Meet the Chapter Candidates, The Cathedral Church of St. Peter
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January 2021
C R O S S T OW N
At the foot of the cross in downtown St. Petersburg
Meet the Chapter Candidates,
Page 7
8 a.m. Service Returns, Page 3
Our Hopes for the New Year,
Page 11
Welcome to Epiphany,
Season of Light, Page 4, 19
The Jones family — Stephanie, baby Jasper, Brian, and Lars — started the
holidays at our Advent wreath party, Page 16. PHOTO BY HILLARY PEETE.
January 2021 Page 2 return to Page 1
Pledge Campaign Update Giving Tree Was a
Ray McColgan, Stewardship Chair Generous Tree
Santa’s helpers were really generous
The Stewardship Committee wants to be This increased our pledges by $86,540. this Christmas. Thanks to sponsorships
completely transparent about the status Fantastic! given through our online Giving Tree, we
of our Pledge Campaign. As of mid- ● 47 households have not as yet were able to make the holiday bright for
December, we are close to meeting entered a pledge. All have been 85 children from Resurrection House,
our goal for 2021, $830,000, but contacted by phone, voice Campbell Park Elementary, and Brighter
we are not there yet. We mail, or email, and we look Seasons for Children, who each received
are at $790,520, which forward to hearing from two or more gifts.
is also below our 2020 them. We were also able to help 15 families
pledge amount. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE at Resurrection House with gift certifi-
Some statistics: TO PLEDGE! You can still cates, using money left over after every-
● 77 pledging house- use the online pledge one’s Christmas wishes were fulfilled.
holds stayed at the same form (www.spcathedral. Ordinarily we’d have offered a tree
amount as 2020. Good. org/give-joy) or contact decked with cards bearing Christmas
● 84 pledging house- Administrator Michelle wishes, and parishioners would have
holds increased their pledge Thomas at the Cathedral to chosen cards and purchased the gifts.
for 2021, representing an do so (727-822-4173). Because of Covid-19, we invited pa-
11.18 percent increase. We know this has been a rishioners to sponsor a child for $50,
Thanks! difficult year for many. As and we ordered gifts online. It was
● 18 pledging households the new year progresses more arms-length giving than we’re
decreased their pledge for and things improve, if you accustomed to, but it worked, and we
2021, representing a 33 per- are able to support the Cathe- were able to share your generosity with
cent decrease. dral at a higher level, it would be children in a different way. Thanks to all
● 26 pledging households are new! greatly appreciated. who participated!
p January 2021 Page 3 return to Page 1
8 a.m. Sunday Service
Returns ...
Our 8 a.m. Rite I service will return starting Sunday, January 10.
You will be required to register in advance (visit spcathedral.org/
services) and to wear a mask and observe social distancing. This service
will not be live-streamed.
... and Outdoor Worship
Continues
Our outdoor worship services have proved so popular, we are con-
tinuing them into the new year on the first and third Sundays of the
month at 4 p.m.
Both services — on January 3 and January 17 — will be at North
Shore Park. Register at spcathedral.org/services. Please wear a mask
and bring a chair or blanket.
Canon Ethan Cole offers communion at
our service last month at Denver Park.
Photo by MICHELLE THOMAS.
January 2021 Page 4 return to Page 1
More About Epiphany
* The Magi — beyond the legends, Page 19
* Our Patronal Festival, Page 20
* ‘Let There Be Light!’ Sunday class, Page 23
Drop-In Epiphany Party Will Welcome Everyone
To Invite God’s Blessing Into Your Home and Heart
The Epiphany of the Lord is a feast day expand that tradition and continue our Please register at spcathedral.org/epiphany
that celebrates the revelation of God as exploration of creating sacred space in our to help us ensure we have enough materi-
human being in Jesus Christ. Epiphany is homes. On Sunday, January 10, you’re invit- als.
observed on January 6 and marks the end ed to an intergenerational, Cathedral-wide
of the Christmas season. This feast day is Epiphany party with a variety of hands-on
often associated with the visitation of the projects for you to create and take home.
Magi, who brought their gifts to the Christ This is an in-person event, but activities will Drop-in Epiphany
child. You may want to consider moving the be spaced out in Harvard Hall and outside. Party
Magi in your nativity scene to the manger, Masks and social distancing required.
giving final gifts of the season, and taking There will be resources for blessing your 1-5 p.m. Sunday,
down the Christmas decorations in your
home.
home, creating a portable sacred space,
flower arranging, blessing cards, and more!
January 10
A favorite Cathedral tradition has been You can drop in any time between 1 and 5 Register: at spcathedral.
creating chalk blessing bags to chalk the p.m. and spend time creating and reflecting org/epiphany
door frame of your home as a way to in- on gifts you have to offer Jesus and ways
vite God’s blessing. This year, we want to you are being invited to grow in this season.
January 2021 Page 5 return to Page 1
EYC Pray a Weekly Compline Sung Compline Returns
Our Cathedral EYC, a tightly-knit some ownership, they were all over it.” to the Cathedral
group of 10 middle and high schoolers, “It’s encouraging to see that, after The beloved service of Compline returns
have begun praying the service of Com- only a few months, the youth are en- to the Cathedral starting in January. The word
pline at the end of youth group every thusiastic and confident leaders,” Hillary “compline” is derived from the Latin completo-
Sunday evening. What began as a some- said. “Each week, we end youth group rium, since the service is to be said at the com-
what awkward fumbling through the gathered in the dimly-lit church on the pletion of the day. It is relatively short – only
Book of Common Prayer (Page 127) has marble. It is a meaningful way to be about 20 minutes long (you can find it starting
now blossomed into their taking com- present with one another, to pray and on page 127 of the BCP) – and includes the
plete control of the service. Hillary Peete prepare for the week ahead.” confession, psalms, scripture readings, the
and Michelle Thomas co- Lord’s Prayer, and the Nunc dimittis (“Lord,
lead EYC. now let your servant go in peace”).
