Parish Life

2024 Vestry Slate

Vestry Slate for 2024

St. Peter’s is grateful to announce the candidates for election to the St. Peter's Vestry and Synod Delegation. Many names were submitted for consideration, and the Nominating Committee, utilizing the criteria for Vestry membership, and godly discernment, is pleased to present these eight individuals to the parish to stand for election to the St. Peter’s Vestry & Synod Delegation.

  • Glen Davis

  • Steve Gordon

  • Rohan Joseph

  • Carolyn Parlato

  • Ashley Trafton

  • Michelle Ubben

Please begin praying for each of them by name. We are thankful for their willingness to serve the Lord as leaders of our Cathedral.

Four of these individuals will be elected to serve on the Vestry. We will also need to elect two delegates to the Diocesan Synod. The easiest way to handle that is to elect the two persons on the ballot who aren’t elected to the Vestry, to serve a three-year term as a delegate. At the Annual Parish Meeting on May 5 at 6:30pm, you will select four names on your ballot. The top four vote recipients will be elected to the Vestry. The fifth and sixth-placed persons will be elected to serve as delegates to the Diocesan Synod.

As you pray and discern who God is calling to lead and represent our parish, please reference the Criteria & Expectations for Members of the St. Peter's Vestry linked in the button below.


Candidates for Election to the Vestry

Glen Davis

Glen currently lives in Tallahassee, FL, with his wife of 19 years, Robin Perry-Davis. Together, they serve on the Small Group Leadership Team of St. Peter’s. He has 2 adult children.  Currently the President and CEO of The Jeremiah Group, Inc., Glen functions part-time as a Manufacturer’s Representative for Motorola Solutions Inc., handling the Department of Defense in Florida.  Glen retired from Motorola after 37 years of service in 2020. He has served as the Sr. Warden of the Vestry at Incarnation Church (Tallahassee, 2015-19) and Advent Episcopal Church (W. Bloomfield, MI, 2001-04) as well as on the Standing Committee of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese (2018-19). Glen is privileged to serve on the Boards of The Good Samaritan Network, Mentors Heart, and Acts 29 Ministries (Chair, 2009-present). Glen has led numerous small men’s groups and large men’s ministry events and has completed 5 Israel Study Tours.  He has delivered over 250 lectures on both Old and New Testament Scripture.  His passions are, studying God’s Word, Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, fishing, golf, and hiking.


Steve Gordon

Steve Gordon is a husband and father of four. As a member of St. Peter's since 2018, Steve has served as the Chair of the Adult Discipleship Committee since 2021 and as an Usher since 2019. Outside St. Peter's, Steve built two successful businesses, is a bestselling author of five books, and speaks to business audiences across the U.S.


Rohan Joseph

Rohan Joseph has been attending St Peter’s Anglican Cathedral since June 2021. He serves as an usher and is also on the altar guild and intercessory prayer team.  He is involved with The Fellowship on Tuesday evenings and the Mentors Heart program.
He is married to Beth Medley, and they have two children, Zachary and Zoë. Rohan is a board-certified General and Bariatric Surgeon with HCA Florida Capital Surgical Specialists.


Carolyn Parlato

Carolyn Parlato is a retired attorney who joined St. Peter’s in 2010 when she moved to Tallahassee from New York. She has three daughters and three grandchildren. She is currently serving as Co-Captain of the Life Ministries Core at St. Peter’s.


Ashley Trafton

Ashley was born and raised in Tallahassee and grew up attending St. John’s Episcopal Church. She and her husband, Mark, moved back to Tallahassee in 2002 to raise their three boys and are charter members of St Peter’s. Ashley works as Vice President of Operations for Coton Colors Company. She is on the board of advisors and hospitality committee for the Charles Simeon Institute, and she and Mark have enjoyed mentoring CSI interns over the years.


Michelle Ubben

Michelle Ubben is a devoted believer in Jesus and, along with her husband, Matt, is a founding member of St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral and has raised six children in the church. They previously were members of St. John’s Episcopal Church and grew up in the Catholic Church. Michelle has led an Acts 2:42 group for the past 15 years, has served on the Altar Guild, and is currently active in a refugee outreach ministry. She previously served on the vestry in the early years of the church. She has worked in strategic communications for more than 30 years and is President and CEO of Sachs Media.


