Volume 15, Number 6 September 2017
THE MESSENGER C HRIST C HURCH C ATHEDRAL M OBILE, A LABAMA
A Me s s ag e f ro m t he D e a n
Dear Cathedral Family,
August 21 was my first day back at Christ Church Cathedral following a sabbatical that began on May 22. This was my first experience of an extended time away from parish life, and I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am for this opportunity to rest, travel, reflect, and spend time with my family and old friends. This time away gave me new perspective on the life and growth we have experienced together over the past twelve years, and it helped renew my spirit for the next stage of our journey. The good work of the Vestry and Senior Warden Robby McClure, along with the outstanding efforts of the Cathedral staff and Provost Carolyn Jeffers, kept life at the Cathedral humming along smoothly through the summer. I am grateful for the prayers and support of so many members of the Cathedral Family, both for my family and me and for the parish as a whole. As I learn more about your summer here—the strong Sunday attendance, the wonderful visiting clergy, the steppedup lay leadership, the faithfulness in giving, the successful VBS, the work done in planning for the year ahead—I give thanks for God’s blessings shared among us. Our focus now is fixed on the new program year, which we are calling “A New Beginning.” The work of the Ministry Architects Renovation Team—chair Lucy Brady, Carl Cunningham, Jr., Alison Mitchell, Robby McClure, and Hayley Van Antwerp—has produced an exciting new plan for Christian formation for all ages, beginning this fall. Detailed information about these opportunities is coming to you via email blasts and Sunday bulletin inserts, and you will find more within this Messenger.
We are excited to welcome The Rev. Marshall Craver and his wife Jan to the Cathedral Family, beginning in September. Marshall is known to many of you from his long history in this diocese and in Mobile, beginning with his ordination and first cure here at Christ Church many years ago. His ministry among us will focus on Adult Christian formation and pastoral care, to which he brings strong gifts. His part-time presence here as he transitions into retirement is a great blessing as we transition into new programs and ministries.
I am also pleased to announce that our own Alison Mitchell has agreed to join our staff part-time as Children’s Formation Coordinator. Alison has been a long-time teacher in Sunday School, and she is the Fun Club founder and former leader, as well as the faithful director of our VBS. Beginning in September, she will bring her skills as a professional educator to overseeing the staffing and curriculum of our Children’s Chapel, Sunday School, nursery, and other programs for our youngest members and their parents. All of these “new beginnings” will carry us into the next stage of our journey as a parish family and as the cathedral of our diocese. As we move into our season of stewardship in October, we will consider together how we are called to grow in our mission and ministries, both spiritually and fiscally. Please know how thankful I am to be here with you and to work with such gifted people in sharing God’s love with our world. Faithfully,
The Very Reverend Beverly F. Gibson, Ph.D. Dean
THE CATHEDRAL CHAPTER 2017 Robison Clarendon McClure, Jr. Senior Warden
John David Brady, Jr. James Fatherree Watkins Junior Wardens
William Kennon Drew Treasurer
Harwell Ellis Coale, Jr. Chancellor
Ronald Albert 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 J. David Brady, Jr. Chambliss K. Brister Julianne C. Hoffmeyer Julia M. McClelland Robison C. McClure, Jr. James F. Watkins
Chapter Members Gary Moore, 2017 St. Paul’s, Daphne
Susan Showers, 2018 St. Christopher’s, Magnolia Springs
Magoo Price Hamilton, 2019 St. Thomas, Greenville
The Rev. John Riggin, 2019 St. Paul’s, Mobile
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A Message from Marshall Arriving where we began...
and he loved them all as he loved each!”
T. S. Elliot once wrote, “We must not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we began only to know the place for the first time.” (Four Quartets)
I am honored and excited to be called by your Dean and Vestry to serve as Priest Associate on the Cathedral staff. Practically speaking, the position of priest associate means I will be ministering to you and with you on a part time basis. Said differently, you will not see me nearly as much as you see Dean Gibson, but hopefully we will come to know and love one another fairly soon. I see this happening through some classes that I will be offering as well through the ministries of pastoral care and spiritual direction in which your Dean has invited me to participate.
My exploration into what it means to serve Jesus Christ as an Episcopal priest began thirty-two years ago when I was ordained in the prayerful presence of the faithful people of Christ Church, Mobile, Alabama. Jan and I will be forever grateful for that blessed beginning. Forever grateful for the support, patience, encouragement, and love that was so freely given to us by members of this church family from 1985 through 1988. And now over three decades later, after years of exploring what it means to love and be loved by Christ within his church, and after retiring from full time parish ministry, we arrive where we began. We arrive where we began, recognizing “for the first time,” or at least in new ways the incredible depth, mystery, and allurement of Christ’s Presence and Love in all of creation and in the life of each and every person who has ever lived. As Augustine put it, “Jesus, who came to reveal the universal love of the Father, loved each person that he ever met as though there were none other in all the world to love,
Marshall Craver’s Adult Class Schedule What is the Episcopal Church? This class was designed especially to educate both members and non members on the who, what, why and how of the Episcopal church! This class can lead to confirmation in the spring. The class is held once a month on September 24, October 29, November 26, January 28, February 25, March 25 in the Chapel.
