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The Lessons Appointed for use on
 
The Fourth Sunday of Easter 
Year B
RCL
 
Rite II  
 
April 26, 2015

 
 


The Collect
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 
 
WORSHIP NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY

The Fourth Sunday of Easter     April 26, 2015

This Sunday will be a wonderful expression of the fullness of our life as the Cathedral Family. Our bishop will be with us for the final parochial visit of his episcopacy. He will enact the essential functions of his role as our chief pastor-teaching, baptizing, confirming, and presiding at the Eucharist. His presence reminds us that in the Church we are one body, sharing one life, following one mission. In the words of our gospel lesson, we are "one flock with one shepherd," Jesus Christ.


 

We will express our thankfulness for the ministry Bishop Duncan and Kathy have lived out with us, as we also give thanks for ten years of service as the cathedral church of the diocese. At the respectful request of the Vestry, Bishop Duncan will name The Very Reverend Johnny Cook as Dean Emeritus of Christ Church Cathedral. Dean Cook will join us in worship as a concelebrant, and his presence on the altar along with Bishop Duncan and me will be a sign of the unity and continuity of our ongoing shared mission at Christ Church Cathedral. 


 

Our lessons from scripture are filled with insights into the meaning and significance of our liturgy and our life together. The reading from Acts recounts the arrest of Peter and John by the Sadducees for preaching that Jesus had been resurrected from the dead. After his arrest, as he testifies before the authorities, Peter, "filled with the Holy Spirit," defends the faith. He establishes the primacy and power of Jesus' name: there is "no other name under heaven given by mortals by which we must be saved. In baptism, we are made his-as we are baptized into his death and resurrection-and we share his name and membership in the household of God. The first letter of John tells us what our life in his name should be like; we should live out God's commandment "that we should believe in the name of his son Jesus Christ and love one another." We will recommit ourselves to these things as we renew our Baptismal Covenant and as we make our promises to support the newly baptized. Our confirmands and those being received will renew their promises to live this life, and we will pledge our support and offer our prayers. The gospel lesson from John is Jesus' revealing of himself as the "good shepherd," the one who cares for us, who lays down his life for us, and whose voice we listen to. 


 

Following our worship, we will gather in the Garden for a special Cathedral Celebration luncheon honoring Bishop Duncan and Kathy, as well as our confirmands and their families. I hope you will all be present to join in the day's celebrations!



The Very Reverend Beverly Gibson, Ph.D. 
Dean of the Cathedral
THE BIBLE CHALLENGE


Bible Challenge: Week 10

 

This week in the Bible Challenge you will launch into the book of Deuteronomy and walk with Jesus through his ministry of teaching and healing in Luke's gospel.


 

The reading from Deuteronomy contains two lengthy addresses by Moses to the Israelites, now deep into their sojourn in the wilderness. The first of these begins with a historical review (for them and for you!) of their journey since departing Sinai. It emphasizes God's mighty and marvelous saving power. Their wilderness wanderings-and their wanderings from the way that God has established for them to live-are recounted. Moses' second address focuses on the law and its meaning, the essence of which is contained in the "Shema," found in Deuteronomy 6:4. "Shema," means, "hear": "Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord alone."

Our reading in Luke begins with Jesus's teaching on prayer and the giving of the Lord's Prayer as the essential model. Jesus exhorts his followers to ask for whatever they need, in his name, and God will hear and answer their prayers. This is a powerful chapter, which will repay our close and repeated reading. The following chapters are likewise filled with encouragement for Jesus's disciples, cautioning us to guard against all forms of greed and warning us not to worry or to give ourselves up to anxiety. Rather, we are to trust in the healing power that Jesus demonstrates throughout these chapters and to attend to the lessons he offers us in his parables.


 

As you read a psalm each day, no doubt you are encountering phrases and passages which resonate with your own experience and which also have been echoed in countless hymns and works of art. Psalm 55, which you will read this week, contains one such: "O that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest." One of the many beauties of the Psalms is the way they express so vividly feelings we all share and offer these to God. I hope that your reading of them in the Bible Challenge leads you to use the Psalms as prayers for yourself and for those you love and those your fear and those who hurt you. 

