Among the Flock

Visitation: Santa Natividad in McKinney

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Bishop Rob Price confirmed one and received three during visitation Sunday at Santa Natividad in McKinney. The Rev. Noe Mendez is the vicar is originally from Oaxaca as some of the congregants. Other parishioners are from throughout Central America and South America including Venezuela, Bolivia, and Peru. The result is a worship service that brings a rich tradition of inculturation blending deep-rooted indigenous heritage, beauty, artistry, hospitality and musicality with spiritual devotion.

The Santa Natividad worship service is like no other in the diocese. It's in Spanish, including Bishop Price's homily, but with the soul-stirring, multi-sensory vibe of a multiculturally rich parish. On Sunday, the incense filled the space making the church visually hazy and soft, bringing the aroma of spice, wood and sweetness to the air. The procession offered liturgical dancers in white dresses, lacy mantillas, and silk ribbons fluttering through the smokey air. The worship service was a beautiful, emotional celebration of our Lord. "The congregation at our church is made up of brothers and sisters from across the Americas," Mendez said. "Each of them plays a part in our worship through hymns and liturgy. Our hymns feature diverse rhythms—from South America, such as the "Gloria" from the "Misa Criolla," to rhythms from the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. This diversity results in worship filled with joy, faith, and gladness, all for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Additionally, the church is filled with the most warm and friendly folks around. Their hospitality is gloriously extreme - they love you when you walk in the door, and their joy is a ministry in itself. Contagious, emotional, spiritual and all good things. They are a tight community who know and love each other well, but with genuine smiles and arms wide open to newcomers.

Mendez raises leaders in this church and almost everyone is in charge of something, or two somethings. For new members joining the church, serving is the best way to get plugged in, meet people and become part of the community, parishioner Maritza Almazan said. She began at the church six years ago when she had a sick child. She and her husband, Abraham Ramos, and their four children drive to Santa Natividad twice a week from their home in Commerce, an hour drive one-way. Once they started attending the children got involved in the acolyte corps which inspired their parents to lend a hand as well. Almazan sings in the choir and runs social media for the parish. Ramos operates the tech including the livestream of the service where he electronically strings cell phones and tablets throughout the church to get different angles for the recording of the service live for YouTube. He also worships during the service and can be seen on his knees in his tech corner in the back of the church during Holy Eucharist prayers.

Raising leaders in the church is about their education and formation, Mendez said. "Christian education is the fundamental basis for people's spiritual growth. Sunday school for all ages, Bible study, and Vacation Bible School have resulted in the emergence of servant-leaders in our church who are willing to serve in the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is why, in our church—during our worship services and throughout the life of the congregation, we have servants of all ages active in every ministry."

After the service the reception was a visual, culinary and musical explosion of their continued joy. The potluck spread was glorious and included tacos, pork, empanadas, pasta, shrimp, deserts and fresh fruits. The church hired a Oaxaca band that played energetic music with most people taking a turn on the dance floor including Bishop Price. This multi-cultural parish is an inspiration. The Diocese feels your love Santa Natividad, and we love you back. Los queremos mucho.

Visitation: San Bernabe/St. Barnabas

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Bishop Rob Price baptized three and confirmed two at St. Barnabas-San Bernabe in Garland on Sunday. This parish has services in English and Spanish and consider themselves "One Church, Two Languages."

The Rev. Juana Lara serves as vicar and leads both services and is well loved by both congregations. Historically, the Spanish-language parishioners came from St. Matthew's Cathedral and moved to the Garland building before Covid with about 500 folks. Since many lived closer to the Cathedral they eventually left San Bernabe leaving less than half of the original congregation. Sometimes money is a little tight, but the parish pays its bills on time, said Treasurer Susan Vaden, "We somehow always make it," she said. God always provides."

Despite a small budget the church gives thanks for their blessings and gives to those without. Lay leader Dennis Garcia church has an active food pantry and ministry. The church partners with Catholic Charities to provide food for families in the neighborhood every third Friday of the month. A lot of times the parents will drop off kids at the nearby schools and then come to the church for food, Garcia said. It's a blessing to serve others, he said.

The church is also excited about the formation of youth and are currently preparing for Vacation Bible School which is a big event in the life of this parish. The Lord's work is in this place and in these wonderful people.

