2020

Annual Report

ST. SIMON’S ON THE SOUND EPISCOPAL CHURCH

NOVEMBER 8, 2020 10:30 AM

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Table of Contents

Senior Warden’s Report 2

Treasurer’s Report 4

Junior Warden’s Report 6

Rector’s Report 8

Deacon’s Report 10

Youth Ministry Report 11

Flower Guild Report 12

Altar Guild Report 12

Administrative Report 13

Vestry Nominees 14

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Senior Warden’s Report submitted by

Paige King Senior Warden

Well, let me welcome you to the shortest Senior Warden Annual Report in the history of St. Simon’s on the Sound. As I mentioned in my stewardship letter, I accepted Fr. David’s invitation to serve as Senior Warden rather reluctantly and it appears my “Spidey Senses” were trying to tell me something.

This year opened with a lot of promise here at St. Simon’s. We embarked on a celebration of our Diocesan Jubilee and were invited to participate by exploring our parish and its growth, challenges and changes over the past 50 years. This is also the 75th anniversary of St. Simon’s, so we had a lot of cause for reflection and celebration.

Well, we all know how that worked out. Rather than reviewing our past experiences together, we had to develop new ways of experiencing togetherness while apart. We learned a lot about Facetime and Zoom. We participated in worship while remaining in our own homes. We spent most of the year learning how to be the church without being in the church.

I want you to know your clergy, the staff, and your vestry handled it all with aplomb. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with these fine people under these less than desirable conditions. Decisions regarding the care and safety of the members of this parish were always paramount, however our responsibility to continue to support your need for worship and formation were not sacrificed in the process. I could not be prouder of the way everyone at St. Simon’s responded to this crisis.

I offer here a brief synopsis of the past year from the perspective of you Junior Warden and committee chairs.

Keith Greene, our Junior Warden, has done a superlative job of managing our expansive physical plant with the able assistance of James and John. He offered these highlights:

Added more roof drains to handle the heavier rains

Retaining wall currently being installed to protect future undermining of the outdoor chapel cross platform.

Installed new electronic carillon system and new electronic sound control board in Nave.

Michelle Anchors, chair of the Administration committee, provided the following:

The Administration Committee helped support and maintain the essential functions of the church during an unpredictable year. The Committee developed minor policies, approved by the Vestry, that helped strengthen the church financial processes for protecting our assets and minimizing our liabilities. The Committee expresses special gratitude to the church treasurer, Van Fuller, for his attention to detail and extraordinary service.

And the Ministry Committee, chaired by Samantha West, is the glue that holds us together! Here’s her synopsis of this challenging year:

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The Ministry Committee started off with an energetic bang at the beginning of the year with a lot of different ideas on the table. As the year progressed, activity began to slow down due to the Covid pandemic. The church was closed to on-site meetings and worship. The congregation went into self- quarantine. Ideas that had previously been in-work were put on hold. However, we accomplished the following:

• In February, we hosted a Shrove Tuesday dinner that featured a Cajun food potluck.

Despite the rainy, cold weather that day, we had a nice turnout with high participation.

• In March, we hosted the coffee hour table in honor of the snow birds that attend St.

Simon’s during their winter visit to the area. There was a high turnout for this event.

• In May, we began meeting via Zoom, and the first Flock Notes edition was born. It was

an effort to spread communication across the congregation and maintain a level of

community while we could not meet in person at the church. The first edition was

distributed mostly by in-person delivery. Volunteers from the Vestry and the congregation

made the deliveries across the congregation that includes 3 different counties. A subsequent

edition went out in July that reinforced the sentiments of the May edition. The July edition

was distributed by mail.

• In August, we honored the Diocesan Jubilee theme for August of social justice by doing a

special edition of Flock Notes that covered issues related to social justice and standing up

for others. This edition was distributed mostly by delivery.

• In October, we produced another Flock Notes that covered how hurricanes have affected

our area, our church building, and our congregation. This edition also honored those within

the church and community that helped St. Simon’s recover from the devastation it

experienced from Hurricane Opal in 1995. This edition was also a nod to the Diocesan

Jubilee theme for April. This subject couldn’t be covered during April due to the pandemic

and quarantine.

• Also in October, we supported the annual stewardship efforts by producing another Flock

Notes with the focus on the subject of giving.

A few other noteworthy efforts would include our offering of Morning Prayer via Facebook live, Fr. David’s Bible Studies and Deacon Clelia’s “Reflective Conversations” all helped to keep us connected. I know that this time of COVID has helped me to understand that “church” is the people, not the building where we meet. We’ve been separated from the building, but perhaps we’ve all learned a little more about living into our mission of “striving to know Christ and make him known.”

