new home, but a new family. In the past 3 months I’ve enjoyed getting to know many of you. If we haven’t yet sat down over a cup of tea or coffee, please drop me a line or send me an e-mail. Let’s get to know one another! Now that I’ve told you my story, I’d like to hear yours.

With God’s Love,

- James

MORE ABOUT JAMES

To get to know James more, we asked him a few questions and received the following answers from James which were read to the congregation when Bishop Rickel approved his appointment as Deacon Administrator.

What is your name?

My name is James Lawrence Thibodeaux. “James” is a family name. I am the third generation to bear it, but all three of us were given different middle names, so I am not “the third”.

“Thibodeaux” is a French-Cajun name common in the Louisiana bayous. My family emigrated from Louisiana to California four generations ago.

What do you go by? How do you like to be addressed?

I introduce myself as “James,” but you will hear family and friends use both “James” and “Jim.” I answer to either.

 As for titles, I am a transitional deacon. I once tried “Deacon James” out in conversation. Boy, was that a disaster! Those poor folks couldn’t figure out if my first name was “James” or “Deacon”, or if my last name was “James” and “Deacon” was a title, or if “Deacon” was a title and my first name was “James.” It was mass confusion. 

So let’s keep it simple: “James” will work for now, and when I’m ordained a priest (likely to happen this spring) I’ll go by “Father James.”

What is your occupation?

Your future rector, but first I’ll be your “Administrative Deacon” while awaiting ordination to the priesthood. That means I’ll be doing most everything a rector does except pronounce blessings and consecrate the elements at communion. 

Tell us about your sense of call to the priesthood.

I began to discern a call to full-time ministry when I was five. At that time I thought I would like to become a missionary to a foreign country. In high school I realized one of the toughest mission fields was in my back yard, right here in the U.S. At that point I changed my focus towards becoming a pastor.

In college, I began searching for a deeper expression of my faith and calling, which I found in Anglicanism. It was at this point I began to discern a call to the sacramental ministry of the priesthood.

By sacramental ministry I mean two things: First, as a priest my call is to bring God’s grace and love to the People of God in the sacraments and proclaim the Good News revealed in Jesus Christ. Secondly, I am called to join with you and the whole Church in the ministry of the baptized. We are to be “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace,” God’s sacrament of love, to the rest of the World.  

What is your religious background?

     It’s very mixed. I was baptized in a Baptist church. My father is ordained in the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination, but mostly pastored non-denominational churches. I graduated from a Pentecostal Jr. High, an Evangelical college, and one Lutheran and one Episcopal seminary. At one point I even considered becoming Eastern Orthodox.

What made you decide to become an Episcopalian?

     It was the liturgy that first grabbed me. I had never before experienced worship that was so articulate, beautiful, and deep. Later, I found Anglicanism’s theological emphases to be inescapably attractive. Specifically, Anglicans see Christianity as a way of life. We believe faith is something we live out and not merely an intellectual endeavor. And lastly, I wanted to live in a faith tradition that remembered its heritage, how the Holy Spirit has been present with God’s People in the past.    

Tell us about your family.

     I have been married to Annaka for 6 wonderful years. We have no children yet, but plan to start our family sometime in the next 5 years or so. We have a dog named Mini. She’s a Shiba Inu and my frequent companion in the car and on walks. 

     As for our extended family, Annaka’s is mostly in Spokane and Yakima. Mine is mostly near Boise, Idaho. Incidentally, our families have been praying for us and for you since July and are also very excited to meet you. 

What do you do for fun?

I like to run, hike, backpack, cross-country ski, BBQ, play the piano and guitar, read while hanging out in coffee shops, to research my family history, and to play a few video games or see a movie now and then.  

I think it would be great fun to do some of these things with you.

Do you like Sushi?

What’s not to like?! Annaka and I both enjoy Japanese cuisine. We are adventuresome eaters and love to try new foods and discover new tastes.

Annaka’s family is Swedish. So the real question is do YOU like salt-herring? ;-)

What attracted you to St. Peter’s?

First and most importantly, you did.

When Annaka and I visited we received a very warm welcome and felt immediately comfortable. As we drove back to our apartment we looked at each other and agreed it would be easy to call St. Peter’s “home.” Over and over again our sense of being at home was confirmed as we met and talked with the search committee and the vestry.

Secondly, St. Peter’s is poised for growth. I have encountered few family-sized parishes that are as strong as St. Peter’s in its heritage, organization, resources, and stewardship. You are well equipped for a very exciting and powerful ministry!

And finally, I want to be a contagiously passionate disciple of Jesus Christ. I want to follow Christ with my whole being. And I want to lovingly encourage others to do the same. That is my baptismal calling. I think St. Peter’s is not only a place where that kind of discipleship can thrive, but where I can join others with the same desire.        

What kinds of things would you like to see happen at St. Peter’s in the future? What changes do you want to make?

The question is not what I want to do, but what WE want to do. What changes do WE want to make? And I think the answer is, “We’re not sure yet.” In order to figure that out, our first step should be to get to know one another.

I believe ministry is a relational endeavor. Ministry is about participating in God’s transformation of lives. We can’t do that when we don’t truly know God, one another, and our neighbors. I think the first step, though, is to spend time together and to listen.

I WILL say that whatever happens in the future, whatever changes we make together, my prayer is that we will always be growing in the knowledge and love of God, of our neighbors, and of ourselves. And that won’t change.   

We are blessed to have James and Annaka among us, and we look forward to partnering with James, to begin planning for our second century centered, as always, on inviting all people to a life of faith through worship, education, service and spiritual development.  

Please join us at St. Peter's and get to them.  We know he will open your hearts and minds to new ideas and your active involvement in the life of St. Peter’s.

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FOR PASTORAL CARE NEEDS contact The Rev. James Thibodeaux. He can be reached at St. Peter's (206) 323-5250, by cell (206) 383-9236, at home (267) 481-2019 or by email jthibodo@yahoo.com.