The Tentmaker - St. Paul's Episcopal Church
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The Tentmaker
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Daphne, Alabama
March 3, 2021
Message from Thack
“I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have
been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:1
-2).
That passage from Ephesians came to mind as I was preparing for a Sunday school lesson several
weeks ago. We began our discussion with the news about the recent passing of Hank Aaron. While preparing
for the class, I came across a Guidepost article Aaron wrote many years ago. His story reminded me that
Aaron tried to live his life with all humility and gentleness, bearing others in love.
Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron died on January 22, 2021. Nicknamed “Hammerin Hank”, he was an
American professional baseball right fielder who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), from
1954 through 1976. He spent 21 seasons with the Milwaukee and later, Atlanta Braves in the National League
and two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers in the American League.
Aaron is regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His 755 career home runs broke
the long-standing MLB record set by Babe Ruth and remained the record for 33 years. Aaron still holds many
other MLB batting records. He hit 24 or more home runs every year from 1955 through 1973, and is one of
only two players to hit 30 or more home runs in a season at least fifteen times. In 1999, The Sporting
News ranked Aaron fifth on its list of the “100 Greatest Baseball Players”. In 1982, he was inducted into
the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
Aaron wrote an article for Guideposts Magazine in September 1973.1 At the time he was quickly
approaching Babe Ruth’s homerun record. In the article, he told his remarkable life story and the challenges
and blessings he experienced in professional baseball.
You can sense Aaron’s humility where he wrote, “What I find so hard to believe is that Hank Aaron, a
nobody from Mobile, Alabama, is really the first player in 40 years to challenge that home-run record. Who
am I to be in this position? How did it come about?”
Aaron grew up poor in Mobile, Alabama. While he lacked many material advantages, he didn’t lack
the love and support of his family and friends. He went on to write how many people in his life were mentors
to him and helped to develop Aaron’s character. One person who was very influential to Hank early on was his
father, Herbert Aaron. His father was an uneducated boilermaker’s helper in a ship building company who
worked long hours to feed and clothe his wife and six children. When he and his dad would have “father-son”
talks, they would sit and talk in an old car parked in their yard. When Aaron decided at 15 he wanted to drop
out of school and play professional baseball, his father tried to discourage him. His father said, “Son, I quit
school because I had to go to work to make a living. You don’t have to. I put fifty cents on that dresser each
morning for you to take to school to buy your lunch and whatever else you need. I only take twenty-five cents
to work with me. It’s worth more to me that you get an education than it is for me to eat. So let’s hear no more
about dropping out of school.”
________________________
1 Hank Aaron, “Hank Aaron on Sacrificing for Others”, in Guideposts Magazine, at https://www.guideposts.org/better-
living/entertainment/sports/guideposts-classics-hank-aaron-sacrifice-for-others, (September 1973).
The article was also revealing about Aaron’s remarkable faith. Raised a Baptist, he and his family were
in church every Sunday. He recalled how his faith in God helped him to contend with racism early in his
professional career as a player of color in a mostly white profession. Even after he was a highly regarded
player in major league baseball, he was still the target of continuous racial epithets, especially as he neared
Babe Ruth’s homerun record. At one point, he received as many as 3,000 death threats a week. Though he
admitted this weighed heavily on his spirit and that he occasionally lost his temper when he was heckled, he
would always try to give it to God in prayer and ask for God’s strength.
With respect to his faith, Aaron observed that he and his wife later developed a friendship with a
Catholic priest and he and his family eventually converted to Roman Catholicism. He was known to keep a
copy of Thomas à Kempis’ Imitation of Christ in his locker and read it before games. He wrote how important
his faith was and his total dependency on God. Aaron said, “I need to depend on Someone who is bigger,
stronger and wiser than I am. I don’t do it on my own. God is my strength. He gave me a good body and some
talent and the freedom to develop it. He helps me when things go wrong. He forgives me when I fall on my
face. He lights the way.”
