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Summer Organ Recitals at the Cathedral
Christopher W. Powell, organist
All recitals are free and open to the public.

Bach: The Origin
Sunday, June 21, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.

This Father's Day, celebrate J. S. Bach, the father of all Western music after him.  Explore the many sides of this great composer, and hear some of his greatest works. Program 

The Lessons Appointed for use on

 The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost  
Year B
RCL
 
Rite II  
 
June 21, 2015


Christ in the Storm on the Lake of Galilee. 1633
Rembrandt
Oil on canvas
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, MA, USA
Source: abcgallery.com

THE COLLECT
O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving�kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.    Amen 
  
Cathedral Notes & Prayers
Preparing for Sunday - Lectionary Readings - Click the icon from our website
  
WORSHIP NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost                           June 21, 2015

Our readings from scripture for this fourth Sunday after Pentecost all demonstrate the power of faith in the face of the daunting appearance of present realities. 

  

The Old Testament reading, although it appears to be long, is the familiar account of young David's encounter with the giant Philistine warrior Goliath. What would the outcome of this battle appear to be? David's appearance is that of youth and weakness; he staggers under the weight of Saul's armor, which he cannot wear. He stands unprotected, holding his shepherd's staff and simple sling. Goliath has the appearance of military might and experience; his size, his armor, his sword, spear and javelin would seem to guarantee his victory. Yet David's mobility, his skill, and above all his reliance on the power of the name of the Lord of hosts provide his victory. He is the picture and the voice of faith prevailing over worldly power.

 

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul defends himself against the charges made by his accusers. How would Paul's ministry appear to be doing? He appears, to his opponents, as an unknown imposter, weak and poor and bound for defeat. His accusers assume the appearance of cultural dominance and superiority. Yet Paul asserts that he is true, known, alive, rejoicing, and rich-through the grace and power of God. He implores the Corinthians to "open wide their hearts," so that can accept the grace of God being offered to them. Paul is elevating faith against the pressure of cultural expectations.

 

Jesus calms the storm at sea in our lesson from Mark. How does the situation in the boat appear to be unfolding? The waves batter the boat, the wind roars, the disciples appear to be struggling vigilantly to keep their vessel afloat. But they are powered by fear. Jesus appears unconcerned, as he sleeps on a cushion in the stern, unaware and unafraid. His response to their imploring and accusation that he does not care is to still the storm. And then he asks, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" 

 

Are we powered by anxiety and fear, reacting to what we perceive to be the powerful threats around us in our world? Or are we standing in the confidence of faith in our Lord, confident of his grace and trusting in his power?




 


 

The Very Reverend Beverly Gibson, Ph.D. 


 

Dean of the Cathedral


THE BIBLE CHALLENGE


Bible Challenge         June 22-28

 

 

In previous Bible Challenge Notes I have offered some strategies for those of us who may have fallen behind in our reading and become discouraged. The most important thing is not to be able to say, "I read it ALL," but to have the transformative experience of actually reading God's Word. So, if you have fallen behind or given up, please don't just throw in the towel until next year. Pick up your Bible and just dive in with this week's reading.

 

The scheduled readings for this week take us through the end of I Kings, recounting the mighty deeds of the great prophet Elijah. Remember that he is the one that many of Jesus' contemporaries believed had returned in Jesus' person. As we move into II Kings, we will read about the naming of his successor, Elisha, and how the mantle is passed (literally) to him.

 

In the Book of Acts, we will read about the missionary journeys of Paul. I would encourage you to find some good maps, either in the back of your Bible or online, and follow his travels that way. Look up some pictures of these places, and imagine what this adventure must have been like.

 

Above all, delight in the reading itself. What a gift that so many scholars have given us in the many translations of these sacred texts! We should read and give thanks!

 

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 after Pentecost                       June 21, 2015    

  Katie and I are back from vacation this week, and we are looking forward to Sunday at Christ Church! During a fishing trip in the mountains last week, we witnessed just how quickly and unexpectedly wind and rain occurs on the water. While our "storm" was hardly more than a gentle rain, it offers a deeper connection to Sunday's Gospel imagery. The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost brings with it one of the most enduring, vivid, and dramatic of biblical accounts. Jesus calms the storm at sea, and in doing so, leaves us an image often depicted in music and visual arts. From a musical perspective, Sunday's music illustrates ideas of providence, petition, and frankly, water. 

