Every year, Seabury Resources for the Aging holds a service at the National Cathedral honoring the contributions of seniors to their congregations and their community. We are delighted to inform you that this year, St. John’s parishioner Lizzie Glidden-Boyle will receive the Seabury Award for her wonderful ministry among us. We hope you will join us in showing your support and love for Lizzie by attending the 2023 Seabury Celebration of Service which will be held at 10am on Wednesday, May 3 at Washington National Cathedral.
Elizabeth Glidden-Boyle (Lizzie) has had an eclectic career. Growing up on a cattle ranch in Arizona, she trained as a nurse, worked as an interior designer, and later joined the American Refugee Committee. All her experiences speak to her creativity, enthusiasm, and leadership. When she first attended St John’s she filled out a welcome card that asked about her skills and interests. Blithely mentioning the flower guild she had run at her previous parish, little did she know that the very next day she would be asked to head the St John’s Flower Guild! Immediately initiating innovations, Lizzie upgraded the Flower Guild room to make it more usable and taught a series of workshops to encourage the flower arrangers to create more celebratory, open, and expressive designs.
During the pandemic, Lizzie wanted to help support the congregation in any way she could. She facilitated the distribution of individual palm plants to each member of the congregation. Her greatest gift, however, was the donation of funds to install a new audio/video system that produces professional quality live-streamed services. Many shut-in parishioners and others are grateful for this opportunity to feel connected with their community. Lizzie has also served on the Property Committee and the Eco-Action Committee, and taught Kindergarten and First Grade students at St John’s Church School. Her next project, currently in the planning stages, is the creation of the Urban Native Garden at St John’s, which will attract a variety of pollinators and provide a welcoming space for church fellowship.
Please join us on May 3 to honor Lizzie for her ministry and generosity to St. John’s, and for her tireless efforts to the Glory of God.
