We are excited to announce our Easter series "50 Faces of the Cathedral." During the Great 50 Days we will feature a different individual or family from the Cathedral on social media. Each day’s post will also be shared here.

Everyone will answer the question "What does Easter mean to you?" as well as other questions to help us get to know one another better. Some faces will be new, others familiar and we hope this helps us all feel more connected.

Day 40: Marilyn Hobbs

Year I joined St. Peter's: 1980s, left, and came back in 2011.
What Easter means to me: Lent is increasingly spiritually dark for me and Holy Week is emotionally wrenching. Easter Vigil and Day are the sun bursting through the clouds to me!
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: I enjoy watching most sports, attend grandkids' games, play tennis, explore the woods in NC, be lazy on the beach, cooking and eating! I'll also willingly do fund-raising walks but will not jog for love nor money.
I love the Cathedral because: It is home. I almost always come away feeling refreshed and at peace. The Cathedral is also a mother to the community in many ways - buoying its hopes and filling its needs - and I am a mother so I like that feeling. I am proud of our Cathedral, its message, and all it does!
How I'm involved: I help out with the front desk, file the choir music, and sing in the choir.

Day 39: Tim Lanz

Year I joined St. Peter's: 1997
What Easter means to me: It is a time of rebirth at Easter. I was received at the Easter Vigil service in 2011. I felt a belonging that I had not felt before.
My favorite hymn is: Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee
I love the Cathedral because: The inclusivity of the church and the number of close friends we have established is one of the many things that I love about the Cathedral.
Here's how I'm involved: Treasurer, Eucharistic Minister, and former Usher head.
My favorite hidden gem in St. Pete: St. Pete Wellness Med Spa

Day 38: David Schenck

Year I joined St. Peter's: Officially, 2022 - that's when my wife, Mary Jane, and I finally got around to asking Michelle for a Letter of Transfer from St. John's, Tampa! We had been attending St. Peter's regularly since moving to St. Petersburg in 2019.
What Easter means to me: The meaning of Easter has seemed to become clearer with the aging process, a process which has included a number of significant and related activities. As I look forward to my 80s in a few months, I would say that Easter means: (1) the primary reason I am a Christian; (2) Easter represents rebirth, renewal, and hope; and (3) Easter is powerfully symbolic of God's love.
My favorite hymn is: Let all mortal flesh keep silence (324)
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Photography, especially water birds and animals in the wild.
I love the Cathedral because: The Cathedral is perhaps the most open, inviting, inclusive, and welcoming Episcopal parish I have ever experienced in my life.
Here's how I'm involved: I regularly attend the Thursday morning Men's Bible Study.

Day 37: Mark Myers

Day 36: Laurel Green

Year I joined St. Peter’s: 2013
What Easter means to me: Being saved, despite my humanity.
My favorite hymn is: Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Volunteer at the health center, go to the opera and orchestra.
I love the Cathedral because: It’s the answer to my prayers - a wonderful family!
Here’s how I’m involved: I’m a reader

Day 35: William “Bill” Cross

Day 34: Betsy Adams

Year I joined St. Peter's: 1976-1979, then 2006 to present!
What does Easter mean to me: Pure joy. For me, Easter is what everything we are and do is all about. Easter represents the love and grace of God who never gives up on us. In the death and resurrection of Jesus is the promise for reconciliation with God. We have a way home.
My favorite hymn is: Be thou my vision (488)
I love the Cathedral because: It is my spiritual home. I love the quiet beauty of the church building. I love that I am allowed and encouraged to express my love for God and the work He calls me to within the church. Most of all, I love my fellow travelers along the way and give thanks that God has caused our paths to cross.
Here's how I'm involved: My current passion is in the area of social justice. I have been an active member of Becoming Beloved Community. I am also passionate about children in the church and recently enjoyed 5 years of leading Messy Church. I'm also an active participant in Tuesday evening Bible Study with Canon Ethan.
My favorite hidden gem in St. Pete: Sacred Lands Preservation Tocobaga Indian Mound site.

Day 33: Courtney Erickson

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2021
What Easter means to me: New beginnings and the gift of believing in something you can't see. The gift of faith and hope.
My favorite hymn is: Amazing Grace (671)
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Read, paddleboard, spend time with my friends, and now that my kids are getting to the age where we can travel a little bit more - plan fun family adventures! We are going to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in June.
I love the Cathedral because: It is a grounded, intentionally welcoming community that is also not afraid to question.
Here's how we're involved: My kids (Elin, 6; Celia, 9; and Aksel, 11) participate in Family Ministry programs. I try to participate in volunteer activities as I can.

