LITUGY OF THE WORD AND WEEKLY READINGS

Sunday, May 26, 2013: Trinity Sunday And Celebrating Guyana's Independence
First Lesson: Proverbs (8:1-4, 22-31) 

Psalm 8, Page 592, BCP
Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (Romans 5:1-5)
The Holy Gospel Of Our Lord Jesus Christ According To John (16:12-15)
Suggested Readings For The Week
Monday 2 Corinthians 1:1-11; Tuesday 2 Corinthians 1:12-22; Wednesday 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:1-17; Thursday 2 Corinthians  3:1-18; Friday Hebrew 3:1-6; Saturday 2 Corinthians  4:13-5:1-10.

Sunday, May 19, 2013: Feast Of Pentecost
First Lesson: Acts (2:1-21)
Psalm 104:25-35, 37b, Page 736, BCP
Second Lesson: Paul's Epistle (8:14-17)
The Holy Gospel Of Our Lord Jesus Christ According To John (14:8-17 [25-27]
Suggested Readings For The Week
Monday 1 Timothy 1:1-17; Tuesday 1 Timothy 1:18-2:1-8;  Wednesday 1 Timothy 3:11-16; Thursday 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Friday 1 Timothy 5:17-22; Saturday 1 Timothy 6:6-21.

Sunday, May 12, 2013: Seventh Sunday After Easter: Mothers' and Women's Day

First Lesson: Acts (16:16-34)

Psalm 97, Page 726, BCP

Second Lesson: John (Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21)

The Holy Gospel Of Our Lord Jesus Christ According To John (17:20-26)

Suggested Readings For The Week

Monday Hebrews 6:1-12; Tuesday Hebrews 6:13-20; Wednesday Hebrews 7:1-17; Thursday Hebrews 7:18-28; Friday Hebrews 8:1-13; Saturday Hebrews 9:1-14.

Sunday, May 5, 2013: Sixth Sunday Of Easter

First Lesson: Acts (16:9-15)

Psalm 67, Page 675, BCP

Second Lesson: John (Revelation 21:10, 22; 22:1:5)

The Holy Gospel Of Our Lord Jesus Christ According To John (14:23-29)

Suggested Readings For The Week

Monday James 1:1-15; Tuesday James 1:16-27; Wednesday Luke 12:22-31; Thursday Hebrews 2:5-18; Friday Hebrews 4:14-5:1-6; Saturday Hebrews 5:7-14. 

NEWS AND EVENTS

From the Desk Of The Rector 

Paul begins his second missionary journey by planning to visit his fellow christians to deliver the decision reached at the Council of Jerusalem and we are told that the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in numbers daily. Then we read that their intentions to visit and speak at some places were forbidden and the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; Acts 16:7-8. They, however, ended up in Macedonia after Paul in a vision saw a man beseeching him and saying "Come over to macedonia and help us" Acts 16:9. Another verse that comes to mind is from Provers 16:9 "A man's mind plans his way but God directs his steps." 
We must plan. We must organize to survive. In our planning, the mission of God must always be kept at the center and our planning must be done prayerfully, discernment being part of prayer. We must trust God to lead us along the way for if He leads us we cannot go astray.  

We must forget self and concentrate on God's mission. "So forget about yourself and concentrate on Him and worship Him." Over and over in scripture we come across individuals who were called by god to be part of His mission: Moses became the leader of the people of Israel; David the shepherd boy became King; Saul the murderer became Paul the champion of the gentiles; Peter the die-hard Jew became the reconciler at the council of Jerusalem. Are we hearing God calling us out of our comfort zone or from the things of the past?
We must give thanks in all things, 1 Thessalonians 5:18" give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." For what are thankful as individuals and as members of St. Monica's?  "For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth for all generation." Psalm 100:5.

St. Monica's Website

To visit St. Monica's website CLICK HERE.

Directions To St. Monica's

For driving directions to St. Monica's, 3575 Main Street, Hartford CLICK HERE

The Daughters Of The King Quiet Day
The Daughters of the King cordially invite you to attend our Second Annual Quiet Day on Saturday June 1, 2013 from 8:80 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Monica's. The Theme is "Embracing the Presence of God: A Day of Surrender and Silence." The day will include spiritually-filled sessions led by Mrs. Evelyn Green and will reflect on God's presence in our lives. Our day will end with the celebration of the Eucharist by Fr. Davidson. 

Bus Trip to Lancaster Pennsylvania

The bus trip to Lancaster Pennsylvania will be Friday June 7 and Saturday June 8, 2013. The package includes 1 night accommodation, 1 breakfast, 1 Amish dinner, and admission to  

Noah at the Sight and sound Theatre. The price is $298.00 per person, double occupancy; single occupancy is an additional$70.00.   

Bishop's 5K For Kids

The race race will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2013 and all are welcome to run, walk, volunteer, and pledge. The Bishop's 5K is now in its 12th year and we have raised over $400,000 to help children in Connecticut.We hope you can help us to raise more money and to have fun while doing so!

Scholarship Fund

The Scholarship Committee ask each parishioner to contribute to the Scholarship fund. applications are now now available for first time applicants and continuing students. The deadline for first time applicants is Wednesday, May 15, 2013. The deadline for continuing students is Saturday, June 1, 2013.

