Volume 15, Number 2 March 2017
THE MESSENGER CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL MOBILE, ALABAMA
A M e s s a g e f ro m t h e D e a n Dear Cathedral Family, Lent occupies the whole of March, with Ash Wednesday this year falling on March 1. This always seems to be a welcome season at Christ Church Cathedral; after the excesses of the year-end holidays and Mardi Gras, most of us welcome a time of greater self-discipline and reflection. The rhythm of our worship and our weeks changes, and we have greater opportunity to work together in discerning how God is calling us to journey forward in our shared walk of faith.
ERD SUNDAY MARCH 5
The first Sunday in Lent is designated to encourage all Episcopalians to remember and support Episcopal Relief & Development’s (ERD) life-saving mission. ERD boxes and envelopes are available for your Lenten offering. Place filled boxes in the cross by the ministry table
Our bishop will be with us again this year to mark the beginning of Lent, calling us to “the observance of a holy Lent.” He will preach and celebrate at the noon service, after which he must leave for business elsewhere. I will preach and celebrate at 5:30 p.m. Both services are in the Church. As has become our custom, worship on Sundays during Lent will be Rite One. For some of you, this is a much-loved service that recalls your early formation in the Episcopal Church, and for some it is something “new” and different. I believe it is important for us to experience the breadth and fullness of the forms of our faith and to explore the richness of the Book of Common Prayer. This is especially true for our children and youth, whose alert and agile minds pick up and retain these experiences for a lifetime. Wednesday Eucharist will move to 11:30 a.m., meeting as usual in the chapel and ending in time for the music and meditation in the church at noon. This year’s offerings will feature some familiar favorites as well as some new guests whom I think you will enjoy. During lunch on Wednesdays this Lent, I will be available for table discussion of the book of meditations you will find described in this Messenger. The late Margaret Guenther was a wise and wonderful teacher of Christian spirituality, and W alking Home is a series of short meditations on the “walking stories” of
scripture, beginning with the expulsion from Eden and extending through walking with the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus. If we think of our faith life together as a journey of pilgrims rather than tourists (to use the terms of a recent sermon), then we see that the exterior reality of our life is the source of growth for the inner self. In other words, it is where we venture and what we give of ourselves in so doing that leads to spiritual transformation. We often are inclined to think that the opposite is true, that venturing out is the result of inner conviction, but if we examine our experience we see differently. Two real endeavors in March are related to this notion. As we near the end of the cornerstone (quiet) gift phase of our capital campaign, you will be receiving more information about the projects we hope to undertake and the funds needed to complete them. Also in March, we will be working with Ministry Architects to begin envisioning the programs and outreach ministries that our physical improvements and growth will make possible. Their work will consider everything from musical ministries to flowers to worship to Sunday School to special groups and classes, each seen with outreach as a component. Both our capital campaign and this assessment of our programs will call on us to reimagine the shape and form of our life here on the corners of St. Emanuel, Conception, and Church Streets. We will be stretched to see ourselves in new ways and then to continue to live into them. Lent is the perfect season for such exercises, and I hope that everyone will be a part of what is happening, choosing to be a pilgrim rather than a tourist. Oh, and by the way, the steeple is coming!
Faithfully, The Very Reverend Beverly F. Gibson, Ph.D., Dean
THE CATHEDRAL CHAPTER 2016-2017 Robby McClure Senior Warden
David Brady Jay Watkins Junior Wardens
William Kennon Drew Treasurer
Harwell Ellis Coale, Jr. Chancellor
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. Aaron Smith, 2018 St. Paul’s, Magnolia Springs
Magoo Price Hamilton, 2019 St. Thomas, Greenville
The Rev. John Riggin, 2019 St. Paul’s, Mobile
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C at h e d r a l A n nu a l R e p o r t — 2 0 1 6 CELEBRATING ELEVEN YEARS AS THE CATHEDRAL The Very Reverend Beverly F. Gibson, Ph.D., Dean The calendar year 2016 was one of growth and active planning for the future. The total number of communicants at Christ Church Cathedral passed the 600 mark at 607, with 41 new members added to our rolls. We celebrated 6 baptisms, 11 people were confirmed, and 1 was received by our bishop. Only 1 marriage was performed at Christ Church in 2016, and there were 7 burials conducted. Total pledges for the year were budgeted at $697,762.00; by year-end we had received $695,957.84, resulting in a $1,804.16 shortfall. Total revenue was projected at $781,661.79; we received $781,619.77, a difference of only $42.02. With modest budget overages, we finished the year at only $7000 over budget, an amount easily covered by assets on hand. Early in the year we received a generous anonymous gift, to be spread over a tenyear period, intended as an opportunity to begin work on completing the build-out of our master plan for facilities. The accompanying request was to increase our visibility downtown through the restoring of our historic steeple, lost in the hurricane of 1906, and the addition of exterior lighting for the steeple and for our stained glass windows. Work began on plans recreating the original steeple; Barganier, Davis, Sims Architects worked in conjunction with Ben Radcliff Contractors and Campbellsville Industries to realize the design and construction. We eagerly await installation in the spring of 2017. In light of this gift and its challenge, the Vestry elected to consider the possibility of a capital campaign to fund the remainder of capital improvements to the campus. Southeast Advancement Services was contracted to conduct a feasibility study during the fall of 2016. A total of 87
