The Lessons Appointed for use on
The Third Sunday in Lent

Year C
RCL 
 
 
The Holy Eucharist: Rite One  
Ten o'clock in the morning 

February 28, 2016  
 
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 Moses before the Burning Bush, 1613-14
FETTI, Domenico
(b. ca. 1589, Roma, d. 1623, Venezia)

Oil on canvas, 168 x 112 cm
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna
Source: Web Gallery of Art
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THE COLLECT FOR SUNDAY
February 28, 2016

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; 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

Read Dean Gibson's homily she gave at the Diocesan Convention at Friday morning, February 19, 2016 at St. Paul's, Daphne.
Download the text here.

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WORSHIP NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY


The Very Reverend Beverly Findley Gibson Ph.D.,
Dean and Rector

We will begin our worship this Sunday singing "Glorious things of thee are spoken," and its words-the Rock of Ages, living water, cloud and fire-will point us toward the themes of Exodus and wilderness traditions that weave through this Sunday's lessons. This third Sunday in Lent will focus our attention on God's call to bear good fruit that will last, through repentance for our unfaithfulness and renewed commitment to God's call to lead.

    Following on the heels of last Sunday's account of God's first covenant with Abraham, the Old Testament lesson this Sunday is the wonderful account of God calling Moses through the burning bush. In Midian, the God of Israel's ancestors appears to Moses and summons him to take the lead in delivering Israel from their bondage into the promised land. Moses' curiosity forces him to turn aside and explore the bush that is burning but not consumed. As he draws closer, the "angel" or messenger speaks and turns out to be the presence of the divine in the fire, often a form of divine appearance. Suddenly and unexpectedly, Moses finds himself in a holy place. God explains who he is to Moses and tells him that he has heard Israel's cries in Egypt and now plans to bring them out of their bondage. Moses is to go to Pharaoh and deliver this message. At this point, Moses' questions come: who am I to do this, and who am I to say has sent me? God's answer: "I will be with you," and after you have done what I ask, I will give you a sign when you worship me on this mountain; the divine name is given, and Moses is empowered to call on it.

    The tenth chapter of Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth is filled with allusions to symbols and incidents in Israel's Exodus and wilderness experience. In this case, Paul is warning the Corinthians not to risk God's wrath in eating food offered to idols and not to put Christ to the test. He urges them not to trust in their own "wisdom," but to remember that Christ is the agent of salvation. "So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it."

    The gospel lesson from Luke is the parable of the unfruitful fig tree. In this passage, some Galileans had been slain by Pilate's order while sacrificing in the Temple at Jerusalem. In Jewish belief, such painful experiences were signs of God's judgment, so Jesus' listeners are keen to discern the deeper meaning of these events. Jesus issues a call to repentance, lest a similar fate befall his hearers. His reference to the pruning of the fig tree echoes John the Baptist's call to repentance in Luke 3: "every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." Fire here is a symbol of divine judgment, often eschatological, at the end of the age.

    As we move deeper into the wilderness of Lent, this Sunday poses for us the question of how well we are "bearing fruit" in answering God's call to us. What kind of "pruning" do we need in order to bear fruit that will last and be pleasing to God?

Pulpit to Pew


Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner - Dean Beverly Gibson and parishioner podcast host Johnny Gwin - to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Rev. Gibson shares ways to be a more aware and engaged listener.


Episode 2
Sermon - February 21, 2016
2nd Sunday of Lent - Abraham Sunday
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 13:31-35

What is listening with a "whole soul experience" and how important is it to embrace discernment? Rev. Beverly Gibson and podcast host, Johnny Gwin, discuss the significance of Abraham's covenant conversation with God (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18) and Jesus's run in with two threatening Pharisees (Luke 13:31-35). Johnny shares his hero-worship of the "anti-authoritarian" Jesus, and Rev. Gibson answers the question: What is the strongest single characteristic of a disciple of Jesus?

To view Listening & Responding SabbaDoodle (sketch notes):

Giving yourself to engaged listening (and responding) can connect you more to your faith, community and the people closest to you. Plus, it adds fullness and richness to your spiritual and daily life. A church and a community is one of many and communication is a strong tool enriching and improving our relationships and understanding of one another.

