JANUARY 26, 2025
Sunday a large congregation met at 11am for the Annual Meeting of St. Peters which held during the church service led by Rev. Tom Hughes. Speakers included John Davis ( Sr. Warden), Larry Saylor (Jr. Warden), Ken Pogue (ECM) & Andrea Pogue (ECW).
A Valentine Social Honoring the Ladies of St. Peters -by ECM
The Episcopal Church Men (ECM) would like to cordially invite you to help coordinate, host and pay tribute to the wonderful, hard-working and gracious ladies of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church as well as the blessed ladies in Port Royal and beyond that contribute their time and efforts in support the mission of the church.
Cuisine – Our mission is to provide a heartfelt and joyful experience for our wives and lady attendees that will include a light, picnic style meal of fried chicken, potato salad, macaroni salad, mixed green salad, green beans, baked beans, dinner rolls and dessert; consisting of cherry cheesecake.
Entertainment – Entertainment will consist of a series of randomly, self-selected melodies, popular standards and seasonal favorites; all sung together in “sing-along” fashion, lead and accompanied by the talented Meistro, Lawrence (Larry) Saylor and his guitar (Bessie). It promises to be wildly entertaining, and yes, the words to every song will be readily available for the divas in all of us. Of course there will be beverages; coffee, tea, soda, and wine sufficient enough to loosen the vocal cords of even the most inhibited among us. So let’s sing together and celebrate the ladies in our lives to the glory of His name.
Attire – The preferred attire for gentlemen is Blazer/Sportscoat (No Tie); Ladies – Go for it. We love it when you Show Out!
Gentlemen – Please help us demonstrate our love (your love) and appreciation for the ladies in our lives by donating whatever time you can spare towards the coordination, set-up, errands and the anticipated cleanup duties. Also donations in the amount of $30 are requested to cover the costs for this illustrious event. Please make your contributions payable to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and write “ECM” on the memo line.
Gentlemen – In support of this effort, I would like to humbly and respectfully request that the ECM and the men and women that support it, book the date via RSVP and participate in all of the festivities. Enjoy the fellowship and food with our wives, friends, neighbors and fellow parishioners.
Junior Warden Report by Larry Saylor
We as a church have been able to accomplish several small tasks in the past year. This began with the repair of a leak beneath the sink in the Parish House kitchen as well as addressing a closet door that wouldn’t close. Other repairs included inspecting and fixing some bookracks on the back of pews as well as inspecting the pew doors. Please be advised if you note these types of problems while sitting in the pews you are welcome to bring them to my attention.
With the help of the men’s group we have scraped and painted the ramp in front of the church. We also made repairs to the chain-link fence around the cemetery as well as the gate at the back of the cemetery. Repairs have been made to a drainage line running from the HVAC. The men of the church also met this fall to rake leaves on the church grounds and clean gutters at the outside pavilion. In addition we were able to acquire the assistance of a gentleman who free of charge, power washed the entire front of the church removing the unsightly wasp nest. This act of kindness had the added benefit of insuring that no 70 year old church member would be climbing up a 30 foot ladder.
We have agreed to gravel the circle in front of the Parish House. Hopefully this will alleviate much of the mud and bad footing experienced when traveling between the Parish House and the Church…especially during bad weather.
Future projects include an inspection of the ramp leading into the parish house for structural repair and painting as well as repair to the ceiling in the meeting area of the Parish House.
We are seeking to become more aware of the issues that aging structures encounter so that we can take preventive measures where appropriate. We invite your input on these matters.
ECW Report by Andrea Pogue
We started the year by having a luncheon at Hornes restaurant with Elizabeth passing the torch of ECW chair to me. We welcomed Robin Monroe and started planning our upcoming events. On may 19th we hosted a reception for our Bishop and on June 12th we hosted our 12th annual fundraising shred event. Then at the annual July 4th celebration we sold baked goods, water, etc. as well as other items fundraising event.
Later in August the ladies met at a lovely restaurant in Fredericksburg. We were led in prayer by our Honorable guest, Cleo Coleman. During our lunch we all shared ideas on future events to include reaching out to our community and spreading the Joy that we are experiencing by loving Jesus.
In September we hosted a repass reception for the family of Bill Wick. Soon it was time for the ECW Regional Meeting in Stafford where Cookie and I enjoyed fellowship and sharing ideas with fellow Episcopalians.
On November 13th we hosted a Pre-Thanksgiving fundraiser dinner, that was a huge success. This was a big fundraiser with all money later donated to various charities.
On December 13th, I hosted a business meeting/cocktail hour at my home. We were able to make donations of $2500.00 to various charities both locally and internationally.
The festive evening included playing games and writing Christmas cards to hand out to our food ministry recipients as well as those shut in. I am looking forward to even better 2025 with God’s help. St Peter’s Ladies, you all are amazing!
The power behind us is greater than the task in front of us.
2024 SENIOR WARDEN REPORT BY JOHN F. DAVIS
JANUARY
On January 11, 2024 Rev. Catherine Hicks announced her retirement. Rev. Shirley Graham, Transition Officer for the Diocese, met with us that day to help us start the transition process. Brian Hatfield finished the work on the new HVAC systems in our buildings for a total cost of $10,800.
FEBRUARY
Johnny Davis was elected as Senior Warden. Larry Saylor was elected as Jr. Warden. Jim Heimbach informed the vestry that he needs to retire due to health issues.
Thus, we began the process of moving forward without our priest. Catherine announced that her last day would be June 30th of 2024.
