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Apalachicola, Florida
February 13, 2026
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I recently came into the possession of an upright bass lovingly referred to as Madame Queen. It was owned by The Rev. David Powers, a friend and mentor who died late last year. The Powers family wanted to ensure it was used by clergy of this diocese who happen to play bass. What a small world: I, too, love the upright! Any time spent examining the details on this instrument shows just how well David took care of his instrument. Hardly a scratch and everything original save for the strings.
Maintenance of an instrument like this isn’t burdensome but requires attention. Acoustic instruments are made of wood, and wood breathes. Some parts are immovable, and some are adjusted for humidity and temperature. An instrument like this sounds and plays best when everything is linked together. Over time, not keeping up with the links end up making more work. It still looks and sounds like a bass, but something sounds or feels off.
It’s normal for the bridge on a bass to warp with tension and time. It is a carved piece of maple, standing upright from the body, and acts as the instrument’s vocal cords. The bridge holds the strings in place, and the strings hold the bridge in place. The sheer force at this junction can tweak and torque this critical component.
When you have to replace an upright bridge, you receive a generic, scale version of the final (along with a note wishing you luck). The general shape is there, but you must hone it down to the precise size, shape, thickness, and aspect of the unique contours of the instrument’s body. This means resetting angles, carving leaf petals, creating string slots, etc. with no room for mistakes. A bridge also has two feet that rest on the body, and their bottom surface must match exactly with the body beneath. Not close enough, but flush, convex upon concave, with no light between the two; you should not be able to tell where one ends and the other begins. This allows the instrument to sound and play as it was designed to do.
The first cuts are quick. Then it is a series of matching the new bridge to the old one by cutting, rasping, shaping, shaving, and sanding hard maple into submission. Most of it was relatively easy, but it seems I spent the greatest time on the bridge’s feet, paring away what felt like cells of wood, not chunks or strips. I carved slowly, always checking progress, and ending with a pleasing result. The bass sounds and plays better than ever, and I’ll keep the old bridge as a keepsake.
As I spent an afternoon getting the two pieces to fit exactly, I thought about how that particular junction is like our lives in Christ. You can identify an upright bass just by looking at it. However, in order to experience all it has to offer, the parts of the body must be in good condition themselves and interact well with the rest of it. Otherwise, what you get is a shadow of what it could be.
Sometimes the vital parts are the most hidden, demand detailed work,
have the greatest potential to be twisted into something unstable, and
require you to remove a little of yourself in order to let all of that
energy be amplified to a world that bitterly needs it now.
Love Big and Be Well,
Stephen +
| | Big Day at Trinity This Sunday | | |
We are honored to welcome our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Russell Kendrick, for his annual visit with us this Sunday, February 15 at 10:30 am. He will celebrate the Holy Eucharist and welcome eight new members joining Trinity as full-fledged Episcopalians! A ninth person has asked to reaffirm their commitment as an Episcopalian.
On top of that, we will be blessed again by the harmonies, energy, and prowess of the bluegrass band Echo Valley. This band of siblings from western Pennsylvania loves coming to Apalachicola and have agreed to be our musicians that day. So get ready for more toe-tappin’ and foot-stompin’ hymns with a Bluegrass Eucharist. Spread the word and arrive early to grab a seat.
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New Episcopalians? Really?!? Yes! Happens all the time. And this year we are welcoming nine of your fellow brothers and sisters into the Episcopalian family when the bishop visits on February 15.
Being confirmed will be Amelia Wolferseder and David Fowlkes. Those being received from other denominations include Mark Dorward, Kim Miller, Teresa and Kaz Kaczmarek, T.J. Wolferseder, and Joan Faison. And Mollie Hill, a lifelong Episcopalian, will be recommitting to The Episcopal Church. A holy and grace-filled welcome to these fellow pilgrims joining us on the journey! Please congratulate them. More importantly, support them as they take the next few steps towards God.
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Lent Begins February 18
Trinity’s Ash Wednesday Services will be held at
12 noon and 6 pm on February 18, 2026
Father Stephen will also offer "Ashes to Go" around town
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The Tour of Homes (TOH) ministry held its Homeowner Kickoff on February 1 at the Dr. Alvan W. Chapman House, last year’s Featured Home, graciously hosted by Lauren and Patrick Ferguson. Homeowners participating in this year’s tour, along with representatives from the Community Garden, gathered to meet one another, receive information, and ask questions about the annual event scheduled for May 2.