The weekly episodes can be found here:
www.pulpittopew.com
MUSIC NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY



Christopher Powell
Organist and
Choir Master

J. S. Bach (1685-1750) is a composer about which I have written quite a bit since starting these email articles. It begs the question why Bach is so worthy of discussion, and is it simply personal preference? While I very much enjoy playing works of Bach, there is a greater, more compelling reason why his music has such a prominent place in the repertoire heard here at Christ Church Cathedral. Bach is a central orb (some would argue "the" central orb) around which Western music revolves. Certainly the man himself wouldn't have expected this. In fact, he is quoted as saying that anyone working as hard as he had would succeed equally well. Perhaps this is part of the mystery and allure of Bach's musical output - that it was created by an "ordinary" person who lived an ordinary life of his era. Rather than the Beethovenian image of the artist, fiery and alone, troubled, struggling against the systems of his time, at once tragic and inspiring, the Bach story is one of a family man, a devout Christian, a downtrodden musical servant eking out a living as a craftsman in his field. Bach took the tools given him by his musical predecessors and created towering works beyond anything that came before and defying the future to make anything to which they can be compared. Of course, all this was done in a hurry amid the crushing reality of a lower-to-middle class life in central Germany. It is important to remember that Bach was from a small town and really didn't travel much. Contrast this with other composers like Mozart. How could this music exist with such little "room to breathe" or external influences? Bach, mainly known as an organ virtuoso in his day, seems to have composed often out of necessity and always in a hurry, but the music, after sinking into obscurity after his death until a 19th century revival by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), came to inspire generations of composers, performers, and listeners alike.

This Sunday, the ThirdSunday of Lent, we will hear two monumental works by Bach. The first, the prelude, will be the Fantasia in c minor.
Listen for its solemn grandeur in the opening bars followed by a secondary theme that seems to overtake the first in importance as the piece moves forward. This secondary theme is full of "sigh motives." These motives create a mournful but transcendent mood as they propel the piece toward its close. As we ponder this Lenten season, our thoughts naturally turn toward Good Friday and the solemn mysteries of the cross. These sigh motives might be heard as sobs, wailing, or even as increases in tension or footsteps as we move closer to Holy Week. Maybe they remind us of the heart crying out to God. Finally, the piece ends with a tremendous half cadence that leaves a feeling of suspense. Technically, the fantasy is supposed to go straight into its fugue, but on Sunday, after a pause, it will transition into the processional hymn. The postlude, the Toccata in d minor "Dorian," is not the famous d minor toccata of Disney fame, but a lesser known piece of even greater compositional brilliance. The jagged sixteenth note figures give a sense of increasing movement and grandeur. Sequential patterns drive us through the piece until an incredible cadence of great length at the end. While this piece qualifies as being in a minor key, it certainly has its joyful moments. It is important to note that minor modes don't always mean "sad." Often, I find them to be quite passionate, serious, and filled with complex emotions. Together, these works will bookend our service with glorious music, in Bach's own words, "To the glory of God alone."
 
MINISTERS OF THE LITURGY

Celebrant and Preacher
Canon Wagner

Concelebrant
Dean Gibson

First Reading
Tray Hamil

Psalmist
Bob Israel

Second Reading
Margaret Thigpen

Intercessor
Ginny Behlen

Chalice Bearers
Skip Archer, Carolyn Eichold

Oblationers
Lisa and Kennon Drew

Crucifers
Anna Francis Weeks, Livy Ferguson

Acolytes
Charlie Weeks, Carson Russell,
 Jordan Moore, William Russell, Maria Napier

Children's Chapel
Lucy and Leland Moore

Altar Guild
Carolyn Stephenson, Lyn Bennett, Holly Hall,
Nance Stephens, Lynn Yankie

Flower Guild
Homer McClure

Ushers
Mark Weeks, Carter Drane,
Fred Hoffmeyer, Chris Hume

Hospitality Team
Tiny Spottswood, Mary Jane Cobb, Susan Crowson,
Janet Rich Pittman, Carol Rodgers, Cathy Taylor, Paula Watkins

CATHEDRAL NOTES

LENTEN MUSIC AT NOON
Lenten noon-day concerts are 30 minutes, 
followed by a luncheon in the Chapter House.
  • 11:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II in the Chapel
  • 12:00 p.m. Meditation and Music in the Church
  • 12:30 p.m. Luncheon in Chapter House

Wednesday, March 2 
Monika Cosson 
Monika Cosson will offer a program of music for mezzo-soprano that will highlight the rich and expressive quality of her voice. Cosson has performed with such ensembles as the Pensacola Choral Society, the New Orleans Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Opera Southwest.

Wednesday, March 9 
Bella Voce Women's Chorus 
Again this season, we welcome Bella Voce, the ever-popular "premier" women's chorus of Mobile. Engaging innovative, this group of ladies is sure to delight and inspire.

