DIOCESE AND NATIONAL NEWS

Stewardship Conference

Register now for the 13th annual Bishop's Conference on Stewardship, which will be held Saturday, September 19, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at St James's Church, West Hartford. Bishop Smith will be the luncheon speaker and will lead the workshop on year-round stewardship. The fee is $20.00 per person and will include lunch. If you wish to attend, send your name, parish and town , phone number and check ( made payable to Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut) to Jack Spaeth, Diocesan House, 1335 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, connecticut 06105.

Rental Rebate Energy Assistance

The Connecticut Rental Rebate Program will be accepting applications until September 15, 2009. To qualify you must be 65 years or older or disable at any age. Your income limit is $30,500 for a single person and $37,500 for a couple. The checks will be paid out the first week in November.

Youth Violence

On Monday, September 14, 2009 BET will air a documentary on youth violence, prison and the high rate of high school drop outs. The time is 9:00 p.m. and is sponsored by the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE). Please take the time to watch it; the program will be very informative.

Acknowledging Changing Circumstances

The House of Bishops voted by a margin of 3 to 1 on July 15 "to acknowledging changing circumstances" that call forth a renewed pastoral response from the church for considering same-gender blessings. See the August 2009 blog for more information.

Diocesan Day of Awareness and Diocesan Day of Repentance

Bishop Andrew D. Smith sent a document to the clergy and wardens of the parishes of the Diocese of Connecticut regarding the Diocesan Day of Awareness and the Diocesan Day of Repentance. The Day of Repentance will be Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford. The morning session will begin at 9:00 a.m. (coffee at 8:00 a.m.). The Service of Repentance will begin at 1:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. For more information call 860-233-4481. Sponsored by the Anti-racism committee. See the July 2009 blog for excerpt of Bishop Smith's document.

Candidates for Bishop

The candidates for Bishop of Connecticut are listed in the July 2009 Blog.

THE BOOK CORNER

At Home in Mitford

by Jan Karon

Jan Karon has written a terrific, wholesome story about a small village in North Carolina where wonderful and sometimes strange things happen. Written through the eyes of the Episcopal priest, Father Tim shows us a refreshingly old-fashioned life where goodness and kindheartedness prevails. You get to meet many lively and eccentric characters who quickly become your friends and who make life in Mitford such a pleasure and a privilege.

At Home in Mitford is the perfect diversion from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. A calm, relaxing novel full of charm and sassy wit that "celebrates ordinary people leading ordinary lives." Though not for everyone, especially those who need lots of action in their reading, this novel goes down like a cool glass of lemonade on a hot sumer day. Enjoy!

Review by Dianna Johnston

SUNDAY SERVICE AND WEEKLY READINGS

Sunday. August 30, 2009

The Letter of James (1:17-27)

Psalm 45:1-2, 7-10, pages 647-647, BCP`

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark (7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday James 2:1-13; Tuesday James 2:14-26; Wednesday James 3:1-12; Thursday James 3:13-4:1-12; Friday James 4:13-5:1-6; Saturday James 5:7-12, 19-20

Sunday, August 23, 2009

First Kings (8:22-30; 41-43)

Psalm 84:1-6, page 707, BCP

Paul's Letter to the Ephesians (6:10-20)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (6:56-69)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday John 1:43-51; Tuesday Acts 26:24-27:1-8; Wednesday Acts 27:9-26; Thursday Acts 27:27-44; Friday Acts 28- 1-16; Saturday Acts 28:17-31

Sunday, August 16, 2009

First Kings (2:10-12; 3:3-14)

Psalm 111, page 754, BCP

Paul's Letter to the Ephesians (5:15-20)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (6:51-58)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Acts 22:33,23:1-11; Tuesday Acts 23:12-24; Wednesday Acts 23:23-35; Thursday Acts 24:1-23; Friday Acts 24-25:1-12; Saturday Acts 25:13-27

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Second Samuel (18:5-9, 31-33)

Psalm 130, page 784, BCP

Paul's Letter to the Ephesians (4:25- 5:1-2)

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (6:36, 41-51)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Act 20:17-38; Tuesday Acts 21:1-14; Wednesday Acts 21: 15-26; Thursday Acts 21:27-36; Friday Acts 21:37-22:1-16; Saturday John 2:1-15

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Second Samuel (11:26-12:1-13a)
Psalm 51:1-13 page 656-657, BCP
Paul's Letter to the Ephesians (4:1-16)
The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (6:24-35)

Suggested Readings for the Week

Monday Acts 18:1-11; Tuesday Acts 18:12-28; Wednesday Acts 19:1-10; Thursday 2 Corinthians 4:1-6; Friday Acts 19:21-41; Saturday Acts 20:1-16

SAINT MONICA'S NEWS

Saint Monica's Video

James Ault has made a wonderful short video about Saint Monica's. There are two links to the video in the blog. The first link is in the upper right column. The second link is at the bottom of the blog. Both links are labeled St. Monica's Video.

Christian Education Volunteers

Christian Education Volunteers Needed

If you have time, and talent then teach!

Saint Monica's Christian Education needs teachers and

co-teachers.

