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The Lessons Appointed for use on
 
The Seventh Sunday of Easter 
Year B
RCL
 
Rite II  
 
May 17, 2015

 
 Matthias
 
   


The Collect

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.
  
WORSHIP NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY

The Seventh Sunday of Easter     May 17, 2015
The Sunday after Ascension Day
Eastertide draws to a close with significant events that constitute the Church and establish how we will live in the resurrected life of Christ until his coming again. The next three Sundays we will remember and relive these events. This Sunday, the Seventh Sunday after Easter, recalls Ascension Day, which was Thursday of this week. Next Sunday will be the Day of Pentecost, and the following Sunday will be Trinity Sunday. Then comes the long season of ordinary time after Pentecost.


    Our collect for the day reminds us of Jesus' ascension to the Father-"you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven"-even as it looks forward to the Day of Pentecost-"do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us"-and anticipates our own ultimate gathering to God in the unity of the Trinity-"exalt us to that place where our Savior Jesus Christ has gone before."

    The reading from the Acts of the Apostles carries us through the events of the days following Jesus' resurrection and ascension, as the disciples, under Peter's leadership, reorganize themselves to carry out the mission Jesus has entrusted to them. Part of their first business is to choose a twelfth disciple to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot. This person must be one from among those who followed Jesus during his time of ministry on earth. Two candidates are presented, and following ancient religious custom, the disciples entrust the choice to the Lord's will by casting lots. The lot fell on Matthias, who then joined the other eleven and is never heard from again. We can only assume that Matthias fulfilled his duty faithfully; he played his part by offering himself for serve with the disciples as a witness to Jesus' resurrection.

    The epistle lesson from I John is an appeal to the young Church to keep the true faith, which is based not only on human testimony but also on God's. This is the testimony of God: "God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." The life we continue to live in this "in-between" time after the ascension and before Christ's coming again should be spent in keeping the Lord's teaching so that, in the words of our Psalm this week, we can be "like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither."

    Jesus prays for his disciples in our gospel lesson from John, interceding for them (and us) with the Father, asking that God will make us one, as the Son and the Father are one. Jesus here anticipates his coming to the Father in the Ascension, and he acknowledges that we, his followers, will remain in the world. While Jesus was here, he protected and guarded his loved ones from evil. After Jesus has returned to the Father, he asks that his Father will take on that protection.

    In our unity, in our community, bound together by the love of Jesus Christ, we are one-and we live in God's protective care. We are not without comfort; the Holy Spirit strengthens us. We live in the world joyfully and obediently as we await the coming of God's Kingdom while sharing its Good News with everyone we meet.
 

 

The Very Reverend Beverly Gibson, Ph.D. 

 

Dean of the Cathedral
THE BIBLE CHALLENGE


Bible Challenge: Week 13

 

Your reading this week progresses quickly through the remainder of the historical account of the Book of Joshua and on into the history of the cycles of the Judges in Israel. The New Testament reading moves well into the fourth and final gospel of John.


    In Joshua, the allotment among the tribes of Israel of land in Canaan continues. We are reminded of God's mercy in the creation within that land of cities of refuge, places where those accused of crimes involving manslaughter may find protection from retributive justice. The book concludes with charges to faithful living and a renewal of the covenant "a long time" after the conquest is completed. When Joshua was old, he gathered the people, exhorting them to be careful and not to turn back from following God. The story of the people of Israel continues in the Book of Judges with its accounts of the cycles of the judges who guided the people and kept them accountable to God. You will read about Deborah the prophetess, as well as Barak, Gideon, and Jephthah.


    John recounts Jesus' early ministry in Jerusalem, beginning with the healing of the lame man by the pool at Bethzatha, where invalids gathered. Jesus promises, "Anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life." As Jesus continues his work, many people will be healed and the dead will be raised. Signs of the Messiah keep appearing-the multiplication of the bread to feed a crowd of thousands, Jesus walking on the sea. In his intercession for the woman accused of adultery, Jesus declares that only the sinless may stone her. Judgment belongs to God, and God is merciful to all sinners. Our reading for the week concludes with Jesus' description of himself as the good shepherd. This is a fitting passage for out meditation and prayers in the final weeks of Eastertide. Jesus has prepared a place for us; he and the Father protect and guide us in our ministry in the world; all our needs are provided; we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit.


    My prayer for you this week in your Bible Challenge is that you may find strength and comfort and courage for your discipleship through reading God's 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 Seventh Sunday of Easter     May 17, 2015

 

On Thursday, May 14, 2015, the church officially observes Ascension Day. However, as is common practice in most dioceses and parishes, we will celebrate the Ascension on the Seventh Sunday of Easter. Much beautiful music has been written with Christ's Ascension as its subject. On Sunday, you will hear two pieces of particular interest. 