“We started by hav- The Rev. Canon Dr. Thomas Williams and
ing a guided Compline, Michelle Thomas will chant Compline on the
and showing them what second Sunday of each month. “We are hop-
options are given in the ing to bring out the simple beauty of plain-
BCP. They were able to fill song,” Michelle said. “We will be chanting the
out a worksheet to select psalms, hymns, and other pieces of the ser-
their preferred psalms, vice. Canon Williams and I love chant, and we
collects, and scripture enjoy singing together.” Michelle Thomas, our
readings,” Michelle said. Cathedral Administrator, also has extensive
“As soon as they had background as a scholar of Gregorian chant.
The service will be available in person (no
Joel Burnsed leads registration necessary) and via livestream at
Compline for EYC. Photo 7 p.m. on January 10 and in the future on the
by HILLARY PEETE. second Sunday of each month.
January 2021 Page 6 return to Page 1
Choral Evensong Resumes On Starting New Year’s Day, Read the
January 24 Gospel of Mark with the Church
Our service of Choral Evensong at 5 p.m. on Sunday, January Every year the wider Episcopal Church invites everyone to par-
24, will include the Service in E by Herbert Murrill. ticipate in a churchwide reading of a book of the Bible.
At 4:45 p.m., Marco Jimenez, an organ This year, starting January 1, the Good Book Club will read the
student of Music Director and Organist Gospel of Mark — the same gospel we’ll be hearing on Sundays
Dwight Thomas, will play J. S. Bach’s diffi- throughout the year.
cult Trio Sonata No. 3 in D minor. Then the At goodbookclub.org you’ll find lots of material to make the
Cathedral Quartet will sing the Responses most of your reading: a two-page introduction to the Gospel of
by Humphrey Clucas and Benjamin Lane’s Mark, a list of
anthem, “Arise, Shine.” the daily read-
Murrill (1909-1925) produced a jazz ings (just a few
opera and movie scores verses every
and a cello concerto day), a place
dedicated to Pablo to sign up for
Casals that has been Marco Jimenez
weekly preview
called his masterpiece. e-mails, daily
During World War II he worked at the British podcasts of the
code-breaking center at Bletchley Park. He is readings and re-
best known for his choral works, including the flections, online
Service in E. His musical affinities were Fran- book studies,
Herbert Murrill cophile and mildly middle-Stravinskian, tem- and much more.
pered by an English take on neoclassicism. The readings
You must register to attend this service. Registration will open run through February 16, Shrove Tuesday — the end of the sea-
a week in advance at spcathedral.org/music-events. Masks and son of Epiphany and the day before Lent begins, Ash Wednesday.
social distancing are required. A freewill offering will be taken.
January 2021 Page 7 return to Page 1
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Slate of Four Will Be Approved at the Annual Meeting
We will approve by acclamation four new members of the Here are the candidates. We invited them to tell us about them-
Chapter at the Annual Meeting on January 24. The Chapter is the selves — their backgrounds, the gifts and skills they offer, and why
lay board of directors that, with the dean, sets policy, monitors the they feel called to serve; their involvement at the Cathedral and in
finances, and oversees the spiritual welfare of the congregation. the community; how they’re coping during Covid-19; what they’re
We are presenting a slate of only four for several reasons: our binge-watching; and when they’ve seen the Cathedral at its best.
inability to have a large in-person meeting because of Covid-19; the Their responses are also available on our website on the page
difficulty of conducting a competitive election remotely; and the dif- spcathedral.org/annual-meeting, and we’ll post links to them in
ficulty in finding people to serve. (More on that in the new year!) our worship bulletin and other online communications.
Susan Darrow Elementary, member of Sacred Ground
anti-racism dialogue circles. Member of
to serve: I am so grateful for our welcome
since Tom and I moved here from Naples
Member since: May Foyer groups (looking for- and for the wonderful opportunities for
2018. Occupation: Software ward to our monthly dinners worship, education, fellowship, and ser-
consultant, currently work- sometime this year!). Coping vice, both in person and via Zoom. Feel-
ing for Alpha Kappa Alpha during Covid-19: I’ve worked ings of gratitude always make me want to
sorority as project manager from home for 20 years, so give back. I have served on vestry in other
for a new system implemen- this feels familiar. We share churches and feel my experience could be
tation. Involvement at the weekly dinners with our son of help to the Cathedral. I look forward to
Cathedral: Appointed to the and daughter-in-law, part of continuing to serve with my fellow Chapter
chapter in 2020 to fill a va- our bubble. Zoom calls help members. St. Peter’s at its best: I think the
cancy. Involved in Outreach us keep in touch with oth- Cathedral has really met the challenges of
Committee, leader of Handy ers. Binge-watch: The West
Helpers for Campbell Park Wing and The Crown. Called continued on page 8
January 2021 Page 8 return to Page 1
Meet the Candidates tual events, the Blessing of the Animals, researcher by both nature and experience,
continued from page 7 and the 2019 Oktoberfest (we were the which makes me a natural planner. When
couple in the dirndl skirt and lederhosen!). I asked my husband what my special gift
Community involvement: We’re new to was, he said “Southern hospitality,” which
the pandemic. The staff has worked so well
St. Petersburg, so I’m hoping that more was so flattering! But, now that I think of it,
together, making sure our Cathedral family
involvement at the Cathedral will lead to if others perceive what I do as hospitality,
can stay in touch, with opportunities for
greater involvement in the community. In then all of my preparation worked! I also
worship, Bible study and fellowship. I think
the past I’ve hosted local awareness events have a background in academia, so writing
the Cathedral has really shone brightly dur-
for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome called and public speaking are strengths I’d list
ing this trying time, bringing the Light of
“Pints for Pain,” and volunteered with on a resume too. Called to serve: When I
Christ to all of us.