I look forward to sharing with you in the mission and ministry of Christ Cathedral beginning in September. I promise to pray for you and ask that you do the same for Jan and me. Praying for one another on a regular basis is so important because it opens us to the Spirit who pours the love of God into our hearts. (Romans 4:5.) Yours In Christ,
Marshall Craver Priest Associate
Contemplative Prayer This hour of spiritual reading and prayer is an opportunity to pause in your day to be “still and know that God is God.” The group will gather Mondays at noon in the Chapel.
Living Our Baptismal Covenant This class, a spiritual walk through the Church year, meets on Wednesday evenings in the Chapter House. The class is broken into 5 phases—the first phase begins on September 20 and runs through October 18.
M us i c M i n i s t r y Dear Friends in Christ,
By now, you should have received our 2017-2018 Music Season booklet. September marks the beginning of this new season, and I encourage you to look through the booklet and plan which events you would like to attend. Our first special event will be Evensong on October 8, featuring the Cathedral Choir, the choir of St. Stephen’s in Brewton, and their organist/ choirmaster, Jason Beasley. Evensong will be held regularly throughout the season, so please take advantage of this opportunity to worship in a distinctly musical and meaningful way. When I think of September, my thoughts turn toward Rally Day and the beginning of rehearsals. Year by year, we go to work in the fields of liturgy and music to create beauty for services, special events, and other celebrations as the need arises. We are blessed by the gifts of our benefactors and the efforts of our choir members, instrumentalists, and administration to be able to look at each year as an exciting opportunity to reach higher in our goals for worship at the cathedral. In my years as a musician both within and outside of the church, I have learned something that I believe with more certainty the longer I live: there is always a way to delve deeper and more honestly into one’s craft, art form, or passion. As liturgical Christians, we observe the same feasts, holidays, and themes every year. Although we are on a three-year cycle of readings, the principal rhythms of our worship remain the same. However, each year the music ministry
schedules new anthems and instrumental pieces, and quite a bit of new music is composed. I sometimes wonder why there is this drive to constantly look upon the same themes with new light, but then I remember that liturgy itself is an art; there is no way to ever “get to the bottom” of the mysteries we celebrate in prayer, word, and song each week—there are only infinite ways to gain a new perspective.
For those of us who have been in a liturgical church for some time, the rhythm of the church year, the familiarity of the same readings, and the traditional songs for certain days have, in a very real way, shaped our framework of thought toward God and the world. For those of us who are new to this type of worship, we are able to take hold of the structured litany inherent in this brand of religion and begin to build upon its foundation. Our music, much like a homily, has the ability to both reinforce this traditional structure and give us a different way of seeing it. This music season will bring many familiar events like All Saints’ Sunday, Advent Lessons and Carols, and Christmas Eve, but your musicians have been hard at work to make these things come alive in new ways this year. As a musician, I can play a good piece of music (especially Bach) for years and think I know all there is to it, but one day I will hear something new and wonder why I am only just now hearing it! The music didn’t change; I did. There is a famous quote by C. S. Lewis, “[Prayer] doesn’t change God—it changes me.” I wonder how we will be changed over the course of the
Above: Look for the music season booklet in your mailbox and on-line.
CHOIR REHEARSALS RESUME WEDNESDAYS IN THE HUGER HOUSE Cathedral Handbells at 5:45 p.m. Cathedral Choir at 6:30 p.m. Please consider if you or someone you know would be interested in joining the choir—now is the perfect time to join! Please speak with Christopher Powell, Music Director, Katy Powell Choir Director, or with one of our choir members if you would like to be a part of our Music Ministry. 2017-2018 Season at Christ Church Cathedral. What familiar things will we experience as if it were the first time? You are invited to journey with us as we delve deeper and more honestly into the passion of our faith. In Christ,
Christopher W. Powell Music Director and Organist cpowell@christchurchcathedralmobile.org
