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.

2023 Sun July 30

A Union Soldier’s take on Solomon’s Prayer (Old Testament reading this week 1 Kings 3:5-12)

An unknown civil war soldier wrote this eloquent testimony:

"I asked for strength that I might achieve;

"I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

"I asked for health that I might do greater things;

"I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

"I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise.

"I asked for power that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

"I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I had asked for, but everything that I had hoped for.

"Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered; I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

"So the Bible says that It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this."

Summer, 2023 outreach

Caroline’s Promise – 95 packs of notebook paper were donated to the Caroline’s Promise school supply distribution, which was held at  Caroline Middle School at the end of July

Jamaica –  We donated enough school supplies for each student at the Victoria School in Linstead, Jamaica,  10 categories of supplies, 3,000+ items – drawstring backpacks, sharpeners, pencils, pens, toothpaste, toothbrushes,  erasers, crayons, pencil cases, rulers,  Also 6 tablets were contributed. Finally, St Peter’s was able to donate seven used computers to the school, along with keyboards and monitors to use with each computer. We collected $2,355 at the end of June for the computers and remaining school supplies. 

Videos, Pentecost 9, July 30, 2023

1. A brief look at the beautiful Rapphannock River on Sunday

2. “Shall We Gather at the River” – Opening Hymn

3. Romans reading – Chapter 8 verses 25 -39

4. Gospel and Sermon – Rev. Tom Hughes

5. “Seek ye First”

6. “Be Thou My Vision”

The Parish House’s new clothes

On May 1, we received news that our Diocesan grant for painting the Parish House had been approved. The Vestry applied for a Peter J. Lee Small Church Revitalization Grant from the Diocese of Virginia. At its last meeting, the Diocesan Executive Board voted for us to receive the $5000 grant that we requested.

The letter from the Bishop included these lines:

“As the Church we are called at all times and in all places to do God’s work in the world, and PJL Grants enable us to encourage and support one another in this vocation. Congregations throughout the Diocese of Virginia celebrate the vision and spirit that has inspired your grant project, and we all look forward to hearing of your project’s results.

I send my blessings to you for the work that you do and remain,

Faithfully yours,

The Rt. Rev’d E. Mark Stevenson
Bishop of Virginia

As of July 23, 2023, the Parish House was in the process of receiving new paint. Here are works in progress. First two pictures are a before and after: