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St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Keynotes December, 2018 

                  

Grace upon Grace 

  December 2018 is a month of reflec on, prepara on, expecta on and then celebra on for the Church.  Holding both Advent and Christmas within borders we await the coming of our Lord Jesus and also celebrate his birth.  This month I have decided to include my Annual Report given December 2. In it, I hope you read some of the ways St. Peter’s has been living out the spirit of Advent and Christmas this year.     In many ways I can’t believe that we have reached our 2018 Annual Mee ng.  Where has the  me gone?   Despite the apparent shortness of this past year, it has been the same length as every other year before it!  Perhaps the feeling of its shortness is because we’ve been busy doing the Lord’s work.  This is apparent by the reports that have already been given this morning.   Let me begin by expressing my gra tude and thanksgiving for our staff: Doug, Jennifer, Whit, Tasha, Vincent, and formerly Ann.  Each of them have worked faithfully and diligently to help us worship each Sunday, teach us about Jesus and help keep the weekly ministry and mission St. Peter’s alive.  Katherine our deacon has faithfully led us to serve the poor, and assist us at the altar while also proclaiming the Gospel from the pulpit.  I have enjoyed working with this great ministry team of dedicate servants.     At our Vestry Retreat in January we reviewed the Report of the Transi on Team.  The report summarized our work together as a congrega on from 2015‐2016 as we sought to discern the mind of Christ.   During that period I served as your Priest‐in‐Charge.  The Report included 6 recommenda ons to the Vestry, Rector, and congrega on for the future life of St. Peter’s.  The recommenda ons included work and a en on be given to the following areas:    ‐Communica on and decision‐making.    ‐Re‐establishment of Standing Commi ees    ‐Collabora ve leadership mee ngs between Rector, Vestry, Commi ee Chairs and our staff   ‐The crea on of a church atmosphere that a racts young families to our parish   ‐Develop a bridge between our English/Spanish speaking congrega ons so as to increase our   fellowship, mission, and life together.     ‐Maintain a strong rela onship with the Diocese.   We have sought to con nue to address most of these recommenda ons this year in various ways.  For instance:   The placement of Fr. Fred by Bishop Skirving was an ini a ve of the diocese to address the need for a part‐me Spanish‐speaking priest at St. Peter’s while also providing leadership in the Diocese that would meet the other 

needs of Spanish speaking residence.        The hiring of Ann Bustard as our Youth Director in 2016, and Whit Stroud who replaced her this fall a er Ann’s re rement, has helped us to begin laying the founda on for a renewed ministry with families with small children and young teens.     St. Peter’s con nues to strengthen  es with our diocese.  This year and next (if appointed by the Bishop at 