interviews were conducted among representative groups of the congregation, and much useful information was gathered concerning various needs and desires for improvement. Overall, the reaction to the master plans was 79% positive, 15% opposed and 6% no reaction. Asked if Christ Church Cathedral Above: Tours are a daily part of life at the should conduct a Cathedral campaign for the areas identified as needs, 87% said yes, 7% said no, and 6% were unsure. When asked if they would consider making a personal gift to a campaign to meet the needs in the Master Plan, 94% said yes, 5% said no, and 1% was unsure. Moving forward with the campaign in January of 2017 seemed workable to 87% of respondents. Overall, comments and responses were very positive, and in light of the report received at their October meeting, the Vestry voted to move forward with the campaign in January 2017, with the assistance of Southeast Advancement Services. The campaign will be concluded by mid-May 2017. At its June 2016 meeting, the Vestry approved a sabbatical period of renewal for Dean Gibson, to begin May 22, 2017 and conclude August 19, 2017. Planning then began for meeting parish needs during her absence; clergy supply for all the Sundays of this period has been secured, and plans have been made for needed pastoral care. The positive work accomplished during 2016 has been due to God’s grace and God’s gift to us of wonderful people. Enthusiastic lay leadership among the Vestry and Wardens has been a blessing,
as has the skill and dedication of our Altar and Flower Guilds, choir and musicians, and all our hospitality and pastoral care teams. Cathedral staff— Canon Dan Wagner, Provost Carolyn Jeffers, Financial Secretary Brenda Stanton, Parish Secretary Marla Reis, Administrative Assistant Michelle Wilson, Music Director and Organist Christopher Powell, Choirmaster Katie Powell, and Housekeeper Judy Jones—has worked hard every day to make possible the ministries of the Cathedral. For them, and for every member of the Cathedral Family, I am deeply thankful. It is an honor to serve God and this parish.
The Reverend Canon Daniel A. Wagner, Canon Pastor It has been my honor to begin my ordained ministry here at Christ Church Cathedral. On January 10, 2015, I was ordained a priest by the Rt. Rev. Philip Duncan and was also named Canon Pastor. I came to the Cathedral, having recently graduated from the School of Theology at the University of the South (Sewanee, TN) in May of 2014 and was ordained a Transitional Deacon in June of 2014. I began my tenure at the Cathedral on July 1, 2014. My tenure will end in February 2017, as I have been called to be the Vicar of St. Augustine of Canterbury, Aiken, South Carolina. My job at the Cathedral is to assist the Dean and Provost, in an appropriate manner. My areas of work include pastoral care, Christian formation, and youth. I also assist the Dean with the worship, preaching one Sunday and Wednesday a month, and attend Vestry meetings, presenting requested reports. Concerning pastoral care, in 2016 I made forty-two visits to parishioners who are either in the hospital or are homebound. I have visited parishioners in all four local hospitals. Concerning Christian formation, I
worked with the Dean and Provost to identify the Christian formation materials used for our Sunday school program. Additionally, I worked to recruit and retain teachers, teach the senior high class, and oversee the Safe Guarding training for the teachers. Along with the Provost, I worked with the confirmation class and its outreach project (fall 2016—brunch to benefit the young men of the Kappa League of Mobile). I also have assisted with the planning and implementation for Vacation Bible School. Concerning the youth (EYC), we continue to meet twice a month and have developed a schedule of activities that include “fun” and “religious” activities. Some of the events the group has done this year include: paintball, progressive fast/ dinner, Bay Bears baseball game, an instructed Eucharist, and visiting homebound parishioners. Above: Jumping into the Our youth have jumpy on Cathedral done events for Sunday. just our youth, have partnered with other local EYC groups, and have participated in diocesan-sponsored events at Beckwith. In June, our youth participated in the Raise the Roof housing rehabilitation program administered by St. Paul’s, Mobile and Dauphin Way UMC. Our youth have had limited participation at the Jonathan Myrick Daniels Pilgrimage for the last two years. The Cathedral hosted a Mardi Gras party for diocesan youth in January. We had seventy-five youth and thirty-five adults in attendance. In the spring, Sarah Bolt and I attended the “adults who work with youth” conference put on by our diocese. In August, the Cathedral
hosted a diocesan acolyte festival. The event had twenty churches, one hundred plus youth and fifty adults. Also in August, our youth attended a diocesan youth day at Beckwith. In addition to the youth, the Cathedral has the Fun Club (grades 3-5) and I have assisted in the planning of activities for this group. This group meets monthly and has enjoyed events like a trip to Eastern Shore Lanes, ice skating, and a Mardi Gras parade party. In an effort to extend Cathedral assistance to local churches, I have filled in as celebrant and preacher at St. John’s, Mobile, Good Shepherd, Mobile, St. John’s, Monroeville, St. Matthew’s, Mobile, and St. Michael’s, Chickasaw. In addition to supply work, in August, I served as a chaplain at the final camp session at Beckwith (family weekend) and am on the rotation of clergy to celebrate and preach at Murray House.
