The congregation of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church will be welcoming back The Rev. Dr. Lorna Lee “Rocket” Curtis at their 9:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, Sept. 3. Rocket served St. Philip’s last summer and energized the congregation and community with her upbeat style of music leadership culminating in a glorious Sunday afternoon last August incorporating choral music, instrumental pieces and congregational hymn. 

Rocket hit the ground running last summer and has continued her love of church music as she and her husband Ed spend their winters on the gulf coast of Florida. This past year they suffered through Hurricane Ian and were one of the few who sheltered in place on their Pine Island home. They made their home a refuge for many during the months of recovery, offering worship and fellowship for those who remained.

Curtis, a former competitive swimmer and an elder in the United Methodist Church, has a doctorate in music with an emphasis on organ performance from the Julliard School and a master’s in divinity from Drew University. She previously served at Christ Presbyterian in Largo, Florida and her husband the Rev. Ed Sellers, a retired Anglican Church of North America priest, are making their way up north stopping in New York state to visit family and to lead worship with a congregation.

Rocket will be in concert later that same day, Sunday, Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor joining Genie O'Connell, Minister of Music, Organist and Choir Director at the Congregational Church along with soloist Jeannie Hahm and other instrumentalists. It promises to be a wonderful time of music in praise to God. All are invited to this concert and fellowship to follow.