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

I am a lifelong Episcopalian. I had been working at Publix for about 5 years and living in the Carrollwood area of Tampa. I wanted to eliminate the commute so we decided to move closer to Lakeland. Before even looking at houses in Plant City we attended church one Sunday morning. We were warmly welcomed and have been here ever since.

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

St. Peter's is our extended family. We have all shared so much with each other. Births, anniversaries, losses, marriages, you name it. So many of our children grew up together and to this day remain lifelong friends. It is a community that is rooted in God's love of each of us.

What attracts you to the Episcopal Church?

1) The liturgy and how we are all bound together through liturgy. 2) The way you can simply be, if that is all you can do. You are not a commodity immediately pressured to join various programs, you are free to participate as you are comfortable. It's not that we won't invite you to participate, we will, but we seem to get to each person on their own terms. 3) It makes room for those who've been burned out, worn out or otherwise cast out. The Episcopal Church is a refuge, a respite, a place where we can come as we are and learn to receive grace again. 4) At the altar we are all the same. We all confess our weaknesses and we all receive the sacraments of bread and wine.

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

The priest at my childhood church (St. Christopher's in Tampa), Fr. Williams. My mother was his parish administrator and we spent many afternoons at the church office. I used to mow his lawn. My brother and I were acolytes and there was a Tuesday morning men's service (morning prayer) followed by a men's breakfast that we served at. In many ways I grew up while Fr. Williams was at St. Christopher's. I don't recall any one event, but just knowing he was always around and present during so many of my early years had an impact on me that I remember to this day. Sadly he died in the late 1990s of lung cancer.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Traveling. Patti and I enjoy Europe. We hope to do more traveling, particularly visiting our children and grandchildren as they have scattered to cities to live their own lives.

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

Nothing really. I am not a biblical scholar, although I do enjoy John's classes. For me being involved in the service, whether as a reader, a lay eucharistic minister or as a member of the choir moves me in profound ways. I always feel some sort of emotional response during each service.

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.)?

As a freshman in college, I was voted "King Buns" by all the women in the Gator Band.

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

Philippians 4 1:23

What is the last book you read?

The Terminal List by Jack Carr

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what food would you pick?
 
A really good steak.

Share a personal example of an answered prayer.
 
Bishop Smith calling me to be the Chief Financial Officer of the Diocese.

What is something that you are passionate about and would like to spend more time doing?
 
Working with the various committees of the Diocese. I have learned so much in my 7 months as the CFO. There is so much good work being done throughout the Diocese that I was unaware of. One item in particular is converting underutilized properties into affordable housing.

What is a way that God has shown up in your life recently?
 
I believe the hand of God is always present. Sometime however that guiding hand turns into a swift kick in the rear. For me it is getting over disappointments and setbacks in life. The environment at the Diocesan House is full of love and support for each other. That was never present in my Corporate work environment. The love and support I see every day has allowed me to move on and realize that God needs me to be whom I am. Past events form us, but should not constrain us from what God calls us to be.

What is one item on your or your family’s bucket list?
 
Visit (not just drive through) all 50 states.

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

I tried to re-learn how to play the clarinet. That lasted about one month. I even had my clarinet refurbished. I need to find time to practice, alone. No-one should have to listen through that noise again.