Christopher W. Powell, Music Director and Organist 2016 was a very productive year for our Music Ministry. We started the year with three events in January, Paris, 1690, Choral Evensong, and Cathedral Pops, and we continued with a very strong Lenten Music at Noon series of five concerts, Piano and Organ Duets, The Archduke Trio, Monika Cosson, mezzo-soprano, Bella Voce Women’s Chorus, and A Classic Combination. There was also a “ bonus concert” featuring the BirminghamSouthern College Concert Choir on the Thursday before Holy Week. The Summer Organ Recitals at the Cathedral series continued in its second year with Fathers of Music in June and A Grand Symphony in August. Attendance for these events was very good. However, in (continued on page 4)
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2 0 1 6 A n nu a l R e p o r t s ( continued from page 3) recognition of increasingly diminishing attendance for the A dvent Music at Noon series, it was decided to cancel these events in 2016 to make wiser use of donated funds for our ministry. Those resources have been committed to more special music during liturgies as well as our Lenten and Epiphany series. During the 2016 calendar year, special music going above and beyond our standard offering played an important role Above: The Cathedral in our Choir approach to the celebration of special church services. In the past year, our choirs and guest musicians have taken special care to beautify our two Ash Wednesday Eucharists, Palm Sunday, Tenebrae (on Wednesday of Holy Week), Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, the Cathedral Celebration, the Diocesan Acolyte Festival Eucharist, All Saints Sunday, a Diaconate Ordination, Advent Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Our concert series is a central part of our musical outreach, but our work for these special services often equals the effort we put into our concerts. It is my belief that there shouldn’t be a discrepancy between the quality of music presented in concerts versus services, and I have been fortunate to be supported and encouraged to uphold this standard by our clergy, staff, and volunteers. Last year saw an increase in members for both the Cathedral Choir and the
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Handbell Choir. In addition, a new system of selecting and distributing sheet music to the choir was planned and implemented. We now are able to select anthems and other special music in the summer and give them to the choir members at the first rehearsal of the program year. This enables the choir to become more familiar with the music, and it helps Katie and me to get a better perspective of the entire season at once. Looking to the future, we plan to continue all of the events from the 2016-2017 Music Season and expand our liturgical offering to include more services of Choral Evensong and more opportunities for Christ Church Cathedral to offer collaborative experiences for the music ministries of the diocese. By investing equally in our music for service and concert, we hope to continually improve our offering to God, to those who worship here, and to those who attend our musical events. It has been and will continue to be our goal to invest an ever-increasing amount of care in our regular Sunday services as well so that every worship experience here at the cathedral can reach its fullest potential.
2016 Report on the Cathedral The Christ Church Cathedral family began the year by hosting a Regional Pre-Convention Meeting on Sunday, January 24. On the Wednesday in Holy Week, March 23, diocesan clergy were invited for a luncheon and service for Renewal of Ordination Vows. On April 17, the members of the Christ Church Cathedral family celebrated with our new bishop, Russell Kendrick. The day marked the 11 year anniversary of being named the cathedral of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.
