I begin this month’s update with a wonderful letter received from Catherine’s mother addressed to us all:
Dear St. Peters Church Family,
Yesterday, June 29, 2024 will forever be a treasured memory for me!! From the warm welcome at the door, the entrance into your beautiful sanctuary, to the joyous prelude from the choir loft, I felt that I had already worshipped in God’s presence!!
After the inspiring service, I left your sacred place with a lifted spirit, warmer heart, enriched soul and multiple blessings and memories I will never forget. It was an extra blessing to personally meet many of you. Thank you for your gracious welcome, the friendly atmosphere, and delicious food.
I was honored to be a part of the lovely celebration you hosted for my daughter’s 14 year pastorate with you. Words cannot express my gratitude for the love, kindness & good deeds you have given to Catherine, her husband Ben and her family. Her father, my husband of 60 ½ years and deceased since January 2021, always enjoyed our visits with you in the Parish House and church.
I thought Catherine was dear to make 100 votives and to give one to each of us!!
It will be a lovely tangible reminder of my connection with you. Love, thanks and deepest prayers for your future, Lola S. Delbridge
I know we each received a letter of love and thanks from Catherine in July. The above letter was handwritten & mailed to us while Catherine’s was typed and emailed to everyone. Both show love and appreciation to the membership of St. Peters. We were truly blessed to have known these two women!
SENIOR WARDEN REPORT
Both the Vestry and the Search Committee have been busy in July. The Search committee has met twice to prepare for future interviews of potential candidates for rector. There have been no interviews to date. Rev. Shirley Smith Graham from the Diocese of Va. has visited St. Peters and the Vestry in preparation for the Search Process. In the meantime, Johnny has scheduled priests to fill in each Sunday. The Rev. Pete Gustin preached on July 7th and Rev.Tom Hughes preached twice. Johnny met with several members who are willing to lead Morning Prayer on the last Sunday of each month. Johnny and Larry volunteered to do the whole service on July 28th! Larry’s sermon was a real treat! The Rev. Shirley Graham will be back on August 18th and Rev. Tom Hughes will preach Aug. 4 and 11. Morning Prayer will be Aug. 25.
Vestry members: Johnny Davis, Sr. Warden
Larry Saylor, Jr. Warden
Linda Upshaw, Registrar
Andrea Pogue, Robin Monroe (finishing the term of E. Heimbach)
Search Committee: Johnny Davis, Chairman
Ken Pogue, Becky Fisher, Carolyn Duke, Linda Upshaw
Church Treasurer: Jim Heimbach has resigned for health reasons. No one wants to take this job. Johnny and Jim have met with an accountant in King George who is looking at our process and will make an offer if we wish to hire her as bookkeeper. If you know of a member who is willing to take this job, please talk to Johnny. He is the “interim treasurer”.
Last Sunday Elizabeth Heimbach came to church early with lots of smiles. She announced that they had decided to sell the Fredericksburg house and stay at Port Royal! Everyone had a happy face! I also had a big smile when I learned that Tom and Linda Kramer had moved their membership to St. Peters! Join us this Sunday for Coffee Hour after Church!!
We have much to be thankful for at St. Peters. All are welcome!
NOTE: Next Vestry meeting moved to August 22 due to vacations.
Love to each of you, Cd (secretary to JFD)
PS I had a great email this week from Karen Woodruff who was our priest when we were yoked with Vauters in Essex. She writes, “I have been at Senor Erickson Retirement Facility in Silver Spring, MD for the last six years. I still live in independent living and have a care manager who drives me to appointments. My Huntington’s Disease is being followed by neurologists at Georgetown Hospital.” She then asks about Catherine who sent her notes.
I will add her email because you might email Karen. I know she would love it. woodruffkaren@gmail.com