CEPHAS SOCIETY

St. Peter’s Cephas Society is made up of those parishioners that have remembered St. Peter's in their planned giving. Those who have done this and have informed us that they have included St. Peter's in their estate plans become members of the Cephas Society - a fitting tribute to them that is celebrated at an annual dinner.

"Cephas" is the nickname that Jesus lovingly gave Peter in his native Aramaic tongue. For us it might be akin to "Rocky," bestowed upon Peter, at Caesarea Philippi, when he confessed that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus responded, "You are Cephas (Petros) and on this rock I will build my church." The nickname stuck and Paul calls Peter, "Cephas," six times in his letters. The name change has deep ecclesial meaning but it also is a sign of the friendship that Jesus longs to have with all of us.

It seemed appropriate to name our planned giving or legacy society the "Cephas Society", as its members are deep friends of St. Peter's whose generosity will provide a foundation for ministry for years to come. Through planned giving, parishioners of St. Peter’s are generously raising our church community to the level of their family.

You may become a member of the Cephas Society by including St. Peter's Episcopal Church in your plans. A gift during your lifetime of appreciated assets, such as securities or property, could provide certain current tax benefits. Other lifetime gifts could provide compelling income for life to the donor and tax benefits. Gifts could also include bequests made through a will or a trust or by naming the church as a beneficiary of an insurance policy or a retirement account.

St. Peter's Cephas Society was inaugurated in 2025 with 11 members. Please give prayerful discernment to joining their number, as you fulfil your Christian responsibility to make a will to provide for your family and, if you are able, to make a bequest to St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

For more information or to discuss becoming a Cephas Society member please reach out to Fr. Michael or our Treasurer, Steve Emr.