Volume 15, Number 3
THE MESSENGER
April 2017
C HRIST C HURCH C ATHEDRAL M OBILE, A LABAMA
A Message from the Dean Dear Cathedral Family,
Restore, Renew, Reimagine The first phase of our master plan is the restoration of our historic steeple. The news is that the steeple will begin arriving the week of April 3! For the whole story see pg. 2.
I must begin with a BIG “THANK YOU” for your enthusiastic response to the listening sessions conducted in March by Ministry Architects. One hundred people participated in listening sessions; this puts Christ Church in the top three or four in attendance numbers of the nine hundred churches Ministry Architects has assessed. It also means that, both statistically and realistically, a robust representation of the congregation was available for analysis. Thank you also to those of you who attended the report out session at the conclusion of the study. (And thank you, by the way, to those of you who provided the ample and representative hospitality throughout the three days of listening sessions.) If you were not able to attend, the full text of the report is available on our website, and there are also printed copies on the ministry table in the chapter house vestibule. A summary of the report follows in this Messenger. The report contains a strong affirmation of what we know to be true of the Cathedral Family at the present moment. This is a loving, joyful, deeply friendly church that is yearning to grow, in every sense. Most strongly, and importantly, the listening sessions reflected the desire to experience spiritual growth together here at Christ Church. You expressed a yearning to be formed in our faith. Note that I did not say informed, but formed. We’re talking about transformation, not education. Our desire for transformation is a clear sign that we are a resurrection people. The faith given to us in our baptism has implanted the belief in and desire for transformation, new life, and growth “from strength to strength” deep within us. The “happy morning” that we will great
this month on Easter Day is our defining moment. It is the spiritual reality in which we live, even when life’s challenges and our doubts may seem to overpower our belief and us. The sign of who we are as resurrection people will be appearing during the week after Easter. The restoration of Christ Church’s steeple, absent since the hurricane of 1906, will finally take place. As the massive steeple rises high above the tree canopy that surrounds our historic building, Mobile (and travelers by Mobile) will be able to see our belief in the restorative power of God’s love. Its shining dome top and cross in the daytime and its light at night will make it a beacon for those who long for that love. I believe that the steeple will bring many more people to our doors to see Christ Church, to learn about our history, to enjoy the beauty contained in our walls, and to experience our worship. In all of this, they will find our loving hospitality embodying God’s love in this time and place. And I believe more than that. I believe that the presence of this steeple above us will be part of our transformation. It will be a powerful sign of who we believe we are called to be, and as such it will have the power to form us into such a people. The Christ Church Steeple is the first phase and the lasting symbol of what is now a complete Master Plan for growth and life at Christ Church Cathedral for the third century we will soon begin. Our work with Ministry Architects will help us to develop and realize a plan for programs in formation and evangelism for all ages. Our capital campaign will help us to refine and realize the plan for creating and maintaining a facility that will house and (continued on page 11)
THE CATHEDRAL CHAPTER 2016-2017 Robby McClure Senior Warden
Three phases of a plan that will open our parish to a community of possibilities…
David Brady Jay Watkins Junior Wardens
Phase I Phase II
Restoring our historic steeple
Phase III
Reimagining access through a streetlevel narthex, and the programs that will energize our ministry master plan.
William Kennon Drew Treasurer
Harwell Ellis Coale, Jr. Chancellor
Renewing Brantley/Huger, the chapel, and kitchen
Ronald A. Snider Clerk
Class of 2017 V. Lyn Bennett Cartledge W. Blackwell III Steven B. Hall Barbara L. Mitchell Margaret M. Thigpen Thomas B. Van Antwerp
Class of 2018 Jill S. Chow Gretchen V. Cooper B. Herbert (Bert) Eichold II Jennifer S. Grehan W. Christian Hines III Jex R. Luce
Class of 2019 David Brady, Jr. Chambliss Brister Julianne Hoffmeyer Julia McClelland Robison McClure, Jr. James Watkins
Chapter Members Gary Moore, 2017 St. Paul’s, Daphne
The Rev. Susan Sowers, 2018 St. Christopher’s, Pensacola
Magoo Price Hamilton, 2019 St. Thomas, Greenville
The Rev. John Riggin, 2019 St. Paul’s, Mobile
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Restore
Beginning on Monday, April 3, the steeple will be placed on tractor trailers and transported from Campbellsville, Kentucky to Mobile. The steeple parts will remain on the trailers in a secure location until the Monday after Easter, April 17, when Church Street will be closed. The steeple will be set into place by a large crane, and work should be completed by April 28. The steeple will be blessed and dedicated following the Cathedral Celebration on Sunday, May 7. Our restored steeple and the accompanying lighting will give us greater visibility in the downtown community.
Renew
Our Capital Campaign to fund the building master plan has been underway for several weeks, and we are pleased to report that members of the Christ Church Cathedral family have welcomed the message of the campaign and been generous in their support. Campaign totals to date (as of March 30, 2017):
Total number of Gifts/Pledges received
31
Total Raised in Gifts/Pledges
$1,398,000
Average Gift/Pledge
$45,096
Rate of Participation
91%
We are still early in the campaign. Most Cathedral family members will be contacted by volunteers in the next few weeks to invite their participation. A dedicated group of Christ Church members are making visits on behalf of the campaign. Please welcome campaign volunteers, listen to their message, and prayerfully consider supporting the building master plan. It is through the generosity of our entire parish family that we will be successful.
