Newsletter (10/11/26)
St. Augustine's Episcopal Church Weekly Newsletter
“Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” William J. Toms
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost |October 11, 2026 |Vol. 10 Issue 2
The Collect - Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Preparing for Worship
The congregation is encouraged to read and study the lectionary for the upcoming Sunday. On October 11, we will observe the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost. The lessons are Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14.
Circle of Prayers in the Diocese for the Week of October 4
In our Diocesan Circle of Prayers, we pray for St. Peter’s, Norfolk and St. Stephen’s, Norfolk; for the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE), and for all Historically Black Colleges & Universities.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
St. Augustine’s will observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Everyone is asked to wear pink.
Early detection is the key. Know the three components of early detection. They are the clinical breast exam, the mammogram, and breast self-awareness. Be alert for the following: a lump in the breast or under the arm; skin changes, including a dimple, redness, or thickening; change in breast size or shape; nipple discharge; scaling or redness or the nipple and/or areola; nipple retraction or deviation; new breast pain. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.
Grace Expectations: What God’s Been Up to Lately”
Won’t you please share how you’re seeing God in your life? Your stories can be little moments or significant moments. It can be shared anonymously if you like. We’d really love to hear it. And I believe that this will be pleasing to God, too. A few weeks ago, in church we heard Jesus say: “What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.” (Mt 10:27) This is one way we can do just that and be a blessing to each other, which ripples ever outward.
With you on the journey,
Charlie +
Moving Into Fall with Annette Monroe-Martin
The message below was originally shared with the Hospitality Committee by Annette Monroe-Martin. It contains information that we can all benefit from.
The season of FALL or AUTUMN has officially arrived. The transition from summer to winter, as daylight becomes noticeably shorter, temperatures turn cooler, Mother Nature displays her radiant fall colors, and pumpkin everything is everywhere. So, what does Fall have to do with us, you might ask? Just like Fall, we must transition our ways from summer days and focus our attention on serving on the Hospitality Committee with purpose and positivity, as we have always done.
Fall’s transformation invites us to reflect on change and new beginnings. As Autumn unfolds with its stunning colors and refreshing air, let it inspire us to embrace change and growth in our team’s possibilities. This season is a perfect time for reflection and renewal.
When I read about and discuss subjects that help me get along with others in this changing world, I still focus on positive ideas that promote unity. That is why singing in the Hampton Unity Choir and working on the Hospitality Committee are so important to me. Several church members often comment on how well our committee works together for the church. So, as we continue, let us silently set our goals and purpose for the next year.
Before performing our second concert last Sunday, I welcomed one of the Unity Choir members we hadn’t seen in a while. And she said, “I just want you to know that they have done all they can do in the Tidewater area for my cancer, I have been at Duke in North Carolina preparing for my next treatment.” Again, this reminded me that you never know what another person is experiencing or how they need a kind word of support. I am just sharing my thoughts with you. I know that I am different, and I know that I love change. However, I really know that my real purpose is to help others.
My prayer: I ask that we can unite our hearts and minds so we work together in harmony. Help us to value one another’s ideas and respect each voice. Remove pride, misunderstanding, and conflict from our discussions. Let our spirit of unity guide our conversations and decisions.
My motto: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2
Ten uplifting messages I am going to use to help guide me through the year (Taken from a speech a friend shared with me recently):
Embrace change; it’s the first step toward growth.
Reflect on your journey and cherish the lessons learned.
Let go of what no longer serves you and make space for new beginnings.
Appreciate the beauty in transformation; it leads to renewal.
Set new intentions for the season ahead with gratitude.
Just like the trees, it’s okay to shed the old to welcome the new.
Find joy in the vibrant colors around you and let them inspire your spirit.
Challenges are growth opportunities, so embrace them with an open heart.
Cultivate gratitude for both the highs and the lows of your journey.
Remember, every ending is a new beginning waiting to unfold.
I can only do this with God’s help.
Sharing,
Annette Monroe-Martin, age 82 Annette is a member of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church.
On The Calendar
OCTOBER Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Sunday, October 4 Morning Prayer
Sunday, October 11 Holy Eucharist with Fr. de Kay
Breast Cancer Awareness Sunday – Wear something PINK.
Saturday, October 17 Women in Leadership Symposium
Sunday, October 18 Morning Prayer
Sunday, October 25 Morning Prayer
Sunday, November 1 All Saints’ Sunday – PMP Members will worship at St. George’s.
Sunday, November 8 Holy Eucharist with Fr. de Kay
Sunday, November 15 Morning Prayer
Sunday, November 22 Holy Eucharist
Sunday, November 29 Morning Prayer
You’re invited to an inspiring Women in Leadership Symposium hosted by Episcopal Church Women, featuring distinguished leaders in the Church. Saturday, October 17, 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Christ & Grace Episcopal Church, 1545 S Sycamore St, Petersburg, VA 23805. You can attend in person or via Zoom. Registration is free.