Chose your grade level:

K-2; 3-5; 6-8; High School

Training begins Friday, August 28, 2009.

See Carol A. or Terrie T.

Larrabee Fund

For many years Saint Monica's has participated in the Larrabee Fund. Individuals in need receive help by applying through their churches. Mrs. Agnes MacBeth represents Saint Monica's. We are looking for two individuals to sit on the board and anyone interested should see either Father Davidson or Mrs. MacBeth.

Saint Stephen Harvest Gala

Saint Stephen Episcopal Church cordially invites us to its Harvest Red Carpet Gala on Saturday, October 31. 2009 at Birch Meadow Banquet Hall, 76 East Dudley Town Road, Bloomfield. The cost is $75 per person and Saint Monica's has six tickets. Anyone who is interested in purchasing a ticket should see Father Davidson.

Father Thomas Beck

Father Thomas Beck was our supply priest for both services on Sunday, August 2, 2009. Father Davidson returned in office on Tuesday, August 4, 2009.

Alter Guild Members at the 8 a.m. Celebration

Again, Father Davidson appeals for men or women who attend the 8 a.m. celebration to offer themselves to serve on the Alter Guild. The duties are to prepare, with others, for the Sunday celebration and to keep our vestments and vessels in good order.

Sunday, August 30, 2009; Growing Our Church

On Sunday, August 30, 2009 we had one service that began at 9:30 a.m. We went to your tribes, and each tribe said the Collect for Purity, the Epistle, the Psalm, and the Holy Gospel. After the readings the tribes discussed the following topics: 1) What can I do to help increase the membership of Saint Monica's? 2) What can Saint Monica's do to increase the membership? 3) Are we going to build a new church? and 4) How realistic is our hope?

The comments made by tribal members will be made available in the future. At 10:30 a.m. the service continued with the Confession.

Homecoming and Fun Day

Fun Day will be on Saturday, September 5, 2009 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. The tribe of Levi is spearheading the planning and will be asking all tribes to help with making sure that the day is a success. We hope to have basketball, soccer, balloon toss, dodge ball, dominoes, scrabble, just to name a few. There will also be refreshments. All members are expected to help make this day a success by donating food items and coming out on the day.

Homecoming will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2009. We hope to use the day to look ahead at the ministries and programs we would like to do to enrich the life of our parish. We are asking that when you arrive for worship that you go to your tribe for the Liturgy of the Word and discussion of three topics. We will gather for the Thanksgiving.

Parish Secretary

Saint Monica's is looking for a Parish Secretary, male or female. The policy is that we will not hire a member of Saint Monica's as Parish Secretary.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School at the Church of the Good Shepherd was cancelled.

Diversity Sunday

On Sunday, August 9, 2009 we celebrated with our Jamaican brothers and sisters. On Sunday, August 30, 2009 celebrated with our brothers and sisters from Trinidad and Tobago. We will celebrate with our brothers and sisters from Navis on September 20, 2009 at the 10:30 a.m. service.

Birthdays, Anniversaries and Baptisms
Happy birthday to Clarence Tuning July 24; Hazel Weathers and Iceline Russell July 31.
Gloria Ricketts August 2; Ashley Cohen and Elaine Stewart August 3; Dorothy MacLachlan, Veronica Airey-Wilson and Andre Stewart August 4; dorothy Archer and Agnes MacBeth August 5; Louise Kenney and Deborah Oliphant August 6; Charles Groce August 7; Sandra Mahoney and James Philips August 10; Sarah Legister and Peter Marsele August 12; Clement Forrester and Becki Hall August 14; Bianc Haughton and Alana Martin August 16; Casey Morris August 17; Hyacinth Tate August 18; Nigel Martin August 19; Jean Ulett August 21; Christopher Walters August 22; Taylor Bradshaw and Channen Paddyfote August 26; Irene Nurse-Cohen August 29.

Happy wedding anniversary to Clarence and Edwina Tuning July 25; Eddie and Susan Davis August 5; Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Lightfoot August 15; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Noel August 25.

Two baptisms took place on Sunday, August 9, 2009 at the 10:30 a.m. celebration. We welcome a grandchild of Mrs. Josephine Allen, Olivia May Allen; and Jayla Nariah Hall.

Congratulations to Stephen Lightfoot, son of our senior warden, and Kishauna Thomas who were married Saturday, August 15, 2009. Also, congratulations and best wishes to Nathaniel Baker and his fiancee' Anna who will be marries on Wednesday, August 26, 2009.

Condolences

We extend our sincere Christian sympathy to Carmen Brown and family on the death of a love one. Also to Ms Vina Morgan on the death of her sister. Also to the family of David Hickmon who lost a father and to the family of Ena and Ossie Smith who lost a granddaughter. Also to Pat Hurdle and family on the death of her aunt who was buried on Saturday, August 29, 2009 in Barbados. May they rest in peace.

Renewing Licenses for parish liturgical assistants.

It is time to renew licenses for parish liturgial assistants. All requests for new licenses will have an immediate effetive date and and expiration date of December 31, 2012. If you are interested in continuing to serve in your present ministry please let Fr Davidson know by Sunday, August 9, 2009.