May you feel God's presence with you as you read and come to know more fully the blessings of his Word.



Dean Gibson's Bible Challenge study guides are on the Cathedral website here. 

 

 Reading Schedule 

 

THE BIBLE CHALLENGE: READ THE BIBLE IN A YEAR 

An accompanying devotional, The Bible Challenge: Read the Bible in a Year, by Episcopal priest, The Rev. Marek P. Zabriskie, is available in the Cathedral office for $15. Devotional materials are also available free of charge at: www.thecenterforbiblicalstudies.org. 

If you are interest in participating as a part of a group here at Christ Church Cathedral, please contact Dean Gibson.  

 
MUSIC NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY

The Fourth Sunday of Easter     April 26, 2015

 

Our Cathedral Celebration this year takes on special significance as we celebrate our tenth anniversary as the Cathedral of this diocese (as well as several other important events mentioned elsewhere)! Certainly, our music will reflect the many facets of our joy this Sunday. Our music ministry is excited to present beautiful music, and our service is filled with great instrumental and choral/congregation pieces to help lead us in a day of many blessings.

 

The service begins with a prelude played by Enen Yu, our guest violinist. The Meditation from Thais, by Jules Massenet (1841-1912) is a beautiful work of the Romantic period. Massenet was a talented Parisian composer who excelled at writing operas and, for a time, became one of the leading figures in French music. The Meditation is actually an interlude for violin and orchestra from the opera Thais, but has since transcended its original function and is now used as a stand-alone piece for many events. Although not originally a specifically sacred piece, the sheer beauty of its melody and accompaniment makes for a fitting prelude to our service.

 

The hymns during the service reflect the identity of the church (Christ is made the sure foundation), the love of God (Love divine, all loves excelling), Christ as the Good Shepherd, (Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless), our Christian unity (One Bread, One Body), the Resurrection and the Sacrament of Baptism (We know that Christ is raised and dies no more), and our choir anthem invokes the Holy Spirit (Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove). Instead of simply singing these hymns passively, really focus on the profound meaning of the texts. Too often, I find myself simply "going through the motions" when it comes to hymns I've sung for years, and when that happens, I try to remind myself of what is really happening. These hymns have meaningful texts that stand as poetry on their own. They challenge us in our mission just as they comfort us on our journey. During Communion, Katherine Powell will sing Sheep May Safely Graze by J. S. Bach. I've written extensively about this piece in The Messenger for this month. If you haven't read it, I commend it to you as there are some interesting facts about this piece!

 

Finally, our postlude is a setting of the Lutheran hymn, Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands (Christ lag in Todesbanden). This Easter hymn tells of the triumph of Christ's breaking of death's power and of the purifying power of grace. This setting, by Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706), has a sparkling texture for the hands alone in the beginning that builds up to the thunderous entrance of the hymn tune in the pedals. Even without being familiar with this tune, one gets a sense of the majesty and power of Easter, and even though Pachelbel is best known for his Canon in D, he has a multi-faceted music nature that you will hear on Sunday. Come celebrate with us!

Christopher Powell
Organist and Choir Master
CATHEDRAL NOTES 
 CATHEDRAL NOTES

CATHEDRAL CELEBRATION LUNCHEON

THIS SUNDAY
IN HONOR OF BISHOP DUNCAN & KATHY 


 

Please join us after the service this Sunday for a luncheon in the Garden honoring the Duncans.


 

 

BISHOP'S DOLLARS 

Envelopes for donations to the Bishop's Discretionary Fund are available on the Ministry table in the Chapter House vestibule, or checks may be placed in the alms basin marked "Bishop's Discretionary Fund." The envelopes say, "When the Bishop comes, he meets parishioners, wardens, vestry, clergy, and their families. He listens, pastors, helps plan, teaches, baptizes, preaches, confirms, celebrates Eucharist, shares our life. And we talk, listen, share plan, celebrate, worship, offer. We also make a financial/money offering to the Bishop's Discretionary Fund, which he uses for unexpected needs and opportunities, clergy family crises, hopes and dreams he has for people. In thanksgiving to God, then, here is my gift to my Bishop."


