Michael Weaver
Michael Weaver
Michael Weaver grew up in Harrisonville and grew grateful for that, as he learned about life far away. “You couldn’t be luckier than to grow up in the middle of the United States of America, in the middle of the 20th century,” he said.
After 25 years on Madison Avenue, Michael began to return to town to work on restoring his family’s home here. Consulting and theater take Michael back to the east coast, and both his sons make their careers in Los Angeles, so he comes and goes. But Michael woke up one morning in 1997 realizing that this is home, and he’s doing his best to make that come true.
Bob & Glynda Thoms
Bob & Glynda Thoms
“For us the deciding factor for choosing St. Peter’s was the way our family was welcomed by the people of the Parish.” Bob & Glynda Thoms considered getting by without joining a church, when the one they were attending closed, many years ago. With their young daughter still at home then, they thought it best to belong somewhere.
The practical reasons behind choosing St. Peter’s, for Bob & Glynda, included our size and location. “The more emotional factors were the dignity of the Service and the sincerity and friendliness of the fine people we met at St. Peter’s,” they said.
“What we enjoy most is the interaction with the people of St. Peter’s, Bob & Glynda told us. “Sunday Service, coffee hour, participation in activities and even Vestry. Probably these are the things that enrich us the most.
“We think that St. Peter’s, and the Episcopal Church as a whole, offers us and others the opportunity to participate in the journey offered by Christ, and do so in a way that is not opposed to science and reason.” For Bob & Glynda, this made St. Peter’s a kind of “find,” for which they’re grateful. “What we look forward to, is a future for St. Peter’s,” they said.
Dale & Sandy Franklin
Dale & Sandy Franklin
Dale’s and Sandy’s unforgettable experiences at St. Peter’s include their own wedding, St. Peter’s 125th Anniversary celebration, and a host of outreach occasions, such as pancake suppers and gumbo dinners. “We have had some lively and interesting Bible studies as well,” Sandy said.
In fact, continuing to learn religious history and tradition in new and different perspectives, they said, is one of the things that most interests Sandy and Dale. St. Peter’s was filled with families, and people of all ages when Dale and Sandy joined us. “The size, the charm, and the friendliness attracted us,” they recall.
“Carrying on the rich history of our church, with people who cherish and respect our religious traditions is something we look forward to,” Sandy said. “We like the hominess, and the friendly, small-town feeling.”
Saragay & Charles Hight
Saragay & Charles Hight
Saragay and Charles Hight were members of the Disciples of Christ Church until the friendship and influence of a St. Peter’s Rector, Fr. Brian Packer, brought them here. While Saragay had sampled various churches when she moved to Harrisonville in 1969, Charles was all but born into St. Peter’s, because his grandparents lived next door. In fact, their stately home, Spencer Hall has been for generations the parish house and activity center for St. Peter’s. Nevertheless, Charles began attending the Episcopal Church only later, as a student at the University of Missouri.
The beauty of St. Peter’s building itself, and the tradition that echoes from our prayer book are the things Saragay and Charles say they couldn’t find anywhere else. “The friendships offered here, and the social activities are what we enjoy most,” Saragay said. Favorite memories here include their wedding, and the christening of their son.
The future, though, is their focus. “We look forward to the calling of a full-time Rector and the growth of St. Peter’s in Harrisonville and Cass County,” they said.
Sharon Erwin
Sharon Erwin
You might say that St. Peter’s “curb appeal,” followed by some careful research and even comparison shopping brought Sharon to us.
“I searched the Internet after driving by. I was searching for a church that would feel familiar to me,” Sharon told us. The just-right size and graceful architecture of St. Peter’s historic building called out to Sharon. Then she did her homework.
“I visited around to other churches, and they seemed to miss something. After visiting St. Peter’s, I felt at home,” Sharon said. “I liked the liturgical format based on the gospels.”
Among the pros and cons that Sharon weighed in choosing her church was, “Are the people friendly and welcoming?” Sharon’s emphatic answer is, “They are.”
During the pandemic precautions of 2020, Sharon was among the members who masked-up and showed up, even as we shared our Sunday services with others mainly on the Internet. Her reassuring presence will be remembered gratefully.
“I look forward to St. Peter’s growing its congregation in the Harrisonville area,” Sharon told us. We are so glad that Sharon came, and stayed.