Visitation: St. David of Wales in Denton

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Bishop Rob Price confirmed 20 youth and adults at St. David of Wales in Denton on Trinity Sunday, and blessed a newly installed stained glass window.

This parish is a gem in the diocese. After building a new and bigger worship space their average Sunday attendance has climbed to the 230s and the pews are full in the build-it-and-they-will-come kind of way. Lay leader Jesse Davis is excited about the new energy and said they are talking about the possibility of adding a third Sunday service. New folks are attracted to the church and its liturgical offerings, Davis said. As an example, the Sunday service was a pontifical high mass with holy confirmations and the blessing of a new window, which in whole lasted two hours.

Bishop Price enjoyed his visitation immensely. "It is extraordinary to be able to make a visitation in a church that is 90 percent full, let alone on the last Sunday of May," he said. "With extraordinary music, excellence in the liturgy, and an enormous class of confirmands, St. David's is full of energy and promise. I came away inspired by this growing congregation, and grateful for Father Paul Nesta's leadership.

The congregational demographics hit every age from babies to eighties, which newly confirmed parishioner Matthew Ganoa said is a joyful part of the church. It's a wonderful mix of people, he said. The congregation reflects the two-college town with young families, students, professors, retired professors and former students packing the pews. The colleges bring a lot of students to Denton with the University of North Texas numbering 47,000 students and Texas Woman's University at 15,500. The academic vibe of the town seeps into St. David's bringing a group of highly educated and experienced teachers who are able to skillfully offer meaningful formation for youth, Vacation Bible School and adult studies, Ganoa said. The influence of theses colleges on St. David's has resulted in parish life that is high-level cerebral and artistic - brilliant and beautiful.

Part of that beauty is seen in the gorgeous robes worn during the service. "All our vestments were made by Watts and Co. when we entered the new building,"Nesta said "The gold set, with black orphreys, features colors taken from the shield of St. David of Wales."

Not enough can be written about the parish's incredible worship music where they draw top talent from UNT which has one of the largest and best music programs in the world, and Texas Woman's University where they are known for their interdisciplinary teaching in the creative arts. Their organist/çhoir director is Canon Dr. Pam Youngblood who has served at St. David's for 50 years and is held in high regard as a gifted musician and teacher. Some students are in the St. David's choir just to work with her while others get a small stipend or class credit. As a result their choir ranks easily as one of the best in the diocese, and not surprisingly evangelizes those who come to sing. The new members of the choir often cross their arms over their chest when it comes to communion and receive the blessing, but as time goes by they take communion and eventually become entrenched in church life, Davis said.

Bishop Price blessed the new stained glass window in the church. St. David's commissioned Bryan Marshall, who is well known in the Dallas diocese and many others as a longtime representative of the iconic J. Wippell & Co., to consult on the design, build and installation of a stained glass window to be placed behind the altar. Marshall attended the blessing of the stained glass window and said it was the last to bear the name J. Wipple & Co because the company had been sold. Over the many decades at Wippell's he has come to know and be known by so many in the diocese and is much loved and respected for his astute guidance.

The installation of the window marks the completion of the building project, Nesta said. "Two major donations received for the window in the fall of 2024 as part of an incentive to grow our budget to meet the needs of a growing congregation in a larger building," he said."This window is the last designed by J. Wippell and Co. before they closed, is inspired by the ancient canticle, Te Deum laudimus, and captures the whole host of heaven declaring 'Tu rex Gloria Christe' (Thou art the King of glory, O Christ.")

The photos accompanying this story were taken by the highly skilled photographer Tony Sidharta. St. David's takes professional photos for most services then posts them on their social media accounts which has brought many newcomers through their doors. Well done St. David's, well done!

Visitations: St. James in Kemp; St. Matthias in Athens

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Bishop Rob Price visited St. James in Kemp and St. Matthias in Athens on Sunday. The Rev. Elizabeth Papazoglakis is priest-in-charge at St. James, and her husband, the Rev. Tom Papazoglakis is priest-in-charge at St. Matthias.

Bishop Price had a wonderful time with the parishioners known for laidback charm and good cooking. "It is a true saying worthy of all to receive that the farther east one goes, the better the spread at the reception! I had a delightful time at the Q&A following the service, having had the chance to get to know many of the members and what brought them to this warm parish family, Bishop Price said."

At St. James many parishioners come from neighborhoods built around nearby Cedar Creek Lake where retirees move to live on the waterfront, and hit the golfing greens at several country clubs in the area. Parishioner Linda Shehee said the demographic at St. James skewed older due to the retirees and joked that the parish youth group means those in their 60s.

No longer in the work-a-day pace of the corporate world these retirees are using their gifts for the greater good and for them that means mission. That includes prison ministry and active support of One Man's Treasure, a group that provides gently used clothing to men just released from prison so they have appropriate clothing for church and job interviews.

But mostly, these believers love a food ministry because the need is great. For starters, the parish works with Maybank Area Good Samaritans where they are in a rotation with four other churches for volunteer work with the ministry. The food bank serves those in need in Henderson, Kaufman and Van Zandt counties. The church also participates in Angel Food ministry which identifies families in need with the school district's help and gives each family a week's worth of food once a month. The third food ministry involves adopting a family during Christmas and during back-to-school by giving food, Christmas gifts to children and school clothes. At Christmas the children are asked to give a list of presents they would like and the church gives them their number one pick on the list. The family also gets food to prepare a traditional Christmas meal. For the new school year the children are given the clothes and new sizes they need, said longtime parishioner Paul Lasiter. During one food delivery around Christmas, a family in need lived in a 30-foot trailer home with three kids who were all playing outside on a cold day in their undergarments. The mother, who worked two jobs, said if the church had not brought the food they would have eaten peanut butter sandwiches for Christmas. "I've cried a lot," Lasiter said. "It shows you exactly how blessed you are when you go. Our goal is that someday the kids will realize back then a bunch of Christians helped them out," he said.

At St. Matthias the congregants are healing from previous challenges at their parish. Bishop Price and Bishop Fraser Lawton offered a special service with prayers for healing and peace. The bishops were warmly received and enjoyed a festive meal after the service having time to visit with many folks from the parish.

"I was greatly moved by Father Tom's care for the congregation and the deep healing work that they have done together," Bishop Price said. "Our liturgy of reconsecration of the altar - painstakingly planned by Father Papazoglakis - truly revealed the transformative grace that God can give through corporate prayer and worship."

Recently, the Papazoglakis' have announced their retirement at the end of the year. "Mother Elizabeth and Father Tom are jewels in our presbyterate, " Bishop Price said. "I'm grateful for their work and I was privileged to conduct their last visitations as rectors."

Visitation: Incarnation

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Bishop Rob Price visited Church of the Incarnation on Sunday where he confirmed about 50 youth and adults. It proved to be a joyful milestone in the lives of the students during the annual Confirmation Breakfast and Confirmation Sunday. 237 people gathered for the breakfast, including confirmation candidates, families, godparents, friends, clergy, and members of the parish community who came to encourage and pray for these young people.

During the breakfast, Bishop Price reflected on how the middle school and high school years are often a season when young people begin to discern how God may be calling them to serve in the Church and in the world. The confirmation class — made up primarily of sixth graders — began meeting back in August under the leadership of the wonderful Alaine Bickel, whose faithful guidance and encouragement helped prepare students throughout the year. Alaine also shared remarks during the breakfast, celebrating the dedication she witnessed in the class. Later that morning, during the 11:15 a.m. traditional service, 31 students were confirmed.

In his homily, Price also talked about the parish's search for a rector which has been vacant since November 3, 2024 when the Rev. Christopher Beeley stepped down. Since that time retired Bishop Greg Brewer has served as interim. Price told the congregation that the church would likely have a rector by Summer of 2027.

The parish has a strong Youth & Family Ministry that helps youth grades 6–12 experience the joy, connection, and grace of God. We want students to know that formation in Christ can be joyful, deeply relational, and grounded in the good news of God’s grace. Through worship, retreats, fellowship, service, and simply showing up in the everyday moments of students’ lives, our desire is to help young people grow in their relationship with Christ and his Church while knowing that they are deeply loved and that they matter.

Adult formation is also fruitful and this year’s formation series drew 18–20 adults, many of them young adults and newcomers to the Anglican tradition. The class was co‑taught by Bishop Brewer and Shawn Torres, creating a rare opportunity for deep teaching, shared discernment, and personal connection with parish leadership. The commitment of these adult confirmands now culminates in the laying on of hands by Bishop Price and the strengthening grace of the Holy Spirit.