  

KAPPA LEAGUE
We would like to especially welcome the gentlemen from the Mobile Kappa League, who are here today with their advisor Carl Cunningham.


 

FAREWELL AND THANK YOU TO 

BISHOP PHILIP AND KATHY DUNCAN

Both events below are open to all area churches who wish to attend.


 

REGIONAL VISITATION

AND CELEBRATION

OF BISHOP DUNCAN'S

MINISTRY

Wednesday, May 27 at 6:00 p.m.

Holy Nativity Church 222 North Bonita Avenue Panama City, Florida

Eucharist, including baptisms and confirmations, begin at 6:00 p.m. Dinner and refreshments on the lawn following the service. For more information and to RSVP, please contact the Rev. Steve Bates at fr.steve@holy-nativity.org or call the Holy Nativity Church Office at 850-747-4000.


 

REGIONAL CELEBRATION OF BISHOP DUNCAN'S

MINISTRY AND RETIREMENT 

Sunday, June 7
2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. 

Church of the Redeemer 7125 Hitt Road
Mobile, Alabama

Covered dish picnic and refreshments on the lawn from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Lois Bolter Lobolter1@gmail.com or call the church office at 639-1948.


 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Tuesday, June 9 - Thursday, June 11


 

HOMETOWN NAZARETH: WHEN JESUS WAS A KID

Volunteers of ALL ages needed.



 

To attend or volunteer, sign-up online at 

 www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/hl/christchurchcath 

or look for the link on the Cathedral website: 

christchurchcathedralmobile.org.


 

Questions?
Please contact Alison at

alisonmitchell2@gmail.com or (251) 689-7874.



 

VBS Important Dates

  • Setup - Sunday, June 7 following the service.
  • Volunteer training and decorating - Monday, June 8 from 9:00 am to noon.
  • Take down - Thursday, June 11 from noon until 2:00 pm.

 

As we plan and prepare for Hometown Nazareth VBS, our team requests your prayers. You may also show your support by making a monetary gift. The village well will appear in the Chapter House in May for receiving your gifts.


 


 

SENIOR SUNDAY May 3

  • We will honor our graduating high school seniors on Sunday, May 3 during the service. The seniors and their parents will be asked to come forward for a blessing.

  • We will honor our Christian Education teachers on Senior Sunday, May 3.

  • Following the service, we will have a picnic in the garden in honor of the seniors.

  • Please confirm that you have a graduating high school senior by contacting the Cathedral office by tomorrow, Monday, April 27.

Also please let us know if you have a soon-to-be college graduate. We will recognize college graduates in the June issue of The Messenger.


 

EYC EVENTS

Sunday, May 17
4-6 p.m.
Study Break at Waffle House 3262 Dauphin Street

Sunday, May 31 Time and Location TBA "EYC Blow Out"


 


 

UNITED THANK OFFERING INGATHERING 

Sunday, May 10

United Thank Offering (UTO) is a ministry of the Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. Through United Thank Offering, men, women, and children nurture the habit of giving daily thanks to God. These prayers of thanksgiving start when we recognize and name our many daily blessings. United Thank Offering is entrusted to promote thank offerings, to receive the offerings, and to distribute the UTO monies to support mission and ministry throughout the Episcopal Church and in invited Provinces of the Anglican Communion in the developing world.


 

The Ingathering this year will be on Sunday, May 10. UTO is a project of the Episcopal Church Women. UTO materials are available on the Ministry table.


 


 

MORNING CIRCLE

Monday, May 11

10:00 a.m.

at the home of Betty Reniewicz (3805 Cottage Hill Road)

For directions or information on Morning Circle, call Carolyn Stephenson at 342-5637.