Members in Good Standing are eligible to vote

Per the St. Peter’s Bylaws, Article I states that a Member in Good Standing is

  1. Baptized;

  2. Over 18 years of age;

  3. A member of the Church for at least six (6) months prior to the date of the vote or election;

  4. Free from ecclesiastical censure;

  5. Regular in his or her attendance at the Church’s services;

  6. A member who contributes his or her time, talents or treasure to the expenses or needs of the Church for at least six (6) months prior to the date of the vote or election; and

  7. Committed to the orthodox doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Church. Orthodox doctrine is defined as the Christian belief that is taught and established in Holy Scripture and stated in the confession of the Nicene and Apostles’ Creed.

Women's Retreat 2024 Welcomes More Than 200

More than 215 women gathered for the Annual St. Peter’s Women’s Retreat at the cathedral on Friday, 16 February and Saturday, 17 February. 

Jodie Berndt speaks Friday evening.

The speaker was Jodie Berndt, the bestselling author of the Praying the Scriptures series, which includes volumes for Children, Teens, Adult Children, Life, and Marriage. A popular speaker and Bible teacher, Jodie has been featured on many national media outlets, including Focus on the Family, Fox News, and a variety of marriage and family-oriented podcasts.

She spoke on the topics of being Anchored in the Word, Anchored in Prayer, and Anchored in Hope.  

Jaimi Wacksman (left), presents a silver platter to Jane Harding in recognition of her faithful service and devotion to the Lord and the Church. Jane was accompanied by her husband, Major, and daughter, Alice Sanderson.

Additionally, on Saturday, the Women’s Ministry Council of St. Peter’s honored Jane Harding with the presentation of a silver platter and announced the creation of the Jane Harding Award.

The Silver Platter presented to Jane Harding; and the newly created Jane Harding Award, to be presented annually to a woman of St. Peter’s.

The award, named in honor of Jane Harding, who founded the Women’s Ministry Council, will be presented annually to a woman of St. Peter’s who exhibits exceptionally faithful service and discipleship within the women of St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral. The award has the following inscription:

The Jane Harding Award
Given in honor of faithful service and discipling to the women of St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral.
Philippians 4:6

The Silver Platter is engraved with the following:

A Life Dedicated to the Lord and her church
Jane Harding
Founder, Women’s Ministry Council
St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral
Presented 2024
Philippians 4:6


Philippians 4:6 reads:  “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Nominations Sought for Vestry

We will hold our Annual Parish Meeting on May 5, 2024, at 6:30pm. At that meeting, we will elect four new members to the Vestry.

In that regard, we need your help. The election will be from a slate of candidates, and every member of the congregation has the right to suggest nominees to the Nominating Committee during the Nomination Phase. Please begin praying now, asking God to show you the name of anyone you think might be appropriate to serve in this ministry. Nominations may be made from January 21 until February 5, 2024.

Please make nominations by email to Ellen Culpepper or you may submit to her in writing at the parish office.

Questions about this process? Check out the resources below. 

Who may nominate someone?

Any member of St. Peter’s may make a nomination.

How do we know who to nominate?

Read through the Vestry Candidate Criteria and Expectations document linked below; anyone you believe meets at least the criteria listed here can be nominated.

Do we need to ask a person before nominating them?

Yes. The person nominating must have obtained the nominee’s written consent to his or her name being nominated.

What happens to the nominations once made?

After confirming that each nominee meets the canonical requirements to be a vestry member, the Dean sends the full list of eligible nominees to the Nominating Committee.

That committee then prayerfully discerns who God might be calling to serve as a vestry member.

The Nominating Committee then submits the final slate of candidates to the vestry for approval.

The Nominating Committee shall publish the slate of nominees, with a brief biographical sketch of each nominee, to the members of the Parish at least six weeks prior to the Annual Parish meeting. (No later than March 24, 2024)

2023 Vestry Slate

Vestry Slate for 2023

St. Peter’s is grateful to announce the candidates for election to the St. Peter's Vestry. Many names were submitted for consideration, and the Nominating Committee, utilizing the criteria for Vestry membership (linked below), and godly discernment, is pleased to present these four individuals to the parish to stand for election to the St. Peter’s Vestry.

  • Vanessa Zein-Eldin

  • Greg Summers

  • DeWitt Miller

  • Jim Maples

Please begin praying for each of them by name. We are thankful for their willingness to serve the Lord as leaders of our Cathedral.