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Annual Conven on) I will con nue to serve on the Finance Commi ee of the Diocese.  Katherine Mitchell serves on the Disaster Relief Commission and the Execu ve Council. Hodges Hackney serves as the President of the Founda on of the Diocese.  Be y Cochran represented the ECW chapter of the diocese at General Conven on this summer.  This year Ed Hodges, Julie Howdy, Sarah Ninan and Barbara Grimes were our delegates at the Diocesan Annual Conven on in February.   Communica on con nues to be a challenge.  Keeping our website up‐to‐date and our Facebook page require someone with some technological knowledge and who can receive monthly and some mes weekly informa on from the staff.  We do not have this person yet.  And, a collabora ve mee ng between various leaders has not taken place yet.   Last year the Vestry reestablished twelve Standing Commissions.  A vestry member was assigned to a be liaison to each commission. We found that there was redundancy among the commissions and twelve were not needed.   The vestry addressed this by changing the number of its members from twelve to nine over a three‐year period.  They will also change the number of commissions by consolida ng some and elimina ng others next year.   In February Nanne e Woodworth began a supervised internship as part of her Candidacy for Holy Orders.  Our covenant together with Nanne e and the Diocese specified that she would share in the leadership of our Sunday worship services, lead an adult forma on course, make some pastoral visita ons in homes and at the hospitals, assist the Rector at a funeral and a wedding, a end a vestry mee ng and our weekly staff mee ngs.  She also met on a weekly basis with the Rector for supervision.  St. Peter’s has been blessed to have Nanne e with us this year and we wish her God’s best as she seeks to serve Christ in the ordained ministry.   Whit answered the call to serve as our Youth Minister this fall.  Having grown up at St. Peter’s he understands what it means to be an Episcopalian and desires to help our youth and children appreciate that uniqueness in the greater Chris an community.  Last year Whit met for six months with a Discernment Commi ee consis ng St. Peter’s members: Aynn Hadley, Sallie Scales, Robin Skillen, John Tate, Paul Keel and chairman Tom Archie.  The purpose of the group was to help Whit discern God’s call upon his life.  At the conclusion of their  me together, the Commi ee recommended to the Vestry that Whit be nominated as an Aspirant to Holy Orders.  The Vestry concurred and a er mee ngs with the Bishop this spring and The Commission on Ministry this fall, the Bishop confirmed him a Postulant.  Congratula ons Whit!  Please keep him in your prayers.    I could con nue this report and talk about the work of the ECW, those of you who help maintain the buildings and grounds, serve the poor on Monday mornings, change the altar, greet, usher, help lead worship on Sunday and Wednesday mornings, and take food to shut‐ins and the public schools.  The list goes on and on and these do not even men on those of you who faithfully give your  me, talents and treasure in unknown and quiet ways.  God bless you all!   Finally, as you all know, Marilee and I married on June 2.  My life changed for the good the first day she entered it!  She has begun serving our community as a part‐ me pharmacist and has been volunteering in our nursery.  Our two dogs, Sam and Boo, are happy in our new family.  Many thanks to all who gave money to the Rector’s Discre onary funds in celebra on of marriage!  And thank you to all who helped sponsor the beau ful river party on Short Drive this October on our behalf.   This has been a good year at St. Peter’s.  We have said goodbye to some of our beloved members but we have also welcomed some new ones.  We have weathered a few storms, avoided some and have enjoyed plenty of beau ful days here on the Pamlico River.  We have completed much of the work God has given us to do this year.  Next year will bring new challenges but also more grace for the journey.  Be assured that working together, we will be able accomplish that which the Lord brings our way.                   Faithfully, 

Help us keep in touch with you! 

Please make sure and contact the church office if you have moved, changed 

your phone number or have a new email address. 

Send updated information to jennifer@saintpetersnc.org or call 946‐8151.  

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Saint Peter’s Clergy & Staff  

The Reverend Jim Reed, Rector 

946‐8151     

fr_jim@saintpetersnc.org  

The Reverend Deacon Katherine Mitchell 617‐721‐6614 katherine@saintpetersnc.org  Ms. Nanette Woodworth, Candidate for Holy Orders 

252‐565‐6282 

woodworthnl@gmail.com 

 

The Rev. Fred Clarkson, Priest Spanish Congregation 

252‐940‐1623 

fclarkson@diocese‐eastcarolina.org 

 

Doug Cutler    Organist/Choirmaster   

Vincent Holliday   Sexton   

Lex Mann    Treasurer  

Jennifer Spivey    Parish Administrator  

Whit Stroud    Christian Education Susie Taylor    Day School Director   

 

Vestry Organization  

Marcus Jones‐Senior Warden 

Picott Harrington‐Junior Warden 

Bonita Arvizu‐Christian Education 

Michael Behar‐Stewardship 

Mark Henley‐English/Spanish Mission and Ministry 

Emma Holscher‐Clerk 

Julie Howdy‐Pastoral Care 

Val Johnson‐Administration 

Sarah Ninan‐Outreach 

Catherine Pfeiffer‐Parish Life 

Bob Thomas‐Buildings & Grounds 

Hank Van Dorp‐Worship 

 

Office Hours   

Mon‐Thurs 8am‐12:30pm & 1pm‐3pm, Fri 8am‐12pm 

Giving to Saint Peter’s has never been easier! *Automatic Bank Drafts  *Automatic Credit/Debit Card Payments *Gifts of Securities *If you are over 70 1/2, consider directing all or a portion of your RMD from your IRA to the church. Please check with your tax advisor to see if you would benefit from using any of these options. If interested in any of these options, email or call Jennifer Spivey at the church office. (946‐8151, jennifer@saintpetersnc.org)  Also, anytime you feel called to give for any reason you can do so from our website via the online giving link.  Visit www.saintpetersnc.org. 

