The Church of St. Peter
Worship and Music: Loving God
The worship of God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit through music and symbolic actions is one of the most important reasons for a Christian community to exist. We hold over 130 worship services a year. Our central act of worship when we gather together is the Holy Eucharist (“The Great Thanksgiving“) also known as The Mass, Holy Communion, The Divine Liturgy or the Lord’s Supper. Through the simple meal of bread and wine Jesus offers us the gift of himself that we may draw closer to him, be united to one another and be strengthened to go out and do God’s work day by day in our community. Friendship and Caring: Loving One Another Worship by itself is not enough. Along with the first commandment to love God, he commands us to love each other. At St. Peter’s we work hard to embody this message by supporting each other and reconciling when our relationships break down. We strive to ensure all who come through are doors know that they are welcome in the house of God. St. Peter‘s people love a party! It is through our many social events that we get to know each other better and build friendships.Our caring goes beyond our church’s doors as volunteers visit people in the hospital and at home, run the Food Bank, or are active as volunteers in our wider community. And if you want to know what priests do when not leading the Sunday service, this is where a great deal of their time is spent.
Pastoral Care:
Father Jeff Donnelly, our Priest, spends much of his time on pastoral care at the church, in hospitals and in homes, spiritual counselling, newcomer visiting, participating in local community groups, and serving as the chaplain for the Naval Veterans. Together with volunteers from St. Peter’s, our clergy visit people at home and at hospitals and also celebrate the Eucharist at Thorntonview Nursing Home twice a month and the Whitby Mental Health Centre periodically.
Outreach:
On a local level, we run a Food Bank that serves hundreds of families. We provide financial support to local programs such as a School Breakfast Club, women’s shelters, children’s programs and the hospital chaplaincy program. On a national level, parishioners participate in the Cancer Relay for Life. On an international level, we help support a family in India to gain financial independence and self reliance through the Save-A-Family Plan. Our FaithWorks donations support social outreach programs within the Diocese of Toronto. At Thanksgiving we have a fresh fruit and vegetable food drive for local community shelters and at Christmas there is our annual toy drive.
Congregational Fellowship:
We foster congregational fellowship through our many social and fundraising events. Sunday Coffee Hour, Recognition Lunches, Men’s Club, Secret Sisters, parties and dances, the Parish Picnic/Patronal Festival, Soup Lunches and a Pancake Supper are just a few of our activities.
Be Part of What We Do!
There is so much to do at St. Peter’s in addition to the key purpose of gathering together for church services. Whatever your interest is, talk to us and find out about participating in the many areas where your time and talent is appreciated.
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