Three seminarians were ordained to the Diaconate on Saturday, December 4. Over 300 family and friends were in attendance. Bishop Kendrick was celebrant and preacher for his first diaconate ordination as bishop. The ordinands were Michael Patrick Dickey, Curtis Albert Kennington, Mary Elizabeth Payne-Hardin. The sponsoring parishes were: Holy Spirit, Gulf Shores, Alabama; Holy Nativity, Panama City, Florida, and Christ Church Parish, Pensacola, Florida. The deacons were vested with red stoles as gifts from the Cathedral Chapter. Our youth were busy this year as well. On Sunday, January 31, Christ Church Cathedral EYC hosted six churches for the Neptune’s Daughters Mardi Gras Parade. Over 75 youth and 35 adults from Good Shepherd, Mobile, St. James, Fairhope, St. Luke’s, Mobile, St. Paul’s, Daphne, St. Paul’s, Mobile, and St. Peter’s, Bon Secours attended the event. The youth enjoyed icebreakers and activities inside the chapter house and then went outside for some great food and the parade. Following the parade, the youth gathered inside for a group picture and finished the evening with Compline. A special thanks to the youth groups, their leaders, James Lawrence, the Diocese, and the Cathedral staff and parishioners for such a great evening. It is our goal to grow attendance for this diocesan event. The Cathedral hosted the Diocesan Acolyte Festival on Saturday, August 20. We give thanks to the presenters: Bishop Kendrick, The Rev. Walt Kindergan, Mike Harding, and Canon Dan Wagner. We had over 125 acolytes and sponsors from 21 parishes. It was an informative and (continued on page 10)
Calendar Sunday, March 19 10:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Noon-7:45
March Wednesday, March 1 Noon 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Ash Wednesday HE, Rite II Ash Wednesday HE, Rite II Handbell and Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, March 5 Episcopal Relief-Development 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite II 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation 11:30 a.m. Adult Inquirer’s
Wednesday, March 8 11:30 a.m. Noon 12:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
HE, Rite II Lenten Music Lenten Lunch Handbell Choir Choir Rehearsal
March 10 Tour of Homes Church Street East Neighborhood
Sunday, March 12 Daylight Saving Time Begins 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite II 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation 11:30 a.m. Vestry Noon EYC
Monday, March 13 10:30 a.m. Morning Circle
Wednesday, March 15 11:30 a.m. Noon 12:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
HE, Rite II Lenten Music Lenten Lunch Finance Committee Handbell Choir Choir Rehearsal
HE, Rite II Christian Formation Vestry p.m. Ministry Architects
Wednesday, March 22 11:30 a.m. Noon 12:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
HE, Rite II Lenten Music Lenten Lunch Handbell Choir Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, March 26 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite II 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation 11:30 a.m. EYC Outreach
Wednesday, March 29 11:30 a.m. Noon 12:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
HE, Rite II Lenten Music Lenten Lunch Handbell Choir Choir Rehearsal
April Sunday, April 2 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite I 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation Noon EYC
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 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 Noon 5:30 p.m.
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 Cathedral Office Closed
Wednesday, April 19 Noon 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
HE, Rite II Handbell Choir Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, April 23 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite II 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation 11:30 a.m. Fun Club
Wednesday, April 26 Noon 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
HE, Rite II Handbell Choir Choir Rehearsal
April 27-30 North American Dean’s Conference
Sunday, April 30 UTO Sunday 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite II 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation 11:30 a.m. Vestry
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M us ic Mes s a ge “And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee [. . .]” The Holy Eucharist, Rite One Dear Friends in Christ, March 1, marks the end of the carnival season and the beginning of our Lenten journey to the cross and, ultimately, the resurrection. Lent is a special time that stands in contrast to the rest of the church year. In a culture that often avoids the personalization of ideas of mortality, guilt, or death, the church takes this time every year to focus on the hard lessons of being alive. The church always offers extra opportunities for heightened study, meditation, and devotion during this time. As always, the music ministry will play its part by presenting our 2017 Lenten Music at Noon concert series. All concerts will be held in the church on Wednesdays at noon during the five weeks of Lent. The Holy Eucharist Rite II will be held in the chapel at 11:30 a.m., and lunch will follow the concerts around half past noon. This is a wonderful way to experience something positive and beautiful during Lent. All you need to do is attend the events and keep an open mind to how God may inspire you through the music. Our Lenten concerts include familiar favorites like The Mithril Duo, The Archduke Trio, and Bella Voce, but there will also be some new additions to our program this year like a program of music for soprano and violin featuring Gosia Leska and Katherine Powell and a recital played by local bassoonist, Abigail Walker.
During Sundays of Lent, we will worship according to the Rite One form of The Holy Eucharist. This form draws heavily on the format and language of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer and its predecessors. This means our music will change to reflect this liturgy and the atmosphere it creates. The singing of introits and psalms will be suspended during Lent, and you may notice that the organ sounds a bit different as well. This is all intended to help us experience Lent in a meaningful way – to highlight its uniqueness among the liturgical seasons. Of course, all of this also helps our Easter seem even more joyous. Personally, I am a big fan of Rite One, as it causes me to think more deeply about myself and the nature of the ideas and prayers presented in the liturgy. For me, one of the most powerful moments in the Rite One liturgy is the prayer said just before communion, “We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies.” Most, if not all of us deal with some buried (or not so buried) feelings of unworthiness. Rite One brings these feelings out in the open where we can address them, and that is one of the primary benefits of this Lenten season. Looking past the more verbose and outwardly penitential nature of this Rite, one can find a profound message of redemption made all the more real by the vehicle of repentance, or in the words of our bishop, “turning around.” Lent is a time when we travel through the wilderness toward the sacred events of Holy Week. Historically, church music is rather minimal during this season, and in some churches, all instrumental accompaniment is absent. Here at Christ Church, we don’t take things that far because we believe instrumental pieces and accompaniments still add depth to the liturgy even through the lenses of penitence and introspection. We can provide a soundtrack to your Lenten journey this year. How will it affect you? Come and see.
