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praying, developed (with the help of Becky Fisher) our 2015 Vacation Bible School curriculum
tailored specifically to our children. In the fall, I led a book group study about the book, Being
Mortal that helped people in the group to discuss the issues to which we need to give attention
as we face issues around aging and dying. I also planned and led a retreat program based on I
Corinthians for St James, Mt Vernon, held at Shrine Mont in June.
2015 was also a year of planning for the future. I wrote a UTO grant for $15,000 which we were
awarded for the renovation of our church kitchen, badly in need of improvements. After
finding an old letter about work that the Vestry had done in the early 2000’s regarding the
restoration of the “altarpiece” behind the altar in the church, I brought this project back to the
Vestry’s attention, and by working through the Virginia Historical Society, we were able to find
an art conservator in Richmond, Cleo Mullins, who will be leading the restoration of this
altarpiece during 2016. We will receive a $5000 grant from The O’Neill Fund for the
Stewardship of Historic Resources, administered through The Community Foundation of the
Rappahannock River Region, to help fund this project. The Vestry has also revised the St
Peter’s Church Endowment Fund and has reactivated the Fund so that can be put back into play
as a financial resource for outreach and church projects at St Peter’s for years to come. CPR
training for parishioners in 2015 was the first of various activities that will address safety issues
at St Peter’s.
On a personal note, I have worked hard this year to maintain and grow my own discipline of
prayer and study. In October, I completed the second part of CREDO, a clergy wellness program
developed by the Church Pension Fund. This year the conference was held in Prescott, Arizona,
and I had the opportunity to spend time with other recently ordained clergy people. The Rule of
Life that I developed during the two CREDO conferences helps me to be intentional about living
in a way that keeps me well so that I can serve you well. The worship planning and scheduling
job at VTS continued during 2015. The work I do at the seminary has helped me to develop
better liturgies for St Peter’s. This fall I had the opportunity to join with over 1,000 other
people in the celebration of the consecration of the new chapel at VTS. In 2015 I also
continued to work with students, staff and faculty as a spiritual director at VTS.
I continue to be so thankful for everyone at St Peter’s, including my right hand man, Ben Hicks,
who helps me with so many of the logistics of carrying out my work. All of you have been my
best teachers during the first five years of my ministry as an ordained person. Your prayers,
cards, kindnesses including the ECW food during Advent, encourage me and give me the
strength to lean on God and try to do the best I can to give God the glory in my service to you
and the community.