 

End of Year Pledge Payments & 2019 Pledge Certificates 

Please note the church office will be closed from December 24th through December 26th and again on January 1st.  You can place your payment in the offering plate during any of the services or simply mail your  pledge  payment  to  the  church.    (PO  Box  985)  If  you wish  to  claim  for  2018  tax  purposes,  the envelope must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2018.  

Also, please remember to turn in your 2019 Pledge Certificate to the church office as soon as possible. If for  some  reason  you have not  received one or have misplaced  it, please  call or  email  Jennifer  at  the church office and she will be glad to help you. (946‐8151 or jennifer@saintpetersnc.org)  

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Please Pray For:

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life

and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or

pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer.

 

Please  Pray  for:    David  Barillaro‐friend  of  Kathie  Kriss,  Fred  Beachler–nephew  of  Michael Beachler,  Jock  Beachler–brother  of Michael  Beachler,  Sue  Beck‐friend  of  Jay  &  Bernice Marle, Shannon Bowen‐friend of the Harringtons, Nancy Chaffee‐member, Betty Cochran‐member, The Rev. Polk Culpepper–friend  of Roy & Cathy Whichard, Riffe Culpepper–friend  of Roy & Cathy Whichard, Joey Duke‐friend of Pam & Ed Hodges, Gene Felton‐sister of John Thompson, Camden Green–friend of Janet Bradbury, Mary Wesley Harvey‐member, John Heath–brother of Ray Heath, John Keais Hoyt–friend of Saint Peter’s, Dawn Johnston‐daughter‐in‐law of Sharon Johnston, Drew Lloyd‐family member of Judy Van Dorp, Coly McCauley‐son of Nancy Hamblin, Bill McFeely‐friend of  the Mitchells, Craig McPherson–son‐in‐law of  Seb & Nadine Barrett,  Jimi Paderick–Executive Assistant to Bishop Skirving, Ann Peters–member, Sarah Purvis‐friend of Peggy Hudson, David Roy‐brother of Julie Howdy, Acra Samuels‐daughter of Hodges & Marsha Hackney, Pam Savage‐friend of the Marles, Danny Sleeper–friend of Fr. Jim Reed, Paul Stevenson‐grandson of Dill Lynch, Linda Strader‐mother  of  Stacey  Lynch,  Avett  Wallace  Such–nephew  of  William  &  Cindy  Cochran, Stephanie Teal‐niece of Michael Beachler, Nena Tyndall–member, Don Vosburgh‐friend of Taylor Whichard, Jeff Williams‐nephew of Michael Beachler, Walt Young‐member. 

The Lay Eucharistic Ministers remind the parish that if a member is unable to attend services, the gift of communion can be brought to them. To request this ministry, please call the church office. A reminder, also, that if you or a loved one is entering the hospital or nursing home, please let the church office know. Too often it is assumed someone else has called, and the clergy are late to learn of the situation. Too many calls are better than none at all!

E. C. W. MEETING IN THE MUSIC ROOM ON JANUARY 9th AT 9:30 A.M. 

Our speaker on January 9th is our own Nancy Hamblin who will talk to 

us about Deaconess Harriet M. Bedell, 1875‐1969, who spent 47 years 

serving others and spreading the good news.  She is celebrated as a saint 

of the Episcopal Church on January 8th of each year.  Please join us to 

hear her story at the January 9th meeting. 

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ALTAR FLOWERS FOR DECEMBER December 2: The greenery on the altar is given to the

Glory of God and in appreciation for all Volunteers at Saint Peter’s Church.

December 9: The greenery on the altar is given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Gerard A. & Muriel G. Roy, and Martin P. Roy, and in

celebration of the marriage of their granddaughter and niece, Jennifer Lauren Howdy, to Scott Wesley Allen by the family.