Faithfully,

Paige

"Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly"

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Treasurer’s Report submitted by

Van Fuller Parish Treasurer

GENERAL OPERATING FUND. The primary account for the parish is its general operating fund. Other funds include major repairs/columbarium, faith in action events, sabbatical, designated memorials, and discretionary funds. This report covers the general operating fund.

Revenues Operating income for the general operating fund is undesignated income that is received primarily through the pledges of our parishioners and the gifts received either in the plate during worship services or by parishioners/visitors who have not pledged giving towards the general needs of the parish. Additional sources of operating income are interest/dividends, undesignated memorial gifts, revenues shared from events (e.g., Craft Fair), and building fees associated with the lease of space to the Montessori School.

Expenses The revenues covered above are used for operating expenses to “run” the church. The following expense categories are contained within the parish’s accounting system and budget as approved by the Vestry. These categories contain a short description of expenses therein.

Ministry

− Worship is central to the life of this parish and is designed to provide a wide range of opportunities that both connect us with God and unite us as a church family.

− Christian Education is a broad, rich, and diverse program of education, including offerings that appeal to all ages and address the learning needs of individuals centered along all points of the faith journey.

− Pastoral Care and Parish Life activities seek to create a caring, active, informed, and supportive community of faith.

− Faith in Action is the outwardly focused program of outreach to individuals, the community, and the world. The current focus within the community is support of the homeless and Elliott Point Elementary School. Foreign missions are also supported, e.g.,

the Zambia medical mission. However, the annual community grant program funded from event revenues (Craft Fair) are provided through a separate fund for accounting purposes.

− Diocesan Support. As an Episcopal Church, St. Simon’s is 1 of 62 mission outposts in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. Financial support of our diocese, especially the office of the Bishop, is an important aspect of the hierarchical design of the Episcopal Church and a commitment we take very seriously.

Operations and Personnel expenses are dedicated to helping us take care of what we have and to enable every single one of the ministries above.

− Operations generally includes utilities and insurance, maintenance, office administration, communications, and debt payments.

− Personnel includes payroll and benefits.

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Year over Year Comparison

Revenue 2019 Full Year

through Oct 2019

through Oct 2020

2020 Full Year

% through Oct 2020 Comments

Combined Plate & Pledge Budget $ 555,000 $ 462,500 $ 478,300 $ 574,000 81% $15,700 behind budget for

giving

Combined Plate & Pledge Actual $ 553,900 $ 432,600 $ 462,600

3% ahead of 2019 rate of giving

Expense 2019 Full Year

through Oct 2019

through Oct 2020

2020 Full Year

% through Oct 2020

Comments

Operating Expense Budget $ 629,800 $ 525,300 $ 493,900 $ 583,000 70%

Storm damage repair significantly increases 2020 Full Year funding needs

Operating Expense Actual $ 614,900 $ 503,100 $ 407,300

2020 Achievements

• In March 2020, we converted our accounting data and implemented a new accounting system in the REALM church management system we use. The new system is much more user friendly, provides greater transparency, and is a total success.

• In April 2020, we applied and were approved for a Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program Loan in the amount of $40,100. The purpose of the loan was to ensure continuity of operations through financial assistance for personnel and utilities during the pandemic. We have applied for forgiveness of the loan and its consideration is pending.

• In August 2020, we hired Cyndi Gillespie as our new financial manager! GREAT decision!

• In August 2020, we also received the results of our 2018 audit. The audit recognized the limitations and laborious nature of the old accounting system and the impact of the new accounting system. There were no immediate actions or findings to address, but the report did note that there would be adjustments required as we go forward. After implementation of the REALM accounting system and with Cyndi’s experience and diligence, we balanced all accounts!

2020/2021 Challenges

• Loss of Cherished Friends. As you heard in the necrology on All Saints Day, we will move into 2021 after losing far too many of our fellow saints. May God grant to them eternal rest and let light perpetual shine upon them.

• Hurricane Sally. The storm damaged our church building, but not our spirit. We have had an outpouring of support to clean up after the storm and to contribute to storm repair costs. As of this writing, we have received over $30,000 in contributions to help defray repair costs, which “start in the neighborhood” of $70,000. We will continue to need your contributions and support as we make repairs.