Following his professional career, Aaron worked in management for the Atlanta Braves and was highly
respected for his work ethic, humility, and integrity. He was a living witness of someone who knew he was
blessed and in turn became a blessing to others. It was his humility that was most striking to me. In today’s
dog-eat-dog world of self-promotion and self-interest, it is still the humble, grounded, and “other centered”
who are the real giants. While Aaron rose about his humble beginnings, he never outgrew the character
building lessons he learned from his family and friends. Aaron’s humility allowed him to be teachable and
responsive in his relationship with God as well as humble, gentle, and respectful in his relationships with
people.
There is no doubt Hank Aaron will always be remembered as one of baseball’s greatest legends, but he
will also be remembered as a great human being. His legacy is a reminder that humility is truly a gift of the
Holy Spirit.
Peace, Thack
Dear Friends,
I'm pleased to announce the resumption of Great Wednesdays @6:00 beginning on Wednesday, March 3. We
will open with a Lenten study on the Gospel of Mark using The Most Rev. and Right Honourable Rowan
William's new commentary, Meeting God in Mark: Reflections for the Season of Lent. Meeting God in
Mark explores the essential meaning and purpose of Mark's Gospel for beginners who may be curious about
the Gospels and want to learn more, as well as for those who've read the Gospel many times before and want
to see it in a fresh light.
This beautifully written book by Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, is packed with
illuminating spiritual insights, and the focus on the Passion narrative makes this ideal as a Lenten devotional
or study resource. Each of the three chapters includes questions for reflection. The end of the book includes a
reading guide, reflection, and prayer for each of the seven weeks of Lent.
Please call the parish office before this Friday at 11:30 a.m. if you wish to purchase a copy of the book. The
cost is $8.00 per copy. Also RSVP for Great Wednesday so we can plan for the food. As always, supper will
be served and child care will be provided. We will socially distance in Malone Hall and wear masks when not
eating supper. I look forward to seeing you there!
Peace,
Thack
2
Spring is about to be Sprung at the Thrift Shop! This is our week for clearing out the Shop of Winter
clothing and other items that have been in the Shop for a while. The Shop will be stripped and cleaned this
Saturday afternoon. Next week, we will reopen with our Spring clothing and decorations! You will want to
stop in and shop for your Easter duds and decor! Another reminder to remember the Thrift Shop when you
start your Spring cleaning! That piece of furniture that just doesn't work for you anymore will be
greatly appreciated at the Shop! The more money we make at the Shop, the more we have to give to our
Church and the Community!
Greetings from St. Paul’s Youth!
I am both honored and thrilled to be working with our incredible youth. I have been blessed by the
opportunity to get to know many of them over the past five years
while volunteering with the program. I am looking forward to
getting to know you all more as we move forward from a chal-
lenging year where we have been faced with unprecedented
times. Each of us, including our young people, has navigated
this storm from our own boat. The impact of social isolation and
remote activity has affected our young people who already face
many challenges in their adolescent years. I am encouraged as
we seem to be turning a corner with the vaccination rollouts. My
hope is that everyone will be able to resume participation soon.
If you are or you have a child between 6th and 12th grade and are
not on the remind group for youth announcements, please reach
out to me at 205-616-5194. We meet every Sunday afternoon in
the underground 4:30-6:00 6th-8th grades and 5:30-7:00 9th-12th
grades. Our sweet kids enjoyed sharing loaves of bread with you this past Sunday. We hope that you were
able to reflect on Christ being our bread of life and the miracle of five loaves and two fish multiplying.
Much love,
A BIG thank you to St. Paul’s Youth for the “Bread of Lent”! It was a generous and
Bonnie delicious way to help us focus on the importance of the little graces we receive daily.
Vivian Silliman
Church Directory
Our Church Directory is online with Instant Church Directory. It is available on our
website, the church app, and also the Instant Church Director app. It can be printed from
the pdf format on the website. It is pass-coded so you will have to call the office for the
password if you do not already have it. The directory is over 5 years old and it is very
much in need of being updated. Please help me by updating your contact information and
pictures. If you are new to our parish or have never been in the directory, please email me
individual pictures (selfies are fine) along with your name, address, email address and
telephone numbers and birth date. We would also appreciate individual photos of your
children with the same information. The email address to send
the information is
officestpaulsdaphne@gmail.com.
