THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PETER
MEET THE REV. MICHELLE ROBERTSHAW
Pray for our Church
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEW PROVOST, THE REV. MICHELLE ROBERTSHAW!
WE INVITED HER TO INTRODUCE HERSELF TO YOU.
Please describe your spiritual journey, your call to ordained ministry, and where God is calling you presently.
My call to the priesthood is the result of many years of opportunities, challenges, and prodding by mentors, families, and friends. I am a cradle Episcopalian (my parents met in St Petersburg and I grew up in Tampa) and it was while I was engaged in youth ministry leadership for the Diocese of Southwest Florida that this spiritual life was awakened. I was afforded a profound sense of the Holy Spirit through youth retreats (including Happening) and later as an adult through Cursillo Meaningful and decisive moments in my faith journey, these experiences of the Holy Spirit played a pivotal role in discerning my calling to ordained ministry.
I found I loved the power of Scripture of God’s compelling message of hope and love Too, I was drawn to the story of the Church as my story Throughout my life, the sacraments have been a central aspect of my journey and will continue to be a central part of my ministry because it is through the sacraments, within the context of community, that we experience God’s love and grace in our lives and in the world. The power of these gifts of God shaped me in such a way that I could do no other than seek to share the story of God’s saving grace through ordained ministry.
The place I find God speaking to me is at the center of my life and ministry: the Incarnation (God WITH us). In the Gospels we meet Jesus of Nazareth who, in taking human form, speaks to the power of God to heal, to restore, to redeem the world. Christ’s crucifixion, death, and resurrection demonstrate God’s transformative power of love and grace. As a priest of His church, I am called to be that agent of transformation through Word and Sacrament
What attracted you to the possibility of becoming the provost at St. Peter’s? How did you sense this call?
I was initially drawn to submit my materials last spring when the Search Committee announced it was accepting nominations After carefully reviewing your materials, I was excited about the opportunity. However, as I prayed and discerned, I kept hearing God’s message: “No, not yet.” Through the years, I’ve learned to trust His voice, and, as always, He was right There was still more work for me to do at St Andrew’s Who could have anticipated that a second and third round of hurricanes would devastate the Boca Grande community? I’ve come to believe that God’s “not yet” kept me in place to help St. Andrew’s recover in the wake of those storms
I don’t see the search for a new dean as having failed, but rather as a sign that it simply wasn’t time for the new dean to be called. God is preparing that person for this role right now, whether that is me or someone else I have discerned a clear call to serve as provost, and I am eager to work with the Bishop and the Cathedral’s Chapter, clergy, and leadership to prepare for the person God is sending at a time God will make clear to all of us.
What attracts me to this position, especially at this time, is the opportunity to bring my gifts and experience to help clarify the Cathedral’s vision and priorities; to be an encourager as together we try new things and shed old ones; to strengthen the relationship between the Bishop’s office and the Cathedral; to nurture the church community; and to explore fresh ways of being a vital presence in the ever-growing and dynamic city of St. Petersburg.
Our new provost: The Rev. Michelle L. Robertshaw
Ordained priest: 2004
Resume:
B F A , University of South Florida, 1990 M Div , Virginia Theological Seminary, 2003
Assistant rector, St. Boniface, Siesta Key, 2003-2005 Rector, St Mary Magdalene, Bradenton, 2005-2006
Assistant Rector, Church of the Holy Family, Chapel Hill, NC, 2006-2012 Rector, St. Andrew's, Boca Grande, 2012-present Member, Standing Committee, Diocesan Wellness Committee; past dean of the Venice Deanery
On the lighter side… In my ministry, I have learned: The rector is not always right; pastorally, sometimes there are no words to say; celebrities and theologians need to be ministered to too; it doesn’t matter how much I know, what matters is how much I care; an authentic leader is an influencer, a vision caster and a change agent. Finally, “God behold man, man behold God” is often all the introduction that is required
On a more serious note, the most valuable learning experience has been learning what it means to be a holy priest and an effective leader. As a priest, God has entrusted me with the care and nurture of his flock the souls of so very many Learning to live as a holy priest means that what you see is what you get. I am a priest when I wake up and when I lay down … and all the hours in between. While I want to be called “friend” to laugh and joke with others it is more important to be known as “priest ” I have learned that when life takes a turn, people need Michelle the priest, not Michelle the friend. To be a priest people turn to, I must live a holy life, one that invites people in and makes them want to know more.
Too, I have learned what it is to be an effective leader. Why is this valuable? Well, calm, clear waters are easy to navigate. But rough seas? Giant swells? As a leader, I have been entrusted not only to make sure the boat makes it to calm waters, but also to make sure no one is lost overboard Being an effective leader means making sure the tasks, goals, and vision are accomplished, in a way that strengthens and builds the community.
Tell us about changes you have made in your present or previous church, why you chose to make those changes, and how you dealt with potential or actual resistance.
As John Henry Newman once said: In a higher world it is otherwise, but here below to live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed … often. Cardinal Newman’s point is simply that we change we grow, we learn, we gain experience, we age And hopefully gain insight and wisdom along the way.