The Diocese gives thanks for the faithful witness of Incarnation and for every adult across our congregations who is choosing to take this step of Christian maturity, deepen their Episcopal identity, and join more fully in the mission of the Church.

St. David's Celebrates Organist/Choir Director's 50 Years at Parish

Fri, 22 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000

“You have been here,” the Rev. Paul Nesta said, “as we've baptized our children, married spouses, and buried our loved ones. Your constancy and devotion to St. David's and to our Lord are an inspiration.”

These words by Nesta pointed to parish organist and choir director, Canon Dr. Pam Youngblood as the church honored her 50 years of service with Evensong and reception. That’s right, 50 years at the same parish, not a lot of churches can say that.

Youngblood began serving at St. David’s in 1976 while earning an advanced degree in music at University of North Texas after moving to the area from Tennessee. Soon she joined the choir at St. David’s and shortly after, the organist moved to join a religious commune. Youngblood served as interim for a few days and was then offered a permanent place. “I always felt like St. David’s was right,” she said. “It’s a call. And it’s been an important part of my life and who I am. One of my earliest memories when I was about four, my family was going to a Lutheran Church in Ohio and I heard, “Holy, Holy, Holy, and thought that was the greatest thing ever. Then the choir would come out and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I want to do that!’”

Youngblood has a hefty professional life in music. She performs in orchestra, leads a flute choir and works as the Dean of Arts and Design at Texas Woman’s University.

Youngblood is adored at St. David’s and the parish understands the magnitude of serving 50 years in the same church. It was with this understanding that they commissioned the British composer Cecilia McDowall to compose an anthem for the Evensong celebration. The anthem is to be published by Oxford University Press as a choral leaflet. Cecilia's text was George Herbert's Let All the World In Every Corner Sing. The world premiere of the anthem was at St. David’s. While Youngblood directed the rest of the Evensong, her coworker at Texas Woman's University, Dr. Joni Jensen, directed this anthem as Youngblood sat with her family. Clive Driskill-Smith was the guest organist for the service.

Bishop Rob Price served as celebrant for the occasion and also offered his remarks about such a faithful woman. “My mother was a choir master and organist so I know the work Dr. Youngblood has been putting in all these years,” Bishop Price said. “I listened to the practice late-nights when I was a child. There is a saying in Greek, mathein pathein, to learn is to suffer and we give thanks for your suffering… to learn all these pieces as an offering to God and his people. Thank you for your leadership in this place. Thank you for perfecting the praises of God’s people at St. David’s.”

Nesta, who works closely with Youngblood, gave a sermon through occasional tears as he talked about her meaningful work and how she was an example of the Godly discipline of stability. Even through tragedy when her beloved husband was killed unexpectantly during a car crash during Holy Week in the 1990s. “What we celebrate tonight is the virtue of stability that we have seen on display in the life of Dr. Youngblood,” he said. “Stability is recognizing God’s presence, right where we are, particularly in times of testing and loss. Stability is hard fought and it comes through the overlooked virtue of endurance.”

During the homily Nesta also teased Youngblood and talked about a story she tells of the early days when in the 1980s she worked with a rector she did not like and wanted to leave. Her husband told her, “you know you can outlast him.” Nesta added, “she really took that to heart, didn’t she?” Nesta also said he remembers those words often after long nights working together on music programming “it’s almost as if she mutters under her breath, ‘I can outlast this one too,’” he joked.

Youngblood’s longevity in the parish is generational with parishioners telling her that she played at their wedding and their daughter’s wedding. “That is such a privilege.” So what comes next after these 50 years? “It’s been longer than most and for that I’ve been grateful,” Youngblood said. And I’m not leaving.”

Visitation: St. James in Dallas

Mon, 11 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Bishop Rob Price visited St. James Episcopal Church Dallas on Sunday where in addition to the celebration of the Lord's Day, the congregation celebrated baptism, confirmation, and two first communions.

Appropriate to these pastoral celebrations, Bishop Price preached a moving sermon on Christian identity, its primacy in the lives of the faithful, and the new possibilities opened to the faithful in Jesus.