3
Disaster Preparedness
The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency published a
Disaster Preparedness Guide and they also have a website at
www.baldwincountyal.gov/ema. The magazine and website provide
excellent articles on what we need to do to prepare for the upcoming
hurricane season as well as other emergencies. Hurricane season runs
from June 1 through November 30. It’s never too soon to prepare!
How to prepare for Hurricane Season:
1. Know your evacuation zone:
• Category 1 Storm - Zone 1: All areas of Pleasure Island along with individuals living in
manufactured homes, and those living in low lying flood prone areas countywide. (Pleasure
Island consists of all areas south of the Intra-coastal Canal to include Fort Morgan, Gulf
Shores, Orange Beach and Ono Island.)
• Category 2 Storm - Zone 1 & 2: All areas south of State Hwy 98 and the area on the
Eastern Shore that is South of Interstate 10 and West of State Hwy 98. Additionally, all
individuals living in proximity to the Fish, Styx, Blackwater and Perdido Rivers and all
individuals living in manufactured homes, and those living in low lying flood prone areas
countywide.
• Category 3 Storm - Zones 1 through 3: All areas south of State Hwy 98 and the area on
the Eastern Shore west of State Hwy 98, and the area west of State Hwy 225 and west of
Hwy 59 North of Stockton to the Baldwin/Monroe County line. Additionally, all
individuals living in proximity to the Fish, Styx, Blackwater and Perdido Rivers and all
individuals living in manufactured homes, and those living in low lying flood prone areas
countywide.
• Category 4 or 5 Storm - Zones 1 through 4: All areas south of Interstate 10 and the area
on the Eastern Shore west of State Hwy 225 and west of Hwy 59 North of Stockton to the
Baldwin/Monroe County line. Additionally, all individuals living in manufactured homes
and those living in low lying flood prone areas countywide
2. Make an emergency kit (store it in a dry cool place enough supplies for at least 5 days):
• Water/Non-perishable Foods/Hygiene Items/Cleaning supplies/Bleach/Garbage Bags
• Manual Can Opener/Battery Powered Weather Radio/Whistle
• Medications/Special Needs Items: eye glasses, hearing aids, first aid kit
• Cell Phone, Generator, Flashlights, Batteries, Matches, Lighter, Fuel, Charcoal, Tarp
• Extra Clothes/Work Gloves/Blankets/ Eye Goggles
• Clean-up Equipment such as Chainsaws, Shovels, Wrench, Pliers, Brooms
• Copies of emergency telephone numbers and Insurance Policies.
• Cash
3. Assess your risks should a storm hit:
• Storm Surge
• Strong Winds
• Flooding
• Long Term Power Outages
• Property damage
• Tornadoes
44. Review your Insurance Policies and verify your coverage. Make copies of your policies to put in
your Emergency Kit.
5. Maintain trees around your property to prevent damage.
6. Consider an evacuation route and where you will stay if you have to evacuate. Please keep your
Family, Friends and Church informed as to your plans.
7. Make arrangements for family members with special needs.
8. Make arrangements for your pets. Pets needs include:
• Food and Water
• Vaccination Records, Medications
• Collar, Leash, Pet Crate, Pet Carrier, Toys, Bed, Blanket
• Sanitization items: Baggies, Wipes, Potty Pads, Garbage Bags, litter, litter box
• Picture of your pet should you get separated.