Danielle Canada made time to attend church this past weekend while home for a visit with her family. She is pictured below with her mother, Lady Savage, and twin daughters, Laila and Naila. Grandmother was overjoyed and so were church goers. The girls were born on July 31, 2024. They were the perfect little worshipers. They giggled and cooed, they comforted one another, they sang, and they gave us all lots of beautiful smiles.
On the Prayer List
Forrest Black, Alberta Boyd, Bettye Collins, Burgandi Collins, Imani Collins-Black (great niece of Forrest & Marcia Black); The Caldera Family, DeVera Cooke, Bishop Michael Curry, Eric Curtin, Peggy Dawkins, Edwin (Larry) Hall, Carolyn Hobson, Pat Jackson, Nina Keney-Dunn, Zeniah Maldonado, Phyllis Mather, Bionce and Rodrigo Matteo, Vermon & William Miller; Hollie Monroe-Johnson, Mia Monroe, Judith & Leonard Neal, Jr., Jordan Ponton (grandson of Joyce Ponton), Joyce Ponton, Pryor-Dunnomes, Thaddeus and Lady Savage, Frances C. Sugg (Wendy Morgan’s aunt), Russell T. Swann, James Thomas, Lamar Tynes, Craig Wallace (husband of Kaille Viney-Wallace), George Whitted, Joan Wood Moore and Clyde Yates (husband of Lauraette Jones-Yates).
If you want to be added to or removed from the prayer list, or if you are submitting a name for someone else, contact Judith Neal at [email protected] or Rose Parker at [email protected].
In faith and prayer, we lift up those on our prayer list.
October Birthdays and Wedding Anniversaries
4 – Louis Johnson
5 - Joyce Corbin-Allen
Leonard E. Neal, Jr.
7 – Rhea Ingram
Kyle Kelly
9 – Kaila Grace Atkins
Jocelyn Scott Goldman
11 – Jaielle Amelia Scott
13 – JoAnne Alston-Hooker
Roger “Ricky” Watson Jr.
17 – Nathaniel “Nate” Pope
19 – Tandile Joy Jackson-Vinson
23 – Cavin LaVar Black
25 – Sheila Price
30 - Daryl L. Thomas
31 - Ryan Ponton
October Wedding Anniversaries:
9 – William and Vermon Miller
15 – George and Norma Whitted
18 – Mr. and Mrs. Michael Foy
Thursday Evening Bible Study
Held 7-8 pm; new attendees welcome! Material used is published on the Episcopal website written by church teachers, organized by liturgical occasion & church season. Join the Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84370729616?pwd=M2JoVGw1bVpEMFBFTk55QWphN2RPdz09
Invitation to Compline with St. Mark’s
On Wednesday evenings at 7pm, St. Mark’s hosts a service of healing prayers, followed by either traditional Compline or New Zealand Night Prayers. This usually takes no more than 20 minutes.
They would love to have other members of the PMP join them. It's presently hosted on the St. Mark's Zoom channel (info is below or click the Zoom icon at the bottom of www.smechampton.org).
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84430506697?pwd=bUluNDZES1JscHFTcjdaQlptL2FEdz09
Finding Your Place
Who leads our parish organizations and ministries? If you were to consider joining or participating in one or more, who would you contact? Some roles may require licensing and/or formal training by the Diocese.
Take a look at the list below.
Altar Guild – Valeria Hundley
Daughters of the King – Marcia Black
Episcopal Church Women – Rose Parker
Hospitality Committee – Annette Monroe-Martin
Samaritans – Roscoe Redcross
Men’s Club – George Whitted
Outreach – Pam Hall
Choir – Joyce Ponton
Acolyte/Server – Wendy Morgan
Usher/Greeter – Norma Whitted
Lector/Lay preacher/Intercessor/Chalice Bearer – Rose Parker
Lay Eucharistic Minister – Fr. de Kay and Rose Parker
Outreach/Lay Eucharistic Visitation – Fr. de Kay
The Vestry
An Episcopal church vestry is the elected lay governing body of a parish that works alongside the rector to manage temporal, financial, and administrative affairs.
Priest-in-Charge – The. Rev. Charles A. de Kay
Peninsula Ministry Partnership
St. Augustine’s – St. George’s – St. Mark’s
Lay readers are invited to visit www.netministries.org/Bbasics for correct biblical pronunciations.
Your newsletter contact is Rose Parker at [email protected]
Your trustees are Roscoe Redcross and George Whitted.
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