Day 32: Jonathan Soots

Year I joined the Cathedral: 2018
What Easter means to me: Easter means rebirth and awakening. We must awaken and be transformed by a diverse mind renewal. We must allow ourselves to be empowered with the love of God. We must embrace communities hurting the most. We must listen, be humble, be kind, and be honest. Easter is the hunt for more honesty within and outside of ourselves.
My favorite hymn is: Come thou fount of every blessing (686)
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: I enjoy playing tennis, volunteering for political initiatives, and teaching. I also enjoy organizing events and planning. My organizations include Advantage Tampa Bay, TIGLFF, and St. Aelred's (at the Cathedral).
I love the Cathedral because: We are an inclusive, diverse body of believers who serve the greater good of the community. We actually give back to and welcome the most vulnerable. I have seen our leadership walk the walk as well as talk the talk.
Here's how I'm involved: Currently, I serve as an usher and have served since 2019. I am also active in St. Aelred's.

Day 31: Scott Strader and Laurence Roberts

Years we joined St. Peter's: We both joined in 2013. Laurence was confirmed in 2015 and Scott was confirmed in 2018.
What Easter means to us: Forgiveness, new life, and renewal.
Our favorite hymns are: For all the saints (287), God of grace and God of glory (594), and Be thou my vision (488) - we couldn't limit to just one!
Something we like to do outside of the Cathedral: See live theater
We love the Cathedral because: Great preaching, great music, and great people!
Here's how we're involved: Flower Guild during Christmas, and Sacred Ground

Day 30: Rebecca Wain and Scott Nye

Year we joined St. Peter's: 2021
What Easter means to us: It's a time of celebration, renewal, hope, and deepening of our faith.
Our favorite hymn: There are so many we like, but Amazing Grace is a go-to.
Something we like to do outside of the Cathedral: Walk the beach, watch the ocean sunsets, and spend time with our children in their different endeavors.
We love the Cathedral because: It offers so many opportunities for social and spiritual interaction for all members of our family.
Here's how we're involved: We attend services in person and on-line weekly. Our son attends EYC and our daughter attends the 20s/40s group. We also make a point of giving to the monthly community outreach. Hopefully we can find a house closer to the church so we can become more involved in activities, like Bible study and volunteer opportunities.

Day 29: Jennifer Preston

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2017
What Easter means to me: Easter means we don't have to be afraid of dying. Easter was the last holiday I spent with my mother before her passing so it reminds me that we need to participate in life all of the time, and in that life we need to love every day.
My favorite hymn is: Amazing Grace (671)
I love the Cathedral because: It is a breath of fresh air to all who are involved and are soon to be involved.
Here's how I'm involved: I'm a member of the Chapter and I'm happy to help with other areas when needed, especially with EYC.
My favorite hidden gem in St. Pete: The peacocks in the Jungle Prada neighborhood.

Day 28: Penny Roen

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2017
What Easter means to me: Joy, peace, completion. Easter gives me the same feeling that I get at the end of a long, arduous trip.
My favorite hymn is: I am the bread of life (335)
I love the Cathedral because: Of the kindness, friendliness, and generosity of the people. And, the preaching, music, and flowers - those shouldn't be dismissed!
Here's how I'm involved: I chair the Outreach Committee.
My favorite hidden gem in St. Pete: The palm garden near North Shore Pool.

Day 27: Richard Jordan

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2021
What Easter means to me: Through the whole year, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
My favorite hymn is: Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing (344)
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: As Dean of United Nations Non-governmental representatives for 8,500+ days, sharing my knowledge of international negotiations with as many persons as I can.
I love the Cathedral because: I can participate in both the 8am and the 10:15am services and hear the sermon twice!
Here's how I'm involved: Online Bible studies and participating in the 9am Formation Hour on Sundays in Harvard Hall.

