introduce different kind of coffee hour. We are also planning a prayer walk both as a spiritual and physical exercise.

Some Thoughts On "Prepare for the Expected"

Discernment as Wisdom

First, let God be God and man be man. This takes discernment regarding the distance between God and humanity. Even kings must recognize where true wisdom comes and that there are some concealed matters that belong only to God. the character needed is a heart that is submissive to the divine.

Second, Remember that good companions encourage righteousness. On the other hand, wicked companions will bring corruption and then destruction. The character needed is self-discipline to rid oneself of evil influences, whether it be so-called friends or aspects of culture. Maintain righteousness through good companions.

Third, always take the humble position. By taking the best seat in the house (either literally or figuratively), one could be asked to move to the back in humiliation. Let praise of you come from others. Do no promote yourself. thew character needed, of course, is genuine humility of heart and spirit.

Thought to remember: Discernment is part of wisdom.

Source: 2011-2012 Standard Lesson Commentary - September 25, 2011.

Third Annual Christmas Bus Ride

Saint Monica's Annual Bus Ride will be Tuesday December 20, 2011. 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. Over fifty families are depending on your support, so please do not disappoint them.

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 (hot chocolate), soup, bread, crackers, fruit juice (100% juice only), fresh or canned fruits and vegetables.

Please confirm your seat reservation by Sunday, December 11th. On Tuesday, December 20th, dress warmly and arrive promptly at 5:15 p.m. to load the baskets on the bus.

Christmas and New Year's Day

This year Christmas Day and New Year's Day will be on Sundays. We will have our usual Christmas Eve Service at 11:00 p.m. and our New Year's Eve Service at 11:00 p.m. On Christmas Day and New Year's Day we will have one service at 9:30 a.m. Holy Innocents Day is December 28th; we will have a service for our children and youth at 6:30 p.m.

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 altar every Sunday for the pantry.

Weekly suggestions: Sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, canned green vegetables, evaporated milk, instant mashed potatoes, boxed dressing, canned and/or packaged gravies.

Rescheduling Meetings

Fr. Davidson needs our cooperation if we wish to reschedule a meeting on Monday or Wednesday between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Fr. Davidson schedules interviews and pastoral counseling either before or after Prayer Meetings on Monday. He may also schedule interviews and pastoral counseling on Wednesday. He schedules events when there is no Bible Study. As a courtesy, please call Fr. Davidson to verify if he has anything scheduled.

Activity Calendar

Weekly: 1) Mondays-Prayer meeting at 6:30 p.m.; 2) Wednesdays-Bible Study at 6:30 p.m.

Special Days (Weekly): 1) Wednesdays and Fridays-Food Pantry opens 10:00 a.m. to noon.

2) Every other Thursday-Pro's and Con's Task Force at 6:30 p.m.

Special Days (Monthly): 1) First Thursday-Stewardship Committee at 6:30 p.m.; 2) Second Thursday-Vestry Meeting 6:30 p.m.; 3) Third Tuesday-Women of Valier; 4) Third and fourth Saturday opens at 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.; 5) First Saturday-Episcopal Church Women (ECW) at 12:00 noon

Birthdays and Anniversaries in December

Happy Birthday to: Marion Hanson and Stephanie Lightfoot 3rd; Cameron Jones 5th, Jason Hall and Jefferson McAlpine 7th; Brian Brito 8th; Connor Elliott, Juliett Mikell, Joseph Noel and Jevon Wilson 9th; Gordon Holder 11th; Frances Sharp 12th; Gabrielle Irving 13th; Michelle Davis 15th; Ivy Anderson and Gwendolyn Bailey 16th; Winnie Anderson 19th; Pamela Brown, Julia Rankin and Sheena Petrolito 20th; Marcia Esson and Joyce Taylor 21st; Jane Collins and Erika Feurtado 22nd; Whitworth Lewis and Cherell Russell 23rd; Christopher Toppin and Kurtis Webb 24th; Leover Neals and Norest Walters 25th; Maureen Evans, Asante Asiedu and Verna Ferguson 26th; Courtney Samuda 28th; Nora Brown 29th; Lloyd Samuels 31st.