• COVID-19 Pandemic. This virus has impacted us all in one way or another, some known, and some unknown. We have missed each other and the Christian fellowship that binds us together. And as your treasurer, I must add that revenues are lagging, and we are just coming together to worship in small numbers. We will need your time, talents, and treasure going forward.

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2021 Stewardship. In the midst of all the above, we look forward to what 2021 will bring, praying for an explosion of the Holy Spirit in our parish and our country. It is with that great anticipation, I thank you for all you have done, and will do. Please know how cherished you are as a member of the St. Simon’s family. And please continue to be in prayerful consideration for your 2021 pledge in answer to the question of “what God is calling you to do.”

Junior Warden’s Report submitted by

Keith Greene Junior Warden

2020 has been another tough year for our physical plant — both inside and out. Whether it’s been Mother Nature or items coming to their useful end, these things challenge our available resources to replace or repair. Nothing surprising here; but COVID has stressed us even further through quarantine requirements and Iiscal uncertainties.

One thing we as parishioners can be proud of is our folks answering the call to support property clean-up days and keeping St. Simon’s looking its best. Thanks to the many that volunteered. And further to those that gave their time, talent and resources to fund needed repairs and purchase either replacement or new items.

Like so many houses of worship these days, we took the opportunity to upgrade our bell tower to an electronic carillon system. The bell is still there for appearance sake; but we now have the capability to play carillon music through both outdoor and indoor speakers. We have a healthy library of both bells peals and seasonal/worship music. This upgrade was accompanied by installing a new sound control board in the choir loft. And in early Spring before going to his new assignment, our Curate, Fr. Sirmon installed a new remotely operated TV camera in the Nave giving us the capability to record/ broadcast worship services. All these IT upgrades were orchestrated through the efforts of Fr.Knight and have been a boon to keeping worship alive during the pandemic.

A new section of niches was installed in the Chapel Columbarium. And the primary entrance doors on all four sides received new coats of paint.

Roof leaks continue to be one of the most difficult challenges we face. The original installing contractor continues to make repairs and has brought in an outside independent contractor for recommendations. Despite all efforts to date involving TV scoping drains, removing and replacing roofing material, resealing seems, and adding additional drains, we have gotten no relief. We are in hardline discussions with him. Additionally, our troubles have been compounded by new leaks coming from the belfry and they are under the purview of a different contractor. He is currently examining the problem and will recommend actions to be taken.

Our property insurance company, Church Insurance (CI), sent in ServPro to handle the flooding damage from Hurricane Sally. Where we had baseboard and wall damage due to flooding, the sheetrock was removed and mold mitigation accomplished. Our insurance deductible exceeded

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the adjuster’s allowed amount and our claim was denied. Adding insult to injury (pardon the expression — but it fits), existing roof leaks were worsened as well as new ones. These were not covered because of an exclusion clause. They were determined to be caused by wind driven rain (excluded) and not hurricane derived openings allowing rain to cause structural damage.

After Hurricane Sally, you may have noticed that the outdoor chapel pavers on the cross platform began cavitating in one area due to wave action breaching the foundation. We have initiated a contract that should start within a few weeks. A 52 foot retaining wall extending approximately 6 feet into the ground, will be built between the chapel platform and the Sound shoreline. This is designed to stop and prevent any further erosion from boat wakes, tides and wave action. When this is done, we can proceed to fixing the platform pavers and the next phase of the outdoor chapel.

I echo the same words that I passed along in last year’s Junior Warden report. “There is always a lot of upkeep and repair to a facility as large as St.Simon’s. To help manage costs, we have frequently asked for volunteer help. It is impossible for our Sexton to do it all himself. So please help us where you can with your time, talent and resources.”

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Rector’s Report submitted by

The Rev. J David Knight. Rector

I have spent time this week thinking back to October of 2019. We combined our Annual Meeting with the final Sunday of our stewardship pledge campaign, culminating in the offering of our pledge cards and a wonderful celebration lunch. Church was full, the Parish Hall beautifully decorated and filled with happy parishioners – old and young, children and teens, friends enjoying a wonderful celebration. Good food, good times. A nice celebration.

What a difference a year makes, right? Who would have dreamed our world would be experiencing a horrible pandemic, as we nod to one another through our masks, maintain our distance, leave church by ones and twos, no coffee hour, no fellowship. It’s heart breaking but it is also necessary.

