What? A revival?

Trinity, Natchez reenergizes with a day of music and talks on spirituality

by Adam Gwin

What? A revival? In the Episcopal Church? At Trinity, Natchez?

Yes, yes, and yes.

Why? Well, why not?

I’ve said it a thousand times. There is no other denominational tradition that has what the Episcopal Church has to offer. We are a people steeped in tradition yet continually changing. Our theology not only allows us to question our faith but encourages us to do so. Our liturgy is so beautiful that people who experience it for the first time are often awestruck. Sadly, in recent times there has been some stagnation in our diocese as well as nationwide. Five years ago, Covid hit us hard and, after churches reopened, many churches have had a hard time getting their numbers back to what they had been previously. We lost our momentum and some folks are having trouble getting it back. The Church didn’t change. Theology didn’t change, our community didn’t change, our desire to do God’s work didn’t change and our liturgy is still just as beautiful as it ever has been, so why are we struggling? There is more than one answer to that question; however, I believe we need a shot in the arm, a boost, a reminder of just how special our church is and that when we come together as a community, we become the hands and feet of Christ.

So, how do we do that? A REVIVAL! Revivals are designed to re-energize the spirits of the participants and that is why, on Friday, July 25th a brief revival will be led by Carol Mead, Andy Andrews, and Pam Rhea. Their talks on faith, hope, and love will be interspersed with “all time favorite” hymns and will be done within the context of Evening Prayer. This is not something new. Last summer at St. Peters by-the-Lake in Brandon, the Very Reverend Carol Mead led a similar service.

This event is not just for Trinity, Natchez. The entire convocation has been invited and we invite everyone from all over the diocese to come and participate. It is our hope that this event will rejuvenate our hearts and encourage all of us to recommit to serving God through our liturgies and in our daily life. If you are from other convocations around the diocese and interested in what we are doing, please come worship with us and see if you would like to try something similar in your parish.

As the dynamics of our churches change and clergy are spread more thinly, it is becoming more and more important for the laity to pick up roles historically filled by clergy. The Church is the People of God, you and me and all of us. So, please come join us at Trinity for what is sure to be a prayerful and wonder-filled experience. Bruce Scarborough, our senior warden and grill master, will have hamburgers at the grill available from 5-6 pm for $5.00 each.

One more community item: this is the same weekend as the Natchez Food and Wine Festival. If you want to make a weekend of it, you could attend the revival on Friday and attend one of the many events being held all over town on Saturday. Tickets are limited and lodging could become difficult to find; please, if you are interested in attending the food festival, please make reservations as soon as possible. The website for that event is natchezfoodandwine.com.

If you are interested in coming or have questions, call or text Adam Gwin at 601-807-4088 or email me at adam@gwinfinefurniture.com. We need to know how many are coming so we can set up accordingly, so call me to register.