Happy Anniversary to: Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Calvin/Maureen Evans, and Mr. and Mrs. Allan James 15th; Mr. and Mrs. Peter Marseles 21st.

In Memory For December

Victoria Hicks 3rd; Brian Trapp 5th; Maxine Freeman, Arlene Simmon and Scott Smith 7th; Marion Hairston and Morris Holder 8th; William Wood 9th; Miceal Reid 10th; George Sargeant 12th; Selvyn Clayton and Oliver Stoney 13th; Ernest Anderson and Deborah Wells 17th; Gwendolyn Brown 18th; Frederick Brescoe 21st; Gwende Stewart 22nd; George White 24th; Leonard Anderson 25th; Roger Douglas, Sr., Kathleen King and Daniel Wilson 27th; David Lane 29th.

Condolences

We record the death of Mildred Hunter. We extend our sincere Christian sympathy to her family and friends. 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 Eve. 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.

Advent Colors

"Two different traditions are followed in the Episcopal Church concerning the seasonal color of Advent. Some churches adhere to the medieval Roman custom of purple vestments and altar hangings. Purple was a royal color in ancient times, and the purple in Advent may be thought of as preparing the throne room for the coming of our king., but it has often been called a penitential color because of its dark and somber tone. Alternatively, many churches follow the ancient English custom of using blue in Advent. Blue symbolizes heaven and is also associated with the Virgin Mary, so Advent may be seen as Mary's season and the season when heaven comes to earth. Candles in the Advent wreath can be either blue or purple-or even white or whatever is available.

Another Roman Catholic custom is the use of a pink or rose-colored candle on the third Sunday of Advent. This use of a lighter color symbolizes a lightening of the Advent penitence. Unless people are deep in penitence-unusual in this era-there seems little reason for it. "

Source: Christopher L. Webber. Welcome to Sunday (Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse Publishing 2003) pp. 44,45.

Clergy

The Rev. Charles Davidson

Vestry Members

Carol Anderson, Cyrus Aimey (Junior Warden), Veronica Airey-Wilson, Joyce Asiedu, Walter Benjamin (Senior Warden, Nora Brown, Terry Brown (Treasurer), Marie Brown-Harvey (Secretary),Evelyn Green, Shannon Holder, Bates Lyons, Joe Noel, Peter Marsele Terrie Thomas, 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

The Gift of the Magi

By O. Henry

In a shabby New York flat, Della sobs as she counts the few coins she has saved to buy a Christmas present for her husband, Jim. a gift worthy of her devotion will require a great sacrifice: Selling her long, beautiful hair. Jim, meanwhile, has made a sacrifice for Della that is no less difficult. As they exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, the discovery of what each has done fills them with despair, until they realize that the true gifts of Christmas can be found more readily in their humble apartment than in any fine store. O. Henry paints a masterly portrait of unfaltering love, a haven from the harsh world outside. The poignancy of his story is captured in P.J. Lynch's eloquent art, wherein every glance, every gesture, tells a subtle truth.

From the book's description

LITURGY OF THE WORD AND WEEKLY READINGS

Sunday, November 27, 2011: First Sunday Of Advent

First Lesson: Isaiah (64:1-9)

Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18, Page 702, BCP

Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (1 Corinthians 1:3-9)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark (13:24-37)

Suggested Readings For The Week

Monday Matthew 21:1-11; Tuesday Matthew 21:12-22; Wednesday 1 Corinthians 4:1-16; Thursday Matthew 21:33-46; Friday Matthew 22:1-14; Saturday Matthew 22:15-22.

Sunday, November 20, 2011: Last Day After Pentecost

First Lesson: Ezekiel (34:11-16, 20-24)

Psalm 100, Page 729, BCP

Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (Ephesians 1:15-23)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (25:31-46)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday 1 Peter 1:1-12; Tuesday 1 Peter 1:13-25; Wednesday 1 Peter 2:1-10; Thursday John 6:26-35; Friday 1 Peter 3:13-4:6; Saturday 1 Peter 4:7-19.