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Cathedral Calendar September Sunday, September 3 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite II Monday, September 4 Labor Day Holiday Tuesday, September 5 4:30 p.m. Renovation Team Meeting Wednesday, September 6 Noon HE, Rite II in the Chapel 5:30 p.m. Vestry Meeting 5:45 p.m. Handbell Choir 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Friday, September 8 5:00 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal Saturday, September 9 6:00 p.m. Wedding Sunday, September 10 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite II 11:15 a.m. Rally Day Ministry Meeting Noon-1p.m. Living our Baptismal Covenant Introduction Noon EYC lunch at Buck’s Pizza Monday, September 11 10:30 a.m. Morning Circle at the home of Carolyn Stephenson Noon Contemplative Prayer in the Chapel Tuesday, September 12 6:00 p.m. Young Adult Supper Club Wednesday, September 13 Noon HE, Rite II in the Chapel 5:30-6:30 p.m. Living our Baptismal Covenant Introduction 5:45 p.m. Handbell Choir 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Sunday, September 17 8:30 a.m. Coffee with the Dean 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite II 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation Noon Fun Club plays Hide and Seek EYC Scavenger Hunt Monday, September 18 Noon Contemplative Prayer in the Chapel 5:15 p.m. Nominating Committee Wednesday, September 20 Noon HE, Rite II in the Chapel 5:30-7:15 p.m. Living our Baptismal Covenant 5:45 p.m. Handbell Choir 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Thursday, September 21 5:30 p.m. St. Matthew’s Day Eucharist in the Chapel
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Sunday, September 10:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. Noon
24 HE, Rite II Christian Formation EYC Outreach with McKemie Place Monday, September 25 Noon Contemplative Prayer in the Chapel 5:15 p.m. Nominating Committee Wednesday, September 27 Noon HE, Rite II in the Chapel 5:30-7:15 p.m. Living our Baptismal Covenant 5:45 p.m. Handbell Choir 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
October Sunday, October 1 10:00 a.m. Baptism and HE, Rite II 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation Noon Fun Club—Little Sisters Lawn Party EYC to Bay Lights at Beckwith 4:00 p.m. Blessing of the Animals Monday, October 2 Noon Contemplative Prayer in the Chapel 5:15 p.m. Nominating Committee Wednesday, October 4 Noon HE, Rite II 5:00 p.m. Living Our Baptismal Covenant 5:30 p.m. Handbell Choir 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Sunday, October 8 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite II 11:00 a.m. Kappa League Brunch 4:00 p.m. Evensong Monday, October 9 10:30 a.m. Morning Circle Noon Contemplative Prayer in the Chapel 5:15 p.m. Nominating Committee Tuesday, October 10 6:30 p.m. Young Adult Supper Club Wednesday, October 11 Noon HE, Rite II 5:00 p.m. Living Our Baptismal Covenant 5:30 p.m. Handbell Choir 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Sunday, October 15 10:00 a.m. Baptism and HE, Rite II 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation Noon EYC 4:00 p.m. Renovation Team 5:30 p.m. Vision Summit Monday, October 16 Noon Contemplative Prayer 5:30 p.m. Vision Summit
Tuesday, October 17 Renovation Team Wednesday, October 18 Noon HE, Rite II 5:00 p.m. LOBC 5:15 p.m. Finance Committee 5:30 p.m. Handbell Choir 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Sunday, October 22 10:00 a.m. HE, Rite II 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation 11:30 a.m. Vestry Meeting Noon EYC Game Day Monday, October 23 Noon Contemplative Prayer in the Chapel Wednesday, October 25 Noon HE, Rite II 5:00 p.m. LOBC 5:30 p.m. Handbell Choir 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Sunday, October 29 10:00 a.m. Baptism and HE, Rite II 11:15 a.m. Christian Formation Monday, October 30 Noon Contemplative Prayer in the Chapel To View the Cathedral calendar Google: Christ Church Cathedral Mobile—Event Calendar Details.
Or go to: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed? src=christchurchcathedralmobile% 40gmail.com&ctz=America/Chicago.
Restore, Renew, Reimagine Capital Campaign Total number of Gifts/Pledges received 104 Total Raised in Gifts/Pledges $ 2,293,725 The Capital Campaign Committee continues to solicit donations. If you would like to speak with a member of the committee, please contact David Brady at (dbrady@abblawfirm.com) or Preston Bolt at pbolt@handarendall.com.
F ALL 2017—H IGHLIGHTS
St. Matthew’s Day Eucharist Thursday, September 21 5:30 p.m.
Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 1 4:00 p.m. In the Garden
Kappa League Brunch Sunday, October 8
Evensong Sunday, October 8 4:00 p.m.
Fall Concert with the Highland Consort Sunday, October 22 6:00 p.m.
All Saints’ Sunday and Christ Church Family Celebration Sunday, November 5
Evensong Sunday, November 12 4:00 p.m.
Advent Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 3 4:00 p.m.
Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 17 10:00 a.m.
Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist Sunday, December 24 4:15 p.m. Prelude 5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II
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Cathedral Ministries A team of members has been working behind the scenes this summer to begin implementing the 36-month roadmap that came about because of suggestions made by the membership during a three-day Ministry Architects meeting in May. The goal is to create sustainable processes which will highlight what you love most about our Cathedral and provide opportunities to improve the overall experience for our members, visitors and community. In keeping with the theme of architectural terminology, this Strategic Planning Steering Committee has been dubbed the “renovation team.” While renovation generally applies to physical structures, in this case we apply renovation to all aspects of our church, including administration, physical structures, programs, worship, outreach and even social media. Members of the team are: Lucy Brady, Chair, Carl Cunningham, Jr., Robby McClure, Alison Mitchell, and Hayley Van Antwerp.
