Presiding Bishop relaxed and patient despite packed schedule
May 29, 2009 — Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori remained relaxed and moved easily through several planned events on Saturday, May 29th. The day began at 8 am when Bishop Katharine climbed aboard an RV with The Rev. Albert Kennington and Bishop and Mrs. Duncan and traveled north from Pensacola. The first stop was brief visit with parishioners at Trinity, Atmore where she walked inside the historical church and talked with those who had waitedto see her.
Bishop Katharine addresses St. Anna's warrior dancers
The next stop was the Poarch Creek Indian Reservation in Atmore where Bishop Katharine was given a tour of the reservation. Members of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church welcomed her with Native American drum beats and chants while the youth of the church danced in authentic costumes. The group gathered in the small nave and listened to stories by the lay leadership of how the Episcopal Church “saved” their community many years ago by offering them food, shelter, and a place to worship. A reception followed.
Beckwith Camp and Conference Center was the next stop where a youth event was taking place. Several members of the Board and the new Executive Director, John Koch, greeted her and invited her in to Wilson Hall for lunch with the youth. After lunch Bishop Katharine toured the Masters
Bishop Katharine and Beckwith Executive Director, John Koch
Center where Coastal Wonders program is housed. Many young people were working around tables learning about barnacles and hermit crabs. As an oceanographer, Bishop Katharine was at home with the lab and immediately put her hands in the briny water and held the hermit crab shell, joining the youth in attempting to bribe the crab out of his shell. A visit to the end of the pier and a long walk around the campus ended at the chapel where Bishop Katherine joined in singing and clapping with the contemporary music. She talked to the group, telling her story of obtaining her pilot’s license, going to seminary, and eventually becoming the Presiding Bishop. She invited questions, gave thoughtful answers, and received a standing ovation from the young people.
Bishop Katharine and Bishop Duncan process to the new Christian Life Center, St. Paul's, Daphne
Mid-afternoon, the RV headed north to St. Paul’s in Daphne where Bishop Katharine dedicated the new Christian Life Center. The large crowd gathered first in the nave of the church and then processed to the new building where Bishop Katharine preached on hope. The cooking ministry of St. Paul’s hosted a reception afterwards.
Saturday night she was the guest of honor at a private dinner on the bay in Daphne.
Back to Bishop Katharine’s Visit, May 2009
Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, 201 N. Baylen Street, Pensacola, Florida 32502, +1-850-434-7337, url: diocgc.org,