Sunday, November 13, 2011: Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost

First Lesson: Judges (4:1-7)

Psalm 123, Page 780, BCP

Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (25:14-30)

Suggested Readings For The Week

Monday Revelation 20:7-15; Tuesday Revelation 21:1-8; Wednesday Revelation 21:9-21; Thursday Revelation 21:22-22:5; Friday Revelation 22:6-13; Saturday Revelation 22:14-21.

Sunday, November 6, 2011: All Saints' Day

First Lesson: (Revelation 7:9-17)

Psalm 34: 1-10, 22, Page 627, BCP

Second Lesson: John's Epistle (1 3:1-3)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew ( 5:1-12)

Suggested Readings For The Week

Monday Revelations 18:1-8; Tuesday Revelations 18:9-20; Wednesday Revelations 18:21-24; Thursday Revelations 19:1-10; Friday Revelations 19:11-16; Saturday Revelations 20:1-16.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Welcome From The Rector

Directions To Saint Monica's

The Rector's Desk

Our Second Annual International Thanksgiving Day will be on Sunday, November 20, 2011. There will only be one service, at 9:30 a.m. Please see Marva Brito for more information. November 27, 2011 is the First Sunday of Advent. Please remember that there are no flowers on the alter or celebrating weddings during advent.

This year Christmas Day and New Year's Day will be on Sunday. We will have our usual Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve Services at 11 p.m. On Christmas and New Yea's Day we will have one service 9:30 a.m. Holy Innocents Day is Wednesday, December 28, 2011; we will have a service for children and youth at 6:30 p.m.

A Note of Thanks From Marion Hanson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, thank you for your kind expressions of concern for me during my recent illness from major knee surgery. Your cards, calls, visits are much appreciated. Thank you for being a community of faith that sustained me in which you reached out in love and your prayers for my healing and strength. I have a ways to go, progress is slow. Again my thanks. Hope to be with you all again soon when the knee can tolerate driving. God's blessings to all.

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 altar every Sunday for the pantry.

Weekly suggestions: Sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, canned green vegetables, evaporated milk, instant mashed potatoes, boxed dressing, canned and/or packaged gravies.

Turkey Distribution

On Monday, November 21, 2011, turkeys will be distributed at Saint Monica's Church at 6:30 p.m. If you know of any families who may need a turkey for Thanksgiving, please contact the Church Office so that we can determine the number of turkeys needed. We thank the Caribbean Trade Association for sponsoring this project. Saint Martin's Episcopal Mission-Outreach and Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church have been invited to participate.

Veterans Day

Saint Monica's Episcopal Church extends its appreciation for the sacrifice of all veterans and those currently serving in the military.

Vestry Projector

The vestry now has its own projector. We will continue to use our PowerPoint presentation. It is obvious that we need others to be trained and be willing to help Bates Lyons who so far has done a marvelous job. The PowerPoint presentation saves us from having to print the service and the lessons. We hope you appreciate the effort being made by the vestry as we seek to use wisely the finances you give on a weekly basis for the operation of our parish.

Rescheduling Meetings

Fr. Davidson needs our cooperation if we wish to reschedule a meeting on Monday or Wednesday between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Fr. Davidson schedules interviews and pastoral counseling either before or after Prayer Meetings on Monday. He may also schedule interviews and pastoral counseling on Wednesday. He schedules events when there is no Bible Study. As a courtesy, please call Fr. Davidson to verify if he has anything scheduled.

Activity Calendar

Weekly: 1) Mondays-Prayer meeting at 6:30 p.m.; 2) Wednesdays-Bible Study at 6:30 p.m.

Special Days (Weekly): 1) Wednesdays and Fridays-Food Pantry opens 10:00 a.m. to noon.

2) Every other Thursday-Pro's and Con's Task Force at 6:30 p.m.

Special Days (Monthly): 1) First Thursday-Stewardship Committee at 6:30 p.m.; 2) Second Thursday-Vestry Meeting 6:30 p.m.; 3) Third Tuesday-Women of Valier; 4) Third and fourth Saturday opens at 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.; 5) First Saturday-Episcopal Church Women (ECW) at 12:00 noon

PowerPoint Ministry

We are currently looking for persons interested in the ministry of presenting PowerPoint during the service (8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.). Requirements:

1. Must have a laptop computer.

2. Must have a working knowledge of PowerPoint.

3. Must have access to the internet.

4. Must be reliable.

If you are interested give you name, email address and/or phone number to the Office. A. Bates Lyons will contact you to participate in a training session.