Thank you,
Terri
Disaster Education Websites:
American Red Cross www.redcross.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov
Citizen Corps www.ready.gov
Department of Commerce www.doc.gov
Department of Energy www.energy.gov
Department of Health and Human Services www.hhs.gov
Department of Interior www.doi.gov
Department of Justice www.justice.gov
Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov
Food and Drug Administration www.fda.gov
Humane Society of the United States www.humansociety.org
Institute for Business and Home Safety www.ibhs.org
National Fire Protection Association www.nfpa.org
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration www.noaa.gov
National Weather Service www.nws.noaa.gov
Nuclear Regulatory Commission www.nrc.gov
U.S. Department of Agriculture www.usda.gov
U.S. Fire Administration www.usfa.fema.gov
U.S. Geological Survey www.usgs.gov
5Prayer Requests
Please let us know if someone needs to be added or removed from the prayer requests.
Immediate Prayer Requests:
David Barnett, Randy Bridges, Hardison Brown, Greg Clark, Sally Clark, Rochelle Coburn, Becky Costlow,
Rip Cox, Ana Deaton, Michelle Ellison, Vonnie Foreman, Richard Foster, Lawson Haddock, Ray Hamilton,
Linn Hyde, Dave Johnson, Theresa Johnson, Tracie Knight, Beverly Koepp, Katy Likos, Carolyn Magruder,
Joshua Magruder, John McClendon, Lance Monley, Dorothy Moore, Ursel Norman, Derek Norman,
Bonta Peña, Karen Presnall, Elizabeth Reed, Judy Reeves, Beth Robinson, Bob Rutherford, Sheila Schreiner,
Joseph Sclafani, Leon Snipes, Barry Stringfield, Rucker Taylor, Andy Tuttle, Frieda Ward, George Warren,
Brian Zorman, Rick Zwickey
Ongoing Prayer Requests:
Marty Adams, Dave Baldock, Christopher Blackwell, Pat Brislin, Marsha Butler, Pat Cannon, Jim Council,
Margie Cowart, Margaret Cummins, Suzanne Damour, Puddy Dyson, Dee Grantham, David Grey,
Carol Hafner, Susan Hill, Jossie Hurst, Geoff Jones, Alexander Kielek, David Lee, Patrick Lynch,
Doug Montgomery, Ross Moore, Lou Morgan, Buddy Morrow, Elsie Mosher, Sara Patton,
Rochelle Robinson, Mary Rudolf, Zera Roussel, Stephanie Sanchez, Bennie Savage, Pat Schlimmer,
Nick Shoultz, Cathy Slagle, D’ana Snow, Albert Thompson, Julia Warren
For the Departed: John Rydin
For Those Serving in the Military:
Ryan Bowman, Matthew Cheatham, Chase Clark, Jackson Deaton, Michael Duchesne, Christopher Dukarm,
Chris Evans, Diana Evans, Landis Fouts, Deron Frailie, Steven Grey, Matthew Harris, Rusty Henry,
Karen Hubley, Walker Jackson, Daniel James, Matt Jones, Shane Kennedy, Daniel Lambert, Chris Lessard,
David McMillan, Patrick Mong, Bryan Quinn, Justin Ramsey, Neil Sevelius, Derek Siegel, Andy Tuttle,
Brad Yonkers
March 1 - 31
(01) David Johnson, Jessica James, (02) Nancy Dziubakowski, Brittany Norman, Causey Thompson,
(04) Phyllis Bruce, Boyd Turnipseed, (05) Shastady Bridges, (06) Erica McDonald, (07) Hoot Gibson,
Meredith Portman, Mackenzie Nolte, (08) Matt Lovitt, (09) Owen Dalto, (10) Tara Smith, (11) Shirley Hirs,
Judy Williams, Sophia Rains, (12) Eleanor Reeves, Jenna Meshejian, Julianna Rains, (13) Alyson Jackson,
(15) Freda McDonald, Valerie Conner, Elizabeth Dike, William Nicolson, (16) Richard Dodson, Kim Nolte,
Jill Lott, AnnMarie Turpen, Dusty DeNeefe, Julia Johnson, (18) Avos Stickney, Justin Dimoff, (19) Bill Carr,
Liston Jones, Virginia Harris, (20) Gaye Wilson, (21) Linda Hamilton, Jackson Chamberlain,
(22) Pat Cannon, Joseph Cox, (24) Eileen Head, Jim Gulledge, Claire Wyckoff, (25) Jack Taylor,
(27) Tracie Knight, David Taylor, Noah Pino, (29) Ack Moore, Jr., Grayson Allison, (30) Susan Pittman,
(31) Susan Hurst, Gary Lathan, Karen Thomason
6You are invited to
St. Paul's
March Parish Breakfast
Sunday, March 7th
at 9:15 a.m.
in the Life Center gym.
