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.

Photos

First Week of Spring, March 21, 2018

Before we get to the amazing story Palm Sunday and Holy Week, it is worth to pause on the effect of weather on this first week of spring. The week started with a spectacular sunrise on Monday, March 19. A good sign to lead to spring but spring never showed its face this week.

Yes, we had planned a full first day of spring March 21- Bible Study at 10am, preparation for the Village Harvest, our food distribution, which was scheduled from 3pm to 5pm and then continuing the Bible study on Revelation at 6pm.

Mother nature had other ideas with 3 to 5 inches of snow falling on the 21st. All of our activities were cancelled. Catherine called many people planning to come to the Village Harvest,

There were more disruptions. Last week and this week the interior of St. Peter’s was painted. The sacristy was cleared on Sunday and painting ensued. An emergency crew came in on Thursday to recover the church so to be ready by Sunday. The place was a mess! Adding to the difficulties was that the weather was not spring-like with a strong wind making it that much colder.

Ash Wed., Feb. 14, 2018

We began our observation of Jesus’ death and resurrection by preparing for Easter with a season of penitence. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent.

The liturgy provides words about the purpose of Lent. “I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.”

The imposition of ashes follows the invitation. At this service, 18 received ashes on our foreheads in the shape of a cross to remind us of our mortality, and complete dependence on God for our lives. Only through God’s saving grace can be we be in a relationship with God.

Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018 – once again

Shrove Tuesday is the last day of Epiphany and the bridge to Lent which begins Wed. Feb. 14. Shrove Tuesday is a day of reflection but mostly feasting. And we did that with about 20 in the Parish House. For a variety of reasons – renovation, Village Dinner, weather we have not had one since 2013. Thanks to Dave, Eunice, Roger, Andrea, and Catherine for helping out preparing and serving and making this day a reality once again.

Thirteen concert, Feb., 11, 2018

The Thirteen was our first concert almost five years ago in Oct. 2013. We brought them back to help begin our sixth year. Many things have changed with them including singers though they still have two singers from that period. Many of their concerts, including this one, are thematic. This concert, “From Tree to Shining Tree”, was based on the environment and how composers have expressed their feelings – wonder, delight as well horror to the destruction of nature through their music.

We had 50 people on a pretty dreary day though the music lightened it up. The rain held up and it was very warm in the 60’s in February. We thank the Heimbachs for a wonderful reception at 6pm including drinks, cheese and crab dip. Also Brad Volland provided two types of lasagna at dinner which was appreciated. Thanks to others such as Roger and Eunice who helped with the dinner and logistics.

Waterways exhibit, Feb. 10, 2018

Catherine took a group to visit this impressive exhibit, a traveling Smithsonian exhibit at the Fredericksburg museum. It runs from Jan 28 through March 11.

We take it for granted, but how much do you really know about it? A literal flood of information on water was presented – how it is so necessary and how we both use and misuse this resource. So much that it will be easy to come back. The guides were knowledgeable and demonstrated much of the information to make it memorable. The central theme of water in many of the world’s religions was particularly notable. Fredericksburg was literally built on the role of the Rappahannock River.

Advent 4 and Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2017

Christmas Eve turned cloudy in the mid-40’s with rain later. We had 51 for the service. Of note within the church were “cherry tree toppers” used as ornaments toward the rear of the church from Fraser Wood Elements in Fredericksburg. Cookie outdid herself with the poinsettia in the windows with nandina and pine. The red candles complemented them well.

Music is part of Christmas. Marilyn brought her harp and Nancy joined in on soprano for one piece. The choir presented “In the Bleak Midwinter” at the offertory. Brad’s prelude was “Unto to us a child is born.” We normally sing “Angels we have heard on High” but it was the postlude this year.

We had numerous visitors. Cherry had her “hugging shirt” and she was busy doing that. Catherine presented Luke 2 reading for memory as well her sermon. We have a selection from it under the videos. The intimacy of St. Peter’s gives everyone a front row seat. The story of William Weaver and the stolen bike brought all into several themes of Christmas in the sermon.

Christmas Play, Dec. 17, 2017

Today was Advent 3 but for St. Peter’s better known as the Christmas Play. This play was different than in the past. It was exclusively performed by children but this time with speaking lines rather than involving the adults with the speaking parts. The play was inserted in the service rather than the service inserted into the play. This year Advent 4 and Christmas Eve are the same day so Advent seems shorter. Thus, the decision to make it an Advent 3 Sunday as much as the play.

The play was written by Catherine around the Gospel reading for this Sunday starting with John the Baptist. It continued with a mixture of the traditions from Luke and Matthew. We had 58 people in the service including 11 children in the play.

Becky Fisher as the director deserves credit for rehearsing the children over several weeks with their lines, organizing the costumes and getting the PA system. The props had to be purchased and blocking had to be done.

Link to the Videos

Link to the Story