Calendars

Once again we are selling 2012 religious calendars for $10.00 each. Please consider buying these as gifts for you family and friends. See Euna Farrell or Arlette Hurdle to purchase calendars. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Birthdays and Anniversaries in November

Happy Birthday to: Darryl Burke 1st; Cyril Burke and Patricia Nelson 3rd; Evelyn Green 4th; Carmen Brown 5th; Scott Thorton 9th; Marcus Clark 11th; Rory Elliot and Lucy Fuentes 13th; Denzil Samuda 14th; Hylton Cooke 15th; George Jordan 19th; Bates Lyons 20th; Carol Anderson 24th; Blondell Thornton 25th; Andrea Branch 26th; Austin Tagbo 27th; Verona Francis and Kenneth Lambert 29th.

Happy Anniversary to: Mr. and Mrs. Freeman Davis 1st.

In Memory For November

Carlton Airey, Gwendolyn Elison and Mary Jackson 1st; Michael Mitchell, Jr. and GErtrude Smith 6th; Milicent Benjamin and Fitz T. Hickmon 7th; Macheek Jennings 8th; Milton Rice 9th; Dorothy Wiggins 11th; Frank Davis and Solon Taylor 12th; Rosalee Bracey, and Adolphus Giffin 15th; Dorothy Cunningham 17th; Edith Duval 19th; Mitchell Walter 21st; Zulietta Burke, Elizabeth Davis, Sydney Lopez, and Elizabeth Taylor 22nd; Robert Camby 24th; London Duval and Mary Winfield 25th; Pedro Hester 26th; Louis Camby 27th; Gladys Brown and John West 29th.

Condolences

We record the death of Mildred Hunter. We extend our sincere Christian sympathy to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

I Wonder

This is an occasional column that answers interesting questions.

I wonder why there is a bank of small candles in church and why occasionally some of them are lit?

The small candles are votive or prayer candles. "Votive means that something is given or offered in fulfillment of a vow. So if a candle is a votive candle it would have meant, originally, that it was dedicated to fulfill someone's vow. Many Anglican churches have provisions for the lighting of votive candles as a means of offering prayer, without their being associated with devotion to individual saints. The candle, from being an offering in fulfillment of a vow made in prayer, has become symbolically the prayer itself, a simple act of devotion."

To go to the site where this information was found CLICK HERE

Clergy

The Rev. Charles Davidson

Vestry Members

Carol Anderson, Cyrus Aimey (Junior Warden), Veronica Airey-Wilson, Joyce Asiedu, Walter Benjamin (Senior Warden, Nora Brown, Terry Brown (Treasurer), Marie Brown-Harvey (Secretary),Evelyn Green, Shannon Holder, Bates Lyons, Joe Noel, Peter Marsele Terrie Thomas, 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

The China Study

By T. Colin Campbell

I love juicy steaks, delicious cheese, and big bowls of ice cream. I love to eat out at nice restaurant. And I really like eating without thinking about the operations and consequences of our dietary industrial complex. But I don't get to enjoy these things any more because I read The China Study. Like Neo in the Movie The Matrix, you have a choice, take the blue pill and believe what you want to believe, take the red pill and you will be exposed to the reality of the world we live in.

This is a fascinating book on the capitalism, politics, and human behavior that drives the food industry. It is also frighteningly insightful into the health consequences of an affluent societies' diet. I am not a scientist so I don't know if this is good science. But I did work ten years ago as a government attorney on the USDA dietary guidelines and was surprise by the political influence and acceptance of what the author would call scientific reductionism. I also worked for a man who lived and worked until he was 100 years old, and he had a dietary regime very similar to that recommended by The China Study: not vegan nor vegetarian, but largely based on plants and whole foods rather than animal based foods. So I found this book very persuasive - in fact, too persuasive. It scared me straight so I eat healthy now and that's good for the long term...but I don't enjoy it like I use to.

