Apalachicola, Florida

March 13, 2026

As we journey through Lent, we are presented with what has and has not worked in our lives. In the first half of Lent, we walk a wide avenue which narrows to a path. No longer walking as a group, now it’s single file as the slope and rocks increase and the vegetation and air thin. You must use the path, otherwise you will go tumbling down the steep rock faces that fall away on both sides.

This path grows steeper this week, and the light gets brighter. While we cover our eyes to see ahead, what we see is a clearer future. And in the process, that light exposes what we have been ignoring. The footpath winds past a cemetery as we hear about Lazarus standing with us as a reminder of God’s authority over life.

The road is narrowing. We started with performance and moved through honesty. We left behind control and picked up trust. We dispelled distraction and came to grips with thirst. Now we move from assumption to sight, from resignation to hope, and then power to surrender. And this inexorably leads to the foot of the cross on Palm Sunday, the site of surrender, all other options having been exhausted along the way.

We have nothing left but to see this through. Yes, you could stop and settle where you are. We’ve all done that, and we work hard to not carry grudges. But perhaps, just this time, you might reflect deeply on what those core things that you think you need to thrive. Most of the time you’ll find that these aren’t what you need to survive.

Lent is about reminding you of the bare necessities of life and

to move forward, loving like no one’s looking.

Love Big and Be Well,

Stephen +

AROUND TRINITY

Become a Pillar!

While many of you will put in hours of hard work to help with this year’s Tour of Homes, we invite you to also consider lending financial support. The Pillar Program is a vital part of the Tour of Homes ministry, providing essential funding that helps preserve the historic buildings on our campus: the Church (1836), the Rectory (1900), and Benedict Hall (1932).

In addition, ten percent of annual Tour of Homes proceeds directly support Trinity’s Outreach ministry, which assists individuals and families throughout Franklin County.

Beyond worship, Trinity Church serves as a welcoming community hub. Our facilities host organizations such as the Ilse Newell Fund for the Performing Arts, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Al‑Anon, as well as regular activities including bridge, tai chi, and mahjong.

The Pillar Program offers five levels of participation. Four levels include a tour ticket(s), and all include recognition in the tour booklet, website, and on special event signage.

To learn more or to participate, please visit the links below or contact Jason Carter, Pillar Program chair.

Show your support today!

• Donate online at apalachicolahometour.org under Schedule & Tickets, or

• Download a Pillar Reply Form and return it to Trinity Episcopal Church.

Easter Lily Dedications

Dedicating Easter Lilies for the church is a lovely Trinity tradition. The cost is $20. Pick up a form at church on Sunday or in the church office; return your dedication form & payment by Monday, March 23.

Easter Bunny Needs Eggs for Children

Every Easter, the our big Bunny greets children at Trinity. You can help bring joy to these youngsters at the annual Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday, April 5. Please Bring plastic eggs, filled with candy and tiny toy surprises, to the office or Benedict Hall by Sunday, March 29.

Are You in Trinity's Directory?

Did you know that you can call, text, or email your Trinity friends instantly via our Church Directory? If you are already listed, we can show you how to stay connected. If you haven't yet "gotten into" the directory, we can take care of that, too!

On Sunday, March 22, during Hospitality Hour, stop by the sign-up table in Benedict Hall and we will create, or update, your listing and show you how to download the directory app to your phone. All you need is your name, address, email, & phone number, plus a camera-ready smile for your photo!

Third Saturday Activities. If you find yourself without much to do on the third Saturday of every month, stop by Benedict Hall at 10 am for a fun activity each month. We have made Anglican Prayer Beads and learned how to make paper flowers. On March 21 we will host an eclectic workshop with cupcake decorating using Russian cake tips or a how-to on prayer shawls. Contact Travis Pecot or Mandi Singer if you want to learn more or have a suggestion for an upcoming activity.

An Instructed Eucharist. Mark your calendars for a very special Eucharist on Sunday, April 19. Your Worship Committee is working with Father Stephen to create a Sunday service that teaches as it lifts us all up. Imagine a Sunday service about the same length but with an explanation of everything that we are doing and why! These are quite popular and informative but rarely conducted. We will have more to reveal as the day draws closer.

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 smartphone. Ask Father Stephen for a demonstration of the app.

