RectorsPage - St. Peter's Anglican Church

Come as you are, leave transformed!

St. Peter's Anglican Church
Dorchester, Ontario, Canada
Rector's Page

The Rev'd Andrea L. Ahlers, B.A. MDiv.

Being a parish priest in a small town is no small task. Every week there is liturgy to prepare for, a homily to write, choir practice to attend and then there's the day to day administrative tasks that are never-ending.

I love being a parish priest. Running into parishioners in the village with their friends and being introduced as "my parish priest" makes me very proud indeed. St. Peter's and the village of Dorchester is filled with hospitality. We continually strive to improve our hospitality to newcomers as well as parishioners who have been in the community all their lives.

Since my arrival in September of 2007, we have had several training opportunities, which are called "Lunch & Learn", in which we gather to share and teach in areas such as Servers Ministry and Altar Guild. We are a small but dynamic community, committed to being the face of God in the parish, in the community and in the world.

We hope you will enjoy your time with us, whether that visit be just once, repeated annually or you join our parish family. All are welcome at St. Peter's. Come and experience our radical hospitality!!

Rev'd Andrea is involved in several "extra-curricular" activities outside of her St. Peter's parish responsibilities. These include:

Camp Bel (Dorchester Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Group Committee) - Chaplain
Providing spiritual support, guidance and prayer support to the Group Committee and all sections.
Preparing for and participating in Worship services for Camp Genesis.
Preparation of Religion in Life badge training for all sections.

The Royal Canadian Legion, Donnybrook Branch - Chaplain
Provide spiritual support, guidance and prayer support to the Legion.
Officiate Legion funeral services either at the branch, the church or the funeral home.
Preside at Church Parade services.
Preside at other blessing services such as Remembrance Day, Battle of Britain, Memorial Services, etc.

Safe Church Committee - Member
Attend quartlerly meetings to discuss issues surrounding protection of the most vulnerable in our churches.
Report findings to Parish Council and provide education where required.

The 201 Air Cadet Squadron - Chaplain
Provide spiritual support, guidance and prayer support to the 201 Air Cadet Squadron.
Attend inspections and inspect troops as requested.
Attend functions and day trips as chaperone.
Preside at prayer services as required.

A little bit about our rector...

The Rev'd Andrea L. Ahlers (nee Brennan) was born in London, Ontario, moving with her family in 1981 to begin High School in Sudbury. She attended Laurentian University in Sudbury, majoring in Philosophy and Literature, minoring in Theatre Arts. Andrea moved further north to Timmins in 1995, remaining there until 1999 when she moved back "down south", landing in Brantford.

In 2002 Andrea, while on silent retreat decided that she may indeed be called to the priesthood and after consultation with her parish priest, she decided to apply to Huron College and was accepted.

Her studies lasted 5 years while she moved through the Postulancy process, the first three years of part time study, then moving back to London until her appointment in Dorchester in September of 2007. Andrea graduated With Distinction in May 2007 and followed that with a summer posting as Chaplain at Huron Church Camp (near Bayfield, Ontario).

She had a goal of ordination by the age of 40 and was ordained to the Diaconate on the 29th of November 2007 (3 days after her 40th birthday) at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in London, Ontario. Rev'd Andrea was then Ordered Priest on the 29th of February 2008, a day she refers to as the most significant in her life. On the 12th of February 2010, this moment was matched when she was married to Andrew Ahlers at their beloved St. Peter's Church. The worship space was filled to overflowing with people and with love.

Rev'd Andrea enjoys living in Dorchester with her husband Andrew, her daughter-by-choice Alida and their adorable puppy Star. She enjoys being part of the community, as well as part of the St. Peter's family.