Looking ahead to Holy Week, there are several opportunities to increase your participation and devotion. On Palm Sunday, the Cathedral Choir will be joined by a string trio as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and then turn toward his Passion. One of the musical highlights of this service is the heart-wrenching words of Psalm 22 sung during the stripping of the altar along with the last words of Christ. On Wednesday of Holy Week, we will offer a Tenebrae service featuring Peace in Christ, choral music and psalmody, the Maundy Thursday Eucharist in the chapel will feature stunning music from our chamber choir, and Good Friday’s Noon Liturgy features our full choir singing hymns and a beautiful anthem by a living composer, A nd the Mother Did W eep. Christopher W. Powell Music Director and Organist
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Upcoming 2016-17 Music Season Events
LENTEN MUSIC
AT
NOON
THE MITHRIL DUO Wednesday, March 8
The Mithril Duo will present a Celtic-inspired Lenten concert not to be missed. Their repertoire combines Celtic and World Music with classically trained sensibility, combining intimacy, virtuosity, and an infinite variety of colors with their array of instruments: flutes, fiddle, harp, guitar,whistles, bouzouki, mandolin, and smallpipes!
T HE A RCHDUKE T RIO Wednesday, March 15 We are pleased to welcome again Mobile’s own chamber ensemble, The Archduke Trio, featuring masterful artists from the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, Enen Yu, violinist, Guo-Sheng Huang, violoncellist, and Robert Holm, pianist.
GOSIA LESKA
AND
K AT H E R I N E P O W E L L
Wednesday, March 22 In this program of music for soprano and violin, you will hear beautiful music appropriate for the Lenten season. This refreshing combination of artists presents music new and old. Not to be missed!
BELLA VOCE WOMEN’S CHORUS Wednesday, March 29 Again this season, we welcome Bella Voce, the ever popular "premier" women's chorus of Mobile. Engaging and innovative, this group of ladies is sure to delight and inspire.
A BIGAIL W ALKER, BASSOONIST Wednesday, April 5 Holding degrees from The Shepherd School of Music and Florida State University, Abigail Walker is one of the area’s premier bassoon performers and pedagogues. She is on the faculty of Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida, and performs widely along the gulf coast and beyond.
TENEBRAE Wednesday, April 12 In the dark hours of Holy Week, we gather in the chancel of the church to hear Scripture, sing psalms, and listen to music designed to help us meditate on Christ’s suffering and death. This service is known for its extinguishing of candles. It is one of Holy Week’s most powerful events. Page 7
C h r i s t i a n F o r m at i o n March Christian Formation
L i t a ny o f Pe n i t e n c e
The Litany of Penitence is said on Ash Wednesday. We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and 11:15 a.m. Sunday School strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. Curriculum for all children’s and We have not forgiven others, as we have been forgiven. youth classes We have been deaf to your call to serve, as Christ served us. Adult Inquirer’s Class We have not been true to the mind of Christ. We have grieved Brantley Parlor your Holy Spirit. We confess to you, Lord, all our past unfaithfulness: Sunday, March 12 the pride, hypocrisy, and impatience of our lives, 11:15 a.m. Sunday School Our self-indulgent appetites and ways, and our exploitation of other people, Curriculum for all children’s and Our anger at our own frustration, youth classes and our envy of those more fortunate than ourselves, Confirmation Class Our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, Session VI and our dishonesty in daily life and work, Into the World in Witness Our negligence in prayer and worship, Noon EYC our youth will head to and our failure to commend the faith that is in us, West Mobile for some paintball action! Accept our repentance, Lord, for the wrongs we have done: for our blindness to human need and suffering, and our This is a youth favorite, so come on out. indifference to injustice and cruelty, The approximate cost is $30. Remember For all false judgments, for uncharitable thoughts toward our to complete your waiver for this event. neighbors, and for our prejudice and contempt toward For more information, please contact those who differ from us, Sarah Bolt or Carolyn Jeffers. For our waste and pollution of your creation, and our lack of concern for those who come after us. Sunday, March 19 ~taken from the “Litany of Penitence” BCP 267 11:15 a.m. Sunday School Curriculum for all children’s and Diocesan Youth Mardi Gras Party Fifty-eight youth from ten parishes, and 30 adults, including youth classes Bishop Kendrick attended the EYC event on Sunday, February Noon until 7:45 p.m. 19. The evening started with ice-breakers in the Chapter Ministry Architects (mor e House. Then everyone enjoyed their favorite parade foods, information is on page 13) and watched the parades. While clean-up was going on, the youth finished the evening with Compline. Sunday, March 26
Sunday, March 5
11:15 a.m. Sunday School Group Sunday School for grades 3 through 12 4:30 p.m. EYC Today our youth will become Brown Bag Bandits. They will seek donations for the Trinity Episcopal Church’s food bank in a very imaginative way. Participants can receive service hours. For more information, please contact Sarah Bolt or Carolyn Jeffers.
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Special thanks to Al Chow for shopping and cooking all of the hamburgers and hot dogs, and to Jill Chow, Stephanie Hopper, Lucy and Leland Moore, Barry Weeks, and Lisa Williams for their help. Our Youth leader Sarah Bolt and her helpers Richard Jeffers and Will Drew helped make the evening fun.