Members of the Vestry whose terms are being completed are:

  • Johanna Money

  • Jeff Kottkamp

  • Budd Kneip

  • Jim Maples (elected by the Vestry to complete the term of Sam Ashoo)

We are thankful for each of these individuals and for their service and care of this cathedral as members of the Vestry.

The Nominating Committee members are:

Jeff Kottkamp, Chair (outgoing vestry member)
Sam Bennett, Immediate Past Jr. Warden
Cal Melton, Worship Committee Representative
Julie Dombroski, Outreach Committee Representative
Mark Trafton, Charles Simeon Institute Representative
Kathy Ciarlariello, Prayer Ministry Representative


2023 Vestry Slate


Vanessa Zein-Eldin

Vanessa and her husband David have been married for 33+ years and love being parents to two adult children. They have been members of St. Peter's since its founding in 2005. Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Fine Art at the University of North Texas and enjoyed a career in graphic design. She now finds joy in creating mosaics and teaching workshops in her Art Shed. Currently at St. Peter's, Vanessa serves as the Artisans Guild co-chair; leads a high school girls Engage Group; serves in the Parish Visitors Guild; is a delegate to Diocesan Synod; and participates in an Acts Group. She meets weekly with her accountability group; has co-facilitated Beth Moore studies at St. Peter's; and has participated in Bible Study Fellowship for many years.


Greg Summers

Greg grew up in Tallahassee and returned home several years ago after careers as an Air Force officer (23 years total, active and reserve combined, Lt. Colonel) and as an educator. He was a navigator and later taught political science at the United States Air Force Academy. That faculty experience was the bridge to working in civilian life at several private, church-affiliated schools as a teacher, Department Chair, Dean, and Head of School. At St. Peter’s, he is a Verger and Docent. Greg leads an Engage Group of middle school boys and previously led a 12th-grade group. He teaches Youth Confirmation, serves as Living History Coordinator for Family Bible School, and is a Lay Mentor for Charles Simeon Institute Summer Fellows. On the diocesan level, Greg is Chair-elect of the Dynamos Steering Committee.


Dewitt Miller

DeWitt is the President of Miller Glass Company. He has been a member of St. Peter’s since its founding in 2005. He has been active in an Acts Group and men’s ministry, serving as a men’s retreat co-chair. Additionally, he has served as a Verger, on the Search Committee for our Dean, and as a delegate to Diocesan Synod. He is married to Kathy and has two grown children and four grandchildren.


Jim Maples

Jim and Elizabeth were married 55 years ago, in St. John’s Episcopal Church, in Tallahassee. They have two adult sons and two grandchildren. Jim is semi-retired from a career as an executive in the building materials, manufacturing and distribution industry. He has been an active member of St. Peter’s since its founding in 2005. His involvement has included: Vestry, owner’s representative for the construction of the Cathedral, Acts 2:42 group, Men’s Bible study, usher, chair of the Men’s Mission Council, the Dean Search Committee, LEM-V, and volunteer in various mission outreach activities. Jim is currently serving his 10th year on the Board of Trustees of Trinity School for Ministry. 


Members in Good Standing are eligible to vote

Per the St. Peter’s Bylaws, Article I states that a Member in Good Standing is

  1. Baptized;

  2. Over 18 years of age;

  3. A member of the Church for at least six (6) months prior to the date of the vote or election;

  4. Free from ecclesiastical censure;

  5. Regular in his or her attendance at the Church’s services;

  6. A member who contributes his or her time, talents or treasure to the expenses or needs of the Church for at least six (6) months prior to the date of the vote or election; and

  7. Committed to the orthodox doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Church. Orthodox doctrine is defined as the Christian belief that is taught and established in Holy Scripture and stated in the confession of the Nicene and Apostles’ Creed.

June Make Art Monday Photo Recap

The first Make Art Monday of the summer occurred on Monday, June 12 at St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral. Participants had fun learning how to make pupusas and hand-stamping Salvadoran Folk Art inspired notecards. Thanks to Michelle Ubben for organizing this and to the Guevara family for their gracious teaching and sharing!

The next Make Art Monday will be Monday, July 10, from 6-8:30pm. The focus will be ‘Coastal Inspired Watercolors’ and will be led by Nina Allen Freeman. Register by clicking the button below.

