We are a small Episcopal Church on the banks of the Rappahannock in Port Royal, Virginia. We acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the first people of Port Royal, the Nandtaughtacund, and we respect and honor with gratitude the land itself, the legacy of the ancestors, and the life of the Rappahannock Tribe. Our mission statement is to do God’s Will in all that we do.

Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015

Our Palm Sunday weather in 2015 was not spring-like except for the sun which was glorious. The temperature was in the high 40’s, reached the low 50’s but was windy|We had 47 but a smaller number for the Litany of the Palms. This year we had various noise makers including a cymbal to increase and highlight the fanfare.|Catherine’s opening homily focused on the concept of love in Holy week despite the tragedy – the annointing at Bethany, the Last Supper, Jesus toward God and the Centurion. Each forgot their own needs and served the other.

Sunrise Service, March 31, 2013 – 7am

The day started out early for some of us at the Long’s for the 7am Sunrise service. Unfortunately, while the son came up briefly it was soon hidden by the advancing cloud cover.|St. Peter’s was well represented in scripture and song. Nancy and Helmut performed twice on “Because He Lives” and “Victory in Jesus.” Catherine provided the opening prayer and Gospel reading. Both Memorial Baptist and Shiloh were represented. Rev Joe Dobbin of Shiloh presented the sermon on “First 7 Words After Resurrection.”|The Longs offered a wonderful reception with various egg, sausage casseroles, doughnut, hash browns.

The “Best” of Holy Week and Easter

Here are 50 images of the period from Palm Sunday to Easter, 2013. From Palm Sunday to Easter, we held 5 services with 166 in attendance. We also participated in the Port Royal Sunrise service on Sunday morning. On Sat. we held our 7th community dinner for 80-120 children feeding them lunch and holding an Easter egg hunt. Yes, we did walk with Jesus in his suffering and hardships and then sharing and proclaiming the resurrection.

Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 11am

At 11am, we had 54 for Easter on an increasingly cloudy and by service time some light rain. Most of all it was just cold and damp. Not Easter like! Some additions to the service this year – a set of wind chimes Catherine carried in procession. Also, with abundant children we had a children’s sermon before the main one. The metaphor of a flower bulb that rises is a wonderful metaphor for the risen Christ.As with last year we lit the paschal fire, symbolizing the new light from Christ this Easter.

Maundy Thursday, March 28, 2013

Maundy Thursday is remembered for the “Last Supper” meeting with the disciples with the footwashing, the foreshadowing of Judas betrayal and the movement into Gethsemane. We had a traditional Seder supper at 5pm. The 7pm service featured the washing and anointing of hands. By the end of the service the altar is stripped in preparation for Good Friday.

Tenebrae, March 27, 2013

The story was inside and out. Unlike the other Easter services, Tenebrae doesn’t relate to a specific Holy Week event as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. It sets a mood and brings you through the Holy Week story through a set of “shadows”. Each shadow generally has a reading from Luke, a Psalm and a hymn.|Outside, the weather was continued cool from the weekend. Two hours before the service there were threatening clouds. The unsettled weather moved toward full sunlight in a short amount of time captured in the gallery.

Palm Sunday, March 24, 2013

An overcast, cool Palm Sunday. We have pictures of the Lenten Quiet Day plus the music, Liturgy of the Palms and Passion narrative.

Review of the First Week in Lent, 2013

Here are 50 slide that review 4 events and services of the first week in Lent, 2013:1. Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013 2. Ash Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 3. From Repentance to Hope: A Service of Remembrance, Celebration and Witness, Feb. 16, 2013 (held at St. George’s Fredericksburg). 4. Lent 1, Feb. 17, 2013

Tenebrae, 2012

April 4, 2012 – A calm meditative service with candlelight featuring readings from the Psalms, St. Augustine, Hebrews and the Canticles which complements the events as Holy Week progresses.