Tampa Bay Watch. Coping during Covid-19: was asked to consider being a candidate, I
I’ve been working from home since 2014, realized that I didn’t have a good reason to
Lauren Durst so that much has been easy. This year, I’ve
actually kept in touch with loved ones even
say no. And perhaps this was God’s way of
opening a door to what I’ve been desiring
Member since: My then-fiancé, now- more than usual, sending silly postcards — a firmer place in this community and the
husband, Steve Buyens, and I joined in the often and watching shows with my girl- opportunity to get to know people better.
summer of 2019. Occupation: friends via Zoom. We recently I’ve been an Episcopalian my entire life (and
Senior program manager on rejoined a local boat club so a PK — preacher’s kid — for most of it),
the research content strategy we’d have a safe way to get and it’s been tougher to find the right op-
team at Gartner, the global re- out of the house while still dis- portunities to be involved in the church as
search and advisory company. tancing from others. Being on a young(ish), child-free adult approaching
Involvement at the Cathedral: the water is so rejuvenating! 40. I hope that working with the Chapter
Mentor for the confirmation Binge-watch: I’ll never stop will course-correct some of that for me and
program; member of two of rewatching Gilmore Girls! My for others in similar positions. St. Peter’s
Canon Paige’s book studies. husband and I also love food at its best: The car-line farewell for Canon
Steve and I also participated shows like The Chef Show or Katie (now Dean Katie) was a really beauti-
in this year’s stewardship Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
campaign, some of the vir- Gifts/skills/experience: I’m a continued on page 9
January 2021 Page 9 return to Page 1
Meet the Candidates sary on January 26. We’ve been together Cathedral involvement: Finance Commit-
continued from page 8 for 18 years and have four children and tee, Endowment Committee. Community
five grandchildren. Occupation: Licensed involvement: Board chair of PARC, a non-
ful example of how St. Peter’s can come optician, manager at the Walmart Vision profit organization serving children and
together to creatively overcome obstacles Center. Former finish carpenter and mainte- adults with developmental and intellectual
and still practice being a community. That nance director at a hotel in Kennebunkport, disabilities; condominium board member;
touched me! Maine; patient accounting staffer at Maine volunteer at St. Petersburg Free Clinic food
Medical Center, Portland; insurance nego- pantry; volunteer on mission trips to Haiti
tiator and patient advocate in Florida. Cop- and repairing
ing during Covid-19: Mostly staying home
Wil Laroche and binge-watching on Netflix and Amazon
homes through
the Appalachia
Member since: 2012. Cathedral involve- Prime video ... working around the house Service Project.
ment: Currently and being good stewards of social-distanc- Coping dur-
serving my ing guidelines. Called to serve: Our diverse ing Covid-19:
second term as congregation is why a diverse Chapter is Through prayer,
convenor of the necessary for our church’s well-being. St. family, friends,
Friends of St. Peter’s at its best: The generous donations exercise, and tak-
Aelred; member that our Cathedral family has offered for ing it “one day at
of the Fellow- the St. Aelred’s Giving Tree have helped so a time.” Binge-
ship and Festivi- many families in this unprecedented time watch: The mov-
ties Committee. during Covid-19. ie Patton or John
You’ve undoubt- Wayne movies,
edly seen me and I enjoy Eu-
many times be-
hind the coffee
Mark Myers ropean and Australian TV crime dramas.
Gift/skills/experience: I value listening, col-
and donut table Member since: 2015. Occupation: Re- laboration, and the power of the team. In
on Sunday mornings with my husband, Tom tired senior financial officer from Duke
Walker. We’ll celebrate our sixth anniver- Energy after three decades of service. continued on page 10
January 2021 Page 10 return to Page 1
Meet the Candidates
continued from page 9 New Format for Annual Meeting
my past life I had the privilege to serve the Our Annual Meeting will take place 2021 Budget Presentation – Treasurer
executive team to help translate their vision after the 10:15 a.m. service on Sunday, Tim Lanz
to the organization. I have strategic, finan- January 24. This will be a brief meeting, Senior Warden Parting Comments –
cial and communications experience. Called held in the Sanctuary, and those who have Ray McColgan
to serve: One of the greatest blessings that attended worship in person and stay after New Senior Warden Comments –
God has taught me is the power of serving the service will constitute a quorum, as Karen Torrisi
others in our community who are in need. provided for in our bylaws. If you wish to be present at the Annual
St. Peter’s parish family is making a positive New Chapter members will be elected Meeting, please be sure to sign up on our
difference for our members and community by affirmation. Then a series of video pre- page spcathedral.org/services to attend
and I want to help to continue its success. sentations will be available on our website the 10:15 a.m. service on Sunday, January
St. Peter’s at its best: Adapting and serving at spcathedral.org/annual-meeting: 24. If you are watching our livestream,
the congregation in this time of Covid-19. A State of the Cathedral – Dean Stephen simply stay tuned at the end of the service
testament to the strength and leadership of Morris to watch the meeting.
our clergy and lay leaders.
Dean Morris Tim Lanz Ray McColgan Karen TorrisiJanuary 2021 Page 11 return to Page 1
OUR HOPES FOR THE NEW YEAR
What will the new year bring? We invited our clergy and senior staff to share their hopes for 2021.
people. I miss all of you and want us to The Rev. Canon
come together again and have an “End of Dr. Thomas Williams
Pandemic” celebration! I’m glad we were asked to write about
hope: not about wishes or expectations —
The Rev. Canon Brandon Peete or, heaven forbid, resolutions — but about
My hope for the new year is for unem- hope. Wishes may
ployment numbers to drop, the inequality go unfulfilled,
gap to decrease, expectations may
and for small go unrealized, and
businesses to re- the less said about
cover and thrive. resolutions, the
Also, that human- better; but “hope
The Very Rev. Stephen B. Morris, kind would lean does not disap-
Dean into prayer, redis- point us,” as Paul
cover the value of said to the Ro-
I long for us to gather here on the Ca-
spiritual life, and mans. This was no
thedral campus safely. This place was built
have a greater shallow optimism
by people for people. These buildings
appreciation for on Paul’s part; he
aren’t here to stand empty. They need to
gathering in per- was writing about the hope that is born out
be filled with the hearts, souls, and bodies
son for worship of suffering and testing, and 2020 has given
for whom they are intended. Furthermore,
one of the reasons I felt called to ordained (when safe for all
ministry is that I really like being with other to do so). continued on page 12January 2021 Page 12 return to Page 1
Our Hopes for the Future Director of Christian Formation ence in surprising ways that continue to
continued from page 11 Hillary Peete shape me. Plans that fell apart created a
I recently spent more than I should path for new discoveries.
