2019 St. Peters Annual Report

2
Senior Wardens Report
Reflecting back on 2018 allows me the opportunity to appreciate all the elements involved in the operation
of our church. First, the Vestry. The Episcopal church defines the Vestry as " A group of individuals who as
members of a church, are charged with supporting the church's mission by word and deed, to ensure effective
organization and planning and to manage resources and finances" I have always referred to my fellow vestry
members as a team.
As a team, I'm proud of not only how we conducted ourselves, but how we conducted the business of our
church in 2018. Here are some highlights* Updated the church facility usage policy* Provided text giving as an
option to our members* Met with and got approval from the Diocese Finance Committee and Bishop Brewer for
the Church on the Hill project* Sold the MaxLife bus and used the proceeds to install graphics on all 3 MaxLife
vans* Partnered with the city of Lake Mary Police Department to conduct an active shooter training class* Completed
Phase 1 and Phase 2 of our new 9000 sq ft recreational field on the west end of campus. Phase 1 consisted
of site work, grading, tree removal and trimming, and installation of sod. Phase 2 consisted of installation of a 400
ft stockade fence along with running irrigation and drinking water lines out to the site. Phase 3 (Proposed) will
include a storage shed along with installing bench seating.* Based on the hard work of the Search Committee, we
were able to unanimously vote to install the Reverend Canon Dr. Jeremy Bergstrom as the next full time rector of
St Peters.The second element that needs acknowledgment is the staff. Whether its the office operations, worship
activities, the school or Maxlife, all of these areas function at a high level for only one reason, the remarkable
individuals in leadership positions there.
One of the privileges of being Senior Warden for me, has been the opportunity to work with all of these
people during the past year. Lay volunteers represent the third element of our church. Irregardless of what capacity
you serve in, StPeters is blessed with a group of people who step up time and time again to serve this church.
Everyone serves for a different reason, but the common thread among all of them is the fact that you don’t seek
reward or recognition. All of you need to know that your efforts are recognized and valued more than words can
express. Finally, the spiritual element. What sustains us are the thoughts, prayers, and well wishes from all of
you,the members of St Peters church. We have been blessed to have had Fr Chris and Genevieve as our Spiritual
guides during the past 14 months. He has never let us forget why we are here or who we are serving.
As I write this report, we have just concluded our transition weekend. An incredible, well earned,celebration
for Fr Chris and Genevieve on Saturday night, set the table to welcome Fr Jeremy, Jackie,Nate, Will and
Colman on Sunday morning. The Bergstroms are now part of our St Peters family. I'm confident Fr Jeremy is the
right person at the right time to lead our Church into what is going to be, with God's help, a brilliant future. The
next chapter in the life of St Peters has begun! As I conclude my tenure as Senior Warden, I would like to thank all
of you for your support and prayers,nothing
in church leadership happens in a vacuum,
it's all about building coalitions, coming to a
consensus and serving the Lord. My father
always told me, having the opportunity to
serve others is the greatest gift and opportunity
in life. When those opportunities
come along, grab them, make the make the
most of them, while being humble in the
opportunity to serve. I tried to do that as
your Senior Warden, I think he would be
proud.
Your Brother in Christ,
John Ricci, Senior Warden, St Peters Church
2018 Vestry
Top Left to Right: David Anderson , Mike Ivanov (Junior Warden) , Lemar Williams, Brian Willcox, John Ricci ( Senior Warden), Bob Boardman
Bottom Left to Right: Sandy Robinson (Secretary) , Joda Connell, Wendy Gordon