Above: The Renovation Team at its August meeting, from left, Carolyn Jeffers, staff support, Robby McClure, Lucy Brady, Chair, Alison Mitchell, Hayley Van Antwerp. Not pictured: Carl Cunningham, Jr.
On Rally Day the renovation team presented all of the ministry opportunities at Christ Church Cathedral. Hayley Van Antwerp, speaking for the team, reiterated that for their work to be successful, your support is vital. The Renovation Team has been contacting each of you to discover which of our many ministry teams you would like to join, and they offered the opportunity again on Rally Day. What follows is a list of the ministries, and their chairs. If you missed the sign-up, we can still use your help. We especially need help with Children’s and Youth Christian Formation and with the EYC and Fun Club. To help, please contact the Cathedral office at 438-1822, or office@christchurchcathedralmobile.org. (To review the Ministry Architects report, please go to: http://www.christchurchcathedralmobile.org/ministryarchitects-report.html. To learn more about Ministry Architects, go to www. ministryarchitects.com/ )
Worship Leaders Robby McClure Altar Guild Barbara Archer, Paula Watkins Prepares the altar for all services. On-the-job-training provided. Children’s Chapel Leaders A lison M itchell the Chapel during the Sunday Eucharist.
Leads par ish childr en and visitor s in age-appropriate worship in
Sunday Greeters Robby McClure Partners with an usher team to welcome visitors. Lay Readers Carolyn Jeffers Reads prayers and lessons during services. Ushers R obby M cClure Assists cler gy and congr egation dur ing services. Serves in teams. Wedding Team Ginny Behlen ceremonies.
Assists in logistics for wedding
Support Ministries Hayley Van Antwerp Openers Chuck McKay Unlocks campus on Sunday morning, and confirms all is ready for worship. Flower Guild Homer McClure, Ann Moody Purchases and arranges flowers for the altar and for special events. Grounds Committee Carolyn Eichold Maintain the grounds by supervising regular maintenance and overseeing seasonal plantings.
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Hospitality Lucy Wright Hospitality Lucy Wright Prepares and serves food following the Sunday morning Eucharist. Hospitality Special Events Lucy Wright Prepares and serves food for special events.
Formation Alison Mitchell Adult Christian Formation Carolyn Jeffers Helps facilitate weekly Christian Formation classes. EYC Committee Sarah Bolt Helps plan for and supports our youth when they meet weekly.
Fun Club Committee Jubal Hamil Helps plan for and supports our youth in grades 3, 4, 5 when they meet weekly. Youth Christian Formation Alison Mitchell Teaches and assists teachers during Sunday morning Christian Formation. (We need volunteers for all of Formation classes. To see Christian Formation openings, please turn to page 9.)
Pastoral Care Carl Cunningham Bereavement Team David Brady Visits and takes meals to the r ecently bereaved, and assists with visitations at the church. Card Ministry John Davidson Sends cards monthly to those with birthdays and those on the prayer list. New Baby Ministry Cammie Israel Visits new mothers with meals and gifts from the parish. Outreach Plans and coor dinates outr each ministr ies. Outr each Ministr ies include: Kappa League Brunch, October 8, 2017 United Thank Offering (November and May) Angel Tree—Christmas Gifts (November) Arpilleras—In support of Threads of Hope (December) Episcopal Relief and Development (Lent)
Raise the Roof—Urban ministry (June) Operation Backpack—School Supplies (July)
2017 CATHEDRAL DIRECTORY UPDATES
MORNING CIRCLE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 10:30 A.M. At the home of Carolyn Stephenson 161-B N. McGregor Avenue Morning Circle is a Women’s Bible Study Group that meets. on the second Monday of each month—from September through May. For more information, please call Carolyn at 342-5637.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 4:00 P.M. IN THE GARDEN We bless pets on or around St. Francis’ feast day, October 4, because of his love for animals as expressed in his Canticle of Creatures. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment.
WEDNESDAY NOON
We will enclose the 2017 Parish Directory in the October Messenger. We have EUCHARIST HAS RESUMED sent an email with a PDF proof copy. You are invited to download that version to Please join us each Wednesday your devices. Please check your listing and email us at: In the Chapel office@christchurchcathedralmobile.org to change, confirm, or update your name, address, and telephone numbers.
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C hr i s t i a n F o r m a t i o n I s n ’t Ju s t f o r K i d s A ny m o r e ! CHRISTIAN FORMATION SESSIONS FOR 2017-2018 SESSION I Sundays, September 17 through October 22 (excluding October 8)—5 classes
SESSION II Sundays October 29 through Sunday, December 10 (excluding November 5, December 3)—5 classes
SESSION III Sundays, January 7 through Sunday, February 25 (excluding February 11)—7 classes
SESSION IV Sundays, March 4 through April 29 (excluding April 1, April 22)—7 classes * Please note that the session for LOBC vary from this schedule. During visioning sessions last March, we discovered the desire of the congregation for Adult Christian Formation. The report stated, “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.” Christian Formation 2017-2018 began on Sunday, September 17, and because of your input it looks very different in a great way! Our new organizational structure, and a few new faces will bring focus, consistency, and excitement to our program. We have three adult classes on Sundays and two during the week. For our children and youth we have a new Spark House curriculum. The 17th was also the first Sunday when Alison Mitchell, our new Children’s Formation Coordinator, had her hands on every aspect of your children’s and youth programs.
