Community Suppers

When He looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward Him, Jesus said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?"  He said this to test him, for He Himself knew what He was going to do.

John 6:5-6 NRSV

The mission of Community Suppers Outreach is to provide opportunities for our parishioners to reach out to the needy and lonely of the Freehold, New Jersey area.

A combined effort of St. Peter's Church and other local area Churches and groups, we served over 9,600 meals in the last year and our milk giveaway program supplies much needed milk to families in the area.

Freehold area restaurants regularly contribute food and paper goods.  Religious, business, educational and social organizations all contribute in their own way to expand and fulfill this important ministry making it truly a coming together of the entire community.

Volunteers come out regularly on Friday evenings to prepare, serve, talk with the people who come for dinner, and clean up after each meal.

St. Peter's Thrift Shop provides much needed clothing and household articles to the community.   These items are provided though donations from parishioners, businesses and the surrounding community.   The Thrift Shop helps by giving support to the Spanish ministries at St. Rose and providing suits for those in jail who need clothes to appear in court.   In addition, the volunteers collect newborn outfits for babies at a local hospital, many of whom had no clothes and toys and other items for the Adopt-A-Family Ministry at St. Peter's.  Volunteers work year-round to sort and provide the clothing and other items for the customers because they know in their hearts how much help they are giving to their community and beyond.

Members of St. Peter's, along with 13 other Houses of Worship provide support to this food pantry located at 39 Throckmorton Street, Freehold, New Jersey.  Open Door is open 5 days a week from 10:00am until 2:00pm to serve registered clients.  Emergency food has been provided to over 8,000 adults and children in Western Monmouth county - enough to food to prepare over 90,000 meals.   With the continuing help of St. Peter's and the other Houses of Worship, Open Door will maintain its fight against the problem of hunger in our community.   St. Peter's is very proud of its participation in the activities of this food pantry.

In addition to combating hunger, Open Door maintains:

1. An Advocacy program to provide limited financial assistance with emergency housing and utilities.

2. An After-School Program.

3. A College Scholarship Program for participants in the After-School Program.

4. A Christmas Boutique providing gifts to children.

5. A referral service to the Visiting Nurse Association.

Open Door was also responsible for initiating the Freehold Chapter of Habitat for Humanity which continues as a separate organization.

Please contact the church office to find out how you can contribute to these ministries.