Our Campaign Leadership and Volunteers Honorary Chairs Edward and Leslie Ladd Chairs Preston and Sage Bolt David and Lucy Brady Major Gifts Bob Israel, Jay Watkins Special Gifts John Ferguson, Tom Garth Recruitment Chair Robby McClure Major Gifts Team Members Lyn Bennett, Cart Blackwell, David Brister, Harwell Coale, Kennon Drew, Jennifer Grehan, Christian Hines, Julie Hoffmeyer, Jex Luce, Chuck McKay, Rick Mitchell, Leland Moore
Why this is necessary... Christ Church will again be visible from a great distance, sending a message of welcome, indicating that we want people to find us and to come worship with us. Being seen is only a part of the issue. Once here, how do visitors enter our historic buildings? Our campus has 16 exterior doors, and while the church faces east to St. Emanuel Street, our offices face west to Conception Street. The entrance most commonly used is the office door from the parking lot on Church Street. Once you find your way inside we are known for our hospitality, and the charm of our spaces, but arriving at that place can be a daunting task. Even when you feel at home on our campus, it is no easy task to walk from one place to another. Fire stairs, elevators, restrooms, and kitchen additions will improve our safety and
bring us in compliance with codes for buildings of our type. The building master plan can address those issues.
Why your participation matters… Throughout the planning process and then the feasibility study, a number of important questions have been raised. These came up in parish meetings and individual discussions between parishioners and vestry members. Volunteers working on behalf of Christ Church and the Restore, Renew, Reimagine campaign will make personal visits to our parish family to answer questions and invite your sacrificial support. If you have recommendations or need additional information, please call the Church Office at (251) 438-1822.
An invitation to leave a Legacy...
came in record numbers to be heard by the consultants from Ministry Architects. It is important to remember the objectives of both the building plan and the ministry plan make-up the Restore, Renew, Reimagine Campaign. They are halves of the whole of our mission. The Vestry will vote in early April to adopt the recommendations of this report. Following adoption we will work over the next three years to implement the new ministry plan. The report makes specific recommendations that affect our formation programs—children, youth and young adults, and adults. When we build these programs, we will need adequate and attractive spaces in which to hold them. The facilities master plan calls for renovation of most of these spaces. The projects in our Master Plan call for us to be more inviting, accessible, welcoming, and to present programs necessary for formation and evangelism
Envisioning Ministry
The Whole Building and Ministry— Master Plan gives each member of the Cathedral Family the opportunity to The assessment calls for a multijoin those who have come before us in faceted approach over 36 months. The the nearly 200-year history of this report begins with background. It parish to insure that the buildings and includes important information: the important work of this church will membership of the church is 607, and carry on long after us. We are called to on an average week, 199 people attend consider the many blessings the Lord the two weekly services. There are 27 has given us. Recognizing that all of youth and 71 children on the rolls. The our material goods are gifts from God, background also includes information we respond by giving back a portion in on our governance and current thanksgiving for God’s generosity and ministries. goodness to us. Your monetary gift to the building campaign and your time and prayer for the ministry campaign will allow us to leave an important The report then comments on our legacy for generations to come. formation by saying,
Standards and Norms...
Reimagine
Just as the members of the Cathedral family have been enthusiastic about our capital building campaign, you
One lens Ministry Architects likes to use for understanding children’s and youth ministries is the idea of the ‘three rents.’ Children’s and youth ministries that “pay these rents” tend to have much greater
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freedom to be creative, take risks, and experiment with innovative ideas. Those children’s and youth ministries that fail to pay these rents often find themselves mired in distrust, second-guessing, and discouragement. It has been Ministry Architects’ experience that though these three rents, in and of themselves, do not ensure an effective or faithful ministry, they are often the most immediate evaluation tools used by children, youth, parents, staff, and the congregation at large. The report then evaluates the “rents” of numbers, programs, and enthusiasm at Christ Church Cathedral. It states that we are not paying “rents” for numbers and programs, but they find, The joyful enthusiasm and positive attitude of the children’s and youth staff, volunteers, and the children and youth themselves are essential to building trust with the leadership of the church and with the parents. On the other hand there is a concern with the lack of programming being provided across the church, small pool of current volunteers, and lack of ‘story telling’ to the congregation during key gathering times suggest that this rent is being half paid. Ministry Architects uses four rules of thumb to gauge success in children’s formation. These rules show that a congregation of our size should have 29 children participating in formation each week. Our budget should reflect an annual budget of $1000 per child. There should be one full-time staff person for every 75 children, with one adult volunteer for every five children. Using the same norms for our youth ministry, we should expect attendance of 19 youth per week, with the same annual budget of $1000 per child. The norm calls for one full-time staff person for every 50 youth, and the same ratio of volunteers of one adult volunteer for every 5 youth. Ministry Architects supply a sustainable staffing guidance to help us build ministry teams to help us reach the norms.
Strengths... The report notes that the staff and the congregation care deeply about each other. Music is noted as an important piece of the identity of Christ Church Cathedral both currently and historically. The report states, Christ Church Cathedral is deeply rooted in its own history as well as the history of Mobile. It is a multi-
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generational church. There seems to be no shortage of any certain age group at Christ Church. Children are an essential part of the worshipping life of the church in their role as crucifers and acolytes during weekly worship services, right alongside women who have been on the Altar Guild for decades. When people worship in the sanctuary of Christ Church they are sitting among a cloud of witnesses who have gathered in that space for nearly 200 years. The report continues, The desire to want to experience spiritual growth together is a strong one for Christ Church. Each of the listening groups talked at length about wanting more opportunities for spiritual formation in a variety of contexts including: small groups, Bible studies, adult Sunday school, fellowship events, and outreach service to the community.” And, as other downtown churches are weathering changes with declining numbers and significant staff changes,
Christ Church is growing and providing stability during an exciting time in its part of Mobile. The membership is living into its identity as the Cathedral Church of the Diocese. Ministry Architects was pleased with how deeply friendly the people of Christ Church were. Newcomers as well as people who have been part of Christ Church for decades appreciate the hospitable, welcoming, friendly nature of individuals within the church and the congregation as a whole.
