Apalachicola, Florida......September 4, 2020 |
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Sharing One Faith, One Baptism, One Lord |
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Feast of Paul Jones, Bishop of Utah --- for a while
Church and politics. Where should they intersect, where should they part ways, and where should they be avoided at all costs? Christianity and politics can never, in my mind, be separated. Whether conservative, liberal, fascist, communist, or libertarian, our belief system as Christians (and especially as Anglicans) is formed and is built upon our sacred tradition, reason, and Scripture.
In 1914 Paul Jones was appointed Archdeacon of the Missionary District of Utah and, later that same year he was elected Bishop of Utah. As war was declared in 1917, and the United States entered World War I, Bishop Paul spoke at a meeting in Los Angeles and declared that war was unchristian. He was attacked by the local and national press, and the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church instituted a commission that investigated him and his beliefs.
The Commission concluded, “The underlying contention of the Bishop of Utah seems to be that war is unchristian. With this statement the Commission cannot agree…” The Report went on to read that, “the Bishop of Utah ought to resign,” ignoring his right as a Christian, and a Bishop to follow his faith and conscience. In 1918, Bishop Jones resigned, conceding to pressure, but for the next 23 years he continued to defend his beliefs and remain true to his conscience. He was a peace activist up until his death in 1941, the same year we entered World War II.
Paul Jones sacrificed his office to stand up for his beliefs. In this time of political polarization, I want you to know that whether you support one party or another, one candidate or another, you are welcome here. I do not want to belong to a Church where we all have a monolithic political point of view. For me, it is vital to hear all voices so that we hear and listen to a harmony where every voice is honored. The Episcopal Church has always been a place where differing opinions are not just tolerated, but welcomed. Without conflict, an organism or institution neither grows nor changes. It may not be always what we wish to do; however, conflict is necessary to life itself.
As a life-long Episcopalian, I have been happy walking the via media, the middle way. I am also happy to be part of a community where someone can argue their point of view with a member who is just as dug in on the other side of a question. BUT…and this is the most important thing, as Episcopalians, we can argue, disagree and even fight, but we share one faith, one baptism, one Lord; and we share one bread and one cup, and we know that when our politics divide us, we have a Savior who unites us. In less than nine weeks (and two days after All Saints’ Day) we will either re-elect President Trump or elect Former Vice-President Biden to be our political leader and head of state for the next four years. I pray that you vote for whomever your conscience feels is best for the nation, BUT remember we serve one king, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Praying that this time of polarization does not divide you,
your family, and friends, but unites us all in Christ Jesus.
Blessings, I am your servant and Christ’s.
Eric+
Shannon Segree says Goodbye to Trinity
For everything there is a time and a season. Whether you know this from The Book of Ecclesiastes or from the 1960’s rock group, The Byrds, it is true.
With that in mind I want to let you know that a season and a time have ended. After eight years, Shannon Segree our Parish Administrator,
has decided to resign. She will be sorely missed, and we pray
God may guide her to a bright future.
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Outback Study Group is Zooming Along |
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The COVID-19 pandemic might have stopped Trinity's Outback Study Group from meeting regularly in people's homes, but it hasn't stopped their study habits. Using Trinity's recently-purchased licensed edition of Zoom, the internet-based videoconference program, they have recently been reading and discussing N.T. Wright's book, "God and the Pandemic".
Landy Luther, who has been coordinating the sessions, believes that Zoom is the perfect tool for other Trinity groups, such as Monday School. He is willing to assist anyone who wants to get started. Check out details here and start Zooming today.
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Rain Sends Worship Indoors |
After several months of outdoor worship services at Trinity, the rain finally sent us indoors last weekend, where worshippers observed social-distancing and other safety protocols. The opening hymn video (right) offers a peek at our beautiful interior, for those who have been missing that experience. |
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Your Trinity Church Directory
is at your fingertips!
To set up instant directory access: click on the instructions (below) that apply to your device (IOS/Apple, Android, or Computer) and follow the directions. You'll need to download the appropriate app, use your email address that is in the directory, and set a simple password. Then, you're in business. In fact, once you access the directory via your app, you can look up someone and tap the phone number or email address to make a call, or send a message.