Wednesday, March 16 
A Classic Combination 
This program features beautiful compositions for violin and piano. Hear violinist, Gosia Leska, and pianist, Christopher W. Powell.

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GROUP SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday, Instructed Eucharist
Our children in grades 3 through 12 will meet during Christian Formation for an Instructed Eucharist in the Chapel. This will be a great opportunity for our youth to learn more about "the principal act of Christian worship on the Lord's Day..." (p. 13 of the BCP) and participate in the service. Members of the Confirmation Class are required to attend this event. For more information, please contact Canon Wagner.


SUNDAY AFTERNOON EUCHARIST IN LENT
Today & March 6, 13 at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel
Come experience a quiet afternoon liturgy at the Cathedral.


ADULT INQUIRERS CLASS
Tuesday, March 8 & Tuesday, March 15
At 5:15 p.m., in the library.
This class is for those interested in joining the Episcopal Church. Please contact Dean Gibson or Canon Wagner if you would like to attend.


CATHEDRAL PARKING
The parking lot across Church Street from the church has again changed management. New management has installed a machine to take the place of the parking lot attendant. A vestry committee is working with the parking company to see how we can work together. For now, they do not charge for Sunday morning parking, and for the foreseeable future, there will be an attendant at the lot on Wednesdays. For now, tell the attendant you would like to have your ticket validated and bring the ticket to the office to be stamped. As always, the charges for parking will be billed monthly to the Cathedral office.
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CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL WINDOWS
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Cathedral windows are #7 - 13.
Check it out!


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THE CATHEDRAL CELEBRATES
  COOKBOOK
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, Sonny Burchfield, Alice Carwie, Katherine Deaton, Hank Cobb, Jordan Moore

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, 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, Carolyn Pryor, Merle Findley, Louise Douglas, Shirley & Dunlap Peeples, Steve Harris, Marian Macpherson Currie, Kit & Roger Geil, Angel & Larry Torres, Kathy Boucvalt, Bill Stevens, Ginger Simpson, Karen Sentilles, Lila Fisk, Tracey Johnson, Joe Lowrey, Temple Webber, Betty Browder, Allan Tucker, Kathy Sanders, Clarise Waters, Glenn Hill, Leslie Ellis Sharbel, Marian Hall, Homer Kemp, Jane Behlen, Dan Jones, Carolyn Graham, Ralph Neal, Mark Mason, Anita Stead, Tim Fulton, Bennett Stenger, Gladys Crowson, Billy Yost, Noel Fell, Sybil Willis Rodgers, Hap Myers, Jr., Paul Vickers, Sr., George Robison, Georgia Dominick, Robin Wade, Randy Moore, Rick Nichols, Kate Heddrich, Julie Brinson, Ceaser Bryant, Moana Karstater, Icy Lee Neel, Frances Robison, Emily Hubbard, Mike Dowers, Jason Lockwood, Pat Fisher, Bubba Murray, Bernice Vickers, Jerry Collins, Grady McMillan, Bobby Moss, Kerry Goode, The Rev. John Rees, Chris Schnieder, Liz Charbonnet Talmadge, John Day Peake, Jr., A. J. Villars, Kaye Koffler, Tay Morrissette, Robert L. Hatcher, Bob Williams, Mary Katzman, Jennifer Strong, David Keniston, Zaidee Galloney, Maggie Behlen, Evelyn and Bill McGeHee, Chrissie Irby, Adele Stuardi Gwatkin, Lydia Moore, Bill Betbeze, B. F. Paty Daves, Ralph Boudreaux, Tommy Roberson, Billy Bailey, Henry Trice, Pete and B.J. Cobb, Carolyn Shores Wright, Cathlene Quizon, Rip Nance, Shelley Carr Nightingale, Charlie Mae Moreé, Fred Bennett, John Houston Tatum, Jr., Mary Christine Wilson, E. J. Boudreaux, Wayne Boudreaux

For Those Serving in the Military:
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, 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, Tom Pearce, Colton Ulmer, Margie Hall Malloy

Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
The Anglican Church of the Congo

Cathedral Cycle of Prayer:
St. Francis, Dauphin Island; Sara Phillips, Pastoral Leader, St. Mary's, Coden

Ecumenical Cycle of Prayer:
The Church in Germany and France; Faithword Church, Mobile

Prison Ministry Cycle of Prayer:
Calhoun Correctional Institution,
Blountstown, Florida
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