Review by P. Pinkerton

LITURGY OF THE WORD AND WEEKLY READINGS

Sunday, October 30, 2011: Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost: Youth Sunday

First Lesson: (Joshua 3:7-17)

Psalm 107: 1-7, 33-37

Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (1 Thessalonians 2:9-13)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (23:1-12)

Suggested Readings For The Week

Monday Matthew 13:36-43; Tuesday Hebrews 11-32-12:2; Wednesday Revelation 12:1-12; Thursday Revelations 14:1-13; Friday Revelations 15:1-8; Saturday Revelations 17:1-14.

Sunday, October 23, 2011: Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost

First Lesson: (Deuteronomy 34:1-12)

Psalm 90: 1-6, 13-17, Page 717, BCP

Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (1 Thessalonians 2:1-8)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (22:34-46)

Suggested Readings For The Week

Monday Matthew 10:16-22; Tuesday Revelations 4:1-11; Wednesday Revelations 5:1-10; Thursday Revelations 5:11-6:11; Friday Ephesians 4:1-16; Saturday Revelations 7: (4-8) 9-17.

Sunday, October 16, 2011: Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost

First Lesson: (Exodus 33:12-23)

Psalm 99, Page 728, BCP

Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (22:15-22)

Suggested Readings For The Week

Monday 1 Corinthians 15:30-41; Tuesday Luke 1:1-4; Wednesday 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Thursday 1 Corinthians 16:1-9; Friday 1 Corinthians 16:10-24; Saturday Philemon 1-25.

Sunday, October 9, 2011: Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

First Lesson: (Exodus 32:1-14)

Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23, Page 741, BCP

Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (Philippians 4:1-9)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (22:1-14)

Suggested Readings For The Week

Monday 1 Corinthians 13: (1-3) 4-13; Tuesday 1 Corinthians 14:1-12; Wednesday 1 Corinthians 14:13-25; Thursday 1 Corinthians 14:26-33A, 37-40; Friday 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Saturday 1 Corinthians 15:12-29.

Sunday, October 2, 2011: Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost

First Lesson: (Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20)

Psalm 19, Page 606, BCP

Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (Philippians 3:4b-14)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (21:33-46)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1; Tuesday 1 Corinthians 11:2, 17-22; Wednesday 1 Corinthians 11:23-34; Thursday 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Friday 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Saturday 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Welcome From The Rector

Directions To Saint Monica's

The Rector's Desk

On September 27, 2011 The St. Monica's worship space was filled to capacity and flowing over with parishioners, friends and well-wishers, who had come to celebrate harvest. What a wonderful celebration of God's love that was! We at St. Monica's do love our church and that is manifested in all the things we do to show our gratitude to God. October is Stewardship month when we all must once again make a financial commitment to St. Monica's for the work and ministries of our parish and pledge our time and talents. On Sunday, October 2, 2011 Fr. Davidson talked about the Ten Commandments and our responsibility to be obedient to God who rewards us for our faithfulness. We live in a world that is filled with anxieties in our daily lives. We are preoccupied with the economy and jobs, but the word of God assures us that with God we need not be anxious. Matthew 6:28, 29 "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these." We as people of faith must truly believe that our Heavenly Father cares for us and will provide for us as we obey his will here on Earth.

Vestry Projector

The vestry now has its own projector. We will continue to use our PowerPoint presentation. It is obvious that we need others to be trained and be willing to help Bates Lyons who so far has done a marvelous job. The PowerPoint presentation saves us from having to print the service and the lessons. We hope you appreciate the effort being made by the vestry as we seek to use wisely the finances you give on a weekly basis for the operation of our parish.

Rescheduling Meetings

Fr. Davidson needs our cooperation if we wish to reschedule a meeting on Monday or Wednesday between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Fr. Davidson schedules interviews and pastoral counseling either before or after Prayer Meetings on Monday. He may also schedule interviews and pastoral counseling on Wednesday. He schedules events when there is no Bible Study. As a courtesy, please call Fr. Davidson to verify if he has anything scheduled.

Activity Calendar

Weekly: 1) Mondays-Prayer meeting at 6:30 p.m.; 2) Wednesdays-Bible Study at 6:30 p.m.

