Volume 12, Number 10
THE MESSENGER
November 2014
C HRIST C HURCH C ATHEDRAL M OBILE, A LABAMA
A Message from the Dean
Government Street United Methodist Church (901 Government Street)
will host the
THANKSGIVING DAY ECUMENICAL SERVICE Thursday, November 27 at 10:00 a.m.
ALL SAINTS’ SUNDAY November 2 at 10:00 a.m. FESTIVAL EUCHARIST STEWARDSHIP 2015 INGATHERING CELEBRATION FOLLOWING IN THE GARDEN—LOOK FOR A SURPRISE! Don’t forget to fall back one hour.
Dear Cathedral Family, November begins with All Saints’ Day and ends with the first Sunday of Advent. In between, we will experience a season of thanksgiving and celebration, leading toward a season of preparation and expectation as we await the coming again of our Lord. On All Saints’ Sunday, November 2, we will give thanks for our heritage, for those who have come before us in this place and for the gifts of tradition and hope for a new world that they have given us. We will also give thanks for God’s generous provision for our lives as we gather in our stewardship offering for 2015. We will celebrate together in the garden following our worship, and our celebration will be an expression of our gratitude for the bounty of this past year and our joy at the prospect of the year ahead. On Saturday, November 22, the Cathedral will host the ordination of six transitional deacons for our diocese. These new ministers will return to their seminaries in January for their final semester of preparation before returning to our diocese in the summer to begin their service in the Church. This will be our tenth year of such ordinations as the Cathedral church of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast; I have experienced each of these ordinations as a particular and unique moment of joyful connection to the broader Church, and on each occasion I am grateful to participate in the mission of the Church and for our opportunity to grow into this important Cathedral ministry. The Gibson household has been clearing clutter and cleaning out closets in recent weeks, as I hear many of you
have been doing as well. I think this is a way of preparing for the holidays and the new year ahead—saying “thank you” to the things we have owned and used and then letting go of them in order to move forward lighter, less burdened with “stuff,” cleaner in mind and heart. This process enables us to identify more clearly what is essential, the important things that are at the center, the core, of our lives. We can think in a similar way about our Cathedral “household.” This summer Bradley Forster, Provost Carolyn Jeffers, Deacon Dan Wagner, and Housekeeper Judy Jones, cleared, cleaned, and organized our basement storage spaces. We are thankful for their work! We have also cleared and cleaned choir and nursery spaces, preparing for a new chapter in both of these ministries. All this activity enables us to turn with fresh eyes to our “center,” the core of our mission in serving the Kingdom of God through life in the Body of Christ. I invite you to spend some time in prayerful consideration of the Cathedral mission statement reprinted in this The Messenger on page 14, asking God to open our hearts and minds to the movement of the Holy Spirit as we grow into our mission as the “spiritual center of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.” Faithfully, The Very Reverend Beverly F. Gibson, Ph.D., Dean
THE CATHEDRAL CHAPTER John Stephenson McClelland Senior Warden
Robert Willis Israel Charles Stephen McKay Junior Wardens
William Kennon Drew Treasurer
Harwell Ellis Coale, Jr. Chancellor
Ronald A. Snider Clerk
Class of 2014 Robert D. Forster Tray W. Hamil Ann H. Luce John S. McClelland, Jr. Elissa E. Watkins Wythe L. Whiting Class of 2015 John D. Davidson Mary Esther T. Elliott Banks C. Ladd Alison S. Mitchell Lucy F. Moore Henry R. Seawell IV Class of 2016 Sage M. Bolt Lewis H. Golden George B. Inge Robert W. Israel Charles S. McKay Hetty C. Newell
A Message from the Deacon Recently, I was asked, “So how does it feel to be ordained a Deacon? Is it what you thought it would be?” That is an appropriate question for me and for the Cathedral parish. After all, we as the Cathedral are privileged to host the ordination of six transitional deacons for our diocese on November 22. If you have never attended an ordination, I invite you to do so. You will see the wider church in action. After some reflection, I think the first reaction is “Wow, this is really happening,” and I say that even after being here since July 1. Much has happened in my life to get me to this point. My route to Mobile started with the internal struggle of working through a call to ministry, then the long formal discernment process, then the rigors of seminary, then working through the call to serve in a parish, and then (finally) ordination. Beyond the “wow” is the honor, privilege, and challenge to live into the roles and expectation of being a deacon (see page 543 of the BCP). I can tell you that serving in the parish as a Deacon has already exceeded my thoughts and that I love parish ministry. I believe that I am called to do it, and yet I know it is very challenging in so many ways. One thing that you learn quickly is that there
Mendy Henderson, 2016 St. Agatha’s, deFuniak Springs
Gary Moore, 2017 St. Paul’s, Daphne
The Rev. Aaron Smith, 2018 St. Paul’s, Magnolia Springs
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What sustains me in my ministry as a deacon are God’s grace and direction and a combination of support from family and friends, seminary classmates, ongoing prayer, study of Scripture, and time away from work. Thank you Cathedral Family for allowing me to be your deacon. Have a wonderful November, and I’ll see you at church! God’s Peace,
The Reverend Daniel A. Wagner Deacon dwagner@christchurchcathedralmobile.org
Finance Committee Repor t Operating Budget:
Chapter Members
is no typical day. Sure, you may go to work approximately at the same time, but you never know where you will be lead (or pulled). Parishioners, of all ages, ask very probing questions, not just about God and faith, but how to navigate difficult seasons in their lives and in the lives of their loved ones. I am privileged to be our representative when visiting our sick and shut-ins. Working with our youth has been a surprising joy. Our youth are a real treasure; they want to grow spiritually and are eager to do so. Finally, assisting in the worship brings me great joy. It is great to play a part in the robust worship going on here at the Cathedral.