Adult Christian Formation ON SUNDAY
at 11:15 a.m. there will be two weekly adult classes and one monthly class: MORNINGS
What is the Episcopal Church? led by Marshall Craver on Sundays, September 24, October 29, November 26, January 28, February 25, March 25. Open to everyone who wants to learn more about being a member of the Episcopal Church. This is also the class for adults who wish to be confirmed. The class will meet in the Chapel. Please note that the nursery will be available for children birth through age 3 while Sunday Christian Formation classes are taking place.
Weekly Lectionary Discussion The Weekly Lectionary Discussion will meet in the library to talk about the day’s lectionary readings using the Feasting on the Word curriculum. The class will be led by Johnny Gwin. Sunday Book Club will discuss a different book each session. They will meet in the Cathedral office. No ON MONDAY AT NOON—A Pause That Refreshes reading is necessary, just an interest in joining the began on Monday, September 11 from Noon to 1:00 discussion. The book for Session I is Daring Greatly: p.m. This hour of spiritual reading and prayer, How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way facilitated by Marshall Craver, is an opportunity to We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown pause in your day to be “still and know that God is (available for $15.00). The class will be led by Hayley God.” The group will gather each Monday at noon and Van Antwerp and Chambliss Brister. The book for will use the book A rmchair Mystic, Easing into session 2 is Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Contemplative Prayer by Fr. Mark Thibodeaux. Halves of Life by Richard Rohr and will be led by Bob Everyone is welcome. Regular attendance is Israel and Rick Mitchell. The book is available for encouraged but not required. $12.00 If you would like the chance to lead any of these groups, ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS—Living Our Baptismal Covenant LOBC is a process, not a program. Members please speak with Carolyn Jeffers.
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will be faithful in attendance, walking spiritually through the Church year. The first phase runs on Wednesday evenings from September 20 through October 18. Nursery will be provided, if requested. A Typical LOBC Night
include the wedding banquet, the greatest commandment, and the parable of the talents. The curriculum is on-line and accessible to teachers and parents. ELEMENTARY TEACHERS 1. Lead Teacher: McKayla Cusker
5:00 p.m. Break Bread—a light meal ($5 per person)
2. Lead Teacher: (we need 1 more) 5:45 p.m. Biblical Reflection—Spiritual theme related 1. Assistant: Eleanor Baker to daily life 2. Assistant Teachers (we need 2 more) 6:15 p.m. Small Groups—relating the Biblical story to FUN CLUB TEACHERS our story 6:50 p.m. BLT (Blessed Little Thought)—Night Prayer 1. Lead Teacher: Kim Novak 7:00 p.m. Adjourn—We will always end on time!
2. Lead Teacher: (we need 1 more)
1. Assistant Teachers: (we need 4)
Christian Formation for Children and Youth
RE:FORM FOR
MINISTRY AND CURRICULUM
MIDDLE SCHOOL
We are pleased to offer new children’s and youth Middle School (grades 6, 7, 8) curriculum. re:form curriculum is a program of 40 lessons tackling The youth and children’s ministry will dive into a whole questions about the Bible, the creed, disciples, Jesus, other new curriculum designed to engage and teach our young beliefs, and hot topics. Each session begins with an light people. The curriculum, developed by Spark House, is animated video; then students will use their doodle book written by ministry professionals, theologians and skills to record their reactions to the meanings of the educators to teach in a lively and age-appropriate way. video. The session ends with conversation about the This curriculum employs videos, doodle books and day’s Bible question. excellent leader resources. We invite you to ensure that your children join us as we begin a new journey together Middle School Teachers to make sure they have the best Christian education 1. Lead Teacher: Alison Mitchell possible. Please note: safe church practices require two 2. Lead Teacher: Tray Hamil adults to be present for any activity in which children and 1. Assistant Teachers: (we need 4) youth are involved. Later in the year we will present a new curriculum, ECHO: THE STORY CURRICULUM FOR HIGH Preparing for Communion, for our third graders. We will SCHOOL pull the third graders from Fun Club once a month. High School (grades 9-12) Confirmation preparation, which has traditionally been taught to sixth graders, will be delayed one year so that current sixth graders will be confirmed in the spring of 2019.