Introducing A Canon for Cathedral Operations

On Friday, 29 July 2022, The Very Rev’d Marcus A. Kaiser, Sr. announced in a note to the Cathedral congregation that after much prayer, discussion, and discernment, he has issued a call to the Rev’d Canon David Pucik to fill the newly created staff position of Canon for Cathedral Operations (CCO).

You can find the announcement, which includes a brief explanation of the role of the Canon for Cathedral Operations, linked in the button below.

 

The Rev'd Canon David Pucik

Canon for Cathedral Operations

Fr. David has lived in Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, Colorado, and South Carolina. He was ordained a Baptist minister in 2007 and became an Anglican priest in 2013. As a priest, he most enjoys helping people to find Christ in the Scriptures, as well as in the events of their lives. In his free time, Fr. David enjoys playing chess, and writing and performing folk and Americana music.

 

In a note to the Cathedral Congregation, Fr. David wrote:

The Puciks are thrilled to be joining the St. Peter’s family. Cal and I (Fr. David) are coming down over the next week, so that we can be there in time for Cal to start 2nd grade. Kristen and our 3-year-old Nate (and Teddy, our cairn terrier) will be following behind a couple of weeks later. It will be a whirlwind over the next few weeks, but we are excited to start this new chapter, and to see what God has in store for St. Peter’s.

Fr. David, Nate, Kristen, & Cal Pucik
(and Teddy)

St. Peter's Artisans June Devotional

Time For A Reset

by Christie Grant

The month of May is over, and many feel the impact of the past month. I heard it called “Maycember.” It felt like a marathon of sprints from first communion to a piano, ballet, and Shakespeare performances, entertaining family who came to town, the excitement (and relief) of a graduation ceremony, putting on a party to celebrate, the grief of one season ending, the excitement for summer plans, not to mention work demands for meetings and never-ending deadlines. It leaves one exhausted and ready for a reset! But now June has arrived, and it is a time to take a deep breath and find rest, restoration and to ground yourself once again.

One of my favorite places to go for that reset is St. Mark’s Wildlife Refuge. Beginning at the drive from Tallahassee to the park, to when the park ranger greets you and you wind your way under the oak canopy to the nature center, to the staccato of the sun peppering you with shadow and light through the tall stately pine forest before breaking out into the sunlight where the sprawling lush saltwater flats open to the wide endless sky, to the first view of the lighthouse - I feel my soul transform. Little by little and moment by moment, the tension leaves and the magnificence of God’s creation on this little stretch of coastline helps me to reset, take a deep breath and worship the Creator, God of the universe. I once again become small. I breathe in the Glory of God. My senses come to life again through the sun and wind in my face, the smell of gulf in the air, the rustling of the palm trees, the lapping of the water and the sand in between my toes, and my spirit finds restoration. I rest.

Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth! - Ps 46:10


Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation commends your works to another;
they tell me of your might acts.
The speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty –
And I will meditate on your wonderful works.
They tell of the power of your awesome works-
And I will proclaim you great deeds. - Psalm 145:3-6

Christie Grant is the artist behind Larks and Lines. She is married to John and they have two grown sons and one daughter-in-love.

2022 Summer Fellows

Ryan Cecil grew up in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. He was fortunate to grow up in the church built on his great-grandparents’ farm, laying the foundation for his walk with the Lord. Prior to receiving a call to ministry in 2019, he had a 17-year career in the furniture industry both in design and marketing. He was led to TSM, and will be entering his senior year this fall, serving as student body president. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, kayaking, exploring back roads, history, horticulture, a good book, and anything to do with animals!

Joseph Reigle grew up in Binghamton, NY. He studied city planning at Cornell University, where he met his wife, Carley. After graduating, he served as a campus minister with Chesterton House—a Christian study center and residential community at Cornell. He aspires to serve the Anglican Church as a minister. Most recently, he finished his first year in the M.Div program at Duke Divinity School.

Dan Omar was born in Marsabit, a small town in the northern part of Kenya. He attended the Reformed Theological College in Kampala, Uganda, and received a BA in Christian Education. While continuing his studies at TSM, he met his wife Cesiah, and they were married in June 2021. He recently graduated from TSM on May 14, 2022 with a Master of Divinity. He hopes to begin the ordination process soon, as he and Cesiah are discerning a missionary call on their lives. They both enjoy hiking, riding, and reading.