 


 

BISHOP CONSECRATION SCHEDULE

Friday, July 24


 

10:00 a.m.

CLERGY EUCHARIST 

Christ Church Cathedral

 

CLERGY SPOUSE EVENT 

Trinity Episcopal Church 

1900 Dauphin Street


 

12:00 p.m.

CLERGY & SPOUSE LUNCHEON 

Trinity Episcopal Church 1900 Dauphin Street

 

YOUTH OUTREACH EVENT 

Wilmer Hall
3811 Old Shell Road


 

 

6 - 8:00 p.m.

CONSECRATION CELEBRATION 

Christ Church Cathedral

This event will require a ticket.


 

 

Saturday, July 25 

10:00 a.m.

 

BISHOP SIGNING & SEALING 

Home of Virginia and Ron Snider

 

BISHOP SPOUSE COFFEE 

Brantley House-CCC


 

11:45 a.m.

BISHOP & SPOUSE LUNCHEON 

Home of Virginia and Ron Snider

 

2:00 p.m.

ORDINATION & CONSECRATION 

Mobile Expo Hall 
ANNUAL PARISH PHOTO

The annual parish photo taken on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015
is on our website!
CATHEDRAL PRAYERS

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servants the help of your power, that their sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We pray for:

Members:
Brink Brinkley, Butch Trawick, Alice Carwie, Raymond Fields, Lisa Williams, Fairley Morton, Katherine Deaton, Carol Rodgers, Hank Cobb, Icy Lee Neel, Dorothy Fulton, Ken McElhaney

Friends & Family:
Peggy Naughton, Gary Davis, Harrison Leff, Michael Cameron, Nancy & Don Cameron, Rob & Amy Archer Ellis, Joyce Lee, Davis Nelson, Michael Sumrall, Gwen Cook, Alfred Showers, Michael Sumrall, Jim Elia, Anne Brown, Mark Brown, Harriett Lillich, Dave Carlyn Block, Rachel McClanahan, Tom Cunningham, Francis Grace Hirs, Norma Beazley, Curtis Bullock, Valerie Boatman, Ann Jones, Hank Wozniek, Lisa Thompson, Stella Phillips, James Thomas, Ted Fraiche, Mark Miles, Tot Swanson, Art Swanson, Hayden Jenkins, Maggie Jenkins, Betty Ruth Patek, Carolyn Pryor, Merle Findley, Louise Douglas, Shirley & Dunlap Peeples, Steve Harris, Marian Macpherson Currie, Dianne McCall, Mary Lou Peake, Bill Goodloe, Kit & Roger Geil and the Geil family, Angel & Larry Torres, Kathy Boucvalt, Bill Stevens, Ginger Simpson, Karen Sentilles, Lila Fisk, Tracey Johnson, Joe Lowrey, Temple Webber, Celeste Hall, Betty Browder, Allan Tucker, Wyatt Ison, Kathy Sanders, Davis Sarrett, Clarise Waters, Glenn Hill, Leslie Ellis Sharbel, Cora Lemmon, Marian Hall, Homer Kemp, Jane Behlen, Dan Jones, Florence Tucker, Betty Larison, Kathy Brook Palefsky, Mike Barnett, Eleanor Taylor, Carolyn Graham, Ralph and Catherine Neal, Willie Stanton, Jr., Willie Thomas, Mark Mason, Anita Stead, Gillette Slaton, Jim McCall, Tim Fulton, Carter Albrecht, Marty Davidson, Bennett Stenger, Gladys Crowson, Billy Yost, Noel Fell, the Ward Family, Sybil Willis Rodgers, Hap Myers, Jr., Paul Vickers, Peggy Thigpen, George Robison, Georgia Dominick, Mitch Johnson, Robin Wade, Randy Moore, Rick Nichols, Eric Kosche , Patrick Smith

