Loren Peters, his wife, Nancy Boutwell, and
their 18-year-old daughter, Erin, moved to Austin from Birmingham, Alabama so that he could enter the Seminary of the Southwest. (However, having been born on Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, he does consider himself a "native Texan of a sort.")  He holds
a degree in psychology as well as a masters in public health; and his career has most recently involved work at a rehabilitation center at University Hospital in Birmingham.

His call to ministry long preceded his entry into seminary.  He spent three years as a full time chaplain resident in a clinical pastoral education program in the Dept. of Pastoral Care at University Hospital; and nearly two years as a weekend, on-call chaplain for the Dept. of Pastoral Care at Children's Hospital of Alabama.  In addition, Loren served as a pastoral care volunteer for nearly eight years at
St. Martin's-in-the-Pines, a comprehensive retirement community in Birmingham.

"What's not to like about a community in which
I can come to the table with the likes of Kindra, Beckily, and Koala [our parish puppies] -- oh, and some pretty cool people, too!  Thanks for sharing your welcoming spirit with us.  Nancy and I are anticipating a joy-filled walk with the people of God in St. Alban's little corner of the Kingdom."

Peace and Joy,
    Loren Peters

The first time I walked into St. Alban’s I felt at home.
As if I had returned to a place I had always known. When John and I attended our first service I was so pleased because my two favorite prayers are included in each service --  The Prayer of St. Francis and Aaron's ancient prayer. Then I saw the dogs, my very favorite animal, and they were allowed in church! We have two big boxers who live with us in a very small seminary apartment.

If you want to refresh your memory about just how special St. Alban’ really is read the message from your rector on this web site; it is message filled with love and acceptance of all creatures great and small.

I have been many things in my long life, but all of them weave together and somehow fit into my rather late calling to the priesthood. I have been a high school art teacher, a graduate level art therapy teacher,  presenter at many national art therapy conferences, and for a while I traveled the country giving workshops on art therapy. I wanted to be a "famous art therapist."

But God had other plans and I found myself learning about Native American Spirituality. Giving up any ideas of success, fame or fortune I began to lead workshops based in Native American beliefs. I learned to walk a little more quietly on the earth and to view all life as sentient. I believe all creatures great and small are part of God's magnificent plan. I look forward to serving at St. Alban’ and learning from each of you.

Many Blessings,
    Paula Engelhorn