12TH ANNUAL CATHEDRAL CELEBRATION
BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION, AND PAROCHIAL VISIT
ASH WEDNESDAY EUCHARIST
Sunday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 1
Luncheon in the garden to follow.
Noon and 5:30 p.m. Join us for two Ash Wednesday services featuring soloist at Noon and the Cathedral Choir at 5:30 p.m.
H ow t o Jo i n E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h (paraphrased from The Episcopal Handbook) By far, the most important requirement for joining the Episcopal Church is just showing up. Many Episcopal parishes are intentionally vague about assigning membership. We don’t want to be known as places where weekly attendance is taken, annual contributions are tabulated, and your membership is assigned only if you pass muster. We’re much less concerned about counting the people who are in, than we are about leaving someone out. To serve as a lay minister you should be baptized in this or any Christian church, confirmed or received by a bishop of the Episcopal Church, attend services, receive Holy Communion, and make a financial commitment. Of course, some people claim membership to our churches because a long-lost relative once attended, and this is fine by us. We
believe the church should reflect the open and accepting arms of Jesus. If one is baptized in a parish, he or she automatically becomes a member. If one is already a member of an Episcopal parish and moves to another, a Letter of Transfer is typically requested. However, the paperwork generally plays second fiddle to the importance of a feeling of belonging to a parish family. A Youth Confirmation Class is currently underway. There will be an Adult Inquirer’s Class on Sunday, March 5 during Christian Formation in the Brantley Parlor. Please contact Dean Gibson, if you would like to attend. Confirmation and Reception by the Bishop will be on Sunday, May 7 during the 11th Annual Cathedral Celebration.
An Outline of the Faith: The Sacraments Q. A.
Q. A.
Q. A.
What are the sacraments? The sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace. What is grace? Grace is God’s favor towards us, unearned and undeserved; by grace God forgives our sins, enlightens our minds, stirs our hearts, and strengthens our wills. What are the two great sacraments of the Bible? The two great sacraments given by Christ to his Church are Holy Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. ~BCP page 857
WEDNESDAY HOLY EUCHARIST IN LENT 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel followed by Lenten music/lunch for the entire month of March.
ADULT INQUIRER’S CLASS Sunday, March 5 11:30 a.m. in the Brantley Parlor Please contact Dean Gibson if you would like to attend.
DISCIPLESHIP DAY Saturday March 25 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. St. Jude’s, Niceville A day for resources and training. Five tracks will be offered. The listing is available at the Diocesan Website. If you would like to attend, please contact Carolyn Jeffers. Page 9
MORNING CIRCLE
Lenten Lunch Tables for the Lenten Read Walking Home, by Margaret Guenther Enrich your Lenten study by joining the Lenten Read by reading W alking
Monday, March 13 Home by Margaret Guenther. We will meet at a designated table during 10:30 a.m. at the home of the Lenten lunches. If you are unable to make it to lunch, you may still Carolyn Stephenson read along with us. Books are available on the Ministry Table for $12. The reading schedule: 161-B North McGregor Avenue For information, call Carolyn Stephenson at 342-5637.
EASTER DESIGNATIONS Easter designation cards will be included in the April issue of The Messenger. Thanksgiving or memorial designations are $15 apiece and they may be made toward Easter lilies, Music, or garden plantings. Cards and envelopes will also be available on the ministry table.
FINANCE NOTES It is never too late to make a pledge! Pledge cards are available on the ministry table or you may speak with Brenda Stanton, Financial Secretary. If you send stock to fulfill your pledge, please let Brenda know to expect it, so she can credit your statement.
MARCH 12
Wednesday, March 8: Wednesday, March 15: Wednesday, March 22: Wednesday, March 29:
Introduction through Chapter 3 Chapters 4 through 7 Chapters 8 through 11 Chapters 12 through 15
2 0 1 6 A n nu a l R e p o r t s ( continued from page 4 ) fun-filled day that culminated with a beautiful Eucharist. The opening procession included all of the participants—it was a sight to behold. Our Organist and Choirmaster, Christopher Powell continues to expand our musical program offerings. Christopher planned another year of concerts that were well attended by members of our diocese. We have two donor-generated funds for support of our musical programs: 2016 was the third year for the Friends of Cathedral Music, and the need to care for our organ has initiated the Cathedral Organ Fund in 2015. Bishop Kendrick was in residence in his apartment at the Cathedral over 28 nights while making visits to local parishes and transacting business. He served as celebrant and preacher on Ash Wednesday and at the eleventh annual Cathedral Celebration. Because of his time spent with us, we were able to help with the bulletin for the final service at St. Matthew’s, Mobile, and to help with the new diocesan cycle of prayer. Cathedral clergy and lay leaders continue to serve in a number of capacities within the diocese. Dean of the Cathedral, The Very Reverend Beverly Findley Gibson serves on the Standing Committee. She is a member of the 2016-17 class of Leadership Alabama, and she served on the panel for Beautiful Authority Episcopal Clergy Women’s Gathering at Kanuga in August. Dean Gibson and Canon Wagner serve on the Eucharist rotation for Murray House. Canon Wagner has served Chaplain for Beckwith Summer Camp, Family Session, and as supply for Good Shepherd, St. Matthew’s, St. John’s, Mobile, St. Michael’s, Chickasaw, St. John’s, Monroeville this year. Dean Gibson, Canon Wagner, and Christopher Powell serve on the Commission on Liturgy and Allied Arts. Mikell Leland is a member of the Commission on Finance. Meg McGovern serves on the Commission for Episcopal Church Women. Laura Rutherford serves on the board at Murray House. Ron Snider and Winchester Thurber serve on the Wilmer Hall board. David Brady is the Diocesan Coordinator for Disaster Preparedness and Response. As we continue to grow into our ministry as Cathedral, it remains a joy for us as we serve the diocese.