St. James celebrated their 70th anniversary earlier this year and continues to grow as a vibrant faith community in the Lake Highlands and East Dallas neighborhood. Love of God and love of neighbor find daily expression through chapel services and Godly Play in both the church and Montessori school communities. Each summer, St. James embarks on "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," a series of excursions out into the larger community, to seek and partner alongside organizations working for a more beautiful Dallas. This year, they are headed to Bridge Builders, Dallas' Big Spring, and the Stewpot. Previous visits and continuing partners include Gateway of Grace, Austin Street Center, White Rock Center of Hope, and Our Savior Community Garden. In the fall, St. James will host its annual Pumpkin Patch for the 29th year. Through the years, the Patch has become a hub of community connection with neighbors and strangers.

In and through their life together, St. James prays to be a community open to and thankful for the new things God is doing in and through the People of God in this place.

The Diocese loves St. James and thanks them for their wonderful witness to one another and their community.

Special recognition to the wonderful photographer, Annie Melton, age 16 and a junior at Hillcrest High School, who generously provided the photos.

Visitation: Church of the Ascension in Dallas

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Bishop Rob Price visited the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Dallas on Sunday where he confirmed eight youth.

This church was full of children on Sunday morning with several serving in the acolyte corps. Many of them chatted with the bishop after the service before running off to other activities. Both youth and adults asked the bishop questions about his pontificalia and he was happy to provide the history and meaning.

During the service members of this parish were enthusiastic about their new bishop, applauded him twice and provided a huge reception of wonderful food and community. Cookies, cake and a catered buffet of rice, vegetables fish and beef filled the parish hall as folks gathered, ate and visited with the bishop and one another.

“I was moved by the welcome I received and the joy I experienced at Ascension,” Bishop Price said. “Their service music was especially impressive, with a full choir and gifted organist. Even more winsome was the engagement and friendliness of the parish, children and youth confirmands. I am grateful for Father Oliver Butler’s stewardship of the parish during the interim period, and look forward to Ascension's flourishing with Mother Rebecca Tankersley’s leadership.”

This church is abuzz with mission work, evangelism and all good things. While these believers want the world to know about Jesus, they are also passionate about making sure people have the physical sustenance of life - food and water. They routinely provide water for the neighborhood Sand Branch in Dallas County where there is no potable water. They raise money, haul heavy cases of water and build relationships in that community that has been long neglected and marginalized.

The parish also grows a garden where some of the proceeds go to the parish food pantry. On Sunday it was full of vegetables and herbs. The garden recently provided leafy greens to the bags of food given away to those in need. The church also purchases from wholesale dealers with parish funds, and procures more items from regional charity sources. This food ministry is operated with love by volunteers including Janice Truitt who said it changed her life. She started volunteering to run the ministry two years ago. "All people need love," she said. "This is what I could do to help others." Truitt and her husband lost their son a few years ago and were going to church while grieving their loss. Two years ago she thought she was finally in a place to help others. "For my husband and I, it gave us great purpose," Truitt said. "It increased our own meaning of life, and it brought healing."

There is not shortage of wonderful stories and ministries at this parish. These followers of Christ love others with their whole hearts and live that out daily. The Diocese is grateful for all of the spiritual gifts they bring to each other and their community.

Visitation: St. Philip's in Frisco

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Bishop Rob Price visited St. Philip's in Frisco on Sunday where he confirmed nine people, received another into the Church, and prayed over a newly baptized baby. He gave the homily at two services and met with the vestry.

The parish marks its anniversary each year with an outreach project to serve the local community. On Sunday, the church celebrated 24 years of ministry by packing125 donated backpacks with needed school supplies. Working with a ministry partner, Cornerstone Assistance Network of North Central Texas, these backpacks will reach high school students in the community to prepare them for the upcoming school year.

Music is big at St. Philip's and the parish is blessed to have music director Scott Rudes who leads the music ministry in a blended style of worship. On most Sunday's parishioners can praise the Lord through traditional hymns as well as more modern praise and worship music. This is all led by a 7-person vocal team and band. The adult choir sings at both services on the fourth Sunday of the month and offers a more traditional style of music.

Rudes is a former principal at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas and brings a high level of expertise and passion to his music ministry at St. Philip's. He began accompanying services on the piano at church when he was 13, and shortly after that began studies in the organ. "God has always provided me with a strong calling to music," Rudes said. "From age 5, I sang in the choir and started my studies in piano. It was the Church that afforded me the first opportunities for music leadership."