The organ prelude, Prayer of Christ ascending toward the Father, is by Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992), a Parisian organist and composer who's unique musical language was a defining force of 20th century western music. Most people who know of Messiaen seem to think of him as an anomaly - a highly individualized composer from "left field". However, Messiaen stood on the shoulders of the French Romantic organist/composers who came before him. Messiaen simply extended the Romantic sounds, mixed them with new non-western elements, and expanded the old forms until they broke into something entirely different. A lover of birds, Messiaen would walk in nature, listen to birdsong, and write it down in musical notation. Much of his music actually includes these birdsongs from around the world! The prelude this Sunday comes from The Ascension Suite, a multi-movement work originally composed for orchestra and transcribed for organ by Messiaen himself. This particular movement bears the stamp of Messiaen's "music of adoration". As you listen to the colorful (and sometimes dissonant) harmonies, try picturing Christ's Ascension and the beautiful prayer he prayed for us. Messiaen's music makes no sense without mysticism. As the piece goes on, the music gets higher and more intense until it reaches its apex - the very last chord. Personally, I believe this symbolizes that heaven is the highest goal, highest fulfillment, and that the work of Christ is not yet finished - it continues in us. Rather than writing music in sentences and paragraphs, Messiaen composes in colors. He blends tones together like an Impressionist painter blends colors. I don't often play Messiaen because I know it's not everyone's "cup of tea", but it is good to occasionally open the door to his mystical world. 

Our offertory anthem is, A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing. These ancient words for Ascension, penned by the Venerable Bede (673-735), are coupled with a very old hymn tune. The tune, Deo gratias, is also known as the "Agincourt Hymn". It was composed during the 15th century to celebrate English victory in the Battle of Agincourt. The original lyrics sing the praises of Henry V and repeat the refrain, "Deo gratias! (Thanks be to God)". This tune will sound unusual to you because, rather than composed for church use, it is in the Medieval secular form of an English Ballad. Regardless, it is great fun, and its victorious strains coupled with Bede's text make for a good Ascension anthem.

Our Music Ministry strives to be diverse in its offerings, and on special days like Ascension Sunday, we put extra time and thought into our selections. This is important because, while the Easter season is replete with reasons to celebrate, these special days have spiritual significance in our lives as Christians. How better to observe them than with an eclectic mix of old and new works from across the globe? Happy Ascension Sunday!

 

Christopher Powell

 

Organist and Choir Master
CATHEDRAL NOTES 

EYC STUDY BREAK SUNDAY
Today, our youth have a study break from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Waffle House(3262 Dauphin Street). For more information, please see Canon Wagner or Sarah Bolt.

NOON HOLY EUCHARIST
Ends this Wednesday, May 20. Resumes the Wednesday after following Labor Day, September 9.

YOUNG ADULT SUPPER CLUB
Thursday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m.
At the home of Sarah Bolt
(108 Levert Avenue)
BYOB and a small appetizer
RSVP to Sarah at
sarah.s.bolt@gmail.com
or 214-4512.

CATHEDRAL OFFICE CLOSED
Memorial Day, Monday, May 25

EYC BLOW OUT
Sunday, May 31
Following the service.
The McElhaneys' Dog River House
2007 Riverview Drive

COLLEGE GRADUATES
College graduates will be recognized in the June issue of The Messenger. Please let us know if you have a new college graduate.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We need your help with events for the Bishop Consecration on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25, please sign-up on the form at the ministry table or contact the Cathedral Office at
office@christchurchcathedralmobile.org or 438-1822.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Tuesday, June 9-Thursday, June 11
Bring the whole flock to
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 Mitchell at 689-7874 or alisonsmitchell2@gmail.com.
VBS Important Dates:
  • Set-up-Sunday, June 7 following the service.
  • Volunteer training and decorating-Monday, June 8 from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
  • Take down-Thursday, June 11 from noon until 2:00 p.m.
     

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. 

 

 

 

 

 


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.

 
 
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

4:00 p.m.
RECEPTION
Christ Church Cathedral

Sunday, July 26
10:00 a.m.
SEATING OF THE 4TH BISHOP
Christ Church Cathedral 
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, Patricia Burchfield

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, 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, 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, George Robison, Georgia Dominick, Mitch Johnson, Robin Wade, Randy Moore, Rick Nichols, Eric Kosche, Patrick Smith, Kate Heddrich, Julie Brinson, John Aduston Rogers IV, Ceaser Bryant, Moana Karstater

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

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of North Eastern Caribbean, Aruba, and the West Indies

Cathedral Cycle of Prayer: St. Andrew's, Mobile; Sara Phillips, Pastoral Leader, St. Mary's, Coden

Ecumenical Cycle of Prayer: The Church in Malawi and Zambia, and Community of Christ, Mobile

Prison Ministry Cycle of Prayer: Easterling Correctional Facility, Clio, Alabama

Flowers: The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Elizabeth Whittington.

Prayer for the Diocese:
O God, by thy grace you have called us in this Diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishop Philip and our Bishop-elect Russell, and other clergy, and all our people. Grant that thy Word may be truly preached and truly heard, thy Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By thy Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of thy Son, and grant that we may show the power of thy love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
LITURGICAL MINISTERS FOR THIS SUNDAY

Celebrant
Dean Gibson

Celebrant and Preacher
Canon Wagner

First Reading
Alison Mitchell

Second Reading
 Lissa Watkins

Intercessor
 Holly Hall

Chalice Bearers
Carolyn Jeffers, Judy Henson

Oblationers
Beth and Bill Bullock

Crucifers
Charlie Ramo Annabelle Ramo




Acolytes
Blake Ferguson, Elinor Gibson

Children's Chapel
Corinne Betbeze

Altar Guild
Perrin Drew, Barbara Archer,
Harriet Jean Boughton, Shannon Harris, Lissa Watkins, Barry Weeks

Flower Guild
Ann Moody

Ushers
Lewis Golden, Stephen Baker,
Travis Russell

Hospitality Team
Sage Bolt, Lucy and David Brady, Carolyn Eichold, Betsy McCafferty, Shannon Reeves, Laura Rutherford
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