Day 26: Michelle Thomas

Year I joined St. Peter's: Officially, 2019. Unofficially, 2009!
What Easter means to me: Easter is a grand celebration of God's goodness and lovingkindness. Easter Day itself is also a wonderful culmination of all the hard work everyone has done throughout Lent and Holy Week in order to bring the joy of Easter to all who come to the Cathedral for the Glory of God.
My favorite hymn: I have some favorite texts and some favorite tunes, and sometimes they line up! You can always find me crying when we sing Jerusalem, my happy home (620) or King of glory, King of peace (382). If you find me on a Sunday morning, I probably have a fun fact about a hymn or anthem Dwight has programmed!
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Right now, free time is mostly spent preparing for the arrival of our little one, but I will always enjoy spending time with friends, lounging in the pool, or checking out a local brewery.
I love the Cathedral because: It's simply the best. The most gorgeous space, the most beautiful music, the most reverent liturgy, and the most loving people. I can't think of a better place to work and worship.

Day 25: Betty “BJ” Scarborough

Year I joined St. Peter's: Late 1960s
What Easter means to me: Every Easter, beginning with Maundy Thursday, is a reminder to me of His sacrifice and the suffering He endured so that I might have eternal life. Easter Day is the fulfillment of that promise and I am so thankful that each and every day I carry that promise in my heart and soul!
My favorite hymn is: He Is Risen (180)
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Watch the Rays, be with friends, play with Finnegan, read, be with family on Saturday nights, putter around the house and yard, eat out, and travel with Roberta.
I love the Cathedral because: The Cathedral is my sanctuary - the place where my brothers and sisters in Christ come to worship, the beautiful services and many opportunities to serve the community and each other. That we welcome all who walk through our doors, where we truly believe that God is love! The place that, when I walk in, I'm home!
Here's how I'm involved: I'm a verger, lector, coffee hour host, and I volunteer with other projects when needed.

Day 24: Jonathan Miller

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2018
What Easter means to me: God's promise fulfilled.
My favorite hymn is: How Great Thou Art
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: I enjoy going to the park with my two children, Olivia (4) and Aiden (1)
I love the Cathedral because: The Cathedral shares the message of a loving God based on a biblical teaching and theology.
Here's how I'm involved: I'm a member of the Chapter.

Day 23: Dwight Thomas

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2009
What Easter means to me: That Love triumphs over death.
My favorite hymn: I have daily, wild, mood-swing changes in my favorite hymn choices.
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Wandering around cemeteries (no, really) and eating really good chips and salsa.
I love the Cathedral because: This congregation really loves to sing!
My favorite hidden gem in St. Pete: Seriously Strong Personal Training

Day 22: Cole Naylor

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2019
What Easter means to me: Easter is a time to rejoice and spend time with friends and family.
My favorite hymn is: The Schubert Sanctus that's in the hymnal (#S130)
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: I love to explore the outdoors, whether it be kayaking, hiking, or going to local botanical gardens.
I love the Cathedral because: It is a place where I can come to relax and appreciate the history of the Cathedral and the traditions of the Episcopal Church.
Here's how I'm involved: I'm an usher and an acolyte!
My favorite hidden gem in St. Pete: Clam Bayou. I go kayaking and see all kinds of wildlife.

Day 21: Ginny Rowell

Year I joined St. Peter's: 1944
What Easter means to me: New birth and beginnings - the realization that someone cared enough for us to die for us.
My favorite hymn is: Joy to the World (#100)
I love the Cathedral because: The music and Christian Education are outstanding. The sense of community and caring are so valuable in knowing God and making Him known to and in the larger community.
Here's how I'm involved: Chairman of the Board of Peterborough Apartments, and a member of the Outreach Committee.
My favorite hidden gem in St. Pete: The view from the tower at the Vinoy Hotel.

Day 20: Roberta Poellein

Year I joined St. Peter's: 1955
What Easter means to me: Joy, Resurrection, Fabulous Music, and the end of Lent!
My favorite hymn is: Christ is made the sure foundation (#518)
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Meeting with friends on Monday and Wednesdays - something that started during Covid.
I love the Cathedral because: It is my spiritual ground, and has been for a very long time.

Day 19: Chelsea Underwood

Year I joined the Cathedral: 2021

What Easter means to me: I appreciate the emotional journey going from deep reverence toward Good Friday, and then the explosion of celebration and gratitude over Easter morning.

Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: We are big on parks! Theme parks, nature parks, playgrounds, and any place we can connect to people or nature.

I love the Cathedral because: of the Children's Ministry programs! The Cathedral has seamlessly connected the church's messaging to kids.

Here's how I'm involved: I'm getting more involved in children's activities.

