St. Peter's Mission Projects

It is our understanding of God's intention for us that we are called to be "A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL PEOPLE". We base that statement on two authoritative biblical statements. The prophet Isaiah for instance says precisely that in a fascinating passage in the 56th Chapter of Isaiah in which both eunuchs and foreigners are invited to the Messianic Banquet. This is a remarkable statement in a tradition that tended toward racial purity. Isaiah began to open the door to the Temple a very long time ago indeed.
Jesus continues the tradition of Isaiah when he drives out the money changers from the Temple, it is precisely this statement that he uses to clarify the purpose for which he comes to God's place of prayer. Jesus says that his house shall be a “House of Prayer for ALL People”.(See Matthew 21:13, Mark 11:17 and Luke 19:46) It seems to us that we can say nothing less.

Among our Mission Projects are as follows:

The Salem Mission:

For many years now we have fed people at the Salem Mission. This has just become part of our regular cycle of life here. On the third Thursday of each month Patti Rocci and a crew of helpers go to the Salem Mission to provide a meal for the folks there. We gather at 4pm and finish up around 7pm. Typically we head out afterward and treat ourselves (Dutch Treat) to a meal at a local restaurant.

St. Peter's Winter Closet:

St. Peter's re-opened their winter closet again this year. We were open on the first Saturday of each month beginning in November, 2007 through February, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon. We distributed outerwear (such as coats, jackets, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens) for men, women, and children. We will open again for the 4th year in November, 2008.

Integrity USA:

Integrity USA is an advocacy group within the Episcopal Church that seeks to be inclusive of all people at all levels of ministry within the church. We have struggled for many years for racial and gender equality. We are now engaged in a struggle for parity on behalf of LGBT community. We believe that folks should have every every right to exercise their ministry whatever race, ethnicity, gender or orientation they may happen to be. We believe that when St. Paul says that when we are one in Christ we then become a new creation. For then there is no longer "Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

A.A. Meetings:

St. Peter’s is a gathering place for a number of groups that provide self help and support strategies. A.A. groups meet in our Church Hall on Mondays & Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Fridays at 8:00 p.m.

The Theatre of Light:

St. Peter’s recently has begun to host several arts groups in hopes that we can fulfill an ancient role of the church which is to be a patron of the arts. The Theatre of Light is an exquisite children’s ministry under the direction of Barbara Egyes.

Mamadou and the West African Drums:

We are also delighted to be the host congregation for those who are learning the rhythms of West Africa. Mamadou and Debra Crosbie have both done so much for Salem and the North Shore area, and we welcome them to St. Peter’s.

Serve New England:

St. Peter’s has become a host parish now to a local food cooperative. Everyone is eligible to participate. All that is required is that you give 10 hours per week in volunteer/community service. For more information, call the office.