Challenges… We have a need for dispersed leadership. It is evident that there is strong leadership within the church. Those who lead, do so efficiently. Efficient leadership, while important, does not carry the day in churches that are growing to the size of Christ Church. As a church grows past the perimeters of what is considered a ‘small church’ it must broaden its leadership and must create more shared leadership partnerships within the church. Ministry Architects believes we need a clear picture of who we want to become in the next phase of ministry: The church is growing numerically, in its physical footprint, and in ministry. As is often the case with growth, it is experiencing growing pains. A part of the growing pains Christ Church is experiencing is that it is trying to figure out its own identity in this new phase of life. Just as a person will struggle with identity as she moves from one phase of life to the next, so is Christ Church trying to figure out who it is in this new and exciting chapter of its rich history. The people of Christ Church need to name who the church is, why the church exists, and what the church seeks to do in the God’s beloved community. The report states further,
We need to establish a solid infrastructure that will last for years to come. Areas of particular need are: calendar development, volunteer development, database development, marketing, intentional faith formation, knowing where are people are, and being in faithful relationships with them. The report notes the need to be more deliberate in communication and many even said that one of the ways it could improve is “for us, the members, to pay more attention to what is coming to us.” We have a need for robust youth and children’s
programming, adult formation opportunities, and volunteer training. An exciting part of working with
implementing the recommendations of this report partnering alongside the clergy and staff of the church.
Engage the Services of Ministry Architects to take responsibility for: serving as the point person for the Strategic Planning Team, working with the staff and key volunteers to ensure the achievement of the outcomes outlined in this report’s timeline, assisting the church in overcoming the obstacles that are certain to arise in the process of restructuring and fine-tuning.
Implement Recommendations in seven major categories: Staff Development, Staff Growth, Leadership Development, Volunteer Equipping, Sustainable Pace, Develop Multipliers, Recruit a Connect Champion.
Ministry Architects would be to put processes in place that define the spiritual formation of a child from birth until the In Summary: Christ Church needs to involve staff, Vestry, clergy, and other key leaders in the congregation to clarify time that child graduates from high school. The report says, the mission of the church and the tangible ways it will live Putting in place a spiritual formation plan will give Christ Church out its mission, complete with core values, three-year tangible tools to know what kind of investment of time, money, and goals, and measurable benchmarks. As the bulls-eye is people power is needed to achieve the desired growth for its made clearer, decisions will be easier, calendars will children and youth. become more coordinated, finances will be more focused, congregants more invested, and the impact decidedly more We have a real fear of growing or not having enough. measurable. Christ Church is on the cusp of moving into a new congregational classification based on its size. The effects of this are starting to show as more people in the congregation demand more programming. Dr. Timothy Keller writes, “There is a ‘size culture’ Discern the Vision: Invite leaders to participate in a multithat profoundly affects how decisions are made, how relationships session, on-campus process of visioning for the future with flow, how effectiveness is evaluated, and what ministers, staff, and Ministry Architects, resulting in a mission statement that lay leaders do. is owned and translated into a set of Three-Year Revolving
First Steps...
Christ Church is changing from one size culture to the next Goals with One-Year Benchmarks and agreed upon Core and, with that, comes the need to step back and see what Values. the church looks like from a different vantage point. Identity Development: Discern and develop the Ministry Architects can help us get past the fear. understanding and functions of what it means to be Christ Church as well as what it means to be the Cathedral Church for the diocese.
Recommendations...
They have made recommendations to help us move forward.
Reframe the next 36 Months as a time of infrastructure
Share the Vision: Lead church committees and ministry teams to write their unique purpose statements, core
values, and ministry goals in light of the broader churchbuilding and goal-setting for the church. Name April 2020 wide mission. as the target date for ministries to have sufficient infrastructure and support to provide long-term stability, Following Through on Initiatives: Research, design, and while enjoying incremental successes along the way. implement game plans that will drive the goals and Establish a Prayer Team to pray on a regular basis for the benchmarks. implementation of this strategic plan, and share this To read the full Ministry Architects Report go to: timeline with them. www.christchurchcathedralmobile.org/ministry-architects-
Create a Strategic Planning Team, made up of five report.html volunteers. This team will take responsibility for
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Music Ministry Dear Friends in Christ, I want to personally invite all of you to our powerful Holy Week services this month. Starting with Palm Sunday, Holy Week continues with the profound meditation of Tenebrae, the remembrance of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, and the solemn liturgy of Good Friday. All of these services will feature music by our choir. They have worked hard to prepare beautiful music for this sacred time, and you will surely be rewarded by hearing it! Of course, we know that after the intensity of Christ's Passion during Holy Week, we will come to the bright joy of Easter Day. At the Cathedral, our celebration of the Resurrection is always filled with joyous, moving music and liturgy. From the raising of the flowered cross to the last notes of the postlude, the Easter morning service is an experience that will leave you filled with hope. After our long journey through the wilderness of Lent, we can finally sing joyfully of the one who died and rose from the grave. It is important to remember, however, that the Easter season lasts for 50 days, not just Easter Day. Throughout the month of April and the entire season, our music will sing of the themes of the Resurrection. We sing not only of Christ's rising from death but of our own also. Composers have long been inspired by these ideas, and the music we will sing during this season comes from a variety of perspectives old and new.