Special Days (Weekly): 1) Wednesdays and Fridays-Food Pantry opens 10:00 a.m. to noon.

2) Every other Thursday-Pro's and Con's Task Force at 6:30 p.m.

Special Days (Monthly): 1) First Thursday-Stewardship Committee at 6:30 p.m.; 2) Second Thursday-Vestry Meeting 6:30 p.m.; 3) Third Tuesday-Women of Valier; 4) Third and fourth Saturday opens at 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.; 5) First Saturday-Episcopal Church Women (ECW) at 12:00 noon

Young People's Fellowship Mandatory Meetings

There will be a mandatory meetings for all Young People's Fellowship members and any other youths interested in participating in the youth service on Sunday, October 30, 2011. All meetings will be held at 5:00 p.m. The following are the meeting dates:

1. Sunday October 2

2. Tuesday October 11

3. Saturday October 15

4. Sunday October 16

5. Saturday October 22

6. Sunday October 23

7. Saturday October 29

Please see Marie Harvey, Naomi Brito or Geraldine Williams if you have any questions.

Young People's Fellowship Pie Sale

The Young People's Fellowship is sponsoring its annual Thanksgiving Pie Sale. The cost is $10.00 per pie. All orders must be received by Sunday, November 6, 2011. Please see any member of the Young People's Fellowship to place your order.

Pearls of Wellness Scholarship

Brunch

Epsilon Omicron Omega Hartford Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. Presents Pearls of Wellness Scholarship Brunch On Saturday, November 5, 2011. The brunch will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will be held at the Farmington Club, Farmington, Connecticut. Please see Terrie Thomas for tickets.

Barbados American Society

The Barbados American Society of Hartford is celebrating Barbados' 45th Independence on Saturday, November 5, 2011 and our own organization's 45 years in existence. We will honor some of our founding members. This event will be held at he Hartord Plaza Hotel, East River Driver, East Hartford. Please see Patsy Lindo for further dsetails.

PowerPoint Ministry

We are currently looking for persons interested in the ministry of presenting PowerPoint during the service (8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.). Requirements:

1. Must have a laptop computer.

2. Must have a working knowledge of PowerPoint.

3. Must have access to the internet.

4. Must be reliable.

If you are interested give you name, email address and/or phone number to the Office. A. Bates Lyons will contact you to participate in a training session.

Calendars

Once again we are selling 2012 religious calendars for $10.00 each. Please consider buying these as gifts for you family and friends. See Euna Farrell or Arlette Hurdle to purchase calendars. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Birthdays and Anniversaries in October

Happy Birthday to: Synfoni Green 2nd; Angela Chambers and Trevor Wilson 4th; Beverly Watson and Cordell Tuning 5th; Nicholas Harvey 6th; Susan Davis and Carol Harris 7th; Immauni James 8th and Elijah Henriques 8th; Florence Burke 11th; Patton Duncan 16th; Eddie Davis, Jason Harvey and Neville Radway 18th; Andrea Anderson 22nd; Patricia David 24th; Beverly Forrester and Taylor Jordan 25th; Monet Warren 28th; Edrick Hall 30th.

In Memory For October

Hazel Smith 2nd; Clariana Airey 3rd; Andrew Jordon and Stephan Okrey 8th; Bestrice Mccoy 9th; Clarissa Ford and Hubert Hamilton 10th; Robert Palmer and Louise Waterman 11th; Zelma Smith 13th; Florence Jones and Bertram Jones 14th; Edward Weaver 15th; Susan Reid 16th; Ethel Anderson, Herbert Connover and Ella Holloway 17th; Archibald Reedy 19th; Viola Jones 22nd; Magnolia Cole 23rd; Gwendolyn Calvin and Adeline Power 25th; eugene Nelson, Philip Owens and Delores Swett 27th; Hubert Cooke, Cecilia Irving and Ida Worrell 28th; Cynthia Anderson 29th; Mary Baisden 30th.

Condolences

The Bailey and Green families express their heartfelt thank for the sympathy you have extended toward our families during this time of loss. We are deeply grateful to you.