Given the current evidence that vaccinated and boostered persons are contracting the omicron virus, the Centering Pray group has made the decision to temporarily suspend meeting either in-person at the church (with masks) or via Zoom.  This decision will be re-evaluated pending future assessments of the risks of spreading or contracting the virus. This group normally meets the 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of each month at 9:00 AM.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is sponsoring this study program developed by The Episcopal Church that brings awareness of racial history in this country.

Last year Peggy Smith facilitated Sacred Ground for members of St. Peter’s. People were amazed both by what they hadn’t known, AND by how nurturing it was to learn these hard truths in a container of warmth, acceptance and spiritual dedication.

The 10-part series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories. For more information, go to this link:  episcopalchurch.org/sacred-ground/.

Sacred Ground is a sensitive, prayerful resource that creates space for difficult but respectful and transformative dialogue on race and racism.
It invites participants to walk back through history in order to peel away the layers that brought us to today, reflecting on family histories and stories, as well as important narratives that shape the collective American story. It is especially designed to help white people talk with other white people.

The program involves watching a variety of documentary films (mostly from PBS) and reading two books, Waking Up White and Jesus And The Disinherited. There is a rich trove of additional recommended materials for those who want to delve deeper. A tremendous amount of care and thoughtfulness has gone into crafting the curriculum. Peggy brings experience as a nonviolent communications teacher to help handle strong emotions that come up. Last year’s group found the whole experience informative both intellectually and emotionally.

Sessions will run every other Wednesday, 5:30 – 7:00 PM on Zoom, beginning January 5. Session dates will be
January 5, 19;
February 2, 16
March 2, 16
April 6, 20
May 4, 18

The offering is provided within the gift economy, which means participants can, if they want and are able to, provide a gift for the facilitation. It is expected that participants will have access to the two books. Other readings & videos are available on the internet at no charge. The group size, minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 participants.

To register contact Peggy Smith, peggy@opencommunication.org. Registration closes December 29, 2021.

Join us on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25, from 12:30 to 2:00 PM.

St. Peter’s will continue its tradition of providing Thanksgiving dinner in a slightly different style, due to Covid-19. Instead of the usual sit-down dinner in the church’s parish hall, the meal will be exclusively take-out.

The free turkey dinner will still have all the traditional dishes: roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, squash, cranberry sauce, peas and carrots, and lots of pies. Gluten free and vegan items also will be available. Meals can be picked up at the parking lot entrance to the parish hall. There is no charge for dinner.

The church is located at 11 White Street in Rockland. We welcome anyone to come and pick up a holiday meal, but, to keep everyone safe, we require everyone to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. If you are not feeling well or have been around someone who is not well, please stay at home.

If you are considering helping or want to provide food, please contact coordinator Ron Staschak at 207-691-7578.

If you would like to support this community meal with a donation, you can do so electronically on the St. Peter’s parish website or you can send a check, made payable to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with “Thanksgiving Meal” in the memo line, to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 11 White Street, Rockland, ME 04841.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and Nativity Lutheran Church invite you to a blessing of the animals. Saturday, October 2, 10:00 AM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church grounds between the church and the playground. Come give thanks for the animals in you life! Bring your pet of any shape or size, a favorite stuffed animal, a photo of a beloved animal, or even one from the wild. For the safety of pets and people, all pets must be leashed, haltered, or secured in a carrier.