December 16: The greenery on the altar is given to the Glory of God and in loving

memory of Sallie Carrow & Arthur Graham Elliott, Sarah & Harvey Elliott, Dorothy & Graham Elliott, and Harvey Elliott, Jr. by the family.

December 23: The greenery on the altar is given to the Glory of God and in loving

memory of Lucy & Jimmy Johnston, Ruby King and Jim Moore by the family.

December 24: The flowers on the altar are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Annie Cutler, Mary Wilson, Marianna Franklin, and Tillie Jackson.

Our condolences are extended to:

Leta Thompson on the death of her mother, Geraldine Little.

Give  rest,  O Christ,  to  your  servant  with  your saints, where  sorrow  and pain are  no  more, neither  sighing,  but  life   Everlasting. 

 

 

Prayer Team 

Contact Person:  Julie Howdy‐‐‐Please call (252)944‐6321, 24/7 Day or Night 

for emergency and crisis situations or any serious or pressing problems. We are 

here for you when you need support and the power of prayer immediately. 

New members are always welcome.   

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The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Sunday, December 23rd at 10 am.

This beautiful service consists of nine scripture lessons, carols and anthems, and prayers. The lessons tell the story of creation and man’s fall from grace and subsequent redemption through the birth of Jesus Christ. There is no Holy Communion at this service.

The first service of Lessons and Carols was created many years ago by Archbishop Edward Benson for Truro Cathedral in England. The service gained great popularity across England and is now observed throughout the world. Archbishop Edwards originally saw this service as an opportunity to use music as a tool to get people into church that might not otherwise attend a service. That is why the lessons give an overview of creation and salvation.

Everyone, including our children, will be blessed by the beautiful music of our wonderful choir. (There will be no Sunday School this Sunday.) We look forward to seeing you Sunday morning!

ECW Christmas Tea

Miss Susie ‘s 4‐year‐old class sang “Rudolf the 

Red Nose Reindeer” , as well as other Christmas 

tunes, to entertain the ladies. The precious 

children received holiday gift bags. 

Church women prepare for the annual Christmas Tea 

honoring the longest standing active women of Saint 

Peter’s.  Delicious finger foods were served and our 

most senior women were gifted with a Christmas 

poinsettia. 

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Put Christ back in Christmas!

The Christmas Honor Card Program is returning to Saint Peter's this fall. The Christmas Honor Card Program is an opportunity for Saint Peter's members to donate to one or more of six, local, non-profit agencies during the Christmas season.

For each minimum donation of $5.00 participants will receive a beautiful “honor card” featuring the chosen agency, which can be given to family members or friends as a Christmas gift. This is a convenient way to do one-stop Christmas shopping and support needy agencies in our community.

Look for The Christmas Honor Card Program table in the atrium/coffee area after the 8:00 and 10:00 services on:

December 16 and during regular church office hours

We look forward to your continuing support of this important ministry.

Our children will act out the wondrous story of the birth of Jesus on Monday, December 24 at 4pm. All children are invited to participate in the pageant. There is a sign-up on the bulletin board outside the offices. Preschoolers may sign up to be animals. Please include your name, age and phone number. We will need adult helpers as well. The rehearsals will be held on Sunday, December 16 and Sunday, December 23 promptly at 9am in the church.

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From the 16th to 24th of December we will be 

having Las Posadas.  All are invited. 

For addition information, please contact  

Fr. Fred Clarkson at:713‐392‐7725 or  

fclarkson@diocese‐eastcarolina.org 

Successful Angel Tree Project With very grateful hearts, we thank everyone who adopted a Salvation Army Angel for Christmas. It was heart‐warming to see the angel tags fly  off  the  tree. We  felt much  pride  when  it  became  necessary  to request more little Angels due to your generosity. We felt excited when we peeked into the bags to see the gifts that are sure to bring joy to the Angel  children  on  Christmas morning.  And,  we  felt  love  from  the generous parishioners who used their resources to provide this source of  joy  to  35 young Angels. Roy and  I, as well as  the Salvation Army, appreciate your participation. Merry Christmas! Cathy Whichard 

The ECW Raffle drawing was held after the 10:00 AM service on Sunday, December 2nd. The winners were — Peggy Taylor, Washington, NC - The Jewelry Christmas Tree, designed by the Holy Crafters Joan Wood, Chocowinity, NC - The Hand-Painted Silk Scarf, donated by Alice Stallings We congratulate the winners, thank the donors, and appreciate the support of everyone who participated in the raffle.