There are plenty of strong leaders at St. Philip's including Keleigh Linebrink who has a passion for youth and the meaningful programming that helps them grow. At St. Phillip's she brought back the youth program Happening which is aimed at renewing the Church in the power of the Holy Spirit, and making it easier for young people to respond to its call, and to spread the Kingdom of God. Happening was active in the diocese for many years but had taken a hiatus prior to the pandemic. When Linebrink brought back the programming to her church, she made it open to the entire diocese and is currently helping to plan another one this year. It's put on by teenagers with adult supervision. Her Children also went through Happening and loved it and are now helping to plan the next one. Linebrink said she too went through the program as a teen and it changed her life. Now she wants to help others have the same experience. "I want to pour into the kids the way I was poured into," Linebrink said.

Other leadership news at the parish includes a bittersweet transition as their beloved Rector, the Rev. Canon Michael Gilton, retires and longtime priest at the church, the Rev. Clayton Elder takes on the role. Please pray for the parish, Gilton, Elder and their families during this time of change.

This parish loves service and mission, and is a gift to their community and the diocese. Good things are happening there.

Visitation St. Peter's in McKinney

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Bishop Rob Price visited St. Peter's in McKinney on Sunday where he confirmed 13 confirmands and received one. The church brought a lot of folks through the doors with two morning services, both full, one more than the other. Perhaps the fruit of theSpirit from their robust service work is keeping the pews packed and the church vibrant. Even as you read this, these believers are volunteering in all capacities at thecity's flagship fundraiser, Empty Bowls: Fighting Hunger One Bowl at a Time. St. Peter's has provided more than 100 volunteers and over $80,000 to the cause annually each year in the last three or four years. However, with great love and devotion served as its hands and feet since the fundraiser started 15 years ago.

The parish is also celebrating its 150th anniversary with a year-long celebration, Connected in Christ. "They have brought guests to the parish in honor of this milestone. "We've enjoyed fascinating speakers who told us about McKinney's history and our own long history of service to the community," said the Rev. Katherine Heitmann, priest in charge. "Bishop Jim Stanton entertained us with stories of Bishop Alexander Garrett and his coming out to McKinney and planting St. Peter's in 1876. This summer we will perform 100 hours of service with our neighbors near and far. We will wrap up this special year with a church-wide event in the fall."

This church also provides mentors, tutors, and reading group leaders to Burks Elementary. This is a Title I school and about 80 percent of students speak English as their second language. This partnership results in lasting friendships, and lifelong commitment to serving others, Heitmann, said.

St. Peter's has long been known throughout the Diocese as a church that raises up leaders. For them, that starts with youth. This year St. Peter's elementary aged children went on a mission trip to Oklahoma, and older youth are traveling to South Dakota to serve. "This form of outreach provides our children and youth the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, foster personal growth and maturity through hands-on service. Additionally, St. Peter's will host our annual VBS, where many from our local community will come to learn, explore and witness God's love for them," Heitmann said. "These experiences cultivate empathy, strengthen faith, and build lasting friendships, often inspiring a lifelong commitment to serving others."

Speaking of leadership, the Rev. Barbara Kelton serves as a volunteer at St Peter's, and brings with her more than 40 years of experience in ministry. She currently focuses on pastoral care and spiritual formation. Notably, Kelton is the first woman ordained in thediocese to have gone through the entire discernment process here. She worked in several ministries including at Transfiguration, St. Philip's in Sulphur Springs, and for the dioceseas chaplain to students at several colleges in the region. She keeps office hours at St. Peter's for holy conversations, confession and other needs.

Leadership in the Church also means the music program. With great excitement, thechurch recently hired renowned musician Scott Dettra as Director of Music. Many may know Dettra during his decade long service to Incarnation. Acclaimed as one of America's leading concert organists, he came to Dallas from Washington National Cathedral, where he was Organist and Associate Director of Music. In addition to serving at St. Peter's, he appears nationally as an organ recitalist and ragtime pianist, and produces the podcast, The Daily Office Chanted, which presents daily Morning and Evening Prayer sung to plainsong settings from The Hymnal 1982 and The Plainsong Psalter. The Daily Office Chanted can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all over major podcast platforms. This follower of Christ discerned a call to music ministry at an early age, and held his first church organist position when he was 13.

From clergy, and ministers over youth, mission and music -- the leadership bench at this church is deep, What a delight and blessing St. Peter's is to its community, the dioceseand the greater Church.