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Apalachicola, Florida
January 30, 2026
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Someone asked recently why, in a church that places the laity above those of holy orders, am I the only one able to pronounce the gospel and the blessing? To preside over Eucharist? Do priests have magic hands? It’s a worthwhile question; one every congregation should debate.
First of all, priests do not have “magic hands.” Nor is Christianity a chamber of secret powers or supernatural beings. Our baptism states we share equally in Christ’s life. Anything counter to that refutes our baptism. Therefore, the question is not what makes a priest a priest, but rather why some people are set apart for specific roles.
The answer lies in the still waters of your baptism, not in someone else’s ordained ministry. Everyone is baptized first, including those ordained. Everyone is a sinner first, including clergy. Our baptism makes us members of Christ’s body. Along with the Holy Spirit, each of us are called, in our own way, to preach the gospel, minister to others, and witness to God’s love. Clergy are not closer to God than the laity. They are baptized Christians first, just like you.
But then there’s the question of apostolic succession. The Church places great theological weight upon this unbroken line of disciples from Peter to now. That line is more profound than all the names and sacrifices comprising that fibrous braid. It is stronger than the schisms, kingdoms, empires, conflicts, and social change we throw at it. But it is a singular statement of continuity, not power. Apostolic succession is about stability and trust, not handing out spiritual clout to those deemed worthy.
The Church has always left specific responsibilities to people. They are ministries that create the tension we feel every day between tradition and change. They include guarding the sacraments and holding the community together. Priests are one link in a chain, and they don’t perform miracles. Priests are part of a ministry originating from the Church, authorized to perform a service on behalf of the whole community.
Still unsure? A judge is not morally superior, but only they can pronounce legal verdicts. A ship’s captain is not superhuman but authorized by others to steer the ship. A priest is not a “Super Christian” but a fellow sinner entrusted to preside in the Church’s name.
A seminary professor once said that ordination doesn’t elevate a person above others; rather, it places them under the obligation to pray, serve, and love even if inconvenient. To me, that sounds like everyone! The sacraments belong to the Church, not Trinity, and not the priest. Our faith is received through the sacraments and lived out in ministry, not reinvented to suit our whims of the now. And ministry is accountable to others, not a self-serving life of one.
We are all one body in baptism, but we need each other to hold it together.
I am just one person holding parts of that one body steady. You are part
of it too. It’s how we move forward, jointly composed for ministry.
Love Big and Be Well,
Stephen +
| | Prayer Vigil At Trinity This Monday | | |
Our bishop, Russell Kendrick, is among the many clergy of The Episcopal Church speaking about the current unrest in the country. He has called
for the diocese to come together for a prayer vigil
this Monday evening at 6 pm Central / 7 pm Eastern time.
Trinity will participate in the vigil along with other churches in our diocese,
and all are invited to church for this contemplative service.
Russell’s message calling for the event is inspirational, and we commend
it to you. If you want to see the draft bulletin, click here.
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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
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Prayer Bead Extravaganza. The parish community thoroughly enjoyed the Third Saturday activity held this month in Benedict Hall. David Fowlkes, Annie Pitts, and Mandi Singer facilitated the workshop to learn how to create Anglican prayer beads, a wonderful spiritual aid for contemplative player. Stay tuned for future events scheduled each third Saturday morning of the month, brought to you by your “What in the Holy Health” parish ministry.
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!
| | Recently, two gentlemen stopped to tour the church. As he usually does for everyone during the week, Father Stephen showed them around the historic building. It turns out that they are historical surveyors with a vocation that takes them around the world to document architectural details of historically valuable structures. | For a good portion of January, Ed Barnes and Bill Blake of the group Atlantic Heritage created highly detailed records of the composition and design of our historic church. To give you an idea of this work, they spent nearly a week in the attic drawing all the joints, hips, and eaves. | | |
This was at no charge to the church and paid for by federal funds. In fact, the program originated as the Historic American Buildings Survey, a Depression-era WPA program.