Everyone on the vestry agreed that they would help by doing jobs that Catherine and Ben had been doing. This included bulletins, newsletters, U-Tube, website and all other things that they have done each week to keep St. Peter’s on track. My wife, Cookie Davis and I, agreed to prepare the server list each month that would include who will be priest, acolyte, lector, chalice bearer and greeters.
MARCH
We began to talk of a Special Reception to help Catherine and her family celebrate her retirement . A Search Committee was formed consisting of Linda Upshaw, Becky Fisher, Ken Pogue, Carolyn Duke, and Johnny Davis. They wrote a job description which was sent to Shirley Graham.
We received a list of available supply priests. Rev. Tom Hughes and his wife were already assisting at St. Peters and agreed to continue helping if needed.
APRIL
The ECW began to plan the farewell party for Catherine and Ben. Gifts were purchased for both. All agreed that Ben had been a valuable asset to the team as we added internet, Sunday services on line, etc.
Audit and Parochial reports were completed on schedule. Andrea Pogue was elected as our Delegate to the Annual Convention in November. Johnny Davis agreed to be alternate.
The Search Committee was selected and included Johnny Davis (Senior Warden), Becky Fisher, Ken Pogue, Linda Upshaw, and Carolyn Duke. Both Rev. Tom Hughes and Organist Brad Volland agreed to stay with us as long as needed.
After talking with Rev. Graham, we decided not to do a written survey of the congregation as to what they expected in a new priest. Rev. Shirley Graham wanted to come and meet with the congregation and listen to what they expected in a new priest. Instead Rev. Graham used a chart to print our needs and expectations during a congregational meeting. We listed things that need to be done and we asked everyone to “step up to the plate” and help. And everyone has!
Cookie agreed to do a small newsletter each month to highlight activites and keep everyone informed. Johnny included his thoughts of what we need to as we move forward. He stressed that “Our congregational vitality and sustainability for the future are essential.”
MAY
The Vestry had a Zoom meeting with Rev. Graham where she asked us to address 4 things:
- Our Liturgical style and practice
- Our strengths
- Our Challenges
- Our Characteristics
Chester Duke offered to take care of and run the U-Tube for us.
Johnny Davis was given permission by the Vestry to administer the Discretionary Fund.
We posted a St. Peter’s “Open Priest” position on the “Transition Ministry” site along with a part time position salary of $57,000.
JUNE
Robin Monroe was appointed by the Vestry to fill the remainder of Elizabeth Heimbach’s term.
Linda Upshaw is elected registrar keeping minutes of all meetings and is named a new trustee for St. Peters.
Rev. Catherine’s Farewell Party with caterers and music is a great success! Even her elderly mother was from North Carolina was present. The church was packed with great music and beautiful cut freshly cut Sunflowers on the altar and in the windows!
JULY & AUGUST
The Search Committee met several times and began preparing for their first interview September 3, 2024.
The Vestry agreed to hire Account, Inc. to do the bookkeeping for St. Peters since the treasurer needed to retire due to his health issues.
The Thanksgiving Program for needy people was discussed and the men of the church (ECM) agreed to provided 10 meals at a cost of $50 per person. We are pleased to continue participation with CERVE (Caroline Emergency Relief through Volunteer Efforts).
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
Johnny Davis is appointed by the vestry to be St. Peter’s Treasurer with Account Inc. doing the bookkeeping and preparing monthly reports.
The Vestry voted to increase the cost of funeral plots for grave sites from $300 to $500. Keeping our cemetery and memorial garden neat and attractive is a priority of our members.
The ECM agreed to help needy children through the “Christmas Angel Tree Program.” They agreed to spend $100 per child for 8 needy children.
NOVEMBER
Johnny Davis, Andrea Pogue and Cookie Davis gave sermons on fifth Sundays when no priest was available. Larry Saylor had done one earlier. Our members are always willing to help.
The Senior Warden gave out pledge cards this month with thanks to all who met their goal in 2024 and challenged them to do the same or better in the coming year. The ECW cooked and sold “Thanksgiving Dinners” to raise funds for local groups and organizations.
DECEMBER
The Vestry gave $300 to Hunter’s for the hungry this year and also $300 to a Caroline senior who needed help with her graduation fees. We also helped a grandmother who has cancer and is taking care of her 5 grandchildren. (Thanks Linda Upshaw for keeping in touch with her and getting additional donations.)
As senior warden I have helped 13 people this year with our discretionary funds. They have come by or called with drastic needs for money or food. We continue to run our monthly Wednesday Food Give Away and are pleased with the fresh vegetables and fruit our volunteers are able to bring to us, and thank the regular helpers who come to sort and pack the goodies. Leftovers are often used for those who call and say they have no food. We always keep extras in our freezer!
The most exciting event at ST. Peters this December was the arrival of the Wise men and Mary & Joseph with baby Jesus at the straw covered pavilion next door to the Parish House! It was a dreary cold night but everyone came to welcome “him”….there were wisemen and kings, smiling grandparents and guests! All enjoyed cookies an hot chocolate afterwards in the warm parish house!! It was a great community event and we thank all who participated especially Jan Saylor & Becky Fisher who coordinated this event.
JANUARY
The Vestry has another interview with a potential priest on January 28th. Pray for your search committee. Both candidates have potential.
Thank you,
John F. Davis
Senior Warden
Remember: OUR MOTTO IS TO DO GOD’S WILL ……we pray we can continue to do so.
Hope to see you all on Feb. 2nd GROUNDHOG DAY —-Coffee Hour in Parish House always on 1st Sundays!