SPARK ACTIVATE FAITH Elementary (Pre-K4 through grade 2), and Fun Club (grades 3, 4, 5) Spark Activate Faith is a comprehensive, Bible-based Sunday School curriculum designed for children age 3 to grade 5. Spark Lectionary follows the lessons we hear in church and Children’s Chapel—helping our children get more out of church and Sunday School. Lessons this year
Our new curriculum takes our doodle books one step further. In the Echo class our students will hear a Bible story (for this class we will begin with the book of Genesis), use their Echo Sketch Journals to record their impressions of the story, and then talk about what was important to them. They will become immersed in Old Testament lessons in an all new way. HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS 1. Lead Teacher: Carl Cunningham 2. Lead Teacher: Sarah Bolt 3. Lead Teacher: Cart Blackwell 1. Assistant Teachers: (we need 4)
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K ap p a L e a g u e B r u n c h — S u n d ay, O c t o b e r 8 After the 10:00 a.m. Service Enjoy a delicious brunch served by our youth on Sunday, October 8 following the service. Tickets are $8 each and are available from any middle or high school student or in the Cathedral office. The $100 sponsorship includes four brunch tickets that will be waiting for you at the brunch. If you would like to become a sponsor, please call the Cathedral office or place your check, with the notation Kappa League Brunch, in the alms basin on Sunday. Our goal is to raise $3500, the Kappa League budget for ACT/SAT college entrance exam preparation and testing for Kappa League members.
Raise the Roof
Above: Kappa League members and sponsors with Bishop Kendrick and Dean Gibson at the Cathedral Celebration.
is a combined
project of Dauphin Way United Methodist Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Mobile. Christ Church Cathedral members participate in the week they call Local Love from Sunday, June 25 through Thursday, June 29. The crew worked on Mrs. Washington’s home on Wilkinson Street. Bradley Forster, our on site supervisor was there every day before the youth arrived until the last one left for the day. According to Bradley, “I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute of this very worthwhile project. The guys representing Christ Church were outstanding! They really worked hard every day. They learned valuable new skills. They served other than themselves and saw the joy that endeavor brings both parties. Cathedral participants were: Carson Ashcraft, Davis Ashcraft, Jordan Chow, Tré Mitchell, Bertrand Horace, Shelton Tate, Emerson Striverson, and Stephen Ward. Many thanks to our adult supervisors Bradley Forster, Bob Forster, Jill Chow, Lewis Golden, Adrienne Golden, Stephen McNair, and Carl Cunningham, Jr.
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Dauphin Way United Methodist Church presents the 2017 Stephen and Ruth Dill Lecture Series featuring Dr. Wayne Flynt Speaking on Alabama’s Religious and Literary Legacy and His Insights into the Writings of Harper Lee
Sunday, September 24 The Faith Community and Social Justice 5:30 p.m. Monday, September 25 Harper Lee and the Atticus Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird 9:00 a.m. Harper Lee and Atticus Finch of Go Set a Watchman 10:30 a.m. All events are in Moore Hall at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church, 1507 Dauphin Street. All lectures are free to the community. Pre-registration for the Monday lectures are requested at 471-1511 or www.dauphinwayumc.org/dilllecturesseries. Dr. Wayne Flynt is a renowned scholar and author of fourteen books focusing on Southern culture and religion, Alabama history and politics, education reform and poverty. Dr. Flynt is Professor Emeritus in the History Department at Auburn University.
Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) Fall 2017 Calendar The goal of EYC is to provide our youth with a safe, joyful environment where they can explore their faith and build friendships McKemie Place—September 24 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Church EYC will share a meal like those packed for the women at McKemie Place, a shelter for single homeless women. After lunch we will discuss homelessness, and how it affects us.
Bay Lights at Beckwith—October 1 from Noon until 3:00 p.m. We will change at the church and drive to Beckwith for an afternoon on the water. The event requires registration. Look for an email with RSVP information.
Kappa League Brunch, and Worship on the Water— October 8 This
All Saints’ Celebration—November 5 EYC will join the members of the Cathedral Parish to celebrate our Cathedral ministries. The Celebration follows the 10:00 a.m. service in the garden
Scavenger Hunt—November 12 from noon until 1:30 p.m. at the church. EYC will enjoy lunch and then get out into our neighborhood. We will see which team can complete a downtown scavenger hunt the soonest.
Outreach Event— November 19 from noon until 1:30 p.m. at the church for the EYC Outreach Summit. After lunch we will have conversation about why outreach is important and then set up the Angel Tree for Christmas outreach and plan events for 2018.
Mystery Visits and Mexican—December 3 from
is our annual 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Join the EYC on an brunch in support opportunity for service and fun with our now famous of the Kappa Mystery Visits and Mexican event. The approximate League. We will cost is $10. We will visit parish shut-ins and then enjoy set-up, serve, and clear, and then clear out to go to lunch at Los Rancheros. Beckwith for a diocesan-wide Eucharist on Weeks Bay. We will return at 5:00 p.m. There is a small charge for EYC Study Break—December the cookout portion of this event. 10 from noon until 1:30 p.m. EYC—October 15 from noon until 1:30 p.m. We EYC will enjoy lunch and then will go to Jimmy John’s for lunch and then meet with hang out with friends for a study break, or bring study materials and the Ministry Architects leaders. work on them together.