have on a 2021 planner. It’s the old-school My favorite quote is from author Annie
us plenty of that. We may be disappointed
paper, hardbound- Dillard: “How we live our days is, of course,
sometimes in what we are hoping for, but
book kind, with 280 how we spend our lives.” As I make the
hope itself “does not disappoint us, be-
pages inside where most of my new planner, I hope to remem-
cause God’s love has been poured into our
I can plan, envision, ber the small moments of goodness and
hearts through the Holy Spirit which has
and reflect. The grace that saw me through the toughest
been given to us” (Romans 5:5 RSV).
first seven pages days of 2020, and not to overlook these
In 2020 we discovered the limitations
are exclusively for simple things.
of connecting digitally, but we also discov-
ered new opportunities. My great hope for developing a 2021
the parish in 2021 is that the energy and Theme and Vision, Music Director and Precentor
imagination that have gone into these new Timeline, and Goals Dwight Thomas
opportunities will continue to meet needs for the year. It’s a This past Advent, some Cathedral parish-
and transform lives, even as the crisis that little intense, even ioners forwarded to me a meditation on the
first called for them begins to abate some- for me, someone who loves to plan. beloved Christ-
what. My great hope for myself, now that My hope for 2021 is not that my 2021 mas carol, “Si-
I am back in town from my sabbatical in planner will be put to better use than my lent Night, Holy
Edinburgh, is that I will find creative ways 2020 planner. My hope isn’t even that my Night.” In 1818
of contributing to that effort myself. I also self-declared theme and word-of-the-year a parish priest
have a smaller, less “churchy,” hope for my- will perfectly manifest themselves. My of St. Nicholas
self. In 2020 I fell in love with a new hobby: hope for 2021 is that I will carry the lessons Church in Ober-
hillwalking. I hope in 2021 to find another of 2020 with me, no matter how off the ndorf, Austria,
new activity. Would kayaking be too out of rails my carefully planned-out year goes. discovered just
character? Despite the unbelievable challenges of this
year, my friendships and community grew continued on
in delightful ways. I experienced God’s pres- page 13January 2021 Page 13 return to Page 1
Our Hopes for the Future the instrument. In desperation, the priest The Rev. Sam Tallman
continued from page 12 and parish musician composed the lyrics I hope in 2021, as
and music for the carol, “Silent Night, Holy we slowly emerge into
Night,” accompanied by guitar. returning to normal,
days before Christmas that the pipe organ
For me, this is the carol that is the most that it will be a NEW
had become inoperative because mice had
synonymous with the Christmas season. normal, informed by
eaten away the leather components of
This timely meditation was a reminder to what we have learned
me that, though our lives can face many about ourselves, our
challenges and disappointments, God can society, our body poli-
inspire us to be resourceful and creative, tic, and the connect-
and to touch the lives of others. edness of our world.
The nuisance of rodents feasting on a
mechanical musical instrument and result-
ing inconvenience pale in comparison to The Rev. Deacon Scott Nonken
the challenges and plot twists of the year My hopes for
2020, but the opportunity for action is the 2021 are that: the
same. Some of the most miraculous things voice from the
have been manifested through tragedy, middle finds a way
grief, and hardship, including death on a to be heard again
cross. My hope and prayer for 2021 is that instead of the
we, the church, continually look for ways to voices from the
minister to those who are in need, and to extremes; that we
walk in the way that Jesus showed us. may see Christ in all
people we encoun-
ter and find ways to
acknowledge and
The Silent Night Chapel now stands on
the site where “Silent Night” was first
performed. continued on page 14January 2021 Page 14 return to Page 1
Our Hopes for the Future dreams. Hope is nurtured within us as that personal
continued from page 13 we struggle with the roadblocks and the connections
burdens of our lives. Hope is demanding; are not to
it is risky; it involves struggle; it brings the be taken for
embrace our differences while listening and
past together with the future; and it is ulti- granted. Having
having respectful conversations; and finally,
mately grounded in our awareness of God’s a friend over
that love — not name-calling and violence
love for us. for coffee or
— can become our response of choice.
When we know and accept that we are dinner, running
loved by God, then our hope is always nur- into a neighbor
The Right Rev. Barry R. Howe, tured by our relationship with that love that at the grocery
Bishop in Residence surpasses our understanding, yet always store, and
Hope is centered in reality. It is not continues to give new life at all times and in gathering with family for special celebra-
a false optimism, and it is not a field of all places and circumstances. tions have been largely and painfully absent
My particular hope in this challenging from my life. I am hopeful that as we move
time is that we shall continue to discover further into the new year, those seemingly
within ourselves what we have been learn- mundane social opportunities are available
ing in our forced isolation about relation- to us once more. I’ve especially missed a
ships with others, and then build upon hug between friends – human touch (al-
those relationships with that love. It is that ways with consent) will be good to have
love that truly unites us. back again.
As a priest, my hope for 2021 centers
largely around helping us to continue to
The Rev. Canon Paige Hanks imagine a church where we care for the
While no one can dispute that 2020 will needy and love our neighbors. We have
be a good year to leave behind, the journey learned how to stay connected with one
through this overly-eventful year has taught another through technology, and when all
us many things that we can carry with us
into 2021. One of those lessons for me is
continued on page 15January 2021 Page 15 return to Page 1
Our Hopes for the Future hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. —1 Thessalo- — work, labor, steadfastness— so that I
continued from page 14 nians 1:2-3 can grow in the spiritual things: faith, love,
These verses include the words faith, hope.
hope, and love—a triad usually discussed in I invite you to consider for yourselves
of the limitations of the pandemic are be- how you can draw your minds to some ac-
conjunction with that beautiful passage read
hind us, I pray that we can allow our faith tions you can take in 2021 to increase your
at weddings, 1 Corinthians 13. But here, in
in God and our promise in our baptisms to faith, your love, and your hope.
