Apalachicola, Florida...............................................................May 1, 2020
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Are You Willing to be Silent and
Appreciate the In Between Times?
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Dear Friends in Christ
Early in my marriage to Cindy we visited Bar Harbor, ME. Cindy desired to travel on to Saint Andrews, New Brunswick. We took the “scenic route” and it took us about six hours or more to get there while it only took two hours to return via the interstate. On our way to Saint Andrews, we got stuck in the midst of road construction on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. In fact, we were so far off the beaten track that the surveying measurements for the construction crews were written on paper plates nailed to wooden stakes.
As we sat there, I began to complain that the journey to Saint Andrews was taking far longer than we had anticipated. My wife said that I should quit complaining and rely on my senses of hearing and smell. Cindy invited me to wind down my window. Suddenly, the aroma of the fragrant pine woods filled the car and the music of songbirds serenaded us. Here we were stopped on a scenic byway, in a pine forest, next to a lake being serenaded by the wildlife, and I did not take notice. I was fixated on getting from here to there and not appreciating the in between time. I have come to realize that being stuck in the middle of nowhere is what I remember most fondly of that trip --- not the destinations, hotels, or even the beautiful town of Saint Andrews.
Like my journey to Saint Andrews, we are in between times and realities, on a journey from before to after, and yet living in the here and now. I think that last part of the previous sentence is the most important. Living in, and into, the here and now. In our sacred scripture we read of our beloved heroes of our salvation history journeying from what was, to what would be. We don’t always hear about what happened during these periods of transition. What happened on Noah’s ark; what happened as Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem: and, what happened as Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fled Herod’s wrath for Egypt?
Perhaps the silence of scripture during what occurred during these transitions is offering us the opportunity to be silent during this time and to the emptiness of life without communion, connection, and community. Sometimes we need to sit with these in between times --- only to be. It takes time --- perhaps 40 days and 40 nights
(a long time)
but this experience can help us begin anew, recognizing those things that are important and those which we can leave behind.
Each of us is in the midst of our own 40 days and 40 nights: a time of transition. Some of us, like Christ, may be tempted by Satan during this time, and others may be like Noah, weathering a storm of isolation and fear. But I encourage you to take time during this Great Pause, this time between what was and what will be, to discern what you have learned about God and yourself, and what you need to hold on to; what you can let go. If we do this, we will become a people less dependent upon cash, and more dependent on Christ; less dependent on creature comforts and more loving of the creatures on this planet; less self-absorbed and perhaps more willing to be silent and appreciate the in between times.
May God bless you and I hope to see you soon.
Eric+
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All in-person, public worship in our diocese
is suspended until at least May 31, 2020.
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Readings for Sunday,
May 3, 2020
, the Fourth Sunday of Easter
Readings for Sunday,
May 10, 2020
, the Fifth Sunday of Easter
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Repairs Return Fountain to Original Beauty
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The beautiful fountain in Trinity's Memorial Garden is bubbling once again! Recently, the water pump ceased working and when the fountain was drained for repairs, it was discovered that the tiles were encrusted with calcium deposits, dulling the luster of the beautiful design.
Gary Ulrich and Jason Carter
(right)
treated the fountain with generous amounts of vinegar, returning it to its original condition. Then, a new pump was installed and the transformation was complete. The fountain now sparkles with clean, flowing water.
-- Patti McCartney
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Before:
Calcium encrusted tiles
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After:
Brilliant colors revealed
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Trinity Finance Update:
The Small Business Association has approved a (forgivable) loan to Trinity for $25, 544. While we do not yet know when the funds will become available, our accountant, Kim Davis, has completed the acceptance forms.
In addition, Trinity has received financial offers from Penny's Worth, ECW (Episcopal Church Women), and the Tour of Homes. These offers will be considered by the Finance Committee and the Committee will make a recommendation to the Vestry as to how to proceed. The Vestry take action at its next meeting on Monday, May 11.
In order to maintain financial viability during this time when services and activities are suspended, please remember to continue to make your pledge payments and regular contributions. You can send your checks to Trinity at PO Box 667, Apalachicola, 32329 or drop your contributions by the Church Office.
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Your Trinity Directory
is updated constantly with new people and new contact information.
If you haven't already done so, please download the app to your phone
or tablet, or connect to the directory online via your computer.
Just follow these simple instructions:
This way, you will have instant access to the most current information
about your friends, plus their photos.
Don't miss out!
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Adrian Pruett Graduates with High Honors
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2020 was supposed to be the time of her life, but with Senior trip and prom canceled, and now graduation up in the air due to COVID-19, her world was turned upside down.
She had no idea when she left for Spring Break on March 16 that would be the last time she would be attending Franklin High School. She also never thought she would miss school and her friends as much as she has.
But, as a parent, I am very proud to make this announcement:
Adrian Nicole Pruett, daughter of Troy & Shannon Segree
(Trinity's Parish Administrator)
will graduate from Franklin County High School on May 22, 2020.
Adrian is Vice President of Student Government, Secretary of National Honor Society, an active member of Beta Club, President of Franklin Elite County 4-H club, and also 4-H District III President over 14 counties.
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She will graduate Summa Cum Laude with high honors.
Adrian is a dual enrolled student attending Gulf Coast State College while in High School, working towards her AA in Biology, and then transferring to FSU to earn a Major in Zoology with a minor in Public Speaking.
-- Shannon Segree
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Myra Ponder on the Mend:
CT reports that Myra has completed her rehabilitation therapy and is moving into Azalea Gardens assisted living facility in Tallahassee. He will finally be able to see her in person once again, if only through a window.
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Census 2020 - Do it Today!
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If you have not already completed your census questionnaire, please take a few minutes to do so immediately!
The future of Apalachicola and Franklin County depends on it.
So far, our response rate is low, which means we will miss out on critical funds for our community.
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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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