Kerry Petty did a wonderful job preparing and presenting the food for the evening, with assistance from Dee Crusoe, who also thoughtfully arranged the altar flowers to complement the event. The delicious food, a warm fire, and lively conversation encouraged guests to linger despite the chilly temperatures.
The kickoff also marked the beginning of committee work for the 2026 tour.
The Auction Committee is already hard at work, having secured unique items such as a private dinner and complimentary interior design services. Revised for 2026, the silent auction will focus on a curated selection of high-value items and experiences that can be managed with minimal effort.
For more information,
visit the Historic Apalachicola Home and Garden Tour website
and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @ApalachicolaHomeTour.
-- Sabrina Fornes and Tara Carter, 2026 Co-Chairs
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Lenten Book Discussion Series Begins on February 24
On Tuesdays at 5:30 pm during Lent, Father Stephen and Denise Butler will co-facilitate a group discussion on the book, "How We Learn to Be Brave", by Mariann Budde, published in 2023.
Add your name to the sign-up sheet in Benedict Hall. The series will begin on Tuesday, February 24 and will continue through March.
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Absalom Jones Day. Today (February 13) is the day the first African American priest in The Episcopal Church died, The Reverend Absalom Jones. Jones is a vital part of the Church’s history, and we honor his legacy every year on this day, in the middle of Black History Month. We are invited to remember and celebrate the holy insistence that the Gospel must be embodied in justice. Born enslaved in 1746, he secured his freedom only to find racism rampant in the very church he loved. He started the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia as the first black Episcopal church in this country in 1794 and was ordained as a priest in 1802. His witness is that of a church that is at its truest when it is courageous, not comfortable! When we celebrate his life, we reflect the wildness and wideness of God’s mercy. It’s a mercy which can reshape the world.
Prayer Vigil At Trinity. Last week we followed the diocesan call for a prayer vigil with about 30 in attendance. If you haven’t seen Russell’s message calling for the event, please watch the inspirational video. Please pray continuously for a greater understanding of the gospel message to the world today.
Surveying the Church. Ed Barnes and Bill Blake of Atlantic Heritage completed their historical survey of the church. They thanked the parish for its hospitality and expect to be back for a few days next month. Ed wanted me to pass on that Trinity will be their “crown jewel” in their collection of survey projects, which they started doing in 2008.
Pat Horn’s Celebration of Life. Our dear sister in Christ Pat Horn died Tuesday February 3. Her service will be held at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church on Saturday, February 28 at 1 pm. The church is located at 2015 Fleischmann Road in Tallahassee. Many people in the parish will be attending, so if you would like to go but need a ride, please call the parish office so we can coordinate carpooling. And don’t forget about Pat’s website, called Threads of Grace, that contains all of Pat’s reflections. They are searchable based on subject matter, date, Scripture reference, etc. It’s an incredible gift from the Horn family.
We Challenge YOU…Chances are that an early morning drive around town will result in seeing a faithful group of community walkers who meet in front of the rectory each morning at 7:30 am (except Sundays) to walk for health and fellowship. They wish to extend an invitation to anyone who would like to join them. This active group (no name yet, but receiving suggestions) has thrown down the gauntlet with a challenge for everyone: walk at least a marathon in a month OR 100 miles in a month. You choose: can you walk less than one mile a day for a month? Can you walk three miles (that’s about 10,000 steps) each day for a month? It’s all in the spirit of fun and staying active. See Travis Pecot for more information. Walk on!
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Listen Up, Everyone!
Do you need hearing aids or assistive listening devices in the church to hear the service? Are they the new kind of hearing aids that connect to your smartphone?
If so, you are in luck, for Trinity just installed a new broadcast system through its public WIFI. The audio plays through a free app installed on your phone.
Ask Father Stephen for a demonstration of the AudioFetch app, or see the simple instructions by scanning the QR code above.
| | Updates Coming for Benedict Hall | | |
Benedict Hall will see a few thoughtful updates over the coming year to better support the many groups and activities that gather there. These improvements will focus on comfort, function, and flexibility while respecting the hall’s familiar character and the role it has long played in our church life. Changes will be made gradually and in phases to allow for careful planning and minimal disruption.