Paul’s earliest letter, he writes about the
help us to seek to serve outside the church
same group in a slightly different way:
building with passion as we strive for justice
The emphasis is not on the abstraction
and peace among all people, and respect
of faith or love or hope—but on the noun
the dignity of everyone. Our faith is born
that Paul has paired with each: work, labor,
out of these promises. May we strive to use
steadfastness.
our faith to build up the kingdom of God in
In 2021 I am hoping to focus on those
2021!
energetic nouns as much as the abstrac-
tions—faith takes work to cultivate and
The Rev. Canon Ethan Cole disciplines to nurture. Love, compassion,
We always fellowship—these take labor to build; cre-
give thanks to atively find ways in COVID to safely exercise
God for all of you pastoral, teaching, and spiritual formation
and mention you ministries, etc.
in our prayers, I endeavor to be steadfast in this — the
constantly re- long haul through COVID can be wearying
membering — just as many of the trials of life can. Paul
before our God wrote to the Thessalonians to stir up hope
and Father your when they were experiencing anxiety, pain
work of faith and at sudden separation from Paul, and other
labor of love and trials.
steadfastness of In 2021 I want to focus on the concreteJanuary 2021 Page 16 return to Page 1 Lighting the Way to Christmas Our children and youth started the holiday season by making Advent wreaths from a variety of materials. They took them home so families could light a candle on each of the four Sundays lead- ing up to Christmas. From left to right: Esther Jacobson; Samuel and Michael Saut (above); Beatrix Peete (below); Tessa and Adam Burnsed; and Elise and Anna Chandler. Photos by HILLARY PEETE.
January 2021 Page 17 return to Page 1
No St. Aelred’s Brunch This Year, But a Look Back
At How a Ministry Shaped the Life of the Cathedral
If this were an ordinary year, we’d start gives us an opportunity to explain who copal Church was in an uproar over human
off January with a festive brunch put on by Aelred is, and who the Friends are, and sexuality. The Diocese of New Hampshire
the Friends of St. Aelred. There’d be pulled how they have contributed to the Cathedral had just elected the church’s first openly
pork as the main dish, supplemented by in the last 15 years. gay bishop, Gene Robinson.
sides and desserts provided by the con- Aelred (1109-1167) was a Cistercian Congregations and dioceses were threat-
gregation. Every seat would be taken in monk, author, and a major figure in English ening to leave the church — ultimately
Harvard Hall. The room would be noisy with church life. He taught that friendship is a some of them did — and some members of
laughter and good conversation. gift from God and allowed his monks to the worldwide Anglican Communion excori-
This is no ordinary year (no explanation hold hands and give other expressions of ated the Episcopal Church and demanded
necessary), and there will be no brunch. friendship. that the Presiding Bishop overturn the New
But the Feast of St. Aelred, on January 12, It was back in 2004-05 that parishioners Hampshire election, a power that our Pre-
Rick Waterman and the siding Bishop does not have. St. Peter’s had
late Gary Humphrey sug- not yet come out on the side of full inclu-
gested forming a Bible sion even though its membership included
study group for LGBTQI many openly gay people.
Episcopalians. The Epis- That, of course, has changed. St. Peter’s is
a fully inclusive congregation. The Episcopal
An early Pride brunch, in Church now affirms marriage equality and
2011, was served in the prohibits discrimination against LGBTQI peo-
Narthex because the kitchen ple, and there are four openly gay bishops.
and Harvard Hall were still Eventually the group’s identity evolved
under construction. Photo by
JUDY STARK. continued on page 18January 2021 Page 18 return to Page 1
St. Aelred’s Through History day has provided the personal welcome “We’ve never had trouble making sure that
continued from page 17 that has brought us many new members. there were plenty of gifts for all the chil-
Over the years the group’s outreach ef- dren — even for the Christmas just past,
into an organization open to LGBTQI Epis- forts have included delivering Easter lilies when we had to shift gears from having
copalians and their friends and supporters, and Christmas poinsettias to our shut-ins; people buy specific gifts to sponsoring a
devoted to fellowship and social activities painting and maintenance work, social activ- child for $50 and we ordered the gifts on-
for the whole congregation and to service ities, and Easter dinner baskets for the resi- line. I hope we’ll be able to bring back the
and outreach. dents at Resurrection House; and activities actual tree next Christmas.”
Ron Gallucci recalls, “We started Sunday at Peterborough Apartments. Members are “When I interviewed for the position of
brunches during football season. We used active in virtually every ministry and activity Dean in 2008, I asked about this group and
the kitchen in the old annex across the in the life of the Cathedral and in both elect- its purpose,” Dean Morris said. “I was told
street” — our temporary home while our ed and unelected positions of leadership. it was a gathering place, a safe space, for
office building was under construction — “I believe that with our organization, we gay and straight to have good conversation
“and cooked away. We became the Martha are affirming that we are part of the church in order to gain understanding and accep-
Stewarts of St. Peter’s.” as a whole and that we believe that we are tance. I remember how much I loved hear-
But the group’s spiritual roots have breaking down the barriers of stereotypes ing that.
never been forgotten. Since 2012 they have and one-sided thinking,” said Wil Laroche, “As it has evolved, the Friends of St.
hosted Spiritual Pride, an annual dinner the current convenor of St. Aelred’s. “The Aelred have a social component, an out-
focused on the importance of a supportive Cathedral is made up of many parts and we reach component, and a service component.
faith community to LGBTQI Episcopalians. are all one body. And the gifts we have we “I am not sure we would be the spiritual
This event, with a significant speaker, has are given to share through fellowship and community we now are if, in large part, it
become a sold-out activity on our spring good will.” were not for St. Aelred’s,” the dean said.
calendar. (The 2020 Pride dinner was an- In 2010 St. Aelred’s came up with the “And I mean that in terms of equality at
other casualty of Covid-19; we’re hopeful it idea of the Christmas Giving Tree, a way for every single level of our spiritual and reli-
will return in 2021.) parishioners to provide gifts for children gious life. The Cathedral is a place where
St. Aelred’s has increased our participa- in need. “The congregation has responded we strive for justice and peace among all
tion in the St. Pete Pride parade every June, generously from the very beginning,” people and respect the dignity of every hu-
and our booth at the street fair the next said Ray McColgan, one of the organizers. man being.”January 2021 Page 19 return to Page 1
* Epiphany party, Page 4
Season of Epiphany Celebrates the Divinity of Christ
This month we end the Twelve Days of trologers, or scientists. Or they may have manifest the divinity of Jesus. The Baptism
Christmas on January 5 and enter into the been magicians, hence their title of Magi. of our Lord is observed on the first Sunday
season of Epiphany. This word comes from the Persian magush, after Epiphany. The gospels for the other
On the Feast of the Epiphany, which we member of the learned and priestly class. Sundays describe the calling of the disciples
will celebrate at the 12:05 p.m. service on The Greek version of the word, magos, and various healing miracles. (On January
Wednesday, January 6, we celebrate the meant “magician, lear- 17 we’ll interrupt the pre-
coming of the Magi to worship Jesus and nèd enchanter.” scribed readings to observe
present him with gifts. By legend they are our patronal festival: See
Regardless of what Christmas cards or thought to have been story, Page 20.)