The breakfast is prepared for you by
St. Paul's Men's Group.
Music Notes
Who Chooses the Hymns?
“Who chooses the hymns” is a question often asked of me by members of the congregation and even choir
members. I would like to think the question is asked because the person asking absolutely loves every
hymn, every Sunday and would like to know the name of the person responsible, so they can thank them for
their musical wisdom. But.....more realistically, the person asks the question because an unfamiliar hymn
was sung the week before, it had been ages since their favorite hymn had been sung, or they would like to
know to whom they could go to suggest a hymn.
According to the “Episcopal Musician’s Handbook”, ‘hymns are not liturgical texts, they are
devotional poetry and an important part of congregational participation. Choosing hymns is often a
perplexing task. They should underline the theme of the day and, when possible, reflect on the readings for
the given occasion. There is nothing wrong with singing a newly introduced hymn more than once
throughout a particular season of the liturgical year’. It is recommended that a full verse of introduction be
used before every hymn sung, so the congregation will have an overall idea of the tune, tempo and natural
breaks for taking breaths. I want folks to feel as comfortable as possible singing hymns during worship,
even if they are a little shy singing outside the shower.
So, back to the question, “Who chooses the hymns”? I do. I use the “Episcopal Musician´s
Handbook” as a guide. It is so valuable, because it lists appropriate hymns for every Sunday and Festival
Day of the Church Year, as well as other special days. For me, it is like the musician`s musical Book of
Common Prayer. I try and choose hymns that are sing-able, familiar (with occasionally new hymns), and
relate to the scriptures for the Day. Sometimes the same hymns have different tunes, where one tune is more
familiar to certain congregations. For example, one hymn familiar with my former Episcopal congregation
in the Central Gulf Coast Diocese is totally unfamiliar with our St. Paul’s Congregation.
After I choose hymns for Sunday, Thack reviews my choices and makes changes when he feels
another choice would fit better with his sermon, etc. The church choir also practices all the hymns at every
Wednesday rehearsal, and offers suggestions. The choir sings the hymns in 4 parts, where possible, to add
more variety and depth to the hymn-singing experience.
Now that y’all know who is responsible for choosing the hymns, feel free to tell me how much you
love every hymn, every Sunday.....or, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me with questions, concerns and
favorite hymn suggestions. Thank you all for your love and support.
John Matson, Choirmaster
alacoastm2005@gmail.com
7St. Paul’s Episcopal Church US Postage Paid
28788 North Main Street Non Profit
Permit 46
Daphne, Alabama 36526
Daphne, AL
36526
Return Service Requested
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
28788 North Main Street
Daphne, Alabama 36526
The Rev. Thack H. Dyson, Rector
John K. Talbert, Curate
Bonnie Hindman, Youth Leader
Elizabeth Faust, Christian Education & Preschool Administrator
David Kielek, Life Center Sexton
John Matson, Choirmaster
Joan McKnight, Staff Assistant
Terri McMillan, Administrative Assistant
Office Hours 8:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m. (Monday -Thursday)
8:00 a.m. — 11:30a.m. (Friday)
Church Telephone: 251-626-2421 Fax: 251-626-2456
E-mail: officestpaulsdaphne@gmail.com
Facebook Page: St. Paul’s Eastern Shore
Preschool Phone: 251-626-2774
Thrift Shop Telephone: 251 -626-6102
We worship together as we seek God, serve God ,
and share God with love and acceptance for all.
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