(dated October 8, 2014 )
$ 752,265
Income: Pledge payments ar e $ 55,833 for the month of September which is greater than 2013 by $9,000 and is on target with budget. Expenses: In line with budget Cathedral Foundation:
$ 260,135
Cathedral Endowment:
$ 842,460
S e a rc h f o r t h e 4 t h B i s h o p o f o u r D i o c e s e SLATE OF NOMINEES ANNOUNCMENT WALK ABOUT—PRESENTATION OF Wednesday, December 3 CANDIDATES
The slate of nominees for the Fourth Bishop of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast will be announced by the Standing Committee.
FIND THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE ON FACEBOOK A Facebook (FB) page has been set up for the Transition Committee. The name of the page is “The Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast—Bishop Search and Election” and the link is https://www.facebook.com/ cgcbishopsearch. This page will provide information about our discernment and selection of the Fourth Bishop of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. If you want to keep up on what is happening and see photos of events that are part of the discernment and selection process, please “LIKE” this page and “SHARE” it with your FB friends who may also be interested.
The Walk About or presentation of the Candidates will take place over several days in mid-January. Please mark your calendar for the dates and locations below. On-line registration will open soon for all Walk About events. These meetings are open to all members of Episcopal parishes in the diocese.
Monday January 19 Lunch—11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. St. Francis of Assisi, Gulf Breeze. Walkabout—6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Church of the Nativity, Dothan. Tuesday January 20 Lunch—11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. St. Mary’s, Andalusia. Walkabout—6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. St. John’s, Monroeville Wednesday January 21 Walkabout—6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. St. Paul’s, Daphne
Co nve n t i o n D e l e g a t e s The Diocesan Convention will be held Thursday, February 19 to Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Trinity Mobile.
Harwell Ellis Coale, Jr. Harwell is a cradle Episcopalian who was reared at Christ Church. He has served numerous times on the vestry including serving as Senior Warden. He represented Christ Church Cathedral on the Standing Committee. He has been a delegate to Diocesan Convention since 2002. Last year he served on the I Dream of a Diocese Committee. Harwell serves as a chalice bearer, a lay reader, and as a Children’s Chapel leader.
Carolyn Delchamps Eichold Carolyn served as Co-Chair of the 2012 Diocesan Convention held at Christ Church Cathedral. She served as a delegate to the diocesan conventions in 2012, 2013, 2014. Carolyn was confirmed in 1989, and she and her family transferred to Christ Church in 2006. She served on the vestry from 2009-2011. She served as ECW CoChair in 2010-2011, and Chair in 2011-2012. Carolyn has served on the Gardens and Grounds and Columbarium committees. She is a chalice bearer and vested lay reader. Robert Willis Israel Bob was reared in Wedowee, Alabama. His undergraduate degree is from Vanderbilt University, and his MD is from the University Alabama. Bob was baptized in the Presbyterian Church, reared in the Methodist Church and confirmed as an Episcopalian after having married the former Cammie Dunson, a cradle Episcopalian, in 1974. They attended Christ Church in the 1990s, exiled to All Saints’, and returned to Christ Church in 2004. Bob served on the vestry from 2008 to 2011, and was elected for a second term of 2014-2017. He is the Junior Warden, serves on the Finance Committee, and serves as a lay reader and chalice bearer. Richard Mitchell Rick moved letter his to Christ Church in 1979. He has served two terms on the vestry and one term as Senior Warden. He has served on the Finance Committee for the past seven years, and has attended the past three Diocesan Conventions as a delegate. He also serves as chalice bearer. Page 3
Music Ministry Dear Friends in Christ, Late October and the month of November is a time that, throughout history, has been colored by themes of remembrance, death, spirits, and the afterlife. Having its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, All Saints’ Day embodies the Christian approach to this time of year and its themes. On All Saints’ Day, many churches (especially Episcopal churches) sing the hymn “For all the Saints” as an opening or closing hymn. As I think about November, the fall season, remembrance, and the afterlife, I am reminded of the fourth verse of that venerable hymn: “O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. Alleluia, alleluia!” This verse refers to the Communion of Saints, a doctrine that imparts a particularly striking image of humankind bound together in constant communion with God and oneanother. Those who have gone before us are often referred to as a great cloud of witnesses, saints, faithful departed, and other terms that signify some special unity among the dead and a connection between them and us. Our music this month will express a broad range of emotion and connection with the sentiments of All Saints’ Day, but still transitioning into the season of Advent on the last Sunday of November. The very essence of this time of year and the liturgical cycle echo each other. We go from All Saints to Advent, a time anticipating Christmas but also a time that focuses on the apocalypse—the last days of the world as we know it. As we make this journey, the world grows cold and we are surrounded by decay. Yet, in this decay, we experience clarity as we celebrate the birth of Christ, the light in darkness. “We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee [. . .].” I love that verse because it emphasizes that although we are separate from the saints gone before us, we are also one with them, for they are still a part of our spiritual world. This is very important for the music ministry of Christ Church Cathedral. As musicians, we struggle to represent and participate in the eternal praises of the saints. We strive to bring glimpses of heavenly beauty down into our space and time. We do this in services and concerts. It is important for us to remember that we are indeed
