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Apalachicola, Florida
August 14, 2026
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I was pleased to read about the opening of the Linda and Tom Weller STEAM Building, a $2-million facility for learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Located on the campus of Holy Nativity Episcopal School in Panama City, it was funded completely by donations and took three years to complete.
I was also completely unaware of this project. We stay pretty busy here at Trinity, as you know.
My initial surprise was that the project even came to be. Raising $2 million in little ole Panama City? That seems more suited to metropolitan areas with big pocketbooks and budgets.
But my surprise is exactly the point. We stay so busy with what is staring us in the face and yelling in our ear. It’s hard to think beyond that. It’s hard to dream when you are living in reality.
Tell that to Holy Nativity. Tell that to First Presbyterian Wewahitchka, as they rededicate their church this Sunday, nearly eight years after Hurricane Michael damaged it. Tell that to Linda and Tom Weller and the many others who helped a dream of a thrift-store ministry become Your Penny’s Worth. Or those who dreamed what became Bay Area Choral Society, Historic Apalachicola Home & Garden Tour, the Ilse Newell Concert Series, or Franklin’s Promise.
So much of what we take for granted was once somebody’s “What if?”
Our bicentennial in ten years is tailor-made for dreaming, because ten years gives a dream time to ripen on the vine. And dreaming frees us, if only temporarily, from convention so we might ask what this region needs.
What if Trinity helped create a place where Franklin County children could gain critical, marketable skills? What if we helped create affordable housing or greater food security? What if we helped make the Forgotten Coast a place where people could not only make a living, but make a life—and remain part of this community through every season of it?
What would help families put down roots that last for generations? Young people need reasons to stay; older people need the means to stay.
Those are questions everyone has a stake in answering: retirees and students, working families and professionals, newcomers and multigenerational natives. Christians, non-Christians, and even those hedging their bets are needed in this work.
This region is changing. It always has. Cotton gave way to lumber, then seafood, and now increasingly to tourism and leisure. But beneath those changes, human needs remain remarkably constant: to belong, to live with dignity, to give and receive mercy, and to know hope. The seed that became Trinity was planted when Apalachicola was young, and our calling to those needs remains.
Sometimes we need to ask what we can do instead of only what we should do. Now I’m asking us to dream beyond even that. Somewhere beyond Sunday services, Parish Life and Outreach events, Penny’s Worth, and even our financial pledges lie needs waiting to be seen.
Maybe it begins as something very small. A little dream. A mustard seed. Something easily overlooked until someone sees what it might
become—and loves it enough to begin. Like Trinity. Like us.
That is how generations we will never meet may someday
receive the benefits of our passion.
Love Big and Be Well,
Stephen +
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Unfolding the Liturgy, Part Eight:
The Flower Guild - Enhancing Worship Through Natural Beauty
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When you enter the church on most Sunday mornings and notice the beautiful altar, you have already experienced the work of the Flower Guild. Flower Guilds in the Episcopal Church are said to have evolved from the traditional duties of Altar Guilds and are specifically dedicated to enhancing worship through natural beauty.
Every Sunday, except for those in Lent, a Flower Guild member is responsible for thoughtfully preparing and placing something lovely on the altar. We do not just beautify the altar, however; we carefully and thoughtfully gather, often purchase, design, and arrange flowers or greenery to the glory of God. This very important purpose is always heavily in our hearts and guides our every creation. We also assemble and arrange the traditional poinsettias for Christmas and lilies for Easter.
It is our custom to use fresh flowers and greenery, and many times there are dedications by parishioners in celebration, recognition, thanksgiving, or in memory of friends or loved ones. We are honored to be entrusted with heartfelt dedications and do our best to make those arrangements special. Anyone interested in making a floral dedication need only sign up on the chart in the narthex and contact us to make sure we get the wording of the dedication exactly right in the service leaflet. Donations to the flower fund for these dedications are voluntary and determined by the donor.
After the altar flowers serve their important purpose on Sunday, a Flower Guild member rearranges the flowers into smaller bouquets to be taken to folks who are homebound, or ill, have experienced a loss, or for whatever reason as requested by the Rector.
Currently, we have eight active members of the Guild; we need more. No experience or skill is needed. We will gladly train or assist anyone interested in either arranging flowers or otherwise helping. Please contact Dee Crusoe as djcrusoe2@gmail.com with any questions or to volunteer.
| | Unique Bible Study. This inquisitive group, including Bonnie Lewis, Bonnie Stewart, Judy Stivers, Janyce Loughridge, and Susan Farmer, gathers weekly at Kerry Petty's home to study the Bible by watching the biblical series, "The Chosen". The series focuses on the disciples while highlighting the Jewishness of Christ by weaving the Old Testament prophecies into the study of the New Testament. | | | |
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Formation Class is, Well, Forming... Between now and the bishop’s visit in 2027, Fr. Stephen will host another series of informative classes related to the doctrine and faith of The Episcopal Church.