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United Thank Offering Fall 2018 “Almighty God, we give you praise for blessing us daily in so many ways. Create in us a grateful heart, and with our UTO gifts, a blessing start. Amen.” Our fall UTO ingathering held Sunday, November 11, 2018 totaled $1,157.38. This money was sent to the Diocese where 100% will be used for grants in our country and around the world. Thank you for your show of daily Gratitude that will help provide to those less fortunate some of the many daily blessings that we enjoy every day. Hopefully you will continue your practice of thanking God by praying daily for blessings of joy and challenge that come our way; through Him who is the greatest gift and blessing of all, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Continue to drop coins into your Blue UTO boxes and pray with your family daily. Roxanne Holloman, UTO chair, ECW

BACK PACK BUDDIES...A Christmas Story As most of you know, Saint Peter’s sponsors/feeds 12 little children (K class) at Eastern Elementary. We want to serve more but other churches and groups help too, so for now we have 12. I asked the guidance counselor (our liaison, Liz Picone, a wonderful lady) to share something during this holiday season with our congregants to show how important the program is to these families. This is what she shared. “Last year, we had a family living in a motel room long term. The little girl would get very excited when she received her "back pack" and go through it at school. As she took each item out, she would tell her

teacher (and me) how much her daddy loved corn, so she would share that with him. Then she would take out something else and say how much her brother would like that item and she would share with him. This would go until it was empty and every family member had a special "present" from her bag. We have a child this year, who asks me everyday "Do I get my bag today?" I love my bag and then will give me a big hug and thank me. It is amazing how appreciative some of these babies are for the necessities of life.

The Cursillo reunion group will meet Sunday December 16th at 11:30am for lunch at Ribeye’s Restaurant on the waterfront.   

 

 

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  Just about twelve months ago Saint Peter’s Financial Assistance Program, funded through the Rector’s Discretionary Fund, clicked into high gear, taking off to provide much needed monetary and spiritual support to our brothers and sisters living in Washington and Beaufort County.  The people who come to our doors are often in desperate, if not hopeless despair, with Saint Peter’s being their last hope and recourse.  Referrals to our parish program are made by the other churches, family and friends, Department of Social Services,  other charitable groups,  and even a couple of our local motels.  Saint Peter’s does not give 

charity, we give hope and support that encourages people to know they are children of God. The word is out in town and out in the county:  Saint Peter’s will do what it takes to help our neighbors, our friends that are truly in need!     We find there is no one way to describe the people who grace our doors except to say that they are all struggling.  Some of these new friends are college educated while others barely made it out of middle school, some are college students trying to work and go to school while caring for their families.  A large number of the people work at menial jobs in fast food restaurants, chicken farms, day labor, and service jobs. More than a few people have mental illness, decreased cognitive ability, or physical disability.  We often find single moms or grandparents trying to care for children or other relatives without assistance from family or public resources.  The reality is that many people do not have enough income to afford the very basic needs of life – food and adequate shelter. In other words, the essentials of daily life, such as food, heat, water, electricity, medicine, and clothing exceed their income.   Your financial donations to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund has provided financial aid to more than 280 individuals and families in our community. Your gifts help pay utility bills for people whose services have been or are about to be turned off, housing expenses such as heat, rent, repairs, and furniture, medical co‐pays, storage units, motel lodging for two nights for the homeless, and bicycles for transportation.  We also provide information about other supportive resources within our community such as GED programs,  NC Works, and Eagle Wings. Our mission is to provide monetary, spiritual, and emotional support to all who are legitimately in need. We pray for those asking for prayer.  Saint Peter’s is a haven to those in any kind of need.   Your Financial Assistance Committee believe we have been good stewards of the resources you have entrusted to us and we will continue to do so.  During this time of giving thanks and generosity, we hope you will make a significant donation to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund so the work that we have really just begun will continue in the future.  It is our hope that our neighbors will see Saint Peter’s as the very face of Jesus that knows no stranger, cares for the poor, the widow, and the sick and shows the boundless love of God for each of his children.     With grateful thanks for the love, kindness, and generosity of this parish,     Deacon Katherine and the Financial Assistance Program 