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surrounded by throngs of souls offer their “songs” on a different plane of existence. As musicians, we struggle to create musical art worthy of the great themes we celebrate in the liturgical year. We strive to tell the story of the scriptures and to live in the transitions between seasons and in the interlocking rhythms of time and liturgies. The transitions are so important because they prepare us for the high points, the big and obvious events in our communal experience of God and each other. Personally, I feel profoundly shaped by life’s transitions both as a musician and as a Christian. So, when you come to church on All Saints’ Sunday, you will hear beautiful music commemorating those who have gone before us in faith. Then, you will feel us transition in the weeks that follow as we move toward Advent. Finally, on Sunday, November 30, we will celebrate the First Sunday of Advent at the morning Eucharist. This year however, you are invited to take some extra time to live within the changing of the seasons. The music ministry will present an Advent Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, November 30, at 4:00 p.m. We will have Advent readings mixed with choir anthems, instrumental music, and solos. Violinist/violist Brian R. Brown will also join us for this service. Advent Lessons and Carols begins with an ancient chant and grows into a service rich with vivid images of the first and second comings of Christ. At this service, you will experience the best traditions and messages of Advent, and I believe you will leave feeling better prepared for the season and for Christmas. As we transition from this mystical season of changing colors and remembrance into the dramatic, expectant darkness of Advent, I hope you will feel connected to your family and friends—both present and gone before us—here at the Cathedral. It is my hope that our music will be a vehicle for your prayers and that it will help make this beautiful time of transition more vivid and formative for you. See you in the transitions. Peace in Christ, Christopher W. Powell Organist and Choir Master
L e s s o n s a n d C a r o l s / / A dve n t M u s i c a t N o o n L ESSONS AND C AROLS
A DVENT M USIC AT N OON
Sunday, November 30, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. Come be part of a service rich with light as we celebrate the season of Advent. This service will contain Advent anthems, solos, and carols interspersed between readings illustrating the first and second comings of Christ. It will feature the musical ensembles of the Cathedral enhanced by the music of violist, Brian R. Brown. Brian is the principal violist of the Pensacola and Niceville Symphony Orchestras, Music Director of the Northwest Florida Youth Orchestra, and Director of Music Ministry at St. Paul Catholic Church in Pensacola, Florida. He will also join us on March 25, 2015 as part of the Lenten Music at Noon series.
December 10, 2014 The University of Mobile String Orchestra The University of Mobile String Orchestra—the next generation of violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists— will present a short program of beautiful string compositions.
December 17, 2014 An Organ Recital by Christopher W. Powell The Cathedral Organist and Choir Master will present an entirely improvised organ recital, a completely spontaneous musical experience. Advent noon-day concerts are 30 minutes, followed by a luncheon in the Chapter House. 11:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II in the Chapel 12:00 p.m. Meditation and Music in the Church 12:30 p.m. Luncheon in Chapter House ($8 donation suggested)
D i a c o n at e O r d i n at i o n — S a t u r d ay, N ove m b e r 2 2 By the grace of God and with the affirmation of the people The Right Reverend Philip M. Duncan, II, D.D. Bishop of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast will ordain
Linda-Suzanne Cecelia Borgen Ashley Burton Freeman David Keith Green Christine Danielle Hord Jeffrey Charles Hual Eric Nathan Mancil to the Sacred Order of Deacons in Christ’s one holy catholic and apostolic church on Saturday, the twenty-second of November in the year of Our Lord two thousand and fourteen at ten o’clock in the morning at Christ Church Cathedral. Your prayers and presence are requested.
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A LETTER FROM THE
DEAN
Faithfully, The Very Reverend Beverly F. Gibson, Ph.D., Dean
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C HRIST C HURCH C ATHEDRAL
BUILDING OUR MISSION: S TEWARDSHIP 2015
Dear Cathedral Family, The theme of our 2015 stewardship campaign, Building our Mission, indicates the fundamental purpose of Christian stewardship: we return a portion of the gifts God has given us to the church for use in furthering the mission of God’s kingdom in this place. In this special bulletin insert you will find information meant to be helpful as you reflect, pray, and respond to God’s call to mission through your stewardship. Senior Warden John McClelland’s remarks from his Sunday, October 12 presentation explain your Vestry’s commitment to stewardship and working toward the tithe. To assist each of us in understanding the tithe and proportional giving, a worksheet for your personal use is included; Junior Warden Bob Israel will explain its use in his remarks today. The Bible study materials from my “teaching moments” on October 5 and 19 are also reprinted here for those of you who were unable to be with us those days. Every household in the Cathedral family is being contacted by a member of the Stewardship Leadership Team and asked to prayerfully consider their pledge for 2015. Each household should have received a letter from me, along with a pledge worksheet (for personal use and not to be returned) and a pledge card. We are asking everyone to return a signed pledge card on or before our ingathering celebration on All Saints’ Sunday, November 2. I give thanks for each of you and look forward to building our mission together here at Christ Church Cathedral.
M OBILE , A LABAMA
STEWARDSHIP TEACHING FROM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5 CHRIST AS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR STEWARDSHIP As we go out into the world this morning following our worship, we will sing these words in our hymn: The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord; she is his new creation, by water and the word; from heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride; with his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died.