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Where is the Steeple? The latest estimate is April 5.
Save the Date for VBS 2017 Tuesday, June 20 Through Thursday, June 22
Correspondence Dear Reverend Gibson, We received your generous $100 contribution to our ministries in November, and another $100 in December. Thank you so very much for your support of our work in the community. We are blessed to have you as a partner. Your gift will be used to provide emergency assistance to families in need. All families requesting services are interviewed and assessed for eligibility by one of our case workers. The majority of those served have incomes at 160% or less of the of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Above: Our campus from the City/County Building showing the hole cut for the steeple. Below: Paul Frenkel and Dean Gibson watching the crane lift the steel supports.
While it is true that the number one request from families is for utility assistance, then food, we provide many other things such as occasional medication, heaters, school uniforms, and we even make home visits. We recently distributed 177 gently used and new coats that were donated to us for children in need. Our Home Repair program is going well. [‌] 35 seminarians...were with us last week to work on home repairs for the elderly. The seminarians were supervised by skilled adults to do such things as repair faucets, toilets, paint, replace flooring, and other tasks that do not require a professional. Catholic Social Services paid for all materials. In addition to the work being done at no cost, the clients had an opportunity to interact with young caring workers who are joyful and represent all that is good in this world. We are only able to accomplish these things because of donors like you who are willing to trust and partner with us to do good for others. I cannot thank you enough for your generous support. Sincerely, Marilyn D. King Director of Social Services As a part of our outreach ministry, Christ Church Cathedral makes monthly donations to The Service Center of Catholic Social Services, Family Promise of Coastal Alabama, Mobile Area Interfaith Conference for Prison Ministry, Mobile Baykeeper
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Three phases of construction that will open our campus to a community of possibilities... Christ Church Cathedral Capital Campaign 2017 Restore The original steeple will be reset in April 2017, bringing us greater visibility in our downtown community.
Renew Giving greater access to the twin houses, opening the Chapel to new uses, and building a kitchen with access to our hospitality spaces will allow full use of all of our buildings.
Reimagine A new narthex will open our doors on Church Street and energize our ministries in ways we can only imagine. Page 12
Phase I
Restoring our historic steeple
Phase II
Renewing Brantley/Huger, the chapel, and kitchen
Phase III
Reimagining access through a street-level narthex
Campaign Leadership Leslie and Edward Ladd Honorary Chairs Sage and Preston Bolt Lucy and David Brady Co-Chairs Bob Israel, Jay Watkins Major Gifts Co-Chairs John Ferguson, Tom Garth Special Gifts Co-Chairs Robby McClure, Recruitment
Campaign Timeline January 3 March 7April 9 Sunday, May 7 May 9
Cornerstone phase begins Major Gifts phase begins Special Gifts phase begins Celebration Sunday Campaign Wrap-Up
Thank you to all in our parish family who have contributed. Please consider a gift over 3 to 5 years. To contribute, please contact: Brenda Stanton, Financial Secretary, at bstanton@christchurchcathedralmobile.org
Building Sustainable Ministries . . . One Church at a Time www.ministryarchitects.com
Sunday, March 19 Monday March 20 Tuesday, March 21 As often happens here in the Christ Church Cathedral offices, as we begin planning for one project, another project that will enhance the first emerges. Bishop Russell Kendrick hired Ministry Architects to assess the diocesan youth ministry. Several members of the parish attended a listening group session for that study, and were impressed by not only the session, but the outcomes surrounding the sessions. We were so impressed that we contacted Leslie Manning (who attended St. Paul’s, Mobile and who knew several of our members) of Ministry Architects to see if they could help us begin envisioning the programs and outreach ministries that our physical improvements and growth will make possible. With Leslie’s help, we scheduled listening sessions of our own that will consider everything from musical ministries to flowers to worship to Sunday School to special groups and classes, each seen with outreach as a component.