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Music at Saint Peter’s 

  The past year has been a good one for us in the choirs.  We have said farewell to 

some members but also said welcome to new members.  Our Children’s Choir is up to 9 

members and our Adult Choir is holding at 9 members. We are hopeful for more new 

members this coming year as well as wishing the Bell Choir could get up and running 

again.  However, the numbers are not the main issue.  The true test of the music 

program is in what it does to assist the liturgies of the church.  Imagine no music at all.  

That’s a rather sobering thought!  The strength of our choral program is in the 

unwavering dedication of our choristers.  We are more than blessed to have such 

devotion to the worship life of the church.  Our choir members are absolutely the best.  

They work very hard at providing a wide range of musical styles to enhance our services.  

Our children are also quite gifted and practice equally as hard.  I am thrilled to have 9 

participating this year.  We are also blessed to have Brian Miller who adds so much with 

his trumpet.  He certainly goes far beyond the call of duty.  We are also most fortunate 

to hear Nanette Woodworth on the flute.  (we would hear her more often but she has 

duties at the altar)  We have much to be thankful for here at Saint Peter’s. 

  I know that you, the congregation, are appreciative of the music because you 

constantly share kind words with us.  Your support means much more than you know.  

We hope that we will continue to be a blessing for years to come.   

                    Thanks, 

                    Doug 

This Week! Toys for Tots December 13-17 in All Saints’ Hall. Distribution Date is Sunday

December 16th. Volunteer Sign Up Sheets are on the bulletin board by the Main Street Entrance.

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SENIOR WARDEN REPORT-Annual Meeting December 2, 2018

Good morning! This has been a wonderful year for members of Saint Peter’s Church and for all those we serve and touch. I have thoroughly enjoyed my second tenure as senior warden, and look forward to our future together as we grow and prosper while doing the Lord’s work. Father Jim has completed his second full year here as our permanent Rector, and I feel very blessed to have him as our leader at Saint Peter’s. He said “I do” this year as well, and brought Marilee into his life and into our parish; and for that, we are thankful. Our 2018 stewardship is going well, with income a little lower than we would hope. We hope for a strong December to finish up our year, so please get your remaining pledge balances to Jen-nifer as soon as possible, and donate more if you feel compelled!! Our expenses have been down a little compared to our projections like last year, but we still have had our share of repairs that have been needed. We haven’t had to rely on All Souls Fund nearly at all this year, but we still have many needs and updates with respect to our physical grounds that will require ongoing contributions and pledges. Our 2019 pledge campaign is looking promising, and we have had some very gener-ous parishioners contributing outside of their yearly pledges this year, for which we are very thankful. Thanks to Mike Behar and all his team for a great pledge season. With the help of many from this parish, we officially retired our debt, which is a very positive sign for Saint Peter’s Church! Glory to God for this momentous occasion!! Our outreach efforts and contributions were outstanding. We touch people’s lives locally, na-tionally, and globally through the many charities and organizations we support. Our local AA group that meets here six days a week is thriving and extremely gracious for our church. We had an amazing turn out for partnership with Chrislyn’s to put together meals for those affected by hurricane Florence. We helped to send over 2000 meals to affected areas. It was especially nice to see many of our children here at Saint Peter’s serving to help others. Our ECW has continued to work with our church and with outreach organizations, raising money for many causes and putting on many events. Thanks to Cathy Whichard and all the volunteers associated with ECW. I want to thank Ann Bustard, Whit Stroud, and all of our Sunday school teachers and volun-teers. I truly feel that we are still moving in the right direction, and work is being done to re-kindle our junior EYC program. We said goodbye to Ann this summer, but we welcomed Whit Stroud to our Christian Education team. I look forward to the blessings God will provide for this parish through him. Our adult Sunday school programs are going well also, and we are constantly seeking feed-back to make sure we are evolving these programs in line to our needs as a parish. Thanks again to all the volunteers who help out with our education programs. Doug has again done a wonderful job this year as our music director. His hard work has re-sulted in our choir and our services sounding amazing. He also has been working this year with our junior choir, and making sure our acolytes are ready to serve. It has been a blessing for me and for many I am sure to hear those young choir members singing praise songs and hymns. A special thanks to Brian Miller for blessing us with his trumpet music. Our membership and attendance numbers are remaining steady to increasing slightly. We have had 9 people transfer in this year and only 2 parishioners to leave, which was due to a move. We also have many visitors that are regularly attending. We had 7 baptisms, 2 weddings(with one