These words remind us that the core of our identity, the foundation of who we are—individually as Christians and corporately as the Church—lies in our union with Jesus Christ. For us—each one of us and all of us as the Church—he came from heaven to earth and gave everything he had, his life, so that we could live eternally in him. Conversations about stewardship (being caretakers of the household of God) usually begin by acknowledging the reality that all things come from God and that out of gratitude and obedience we return a portion of those gifts to God. This is certainly true, and later this month we will consider how the “tithe” arises from this truth. Today, however, our conversation begins with considering how our identity and foundation in Jesus Christ should guide our approach to stewardship. Consistently throughout the gospel accounts of his ministry on earth, Jesus instructs those who would follow him about his essential desire and requirement for disciples: he wants all of you, every bit of your life, to belong to him. He warns his followers repeatedly of the dangers of possessions. Although not evil in themselves, possessions are powerful distractions from living as disciples. Consider Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-25. To this good, righteous man, Jesus says that there is one more thing he must do: “Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” In the days and weeks ahead, please spend some time reading the Bible and prayerfully considering what the following passages suggest to you about living your life as a follower of Christ. 1) “Treasure in heaven” and the pitfalls of possessions form the subjects of these passages: Matthew 6:1921; Luke 12:33-34; Mark 10:21; Acts 2:45; Acts 4:32-35. What do you think Jesus means by “treasure in heaven”? If possessions are not evil in themselves, then how are we to think of and deal with them?
2) Jesus teaches about fear and anxiety concerning how we will live in these passages: Luke 12:29, 22-31; Matthew 10:29-36; Matthew 6:25-33. Why do you think Jesus counsels us about the dangers of trusting in financial security? What is the alternative way of trusting that he emphasizes? (Consider here the parables of the prepared slaves and housebreaking in Luke 12:35-38 and Matthew 25:1-3, Luke 12:3940 and Matthew 24:43-44, respectively.) 3) In the Temple, Jesus observes the widow’s offering: Luke 21:1-4; Mark 12:41-44. What does Jesus suggest God expects of us? If Christ is indeed our foundation, what does he expect of us as stewards of his household?
STEWARDSHIP TEACHING FROM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 THE TITHE IN THE LIVES OF GOD’S PEOPLE In I Chronicles 29, King David tells all of the officials of Israel, gathered at Jerusalem, about his provisions (freely given from ancestral houses and leaders of the tribes) for building a holy house for God. His son, Solomon, who at this time was still young and inexperienced, would build the Temple. David concludes by blessing the Lord and presenting his offering with these words in verse 14: But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to make this freewill offering? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. These last words are familiar to us, like the words of the traditional Lord’s Prayer, surviving from the Elizabethan Church and making their way into contemporary worship services. Through various revisions of the Book of Common Prayer
(until 1979), the people’s offerings have been brought before the Holy Table with these words: “All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee.” They express the fundamental understanding of stewardship in the scripture: everything we have, everything in creation, comes from and belongs to God, and our offering to God is “giving back” a portion in gratitude and thanksgiving. The portion that we give back is often spoken of as the “biblical tithe” of 10% of our earnings or possessions. The first mention of the tithe in scripture occurs in Genesis 14:18-20, when Abraham encounters Melchizedek, who blesses him after a significant military victory; then Abraham “gave him one tenth of everything.” The important issue in this passage is why Abraham gave— out of genuine thanksgiving. Other passages in the Torah, listed below, address how the tithe was to be offered in ancient Israel. By the time of Jesus, the tithe was deeply ingrained in faithful living, so much so that it had become a kind of legal obligation. Jesus went beyond this formality to teach that tithing without mercy and love is meaningless and to promote sharing all of what we have with the poor, the sick, orphans, and the elderly. This sharing all things in common became the practice of the early Church, as we see in the book of Acts. Such sharing eventually returned to the concept of “tithing” a tenth of all land or produce for supporting the common life of the Church. In the Church of England, traditionally, these tithes once received were divided by canon into four parts: between the bishop, the clergy, the fabric of the church, and the relief of the poor. Over time these divisions developed variously, but the tithe itself long remained a point of law and a direction in the Book of Common Prayer. Never, in this
sense, has the tithe been a part of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, although our offerings are conventionally divided in a way approximating the original four-way split. As Christians, looking to Jesus Christ as our Lord and seeking to follow in his way, we seek to be “converted,” as he asks us to be. Our conversion is from earning to letting go, from ownership to stewardship. The first step in our conversion is acknowledging that what we have, much or little, is God’s gift to us. The next step is letting go after working hard, “joyful giving” with open hearts and hands. Here are some passages from the Bible for you to read and prayerfully consider as you respond to your call to stewardship. 1) I Chronicles 28 and 29 recount David’s instructions concerning the Temple and his praise to God. Reflect on David’s life and leadership and what his example here offers us in our life as the church. 2) Here are several passages from the Old Testament that deal with how the tithe is to be accomplished. Consider how they might be translatable into the terms of our lives. Genesis 14:18-20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Numbers 18:21-25. 3) These passages from the Old Testament convey the context of the tithe. Consider what they tell us about where and how our offerings are to be made. Deuteronomy 12 and 14; 2 Chronicles 31:5-6; Nehemiah 10:35-39. 4) Read Matthew 23 and Luke 11 and consider what Jesus is teaching about “conversion” in understanding of the tithe. How are you developing your sense of the tithe in your life?
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Outreach Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40 With the passing of Sam Power in August, Cathedral outreach lost a generous leader. In response, at the Vestry Retreat, Dean Gibson presented a review of Cathedral outreach over the past three years. She asked the leadership to consider their role in outreach and to help us discern the direction for Cathedral outreach ministries. The next step was a presentation given to all members of the Cathedral family during coffee hour on Sunday, October 19. Dean Gibson asked for lay leadership to step forward to lead our discernment or to lead a particular ministry. Cathedral outreach stretches across the Mobile community, our country, and beyond. It includes projects where monetary contributions are made, where funds are raised for particular projects/emergencies, and still others that include volunteer hours. The following is a list of the projects that we have been supporting along with amounts of financial support (using 2014 or 2013 figures for projects that have not occurred this year). Projects with an asterisk have opportunities for volunteers.