Easter is the most important and highest feast day of the liturgical year. It is a time when we can reflect of all we have heard and seen. From the beginning of our 2016-2017 Music Season in September, through All Saints' Day, when we remember the dead, through Advent, when we await the Incarnation of God among us, Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of Light into the world, Epiphany, when we rejoice in the ministry and stature of Christ, and through Lent, when we walk the road of self-denial and scrutiny along with Christ, everything points toward this season. I have often heard Episcopalians called “Easter people.” This term expresses our focus on the joy of salvation. From the tedium of daily life, we are called to rise above the things that obscure our path toward our own resurrection. Our music this month is intended to aid us in this task of seeing the bright side of life and taking hold of the calling of our faith, our calling as “Easter people.” We hope to see you at our services. They can be life-changing in their power if we come to them ready to live the story of the Gospel. Peace in Christ, Christopher W. Powell Organist and Choir Master
T he F i f t y D ay s o f E a s t e r The feast of Easter is a season of fifty days, from Easter Eve through the Day of Pentecost. From early times the Greek word Pentecost (fiftieth day) was used also for the whole Paschal season. During this season there is no fasting. The Council of Nicaea (325) directed that Christians are to pray standing. The word “alleluia” (praise the Lord) is said or sung repeatedly, which contrasts sharply with the season of Lent when the alleluia is omitted. The color of liturgical vestments and hangings is white or gold. The Book of Common Prayer notes that it is customary for the Paschal candle to burn at all services of the Easter season. The “Alleluia, alleluia”
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may be added to the dismissals and their responses during the Great Fifty Days. Contrary to what many people think, Easter is not a single day. It is actually a season that begins on Easter Sunday and continues for seven full weeks. This seven-week cycle is known historically as the Great Fifty Days or the Week of Weeks. During this time, the church celebrates the Lord’s resurrection, His appearances to the disciples after Easter, His postresurrection teachings, His ascension into heaven, and the disciples’ eager anticipation of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
L e nt a n d H o ly We e k 2 0 1 7 L ENTEN M USIC AT N OON A BIGAIL W ALKER , B ASSOONIST Wednesday, April 5 at Noon Following this final concert of the Lenten season is a luncheon in the Chapter House. After lunch, we will gather to make palm crosses for Palm Sunday.
P ALM S UNDAY L ITURGY OF THE AND
P ALMS ,
H OLY E UCHARIST begins in the garden
S TRIPPING
OF THE
A LTAR
Palm Sunday, April 9 at10:00 a.m. H OLY W EEK H OLY E UCHARIST at noon in the Chapel
Monday, April 10; Tuesday, April 11; Wednesday, April 12; Thursday, April 13 T ENEBRAE Wednesday, April 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Church
H OLY E UCHARIST
WITH
F OOT W ASHING
Maundy Thursday, April 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel
G OOD F RIDAY L ITURGY Friday, April 14 Noon in the Church
F ESTIVAL E UCHARIST
Easter Sunday, April 16 10:00 a.m. A NNUAL P ARISH P HOTO following the service
E ASTER E GG H UNT 11:30 a.m.
in the garden Page 7
H o ly We e k a n d E a s t e r Tr a d i t i o n s at C h r i s t C h u r c h
Palm Crosses We will gather following the final Lenten lunch on Wednesday, April 5, to make palm crosses. Please join us. No prior experience is necessary. Save your crosses this year to be used in making ashes for Ash Wednesday, 2018!
Stripping the Altar Traditionally, the altar is stripped following the Maundy Thursday service, the last Eucharist in the church until Easter morning. We will strip the altar after Eucharist on Palm Sunday, April 9. Maundy Thursday worship service with foot washing will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel.
Easter Memorial Donations Our flower guild does an amazing job adorning the church for Easter Sunday. Many people like to make donations toward the cost of Easter flowers to remember a loved one. At Easter we also have remembrances to support our music ministry, or toward purchase of plants for the garden. These memorials and honorariums are acknowledged in the bulletin printed for Easter service. Cards and envelopes for designations are included in this Messenger, or you may go to the website to submit them on-line. The cost of each designation is $15. Designations received by April 10 will be noted in the Easter bulletin.
Decorating the Church for Easter Festival Eucharist Saturday, April 15 at 9:30 a.m. Please contact Robbie Lynn Irvine, if you would like to help.
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Flowering of the Cross Please remember to bring flowers for the Easter cross a few minutes early on Easter Sunday morning, April 16. We will raise the cross at 10:00 a.m.
Fun Club Members to hide Easter Eggs The Fun Club has a VERY important job on Easter Sunday, April 16! (Shhhh! Don’t tell the little ones.) Please meet at the back door of the church immediately following the processional hymn. You will return shortly thereafter to sit with your parents during the service. We will meet again at the back of the church immediately after communion to guard the garden!
Parish Photo Taken on Easter Morning Our Annual Parish Photo will be taken in the church immediately following the service. We hope everyone will stay.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Our Children’s Easter Egg hunt for toddlers through grade 2 will take place in the garden following the Easter service, Sunday, April 16. Please bring a dozen stuffed, plastic eggs (no nuts or chocolate) for each child who will hunt by Good Friday, April 14.
April Calendar Sunday, April 2 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite I 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation Noon EYC Kickball Noon Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday, April 5 11:30 a.m. Noon 12:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
HE, Rite I Lenten Music Lenten Lunch Finance Committee Handbell Choir Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, April 9 Palm Sunday 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite I 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation 11:30 a.m. Vestry
Holy Week Monday, April 10 10:30 a.m. Morning Circle Noon HE, Rite II
Tuesday, April 11 8:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
Noon
HE, Rite II
Wednesday, April 12 Noon 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
HE, Rite II Tenebrae Handbell and Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, April 13 8:00 a.m. Noon 5:30 p.m.
Morning Prayer HE, Rite II Maundy Thursday, HE, Rite II with foot washing
Friday, April 14 Noon
Good Friday Service
Saturday, April 15 9:30 a.m.
