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, who are still here, and we honor with gratitude the land itself and the life of the Rappahannock Tribe. Our mission statement is to do God’s Will in all that we do.

St. Peter’s Chrismas Play, a 25 year tradition

St. Peter’s Christmas play has been different from the typical Children’s Church play. It will be held on 2nd Advent this year, Dec. 3, 2022

First it has involved parishioners of all ages and not just children. Second it takes up most of the Sunday service. Lastly the play is written fresh every year. No repeats. The tradition began in the 1990’s under the Rev. Karen Woodruff when there were many children in the parish.

Here is a collection of Christmas pageants from 2011-2018

This year St Nicholas will visit the 11AM service and the St Peter’s youth will take the lead in playing holiday music for the congregation.

Youth Group, Sun Oct. 23

8 youth, Catherine and three parents met in the Parish House for a pizza dinner followed by discussions, music, in the church finally closing with Compline.

The discussions centered the role of Jesus in our lives and music in the temple. Some of the same instruments we use today were used then with music in the temple.

The youth brought their instruments. New combinations were explored – two trumpets together, a piano lead for singers.

Next month we will finalize the program which will occur on 4th Advent Dec. 18. Catherine will write a play to coincide with it. Compline was read at the end of the evening with the youth taking several of the readings.


Youth Group Oct. 23, 2022(full size gallery)

The Psalms and Music

Talking with Jesus

Reading Compline

A Youth Group is organizing

Sept 25 was the first meeting of a revitalized youth group. The 8 youth have a common interest in music so we had 2 trumpets, 1 French Horn, 1 piano player and 4 singers. They are all working on Christmas Music. Each played a Christmas piece individually.

Catherine suggested playing for the Dec. 18 service which is traditionally the Christmas Play. Catherine would write a play around their music talents.

We ended the evening with an introduction to the Prayer Book and the saying of Compline with the adults present.