What is St. Peter’s like?
St. Peter’s mission is to share the life, love, and joy of Jesus Christ with all people. As a congregation we focus a great deal on four primary areas: Fellowship, Worship & Music, Service, and Children, Youth, and Family Ministries. St. Peter’s uses a fairly traditional style of worship while also maintaining a relaxed environment for people of all ages (the pastor tells a lot of bad jokes too). As we grow in our faith together questions and open discussion is always most welcome. At St. Peter’s we are a community that welcomes all people no matter where they may be in their journey of faith.
I’m not a member of St. Peters. Can I still come to the Worship Services on Sunday?
Absolutely! We welcome everyone to come enjoy worship with us. Worship Service is held in person and live streamed on Facebook at 10am every Sunday. Music Ministries share their song and praise during service. Communion is offered at each service, every Sunday – all who believe in the presence of the Lord are welcome at the table of the Lord, children who have not yet received their First Communion are welcome to come forward for a blessing once it is safe to do so. Fellowship Time is begins at 9:15am and continues after service. Communion is not offered if Pastor is not leading worship.
What ages should children go to Sunday School?
St. Peters offers Sunday School before service, beginning at 9:15am. There are two groups for Sunday School (SS) – Pre-K (4) to 2nd grade and 3rd grade to 6th grade. We cover traditional bible stories, like Noah’s Ark and Jesus’ Baptism, while incorporating crafts and games for the younger kids and some service projects for the older kids. Children meet the teachers in the Chapel and are then escorted to their classrooms – the younger class meets on the Nursery School level and our older class meets in the choir room. Children will be brought back to the chapel by 9:55am. SS teachers are all volunteers who have submitted their child abuse and criminal background checks to the church office. No snacks are provided during SS, as to not interfere with allergies; but please feel welcome to help yourself & your little ones to snacks during Fellowship Time. If you have any Sunday School specific questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Chrissy Waldron @ christin.waldron@gmail.com
I have a young child that may not want to sit through an entire service. Help?
St. Peters offers babysitting in the toddler room during the 10am service. A first aid and CPR certified teacher is available from 9:50am to 11am each Sunday to watch your little ones. Simply take your child to the Toddler Room on the middle level (next to the elevator).
I want my children to sit through Worship, but I’m worried they may become bored and/or loud.
OK, so that’s not really a question – but we have answers! Busy Bags are available for children in the Narthex when you enter; Busy Bags contain coloring pages & crayons, puzzles and maze games. Grab a bag when you come in & let your little one enjoy themselves with church themed entertainment.
Chapel listening is also available should you need it too. There is a speaker in the chapel that will carry the worship service for your convenience, in case you need to step out of the sanctuary for any reason. The chapel is located to the left of the Sanctuary where Mother’s Day Tea is held. Added bonus: there’s a Keurig in there too!
What is Fellowship Time?
St. Peters offers various snacks each Sunday beginning at 9:15am and following the 10am service. Everyone is encouraged to have a little snack and fellowship. While the pandemic climate is still unstable, Fellowship Time is outside. Once we’re back to ‘normal’, we will meet in the Chapel, where tables are available to make yourself comfortable & enjoy your time here.
I love St. Peter’s – how do I become a member?
We would love to have you be a part of this community! To become a member, please contact Pastor Suloff or the church office. Becoming a member is really quite easy, simply contact the pastor or the office and we’ll set up a meeting for your family with the pastor to discuss the church, answer any questions you might have, learn about you and your interests, and get you connected with any groups or ministries in which you might be interested. Once we have our meeting we will find a Sunday that is convenient for you and welcome you to St. Peter’s during the worship service.
I’d like to have my child baptized. Can St. Peter’s help, even if I’m not a member?
For sure! If you would like to have your child baptized simply contact the church office or Pastor Suloff to set up a time to meet. When we meet we will discuss what baptism is and what baptism means and we will also talk about what the baptismal service will look like. Baptisms take place during a regular church service and the church will work with you on a date that works best for you and your family. Pews will be reserved for your guests so everyone can be up close to the baptism as well. Fellowship Hall (aka the Nursery School gym), which is equipped with a full kitchen and bathrooms on the mid-level, is also available to rent for luncheon/receptions. Contact the church office or Pastor Suloff for more information.
Can St. Peter’s help my child make their first Holy Communion?
Of course we can. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America states that First Holy Communion should “be offered at 5th grade, or whenever the parent feels appropriate.” If you have a child in 5th grade or older who has not yet received their First Communion, or if you have a younger child and would like them to receive their First Communion, you can contact the church office to sign up the First Communion Worship, which is held as needed. The workshop can be held virtually on a date that aligns with you family’s schedule. If you have any questions about whether your child should begin receiving Communion, about the workshop, or anything else communion related, please speak with the Pastor Suloff.
I have children older than Sunday School age. How can they be involved?
St. Peter’s has a very active Youth Group for 7th through 12th graders. The St. Peter’s Youth (SPY) meets twice each month to discuss upcoming events & activities and to encourage a strong tie to their faith and one another. SPY hosts events like Parents Night Out and various food sales, such as Easter Treats and hoagie sales on ‘Souper’ Bowl Sunday. St. Peter’s has invested in these future leaders by providing a room specifically for SPY! On the midlevel of the church, it has comfortable furniture, games and even a tv to encourage our SPY group to create bonds & work together. If your teen has questions about SPY, please contact the church office.
I’m interested in Confirmation Class for my child. Where can I find more information?
At the time of Baptism, promises were made to “see to teach them the creed, the 10 Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer and to see to their instruction in the Christian Faith.” We help you fulfill these promises through our Catechism Program. It is a two year program, taught by Pastor Suloff, for youth 7th grade or above. Classes will be held before the 10am worship service for 30 minutes every other Sunday. Our Confirmation Class will begin on Sunday, October 17th for 2021. If you have a member of your family who should be a part of the Catechism Program, please contact Pastor Suloff or the church office.
I’d love to get involved with St. Peter’s – what can I do?
St. Peter’s has several active ministries & committees and all welcome everyone to be involved! Groups include: Communications, Social Ministry, Christian Education, Stewardship (fundraising), Worship & Music, Evangelism (events & outreach), Mutual Ministry, Cemetery Committee, Security/Safety, Property Committee, Prayer Ministry, and Altar Guild. More information about our various ministry groups can be found on our website, monthly newsletter, or by contacting Pastor. Best part: you don’t have to be a member to participate!
Love music! Is there any way I can be involved?
Sam Tarasenko, our Director of Music, would love to talk to you! Between the Chancel Choir, Early Music Singers, Bell’s Angels (handbells), Men’s Quartet and other groups in development, there are lots of opportunities to get involved. We often have people perform during service, so if you have a special musical talent, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sam at samtarasenko@gmail.com. Sam is also bringing many musical events to St. Peter’s, including opera and cabaret. Keep an eye out for upcoming performances – flyers can often be seen throughout the church and additional information can be found on the church website! Also be sure to check out the St. Peter’s Facebook page as we often have videos of our various musical groups posted!
What kinds of events are coming up throughout the school year that my family could attend?
There are lots of events that are family-centric – and we’d love for you to come join us for all of them! Trunk or Treat, Snacks with Santa, our Easter Egg Hunt, Vacation Bible School, and Church Picnic are all annual events that are already on our calendar. We also have various other activities like Movie Nights, Karaoke Night and a few Parents Night Out evenings that are scheduled throughout the year as well. Events will be posted on our website and Facebook page and will be shared to the Nursery School Facebook page as well. All events are open to the public, so bring a friend or two!