Opportunities to Give and Volunteer
National & International Projects Food for the Poor Lillian Valley School ($100)* Our Little Roses Orphanage* Threads of Hope*
Episcopal Church Projects Beckwith Camp and Conference Center Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) ($2,036)* Church in Jerusalem ($185) Murray House* St. Dismas Mission/Fountain Correctional Ctr. United Thank Offering (UTO) ($2,805)* Wilmer Hall* ($250)
Local Projects Bay Area Food Bank* Catholic Social Services ($1200) Child Advocacy Center* Emma’s Harvest Home Family Promise of Coastal Alabama ($1200)* FIT Angel Tree ($3645)* FIT Operation Backpack ($1841)* Habitat for Humanity* Home of Grace McKemmie Place/ United Methodist Inner City Mission Metro Jail Chaplaincy Mobile Area Interfaith Ministry (Prison) ($1200) Mobile Baykeeper ($400)* Mobile Rescue Mission/15 Place ($400) Penelope House Ronald McDonald* Salvation Army* The Shoulder Victory Health Partners Waterfront Rescue Misison Wings of Life
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Next Steps Are you called to lead a Cathedral outreach ministry? We have a list of volunteers who would be a part, and we are looking for leaders. Help by suggesting an outreach project. Here are some suggestions we have received: Community Foundation of South Alabama Delta Bike Project Goodwill L’Arche Mobile Association for Retarded Citizens Prichard Prep School Veterans Projects Greater Good (fundraising)
What Can I Do Now? BAY AREA FOOD BANK Annual Thanksgiving Campaign—Just $1 provides food for five meals. Give now at www.bayareafoodbank.org.
THE SALVATION ARMY OF COASTAL ALABAMA serves a
Purchase Christmas Cards from Lillian Vallely School.
traditional hot turkey and ham meal to ANYONE who would otherwise go without on Thanksgiving Day.
The cards depict the nativity scene from last year’s Christmas pageant. They are $15 for a packet of 10.
The Salvation Army relies on the generous donations and food drives from our community to make the Holiday Dinners possible. If you can help us provide this holiday tradition for those in need, please call 438-1625. 2014 SALVATION ARMY HOLIDAY MEALS GROCERY WISH-LIST: 100 – Turkeys 50 – Hams 50 – 10 lb. Cans of Green Beans 50 – 10 lb. Cans of Yams 100 lbs. of Cornmeal 100 lbs. of Flour ANY Dinner Rolls ANY Cakes and Pies Soft Drinks Fresh Fruit & Candy Aluminum Baking Pans
WILMER HALL NEEDS LIST If you can help, please drop the items by Wilmer Hall during the weekdays, or UPS/mail to: Wilmer Hall, 3811 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL 36608 Twin sheets Twin comforters Bed pillows Blankets - solid colors Irons Kitchen supplies (flatware, plates, cups, pot and pans) Ironing boards Laundry baskets Queen size sheets Queen comforters Questions? Contact: Wilmer Hall office at 342-4931 or mscarborough@wilmerhall.org.
To order, go to: www.lillianvallelyschool.com
UNITED THANK OFFERING INGATHERING SUNDAY November 23 Filling the UTO box gives us the opportunity to practice the spiritual discipline of thanksgiving. It allows each one of us the opportunity to demonstrate our gratitude for: Little things—beautiful weather, a phone call from a friend, a delicious meal Big things—recovery from illness, a job opportunity, for forgiveness and reconciliation We are never too young or too old to count our blessings. Let’s begin the daily practice of sharing our grateful spirits. The little things we are thankful for can become big blessings to others in need. Visit the UTO webpage at www.episcopalchurch.org and like the United Thank Offering page on facebook.com.
THE ARPILLERAS ARE COMING!
will be available for purchase in the Chapter House on Sunday, December 1 through Wednesday, December 11. If you would like to help staff the table, please contact Betty Reniewicz at betren@bellsouth.net.
The FIT Angel Tree will be up in the FIT (Family Intervention Team) Christmas Outreach Project Deadline: Monday, December 15
Chapter House on November 23 with a deadline of Monday, December 15. You may send cash gifts to the Cathedral office marked FIT Christmas Outreach or you may wait to choose items from the tree
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ANNUAL PARISH MEETING AND VESTRY ELECTIONS Sunday, December 7 during Coffee Hour. Please plan to attend.
Floor Nomination Procedure for Vestry Members A name may be placed in nomination as follows: The nominee has agreed to be placed in nomination. Before a name is offered on the floor the nominator will approach the Parish Officers, Chancellor, and Treasurer, who will certify that the nominee meets the requirements outlined in the Resolution of Christ Church Cathedral titled “ Requirements and Responsibilities of Vestry Members” approved on October 10, 2005.
Requirement of Vestry Members 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 Vestry Members 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 and to attend parish meetings.
We wish to thank the members of the Nominating Committee: John McClelland, Bob Forster, Tray Hamil, Ann Luce, Lissa Watkins, Wythe Whiting, Lucy Brady, Kennon Drew, Tom Garth, Jennifer Grehan, Lucy Lyons, Robby McClure for their prayerful deliberations or our leadership.
