Servant Spotlight: Peggy Lee Tsaclas
Tell a little about your family background?
I was born here in Richmond. I am one of 5 siblings (2 brothers, 2 sisters). I was 12 when my mother passed away. I was 17 when my father passed away. My Aunt Effie/mom's sister and Mom Dixon raised me and kept us all together as a family. I graduated from Thomas Dale High School in Chester, VA.
Where did you grow up?
After graduation I moved to Virginia Beach where I spent most of my young adult life (20's, 30's and part of my 40's).
Tell us a little about the job (your "for pay" vocation) that you do?
In Virginia Beach I worked as a dispatcher, the burglar alarm division at Honeywell, Inc. for some 15 years. Then I worked as an office manager's assistant at Beach Chemical & Paper Co. for 10 years. I met my wonderful husband Nick at age 46 in the Louisiana Airport at the Lucky Hot Dog Stand...no kidding. We got to know each other on the same airplane ride to Atlanta. We exchanged phone numbers. He flew to New York, and I flew to Virginia Beach. We dated for 7 years until we married in 2004. I was 50 and had never been married, so you are never too old to find love. Together for 14 years we have 3 grown kids which I inherited and we have 5 grand children. 3 will turn 2, 1 at almost 1 and a new grand son born on New Year's Eve. We love being Grammie or Nana and Papout (Greek for grandfather) or Poppie. We find ourselves going Interstate 95 North a lot to visit. I have the privilege of leading a life more on the leisure side now without being in the workplace.
What are some of your favorite passed times outside of the church?
Favorite pastimes outside of church would include lunching with my girlfriends. I enjoy having one-on-one time with my Aunt Effie who raised me. I love having play dates with 2 of my grandchildren who live here in Virginia. I also enjoy spending time with my sisters and brothers. I love to sew and create new things.
How long have you been a member of New Life Church?
I have been a member of New Life for 5 years.
Tell a little about your relationship with the Lord?
My relationship with the Lord was not solid until I hit 50. I have always believed and was sent to church every Sunday as a child. I fell by the wayside during my teens and early years. Sad but true. When I moved to Florida in 1998 I went to quite a few churches but didn't feel comfortable or have the burning desire to participate in church. My older sister, Jane, who I love to the moon and back came to visit me quite a lot, and she led me straight to the Lord. So when I moved back here to Virginia in 2003 Jane took me to her church and then she moved to Yorktown, and I had to find my own church home. I went to several churches around me, and they were not the right fit for me.
Tell a little about the circumstances that led you to join New Life.
I noticed New Life as I would ride down Old Hundred Road. I stopped in. That was Dec. 2005 and I have been at new Life ever since. I walked in and knew immediately this is where I was meant to be. I had completed my mission, and I felt comfortable. After being sure that I would fit in, I joined New Life in 2006. It was a piece of the puzzle put in the right place.
What laity roles and on what committees have you served while at New Life?
I serve on the Evangelism Team part time. I make sure that the gathering area is properly polished and decorated. I keep the boards updated as I take the photos for church events and post them for all to see. This way everyone can see how we all connect with our missions. I am also the Greeter organizer, I sing in the choir, host church events at my home, assist in the nursery, give the children's message occasionally, read scripture, help with communion, and I read to the pre-schoolers and dress up in costume like a character in the story I read. I love that and so do the children.
How has serving at New Life blessed you or helped you to grow/change?
Being a part and serving at New Life has definitely changed me into becoming a greater servant of God. I am calmer in my attitude and disposition, and I am more confident in my thinking. I have become more patient with others and more gracious in my words. Having God in my life has made me a more humble individual and I am so much happier.
Why do you think it's important to serve God through lay ministry in a local church?
Serving God is extremely important to me. I have to be with other believers and surround myself with the Holy Spirit. I need to worship in God's house and have Pastor Mike talk to me not AT ME! There's a big difference! I need that spiritual contact of others to embrace me as well as me embrace them. Serving God in a local church is a MUST for me to continue on my Christian journey.
What are your favorite things about New Life?
Pastor Mike...I could listen to him for more than an hour. He excites the Holy Spirit in me. I love, love, love the pre-schoolers and reading to them. I love all the opportunities that have been given to me to be a part of the church. I like being able to pick and choose what I can do. Most importantly, New Life is my home and I love being in the mix of all things because I know that these are pleasing to God.
What advice would you share with those who are new to New Life UMC and/or younger in the faith?
Be prepared to be loved A LOT! My life with God is fabulous!*If you know of someone who should be the servant of the month, please contact Jennifer Bennett at or 804.744.2148.
