Hi. I am Adrian Peterson, mother of 2 children, and wife of Eddie Peterson, Jr. I am a cradle Episcopalian and attended the Historic Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd during my childhood. When my husband and I moved to Texas, I sought out another Episcopal church and a local physician told me about St. Simon of Cyrene. My family attended St. Simon until our local “Great Schism” occurred.
As I could no longer attend St. Simon, I decided to search for a church closer to where I lived. I visited a few, but when I visited St. Martin-in-the-Fields, my daughter Dana fell in love. She was so excited about her Sunday school experience. I remember her excitedly telling me that she had gone to “Social Justice Sunday School!” As the daughter of a Civil Rights foot soldier, I had to inquire about that. Dana, age 10 at the time, explained to me the Sunday school class talked about helping other people, providing food to the hungry, clothing and sheltering the poor, etc. I liked what she told me. Dana told me she wanted to go back to Sunday school at St. Martin’s, and as the saying goes, “The rest is history.”
I have been so impressed with the love and kindness shown to my family at St. Martin’s. As many are aware, I have a son on the severe end of the autism spectrum, who is still welcomed into church and Sunday school each week. I have attended the Bible Study between services in the past and mostly am involved in the Spiritual Awareness group.
St. Martin’s has given so much in terms of love and support toward my family, so I feel compelled to contribute to it financially. I genuinely hope you feel the same and will give what you can monetarily to the church. I understand during the current times with COVID-19 spreading, many people are experiencing difficulties: loved ones falling ill, loss of employment, school and work from home, etc. All of which means there are even greater needs and demands for St. Martin-in-the-Fields to meet.
It seems like the worst time to ask people to give, but St. Martin’s continues to need funds to operate and grow. Tithing allows the church to plan for the future. Having an idea of what income to expect allows the church to not just maintain, but possibly to expand outreach into the community. Thus, I ask if you are able, please tithe; and if possible, even consider increasing the amount you tithe.
Tithing is a generous act that grows out of love, for which the benefits are often tangible and intangible. Please try it and commit to giving what you can to St. Martin-in-the-Fields.
A little bit about Adrian Peterson
I am Adrian Peterson, a wife, mother of 2 children, and homemaker. I spent the majority of my childhood in Mobile, AL. I left Mobile to attend Florida A&M University (FAMU) and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. I also attended Florida State University, where I earned a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Studies. I met my husband, Eddie Peterson, Jr. at FAMU, and we celebrated 25 years of marriage on August 19.
Stewardship Minute – Adrian Peterson