The process will involve consultants Stephen Ingram and Monica Lewis meeting at scheduled times with different parish groups. After their final meeting on Monday, they will Historic Mobile compile a report of all they have heard. The report, with Homes Tour 2017 recommendations, for Highlighting Church Street East implementation will be presented Historic District at a luncheon meeting on Tuesday.
Ministry Architects Schedule Sunday, March 19 Noon-1:15 p.m. Leadership 1:30-2:45 p.m. Parents of Youth 3:00-4:15 p.m. Parents of Younger Children Open Congregation 4:30-5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist
Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
5:00-6:15 p.m. Christian Formation Youth 6:30-7:45 p.m. Lay Ministers/Music Open Congregation
Monday, March 20 8:30-9:45 a.m. Dean Gibson 10:00-11:15 a.m. ECW 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Cathedral Staff 1:00-2:15 p.m. Open Congregation
Tuesday, March 21 9:30-11:00a.m. Read Through with
Christ Church Cathedral Open for Tour Friday, March 10 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Dean Gibson 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Report-Out Meeting
More specific information and registration to follow. We will contact many of you directly to ask for your participation.
Author Paula Webb will speak on her book Mobile Under Siege at 1:00p.m. and 4:00 p.m. For more information go to www.historicmobiletour.com
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D i o c e s a n N ew s
Beckwith Summer Camp 2017
get connected | stay informed VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.diocgc.org GET OUR NEWSLETTERS: www.diocgc.org/publications FRIEND US: www.facebook.com/DioCGC FOLLOW US: www.twitter.com/DioCGC
Beckwith is the best week of a camper’s life! 14 years and up Leaders in 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
$480
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
* All camps are for the grade the camper would be entering in the Fall of 2017. ** Check-in is between 3-5pm on the first day and Check-out is 10am the final day.
Register On-Line at www.beckwithal.com/summer-camp/ summer-sessions/ Beckwith Camp & Retreat Center 10400 Beckwith Lane Fairhope, Alabama 36532
Thirty-sixth Men’s Conference
and Retreat
March 3, 4, & 5 Beckwith Camp and Conference Center
Peter: A Man for all Seasons
Presented by The Reverend Russell Levenson
Rector, St. Martin’s, Houston, Texas www.diocgc.org/event-registration
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ECW Invitational Luncheon featuring Reverend Jim Popham
Tuesday, March 7 Christ Church, Pensacola Reservation forms are available by emailing: junelinke52@yahoo.com
C a t h e d r a l P r ay e r L i s t 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, Alice Carwie, Katherine Deaton, Jordan Moore, Patti Beal, Mike Gibson, Bill Hall, Virginia Wilkins, Winnie Nichols, Happy Henson, Gaye Formanek
ď ˜ MARCH BIRTHDAYS March 1 March 3 March 5
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, 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, 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, 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 MoreĂŠ, 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, JeanClaude Martin, Bob McMillan, Roberta Abrams, The Rev. Maurice Branscomb, Cartledge Weeden Blackwell II, Rene Thompson, 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, Bill McIntyre, Marbury Buckhaults, Brett Tomlinson, Eric Laborde, Lexi Naughton, Star Edmonds, Liam Thistlewaite, Pat Hughes, Dawn Waller, Franklin King, Kay Atkins Raines, Capt. John O. McElhaney, Gillette Slaton, Betty Bolt, Tiffany Bollis, Sharon Poggi, Maurie Graves Shaw
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 Repose of the Soul: Caroline Doyle Shedd Births: Hudson Morgan Israel, son of Will and Katie Israel and grandson of Bob and Cammie Israel; Taliyah Scott, granddaughter of Judy Jones. Baptisms: Mary McClelland Hoitink, granddaughter of Julie and John McClelland and great granddaughter of Peggy and Ponnie McClelland, Willia Margaret Bolt, daughter of Molly and Weathers Bolt, and granddaughter of Sage and Preston Bolt
March 6 March 8 March 9 March 11 March 12
March 13 March 15 March 16 March 18 March 19 March 20 March 21 March 23 March 24 March 26
March 27 March 28 March 29 March 30 March 31
Anna Plovanich Preston Bolt David Adkins Davis Ashcraft David Cooper III Cleamon Downs Elizabeth Harrison Angus Cooper IV Mark Weeks Debra Baumhauer Joanne Cooper Paul Clinton Chuck McKay David Sanders Jamie Davidson Leslie Stanton-Halley Harwell Coale Thomas Leland Al Chow Laurie Koss Bragg Van Antwerp Wilt Rendfrey B Coale Helen Ann Coale Anne Gaillard Jane White-Spunner Banks Ladd Valrie Vanek Mary Lafitte Buster Gretchen Cooper John Spottswood Judy Henson Sage Bolt Toni Brown George Seawell Parke Brister Susan Garth Brie Zarzour
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CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL 115 South Conception Street Mobile, Alabama 36602
NONPROFIT ORG U S POSTAGE PAID MOBILE AL PERMIT #673
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 R. Betbeze, 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.