EYC Halloween—October 22 from Noon until EYC Christmas Party— 1:30 p.m. at the church. Following lunch we will December 17 from noon compete in a games tournament. until 1:30 p.m. Celebrating the end of the semester EYC Halloween—October 29 from noon until 1:30 p.m. at the church. Following lunch we will
together with lunch. We will gather the gifts for Angel Tree.
watch a video and have discussion around diversity, and work on active listening skills.
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Ve s t r y E l e c t i o n s 2 0 1 8
R e q ui re me nt o f Ve s t r y M e m b e r s
The Vestry Nominating Committee will meet on Mondays, September 25, and October 2, 9.
To be a confirmed communicant of Christ Church Cathedral, 18 years of age or older. To demonstrate meaningful and sacrificial financial support of the church, including making and fulfilling an annual pledge of support; to consider that Christ Church Cathedral Vestry upholds the tithe as the standard of giving; to encourage the parish to consider proportionate giving; and to work personally toward the tithe.
Responsibilities of Ve s t r y M e m b e r s
Please speak with the members of the nominating committee and give them names of those you would like to have considered for vestry. You may submit names by phone or email. It is not necessary for you to tell those you are suggesting for vestry that you are doing so. The Nominating Committee is charged with presenting a slate for vestry elections in December, as well as a slate of delegates to our diocesan convention in February.
Annual Parish Meeting with Vestry and Convention Delegate Elections Sunday, December 3
The meeting will take place during coffee hour. To live a daily life reflecting the Christian faith; to strive to grow spiritually through worship, prayer, and educational opportunities. To participate faithfully in the worship of the church. To attend vestry and chapter meetings and retreats. To work for unity among the clergy, vestry and congregation through open communication; to accept the position of vestry member as an opportunity to serve our Lord. To demonstrate meaningful and sacrificial financial support of the church including making and fulfilling an annual pledge of support; to consider that the Christ Church Cathedral vestry upholds the tithe as the standard of giving and encourages the parish to consider proportionate giving; and to be working toward the tithe. To accept the role of leadership, work diligently and congenially at assigned tasks, and seek out ways to improve the Cathedral Church including: ~ To make new and regular members and visitors feel welcome through personal greetings, visits, and an invitation to participate in activities of interest to them, and ~ To encourage all members of the congregation to become a part of activities and ministries of the church
Vestry Nominating Committee Please direct to these individuals your nominations for candidates to fill 6 vestry positions.
Graduating Vestry Class Virginia Lyn Bennett Cartledge Weeden Blackwell III Steven Brian Hall Barbara Lewis Mitchell Margaret Marion Thigpen Thomas Bragg Van Antwerp
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Christ Church Cathedral Vestry
Above from left, Front row: The Very Rev. Beverly Findley Gibson, Chambliss Brister, Julie Hoffmeyer, Barbara Mitchell, Christian Hines, The Rt. Rev. Russell Kendrick, David Brady, Robby McClure, Back row: Steve Hall, Jill Chow, Margaret Thigpen, Jennifer Grehan, Jex Luce, Gretchen Cooper, Jay Watkins. Not pictured: Lyn Bennett, Cart Blackwell, Bert Eichold, Julie McClelland, Tom Van Antwerp.
2 0 1 7 D i o c e s a n C o nve n t i o n D e l e g a t e s The 48th Diocesan Convention Thursday, February 22 - Saturday, February 24, 2018 at St. Andrew’s-By-The-Sea, Destin.
R e q u i r e m e n t s o f C o nve n t i o n D e l e g a t e s To be a confirmed communicant of Christ Church Cathedral, 18 years of age or older. To demonstrate meaningful and sacrificial financial support of the church, including making and fulfilling an annual pledge of support; to consider that Christ Church Cathedral Vestry upholds the tithe as the standard of giving; to encourage the parish to consider proportionate giving; and to work personally toward the tithe. Resolution to Christ Church Cathedral Vestry approved on October 10, 2005.
Resolution Concer ning Co nve nt i o n D e l e gat e s Rather than electing a new slate of four (4) persons to serve in this capacity each year, the terms of service will be staggered among the delegates. One (1) person will be elected each year to rotate onto our delegation for a 4-year term. This will allow for both continuity of experience and service within the delegation, while allowing more people to participate in this important ministry. Resolution to Christ Church Cathedral Vestry approved November 20, 2011.
It is important to thank our vestry members for their service. They meet, regularly, with the Bishop and others who do work for the Cathedral, and they serve us in many ways. Above: Bert Eichold, and Right: Jennifer Grehan serving oysters at the Cathedral Celebration.
