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.

Videos

Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East, Oct. 17, 2023

St. Peter’s Episcopal, Port Royal was open Tues, Oct. 17 for a prayer service, 12pm to 2pm for peace in the Middle East. The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem called for this day of prayer and so we prayed in solidarity with them and others around the world who prayed for peace. We had 14 people in the church at various times. Some stayed for the entire period.

Our time together included a short prayer service at noon, other prayers at 1pm and concluding prayers at 2pm. Larry Saylor provided the meditative music throughtout the 2 hours.

The video includes Catherine’s description of the service.

There were 5 prayer stations in the windows of the church:
1. “Place your prayer into the spring of water gushing up to eternal life”
2. “The healing touch station”
3. “Prayers for Peace”
4. “Pray for peace in the Holy Land”
5. Station with water from the River Jordan and earth

Video and Photo Links
1. Video
2. Photos
3. Music by Larry Saylor – selection

Creating Pet Blessings for St. Francis Day, Oct. 4

Our Christian Education class for children, “God’s Garden” explored what is meant to be a saint, today (Oct. 1, 2023) as a prelude for St. Francis day on Oct. 4. As an example they told the story of St. Francis taming the Wolf of Gubbio. Then, they made Pet blessings with treats to give out in church to make pets happy on St. Francis Day, Oct. 4.

Three videos show packing the bags, processing into church during the first hymn, and finally handing them out during the announcements. A fun activity for all with the children gaining an appreciation for this popular saint.

1. Making Pet Treats

2 Procession to the church during “Morning has Broken”

3. Distribution of the treats during Announcements.

When the Sermon stopped – blame it on Jonah!

Art Linkletter had a phrase from his TV show many years ago – “Kids say the darndest things!! We had a Linkletter moment at St. Peter’s today.

The children in Sunday School on Sept 24 had a lesson on water and the story of Jonah and the whale was included. Later, during the sermon in Church, the Rev. Tom Hughes mentioned Jonah as part of Old Testament lessons and stressed that it demonstrated the grace and forgiveness of God. Then, a child raised her hand and a discussion began which led to a rapid end of the sermon in a good way. The children had paid attention in Sunday School!

The video has part of the Sunday school lesson on Jonah, about 4 minutes 25 seconds. Then after 4 blank seconds the end of Tom’s sermon is spliced in. The children did not have a microphone but in the end, it didn’t matter!

Videos, Pentecost 17, Season of Creation 4, Sept. 24, 2023

1. Opening Hymn- “Not here for high and holy things”

2. Song of Praise- “A Scottish Blessing”

3. Sequence Hymn- “Amazing Grace”

4. Gospel and Sermon

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Videos, Pentecost 16, Season of Creation 3 Sept. 17, 2023

1. Prelude – Larry Saylor

2A. Opening Hymn- “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”

2B. Opening Hymn- “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” – First procession in 3.5 years (COVID)

3. Song of Praise- “A Scottish Blsssing”

4. Sequence hymn – “Bless the Lord, my soul”

5. Gospel and Sermon

6. Offertory – Larry Saylor Guitar

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