Decorate the Church
Sunday, April 16 Easter Sunday 10:00 a.m. Festival Eucharist, Rite II 11:30 a.m. Parish Photo 11:40 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt
Monday, April 17 Church Street closed for steeple installation
Tuesday, April 18 8:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
Wednesday, April 19 Noon 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
HE, Rite II Handbell Choir Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, April 20 8:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
Sunday, April 23 10:00 a.m. Baptism/HE, Rite II 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation 11:30 a.m. Fun Club
Tuesday, April 25 8:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m.
Morning Prayer Young Adult Supper Club
Wednesday, April 26 Noon 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
HE, Rite II Handbell Choir Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, April 27 8:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
April 27-30 North American Dean’s Conference
Saturday, April 29 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Canopy of Prayer
Sunday, April 30 Beckwith Sunday 10:00 a.m. Morning Prayer 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation 11:30 a.m. Vestry Noon EYC Messy Twister
Monday, May 8 10:30 a.m. Morning Circle
Tuesday, May 9 8:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
Wednesday, May 10 Noon
HE, Rite II
5:30 p.m.
Handbell Choir
6:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, May 11 8:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
Sunday, May 14 UTO Sunday 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite II
Tuesday, May 15 8:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
Wednesday, May 17 Noon
Last HE, Rite II
5:15 p.m.
Finance Committee
5:30 p.m.
Handbell Choir
6:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, May 18 8:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
Sunday, May 21 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite II 11:30 a.m. EYC and Fun Club
Monday, May 22 Dean Gibson’s Sabbatical Begins
Tuesday, May 23 8:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
Wednesday, May 24
May Calendar
5:30 p.m.
Handbell Choir
Tuesday, May 2
6:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal
8:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
Wednesday, May 3 Noon
HE, Rite II
5:30 p.m.
Handbell Choir
6:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, May 4 8:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
Sunday, May 7 8:30 a.m.
Vestry
10:00 a.m. Festival Eucharist and Confirmation, Rite II
11:30 a.m. Celebration
Thursday, May 25 8:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
Sunday, May 28 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite II
Monday, May 29 Memorial Day—Office Closed
Tuesday, May 30 8:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
Wednesday, May 31 5:30 p.m.
Handbell Choir
6:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal
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April Christian Formation Sunday, April 2 11:15 a.m.
Sunday School
Curriculum for all classes Noon
EYC
Our youth will play kick-ball in Mardi Gras Park with youth from St. Paul’s, Daphne. They will have lunch from noon—1:00 p.m. and then play from 1 to 3:00 p.m. The approximate cost is $10 for lunch.*
Sunday, April 9 No classes Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 16 No classes Easter Sunday Fun Club During Church, Fun Club members will hide Easter Eggs
Sunday, April 23 11:15 a.m.
Sunday School
Curriculum for all classes Confirmation: Instr ucted Euchar ist Noon
Fun Club
12 ANNUAL CATHEDRAL CELEBRATION TH
CONFIRMATION, PAROCHIAL VISIT AND
BLESSING OF THE STEEPLE Sunday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m. Luncheon in the garden to follow. Please speak with Dean Gibson if you would like to be confirmed or received.
Morning Prayer If the vestry adopts the plan from Ministry Architects, we will have a prayer group who will center their prayers on the work being done. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer will be said. Dean Gibson will lead the first services beginning the Tuesday in Holy Week, April 10. The services will continue of the 36-month duration of the planning and implementation process and beyond.
Canopy of Prayer
Fun Clubbers will hit the water and the streets of downtown Mobile with the Saturday, April 29 Duck Boat Tours! The approximate cost 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. is $35. Please contact Jubal Hamil or Join countless others to pray over your city, on your street Canopy of Prayer is a one day city-wide prayer walk. To Sarah Bolt, if you can assist. be a prayer walker go on-line to www.canopy.one/ Sunday, April 30 volunteer. You are asked to register so that the leaders 11:15 a.m. Sunday School can be sure that every neighborhood in the city is covered. Once you are signed up, you will receive updates and inCurriculum for all classes formation on upcoming events. (Final Sunday School session) Confirmands meet in the Chur ch Noon
EYC
Youth will be enjoying lunch at the church and then playing twister. Things are going to get messy, so bring clothes that you can get dirty!* *For more information about these events, please contact Sarah Bolt or Carolyn Jeffers.
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Each volunteer is invited to walk and pray on their own street. There are five suggested prayers, but we suggest using prayers 1 through 6 on pages 814-816 in the Book of Common Prayer. ONE day. ONE body. ONE God. When you and another, with ONE voice, on ONE day, at ONE time, pray to ONE God, each from their own community. Many ONES under ONE.
VBS MMXVII—Sa ve the Date Tuesday, June 20 through Thursday, June 22
Quarterly Pledge Statements Statements will be mailed the first week of April. If you have questions regarding your statement, please contact Brenda Stanton in the Cathedral office at 438-1822 or by email to bstanton@christchurchcathedralmobile.org
Have you ever wondered… What it was like to sneak away from Roman guards? What games children played in ancient Rome? How it felt to be one of the very first Christians? Find out in Rome where we will explore the caves of the Underground Church, meet the Apostle Paul, sample tasty Middle Eastern treats, & learn what that fish symbol means! To register to attend or volunteer go to:
https://www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/cccvbsjune2009 (continued from page 1) facilitate those ministries. The two go together to
form a total plan to lead us into our bicentennial and beyond. This total Master Plan can help us to become a strong leader in downtown Mobile and in our diocese, as its Cathedral. As I said in the conclusion of my sermon on 4 Lent, this work begins and continues in prayer. Not only am I asking for your prayer in personal devotions, I am asking that we become more actively a people of prayer. In April, we will begin a practice of praying Morning Prayer together in our chapel on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:00. This will be a short and simple service, read together at the beginning of the day, at which we will pray for those on our prayer list and for our whole Church and specifically for our parish and the work we are undertaking. I am asking also that you pray for me, both in my work and in my sabbatical time this summer, asking God to give me the energy, strength, and insight that I will need to lead in the time ahead. It is important for a church to pray together regularly and to know that some group of people is constantly praying for our mission and our well-being.