In addition, here is a current version, in .pdf format, which you can save on your computer, or print. NOTE: to open this document, use the password - mytrinity. Plus, the office will always have a few printed copies for your convenience; just call 850-653-9550 or email [email protected].
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If you have been walking, golf-carting, or driving around Apalachicola, you've likely noticed this house going up at Avenue D & 15th Street. It is the new home of Trinity Parishioners, Tom & Rennie Edwards, who are moving 'to town' from St. George Island when construction is complete. Church mate Gary Ulrich is the contractor. Don't you love that second-floor front room with windows on three sides?
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Community Looks to Trinity for Assistance
At the end of July, the $600 weekly federal supplemental unemployment payments expired. In our community, workers laid off due to the
COVID-19 pandemic depended on those funds to pay rent and
utility bills, as well as to buy groceries.
The need is great; we have been inundated with requests from individuals
and community leaders who are looking to Trinity to help relieve the needs
of our beloved neighbors. For many people, we are their last hope.
Our discretionary funds are depleted. Please help by making a donation now.
You can bring checks (put 'discretionary fund' in the memo line)
to the Church office, the Rectory, or the collection plate
at worship services on Saturday or Sunday.
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Discipleship Day is normally the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast's annual gathering for a day of fellowship and workshops focused on preparing us as disciples for being the church. This year will be a time to gather online as a whole diocese to investigate ways in which we might become more confident about our calling as the baptized faithful in this fast-changing world.
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You Can Be a Franklin County
School Backpack Buddy
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Because hunger doesn’t stop on the weekends, the Franklin County School Nutrition Association has established a Backpack Buddies program. Here is how it works: this program gives students a backpack; not for books, but for food. Each Friday, participating students will receive a backpack with nutritious food and snacks for the weekend. The backpacks are returned on Monday and restocked for the following Friday.
Trinity has traditionally supported this program and now it is time to step up again for the school year ahead. We are asking for your help in sponsoring a child for this program. A donation of $30.00 will feed one child for one month. (eight breakfasts, eight lunches, eight dinners, and eight snacks – which is an average of $7.50 per weekend). A $300 donation will provide weekend meals and snacks for one child for the entire school year.
To participate, please send, or drop off, your checks (note ‘Backpack Buddies’ in the memo line) to the Trinity office, or put them in the collection plate during Saturday or Sunday services. The Outreach Committee will then provide our combined funds to the Backpack Buddies program on behalf of Trinity. Your support is critical to the success of this program; there is already a waiting list for participation.
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Responding to Our Neighbors
Hit Hard By Hurricane Laura
A message from the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast
As we continue to watch reports in the news and talk with our friends and families in Texas and Louisiana, it is our first inclination to want to respond in some way. We are in communication with Bishop Owensby of the Diocese of Western Louisiana as to how we can help. For now, as we know from our own experiences, money is what is most needed. Please give as you are able.
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Enjoy a Socially-Distanced Culture Crawl
in Carrabelle on Saturday
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Music will fill the streets in downtown Carrabelle on Saturday, September 5, 2020, 10 am to 3 pm. In the spirit of the Culture Crawl, the Carrabelle History Museum will be bringing live, outdoor (socially-distanced) music on the corners in downtown Carrabelle for all to enjoy.
Visitors will spot wandering costumed characters from the Fishy Fashion Show. Music will be heard during the Culture Crawl in some unexpected places. Unique artwork can be seen throughout the downtown area, from murals on the walls to art in the windows of local shops, to the public art near the Marine Street waterfront pavilion.
Downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants are encouraged to set up outdoor options for folks to enjoy. Be on the lookout for festive, pop-up canopies and open air tables through the area.
Attendees are asked to follow all CDC guidelines to keep themselves safe including social distancing and sanitizing / washing hands frequently. Masks are encouraged indoors or anytime social distancing is not possible.
Sponsorship generously provided by Duke Energy, Coastal Realty Group, and Carrabelle Lighthouse Association. Funding in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.
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Services at 5 pm Saturday & 10 am Sunday, Eastern time
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
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