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Apalachicola, Florida
July 3, 2026
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On this day 250 years ago, nothing remarkable happened here. It was a Wednesday. Where we now find pavement, buildings, and technology, there were marshes, forests, and sandy soil. This was contested land on a contested frontier. The Muscogee people had traded with the Spanish and the British and would again with the Spanish before American settlement reached this region.
On this spot, the next day—July 4, 1776—passed like the millions of days before it.
After this day 250 years ago, the region grew and changed names. New industries rose and fell. New technologies reshaped daily life. Generations of people helped raise the living standards and made the area the unique place it is today. People sacrificed for families and friends. People sacrificed for their communities and for the collective idea of a free people.
And that story has played out in 20,000 different ways around the United States. That’s how many local versions of democracy’s grand experiment have germinated along river, rail, and road as city, town, and village. Each started with the clothes on their backs, dreams in their hearts, and tools in their hands.
At times, this country has been a beacon of hope. At other times, it has fueled division. Again and again, ordinary people have called us toward a more perfect union. We have expanded freedom for many while often falling short of our own highest ideals. Like the faces of a coin, America’s story has always had two sides.
Our own recollections, too, are double-edged. If we aren’t careful, pride enlarges our successes and minimizes our failures. And after being filtered through the self, family, religion, media, and social pressures, it’s no wonder we can end up remembering the same history in very different ways.
Christians have never believed that love requires pretending everything is perfect. Scripture announces triumph and failure. Israel tells stories of faithfulness and rebellion. The Church remembers saints and sinners alike. Gratitude is not dishonesty, and repentance is not rejection. We can give thanks for God’s gifts while telling the truth about ourselves. And through it all, God’s grace remains wonderfully uncontested.
Maybe we can hold celebration and challenge together. Maybe we can celebrate the accomplishments that move us closer to liberty while acknowledging the failures that remind us how much work remains. Christians do this every week. We confess honestly, give thanks generously, and receive God’s mercy freely. In Christ, we are drawn together as one body—not because we have earned it, but because grace has been given to us all.
May we live our days as uncontested recipients of an
uncontested grace. May that grace shape us into citizens
as gracious as the God we worship.
Love Big and Be Well,
Stephen +
| | Unfolding the Liturgy, Part Five: The Lay Eucharistic Ministry; The Cup of Salvation | | |
In 1985, the Canons for the Episcopal Church designated a specific ministry for lay persons to assist in the serving of the Holy Eucharist. Until that change, the only lay persons serving at the altar were acolytes.
Originally called Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM), these persons serve the church without having to be ordained. They are licensed by the bishop to serve the wine at Holy Communion and/or to take the consecrated elements (bread and wine) directly from the Sunday service to the sick and infirmed. The Lay Eucharistic Minister is normally recommended to the bishop by the rector and must be a confirmed member of the church in which they serve.
Although at Trinity we refer to them as LEMs, some churches refer to these servants as Eucharistic Ministers or EMs. A revised canon in 1997 allowed those lay persons licensed as EMs to administer both the consecrated wine and bread. At Trinity, it is custom for the priest to administer the Body of Christ and the LEM administer the Cup of Salvation.
As the LEM presents the cup of wine at the altar rail, a participant may drink from the cup or intinct (dip) the wafer into the cup. Also, by crossing themselves as the cup is delivered, a person may pass in receiving the wine. The LEM will wipe the cup after each person drinks.
At Trinity, our LEMs customarily wear white liturgical robes specific to this ministry. They process and recess with the acolyte, choir, and clergy. For the reading of the Gospel, a LEM will follow the cross and hold the Bible for the priest to read.
Serving as a LEM is a humbling experience as we express the “outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace” (BCP, p. 857). Serving God’s Church is what we are called to do as the laity, the congregation. Specifically: “This ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; according to the gifts given to them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church” (BCP, p 855.)
Currently, Trinity has seven faithful LEMs who serve on Sundays, special Holy Days, and occasionally at funerals and weddings. The Eucharist is a holy moment, a time when God’s grace happens in our hearts. Our LEMs incorporate their faith and that grace into their dedication to this ministry.