North American Dean’s Conference Thursday, April 27—Sunday, April 30
Hosted by St. James Cathedral, Chicago, Illinois The theme is Tomorrow’s Bread Today: Cathedrals, Eucharistic Life & Transformation. Dean Beverly and Mike Gibson will travel to the conference. St. James Cathedral has a rich history beginning in Chicago’s infancy in 1834. St. James was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1874, and its parish dwindled with shifting generations and a dramatic swing in its neighborhood. Today St. James Cathedral is a vibrant and growing church. Dean Gibson has an opportunity to learn about their transformation. To read the full history go to: www.stjamescathedral.org.
Morning Prayer on April 30, and Celebrating Beckwith
On the Sunday that Dean Gibson is away at the North American Dean’s Conference we will have Morning Prayer at the 10:00 a.m. Service. This is also I believe that God has great things in store for the Cathedral Family and the date designated for celebration of the that God will raise us up to be the people he dreams we will be. Ministry of Beckwith Camp and Conference Center. You are invited to Faithfully, dress casually that day, and to wear your Beckwith, Cursillo, or Happening The Very Reverend Beverly F. Gibson, Ph.D., Dean nametags.
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MORNING CIRCLE Monday, April 10 at 10:30 a.m. at the home of Carolyn Stephenson 161-B North McGregor Avenue For information or directions, call Carolyn at 342-5637.
Lenten Thanks As of publication time we have enjoyed four of the five Lenten Music Series and luncheons. We have had record attendance at Eucharist, averaging 30 people. Many thanks to Douglas Kearley for serving as Lay Reader for the entire season. The music has been amazing. Many thanks to Christopher Powell for planning a diverse and entertaining ensemble of performers. Lunch has been delicious. Thank you to all who helped, especially Judy Jones.
March 8 Mithril Duo Lunch prepared by Lucy and David Brady and Sage and Preston Bolt.
March 15 Archduke Trio
Pa r i s h N ew s Sharing Faith Dinners Thursday, June 1 At dinner tables all around our diocese. How has Faith Impacted Your Life? We hope you will share dinner with us. This evening of listening and sharing begins with a simple meal and includes a moderated question/response period. Look for more information in May about locations and hosts. If you would like to participate, please contact Jill Chow at jillshowerschow@gmail.com.
Cl e r g y R e new a l — D e a n G i b s o n’s S abb at i c a l In June 2009 the Vestry established a Clergy Renewal and Continuing Education Program in order to provide clergy serving the Cathedral the opportunity to step away from daily parish life for a period of renewal and education that would help invigorate enthusiasm and creativity for ministry. On June 21, 2016 the Vestry approved a sabbatical leave of absence allowing Dean Gibson to participate in this program. She has served Christ Church Cathedral as clergy since 2005, as Rector and Dean since 2013. Dean Gibson’s leave period will begin May 22, 2017 and conclude August 19, 2017. The resolution granting Dean Gibson’s sabbatical leave specifies that expenses for travel, tuition, and study will be her responsibility, but may be off set by individual contributions from the congregation and from the clergy renewal fund. A letter of agreement will be entered into between Dean Gibson and the Vestry setting out her plans for renewal and education and the design for covering the necessary pastoral functions during her absence. She will appoint a committee of officers, vestry, and parishioners to the Clergy Renewal Committee to assist her in this process.
March 22 Katherine Powell and Enen Yu
As Dean Gibson, her family, and the Vestry and staff prepare for this time, we hope that members of the Cathedral Family will participate through prayers for this endeavor and possibly through a financial contribution. If you would like to make a financial gift, checks may be made payable to Christ Church Cathedral, 115 S. Conception Street, Mobile, AL 36602, designated to Clergy Renewal Program.
Lunch prepared by Leslie Ladd, Lynne Davis, and Martha Ann Stafford.
It is the Vestry’s hope that this important program will allow our clergy, as well as our parish and community, to strengthen our health and to grow together as we serve God in this place.
March 29 Bella Voce Women’s Chorus
Thank you for your prayerful support of this program that will enrich us all.
Lunch prepared by Ken and Erica McElhaney.
Lunch prepared by Leigh Rendfrey, Lucy Wright, Mary Esther Elliott, and Lissa Watkins.
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Faithfully, Bob Israel, 2016 Senior Warden
E va ng e l i s m
R AISE
THE R OOF
2017
Sunday, June 25 through Friday, June 30 It is time to register for Raise the Roof. This is our second year to serve at this multi-day event sponsored by Dauphin Way UMC and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Our youth will get the hands on experience of doing mission work, without leaving our community. The registration deadline is early (April 15). Five gentlemen from the Kappa League will join our team this year. If you are interested, please RSVP to Carolyn Jeffers (cjeffers@christchurchcathedralmobile.org) or Sarah Bolt (sarah.s.bolt@gmail.com) as soon as possible. We also need adult chaperones who are willing to work. Due to liability concerns, Raise the Roof is open to those youth who have completed the eighth grade and above. The cost is $150* (includes materials, breakfast and lunch, and a tshirt). *Scholarships are available—just speak with Carolyn.
