The Lessons Appointed for use on
the Sixth Sunday of Easter 


The  Holy Eucharist: Rite Two 
RCL (Revised Common Lectionary) 
Ten o'clock in the morning 

May 1, 2016  
 
 ABOUT    WORSHIP     MUSIC      COMMUNICATIONS     CONTACT


Lydia, Dealer in Purple Cloth
Acts 16: 9-15
Art source: textweek.com

THE COLLECT FOR SUNDAY
May 1, 2016


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. 
 Sunday's Service Bulletin
 Cathedral Notes & Prayers
Lectionary Page
WORSHIP NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY
 

The Very Reverend
 Beverly Findley Gibson  Ph.D., 
Dean and Rector
 
The lectionary readings for this sixth Sunday of Easter are concerned with visions or indications of the future contained in the present. How does God call us from our present reality into the future life He has in store for us?

    In the book of Acts, Paul had a vision during the night: a man from Macedonia called to him to come over and help them. So, convinced that God had called him to Macedonia through the dream, Paul mounted an expedition across the sea. The writer recounts the journey and how Paul came to Macedonia. In the city of Philippi, Paul and his companions went to worship on the Sabbath and met there among the worshipers a woman named Lydia. The Lord "opened her heart to listen eagerly" to what Paul had to say, and then she and her whole household (as would have been the custom) were baptized. And, she takes Paul and his friends into her home, becoming an early supporter of the mission of Jesus' followers.

    In our reading from the closing chapters of the Revelation to John, the narrator tells us that he was carried "in the Spirit" by an angel to the top of a high mountain. There, he was shown a vision of the new creation, the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven and God. It is filled with light, emanating from the Lamb and the throne of God in its center; everything and everyone there is completely clean. Through the middle of the city runs the crystal clear river of life, and beside the river is the abundantly fruitful tree of life. The servants of God gathered there are able to see God's face, to be fully in God's presence, forever.

    The gospel reading for this week from John contains Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit. Just prior to where our lesson begins, one of the disciples, Judas (not Iscariot) had asked Jesus a question: "Lord, how is it you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?" Jesus did not reply directly, but told him that only those who love Jesus and keep his word would be able to receive him. Only to them would Jesus and his Father come and make a "home," a relationship of being at home, together. Then Jesus told him that the Advocate, the Holy Spirit would come later to speak. The Holy Spirit would be the link between the past (when Jesus was among them) and the future (to which Jesus would call them). The Holy Spirit would remind them about the things Jesus had said and done and would teach them the things they would need to know in order to do the work in store for them.

    We are no longer people who believe much in visions, and we don't usually trust predictions about things to come. So how, then, can we grasp or understand these pieces of scripture? Think about it in this way: what are your dreams, the things you would do if you were not afraid and felt confident of your strength and resources? What would we do as the Cathedral Family if we felt this way? God is revealing himself to us through those dreams, if we will be open to them?
   
MUSIC NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY




Christopher Powell
Organist and
Choir Master


As we prepare to celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter this week at the cathedral, we recall the often-forgotten celebration of Rogation Sunday. I remember, as a child, wondering what a Rogation Day or Rogation Sunday was, and honestly, its observance seems to have fallen out of the norm. According to Wikipedia, Rogation days are days when the church fasts and prays. Apparently, these days are sometimes celebrated with processions and the Litany of the Saints as well. The word, rogation, comes from a Latin word that means, "to ask." Interestingly, the "major rogation, " celebrated close to April 25, has its roots in an old Roman holiday, Robigalia, and it was a bit horrifying to discover that on this holiday a dog was sacrificed to ensure healthy crops. Later, as this festival was incorporated into Christianity, miracles were said to have happened during rogation processions. In any case, the main point is to ask God to bless the crops in order to yield a good harvest. While most of us do not live directly off the land anymore by growing our own crops, it is important to give thanks for all of the people who do grow our food. It's also important to relish the beauty of our environment and give thanks for it. 
 
What does this mean to us, and what does it have to do with music? You will notice that most of Sunday's music centers around agricultural themes. Our sequence hymn, All things bright and beautiful, speaks of the wonder in creation with a sense of child-like joy. The first Communion hymn, I sing the almighty power of God, speaks of God's direct influence in creation. Finally, the recessional hymn, All creatures of our God and King, paints beautiful literary pictures of "Dear mother earth" bestowing blessings of flowers and fruits - even these praise God. Sunday's choir anthem will be Jesus Christ the Apple Tree by Elizabeth Poston (1905-1987). This text references Christ as the "tree of life." This image is quite old, and I think it is perfect for Rogation Sunday. Even our chant at Communion, the Pascha nostrum, speaks of Christ being the "first fruits of those who have fallen asleep."
 