  The prelude and postlude are both drawn from G. F. Handel's Water Music. Handel (1685-1759), a German by birth, is best known as an English composer. Had Bach not been so good, Handel would certainly have been known as the foremost composer of the Baroque period. While Bach wrote cantatas, organ music, and secular concert music, Handel was best known for his operas and oratorios. Water Music was composed for a summer concert on July 17, 1717 on the Thames River. Quite literally on the water, the orchestra premiered Water Music on a boat in the river! This music has been an enduring favorite with audiences and congregations ever since. 

  During the offertory, a soloist will present Handel's Come Unto Him from Messiah. At times, it is nice to hear quite a bit from one composer in order to absorb his/her aesthetic. As you listen to Handel's music on Sunday, listen to the elegance and tunefulness in his writing. The memorability of his melodies is certainly one reason his popularity has endured since his lifetime. The words of this piece express the consolation found in Christ amid the storms of life. 

  Finally, you are invited to attend my organ recital here at the cathedral this Sunday at 4:00 P. M. The program will feature some of J. S. Bach's greatest organ works. People seem to either love Bach and know much of his music, or they only know a few of his most famous works. The purpose of this recital is to explore and delve into the uniqueness inherent in this music and in organ music in general. Whether you're an aficionado or unfamiliar with Bach's organ music, you'll probably learn something new at this recital. Bach expressed his unshakeable faith through his music. Come and experience that power on Sunday afternoon. It is my hope that the music will be a spiritual experience for those who attend.  

 

Christopher Powell

Organist and Choir Master

 

 

CATHEDRAL NOTES 

SUMMER ORGAN RECITAL

BACH: THE ORIGIN

Sunday at 4:00 p.m.

On Father's Day, we celebrate J. S. Bach, the father of all Western music after him. Explore the many sides of this great composer, and hear some of his greatest works.

 

THE CATHEDRAL READ 

Tuesday, June 23 at 5:30 p.m.
in the Chapter House
Final Discussion of Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope

 

78TH GENERAL CONVENTION OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Wednesday, June 25 through Friday, July 3
Salt Lake City, Utah
Just as our diocese is in transition, so too is the Episcopal Church. This summer our delegates will elect a new presiding bishop. The consecration of our fourth bishop will be one of the final visits of The Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori's primacy.

You can follow all of the action at the convention's website: http://www.generalconvention.org

 

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Friday, July 24 and
Saturday, July 25
We need your help with events for the Bishop Consecration on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25. Please sign-up on the forms at the ministry table or contact the Cathedral Office:
438-1822 or [email protected]
 
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.

Members:

Brink Brinkley, Butch Trawick, Alice Carwie, Raymond Fields, Katherine Deaton, Carol Rodgers, Hank Cobb, Icy Lee Neel


 

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, 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, Carolyn Graham, Ralph and Catherine Neal, Willie Thomas, Mark Mason, Anita Stead, Gillette Slaton, 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, Sr., 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, Dianne McCall, Vieva Steele, Mary Searle, Frances Robison, Jim McCall, Emily Hubbard


 

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 Episcopal Diocese of Olympia


 

Cathedral Cycle of Prayer: 

St. Paul's, Mobile; Sara Phillips, Pastoral Leader, St. Mary's, Coden


 

Ecumenical Cycle of Prayer: 

The Church in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and Prayer Tabernacle Early Church of Jesus Christ, Mobile


 

Prison Ministry Cycle of Prayer: 

Holman Correction Facility Atmore, Alabama

 

Flowers: 

The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in memory of Victor Paul Stanton, in thanksgiving for the wedding anniversary of Leslie Stanton

Halley and Jeffrey Halley, and in thanksgiving for all the fathers at Christ Church Cathedral. 


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 and Preacher

Dean Gibson 

 

Assisting

Canon Wagner 

 

First Reading 

Tray Hamil 

 

Second Reading

Perri McKay 

 

Intercessor

Holly Hall

 

Chalice Bearers

Rick Mitchell, Bradley Forster 

 

Oblationers

Toni and Tony Brown

 

 Crucifers

Yates Grehan, Walt Hamil 

Acolytes

Lawson Hamil, Jana� Wilson 

 

Children's Chapel

Barbara Mitchell, Jordan Chow 

 

Altar Guild

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

 

Flower Guild

Betsy McCafferty, Barbara Mitchell

 

Ushers 

Bob Forster, Cart Blackwell, Douglas Kearley, Grant Zarzour 

 

Hospitality Team

Jill Chow, Cammie Israel, Perri McKay,Lissa Watkins, Jane White-Spunner 

 


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