Unlike normal “as-built” or elevation drawings that a builder or engineer might provide, Ed and Bill’s records capture the minute details seen in the column capitals, roof truss junctions, and even the hand-carved mahogany stairwell.
They enjoyed their time at Trinity very much and even stopped by Hospitality Hour on January 18 to present some of the unique findings thus far to the parish, who were most appreciative. Trinity Church will receive a copy of the final report when completed.
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We are excited to announce the plans for our regular 10:30 am Sunday, February 15 service. Our bishop, Russell Kendrick, will be here for his annual visit. 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! Given that our church is usually on the full side each Sunday, consider arriving early that day just to grab a seat. We are advertising more this year.
| | 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. | |
~~ Threads of Grace ~~
We often downplay what we do on a regular basis, dismissing our actions as just something to fill the time. Only upon reflection do we see how those small tasks have grown greater than their parts.
Our dear sister Pat Horn did just that, writing weekly reflections based on the lectionary (our Sunday readings) from 2007 to 2024. Now think about this. Take a couple weeks off a year, but write 200-300 words every week for 17 years. You have 848 entries; a quarter of a million words, give or take, covering nearly every book of the Bible, every season of the liturgical year, and the lectionary cycle five times over.
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to search a repository of the thoughts, challenges, and joys of being Christian? Her son, Dr. Larry Horn, has done just that by creating a website with all of Pat’s writings. They are searchable based on subject matter, date, Scripture reference, etc. It’s an incredible gift the Horn family continues to give to the world. Thank you Pat and Larry!
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Trinity’s Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper -- February 17, 5 - 6:30 p.m
This popular community event needs your help to supply needed ingredients as well as taking a work shift in the kitchen during the supper. Volunteer sign-up sheets are in Benedict Hall. Tickets ($8.00 each) are available from Parish members and at our office. Parish members can find their ticket packets 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 for the Pancake Supper to Benedict Hall by Sunday, February 15.
-- Bella Rudo
| | Trinity Market Debuts Spring Sale | | |
After 15+ years working on the Silent Auction with the annual Home and Garden Tour, the Auction Committee is taking a step back to let a new generation step in. However, we are not ready to completely retire from what we do best - raising money for the church. Instead, we are expanding what was formerly the Trinity Marketplace Fall Bake Sale.
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.
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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.
In the future, we plan to offer various events at Trinity, and establish an online store to continue to sell the small items you donate. 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!
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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 1, we pray for the Diocesan and Parish Youth Ministry and St. Andrew’s, Panama City, Florida; on February 8, we pray for the St. John’s churches in Mobile and Monroeville, Alabama. For prisons: on February 1, we pray for the prisoners, families, and staff of the Washington County Jail, Chipley, Florida; and on February 8, we pray for the prisoners, families, and staff of the Apalachee Correctional Institution, East Unit & West Unit, Sneads, Florida. | | |
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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Dorothy Greene Porter Hill (Dot) was born on April 26, 1931 at 153 Avenue C in Apalachicola to Rodman & Dorothy Porter. She attended the Chapman School, then went to Florida State University for a year and a half and worked at a department store. Next, she moved to New York and lived with her grandparents for a while. Returning to Apalachicola, Dot got married and has remained here since that time.
She worked in the local elementary school system for 41 years, as well as at the City Recreation Department during the summers.
She is a long-time volunteer at Penny’s Worth and serves on its board. Over the years she has been on every committee at Trinity except the Vestry.
Greatest influence on your life (person or experience): My parents.
How would someone else describe you: Very thoughtful and always putting others before self.
One thing people might be surprised to know about you: I love to go crabbing.
Favorite part of living here: It is home, the people, and the beautiful area.
Dogs or cats: Dogs
Bacon or broccoli: Both
Coleslaw - vinegar or mayo: Both
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One thing you are good at: Taking care of others.
One thing you’d rather not do: Clean my house.
What drew you to Trinity: The Porter & Raney families, my great-grandparents, started Trinity Church and we continue to support it today.
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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 11.
-- 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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