Funding for these updates comes solely from designated gifts and donations specifically given for Benedict Hall. While we truly appreciate the generous offers of furniture donations, the furnishings for Benedict Hall will be selected as part of a coordinated plan; for this reason, we are not able to accept used furniture. Financial contributions designated for this project are warmly welcomed. If you feel led to contribute, please contact Jason Carter or Kerry Petty for more information.
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Trinity’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
February 17, 5 - 6:30 p.m
Join in this popular community event by taking a work shift in the kitchen during the supper, or by helping to supply needed ingredients. Volunteer sign-up sheets are in Benedict Hall.
Tickets ($8.00 each) are available from Parish members and at our office. If you haven't picked up your ticket packet, check at the back of the church on Sunday, or stop at the office during regular business hours to pick up your tickets.
Please bring your food supplies to Benedict Hall by Sunday, February 15.
| | | Trinity Market Spring Sale - March 21 | | Our first Trinity Market – a Spring Sale – will be held on Saturday, March 21, 10 am – 2 pm, in front of the church. Start your Spring Cleaning early, and save your collectibles and treasures for us. | | |
What can I donate? Collectibles, china, crystal, new or gently used household items, artwork, crafts, yard tools, woodworking & power tools, yard art, and more. We also welcome small pieces of furniture (but nothing that two ‘vintage’ ladies would be unable to pick up).
What do we not want? No electronics, electric kitchen appliances, or clothes.
When can I start donating? Bring your treasures beginning on Sunday, March 7 after church; we will accept donations until Wednesday, March 18.
Where will the money go? All money raised will support Trinity’s Outreach Programs.
Our success depends on your generosity.
-- Ginger Lawson
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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. Cursillo weekends in 2026 are March 12-15 and September 17-20.
To learn about Cursillo, the diocese has
a great website,
| | or ask someone who has been (Susan Keith, Chris Presnell, Bonnie Stewart, The Pecots, 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 February 15, we pray for the Church of the Good Shepherd, Mobile; on February 22, we pray for the Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast and Episcopal Relief & Development. For prisons: on February 15, we pray for the prisoners, families, and staff of the Bay Correctional Facility & Juvenile Facility, Panama City, FL; and on February 22, we pray for the prisoners, families, and staff of the Blackwater River Correctional Facility, Milton. | | CELEBRATING FAMILY & FRIENDS | | Travel Dispatch from Rick & Martha Watson | | |
On Sunday, February 1, Rick and I attended mass at Kawaguchi Christ Church Cathedral, a part of the Anglican Community, in Osaka, Japan. The service was in Japanese, but we were fortunate to be seated next to Dorothy Takashina, a native of Washington State, who has lived in Japan for many years. She guided us through the service and helped with communicating with Father Stephen (yes, Christ Church's priest is named Stephen, too!) It was an emotional experience to be able to worship with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in a far-away land where only 1% of the population is Christian. Instead of coffee hour, there was a Japanese bento lunch and tea and coffee. Rick says he missed the deviled eggs and pimento cheese sandwiches of Benedict Hall!
In the pictures above, you see the exterior & interior of the Cathedral, the stunning windows, and the organ. In the photo with Father Stephen, (left to right) are: David and Helen (visiting from Brisbane, Australia), Father Stephen Yoo Si-kyung, Dorothy, Martha, and Rick.
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In Nara, Japan, we visited a an Episcopal church built in traditional Japanese style!
-- Martha Watson
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The TRINITY TEN, a ten-point questinnaire 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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Mike Barber grew up in Apalachicola. He is retired from his position as Chief of Investigations, Division of the Florida State Attorney’s Office in Key West. He is a board member for a Group Home for the disabled.
At Trinity, he serves as Head Usher and was recently elected to the Vestry.
Greatest influence on your life (person or experience):
The U.S. Navy and growing up in Apalachicola.
How would someone else describe you: Quiet
One thing people might be surprised to know about you: I was an altar boy for Trinity.
Favorite part of living here: It’s home
Dogs or cats: Dogs
Bacon or broccoli: Bacon
Coleslaw - vinegar or mayo: Mayo
One thing you are good at: Woodworking
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One thing you’d rather not do: Vacuum
What drew you to Trinity: I grew up in the church.
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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.
| | | COMMUNITY EVENTS OF INTEREST | |
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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 February 25.
-- 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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