Advent Quiet Day – Saturday, December 15th from 9:00am to 1:00pm. The pre-Christmas season can be hectic with many competing demands for our attention, and it is easy to overlook the spiritual aspect of the season. When we feel too busy, though, the very things for which we think there is no time are often the most important for our health and well-being.  Sponsored by the Pastoral Care Committee at St. Peter’s, Rev. Lael will lead a guided Quiet Day (really half day). Snacks and a light lunch will be provided.

Tuesday 6 – 7 p.m. Study Group: rThis evening group meets from 6 – 7 p.m. in the Vestry room to study areas of scripture identified by the group and Rector. This is a small, thoughtful, questioning, and open group.  No advance preparation is necessary.  Please consider joining them. These discussions help to both understand the context in which the scriptures were written and their application to our lives today.

Tuesday Morning Bible Study – The morning group meets at 9:00 am in the Parlor with Jane Chatfield, Deacon, and previews the next Sunday’s readings. Their practice is to dwell on what the Scriptures speak to the heart.  Such Scripture reading is both ancient & contemporary. Consider opening yourself to God in this gentle way.

Bible Study for Everyone – if you would like to follow along with our Sunday lectionary readings on your own, copies of a short Commentary and study aid called “Synthesis CE” are available in the Narthex to help you prepare for next week’s readings.

St. Peter’s Awarded a $3,000 Grant to Support Loaves & Fishes

In September, the Loaves and Fishes community weekend hot lunch program hosted by St. Peter’s and staffed by community teams from eleven different community groups was awarded a $3,000 grant” from the Diocese to support “ministry to those living in poverty.” The funds will used to purchase replacement tables and chairs.  Loaves and Fishes serves approximately 4,000 community meals a year, plus special Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinners. Current teams (who donate both time and food include Aldersgate Methodist Church, Adas Yoshuron Synagogue, Youthlinks, L.I.F.E. Ministry, Camden for Community, CHRHS Honor Society, Nativity Lutheran Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, St. Thomas’s Episcopal Church, and the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rockland. Rock City and the Atlantic Baking Company regularly provide coffee and bread, and Primo’s Restaurant provides and serves a special meal each January.  The mission of Loaves and Fishes remains as true today as it did at the inception of the program: “To serve nutritious noon meals and provide a welcoming community center and secure place for weekly fellowship with others.” As one regular participant commented, “I look forward not just to a good meal, but for the chance to be with friends and others, including the volunteers.”

Updated sign with new St. Peter’s logo.  Thanks to all who helped!

If you are a “seasoned” Episcopalian, you know that the Junior Warden of a church is often also the person in charge of building and grounds.   Our current Junior Warden has been particularly active this summer.  One of her latest projects is the renewal of the handsome doors to the sanctuary and parish hall.  Temporarily, as can be seen in the attached photo, these doors are being removed to be stripped and revarnished.  Other projects include an update of the St. Peter’s sign on the exterior of parish hall, facing the parking lot.  Expect to see it installed within the next few weeks – and to sport the new St. Peter’s boat logo (which is also the logo for this web site).  She is also collecting donations of various basic tools, so that anyone working on building and grounds repairs or maintenance can readily find what is needed to complete the job.  If you have tools you could donate to the church or want to be one of St. Peter’s “building and grounds stewards” who help with specific tasks, contact the church office and the Junior Warden will in turn be in touch with you.