SAMA press

The Very Rev. Richard Nelson has served at Calvary Episcopal Church, Americus since August 2019. Previously he had been an interim priest at Calvary from January 1 to June 30,
2018. When an opportunity presented itself in 2019, he and spouse, The Rev. Deacon Geri Nelson, enthusiastically accepted the call to serve indefinitely at Calvary. Previously Richard and Geri had served St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Savannah for over 12 years, before retiring from full-time ministry in 2017. Before going to Savannah, he had served parishes in the Dioceses of Western North Carolina, Southwest Florida, and Chicago. In 2022 the Bishop of Georgia appointed Richard to serve as Dean of the Albany Convocation of Episcopal Churches, composed of nine congregations in central southwest Georgia. Since 2023 has served as Chaplain to Diocese of Georgia Deacons, and in 2024 he was elected to serve on the Diocese of Georgia Standing Committee.

During his time at Calvary extensive renovations have been accomplished to the Church, Lawrence Parish Hall, and Christian Education Building. Calvary hosts two English as a Second Language classes each week, four weekly yoga classes, and a weekly Al-Anon group. The Outreach Committee coordinates various outreach ministries including the Lee Street Blessing Box (food) and the Calvary Warming Station during inclement weather. Calvary tithes her parishioners’ monetary pledges back into the community. It is projected that, in concert with the Mustard Seed Thrift Store, $25,000.00 will be given in grants to various helping organizations in the community and found Calvary’s Outreach efforts.

Fr. Nelson is a graduate of Central Michigan University (B.A–1976) and Seabury-Western Theological Seminary (M.Div.–1983). In addition to parochial ministry he has, in the past, served as a volunteer Sheriff’s Department Chaplain, Prison Chaplain, member of various community service boards, and various Diocesan committees. Committed to ecumenism and cooperation among Christians he is active in the Sumter Area Ministerial Association and volunteers at SAMA’s Community Services Ministry. Richard has led and/or spoken at numerous retreats, quiet days, and educational offerings. “Since ordination in 1983 I have been blessed to serve in many fine parishes with many committed Christians,” he commented, “yet Calvary Church is the pinnacle! I am blessed beyond deserving, beyond reason in serving with such committed, active Christians at Calvary.”
For relaxation Richard enjoys spending time with Geri, reading, model railroading, and is a “Wingnut”—an avid fan of the Detroit Red Wings hocky team.