carols may depict, the Magi were not there Indian, Persian, and At 9 a.m. Sundays from
at the stable in Bethlehem on Christmas Arab, indicating that in January 17 through February
Eve. The timeline we can piece together sending the Messiah, 7, Canon Brandon Peete will
from the gospels is ambiguous, but the gen- God was reaching out lead a class on Epiphany, “Let
eral thinking is that they arrived as long as to all the peoples of the There Be Light!” Details, Page
two years after Jesus’s birth. Mediterranean world, 23.
We don’t know how many there were. not Israel alone. Again The Last Sunday after the
We assume there were three because they by legend their names were Balthazar, Mel- Epiphany (this year February 14) is always
offered three gifts: gold, representing Je- chior, and Caspar, and Caspar is tradition- devoted to the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-
sus’s kingship; frankincense, his future role ally represented with dark skin. 1). Jesus’s identity as the Son of God is
as religious leader; and myrrh, his future The season continues through Shrove dramatically revealed in the Transfiguration
role as prophet. Tuesday, February 16. gospel, as well as the gospel of the baptism
These Magi, who came from the East, The gospel stories for the Sundays after of Christ. We are called to respond to Christ
may have been royalty, or priests, or as- the Epiphany describe various events that in faith.January 2021 Page 20 return to Page 1 Patronal Festival Marks Moving to a New Confession of St. Peter Church Management Software We will observe our Patronal Festival on Sunday, January Michelle Thomas, Cathedral Administrator 17 — the Confession of St. Peter. Church management software is necessary for the life and well-being This is the day we recognize the importance of our of all churches. It assists with the storage of contact information, dates namesake, St. Peter. We read the story of his confession, or of important life events (births, baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and acknowledgment, of Jesus as the deaths), attendance records for services, and financial information like Messiah and celebrate our com- pledges and giving statements. munity of the Cathedral Church All of the intricate behind-the-scenes organization of a church de- of St. Peter. pends on software that is easy to use, secure, and thorough. The Gospel lesson that day We are starting the conversation of transferring our church manage- (Matthew 16:13-19) portrays Pe- ment software from ACS to Realm. We are aiming to make the switch- ter as the first to see who Jesus over this month. Realm is a more advanced software from the same really is: “You are the Messiah, company that we are currently using, so the migration of data will be the Christ, the son of the Living smooth. If you use our current system and have an account, your ac- God.” Jesus praises Peter and count details and financial information will automatically transfer to the vows to build his church “on this new system. rock,” a play on words. Peter’s This system will also help you be more connected to the church! name in Greek is Petros, and the Once your account is set up, you will be able to access an online church Greek word petra means rock. directory, register for events, set up automatic giving, monitor your The Roman Catholic Church interprets this statement pledge, and update your information. as referring to Peter, the individual, as the first pope. The If you have any questions about this new software, I am more than Protestant Church interprets it to mean that God will happy to help explain in more detail. Feel free to send me an email at build Christian community upon the confession, the ac- mthomas@spcathedral.com or call the church office at (727) 822-4173. knowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah by each member We are still in the process of figuring out what Realm can do, and we of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9). are excited to begin using it in January!
January 2021 Page 21 return to Page 1
Memoir of a Legendary Jewel Thief Want to Help Handy Helpers
Is Book Club’s January Read Help Teachers? Come On Down!
The St. Peter’s Book Club will start the new year by reading Susan Darrow
Diamond Doris, the memoir of the world’s most notorious jewel
thief, who stole from elite jewelers to live her dreams. Are you looking for an opportunity for hands-on volunteering?
Growing up amid racism and poverty in rural West Virginia, Consider joining our Handy Helpers team to support teachers at
with an abusive father, Doris Payne vowed to turn the tables after our community partner, Campbell Park Elementary School.
the owner of a jewelry store threw We assemble materials
her out when a white customer ar- for art projects, create sight-
rived. She quickly became a skilled reading cards, or put lesson
shoplifter. Over six decades, her tar- booklets together, freeing
gets ranged from local shopkeep- up more time for the teach-
ers to the elite jewelers of Monte ers to teach or do lesson
Carlo. She escaped arrest, she says, planning.
because her victims didn’t want to We pick up projects each
admit they’d been duped by a Black Tuesday morning, meet
woman. from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in
Finally arrested only when a Harvard Hall to work in a
boyfriend turned her in, Payne con- socially distanced and safe
tinued to use her wit, skill, and larg- environment, and are able to return the projects to the school
er-than-life personality to persuade that afternoon. The teachers love the help!
some nuns to help her break out of We also often help Director of Christian Formation Hillary
prison. She now lives in Atlanta. Peete with projects for our own children’s ministry. We expect
Shar Nudelman will be the pre- the number of projects to expand in the new year, so we encour-
senter, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 26. E-mail Roberta Poellein age you to join our team. Please call the Cathedral office at (727)
(rplln37@gmail.com) for the Zoom link. 822-4173 to volunteer.
continued on pJanuary 2021 Page 22 return to Page 1
Book Talks Return via Zoom:
Colette Bancroft Will Speak on ‘Hamnet’ January 12
Our 10th season of Book Talks gets un- of the same name. Winfrey to
der way at noon Tuesday, January 12, via Register at spcathedral.org/book-talks her list of
Zoom. for the Zoom link. You’ll be able to com- “most antici-
Tampa Bay Times book editor Colette ment and ask questions in the Chat box pated books
Bancroft will speak on Maggie O’Farrell’s during Colette’s presentation. of 2021.”