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Ve s t r y N o m i n e e s ( P r o p o s e d C l a s s o f 2 0 1 7 ) To be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting and Vestry Elections—Sunday, December 7 during Coffee Hour.
Virginia Lyn Bennett Lyn is a native Mobilian, graduating from Murphy High School. She received both her undergraduate (BS-Biology) and graduate (MBA) degrees from the University of South Alabama. Although reared in the Baptist Church, she transferred and was confirmed at All Saints’ Church in Mobile. There she served as a lay reader, chalice bearer, Altar Guild member, and was appointed as a Board Member for Wilmer Hall. She has been a member at Christ Church for twenty years. Lyn was employed as a Registered Medical Technologist at the Mobile Infirmary Medical Center for over 31 years. Presently she is employed with Roche Diagnostics as a Medical Device consultant. Cartledge Weeden Blackwell III Cart is an Architectural Historian and Assistant Director of the Mobile Historic Development Commission. He was reared in Selma where he attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He is a cradle Episcopalian. He transferred to Christ Church when he moved to Mobile in 2011. He graduated from the College of Charleston, and has a Masters in Architectural History from the University of Virginia. Cart serves as an usher. Steven Brian Hall Steve was born in New Orleans and reared in Norco, Louisiana. He graduated from the University of Alabama where he met his wife, Marianne. He worked with the Mobile Press Register until 2012 and is now Director of Sales and Marketing at Lagniappe. They have two children, Tori who was graduated from Alabama in May and Mac who is now attending. Steve was received at Christ Church in 2004 when Tori was confirmed. He serves as an usher and looks forward to using his talents and abilities in a positive way in his vestry service. Barbara Lewis Mitchell Barbara is a native of Tuscaloosa, and she and her husband, Rick, have lived in Mobile since 1978. She is a graduate of The College of William & Mary, has an M.S. degree from Springhill College and was an elementary and pre-school teacher in Virginia and Alabama. The Mitchells have three children and five grandchildren. They originally transferred to Christ Church in 1980, removed to All Saints’, and returned to Christ Church in 2005. Barbara currently serves on the Flower Guild and has served as a Children’s Chapel and Sunday school teacher in the past. Margaret Marion Thigpen Margaret was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and reared in Greensboro, Alabama. She was graduated from the University of Alabama and later moved to Mobile where she met her husband J. Travis Russell. They were transferred from Mobile to Chattanooga, Tennessee/Dalton, Georgia area in 2006 and were moved back to Mobile in July 2009. Margaret was reared United Methodist, and she and Travis where confirmed as Episcopalians at Christ Church in November 2010. They have 3 boys: William (10), Carson (8) and Christopher (4), who were baptized at Christ Church. She is the Director of the Daphne Civic Center and the Bayfront Pavilion for the City of Daphne. Margaret currently serves as a lay reader. Thomas Bragg Van Antwerp Tom was born in Mobile in 1950 and christened at All Saints’ Episcopal Church by the Reverend Francis Wakefield. At the age of twelve he was also confirmed at All Saints’ by Bishop Carpenter. After graduating from the University of Virginia, Tom returned to Mobile and transferred to Christ Church where the Reverend Leighton P. Arsnault was the minister. Tom married Gypsie Boykin Bear in 1974 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Montgomery and they continued to attend Christ Church with their two children, Bragg and Virginia. In 1987 the Van Antwerp’s moved away from Mobile and attended St. John’s Episcopal Church in Pascagoula, Christ Episcopal Church in Manlius, NY and St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon returning to Mobile, Tom rejoined Christ Church in 2005. Tom has spent the last ten years as Executive Director of the Providence Hospital Foundation, and he plans to retire from that position in early 2015. He enjoys reading, genealogy and spending time with his three grandsons: Thomas, Emory and Charles. Tom’s daughter, Virginia was confirmed at Christ Church in 2006 and his son Bragg and daughter-in-law, Hayley, recently began attending Christ Church Cathedral with their sons. As a member of the vestry Tom hopes to offer historical guidance based on his two times as a member of Christ Church Cathedral over the past forty-two years. He also hopes to be involved in planning the activities and celebrations related to the 200th anniversary of Christ Church.
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T he E p i s c o p a l Yo u t h C o m m u n i t y ( E Y C ) Our Cathedral EYC participated in a scavenger hunt to learn more Cathedral on Sunday, September 28. The youth were running all over the campus trying to find answers to the questions. Here are a few of the questions. Do you know the answers? 1. What is on the design of the wrought-iron on the front porch of the Brantley and Huger Houses? 2. Whose statue is over by the bell and handicap ramp of the church? 3. How many priests are on the office wall? 4. When did Christ Church become Christ Church Cathedral? (Hint: It’s on the second floor of the church office) 5. Name at least one of the three priests (and his hometown) buried underneath the church. EYC Outing to the Fair Our youth went to the Fair on October 26.
D i o c e s a n Yo u t h N ew s November 7-9 Happening (10-12 grades) Diocese of Alabama, Birmingham Cost: $40
(from left: Jordan Moore, Sadie Ladd, Jordan Chow, Charlie Ramo, Leland Moore)
Join us next time: EYC Lunch & a Movie—Sunday, November 23 On November 23, our youth will have lunch at the Cathedral. Afterwards, they will see the movie, Jerusalem, at the Exploreum.
December 27-31 Winter Woods (6-8 grades) Beckwith Cost: $150/one or $250/both sessions Session 1: December 27-29 Session 2: December 29-31
Fun Club In October, our kids had a blast at the Little Sisters of the Poor Lawn Party.