For Those Serving in the Military:
Angela Brunson Buysman, Brian Caselton, Louis Coggin, Jonathan Duralde, Tyler Gamble, Sam Garcia, Darrien Gibson, Parker Hollinghead, Kelley Hood, Brian Hudson, Abby Hutchins, Randy Johnson, Ron Lansong, Jean-Michael Lemieux, Chris Marslender, Zack Miller, Todd & Jordana Mouthaan, Keith Moss, Michael Nassar, Jerry Olin, Tyler Oubre, Brian Pennell, Josh Power, Daniel White-Spunner Reed, Susan Reniewicz, Evan Sizemore, John Snyder, Conner Thigpen, Ryan Anthony Thomas, Ryan Walker, The Rev. Bowen Woodruff
Repose of the soul: Jim Botts, grandfather of Brandi Lindsey

Birth:
Wyatt Joseph Zarzour, son of Joseph Grant and Brie Stanley Zarzour

Baptism:
Spencer Hughes Portacci, son of Kristopher Anthony and Elizabeth Overdyke Portacci

Confirmations & Receptions:
Davis Crenshaw Ashcraft, Joseph Banks Griffith, John Hovey Gwin, Jr., Guy Thomas Halbrooks, Sadie Davis Ladd, Elizabeth Claire LaRené, Trevor Stafford Mitchell, Christopher William Powell, Katherine Elaine Powell

Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast and the ministry of Christ Church Cathedral

Cathedral Cycle of Prayer:
Beckwith Camp and Conference Center, Murray House Assisted Living, Wilmer Hall Children's Home; Sara Phillips, Pastoral Leader, St. Mary's, Coden

Ecumenical Cycle of Prayer:
The Church in Eritrea and Ethiopia, and Christian Life Church, Mobile

Prison Ministry Cycle of Prayer:
Okaloosa Correctional Institution, Crestview, Florida

Flowers:
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the ministry of Christ Church Cathedral and for the Confirmands; in loving memory of Sam and Charlotte Eichold, Alice Eichold, and Donald Fenton Overdyke III.
The flowers on the altar and the font are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the baptism of Spencer Hughes Portacci.
LITURGICAL MINISTERS FOR THIS SUNDAY


PREACHER AND CELEBRANT
The Right Reverend Philip M. Duncan II, Bishop, Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast

CON-CELEBRANTS
The Very Reverend Beverly Findley Gibson, Ph.D., Rector and Dean, Christ Church Cathedral

The Very Reverend Johnny Walter Cook, Retired, Christ Church Cathedral


ASSISTING
The Reverend Canon Daniel Andrew Wagner, Canon Pastor, Christ Church Cathedral


LAY READERS
First Reading William Kennon Drew Intercessor Carolyn Stephenson Jeffers
Second Reading Margaret Marion Thigpen

CHALICE BEARERS
Robert Willis Israel, Richard Lee Mitchell

OBLATIONERS
John Hovey Gwin, Jr., Stacy Elizabeth Wellborn

CRUCIFERS
Janie Alexis Chow, Mary Kathrine Watkins


ACOLYTES
Jordan Allison Chow, Leland Thompson Moore III, Jordan Elise Moore,
William Thigpen Russell, Elinor Frances Gibson

MUSIC
Christopher William Powell, Cathedral Organist and Choirmaster
Katherine Elaine Powell, Assistant Choir Master
Enen Yu, violinist
Christ Church Cathedral Choir

CHILDREN'S CHAPEL
Corinne R. Betbeze, Barbara Lewis Mitchell, Catharine Rose Elliott

ALTAR GUILD
Carolyn Bradford Stephenson, Virginia Lyn Bennett, Holly Kaufmann Hall,
Marianne Nance McIntyre Stephens, Lynn Betbeze Yankie

USHERS
Robison Clarendon McClure, Jr., Chair
John David Brady, Jr., Clarke Upham Irvine, Jr., Banks Christian Ladd,
Jex Ransom Luce, Jr., Homer Leon McClure

HOSPITALITY TEAM
Julia Martin McClelland, Lucy Bowman Brady, ECW Co-Chairs
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