In August I began my 5th year with you. In almost 20 years of ordained ministry I certainly have never seen a year like this one. Normally I would publish in this report the number of pastoral acts – baptisms, confirmations, etc. Those events have been put on hold and even the burials we have done of beloved parishioners have been greatly restricted. We miss singing, we miss exchanging the Peace, we miss so much. Yet we also have figured out ways to, as safely as possible, continue to share in Christ’s body at Eucharist, to pray and worship, to preach and teach. These things unite us and remind us we are the body of Christ called St. Simon’s and we can do this together.

I am so grateful for our staff. This time has been extremely challenging for them. In many ways they have had to relearn how to do most aspects of their jobs. We work well together, we love one another, and we will continue to go the extra mile for you. I am blessed to be part of this amazing team. Thank you all.

I hope you take some time to thank your wardens and vestry as well. They didn’t sign up for this! Paige King has served admirably as Senior Warden. We often hear the most challenging time to be a Senior Warden is when there is a clergy vacancy. While those times are very difficult for the lay leader of the parish, I think we can put “Senior Warden during a Pandemic” at the top of the list! Thank you Paige. Keith Greene has continued to show us what it means to be the Junior Warden, his tireless work on our behalf with our physical plant and his knowledge and experience he brings to the table have benefited us in many ways. The remainder of your vestry has had to adjust to this new normal as well and they have done so without complaint, taking their committee tasks seriously and serving as spiritual leaders in many ways. I am grateful for each of you.

In many ways we are building this airplane as we fly it. This week we brought back Amy Boggs to serve in our nursery and to help with our Christian Education offerings for children, and I look forward to her working with our families on ways, even during Covid, to help form our children as followers of Jesus. We are currently planning for Advent and Christmas, recognizing the restrictions we must work with while doing our best to make these seasons meaningful and worshipful for you. Van Fuller’s leadership as Treasurer has been very helpful, and we are indebted to Ansley Walker, Steve Brown, and Steve Larson who joined with Van as we transitioned to our new Finance manager, Cyndi Gillespie, and dealt with a data conversion and our annual audit.

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Speaking of Ansley, she is in her final year of seminary at Yale Divinity School and we are hoping to host her ordination next spring. Please keep her in your prayers, Covid has certainly impacted her seminary experience. Ansley is going to be an amazing Priest, but you all knew that already.

Meanwhile I have taken part in the “councils of the church” as I pledged to do in my ordination vows. I currently serve as President of the Standing Committee for the Diocese, a job the pandemic has certainly impacted. I am also chair of our General Convention deputation once again. The next General Convention is scheduled for Baltimore the summer of 2021, we shall see if that actually takes place.

In closing I want to recognize the unselfish and tireless role Jennifer has played in managing our live stream every week. She began our streaming experience about a year ago, using her iPhone to broadcast worship on Facebook Live. We were able to put in equipment to do the stream with a real camera and began broadcasting last October. We were better prepared for streaming when Covid hit than most Episcopal parishes. Due to Covid, we decided to stream without any extra people in the building, which left Jennifer to manage the system. I don’t know what we would have done without her.

Your prayers for me and Jennifer as we struggled with Covid in July, just after her mother’s death, were wonderful, your care and concern for us were heartwarming. Thank you so much. It is a blessing to be here and to serve Jesus and each other with you all. May God bless you and keep you, now and always. You are a blessing to me.

Fr. David+

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Deacon’s Report submitted by

The Rev. Deacon Clelia P. Garrity, LCSW Associate for Community Engagement and Pastoral Care

In 2020, Deacon Clelia was involved in activities specific to both St. Simon's on the Sound and to the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. The scope of these activities is listed below: ST. SIMON'S ON THE SOUND

• Participation in all church services

• Preaching on a regular basis

• Pastoral care visits to include office, home, and hospital visits, funerals, etc.

• Coordination of the Pastoral Care Team (to include an expanded pastoral care program that targets both church membership and Ft. Walton Beach Community institutions such as the Emerald Coast Rehabilitation Center

• Development and coordination of the Faith in Action Workgroup, a team comprised of all St. Simon's ministries leadership. The purpose of the workgroup is to ensure coordination and collaboration among all church ministries

• Coordination of and participation in community-based projects such as supporting the needs of both students and faculty at Elliott Point School and participation in the reorganization of One Hopeful Place.

• Participation in Community-based organizations: Vice President/President Elect, Bridgeway Health Center board of directors; Volunteer Chaplain, Ft. Walton Beach Medical Center; One Hopeful Place board of directors; Hurlburt Field Honorary Commander Program.

THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE CENTRAL GULF COAST

• Appointed by the Bishop to membership on the Commission on Ministry

• Appointed by the Bishop to the Commission on World Engagement & Mission

• Appointed by the bishop as Deacon Missioner for Global Refuge Ministries

• Contextual Formation instructor at the Diocesan School for Ministry

• Lay Pastoral Leadership instructor at the Diocesan School for Ministry

• History of Christianity instructor at the Diocesan School for Ministry

• Spiritual Development instructor at the Diocesan School for Ministry

OTHER

• Coordinator Baluba Health Care Project (Zambia, Africa)

• D. Min. Program, General Theological Seminary – first year student

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Youth Ministry Report submitted by

Philip Iversen Youth Director

Youth Group St. Simon’s youth group (grades 6th-12th) has continued the tradition of growing spiritually through fun and meaningful worship and fellowship activities this past year. Although the pandemic has changed our way of life, we have learned to overcome its adversities. Moving into 2021, our goal is to increase the number of engaging activities and events while maintaining safety regulations put forth by the diocese and CDC. Following, is a list of activities the youth have participated in to help enrich their love of Christ and community before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

● Pre-Covid

○ Service: Youth were involved in community outreach including beach cleanups and

the baking of dog biscuits for the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). Both

of which were great ways to increase St. Simon's positive presence in the community.

○ Fellowship: Aside from community service, youth enjoyed a number of fellowship

activities including movie nights, team building activities, games and dinners (some

of which were provided by our amazing volunteers)

○ Diocesan Involvement: St. Simons had two youth participate in this years

Happening event at St. Paul’s, Daphne. I’m very thankful they could experience this

impactful annual event and I look forward to increased involvement in future

Happenings and other diocesan events.

● COVID Times

○ Worship: Through the summer, weekly morning devotion was held outside the

church following diocesan and CDC distancing regulations. The youth currently

meets virtually every Sunday evening at 7pm for evening compline. Music is played

before and after to increase participation and create community through song.

○ Fellowship: Although many changes have occurred to the ways traditional youth

events have been run, we’ve adapted to optimize safety as well as maintain a fun and

engaging environment. So far, youth have participated in in-person (distanced)

events such as movie nights and craft nights.

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Flower Guild Report submitted by

Chris Westphal

Wow! Who could ever have entertained the thought that we would have a year like this! As most know, we, the St. Simon’s Flower Guild, operates on a budget we fund ourselves. We are able to do this through, Easter Lilly Offerings, Poinsettia Offerings and special sponsored Thanksgiving or Memorial offerings. Needless to say, we have not been able to meet financial goals using this effort due to Covid-19. But with back up financial reserves, we have felt good about the floral offerings this year. Our ladies who create the beautiful arrangements have stepped up to meet the level of perfection we strive to maintain. Let us all pray for a rapid ending to this virus so we may all gather soon, to worship as one!

Altar Guild Report submitted by

Chris Westphal

Another year passed and it has been unusual to say the least. Like other “talent offering groups” our dear St Simon’s Altar Guild has not made use of our 3 team membership roster. For the most part work has been done with minimal physical labor. The important part to report is that with your giving we have been able to keep our candles burning and our communion wafers flowing with our offerings securing that we were able to maintain a “table of abundance”, even during Covid – 19 times. So, thank you St Simon’s Parish Family, the financial support you have offered means a lot.

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Administrative Report submitted by Zoë Kahn

Office & Communications Manager

This last year there were multiple updates to communications, safety, and security throughout the church, including regular maintenance and repairs and plans for the future. These measures include: Facility

• Multiple HVAC unit replacements and/or repairs. Work continues to make these more efficient and reliable.

• Major roof repair in progress. • Working with Fort Walton Beach Police Department to monitor security concerns. • Fortified Storm preparedness supplies. • Improved light fixture efficiency and renewed door hardware.

Parish Support

• Joined Canva nonprofit network to increase capabilities to disseminate event and fundraising materials, both internally and for our community partners.

• Improved printing capabilities, providing cost-savings from external printing and facilitating booklets to be printed, making materials faster to develop and disseminate and larger fonts more accessible when needed. This was more timely than could have been anticipated given the current restrictions on sharing Worship materials.