2022 Vestry Slate

Vestry Slate for 2022

St. Peter’s is grateful to announce the candidates for election to the St. Peter's Vestry and Synod Delegation. Many names were submitted for consideration, and the Nominating Committee, utilizing the criteria for Vestry membership, and godly discernment, is pleased to present these eight individuals to the parish to stand for election to the St. Peter’s Vestry & Synod Delegation.

  • Tom Crapps

  • Chad Hess

  • Chuck Lang

  • Joyce McNeill

  • Dee Dee Medina

  • Rick Mosby

  • Rachel Nordby

  • Vanessa Zein-Eldin

Please begin praying for each of them by name. We are thankful for their willingness to serve the Lord as leaders of our Cathedral.

Four of these individuals will be elected to serve on the Vestry. We will also need to elect one delegate to Diocesan Synod. The easiest way to handle that is to elect the first person on the ballot who isn’t elected to the Vestry, to serve a three-year term as a delegate. At the Annual Parish Meeting on June 12 at 6:30pm, you will select four names on your ballot. The top four vote recipients will be elected to the Vestry. The fifth-placed person will be elected to serve as a delegate to Diocesan Synod.

As you pray and discern who God is calling to lead and represent our parish, please reference the Criteria & Expectations for Members of the St. Peter's Vestry linked in the button below.


Candidates for Election to the Vestry

Tom Crapps

Tom is married to Cris Martinez and they have 3 children, Porter, Grace and Mercy. He was baptized at St John's Episcopal Church and has been a member of St. Peter’s since it was founded in 2005. He loves St Peter's and our focus on Mission work. Tom has served St. Peter’s and our diocese in the following roles: Vestry Sr Warden 2006–07; Chancellor for Diocese 2010–12; Standing Committee 2018–22.


Chad Hess

Chad B. Hess (47) has been married to Tracey for 19 years. They have twin boys, Tanner and Peyton. Chad grew up attending Catholic school and church, serving as an altar boy through high school. At age 20, God led him to the Episcopal/Anglican world. Chad and Tracey joined St. Peter's the year it was founded. Over the years, Chad has served as an Alpha Course small group leader and course emcee, Children's Chapel teacher, Sunday School teacher, LEM, verger, Synod delegate, and CSI Mentor. While living in Charleston from 2017 to 2021, he served as a Sunday School teacher, LEM, and guest speaker at historic St. Philip's Church. Chad is passionate about the future of orthodox Anglicanism. Before joining Tracey in 2021 at their company, Brown Dog Outdoor, where he does billboard graphic design, he worked as a litigation attorney for 21 years.


Chuck Lang

Chuck Lang has been married to Patty for nearly 29 years. They have three sons, Charlie (23), Jonathan (19), and Collin (18). Chuck has worked for many years in technology sales in the government sector and currently works in IT sales for Oracle, a software company. He loves all things St. Peter’s and serving through our many amazing ministries. He has volunteered in many roles through the years, from clean-up and parking to teaching classes and serving on various committees, including as Chair of the Dean Search Committee. Currently, he feels blessed to serve within the Missions & Evangelism Prison ministry, in Children’s and Youth Ministries as a Sunday School teacher and Engage group leader, and as a Sunday morning usher.


Joyce McNeill

Joyce McNeill has been a member of St. Peter’s since its founding in 2005. She is married to Mac and together, they have two grown children and six grandchildren. Joyce loves playing tennis, walking, traveling, being at the beach, and spending time with her grandchildren. Over the years, her involvement at St. Peter’s has included serving as a VBS volunteer, on the Women’s Ministry Council and Retreat Committee, as a Children’s Chapel volunteer, Greeter, Intercessory Prayer Minister, and with the Bereavement Ministry. She is active in the Mary & Martha Guild and Bible Studies, including her ACTS 2:42 Group. Joyce was also blessed to serve on the Dean Search Committee.


Dee Dee Medina

Dee Dee Medina and John, her husband of 33 years have been members of St. Peter’s since 2006. They have three children, John (J.A.) Medina, Jr. (30), Harvard Medina (28), and Mary Claire Medina (25) and recently welcomed a new family member, as John Jr. married Sarah Zambetti Medina in December 2021. As a member of St. Peter’s, Dee Dee has taught Sunday School, volunteered during the Dynamos weekends, served in the community-wide missions (i.e., Love at Work), participated in Women’s Retreats, and is a member of an ACTS 2:42 Group. Over the years, Dee Dee and her family have supported global missions, the Acolyte program, the Charles Simeon Institute, and many other essential programs in the life of St. Peter’s.


