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Staff Transitions

7/29/20

Staff Transitions

Ann Babington

After seven years of serving as Director of Christian Education, Ann Babington retired from her position at the end of June.  With the beloved Mrs. Babington at the helm, our children’s ministries have grown and thrived. From vibrant Vacation Bible School adventures to Sunday Sandwich Makers and Blessing Bags to the Christmas Pageant and Children’s Chapel, her work has enriched the life of St. Peter's and the families of all the children she has taught. 

Ann writes, "I want you to know how very much I have cherished my lovely, meaningful position at Church for the past seven years.  It has been a joy to have been developing the Children's Christian Formation, to watch the children grow up at church, and to be a part of all the wonderful family connections."

Ann’s giftedness with children is an awe-inspiring sight to behold, and her creative tenacity on their behalf has brought countless treasures to Christian Education at St. Peter’s.  Above all else, what Ann has left with every child whom she has served is the assurance that God loves him or her beyond measure.

We give great thanks to Ann as she embarks on her “second” retirement, following her first after many years of service at Forsyth School, and we pray God’s blessing for good health and wonderful family adventures on her and Tom.

Carol Lyons

Carol Lyons, who has served as Parish Secretary for St. Peter's over the past 23 years, will retire from her position on August 31, 2020.  In her almost quarter century of service, Carol has faithfully supported the ministry of two rectors and two interim rectors, enthusiastically worked aside each of the 25+ colleagues who have joined her over the years on the church staff, and compassionately assisted countless parish families with the planning of worship services marking the joys and sorrows of life.  Carol’s ministry began in a United Church of Christ parish, where she served in a similar role for seven years. Carol writes, 

"Dear St. Peter’s Parishioners,

The first service bulletin I prepared for St. Peter’s Church was for Saint Peter’s Day in September of 1997, and as I embark on the next phase of life and contemplate leaving my ministry to St. Peter’s Church behind, know that my prayer is still the same as from that feast day, that St. Peter’s Church “may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord”.  I  am filled with gratitude, memories, and excitement—gratitude to the clergy, staff and parishioners with whom I’ve worked, laughed (and cried a few times!) and shared meals; filled with many fond memories of parish celebrations throughout each church year; and filled with excitement—and wonder—over what lies ahead for me, for my family, and for the St. Peter’s parish family. You have offered me more than a “job” these past 23 years. You have offered me friendship, support, invaluable life lessons, and the opportunity to serve. I am grateful to each of you, and would love to be welcomed back as a Visitor!

It is fitting, then, that I pray with you for St. Peter’s Church, in the words of The Collect for Saint Peter and Saint Paul, from page 241 of my tattered yet beloved edition of The Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
AMEN!"

As Carol prepares to mark the end of a 30-year career in ministry, we bid her heartfelt thanks for her service and devotion to St. Peter’s Church, and we pray God’s richest blessings on her and her husband, Mike, and their family.   

Shug Goodlow

This summer Shug Goodlow officially begins her service at St. Peter’s as an intern.  Shug is a Postulant for Holy Orders, and her internship is part of her formation on the journey toward ordination. She and her wife, Doris, come to us from Christ Church Cathedral where they worshipped for more than 25 years. Both were actively engaged in the worship life, mission, and ministry of the Cathedral where Shug most recently served as Head Verger and Acolyte Master, and Doris served as Eucharistic Minister. Shug has been involved in Cathedral and diocesan governance for many years and is the immediate past president of the Standing Committee and is currently a deputy to General Convention. She is also a licensed preacher in the Diocese of Missouri.

Shug is passionate about movies and enjoys being an armchair critic. She has seen The Godfather…wait for it…187 times. She’s hoping to have her 200th viewing before year’s end. She loves trivia and also loves to cook; she particularly enjoys baking. Doris enjoys making jewelry, adult coloring books and waiting to be surprised by Shug’s culinary surprises. Shug and Doris are both involved in community theatre and enjoy traveling, especially cruising. They have two daughters Simone and Monica, and one granddaughter Khloe who is a sophomore at Temple University.  Their son Edward is the family’s guardian angel. Shug and Doris are residents of Kirkwood.

We are thrilled to welcome both Shug and Doris into the life and ministry of St. Peter’s, and look forward to supporting Shug as she continues to discern her call to the priesthood through service at St. Peter’s.

Shug can be reached at  

Annie Knapp

Beginning August 1, St. Peter’s parishioner Annie Knapp will serve as our new Director of Children and Youth Ministries. Annie comes to this position after five years of teaching math and science at MICDS.  She holds a Career Continuous Professional Certificate from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in grades 5-9 science and grades 9-12 biology.  During the summer, she works as the Camp Director at Bellerive Country Club.  Annie is a member of St. Peter’s Young Adult group and enjoys hanging out with her dogs, staying active, and coaching field hockey.

Having worked with children and youth ranging in age from 4 to 18, Annie is excited to serve the youngest members of St. Peter’s and nurture their faith in God.  As she begins work at a most challenging time for children and youth ministries, Annie brings a joyful spirit and  enthusiasm to the wonder-filled mission of walking on journeys of faith with our children and youth.

Annie can be reached at