Day 18: Rita Sewell

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2020
What Easter means to me: The promise of God's eternal love of the creation through Christ.
My favorite hymn is: O Sacred Head Now Wounded (#168)
I love the Cathedral because: Sunday worship gives me a sense of the divine presence of God.
Here's how I'm involved: Parish Nurse, Resurrection House, Thrivent Action Team coordinator, and an alternate Usher.
My favorite hidden gem in St. Pete: Bayboro Harbor at dawn.

Day 17: Connie Phillips

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2010
What Easter means to me: A spiritual renewal of my faith and a reminder to be thankful for all my blessings!
My favorite hymn is: Joyful, joyful, we adore thee (#376)
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Read and spend time with my friends and family.
I love the Cathedral because: It supports me in everything I do.
Here's how I'm involved: I'm a front desk volunteer and I help with the music library.

Day 16: Rick Knight

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2018
What Easter means to me: Easter is a special time for recollection and reconnection for me. Although I am reminded every Sunday of the significance of Easter, I am especially reminded during Holy Week through the music and scripture lessons of the reason we are called to be Christians.
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: I like to spend time with my family - James, Dustin, and Caleb. Whether it be at home, a trip to the mall, maybe the zoo, aquarium, a museum, or a meal out at a local restaurant. On occasion we have art outings where the boys get to exercise their interests in photography and drawing.
I love the Cathedral because: The Cathedral is a place of comfort and peace for me. Every time I enter the Cathedral it feels like coming home; the sanctuary is my hug.
My favorite hidden gem in St. Pete: Sweet Divas Chocolates

Day 15: Marilyn Vengroff

The year I joined St. Peter's: 2018
What Easter means to me: Renewal and Forgiveness
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Read, cook, and spend time with my family.
I love the Cathedral because: It's a welcoming an accepting place. The Cathedral also provides fun and meaningful fellowship for children.
My favorite hidden gem: My boot camp class at North Shore Park. It's a tough work out with supportive trainers and participants!

Day 14: Cheryl Saut

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2019
What Easter means to me: Easter is celebrating God's love for me by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for my sins. I look forward to thanking him in person!
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: I love being involved with my family and friends. Being a big part of my grandchildren's lives is a blessing.
I love the Cathedral because: The people are warm and friendly. I felt so welcomed when I started attending.
Here's how I'm involved: I have recently joined the Usher team. I enjoy meeting and greeting the members of our church and helping during the services.

Day 13: Emma (Harris) Zarate

Year I joined St. Peter’s: 2021
What Easter means to me: It’s the perfect symbol of hope.
My favorite hymn is: “Come thou Fount (#686),” and any and all chants!
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Cross-stitching, going to concerts, and currently learning how to DJ and rollerskate.
I love the Cathedral because: The history, the people, the music, and the architecture.
My favorite hidden gem in St. Pete: “Dracula’s Legacy,” a Dracula-themed wine bar downtown.

Day 12: Payson Adams

Year I joined St. Peter’s: 2021

What Easter means to me: Die Auferstehung! (The Resurrection!)

My favorite hymn is: Lift High the Cross (#473)

Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Spend time with my grandson, Bruno Adams

I love the Cathedral because: I love to take communion with my grandson

My favorite hidden gem in St. Pete: The Sunset Grill

Day 11: Karen Amundrud

The year I joined St. Peter's: 1967
What Easter means to me: Easter is a joyous celebration of Christ loving us enough to endure death and the grave for us, and rising to new life so that we may have life everlasting.
My favorite hymn is: O For a Thousand Tongues (#493)
I love the Cathedral because: The liturgy of the church is what convinced me I wanted to be an Episcopalian. At St. Peter's, I have found a community of like-minded people who have loved and supported me over the years. They have been my friends, coworkers, and extended family.
Here's how I'm involved: Outreach, Choir, Office Volunteer, and Lazarus Guild.
My favorite hidden gem in St. Pete is: Abercrombie Park

Day 10: Johnny Van Heest

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2021

What Easter means to me: Easter is a postbellum celebration; an interval when we can truly celebrate victory over death and sin itself, and laud in the knowledge that eternal life awaits those who believe in Him. Easter tells me that we are exhorted to live by the power of Jesus' resurrection and newness of life by the Holy Spirit living in us.

My favorite hymn is: Eternal Father, Strong to Save (#608)

Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Aside from entertaining my super energetic hound Henry, I love volunteering and getting out into the community any way possible - Habitat for Humanity, Beach Cleanups, English-as-a-Second-Language Tutor, a community arts org in Northern Maine, you name it. I like being active and hopefully doing a wee bit of good in the community when I can.