Congregational Ministry Partners ... inspire, equip and connect congregation members and other constituents to work together for lasting change. They are supported by their Diocesan Ministry Partner, who recruits and mentors them. Diocesan Ministry Partners are, in turn, supported by Provincial Ministry Partners. All Ministry Partners work together to update and educate their respective constituents on the work of Episcopal Relief & Development, thus serving as the heart of Episcopal Relief & Development within The Episcopal Church. Learn more about this important ministry.

AROUND TOWN

Be a Soul Mate this Easter

We’re pleased to share that Vestry and Outreach members are teaming up for a Shoe Drive to give sneakers to children in need this Easter. Many kids don’t have proper shoes, which can affect their health, well-being, and daily lives. This initiative is an opportunity to help!

To make participating simple, we’ve set up an Amazon registry—scan the QR code or use the flyer link - redirme.com/cjwxcv - to access it. Just pick out the shoes you want to donate, add them to the cart, and check out. The shoes will be shipped directly to the church and handed out during Holy Week.

The sneakers are high-quality, and we’re sure the children will be delighted to receive them. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

Big Bend Hospice Needs your Help

During this Lenten Season

Trinity Outreach has been a partner of Big Bend Hospice for many years in

a Lenten Drive for nutritional supplements (Ensure, Boost, Glucerna, and nutritional shakes). Last year, we received over 400 bottles for needy patients. We hope to equal or exceed that number this year.

Supplements are expensive, and not all patients can afford them. They can make a real difference in the quality of patients’ lives in their dying.

Please consider purchasing a pack or case of nutritional supplements or shakes now through Easter. You may leave your gifts in Benedict Hall on Sundays or drop them off at the church office Monday through Thursday, 9 am to noon. Thank you in advance for your care and generosity.

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

-- Photo Credit - Debbie Hooper

Let There Be Light:

55th Annual Convention of the Diocese

of the Central Gulf Coast

At the recent 55^th Annual Convention of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, Trinity was represented by the Rev. Stephen Pecot, Debbie Hooper, and Susan Farmer.

Debbie and Susan enjoyed their convention experience and wish to thank the congregation for trusting them to represent our Church membership. Debbie found the Creation Stations of the Cross, presented outdoors on the beach, especially meaningful. Susan appreciated the opportunity to carry the Trinity banner in the processional. They enjoyed the plenary talks on Antarctica and the Grandeur of God by Dr. Jim McClintock and the Rev. John Burruss, along with Bishop Kendrick’s address that you can listen to at:

https://www.diocgc.org/post/2026-bishop-s-address

In addition, they gained a greater understanding of how

our Church fits into the larger Diocese, and made new

friends from other congregations.

During the Creation Stations of the Cross, participants walked the Genesis oration in reverse, beginning with God’s seventh day of rest and ending with the first day, Let there be Light. The idea was to walk, practice quiet acts of loving kindness in every direction for animals, birds, plants, and people we encounter, remembering to care for all God’s creatures and creations by letting them be who they are and are meant to be. In each station we shared scripture, reflections of this day and age and something for us to ponder - to consider

change in our own locations to help keep his creation alive.

God saw all that he had made and it was GOOD.

Read Debbie Hooper’s recollection of

Creation Stations of the Cross.

Read Susan Farmer’s review of

exploring various Imaginations.

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer. For churches and ministries: on March 15, we pray for the Commission on Cursillo and St. James, Fairhope and the diocesan men’s conference at Beckwith; on March 22, we pray for the Chapel of St. Dismas and Commission on Prison Ministry. For prisons: on March 15, we pray for the prisoners, families, and staff of the Graceville Correctional Facility, Graceville, FL; and on March 22, we pray for the prisoners, families, and staff of the Gulf Correctional Institution, Wewahitchka, FL.

Cursillo Weekend Going On Now. Please pray for all pilgrims at Cursillo #174. Attending from Trinity are Susan Farmer, Randy Loyd, Ellen Loyd, Warren Middlemas, Mark Dorward, and TJ Wolferseder. Fr. Stephen, Travis Pecot, and

Brant Banks are also serving as staff and appreciate the prayers! De Colores!

CELEBRATING FAMILY & FRIENDS

CALENDAR

Readings for March 15, 2026, the Fourth Sunday in Lent

Readings for March 22, 2026, the Fifth Sunday in Lent

Watch our Sunday sermons online:

Facebook (facebook.com/trinityapalachicola)
YouTube (@trinityapalachicola)
Church website (trinityapalachicola.org)

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

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 March 25.

-- Kay Carson, Editor