CROSSTOWN Page 2 January 2021 At the foot of the cross in downtown St. Petersburg Page 4

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Meet the Chapter Candidates, Page 7 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 8 a.m. Service Returns, Page 3 Page 10 Our Hopes for the New Year, Page 11 Page 11 Welcome to Epiphany, Page 13 Season of Light, Page 4, 19 Page 14

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!

continued on page 3 Oktoberfest and Stewardship January 2021 Page 3 return to Page 1 continued from page 2 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. continued on page 4 January 2021 Page 4 return to Page 1 Giving Tree Goes Virtual continued from page 3 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, creating a portable sacred space, home. 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. continued on page 5 January 2021 Page 5 return to Page 1 The Admirable Mr. Rogers continued from Page 4 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. continued on page 6 The Season of Easter continued from page 2 Praying Through Messiness January 2021 Page 6 return to Page 1 continued from Page 5 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 Marco Jimenez Casals that has been 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. continued on page 4 social distancing are required. A freewill offering will be taken.

continued on Page 7 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.

Elementary, member of Sacred Ground to serve: I am so grateful for our welcome Susan Darrow anti-racism dialogue circles. Member of 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 so that much has been easy. This year, I’ve say no. And perhaps this was God’s way of Lauren Durst actually kept in touch with loved ones even 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 homes through Wil Laroche and binge-watching on Netflix and Amazon 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- ropean and Australian TV crime dramas. hind the coffee Mark Myers 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 Torrisi January 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 said to the Ro- I long for us to gather here on the Ca- cover the value of mans. This was no thedral campus safely. This place was built spiritual life, and shallow optimism by people for people. These buildings have a greater on Paul’s part; he aren’t here to stand empty. They need to appreciation for was writing about the hope that is born out be filled with the hearts, souls, and bodies gathering in per- of suffering and testing, and 2020 has given for whom they are intended. Furthermore, son for worship 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 12 January 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. My favorite quote is from author Annie us plenty of that. We may be disappointed have on a 2021 planner. It’s the old-school Dillard: “How we live our days is, of course, sometimes in what we are hoping for, but paper, hardbound- how we spend our lives.” As I make the hope itself “does not disappoint us, be- book kind, with 280 most of my new planner, I hope to remem- cause God’s love has been poured into our pages inside where ber the small moments of goodness and hearts through the Holy Spirit which has I can plan, envision, grace that saw me through the toughest been given to us” (Romans 5:5 RSV). and reflect. The days of 2020, and not to overlook these In 2020 we discovered the limitations first seven pages simple things. of connecting digitally, but we also discov- are exclusively for 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 13 January 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. days before Christmas that the pipe organ returning to normal, For me, this is the carol that is the most had become inoperative because mice had that it will be a NEW synonymous with the Christmas season. eaten away the leather components of normal, informed by 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 14 January 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 15 January 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- conjunction with that beautiful passage read how you can draw your minds to some ac- hind us, I pray that we can allow our faith at weddings, 1 Corinthians 13. But here, in tions you can take in 2021 to increase your in God and our promise in our baptisms to Paul’s earliest letter, he writes about the faith, your love, and your hope. 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 concrete Our Hopes for the Future January 2021 Page 16 return to Page 1 continued from page 13 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. Praying Through Messiness continued from page 12 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 18 January 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.” return to Page 1

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. continued on page 16 The SeasonBabycycle of Easter continued fromcontinued page 2from page 14 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- [email protected] 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 continued on page 4 of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9). are excited to begin using it in January! The Season of Easter continued from page 2 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) continued on page 4 ([email protected]) for the Zoom link. 822-4173 to volunteer. continued on page 17 January 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 Brandon January 2021 Page 24 return to Page 1

Quiet Day Will Open Up Ministry Partnership The Richness of the Psalms Comes to a Close 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 us know when you St. Petersburg Free Clinic 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 28 Paul Bonneau 31 Averill Summer Birthdays 28 Ron Felicelli 31 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 16 Milo Burnsed 2 Anslee Long 9 Patty Leavengood Anniversaries 2 Cameron Katzel 17 Ginny Rowell 10 Emily Fasan 17 Randy Ramsey 1 John & Jan Dooley 21 Bob & Averill Summer 3 Melody Brown 10 Maggie Burnsed 18 Shands McKeithen 7 Roger & Sydney Pine 22 Bill & Silvia Hoyt 4 Rick Knight 11 Camille Knight 18 Michael Plahs 7 Shawn & Michelle 4 David Hanks 23 Steve Buyens & Lauren 12 Michael Castillo Thomas 4 Hannah Singleton 19 Albert Edgemon Durst 13 Lois Atkins 19 Lacey Hodgson 13 Earl & Jean Beshears 6 Addyson Sylvester 26 Tom Walker & Wil 19 Jillian McCoy 6 Lucy Bond 14 Betty Shamas 18 Peter & Sara Pastman Laroche 19 Iris Juarez 18 Richard & Lori 7 Ellen Alexander 30 Patrick & Ria Beavers 15 Mark Campbell 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 [email protected] 26 James Knight asking us to put you on 26 Marcy Crosby our electronic mailing list. 27 George Wilsey St. 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 [email protected] 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 a member of the clergy. The Rev. Canon Brandon Peete, Canon for Hospitality 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 ([email protected]), Associate Editor, Mary W. Matthews ([email protected]). Next deadline: January 15, 2021. The Right Rev. Barry R. Howe, Bishop in Residence Dwight Thomas, Canon for Music and Precentor