Annabelle Ramo, Julianna Ramo, Elinor Gibson, Virginia Ladd, Sadie Ladd
Above: Banks Ladd, Virginia Ladd, Carson Russell, Elinor Gibson, Kimberlie Gaillard, Trinity Gaillard, Alex Hoffmeyer, William Russell
In September, the Fun Club spent a Saturday afternoon at the Noah’s Park Pet Carnival held at Redeemer Episcopal Church. Virginia Ladd, Sadie Ladd, Walt Hamil, Lawson Hamil
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Right: Kimberlie Gaillard’s very first ride on a horse.
November Christian Formation Calendar Sunday, November 2 Christian Formation Holiday Sunday, November 9 Curriculum for all classes Confirmation: Session II Teaching, Fellowship, Bread, Prayers Meets in the Cathedral Office. Sunday, November 16 Curriculum for all children and youth classes Sunday, November 23 Curriculum for all classes EYC meets—Jerusalem at the Exploreum Sunday, November 30 Joint Christian Education: Advent—Christian Education classes of all ages will be in the Chapter House during Coffee Hour on Sunday, November 30 building Advent wreaths. The younger children will have magnet wreaths and the older children and youth will have the opportunity to construct live wreaths to be used in their homes during the Advent season.
MORNING CIRCLE Monday, November 10 10:30 a.m. at the home of Happy Grehan 257 Dilston Lane Leader: TBA
For information or directions, call Carolyn Stephenson at 342-5637.
Ep i s c o p al Ch u rc h Q a nd A ’s What are the Sacraments? The sacraments are defined in the Prayer Book as “outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive the grace.” This means we recognize God as active and sustaining in our lives, and through the sacraments in the Episcopal Church are the sacrament of Baptism, in which we are initiated into new life with Christ, and the Eucharist in which we remember and celebrate Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Baptism happens only once in a person’s life, but the Eucharist is celebrated at least once a week. The other traditional rites that have sacramental character include confirmation, ordination, marriage, reconciliation (confession and absolution), and anointing of the sick. ~from a Forward Movement booklet written by The Rev. Catherine Anne Caimano
Co nf i r m at i o n M e n t o r s Please keep our youth Confirmation class, their parents and mentors in your prayers as they prepare for Confirmation on Sunday, April 26. They are: Davis Ashcraft, son of Angela and Chris Ashcraft. Mentor: John Davidson Banks Griffith, son of Bennett and Stephen Griffith. Mentor: Chuck McKay Sadie Ladd, daughter of Mary Carol and Banks Ladd. Mentor: Skip Archer Elizabeth LaRené, daughter of Brandi Lindsey. Mentor: Jamie Davidson Tré Mitchell, son of Alison Mitchell. Mentor: Kennon Drew
YOUNG ADULTS SUPPER CLUB Thursday, November 13 7:00 p.m. at the home of Mary Carol and Banks Ladd 106 Levert Avenue B.Y.O.B., a small appetizer, and a canned good. RSVP to Mary Carol at mcladd@comcast.net or 680-7476.
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78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church As we begin to hear more about The 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church that will take place from June 25 to July 3, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah, it is important to have an understanding of the lingo. Episcopal Church acronyms: What are they and what do they mean? Do you know the difference between EMM* and ECW*? Or maybe you know who the PB* is, but not so clear about the ABC*. Acronyms and terms that are used regularly in The Episcopal Church are presented in an easy-to-reference document located on the Public Affairs web page in English here and in Spanish here. From A (Anglican Consultative Council) to Z (well, actually YASC*), the document is prepared for anyone who needs a clearer understanding of the meanings of acronyms. It’s easy to check what ECVA* or UBE* is, let alone LEVAS* and NAES*, and a lot of others.
For more information contact: Neva Rae Fox, Public Affairs Officer at publicaffairs@episcopalchurch.org. *Did you know these? ABC – Archbishop of Canterbury ECVA – Episcopal Church and Visual Arts ECW – Episcopal Church Women EMM – Episcopal Migration Ministries LEVAS – Lift Every Voice And Sing NAES – National Association of Episcopal Schools PB – Presiding Bishop UBE – Union of Black Episcopalians YASC – Young Adult Service Corps
HELP ORGANIZE THE EPISCOPAL PEACE FELLOWSHIP LOCALLY EPF a national organization connecting Episcopalians seeking and peaceful solutions to social problems, will hold an organizational meeting Thursday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m.at 1613 East Jordan Street in Pensacola to found a chapter in the Central Gulf Coast. At the meeting a convener or chairperson will be elected and work will begin on issues and action. A light dinner and beverages will be provided. For more information about Episcopal Peace Fellowship, visit the EPF website at http://epfnational.org/. Become a member of EPF by making the pledge of commitment online or by mail. Or contact Bill Sloan with questions concerning the new chapter at wmsloan35@gmail.com or (850) 748-2314.
DIRECTORY UPDATES Anderson, Elisha 251-791-5023 808 Dauphin Street, Apt. A Mobile, AL 36602
Hines, Chr istian and Valer ie 251-508-7544 Powell, Chr istopher and Katie 850-490-3402
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.