– Patti McCartney
| | A Special Trivia Night Next Week. Stephen’s brother Rick is visiting Apalachicola again this week and offered to host another trivia night. Since Third Thursday Bingo is coming up later this month, why not fit some more fun in your life? Come try your trivia skills on Thursday, July 9 from 6:30 until 8:00 pm in Benedict Hall. There is no charge. Just bring a snack and a drink, and have fun with your community. | | Trinity's Holy Roller Ready for the Golf Cart Parade! | | Apalachicola's annual Red, White & Blue Golf Cart Parade kicks off at 6 pm today and rolls from Lafayette Park to Riverfront Park where our community gathers for its traditional July 3 celebration & fireworks. Watch for Trinity's Holy Roller as it proudly represents our parish! | | | Cursillo Weekend Coming Up. Cursillo is a three-day retreat offered to persons who wish to deepen their faith and walk with Christ. It is offered through our diocese at Beckwith Conference Center in Fairhope, AL. Cursillo is currently offered two weekends each year, and it is free to attendees. The next Cursillo weekend is September 17-20. To learn about Cursillo, the diocese has a great website, or ask someone who has been (Susan Keith, Mandi Singer, Bonnie Stewart, The Pecots, Susan Farmer, TJ Wolferseder, Ina Margaret Meyer, Patti McCartney, and many more). Who wouldn’t want to be loved on and pampered for three days? You deserve it! De Colores!
| | Diocesan Cycle of Prayer. For churches and ministries: on July 5, pray for St. Agatha’s, DeFuniak Springs, Florida; and on July 12, we will pray for Holy Trinity, Pensacola, Florida and Education for Ministry (EfM). For prisons: on July 5, we pray for the prisoners, families, and staff of the L.I.F.E. Tech Transitional Center, Thomasville, Alabama; and on July 12, please pray for the prisoners, families, and staff of the Federal Correction Institution & Camp, Marianna, Florida and Federal Prison Camp, Pensacola, Florida. | | CELEBRATING FAMILY & FRIENDS | | It isn't summer without an epic multi-family vacation, as this crew proves! Karen Kessel, with Sabrina & Kai Fornes, shepherded KK's granddaughters Kaylee (left) and Addyson (right) and Sabrina & Kai's nieces, Sidney, Allie, & Hazel (center) through the many adventures of DisneyWorld in June. | | | |
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You know friends are like family when they share a photo of their newest addition. Welcome to the world, Sylvia May, daughter of Olivia from our beloved Echo Valley Bluegrass Band.
Share photos of your family visits, activities, and travels this summer, and throughout the year! Send pictures and descriptions to info@trinityapalachicola.org.
| | Kerry Petty & her daughter, Kyle (center) enjoyed the World Cup in Miami recently with friends. | | |
The TRINITY TEN, a ten-point questionnaire that provides a light-hearted,
yet sincere, profile of Trinity parishioners, is designed for us to get
to know each other a little better. Your responses, along with a
photograph, will appear regularly in the Bay View.
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A native Floridian, Faye Barnett Jones was born in Orlando and grew up in Fort Lauderdale.
She attended the University of West Florida to become a Learning Disabilities Specialist.
An educator throughout her career, she taught children with learning disabilities for 2 1/2 years, then worked as a 2nd grade teacher in Germany for four years. For 25 years she taught service members as a remedial education instructor.
At Trinity, Faye is a faithful member of the choir, a lector, and a regular contributor to the “Horn of Plenty”.
Greatest influence on your life (person or experience):
Going to Cursillo
How would someone else describe you: Kind
One thing people might be surprised to know about you: I finished two half-marathons in Berlin, Germany.
Favorite part of living here: The slower pace of life
Dogs or cats: Both
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Bacon or broccoli: Broccoli
Coleslaw - vinegar or mayo: Mayo
One thing you are good at: Dreaming and planning things to do.
One thing you’d rather not do: The follow-through of the dreams and plans is not my strong suit.
What drew you to Trinity: Love
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Watch our Sunday sermons online:
Generosity is a key component of our successful ministry: You can share your generosity easily and safely through our secure Electronic Giving platform.
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Your Bay View: Trinity's bi-weekly e-newsletter, the Bay View, reaches members and friends every other Friday, sharing news and inspiration for and about our parish. Please send information and announcements, as well as photographs, to info@trinityapalachicola.org or call the church office at 850-653-9550. The deadline for submission is noon on Wednesday of each publication week. Next deadline is July 15.
-- Kay Carson, Editor
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Worship Service at 10:30 am Sunday
Morning Prayer at 8:15 am Wednesday
Compline at 8 pm Wednesday - Facebook Live
Church address: 79 6th Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320
Office address: 76 5th Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320
Mailing address: PO Box 667, Apalachicola, Florida 32329
Phone number: (850) 653-9550
Email: info@trinityapalachicola.org
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