Rick Mosby

Rick Mosby retired as Deputy Chief of Plans, Air Force Space Forces, in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Rick began attending St. Peter’s after retiring from Martin County High School in Stuart, FL, where he worked as AFJROTC’s Senior Aerospace Science Instructor. While living in Stuart, he spent 15 years volunteering at his church as a high school youth leader, photographer, and Church Security Officer. Rick served on the Dean Search Committee. Rick was appointed Director of Safety at St. Peter’s and heads the security teams that are responsible for ensuring the safety of parishioners and guests attending our services. He and Dolores have been married for 41 years, and have two adult children and two grandchildren. His hobbies include piloting his Piper Pathfinder and wildlife photography.


Rachel Nordby

Rachel has been a member of St. Peter's since 2011. She and her husband, Daniel, have three very active children - Andrew (12), Peter (10), and Katie (8). Rachel was born and raised here in Tallahassee, earned her B.A. in Classical Studies from the University of Florida, and graduated with her J.D. from FSU Law School. She currently serves as a Lay Eucharistic Minister.  Over the years, she has volunteered with several ministries/events: Children's Ministry, Mom to Mom, Children's Ministry Greeter, VBS Tribe Leader/Assistant Leader, Sunday School substitute teacher, Children's Ministry Advisory Council, English Fayre, Alpha dinner preparation/serving.


Vanessa Zein-Eldin

Vanessa Zein-Eldin and her husband David have been married 32+ years and have two amazing grown children. They have been members of St. Peter's since its founding in 2005. Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of North Texas and enjoys a career in graphic design and mosaic art. Currently, at St. Peter's, Vanessa serves as the Artisans Guild co-chair; leads a high school girls Engage Group; serves in the Parish Visitors Guild; and participates in an ACTS 2:42 group. She has co-facilitated Beth Moore studies at St. Peter's; meets weekly with an accountability group; and has participated in Bible Study Fellowship for many years.


Members in Good Standing are eligible to vote

Per the St. Peter’s Bylaws, Article I states that a Member in Good Standing is

  1. Baptized;

  2. Over 18 years of age;

  3. A member of the Church for at least six (6) months prior to the date of the vote or election;

  4. Free from ecclesiastical censure;

  5. Regular in his or her attendance at the Church’s services;

  6. A member who contributes his or her time, talents or treasure to the expenses or needs of the Church for at least six (6) months prior to the date of the vote or election; and

  7. Committed to the orthodox doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Church. Orthodox doctrine is defined as the Christian belief that is taught and established in Holy Scripture and stated in the confession of the Nicene and Apostles’ Creed.

World Missions Sunday 2022

Congregations throughout the Anglican Church in North America celebrated World Missions Sunday on the twentieth of February 2022. More than 36 individuals representing dozens of Missions & Evangelism Ministry Partners were present for a Ministry Fair between morning services.

Sunday was also the culmination of St. Peter’s first-ever Great Commission Pledge Campaign–an initiative to increase what St. Peter’s is able to share beyond our own Cathedral walls. The unofficial total amount pledged to the Great Commission Pledge is over one hundred thousand dollars–Praise God! We can’t wait to see how God uses this generosity to bless His church through the Charles Simeon Institute and our Eight Missions & Evangelism Cores!

See photos from the morning below!

Over 200 Women Gather At St. Peter's For Women's Mini-Retreat With Susan Yates

More than 200 women gathered at the Cathedral last Friday evening and Saturday morning into the afternoon for worship, prayer, fellowship, and teaching. Renowned speaker and author, Susan Alexander Yates gave those in attendance ‘Eight Keys to Discovering Our Generous God.’

The Women’s Ministry Council worked tirelessly in planning this wonderful retreat, adorning the Cathedral with beautiful camellias, table settings, and refreshments!

Enjoy some photos below and follow the links below to hear Susan Yates’ talks and see more photos from the weekend!

Cathedral Hosts Synod of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese

St. Peter’s Cathedral hosted the Synod of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese of the Anglican Church in North America Friday, 5 November and Saturday, 6 November 2021.

