Trinity Bay View

Apalachicola, Florida

April 1, 2022

Commemorating the Priest, Poet,

and Politician -- John Donne

In the Episcopal Church we commemorate the priest, poet, and politician, John Donne on March 31. My favorite quote from Donne is his interpretation and mine regarding the Eucharist. During his lifetime the debate over transubstantiation continued and he wrote the following, “He was the Word that spake it; He took the bread and brake it; And what that Word did make it; I do believe and take it" (Divine Poems. On the Sacrament).

Almost everyone is familiar with the following quote from Donne, “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls: It tolls for thee.”

These words are familiar to many; their author, John Donne, is one of the greatest of English poets. In his own time, he was the best-known preacher in the Church of England, but he came to that eminence by a tortuous path. Born into a wealthy and pious Roman Catholic family on January 21,1572 in London, he was educated at both Oxford and Cambridge, and studied law at Lincoln’s Inn. Some time later he conformed to the Established Church and embarked upon a promising political career of service to the State.

The revelation of his secret marriage in 1601 to the niece of his employer, the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, brought his public career to an end. In 1615, he was persuaded by King James I and others to receive ordination.

Following several brief parish pastorates, Donne rose rapidly in popularity as Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, from 1621 until his death. He drew great throngs to the cathedral and to Paul’s Cross, a nearby open-air pulpit. His sermons reflect the wide learning ofthe scholar, the passionate intensity of the poet, and the profound devotion of one struggling in his own life to relate the freedom and demands of the gospel to the concerns of a common humanity, on every level and in all its complexities.

The hymn “Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,” (The Hymnal 1982, #140) is one of his poetic legacies. We tried to sing that last Sunday. John Donne died in London on March 31st, 1631. (1)

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(1) Holy Women Holy Men, pg 298

Eric+

Readings for April 3, 2022, the Fifth Sunday in Lent

Readings for April 10, 2022, Palm Sunday

AROUND THE CHURCH

Your Trinity Vestry at Work

As we move into Spring and the second quarter of the new year, I want to bring you up to date on the work that your Vestry is doing on your behalf. Financially, we are in a fairly strong position. While pledges are down this year and many expenses are up, your continued willingness to give to Trinity when needed will keep us on solid ground. Our investment portfolio is growing and we have no debt. We will be just fine!

As Jean Bush begins her work as our new Parish Administrator, we are hoping to explore ways in which we can utilize new web-based programs to better expand our online services. We are also working toward creating a five-year plan to deal with the ongoing needs of our physical campus.

Finally, we have spent time at our last few meetings in lively discussions of our strengths, our weaknesses, and our vision for Trinity ‘s future. We are working to develop a mission statement that will help to guide us in the most effective ways to be God’s hands and feet in this world. We have a strong Vestry that is committed to making Trinity a vital and loving community for its members and all who cross our paths.

Please know that your thoughts, comments, suggestions…and yes, criticisms…are always welcomed and appreciated!

-- Blessings, Rennie Edwards

Palm Crosses at Trinity

In preparation for Palm Sunday,

the Trinity tradition of making palm crosses continues. All are welcome

to participate, in Benedict Hall at

2 pm on Friday, April 8.

Jean Bush to Join Trinity Family

as Parish Office Admnistrator

Next week we are pleased to welcome Jean Bush to our office. She will be working Monday through Thursday, from 9 am until 12:30 pm, beginning April 4.

Jean and her husband, Scott, moved to Apalachicola from Ohio in 2020, where they had an 82-acre farm raising grass fed animals which they sold at farmers' markets. Both are retired from the Air Force; they discovered our "Forgotten Coast" when Scott had an assignment at Tyndal AFB and they loved the area. Since 2000, Jean has also worked as an independent computer consultant.

Tour of Homes Heading Toward Success

With the 2022 Historic Apalachicola Tour of Homes & Gardens just over one month away, all the elements are falling into place for a great event on May 7. If you haven't yet signed up to participate as a volunteer, there are still several opportunities available:

The Auction has an amazing stockpile of items, collected over the last two years. You can help, during the week before the Auction and from sunup to sundown the day of the Auction, with set-up and operations. Sign-up sheets will be available at church on Sundays or call Ginger Lawson (404-561-0919) or Kathy Rushmore (207-745-3990).

If you would like to be a Greeter, welcoming guests and guiding them through the homes & gardens, call Dee Crusoe (850-545-1922). The orientation & reception for Greeters will be held Monday, April 11 at 5:30 pm in Benedict Hall.

Are You Ready To Shop at the Tour of Homes Auction on May 7?

Greening of the Cross

on Easter -

A Trinity Tradition

On Easter Sunday, we will renew the charming Trinity tradition of placing flowers on the cross outside the church.

Please bring lovely greenery and flowers from your garden to the service Easter morning, April 17. It is a large cross, so we are hoping many of you will participate.

Notes From the Choir Loft

The Trinity Episcopal Church Choir has once again begun choir practice under the direction of Randy Mims. The weekly practice begins each Sunday morning at 9 am in the Sanctuary. If you can “carry a tune,” we need you in the Choir. The Choir may not be huge in numbers, but we are huge in Spirit, and we need you in our Choir. You may contact our Choir Director, Randy Mims, or any Choir member for information.

-- Shirley Taylor

Honor Loved Ones With An Easter Lily Dedication

Easter is a very special time to remember loved ones or special people in our lives, and dedicating Easter lilies for the church is a special and meaningful Trinity tradition. If you

would like to participate, please provide the following information to the church office, along with a check for the size Easter lily you would like, by today - April 1.

Large Easter Lily ($35) or Small Easter Lily ($20)

Dedication:

In Memory of --
In Gratitude For --
In Celebration of --

Dedicated by --

For your convenience, print and complete this form to accompany your check.

Eric+ with “Hospice Hero” award presented to Trinity by Big Bend Hospice in recognition of Trinity’s support in collecting nutritional supplements for BBH patients for several years.

Tim & Anna Nummelin, recently visited grandparents Helene and Don West, following their first place finish in the Florida Sea to Sea Expedition Race in February. This annual race features running, mountain biking, and canoeing from Florida's west coast to St. Augustine over 72 hours and 300 miles.

Kristin Anderson recently shared her professional jewelry-making skills with local youngsters at the Apalachicola Margaret Key Library.

Landy Luther was part of a team that assembled a new basketball goal at St. Columba’s church in Paauilo, Hawaii. The sports equipment will provide recreation for the after school kids who attend a school just uphill from the church.

"Go Forward" Capital Campaign Underway

The Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast is conducting a capital campaign, "Go Forward". The campaign's goal is to raise $5,500,000 for new and innovative programs, services, and facilities. You can read more about this important effort here, as well as online. Brooks Jones will have mite boxes for everyone, at the back of the church, that you can take home for making your donations.