Sunday's prelude will be my own Prelude and Fugue in c minor. It is only recently that I've started writing in this way, and I find it to be a great discipline and mental workout. Both the prelude and the fugue are in three voices (independent parts). In the prelude, the soprano and tenor parts are in canon for much of the piece. In the fugue, listen as the subject (main melody) is played at the start, then listen for it as it comes back again and again in different places. Fugues are a lot of fun to listen to when you really focus on what is going on, but they're also quite nice even without knowledge of their mechanics. The postlude, Sonata No. 4, Allegro con brio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), is one of the organ repertoires mainstays. Remember, Mendelssohn was responsible for the great 19th century Bach revival. Bach's way of composing have a lasting impact on Mendelssohn's own music, and you can hear that in Sunday's postlude. The first theme is florid sixteenth notes weaving a tapestry of majestic sound. The second theme appears after a while and is plodding and darker (a march, of sorts). Listen how Mendelssohn brilliantly combines these two contrasting themes toward the end! 
MINISTERS OF THE LITURGY

Celebrant and Preacher
Dean Gibson

First Reading
Lucy Moore

Second Reading
Douglas Kearley

Intercessor
Skip Archer

Chalice Bearers
Burnley Davis, Leland Moore

Oblationers
Noreen Hume, Chris Hume

Crucifers
Anna Francis Weeks, Annabelle Ramo

Acolytes
 Sadie Ladd, Virginia Ladd, Jordan Moore,
 Leland Moore, Yates Grehan

Children's Chapel
Barbara Mitchell, Elinor Gibson

Altar Guild
Barbara Archer, Jennifer Grehan,
 Donna Moreé, M. J. Ramo, Martha Ann Stafford

Flower Guild
Missy Patrick, Kay Whiting

Ushers
Mark Weeks, Paul Clinton,
 Fred Hoffmeyer, Gene Moreé

Hospitality Team
Marianne Hall, Chambliss Brister, Kim Ellis,
Valerie Hines, Lucy Moore, Kristyn Seawell

CATHEDRAL NOTES





9TH ANNUAL WILMER HALL PANCAKE BREAKFAST
April 30
Join the group for pancakes from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
$5 per plate
Sponsorships available
 

EYC
Sunday, May 1 
Our youth have a study break from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at IHOP
(3912 Airport Blvd).
The approximate cost is $20.
For more information, please see Sarah Bolt.


ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Sunday,  May 1
Fall Planning Meeting in the chapel immediately following the service.


UNITED THANK OFFERING INGATHERING
Sunday, May 8
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. UTO is a project of the Episcopal Church Women. UTO materials are available on the Ministry table.


MORNING CIRCLE
Monday, May 9
At the home of Happy Grehan, 257 Dilston Lane
For directions, call Happy at 316-3622.
For information on Morning Circle, call Carolyn Stephenson
at 342-5637.


FORWARD DAY BY DAY
Daily devotionals for May, June and July are available on the ministry table.
Find it online HERE.


GRADUATION
We will celebrate our high school graduates on Sunday, May 15.  Please let us know if you have a senior for us to recognize.


VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 
Tuesday, June 7 - Thursday, June 9 
Egypt: Joseph's Journey from prison to palace 
SPEND A LITTLE WHILE 
ON THE NILE! 
Alison Mitchell and her VBS team are busy planning for VBS 2016. 
Volunteers of all ages needed. 
Sign-up online to register your child or volunteer at 
www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/hl/christchurchcath. 
Questions? Please contact Alison Mitchell at 
alisonmitchell2@gmail.com or 689-7874.

As we plan and prepare for Hometown Nazareth VBS, our team requests your prayers.  You may also show your support by making a monetary donation.  
 
____________________

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL WINDOWS
FEATURED ON AL.COM
"Where to see amazing, intricate Tiffany glass windows in Alabama"
Cathedral windows are #7 - 13.
Check it out!


REMINDER!
Please "like" us on Facebook! You'll find photos, links to messages, news about CCC and the diocese.
CLICK HERE!


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:
Sonny Burchfield, Alice Carwie, Katherine Deaton, Hank Cobb, Martha Middleton, Jordan Moore, Debbie Ramsey


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, 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, 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, Kerry Goode, Chris Schnieder, Liz Charbonnet Talmadge, John Day Peake, Jr., A. J. Villars, Kaye Koffler, Tay Morrissette, Robert L. Hatcher, Mary Katzman, Jennifer Strong, David Keniston, Zaidee Galloney, Maggie Behlen, 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, Cathlene Quizon, The Rev. John Rees, Rip Nance, Charlie Mae Moreé, John Houston Tatum, Jr., Mary Christine Wilson,  E. J. Boudreaux, Allison Robinson, Randy Batiste, Louise Batiste, Iris LaCoste, Susan Farr, Robert Zarzour, Christina Stanley, Katherine Carver, Lisa Clement

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 Kenya

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

Ecumenical Cycle of Prayer: 
The Church in Eritrea and Ethiopia, and The Holy Church of God in Christ, Mobile.

Prison Ministry Cycle of Prayer: 
Santa Rosa Correctional Institution, Milton, Florida.

Repose of the Soul: 
Amiel Word Brinkley, Jr.

Flowers: 
The flowers today are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the baptism of Sally St. John Webb, and in thanksgiving for the fiftieth wedding anniversary of Robbie Lynn and Sonny Irvine, and in thanksgiving for the Thigpen-Russell families.
PULPIT TO PEW 
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!



Like us on Facebook
04%2014.00.29.png?dl=0