“Paddle and Pray” a meaningful event for St. Andrew’s, Panama City

By Lindsey Baily Kafonek / Panama City News Herald
Edited by Cindy McCrory

PANAMA CITY, FL — The St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church congregation recently gathered for an unconventional evening prayer service at the Buccaneer after paddling by either kayak or canoe from Lake Caroline Park.

Eight paddling boats coasted up onto the beach shore behind the Buccaneer, where 30 St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church members met in an effort to reach out into the community and engage others outside of the parish.

Members of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church paddled from Lake Caroline to The Buccaneer Beach Bar & Grill for an evening prayer service on Wedneday.Photo by Andrew Wardlow, New Herald

“This is an outreach to the community for those that might not have a church home in an environment that people don’t typically meet for church fellowship,” said Laurie Ayers, communications coordinator for St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.

“The evening prayer by the water also has another purpose, ” The Rev. Dr. Margaret Shepard said.  “A year ago, I  brought the church body together to the bay in front of our church to have a blessing of the water for God to protect the water here and the creatures in it during the BP oil spill.  Tonight we are here to celebrate how things are so much better since the BP oil spill and we want to give thanks to God for protecting our waters.”

Following songs of worship on the beach, the evening concluded with a dinner on the back patio of Buccaneer as the sun set where St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church members had a time of fellowship together in the community.