Apalachicola, Florida.......................................................March 20, 2020
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A Message from the Rev. Eric Zile
(This message first appeared in the March 18, 2020 Trinity Special News)
Dear Friends in Christ,
Your Vestry and the leaders of the Historic Apalachicola Home and Garden Tour voted unanimously to
cancel this year’s Tour of Homes
. Out of an abundance of caution and in keeping with the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines we felt this was both the right and necessary decision. We look forward to returning to offering this experience to our friends and neighbors in 2021.
This decision comes on the heels of one made earlier this week by the Board of
Penny’s Worth to close for the foreseeable future
.
Below, you will find a letter from Bishop Kendrick wherein he has
suspended ALL services and group meetings at every church in this diocese until Easter Sunday
(subject to the coronavirus conditions)
. Within his letter he has given certain leeway to Rectors to provide for the Sacramental needs of each congregation. With that in mind, I am making the following commitment to you:
- I will celebrate the Eucharist later this week along with another member of the congregation in order to have a valid celebration.
- I will strive to record a sermon each week and have it uploaded to our Facebook page and in a Trinity Special News.
- I will make the holy Eucharist available to every member of the congregation as they so desire in the following manner: We have ordered individually wrapped communion wafers and one-ounce disposable plastic glasses to contain wine. I will be on my front porch from 8 am to 11 am each Sunday until this crisis passes so that you may continue to be nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ.
- During the week I ask you not to come by the office before calling so that Shannon may be prepared for your visit and I ask that you practice safe social distancing and hygiene when you are there. Due to my recovery and urging from the bishop I will work from my home office, but I am still available 24/7.
- Remembering that the government has requested that meetings of more than 10 persons be suspended, I suggest that the Foyer groups be open to following the CDC’s suggestion; however, I also ask that you remain in contact with one another so that we do not lose that sense of community. Also, since I cannot call everyone every day, I ask the leaders of the Foyer groups to keep me posted on the health and well-being of its members. Again, this is how we can still be the Church so that very few of us have to walk in this wilderness in solitude.
- AA and other recovery programs may still meet at Trinity, in accordance with the Bishop's guidance to sanitize surfaces in the meeting areas.
As this calamity plays out I am certain things will change and we
must be willing to live a sacrificial life which includes checking
on your family and friends by phone, giving up our church
community for a while (truly a Lenten practice), and as we
will not earn income from the Tour of Homes, continue to send
your tithes and offerings to the church.
I cannot add any more appropriate words than Bishop Kendrick’s words regarding the Church in the time of St. Augustine. Remember that God is always reaching out to us in God’s love. In this time of uncertainty, reach out to the one who gives us life, hope, and peace, and He will touch your heart.
Eric+
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For daily meditation, I recommend to the congregation
Eric+
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Health Concerns Prompt Temporary Closing
for Penny's Worth
After consulting with Bishop Kendrick, and out of concern for the health and safety of our customers and volunteers,
Penny's Worth is now closed in order to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19.
We look forward to re-opening
for our community when it is
safe and appropriate.
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Trinity Finance Update -- March, 2020
Finance Members are: Kim Davis, Toonie Waddell, Tom Edwards, Lee Bettis, Kirk Hadaway, Ron Bence, CT Ponder, and Ralph Wagoner, Chair.
The Committee met on February 19 and reviewed the operational financials for the year to date; reviewed the latest endowment and quasi-endowment report; discussed establishing statements of direction which will serve as a guide for our “program of work” for the 2020 year; and, agreed to survey all committee chairs regarding their committee’s financial needs and aspirations for the next 2-5 years.
At the time of the committee meeting, our endowments and quasi-endowments were in a very positive position. As of this writing (March 16), the status of our endowment and quasi-endowment positions are unknown other than to say these funds will, most likely, be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis and its impact on the financial markets. How severe remains to be seen. Another factor that will have an impact upon the fiscal picture will be necessity of canceling our Tour of Homes.
Regardless of the outside influences that affect our fiscal well-being, be assured that the committee in concert with our Priest and the Vestry will act with all due diligence.
To God be the Glory!
-- Ralph
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St. Patrick's Day Foyer Celebration
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St. Patrick's Day was the theme for last week's Foyer dinner at the home of Ralph
(left)
and Susie
(behind the camera)
Wagoner. Ina Margaret Meyer
(right
) offered an Irish blessing and proposed a toast in her father's special shot glasses. Other dinner guests included
(clockwise from left)
Kristin Anderson, Randy Mims, Gloria Austin, and Sherry & Rick Thomas.
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How Are You Keeping Safe
and Healthy These Days?
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As we practice social distancing and extreme hygiene measures, some of us are finding the time we've long been looking for, to read that new book, try that enticing recipe, or enjoy this beautiful spring outdoors.
Please let us know what you're up to.
For example, Kay Carson & Paul McAbee enjoyed a few hours of social distancing with a boat ride up the Carrabelle River
(right)
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Landy & Nancy Luther
continue to explore and enjoy their environs in Hawaii. They are
sharing their adventures
with us, along with some
photos
of their experiences.
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Many Forgotten Coast Spring Events Postponed
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Many events and activities scheduled for late March & April
along Florida’s Forgotten Coast in Franklin County
have been postponed as a result of the potential for exposure
to the COVID-19 virus, including the annual Brewfest
on St. George Island, the Carrabelle Riverfront Festival, Apalachicola's Art and Wine Walk, and Annual Car and Boat Show.
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There will be no services at Trinity until Easter, due to
health & safety concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19.
(See message from the Priest & directive from the Bishop, above.)
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Sunday Services are 8 am & 10:30 am, Eastern time
Church address: 79 6th Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320
Office address: 76 5th Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320
Mailing address: PO Box 667, Apalachicola, Florida 32329
Phone number: (850) 653-9550
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