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Vestry Nominees

Alvan Richey

I became an Episcopalian over 25 years ago when my wife convinced me that it was where we needed to be and she was right. Since moving to Florida in 2005 I been on vestry of another church as a member, Jr.warden, and Sr.warden. As Sr. Warden I helped guide a mission church become a Parish while finding a Priest. As a member of St Simon’s on the Sound I have found many wonderful new friends while serving as an usher, helping start our Liza Jackson Legacy Society, working on our Outdoor Chapel committee, joining Bothers of St Andrews, servings on our Outreach committee and being Diocesan Convention delegate serval times. Also while at St Simon’s I have served as a member of Episcopal Diocese of Central Gulf Coast Standing Committee and a member of the Prison Minister committee. I continue to be a member of Kairos Prison Ministry International Inc. at the Northwest Florida Reception Center in Chipley, Florida. I would be honored to serve on the vestry of St. Simon’s Church.

Elizabeth Hogenkamp

Elizabeth Hogenkamp is originally from Mobile, Alabama where she grew up worshiping at Trinity Episcopal Church and attended St. Paul’s Episcopal School. Elizabeth studied Communication Disorders at Auburn University (War Eagle!) receiving her undergraduate and master’s degree. She moved to the Emerald Coast in May 2013 where she began attending services at St. Simon’s. Elizabeth found a church home in the beautiful campus and welcoming congregation of St. Simon’s. Elizabeth married her spouse, Nick, in April of 2016. St. Simon’s is especially important to the Hogenkamps as Nick was confirmed as an Episcopalian by Bishop Kendrick in 2018 when Elizabeth was expecting their first child. She also reaffirmed her faith at the same time. The Hogenkamps knew they wanted to raise their family in this church from that day forward. The Hogenkamps have a 2-year-old daughter, Mary Emmaline. Elizabeth is a full-time pediatric speech-language pathologist at Treehouse Therapies specializing in feeding and swallowing disorders in infancy and childhood. She also is the Clinical Supervisor over physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Nick is a Lead Associate with Booz Allen Hamilton where he acts as a financial analysist supporting clients at Eglin Air Force Base. In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys going to the beach, reading, and being outside as much as she can. The Hogenkamps enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Liz LaFollette

Liz and her family have been members of St. Simon’s since they moved to Destin in 2008. Liz is a proud member of the St. Simon’s Flower Guild, and has also served on the Rector Search Committee, as a Sunday School teacher, and a helper in the nursery. Professionally, Liz has practiced law for more than twenty-three years, and currently practices employment law with Littler Mendelson, a global law firm. Liz has greatly enjoyed her time and involvement as a member of the St. Simon’s family; the St. Simon’s Holy Land trip was a true highlight.

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Kristin Shinnick.

I was born in Monongahela, Pennsylvania, in 1968, and baptized in the Roman Catholic church. At 11 years of age, my parents moved to Tampa, Florida where I received my confirmation. I graduated from Florida State University in 1990, and the University of Florida: College of Dentistry in 1994. Upon graduation, I was commissioned an officer in the United States Air Force, completed a residency and served six years. In 2000 I arrived at Eglin Air Force Base in Ft Walton Beach, with my husband, Joe, a pilot in Eglin’s 33d Fighter Wing. We have two daughters. Mackenzie is a senior at the University of Florida and Ashlyn is a sophomore at Auburn. They have grown up at St Simon’s.

It was in 2002 that we first visited St Simon’s. In early 2003 I was blessed to join Keith Greene and Carol Murphy on a medical mission trip to Guatemala, providing my dental services to many in need. This was a great experience in so many ways! My first large service contribution to St Simon’s was in 2004-2005 when I designed and compiled for publication the 2005 St Simon’s Church Directory. It was much work and unfortunately the last of its kind. Although not tech savvy, I found myself having to convert all past and present family and event photos (35mm photos) into digital files. Then….I was able to put them into a publishable memoir and directory. I owe much to my Father-in-law. Without him, that directory would never have happened! To this day I am grateful for that opportunity because in a very short period of time I was introduced to all of

St Simon’s. In my early years at St Simon’s I enjoyed spending some Saturday mornings working along- side the sweet and talented ladies of the Flower Guild. When my girls reached 5 & 7 years old, Joann Connell took me under her wings, and I began teaching Children’s Christian Education. For eleven years as a Christian Ed teacher, the last five of those as Youth Minister/Director, my knowledge of the Episcopal church, the Bible, GOD and the words of Jesus grew beyond measure. I treasure the irreplaceable bonds I have made with our youth and so many others through education, learning, social events, service and more. There are so many ways to grow in love with St Simon’s, our parishioners and our community through service here. Our congregation has so much to offer!

I am blessed to be a part of St Simon’s and it’s history. I am hopeful God’s graces will shine on Family St Simon’s in 2021 and beyond. I, Kristin Shinnick, love St Simon’s. And I am ready for my next step in service to my Church, God willing