These are suitable for anyone who wants to become an Episcopalian or to just learn some church history. There is no obligation other than to learn! There's a signup sheet in Benedict Hall to gauge interest, or you can call the office or let Stephen know.
| | Classes will likely start in September and run through the end of the year. | | The Rededication of First Presbyterian Church in Wewahitchka will take place this Sunday, August 16 at 3 pm Central/4 pm Eastern. | | This historic building, consecrated as St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in 1903, is now led by the Rev. Dr. Carol Wood, who many Trinity members call a dear friend. Fr. Stephen encourages everyone to carpool and attend to show our support and celebrate with them. As an added bonus, our own TJ will be leading the music as organist. | | | |
Public Summary for July 13, 2026 Vestry Meeting
Trinity Episcopal Church, Apalachicola FL
This unofficial summary is generated for the Bay View newsletter.
Full minutes of the meetings are available on request.
The vestry reviewed and approved prior minutes, received and accepted financial, Junior Warden, committee, and clergy reports, and discussed church finances, reserves, insurance, outreach, and long-range planning. The treasurer reported year-to-date revenue generally above budget. The
vestry approved $3,800 for archive-storage cabinets and up to $2,500 for archive-room floor reinforcement; transportation and delivery will be donor-funded. Church painting remains planned for fall, and BH Room 101 renovations are beginning. Gift and donation guidelines were tabled
pending review of the existing endowment resolution. Members agreed to locate prior mission-statement work and resume drafting.
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Have you noticed these new furnishings in Benedict Hall?
A generous donor paid for these two beautiful pieces that we are now using during hospitality hour and other events. As renovations continue, please contact Kerry Petty, our junior warden, at 517-712-4025 if you wish to assist with a donation for new seating arrangements.
| | Cursillo Weekend Coming Up September 17-20 | | |
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, TJ Wolferseder,
| | Chris Presnell, Bonnie Stewart, The Pecots, Ina Margaret Meyer, Patti McCartney, and many more). As an added bonus, our own pianist TJ will be serving on staff as a musician. 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 August 16, pray for St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea, Destin Florida and The Brotherhood of St. Andrew; and on August 23, pray for St. Francis of Assisi, Gulf Breeze and St. Francis’, Dauphin Island, Alabama. For prisons: on August 16, we pray for the prisoners, families, and staff of the Conecuh County Jail, Evergreen, Alabama; and on August 23, please pray for the prisoners, families, and staff of the Baldwin County Jail, Bay Minette, Alabama. | | CELEBRATING FAMILY & FRIENDS | | Ryan Putz (center), grandson of Cliff & Dennis Butler, graduated Cum Laude from Florida State University with a degree in Sports Management, plus a minor in Hospitality. He will continue studies toward a Masters degree in his chosen field. Joining the celebration were his brother, Ethan Putz (left), and his parents (right) Blair & David Putz. | | Dee Crusoe's granddaughter Emma (center), recently graduated from the University of South Florida. Celebrating with her are (left to right) Dee's niece Tara, Dee, daughter Jen, who is a new resident of Apalachicola; grandson John, son Bo, granddaughter Marcy, and grandson-in-law Alec. | Travis & Stephen Pecot enjoyed a restful week in the mountains of western North Carolina. Their hosts were Debbie and Jon Hooper as well as The Rev. Mike and Rebecca Alford. They even found time to renew their vows in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in Robbinsville, NC. | | |
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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Randal (Randy) Loyd is from Lawrence County, Tennessee. He is a Tennessee General Contractor as well as a Florida Certified Residential Contractor.
At Trinity, Randy volunteers as able, and always has a smile and a helping hand for everyone.
Greatest influence on your life (person or experience): Christopher Allen Loyd, my little brother.
How would someone else describe you:
Loves his family, loves people, loves God. Works hard, does the right thing, and enjoys life.
One thing people might be surprised to know about you: I learned my carpentry skills from an Amish Bishop in rural Tennessee.
Favorite part of living here: The people are so nice.
Dogs or cats: Fish
Bacon or broccoli: Broccoli Casserole
Coleslaw - vinegar or mayo: Mayo
One thing you are good at: Being a husband & dad.
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One thing you’d rather not do: Taxes
What drew you to Trinity: Ellie said, “We are going to Trinity today.” I’m so thankful she did!
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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 August 26.
-- 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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