new novel, Hamnet: A Novel of the Plague. On February 9, popular speaker Ben On March
This is the fic- Montgomery returns to discuss his new 9, our guest
tionalized story of book, A Shot will be Ta-
the death of Shake- in the Moon- mara Lush,
speare’s 11-year-old light: How a author of
son in 1596, pos- Freed Slave a series of
sibly of the plague, and a Con- romance
and how it affected federate Sol- novels, who
his parents’ mar- dier Fought has just
riage and his fa- for Justice in published
ther’s art. the Jim Crow her first mys-
Colette Bancroft The book “is South. Pub- tery novel,
O’Farrell’s extend- lication date Grounds for Murder, under the pen name
ed speculation on how Hamnet’s death is January Tara Lush. In a fictionalized community in
might have fueled the creation of one of 26. The book Southwest Florida (you’ll recognize it), re-
his father’s greatest plays,” the New York has just porter-turned-café-owner Lana Lewis finds
Times commented, noting that Hamnet been named herself a prime suspect in the death of a
and Hamlet are interchangeable versions by Oprah former barista.January 2021 Page 23 return to Page 1
Formation Opportunities in January
Book Study Examines will meet from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays Peete to travel through the Holy Scriptures
Identity and Faith via Zoom for five weeks beginning January as we explore both subtle and powerful
19. You can order your copy of the book occasions where God has enlightened the
For our next Tuesday Book Study, we will
at Tombolo Books (tombolobooks.com) or world with radiance and splendor.
read and discuss the book Native: Identity,
wherever you purchase books. All are wel- This four-week series will meet at 9 a.m.
Belonging, and Rediscovering God by Kaitlin
come and this might be a great offering to Sundays on Zoom from January 17 through
B. Curtice. Native is about identity, soul-
share with a friend! February 7.
searching, and the never-
You can sign up for the Register for the Zoom link on our page
ending journey of finding
Zoom link at spcathedral. spcathedral.org/adults. Classes will also
ourselves and finding God.
org/book-and-bible. be recorded and available to watch on-de-
As both a citizen of the
mand. (More on Epiphany: Story, Page 19.)
Potawatomi Nation and a
Christian, Kaitlin Curtice Epiphany series:
shares what it means to ex- ‘Let There Be Light!’
perience her faith through The Epiphany Season
the lens of her Indigenous is a time when the faithful
heritage and encourages us come to see God in new
to embrace our own origins. ways and discover mo-
You can learn more about ments where light breaks
the author on her website: through to illumine the
kaitlincurtice.com/. darkness. God has come
This book study will be in the flesh. Now believ-
led by Canon Paige Hanks ers journey to uncover
and Director of Christian the fullness of this revela-
Formation Hillary Peete. We tion. Join Canon BrandonJanuary 2021 Page 24 return to Page 1
Quiet Day Will Open Up Ministry Partnership
Comes to a Close
The Richness of the Psalms St. Peter’s has now ended
Our annual Quiet Day, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is limited to 30 people so we can its ministry partnership with
Saturday, January 30, will focus on the Psalms. observe social distancing. You must register in St. Bede’s Episcopal Church,
“For many people, their first deeply spiritual advance at spcathedral.org/quiet-day. There is a and the Rev. Canon Paige
encounter with scripture comes when they en- $5 charge, payable at the door, to cover the cost Hanks has completed her
counter their lives mirrored in the Psalms,” said of materials and food. Doors open at 9:30. We time as their vicar.
the Rev. Sam Tallman, who will lead the day. “In will offer individually-packaged snacks (energy The partnership started
150 Psalms, one can find personal struggles, bars, yogurt) but no lunch, and of course you are in May 2019 as St. Bede’s
social evil, battles, sickness, faith, redemption, welcome to bring your own food. worked to find its identity
hope, and joy. and develop effective ways to
“In our Quiet Day, we use its assets, including build-
will engage the Psalms in ings and land. The partner-
reflection as we emerge ship was a joint effort of the
from the experience of Cathedral, St. Bede’s, and the
being beset by Covid-19, diocese.
the loss it has wrought, You will now hear us pray
and our hope for new en- every Sunday in turn for ev-
gagement with the world ery church in the Diocese of
and each other,” he said. Southwest Florida by name.
This will be a live event “Praying for other churches in
at the Cathedral with the diocesan cycle of prayer is
time for personal prayer a reminder to us that we are
and meditation. the Cathedral for the whole
Masks will be required. diocese,” Dean Morris said.January 2021 Page 25 return to Page 1
Participant Resource Room Opens at
Florida Resurrection House
Ellen McDonald, Executive Director
The Cathedral Church of St. Peter and opportunities to advance their careers. This marveled over this room. They have shared
Florida Resurrection House had an exciting incredible new asset to the program allows what a blessing it is to know their needs
development in our ministry partnership last families to “shop” the room each week for will be cared for each week.
fall. Through a grant from the Episcopal Dio- all their basic household and baby needs,
cese of Southwest Florida, we have estab- free of charge.
lished the new Participant Resource Room Rita Sewell, a member of the Cathedral,
for families at Florida Resurrection House. organized the Resource Room for partici-
This grant purchased all the shelving and pants to begin shopping. This effort was
infrastructure needed to equip the room. important to her because “shopping in an
In November, we hosted a “Stock the organized space is a blessing for all of us.”
Shelves” event to gather donations to fill About her experience helping on cam-
the room. Churches, businesses, and com- pus, she said, “Working with the staff at
munity members came together to provide Florida Resurrection House is a dream.” We
more than $3,000 worth of supplies. With share the sentiment. It is a great blessing
an additional grant from Spectrum Employ- for us to see the hard work of our partners
ee Community Grants, the remaining items like Rita and the Cathedral bring a dream to
were purchased. life for our participants.
