How did you become involved at St. Peter’s?

It all started with being invited to Wednesday night dinners by my parents back in 2010.

What do you love about attending St. Peter's?

The mix of the old traditions and the modern.

What attracts you to the Episcopal Church?

The classic feel of the old church traditions with the touch of the modern along with the true meaning of open hearts open doors. Not many faiths in the US (especially the south) are totally open to welcome the LGBTQ community as members of GOD'S family. St. Peter's especially has been very open and accepting of me, then my husband, along with the numerous members who have since found St. Peter's as their spiritual home. St. Peter's truly shows the true meaning of open hearts open doors.

Who is someone who has had an impact on your spiritual journey? How did that person contribute to your formation?

My late maternal grandmother...she was insistent that my sister and I got a religious upbringing. It didn't matter where we went as long as we honored the Lord. Baptized as a baby Catholic, went through confirmation in the United Methodist church to being confirmed into the Episcopal Church I have come full circle...even though she never got to meet my husband I know that she would be proud that even though I am part of the LGBTQ community I am keeping a place in my home for the the Lord.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

Cooking/baking, relaxing overall try to spend time with family.

Do you have any practices that help to nourish you spiritually?

I try to get out into nature and just take in the beauty...one of my favorite places currently is...Circle B in Lakeland off Winter Lake Rd.

What is something your church family would be surprised to learn about you?

(e.g. hobbies, education, career, interesting/unique job you’ve had, etc.)?

I am an AFOL (adult fan of LEGO) my collection is vast and accumulating since I was in elementary school.

What is your ‘go to’ or favorite bible verse?

The golden rule verse.

What is the last book you read?

Earthseed by: Pamela Sargent

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what food would you pick?

Reeces

Share a personal example of an answered prayer.

My late father had a life insurance policy that no one knew about and it helped my sister and I get a lot of bills caught up.

What is something that you are passionate about and would like to spend more time doing?

Travel...until I went to Texas for my cousin's wedding in 2021 the furthest west I had been in the US was Alabama, and 2022 the furthest north was my birth state of Michigan when we went to New York for Justin's cousin's wedding.

What is a way that God has shown up in your life recently?

He has given me the strength to keep my cool in today's society with some of the questionable things going on, so I don't say or do something unchristian.

What is one item on your or your family’s bucket list?

To visit the UK.

Did you develop any new skills or hobbies during the pandemic?



Patience...it isn't as easy as it seems.