May 2009


Dear Friends in Christ,

On behalf of the Wardens and Vestry of St. Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church, with great joy and humble gratitude for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we announce that with the approval and blessing of the Bishop of Long Island, the Reverend David F. Sellery has been elected and accepted the call to be our 12th Rector.

For twenty-seven months Father Sellery has served as our Priest-in-Charge. We have worshipped together for over two years. We have met and planned; ministered and served; celebrated and mourned; prayed and confided, studied and evaluated. He has gotten to know and love the Parish. We have gotten to know and love him.

After this extended period of observation and reflection, the Vestry met several times in special session to consider our choice. We sought the advice of a wide range of parishioners, particularly those with leadership experience in our many ministries. By unanimous vote it was agreed that Father Sellery’s call be submitted to the Bishop for his approval.

St. Peter’s is a vibrant faith community with a magnificent heritage and a bright future. Father Sellery brings us tremendous energy and enthusiasm. He is particularly dedicated to pastoral service for the sick and bereaved. And while he has bonded well with our long-time faithful parishioners, his work with young families is particularly promising.

Please join us in giving Father Sellery your joyful and prayerful support as we go forward in our mutual ministry of loving God and serving our neighbors. The plans for the institution of our new Rector are still being worked out. We look forward to a date in late September in order to allow for the proper arrangements.

Yours faithfully,

Susan Peverley, Senior Warden
Marc Johnston, Junior Warden


For more information visit us at: www.stpetersbayshore.org