Clergy, Lay Delegates, and other diocesan guests representing the forty parishes and missions of the diocese met at the cathedral for the annual business meeting and fellowship. The weekend began with a reception and dinner served by volunteers from St. Peter’s and coordinated largely by Diane Biederman, Tina Campbell, Amy Cooksey, and many others. Dinner was followed by a service of Holy Eucharist Friday evening where Bishop Neil Lebhar preached and celebrated. It was his final Synod as Diocesan Bishop.

Musical worship was led Friday evening by Cathedral Organist Mr. Chris Garven, the Cathedral Choir, Mr. Wendell Kimbrough (guitar/vocals), and Mrs. Catherine Miller (piano/vocals).

Saturday began with a service of Morning Prayer from the Daily Office, led by Dean of the cathedral, The Very Rev’d Marcus Kaiser, and followed by the Bishop’s ‘Call to Order’ and declaration of a quorum. Several workshops were offered throughout the day.

Mr. David Mica, Sr., and The Rev’d Canon Matthew R. Wilkins were elected to Diocesan Council as Lay and Clergy Representatives, respectively.

The president of the Standing Committee, The Rev’d John Wallace, led all those present in laying hands on and praying for Bishop Neil Lebhar.

The next meeting of the Synod of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese will be a Special Meeting of the Synod for the Purpose of Electing a Bishop and will be held at St. Peter’s Cathedral on Saturday, 14 May 2022.

Connections Sunday

The following article appeared in the 24 October edition of The Keys

What is Connections Sunday? Really, it's every Sunday, but today especially, as we delve deeper into a Parish Rule of Life, it's an opportunity to re-engage with the various ministries of St. Peter's both within our walls and beyond these walls in the world. Each of us is encouraged to seriously consider what it means to be living into the Parish Rule of Life. On the two previous Sundays, we heard about two of the four components of a Parish Rule of Life: Worship & Prayer and Discipleship. Today’s sermon covers the third component, Community, and next Sunday we will hear a sermon on the fourth component, Missions.

So today... today is Connections Sunday!

Connections Sunday is especially focused on helping us all live into the Community and Missions components, which can be described simply as:

'Building up the Church'

&

'Sharing in God’s mission to the world'

Community ministries are centered on a commitment to sharing in the common priesthood (service) of St. Peter’s for the purpose of building up Christ’s body in this place. Each of the ministries within this realm has a display set up in the North Transept.

Missions ministries are centered on the commitment to sharing in the common priesthood (service) of St. Peter’s for the purpose of sharing in the mission to which God has called us in the world. Each of the ministries within this realm has a display set up in the South Transept.

Please walk through the displays with the purpose of discerning where and how God may be calling you to new service of Him in the life of our parish. If you are already involved in a Community ministry, consider looking for a place of service in a Missions ministry. If you are already involved in a Missions ministry, consider looking for a place of service in a Community ministry.

Each ministry has a way through which you may indicate your interest. This is not a sign-up or commitment form, rather a means of providing further information to aid in your discernment! If you leave your name, someone from that ministry will contact you to help discern your involvement. Please walk through the transepts and see where God might be calling you to serve!

Thank you for the many ways in which you are already serving! Please continue to serve as you are called, even as you seek to further your commitment to Christ's body in this place and God's mission in the world.

Blessing of the Animals

St. Peter’s held a ‘Blessing of the Animals’ in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, on Sunday, 3 October. The feast day of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals is 4 October.

Why do we bless animals on or around the feast day of St. Francis?

St. Francis of Assisi was born into a wealthy Italian family in the 12th century. Upon his dramatic conversion to true Christianity, he renounced all of his worldly possessions and lived very simply. When Francis spoke, everyone listened, including the animals. He told the animals that Jesus loved them too. A story is told of a wolf who lived outside the town of Gubbio. The wolf came into the town each evening, frightening the inhabitants and eating their sheep. Francis went to speak to “Brother Wolf” and found that the wolf was hungry. Francis pleaded with the townsfolk to feed the wolf, who then became so tame that the children rode on his back. Early legends speak of birds and beasts being charmed by Francis’ gentle ways and entering into loving companionship with him. Francis also brought us the Christmas creche. In Gubbio, he built a small outdoor stable and asked townsfolk to portray the Holy Family, the shepherds, and the angels. Then he added the cow, donkey, sheep, and other animals. When asked why he had done so, Francis replied, “Surely the animals praised the new Messiah just as the shepherds and angels did.” And so, in honor of this blessed saint of the church, we gather today with our animals to give thanks for what they do for us and what they mean to us.