Women's Day

Women's Day was Sunday, May 12, 2013 a the 10:30 a.m. service. All women wee asked to wear pastel colors. Ms. Denise Robertson was the guest speaker. She is a member of Hopewell Baptist Church. 

Food Pantry

Please continue to donate to the Ruth Small Food Pantry. Suggested items are canned or instant potatoes, canned meats (tuna, salmon, chicken(, canned sweet potatoes, soup, peanut butter,jelly and individual fruit cups. Thank you for your continued support.

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 schedule.

Activity Calendar

Weekly: 1) Mondays-Prayer meeting at 6:30 p.m. 2) Wednesday-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 Says (Monthly): 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.

Birthday And Anniversary in May

Happy Birthday to: Kathleen Register and Dennis Williams 5th; Gregory Hurdle 7th; Andre Barnaby 9th; Patricia Bell and Winston Barnaby 10th; Kaya Wattin 11th; Nancy Bailey 13th; Percy Nelson 17th; Lurlene Williams 18th; LLoyd Wimbish 19th; Glendolyn Hall and Ann Johnson 20th; Jean Hylton 27th; Olive James, Marvin Jones and Elijah Elliot 29th; Terry Brown, Sonia Dupuy and Beverly Watkins 31st.

Happy Anniversary to: Winston and Winsome Barnaby 10th; Dermoth and Nora Brown 20th; Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson 20th.

In Memory for May

In Memory of: Marcelyn Bowen 5th; Lynda Sealy 6th; Doris Redmond and Catherine Morehead 7th; Theron robinson 8th; margaret Alexander and Patricia Hurdle 11th; Rose Baisden 12th; Christina Lang 12th; Ciela Oalvert and Sebert Goldenblum 14th; Carrie Pilgrim, Maxine Hilburn, Julian Price, Grace Mitchelle, Mathilda Stevenson and Leveta Watson 16th; William Skeete, Hattie Howie, Frank Robinson and Rudolph Clarke 18th; Lindsey Royal 21st; Charles Satchell and James Willis 21st; Roy Soares and Earl White 22nd; Irma Reid 25th; Benjamin Taylor, Charlotte Gilmore and Victor Lambert 26th; Pearci Bastiany, Dora Hicks, Leon Miller and Eugene Simmons 27th; Patricia Gouch 30th; Edith White 31st.

Food Pantry

Please continue to donate to the Ruth Small Food Pantry. Suggested items are canned or instant potatoes, canned meats (tuna, salmon, chicken(, canned sweet potatoes, soup, peanut butter,jelly and individual fruit cups. Thank you for your continued support.

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 schedule.

Activity Calendar

Weekly: 1) Mondays-Prayer meeting at 6:30 p.m. 2) Wednesday-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 Says (Monthly): 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.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

Healthy Living
Colonoscopy
"Having a colonoscopy is the most effective way to screen for colon cancer because it enables doctors to spot and remove precancerous lesions, lesions. or polyps, before they develop into malignancies. Now a large German study has found that colonoscopies might cut colon-cancer risk even moor than previously thought-and that they can prevent cancer in the right side of the colon, considered tougher to screen for than the left side.
The same study found that colonoscopies were also effective at finding precancerous growths in the right colon, which connects with the small intestines, contradicting some previous research.

Most men and women should begin getting colonoscopies every 10 years once they turn 50. People at high risk of colon cancer-including those who have had adenomas  (the  riskiest type of polyp); or those with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps-might need earlier or more frequent testing."

Source: "Colonoscopy: More Good News." Consumer Reports On Health (April 2011). p. 3.

Clergy

The Rev. Charles Davidson

Vestry Members

Carol Anderson, Cyrus Aimey (Junior Warden), Veronica Airey-Wilson, Joyce Asiedu, Winston Barnaby, Walter Benjamin (Senior Warden), Marie Brown-Harvey (Secretary), Patricia David, Evelyn Green, David Hickmon, Bates Lyons, Joe Noel, Evelyn Stewart, Terrie Thomas.

Music

Rochelle Holder - Youth Choir

Nathaniel Baker - Music Director/Organist

Rector Emeritus

Canon Cyril Burke

Email

monicahartford@gmail.com

THE BOOK CORNER

Anatomy Of An Illness
By Norman Cousins

Cured by laughing? Well, not quite, but it certainly helps. In Anatomy Of An Illness, Norman Cousins quoted many sources to bolster his own journey from an incurable disease back to reasonable health once more. 

His program of positive attitudes, laughter, generous doses of vitamin C--Supervised by a doctor--and a strong, unyielding determination to lick the disease, along with realistic goal setting is beneficial to anyone with health issues.

He quotes Sir William Osler, famous physician, as saying that "laughter is the music of life." How true! Just hearing someone laugh in genuine merriment automatically lifts the corners of one's mouth even if they don't know the cause of the laughter. 

Especially fascinating to the average reader are his personal accounts of famous people such as Dr. Albert Schweitzer and Dr. Paul Brand. Music and humor generously blended with compassion for the sufferer, along with wisely chosen medicine works miracles.

In his chapter on longevity, he also describes a most interesting visit he had with Pablo Casals and how he dealt with pain in his nineties.

Norman Cousins two main principles are well worth remembering: "a highly developed purpose and a will to live."
Review by Betty L. Sheldon