Families who participate in our program This new room increases dignity for our The Participant Resource Room provides a place
live on tight budgets so they can achieve participants while helping them stretch for residents to shop at no cost for household,
their goals: reducing debt, building an their budgets farther. In the first few weeks baby, and personal necessities. Photo courtesy of
emergency fund, paying for educational it has been open, our participants have Florida Resurrection House.January 2021 Page 26 return to Page 1
Please call the office
January Outreach Focus: (727-822-4173) to let
St. Petersburg Free Clinic us know when you
are hospitalized or ill
at home; because of
As we live out our mission to love our neigh- ity. Several St. Peter’s parishioners volunteer at the
privacy laws, the only
bors, the Outreach Committee is focusing this clinic and feel blessed to work with the clients and
month on the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, particu- the team of staff and volunteers. The clinic is in its way we know you are
larly its We Help Food Pantry. 50th year of operation. ill is if you tell us. And
The clients, staff, and volunteers want you to No one would have predicted the scope and du- please let us know
know how grateful they are for your past generos- ration of the pandemic and its impact on the com-
when good health has
munity. The clinic has adapted to the challenges to
ensure the safety and health of clients, staff, and been restored.
volunteers. Last year 158,000 people were pro- And please visit
vided with food. About 50 percent of the clients our new intercessory
had never visited a food pantry before. Continued
prayer web page
unemployment is forcing families to choose be-
tween putting food on the table and paying critical (spcathedral.org/
bills. The support of the community is needed now prayer), where you can
more than ever. find guidance on how
We invite you to make a financial donation on-
to pray; view a prayer
line at stpetersburgfreeclinic.org. Or you can send
a check to St. Petersburg Free Clinic Food Pantry, list that is updated
363 Third Ave. N, St. Petersburg FL 33701. weekly; send in prayer
Volunteers donate, sort and pack food at the We Help If you have any questions or are interested in requests; or request a
Food Pantry. Photos courtesy of the St. Petersburg Free volunteer opportunities, please call Kathy Cough- pastoral visit.
Clinic. lan, (207) 380-6780.January 2021 Page 27 return to Page 1
January Transitions
Birthdays 28
28
Paul Bonneau
Ron Felicelli
31
31
Averill Summer
Lela Garnett
1 Hank Sharp 8 Fay Mackey 16 Sylvia Walbolt 31 Liam Dunn
29 Laurel Greene
1 David Hill 8 Sarah Howlett 16 Ann Meuse
1 Kylie Crow 16 Caleb Knight
9 Michael Lyons
2 Anslee Long 9 Patty Leavengood
16 Milo Burnsed
Anniversaries
2 Cameron Katzel 17 Ginny Rowell
10 Emily Fasan 1 John & Jan Dooley 21 Bob & Averill Summer
17 Randy Ramsey
3 Melody Brown 10 Maggie Burnsed
18 Shands McKeithen 7 Roger & Sydney Pine 22 Bill & Silvia Hoyt
4 Rick Knight 11 Camille Knight 7 Shawn & Michelle
18 Michael Plahs 23 Steve Buyens & Lauren
4 David Hanks Thomas
12 Michael Castillo Durst
4 Hannah Singleton 19 Albert Edgemon
13 Lois Atkins 19 Lacey Hodgson 13 Earl & Jean Beshears
6 Addyson Sylvester 26 Tom Walker & Wil
19 Jillian McCoy 18 Peter & Sara Pastman Laroche
6 Lucy Bond 14 Betty Shamas 19 Iris Juarez 18 Richard & Lori
7 Ellen Alexander 15 Mark Campbell 30 Patrick & Ria Beavers
20 Clancey Miller Townsend
7 Jenny Koester 15 Isabella Beavers 20 Alex Ramsey
7 Katelyn Hancock
16 Bethia Caffery 21 Robert Powers Deaths
8 Michael Robbins 16 Roberta Poellein 21 James Parker Thomas Brew
23 Don Wright Mary Gardiner Evertz
If you’d like to receive Crosstown 24 Jillian Gairing
electronically, please send an e-mail 25 Jan Strimer
to agorton@spcathedral.com 26 James Knight
asking us to put you on 26 Marcy Crosby
our electronic mailing list. 27 George WilseySt. Peter’s: A Guide At the foot of the cross in downtown St. Petersburg
Getting in Touch:
Our Worship Schedule Office: 140 Fourth St. N, 33701.
Sunday, 8 a.m., Holy Eucharist Rite I and sermon, starting Mailing address:
January 10 P.O. Box 1581, St. Petersburg, FL 33731-1581
Sunday, 10:15 a.m., Holy Eucharist and sermon
Wednesday, 12:05 p.m., Holy Eucharist and prayers for healing Telephone: Fax:
Fourth Sunday, 5 p.m. Choral Evensong; organ prelude at (727) 822-4173 (727) 823-2205
4:45 p.m. E-mail: Web site:
Masks and social distancing are required for all services. For spcathedral@spcathedral.com www.spcathedral.org
the Sunday morning services you must reserve in advance dur-
ing the week before that Sunday at spcathedral.org/services.
Sunday services at 10:15 a.m. can be viewed on Facebook Diocesan leadership:
or at spcathedral.org/worship-live-stream, where the order of The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith, Bishop
service can be downloaded. The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman, Canon to the Ordinary
First and third Sundays, outdoor worship at 4 p.m.
(see Page 3) Our clergy and senior staff:
Second Sundays, 7 p.m., Sung Compline (see Page 5)
The Very Rev. Stephen B. Morris, Dean
The Rev. Canon Ethan J. Cole, Canon for Congregational Life
If you have a pastoral emergency after hours, The Rev. Canon Paige Hanks, Canon Missioner
please call (727) 238-5998 to speak to
The Rev. Canon Brandon Peete, Canon for Hospitality
a member of the clergy.
The Rev. Samuel V. Tallman, priest associate
The Rev. Canon Dr. Thomas Williams, Canon Theologian
Crosstown is the online newsletter of the people of the Cathedral Church of
St. Peter, published monthly for members, friends, and supporters. Editor, The Rev. Scott Nonken, Deacon
Judy Stark (JudyStark@yahoo.com), Associate Editor, Mary W. Matthews
(MotherMary@extremelysmart.com). Next deadline: January 15, 2021. The Right Rev. Barry R. Howe, Bishop in Residence
Dwight Thomas, Canon for Music and PrecentorYou can also read