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Ca t he d r a l P r aye 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:
Kendall Stanton, Tracey Johnson, Joe Lowrey, Viva Weeks, Temple Webber, Celeste Hall, Joel Hopper, Betty Browder, David Lannie, The Rev. Mark Wilson, The Rev. Keith Talbert, Alan Tucker, Wyatt Ison, Sallie Jackson, Kurt Kennington, Kathy Sanders, Davis Sarrett, Willie Stanton, Clarise Waters, Glenn Hill
Brink Brinkley, Dunn Chandler, John Wade Thurber, Nick Nichols, Butch Trawick, George Gartman, Billie van der Giessen, Peter van der Giessen, Patti Biel, Alice Carwie, Raymond Fields, The Rev. Ellis Wilkins, Lisa Williams, Gaye Formanek Sara Phillips, Pastoral Leader, Mary’s, Coden
Friends & Family:
Janie Houser, Leland Moore, Sr., Deborah Beverley, Peggy Naughton, Gary Davis, Harrison Leff, Michael Cameron, Nancy & Don Cameron, Rob & Amy Archer Ellis, Dottie McCord, Joyce Lee, Davis Nelson, Michael Sumrall, Dot Smith Ditsworth, Sheri Neely, Gwen Cook, Alfred Showers, Michael Daves, Michael Sumrall, Jim Elia, Anne Brown, Mark Brown, Harriett Lillich, Bonnie Orillion, Dave Carlyn Block, Scott Craver, Rachel McClanahan, Beverly Schubert, Tom Cunningham, Francis Grace Hirs, Anna Laura Plovanich, Norma Beazley, Curtis Bullock, Valerie Boatman, Brian McArdle, Ann Jones, Hank Wozniek, Lisa Thompson, Stella Phillips, James Thomas, Ted Fraiche, Mark Miles, Susan Guilian, Rhett Travis, Tot Swanson, Art Swanson, Chris, Anne & Philip Gill, Hayden Jenkins, Maggie Jenkins, Betty Ruth Patek, Carolyn Pryor, Merle Findley, Louise Douglas, Shirley & Dunlap Peeples, Steve Harris, Sandy Fortner, Carole Graf, Johnny McLeod, Marian Macpherson Currie, Jim & Dianne McCall, Mary Lou Peake, Bill Goodloe, Karen Sharpe, Kit & Roger Geil and the Geil family, Marie Harrison, Angel & Larry Torres, Kathy Boucvalt, Bill Stevens, Mancil Lee, Ginger Simpson, Carrier Yankie, Karen Sentilles, Melody Williams, Lila Fisk,
Those Serving Military:
in
the
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS November 1 November 2 November 3 November 4 November 6 November 7 November 8 November 9 November 10
Darrien Gibson, Kelley Hood, Evan Sizemore, Robert McNeil, The Rev. Bowen Woodruff, Daniel WhiteSpunner Reed, Jonathan Duralde, Ron Lansong, Sam Garcia, Chris Marslender, Jerry Olin, Abby Hutchins, Tyler Gamble, Jean-Michael Lemieux, Albert Robinson IV, Michael Nassar, Josh Power, Ryan Anthony Thomas, Randy Johnson, Susan Reniewicz, Brian Caselton, Brian Hudson, Keith Moss, Ryan Walker, Tyler Oubre, Brian Pennell, John Snyder, Louis Coggin, Jason Norris, Conner Thigpen, Zack Miller, Parker Hollinghead, Todd & Jordana Mouthaan
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Birth:
November 19
Charles Pollard Van Antwerp, son of Hayley and Bragg Van Antwerp, grandson of Gypsy and Tom Van Antwerp
Souls Departed: Cohen Elizabeth Harkins, niece of Ashley and Robert Mitchell; Clinton Bowen Agee, cousin of Brenda Stanton; Michael McMaken; Nicole Teague; Jean Bowen Price, sister of Susan Garth; Naomi Grace O’Brien, mother of Cindy McCrory; Paul Parham
Please contact the Cathedral Office to let us know if you would like to remove or keep the names of Friends and Family you have submitted on the prayer list. We will update this list regularly.
November 12 November 13 November 14 November 15 November 16 November 17
November 20 November 21 November 22 November 23 November 25
November 26 November 27 November 29 November 30
Bradley Forster Ann Moody William Buster Campbell Sindel Mary Cassis Paula Watkins Mac Hall Anne Price Mitchell Gerry Phillips Holly Hall Maryann White Bill Butler Douglas Kearley Susan Youngblood Catherine Kelly Hayley Garth Tom Garth Lynn Ross Alice Carwie Gaye Formanek Lucy Moore Richie Redd Chris Ashcraft Wythe Whiting Sydney Adkins Chambliss Brister Lucky White-Spunner Virginia Wilkins Bert Eichold Leland Moore, Jr. Isabel Leatherbury Angela Ashcraft Clark Forster Findley Reeves Russell Ladd Jack White Mary Cook Charlie Weeks Laura Warren Mary Dann Betbeze Hallie Forster Ken McElhaney Thomas Portacci Mary Jane Cobb Betsy McCafferty Tray Hamil Frank Tait Jack Thurber Deanie Skinner Brenda Stanton Anna Frost Catherine Delaney
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CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL 115 South Conception Street Mobile, Alabama 36602
NONPROFIT ORG U S POSTAGE PAID MOBILE AL PERMIT #673
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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 Philip M. Duncan, II, Bishop The Very Reverend Beverly F. Gibson, Ph.D., Dean The Reverend Daniel A. Wagner, Deacon Carolyn S. Jeffers, Provost Christopher W. Powell, Organist and Choir Master Brenda J. Stanton, Financial Secretary Marla J. Reis, Cathedral Secretary Polly M. Garner, Assistant to the Provost Deidre and Joe Williamson, Nursery 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