G o o d F r i d ay O f f e r i n g Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, You see a letter like this every year from your presiding bishop with a request to support the Good Friday Offering. Why? Because we walk the walk of Christ when we walk in solidarity with the Christians of the Middle East, who keep the faith in the very land Jesus called home. We walk the walk of Christ when we advocate for the voices of those who work fearlessly for peace in the midst of unremitting violence. We walk the walk of Christ when we support ministries of healing, education, pastoral care, and interfaith cooperation rooted in a deep desire for a future full of reconciliation and hope. The Good Friday Offering is our opportunity to add some of the substance of our lives to the substance of our prayers. You have heard me talk about the Jesus Movement so much in these past months. Jesus of Nazareth is not about the talk for faith. He is about the walk of faith. He is about both the talk and the walk. The Jesus Movement is about the journey we share with a world desperate to see examples of the love of God lived out in each of us to empower compassion and mercy for all people in all places. The Jesus Movement is manifested through opportunities like the Good Friday Offering to stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers throughout the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. May God bless you and the love we share in our Lord and Savior, Your brother in Christ, Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate Good Friday Service at Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile, is on Friday, April 14 at noon in the church. To see a video of Bishop Curry kicking off the Episcopal revival, go to www..episcopalchurch.org/posts/revivals/revival-pittsburgh.
United Thank Offering (UTO) Ingathering Sunday, May 14 UTO Blue boxes are on the Ministry table. The blue box can be a link between our thankfulness for the safety of our homes and the refugees who do not have a home. Let us help all the refugees in the world in the name of the most famous refugees, Jesus and his family. Place your UTO box in the cross in the Chapter House, or place a check in the alms basin.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile Ronald McDonald House provides a supportive home environment offering care, compassion, and hope to families with seriously ill and injured children being treated at area hospitals. Our Ronald McDonald House can accommodate up to 38 families. Since opening their doors 16 years ago, Ronald McDonald House has served nearly 7,000 families. Families are asked to donate $12 a night to stay but no one is ever turned away. You can help by collecting pull tops from aluminum cans. Collection boxes are in the mailroom. Fill the pantry by looking under the Pantry Partners tab. Grab some friends and cook a meal. To help go to www.rmhmobile.org
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Diocesan News —www.diocgc.org We will Celebrate Beckwith Camp and Retreat Center on Sunday on April 30 at 10:00 a.m. with Morning Prayer Parishes across the Diocese will celebrate in their parishes at the same time 58 years of hospitality, 45 years of camp ministry. You are invited to come that day in your “camp clothes”. Wear your Cursillo or Camp nametag, and your Beckwith shirt.
Beckwith Summer Camp 2017
10th Annual Publix Charities Pancake Breakfast for Wilmer Hall Save the Date! Saturday, April 29 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. This is our biggest fundraiser of the spring and it is a great time. The event is held annually on Wilmer Hall's campus and tickets are $5 at the gate. Pancakes, Conecuh Sausage, Carpe Diem coffee, milk, and juice are the fare. Eat in or Carry Out! Pancake Toss, Face Painting, Inflatable Jumps and more will be the entertainment for the children.
Beckwith is the best week of a camper’s life! Leaders in 14 years and up Training (Senior High)
June 4-9
$480
Session 1
Grades 3rd - 5th
June 11-16
$480
Session 2
Grades 7th - 9th
June 18 - 23
$480
Sailing Camp Grades 4th and up (overnight)
June 18 - 23
$530
Session 3
Grades 6th - 8th
June 25 - 30
Session 4
Special Ministries
July 5 - 8
Session 5
Grades 5 & 6
July 9 - 14
$480
Session 6
Grades 6 & 7
July 16 - 21
$480
Session 7
Grades 3 & 4
July 23 - 27
$330
July 28 -30
$240
Family Camp 1st Grade and up
$480
* All camps are for the grade the camper would be entering in the Fall of 2017. ** Check-in is between 3-5p.m. on the first day and Check-out is 10 a.m. the final day.
Register On-Line at www.beckwithal.com/summer-camp/ summer-sessions/ Beckwith Camp & Retreat Center 10400 Beckwith Lane Fairhope, Alabama 36532
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For more information, please contact Pratt Paterson at: ppaterson@wilmerhall.org or 401-1003.
St. Paul's Singers Faure Requiem Concert Sunday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. St. Paul's Episcopal Church 4051 Old Shell Road There will be other lovely selections of Elgar, Rutter and Arnesen with orchestra. A reception in the Parish Hall follows. The event is free and open to the public. Event contact: Peggy Lyden peggy@stpmobile.com Trinity Episcopal Church
25th Annual Historic Apalachicola Home & Garden Tour Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6 Celebrate the Apalachicola heritage and enjoy our Southern hospitality as you tour our specially selected homes and gardens. All proceeds from the event are used to maintain and preserve this historic church and its properties.
