Notes from our Rector
Dear Friends, Many of us who stay in Naples year-round dislike the summer. They mostly cite the heat as their biggest issue. I don’t blame them. On the other hand, I deeply appreciate the frequent rains and beautiful clouds and sunsets they produce. It is a time to just [...]
Dear Parishioners of St. Monica's, I have heard from some Christian writers that the church should be like a school for love; a place where you learn to love. I love that! I am always convicted when I come across the paraphrased scripture: "They will know that we are [...]
Dear Friends, This past week has been particularly slow. And that’s not a bad thing. Normally, summers are a bit slower anyway, with so many away for the season or on vacation. The recent heavy rains have given us a moment to refresh oneself, to contemplate, to reflect, and to [...]
Dear Friends, These slower days of summer invite deeper reflection. This week, I came across a beautiful devotion written on cac.org. I can’t say it better than the writer, so I’ll simply share the text with you. Please take a moment to read and contemplate what this may mean for [...]
Dear Friends, As we enter the summer season and many go away on vacation or have gone to their northern home, we have a wonderful opportunity. In this more intimate setting, we can deepen relationships. We can take more time with one another. We have a slower pace and a [...]
Dear Friends, Last weekend, as we celebrated Pentecost, I spoke about the Spirit and the process of God bringing new life into our lives. In light of being open to new life, I mentioned that we will be engaging in visioning and strategic planning. That is, we will be [...]
Dear Friends, I am away this week on study leave as I work in the last phase of a Doctorate of Ministry in Congregational Development from Bexley Seabury. In my place, we are blessed to have Fr. Tara McGraw with us this weekend. Peace and grace, Fr. Jonathan [...]
Dear Friends, This weekend’s Gospel reading touches on change and the process of change as we abide in God. We are certainly going through change here, and I pray that, in the process, we focus on abiding in God. In so doing, we will bear much fruit. This week, our [...]
Dear Friends, This Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Easter. Every year, we hear about God as the Good Shepherd, and we recite some version of Psalm 23: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads [...]
Dear Friends, This weekend we will dedicate what we give to God through our tithes and offerings. We hope to have everyone’s pledge card by this weekend. During the service, we will dedicate these gifts, remembering your generosity and that ultimately, we receive all things by God’s abundant giving [...]
