Parish Life at St. Peter's
While we follow through on our Baptismal Vows to "seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves," we also nourish our own Christian community right here at St. Peter's, with prayer, service, and fellowship.
Acolytes
Our Acolytes serve faithfully at each major service, carrying the Cross, carrying torches to illuminate the Gospel, and assist with setting the Altar for Communion. Our Acolytes include youth and adults, making it a successful intergenerational ministry.
Altar Guild
Officially, the major functions of the Altar Guild are to “prepare for the worship of the church, to provide for the suitable furnishing and decoration of the altar, to take due and reverent care of its appointments, and to have a general oversight of the proper cleaning of the church.” The Altar Guild ministry is essential to the worship of the congregation. Each week, we prepare the church for worship services. We clean the church chancel area, chapel, sacristies, and narthex, polish silver and brass, order the Altar flowers, care for candles, and do setup and cleanup for regularly scheduled services, baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
Brotherhood of St. Andrew & Daughters of the King
The Brotherhood of St Andrew is an Episcopal ministry to men and boys, and the Daughters of the King . The St Francis Chapter of The Order of the Daughters of the King and the St Peter’s Chapter of the Brotherhood of St Andrew meet jointly on the third Saturdays of each month. We routinely enjoy some tasty morning treats and good conversation. Together, we say Morning Prayer and study the Scripture to be read the next day in Church. The best feature of the meeting is the time we spend in conversation and friendship. Learn more >>
Buildings & Grounds
Our Buildings & Grounds ministry works to maintain our historic property for the ongoing ministry of our St. Peter’s community and the many local groups who use our spaces during the week.
Eucharistic Ministers & Visitors
Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist with distribution of Communion during worship. Lay Eucharistic Visitors take the Reserved Sacrament too the sick and shut-in of the parish. Both ministries are trained and supervised by the clergy and are licensed by the Bishop. Any baptized and confirmed parishioner sixteen or older is eligible to be trained.
Fellowship & Hospitality
Part of being in a Christian community is to follow the example Jesus sets us when he breaks bread with his apostles throughout the Gospels. We gather in community in fellowship each Sunday, and on other occasions throughout the year, such as potlucks on Stewardship Sunday (Nov) and the Annual Meeting (Feb), and special events such as the Agape Reception before the Maundy Thursday service (Holy Week).
Finance
The Finance Committee meets monthly and is chaired by the Treasurer and is responsible for budget development, oversight, and recommendation of financial policy to Vestry.
Formation Ministry
Faith formation, or the forming of people as disciples of Jesus Christ, is a lifelong journey. We offer a variety of programs to help equip people of all ages for this journey, including programs at church and resources for the development of faith in the home. Our goal is to equip our parishioners, by resourcing and modeling faith practices; to empower our parishioners, by giving them space and permission to become disciples of Christ; and to encourage our parishioners, by walking with them in their faith journeys. Contact our Director of Formation to learn more.
Lectors
Lectors read the assigned Scripture readings at worship services, and lead the Prayers of the People, amplifying the Word of God in our midst. Youth and adults are invited to participate in this important worship ministry.
Music
St. Peter's has a rich and beautiful music program that relies on participation from our members! Our choir, band, and bell choirs are wonderful ways to share a musical gift with the St. Peter's community and to enrich our worship.
Prayer and Pastoral Care
St. Peter's supports an active prayer ministry for members and others through intercessory and healing prayer. A parish prayer list is maintained and prayed for regularly.
Stewardship
The Stewardship Team oversees the annual fall pledge program, a planned giving program to support St. Peter’s through legacy gifts and other future gifts, and ongoing information of stewardship as a spiritual practice.
Ushers
Ushers are the first point of contact for worshippers coming to St. Peter’s. They greet members and newcomers, provide bulletins and information about the church, and help guide participants during the Offertory and Holy Eucharist.
Vestry
The Vestry is established by Canon to provide oversight in matters relating to finances and buildings and grounds. Eligibility for nomination includes formal and active membership at St. Peter’s. Each January the Nominating Committee actively seeks nomination for election at the Annual Meeting in February.
Youth Ministry
Youth ministry is active at St. Peter’s, and includes all members in grades 7-12. Our young members are fully active participants in a variety of ministries at St. Peter’s, including formation, music, service, and worship ministries. We also meet twice a month for fellowship and discussions about faith.