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D i o c e s a n N ew s
Celebrate Midtown Festival with Trinity
Episcopal Church Women Conference and Retreat
1900 Dauphin Street September 23 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A Family Festival for neighbors, You are Invited to businesses and organizations to A Diocesan Homecoming Weekcome together to meet, share and end at Beckwith celebrate our Midtown community. September 29 – October 1 There will be children's activities, A Weekend of Fellowship & Fun food, classic cars, organ recital, in Support of Beckwith church tours and much more. Event Weekend events include contact: Debbie Amsbaugh Friday Night amsbaugh@live.com. 6:30 p.m. Music by Sean of the South at The Undercroft Café
Saturday 12:00 p.m. Bishop’s BBQ 2:00 p.m. Diocesan Ultreya All Day Murray House Fun Activities for all Assisted Living Center (Cornhole, Badminton, Blooper Ball, Pool Volleyball, Kayaks, Celebrates 20 Years. Canoes, Paddleboards, Sunday, October 8 Giant Water Slide and College Football in Wilson Hall) 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Saturday Evening 1257 Government Street Live Auction, Low Country Boil, Everyone is invited to join in and music by Rock Bottom celebrating their 20th Anniversary! 5:00 p.m. Music 6:45 p.m. Wilmer Hall Low Country Boil 1st Pick Raffle draw at 6:00 pm 2nd Annual prior to the Live Auction Mother/Son Field Day Sunday Morning 10:00 a.m. Sunday, October 8 Holy Eucharist with Bishop 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Kendrick For more information go to: Registration and raffle tickets at www.wilmer hall.org www.beckwithal.com/baylight
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Friday, October 13 through Sunday, October 15 Beckwith Camp and Conference Center The program and keynote will be Dreamwork Immersion with The Rev. Mary Katherine Akamatsu. Registration is available at www.diocgc.org/event-registration.
Episcopal 101 Learning About Our Church: The Daily Office Participation in the Daily Office is at the heart of Anglican Spirituality. It is the proper form of daily public worship in the Church. In addition to forms for Daily Morning Prayer and Daily Evening Prayer in contemporary, and traditional language, The Book of Common Prayer section for the Daily Office includes forms for Noonday Prayer, Order of Worship for the Evening, Compline, and Daily Devotions for Individuals and Families. Find this and more beginning on page 35 in the prayer book. This is a regular article from the biweekly diocesan publication The Coastline. To subscribe, please go to https://www.diocgc.org/.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
F ro m t h e A r c h ive s Archibald Gracie III April 22 (1854) Confirmed in Trinity Church, (by permission of the Rector) by Rt. Rev. N. H. Cobbs, DD Mr. Archibald Gracie, Mrs. S****** (illegible), L. B. Godwin Most everyone is familiar with Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of New York City, built by the first Archibald Gracie in 1799, but there is a Christ Church Cathedral connection with the family: his grandson, Archibald Gracie III, confirmed here in Above: Gracie Mansion, built by Archibald Gracie I 1854, was an agent and later president of the Mobile branch of the London banking firm Baring Brothers. In Mobile he joined the Washington Light Artillery as a Captain and was later made a Brigadier General in the CSA, dying at the Battle of Petersburg in 1864.
September 2 September 3 September 6
September 7 September 8 September 9 September 10 September 11 September 12 September 13
September 14 September 15
Above: Brigadier Archibald Gracie III
His son Archibald Gracie IV was born in Mobile 15 January 1858, Above: Archibald Gracie IV but no records have been found of his baptism at Christ Church. Gracie IV wrote The Truth about Chickamauga published in 1912. After completing the book he took a European vacation, booking a return trip on the maiden voyage RMS Titanic. After the ship struck the iceberg, he helped load several lifeboats before going down with the ship. He managed to surface and swim to an upturned lifeboat where he spent several hours until rescued by the SS Carpathia the following morning. After this ordeal he wrote the book Titanic, A Survivor’s Story, published 3 weeks after his death on 4 December 1912 from complications of hyperthermia, fatigue and exhaustion from the disaster. Douglas Kearley, Cathedral Archivist
September 18 September 19 September 20 September 21 September 22 September 23 September 26 September 27 September 28
Ca t he d r a l P r aye r L i s t
September 29 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 September 30 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Cathedral Prayer list is printed weekly in the bulletin insert. It is also found in our weekly parish email. To add or remove names, please complete a card found in the pews, or you may contact the Cathedral Office (office@christchurchcathedralmobile.org or 438-1822).
Wilson Israel TrĂŠ Mitchell Banks Griffith Brady Wall Noreen Hume Craig Pittman Carrie Speegle Jerry Speegle David Ross Travis Russell Lynne Davis Frank Galloney Gin Arnold Celeste Powers Jan Craver Sam Eichold Kim Ellis Matt Ritchie Will Israel Laura Rutherford Elizabeth Arnold Livy Ferguson Cornelia Gaillard Louise Pritchard Hugh McClelland Susan Leach Charlie Davis Yvonne Holladay Lacey Ross George Inge Bill Youngblood Susannah Israel Stephen Griffith Anna Israel Carolyn Levensailor Tori Hall Thad Hendrix Emily Ruth McElhaney Adrienne Golden Louise Collins Ginny Behlen Blake Ferguson Steve Hall Sayre Kearley
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CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL 115 South Conception Street Mobile, Alabama 36602
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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 The Reverend Marshall P. Craver, Priest Associate 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 Alison S. Mitchell, Children’s Formation Coordinator Sarah S. Bolt, Youth Activities Coordinator 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.