Collect for the feast of St. Francis

Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

A Testimony On Tithing

The following was written by a member of St. Peter’s Cathedral. They wish to remain anonymous, but their testimony is powerful and should be an encouragement to all of us!


"For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also."
–Matthew 6:21

"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with wine."
–Proverbs 3:9-10

Both of these verses resonate with me and continue to be truths in my life; where I place my treasure my heart is and as I continue to tithe, the Lord repays much greater than I could ever imagine. As I pledge to St. Peter’s, I am reminded that all my possessions are His. When times are financially tough, prioritizing my pledge above all else stretches my faith to remind me He has a plan for me, and I am His – two great truths and encouragements.

 My situation is unique, but I consider that I have two ‘home’ churches–St. Peter’s and a local Anglican church where I live. Both churches shape who I am. Both churches impact my life regularly; they encourage and strengthen what it means to live out my faith every day. Therefore, I am called to tithe and give back to both churches and of course, this looks a bit different at each church. While I prefer to physically place my tithe in the offering plate on Sunday morning at church, this isn’t always feasible for me at St. Peter’s. Despite some of my technological deficiencies, I take advantage of our online giving option to ensure I don’t ‘forget.’ Clay Tullos continually offers kind support in ensuring accuracy by helping me set up my recurring tithe online. With each email receipt confirming my tithe, I take a chance to offer a prayer of gratitude and to remember what it means to be a good steward of the gifts I am given.

 During this Stewardship Season, I encourage you to pray, reflect, and not only to ask but LISTEN. Listen to how God has gifted you. Listen to what our Savior has called us to do with our gifts. Listen to how you can give back to God what is doing through St. Peter’s. To Him be all the glory and all the honor!

St. Peter's Hosts First Newcomer's Dinner in 19 Months

Last Thursday, 9 September, St. Peter’s hosted its first Newcomer’s Dinner in over a year and a half! The dinner is a way for any folks who have started worshiping with us recently to get to know St. Peter’s, our clergy, our staff, and other newcomers! It was a joy to return to this important ministry in the life of our Cathedral and to have over forty people in attendance.

We hope to host our next Newcomer’s Dinner in early 2022–if you missed this one and you’ve joined St. Peter’s in the last year and a half, lookout for more information in the months to come!

Final Make Art Monday A Success!

On Monday, 30 August, twenty-two women participated in the final Make Art Monday of 2021!

Suzanne Conner lead the participants in Intuitive Floral Painting — a fun way to paint florals… colorful paint dropped onto yupo paper imagined into flowers, stems, and leaves.

About Suzanne Conner, in her own words:

“Born and raised in Florida, I love to depict scenes from our beautiful beaches, marshes, and the piney woods of our state. I am drawn to nature and am continually inspired to seek out the smallest of details for my paintings. I started painting in 2012 while I was going through grief therapy after some tragedies in my family. I have never looked back and will continue to go forward with the healing that painting and drawing gives me.

I also enjoy painting women and children as part of that healing process. I started out by painting memories of growing up in Blountstown, Florida. Catching tadpoles, boating on the river, catching fireflies in jars, these are the sweetest things that I enjoyed and have painted in the past years. It is a wonderful way to find yourself and to remember how much you have to be thankful for.”

We look forward to our next series of Make Art Mondays! Many thanks to Vanessa Zein-Eldin for coordinating this series through the St. Peter’s Artisans!

Sr. Warden's Address to the Annual Meeting of the Parish

The following is an excerpt from Sr. Warden Budd Kneip’s address to the Annual Meeting of the Parish, given on Sunday, 20 June.

To read the entire transcription, please click the button below.

It would be understandable if we chose to measure our success by what we have overcome, but it is far more meaningful to measure our success by what we seek to become.  Now that our new Dean is officially in place, and we hope and pray that COVID remains a manageable issue, it is to the future of St. Peter’s that we must turn if we are to fulfill our calling as a people of faith.

Annual Meeting 2021-8.jpg

 So, this evening I would like to identify three areas of strategic consideration that I plan on raising with the Vestry and the Finance Committee.  Both organizations will be fully engaged in the planning process, developing specific responses to these initiatives.  To the extent they may emerge as operational objectives, we will be updating the congregation on a regular basis.

We know the promises of salvation, and we know the path to victory.  Saint Paul, in instructing the church in Corinth, speaks precisely to this point: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”