Cathedral Prayer List
O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servants the help of your power, that their sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We Pray for: Members: Sonny Burchfield, Pat Burchfield, Alice Carwie, Katherine Deaton, Jordan Moore, Patti Beal, Mike Gibson, Bill Hall, Virginia Wilkins, Happy Henson
Friends & Family: Peggy Naughton, Gary Davis, Harrison Leff, Michael Cameron, Nancy & Don Cameron, Rob & Amy Archer Ellis, Davis Nelson, Michael Sumrall, Gwen Cook, Alfred Showers, Jim Elia, Anne Brown, Mark Brown, Dave Carlyn Block, Rachel McClanahan, Norma Beazley, Curtis Bullock, Ann Jones, Hank Wozniek, Lisa Thompson, Stella Phillips, James Thomas, Mark Miles, Tot Swanson, Art Swanson, Hayden Jenkins, Maggie Jenkins, Carolyn Pryor, Merle Findley, Louise Douglas, Shirley & Dunlap Peeples, Steve Harris, Angel and Larry Torres, Bill Stevens, Ginger Simpson, Joe Lowrey, Karen Sentilles, Betty Browder, Glenn Hill, Marian Hall, Homer Kemp, Ralph Neal, Mark Mason, Anita Stead, Tim Fulton, Gladys Crowson, Billy Yost, Sybil Willis Rodgers, Paul Vickers, Sr., George Robison, Georgia Dominick, Robin Wade, Randy Moore, Rick Nichols, Kate Heddrich, Julie Brinson, Ceaser Bryant, Moana Karstater, Icy Lee Neel, Frances Robison, Emily Hubbard, Mike Dowers, Jason Lockwood, Pat Fisher, Bubba Murray, Bernice Vickers, Jerry Collins, Grady McMillan, Kerry Goode, Chris Schnieder, A. J. Villars, Kaye Koffler, Robert L. Hatcher, Mary Katzman, David Keniston, Zaidee Galloney, Adele Stuardi Gwatkin, Lydia Moore, Bill Betbeze, Ralph Boudreaux, Billy Bailey, The Rev. John Rees, Charlie Mae Moreé, John Houston Tatum, Jr., Mary Christine Wilson, E. J. Boudreaux, Allison Robinson, Susan Farr, Christina Stanley, Katherine Carver, Pier Louise Hardin, Jason Greene, Ileana Molina, Don McWilliams, Scott Kelly, Austin Brown,
Mike Curtis, Mary Searle, Jean-Claude Martin, Bob McMillan, Roberta Abrams, Rene Thompson, The Rev. Maurice Branscomb, Cartledge Weeden Blackwell II, Wayne Bailey, The Painter Family, Nonie Reed, Beth Schramm, Jill Phillips, Brian McArdle and family, Phinee Vanek, Bryce Saucer, Susan Guilian, Bill Hibbert, Robert Berry, Ella Forkum, Shannon Cook, Tom Hudson, Tay Morrissette, Jim Johnston, Ed Shelton, John Witherington, Jerry and Gayle Bulter, The Tirey Family, Mitch and Polly Johnson, Nathan Bishop, Maura Rego, Marbury Buckhaults, Brett Tomlinson, Eric Laborde, Lexi Naughton, Star Edmonds, Liam Thistlewaite, Pat Hughes, Dawn Waller, Franklin King, Capt. John O. McElhaney, Betty Bolt, Tiffany Bollis, Sharon Poggi, Maurie Graves Shaw, Father Dennis Brown, Judson Burford, Jr., Paul Correro, Sonny Middleton, Wanda Peeples, Marian MacPherson Currie, Elizabeth Shearer, John Morrissette, Jimmy Hasser, Carolyn Levensailor, Evie Langhans, Denise Inge, Jaimee Brown, Keith Burbank, Don Rowe
For Those Serving in the Military: Dan Drew, Jimmy Wayne Butler, Louis Coggin, Jonathan Duralde, Tyler Gamble, Sam Garcia, Darrien Gibson, Parker Hollinghead, Kelley Hood, Brian Hudson, Abby Hutchins, Randy Johnson, Ron Lansong, Jean-Michael Lemieux, Chris Marslender, Zack Miller, Keith Moss, Michael Nassar, Jerry Olin, Brian Pennell, Josh Power, Daniel White-Spunner Reed, Susan Reniewicz, Evan Sizemore, John Snyder, Conner Thigpen, Ryan Anthony Thomas, Ryan Walker, The Rev. Bowen Woodruff, Colton Ulmer, Margie Hall Malloy, Charlie Thigpen
Souls Departed:
APRIL BIRTHDAYS April 2 April 3 April 6 April 7
April 8 April 9 April 13 April 16 April 17 April 19
April 20
April 21 April 23
April 25
April 26 April 27
The Reverend Marie Butterbaugh, Frank Rodgers, Kay Atkins Raines
Births: Mary Rose Snider, granddaughter Virginia and Ron Snider
Cathedral Prayer List Updates
of
April 28 April 29
Virginia Ladd John McClelland Donna Moreé Nora Johnson Maggie McLeod Winchester Thurber Christopher Clinton Greer Radcliff Carolyn Jeffers Bob Dean Lyon Israel Chip Tait Carter Wetzler Barbara Archer Bob Forster Terri Armbrecht Angus Cooper Mary Carol Ladd Chad Slaton Wyatt Zarzour Chris Hume Christopher Russell John Daly Baumhauer Johnny Cook Bull Ridgdell David Carwie Betty Reniewicz Bill Drew Julie Hoffmeyer Kim Kearley M. J. Ramo Stacy Wellborn Willson McClelland David Powers
Please let us know if you would like to remove or keep the names of Friends and Family you have submitted on the prayer list. Contact the Cathedral Office at 438-1822 or office@christchurchcathedralmobile.org
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NONPROFIT ORG U S POSTAGE PAID MOBILE AL PERMIT #673
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL 115 South Conception Street Mobile, Alabama 36602
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL Corner of St. Emanuel and Church Streets 115 South Conception Street, Mobile, Alabama 36602 Established 1822 The Right Reverend J. Russell Kendrick, Bishop The Very Reverend Beverly F. Gibson, Ph.D., Dean Carolyn S. Jeffers, Provost Christopher W. Powell, Music Director and Organist Katherine E. Powell, Choir Director Brenda J. Stanton, Financial Secretary Marla J. Reis, Cathedral Secretary Michelle C. Wilson, Assistant to the Provost Sarah S. Bolt, Youth Activities Coordinator Corinne B. Lovell, Children’s Program Director Judy J. Jones, Housekeeping ✠ Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday Phone 251.438.1822 Fax: 251.433.3403
Website: www.christchurchcathedralmobile.org E-mail: office@christchurchcathedralmobile.org
The Cathedral Mission Statement The Cathedral is the spiritual center of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. The Cathedral is a dynamic and evolving church that serves as a liturgical, educational, and pastoral center for Diocesan life. It serves as a visible symbol of unity and promotes growth, hope, and a deepening trust in the Lord. The Cathedral is a place where the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be faithfully preached and responded to, and it will model new concepts and ideas for education, evangelism, and outreach to which the Gospel calls us.