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more to come next Saturday), and 6 funerals during 2018. We haven’t had any confirmations this year but we will next year when the bishop visits. The day school is thriving and it was nice seeing their 2 year olds perform this year at the 10 o’clock service. With regard to our Hispanic congregation, things seem to be moving along smoothly. Father Fred has been leading their services this year again. We continue to join with them in some of our social activities and fund raisers, as well as outreach projects. We haven’t had an extremely busy year with respect to repairs and maintenance. However, the challenges that have been presented have been handled with ease by Junior Warden, Picott Harrington, with help from Bob Thomas and many others. They have worked very hard this year to stay on top of the repairs and updates needed for our physical grounds. The Rena B. Harding room is in full swing and looks fantastic. We continue to have needs in the heating and air department. Things have been working as of late and hopefully that will continue, but this is an area that will re-quire ongoing expense. Please consider donating outside your pledge to the building maintenance fund, which will help us combat those needs, along with the All Souls Fund. Our leak in the kitchen in ASH was quickly repaired and taken care of by Picott and his dedicated team. The security cam-eras have been a nice addition for the safety of our staff. The Carillon bells are back ringing proudly. It’s nice to have those filling our churchyard and the entire downtown area with sounds of joy!! If you haven’t had the opportunity to walk the grounds lately, you really should. They look magnificent. The plantings and landscaping are impeccable, the grave stones clean, the walls and wrought iron railings and exterior doors shined, painted, and polished. We have finished some painting around our stained glass windows, and have plans to repaint the stucco areas on the front of the sanctuary. For our newcomers and potential members, the exterior grounds and exterior of our church are usually the first thing they notice. Having these areas looking so beautiful and invit-ing is very important. A special thanks to Riley Roberson, Seb Barrett, Bill Darden, Patrick Nash, Fred Scales, David Howdy and Swanson Graves. Also thanks to Sallie Scales, Janet Bradbury, and Lind Graves for their revitalization of our beautiful herb garden. If you feel compelled to join the ranks in the churchyard, please contact our Junior Warden, and he will get you in touch with the right person. I want to thank you all for supporting me in my second year as your senior warden. I have tried to work hard and be a good leader for this church, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have learned so much about the church and how it works and I have truly enjoyed my time served. I am thankful for all the dedicated members of the Vestry that have made my work so easy. They truly are an amazing group. Each and every member of your vestry has taken on their respective areas of responsibility and done a fabulous job with them. I want to thank the hardworking staff; Jim, Jen-nifer, Doug, Ann, Whit, Tasha and Vincent who really make this place run like a well oiled machine. I want to thank all of our volunteers and Deacon Katherine for all her hard work. And lastly, I want to extend a special thanks to the vestry members who will be ending their terms at the end of this year. Emma Holscher, Hank Van Dorp, Mark Henley, and myself will be stepping down to allow for some new parishioners to spread their wings. We are grateful for the dedicated service of these individu-als over the last 3 years and pray that the incoming vestry candidates will follow in their footsteps and work as hard to impact this church and our community! Marcus Jones

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Christmas at Saint Peter’s

Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24

4:00 PM Pageant & Holy Eucharist

8:00 PM Festival of Music

8:30 PM Holy Eucharist

Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25

10:00 AM Holy Eucharist, with Carols and Sermon

Wednesday, December 26

No Services

Sunday, December 30, 2018

8:00 AM & 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist

The Church Office will be closed December 24-26 and January 1st.