When I arrived at Holy Family in Chapel Hill, NC, there was no formal pastoral care process in place. Pastoral care was the responsibility of the clergy and it was the clergy who had the oversight. And yet, this was a parish that had strong lay leadership and had a commission for every ministry area except pastoral care In the first year, I pulled together a pastoral care committee and served as the coordinator I established lay liaisons with the prayer team, lay pastoral visitors, a food ministry, and prayer chain. I asked the leaders of each of these areas to serve on the committee with me.
After a year of effectively meeting together, we made a proposal to the Vestry to form a Pastoral Care Commission The Commission was approved and continued to evolve. By the time I left, Holy Family had a thriving lay-led Pastoral Care ministry
While a successful and necessary venture for the life of the parish, it was not without its resistance Many parishioners wanted ONLY clergy pastoral visits. There were negotiations between the clergy and lay leadership because it was hard for the clergy to not always be the first to know what was happening pastorally in a parishioner’s life. The resistance was handled directly but lovingly, through open communication and an open door.
What are your personal interests?
Describe a perfect day off.
Like most of the world these days, I love to travel, to experience the wideness and variety of God’s Kingdom. But more than travel, I enjoy making pilgrimage I’ve learned that getting away from the day-to-day schedule of life creates space for the Holy Spirit to move in our lives In nature, I can tap into my deeper self, while also wondering at the amazing world around me. I’ve been on walking pilgrimages in Norway, Germany, England, Wales, and Scotland and with each step taken I’ve grown deeper in love with God and with all God’s people.
A perfect day off would begin with a walk through my neighborhood in the early morning with my dog Ambrose, a 26-pound Bernedoodle who is in training to be a therapy dog, praying for my neighbors In the afternoon, taking a nap in a hammock in my backyard, the sun shining. Ending with sitting with friends around my farmhouse table, eating a simple meal, sharing a bottle of wine and sharing our journey with one another.
And when that fails … “walking around the world” at the Happiest Place on Earth (Disney/Epcot)!
Mother Michelle seeing if she can pass through the standing stones in Scotland.
Snorkeling and diving in Belize
Catching fish with my 90year-olds group
Tell us a favorite Bible story that shaped your ministry.
The Bible passage that has most influenced my ministry is the parable of the Lost Sheep from Luke 15:1-7, particularly around themes of care, inclusion, and the relentless love of God This story profoundly shapes my approach to pastoral care, reminding me that every individual matters to God, no matter how lost or disconnected they may feel As a priest, I’ve learned the importance of seeking out those who are struggling and offering them the assurance of God's unconditional love and acceptance.
The Lost Sheep parable speaks to my commitment to restore broken relationships within the community, especially for those on the margins or going through difficult times It challenges me to be relentless in my pursuit of healing and reconciliation, embodying God's love in tangible ways
This passage continues to shape how I lead, especially as I step into my new role as provost at St Peter’s The challenge and the joy of seeking the lost, restoring brokenness, and creating a welcoming community for all are core to how I see ministry
How can we welcome you, help you as you settle in at the Cathedral, and begin to live into your new call as provost?
I’m deeply grateful for the warm welcome I’ve already received and for the opportunity to serve as provost. As I settle in and begin to live into this new call, your continued prayers and encouragement will be invaluable I’m eager to get to know each of you better and to learn more about the unique aspects of our Cathedral community.
I’m happy to have you call me Michelle, or Mother Michelle, whatever feels comfortable to you
I will greatly appreciate your patience as I familiarize myself with the rhythms and traditions of the Cathedral, and I welcome your insights and feedback as I work to support both the church community and the wider diocesan and city communities
I also look forward to sharing in our collective mission, building relationships, and discovering the ways in which we can grow together spiritually.
Finally, I ask your prayers for the community of St Andrew’s Boca Grande as they begin the work of transition … just as they have begun praying for you and for me. If you have ideas or specific ways you feel I can support you or our ministries, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to listen, learn, and help guide us all as we step forward in faith
You can contact our new provost at mrobertshaw@spcathedral.com or at PO Box 1726, Boca Grande, FL 33921.
Mother Michelle was a member of one of the first classes of female acolytes in the diocese.
THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PETER
WORSHIP AT THE CATHEDRAL
Sunday 8:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I & Sermon
10:15 am Holy Eucharist Rite II & Sermon
Wednesday 12:05 pm Midweek Holy Eucharist & Healing Service
4th Sunday 5:00 pm Choral Evensong (September-April except December)
DIOCESE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
The Right Rev. Douglas F. Scharf, Bishop
The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman, Canon to the Ordinary
CATHEDRAL CLERGY & STAFF
The Rev. Michelle Robertshaw, Provost
The Rev. Canon Michael R. Alford, Canon for Congregational Care
The Rev. Canon Brandon Peete, Canon for Hospitality
The Rev. Deacon Hillary Peete, Director of Christian Formation & Digital Communications
Mr Dwight M Thomas, Canon for Music & Precentor
The Right Rev. Barry R. Howe, Bishop in Residence
Carla Escobar, Custodian
Andi Gorton, Publications
Nana Paultre, Hospitality Associate
Michael Ricciardi, Building & Grounds Coordinator
Michelle Thomas, Cathedral Administrator & Associate for Christian Formation
Fontana CPAs (Eric Fontana), CFO/Bookkeeping
140 Fourth Street N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 www.spcathedral.org ▪ (727) 822‐4173
facebook.com/spcathedral
@spcathedral
by The Rev Deacon Hillary Peete