I love the Cathedral because: From the moment I walked into The Cathedral in 2021, I felt an incredible sense of belonging. In a mere matter of weeks, I had met new friends and have come to recognize so many familiar faces. It truly is my spiritual home.

Here's how I'm involved: I'm an usher, Bible Study student, and I made my stage debut in playing the role of the Angel Gabriel during the 2021 Christmas Pageant!

Day 9: Randy Ramsey

Day 8: Doug Hansen

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2021
What Easter means to me: Victory over sin and death by the shedding of blood (Good Friday) and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
My favorite hymn is: O God our help in ages past
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Baseball! I'm a big Rays fan. I also enjoy walking.
I love the Cathedral because: The 10:15 worship service, featuring the pipe organ, the beautiful liturgy, and the Holy Eucharist. I've also met some very wonderful people and clergy!
Here's how I'm involved at the Cathedral: I'm a verger, lector, and a member of St. Aelred's.

Day 7: Diana Arnold

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2021
What Easter means to me: Jesus conquered death, and now I can truly live.
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Beach time with the dogs.
I love the Cathedral because: It is a place of reverence and awe for the Lord.
Here's how I'm involved: I do work with Benison Farm.
My favorite hidden gem in St. Pete: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve!

Day 6: Allison Chandler

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2021
What Easter means to me: Rebirth and renewal.
What I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Run, read, cook, and spend time with my friends and family.
I love the Cathedral because: The progressive teachings, active leaders, and beautiful facilities.
Here's how I'm involved: I support the Youth Ministry (EYC) by volunteering and providing meals.
My favorite hidden gem in St. Petersburg: Featherlight Bakery!

Day 5: Ellie Curtis

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2012
What Easter means to me: Spending time with family... and Easter egg hunts!
What I like to do outside of the Cathedral: I love to draw and bake.
I love the Cathedral because: I've grown up there, and all the people are so kind and accepting even when I'm struggling.
Here's how I'm involved: EYC, acolytes, and I'm a stand-in usher!
My favorite hidden gem is: The incense patio inside St. Peter's, and there's always butterscotch in the sacristy.

Day 4: Cynthia Garrels

When I joined St. Peter's: Originally 1980, but then I was away for many years. I've officially been back as a snowbird since 2004.
What Easter means to me: The fulfillment of God's participation in human life.
My favorite hymn: There are too many to choose just one, but #287 (For All the Saints) is among the top 5!
I love the Cathedral because: We are a community of people who support each other and clergy who encourage our initiatives.
Here's how I'm involved: Becoming Beloved Community, Outreach, St. Veronica's Guild, and Reader.
My favorite hidden gem in St. Pete: There is a drainage ditch north of the Coffee Pot boat launch where lots and lots of turtles gather. It's fascinating to watch!

Day 3: Dana Green

Year I joined St. Peter's: 2021
What does Easter mean to me? Easter means reawakening. A new beginning surrounded by the love and light of God.
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Travel and theater.
I love the Cathedral because: It is a true welcoming community that reminds me of my church family in NJ.
How I'm involved at the Cathedral: Right now I'm attending Sunday services whenever I'm in town, but I hope to soon be involved with Faith Community Nursing.
My favorite hidden gem in St. Petersburg: Freefall Theater on Central Avenue.

Day 2: Tallulah Taylor

Year I joined St. Peter’s: 2014
What does Easter mean to me? A time for renewal.
My favorite hymn is: Breathe on me, Breath of God.
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: Play pickleball and line dance!
I love the Cathedral because: We are friendly and inclusive, and we have fabulous clergy!
How I’m involved at the Cathedral: I’m an usher and in St. Veronica’s Guild. I also used to be in the choir.

Day 1: Chloe (Strickland) Gaddis

Year I joined St. Peter’s: 2020
What does Easter mean to me? A new hope! Restoration. That Jesus has conquered death and that God fulfills all His promises, in His own perfect time. I believe that one cannot fully comprehend the gift that is Jesus, until one fully understands his death. It is a day of celebration and happiness.
My favorite hymn is: “It is Well,” “Jesus Paid it All,” and “Come Thou Fount” are a few of my favorites!
Something I like to do outside of the Cathedral: I love spending time outside and spending time with my family and my dog! I love the beach and also enjoy reading books and listening to podcasts.
I love the Cathedral because: Of the people! Though one can’t deny it is also a beautiful building, but the people and fellowship is really where it’s at.