Programs

Outreach and Mission Commission

The Outreach and Mission Commission oversees the parish’s financial support of ministries beyond the parish. The commission meets monthly to consider requests for support from a range of programs designed to spread the Good News locally, nationally, and internationally. A list of currently supported

Outreach Activities

Here are just a few of the outreach activities in which Saint Peter's is currently engaged:

Arlington Interfaith Council: Representing over 50 religious and service organizations in Arlington, the AIC works to bring together the religious and service organizations in the county to discuss and act on issues of mutual concern, serves as a transmission belt between county services and religious groups so as to provide information on needs, activities, plans and local government programs, provides a forum to discuss needs, and enables faith-based groups to take positions on issues and make their views known. Nearly 40 religious organizations participate representing the full diversity and interests of the faith based communities in the country. It has over 11,000 members and supports in virtually all of the county public and service activities. It is committed to make Arlington the "best community in the nation to live in." St. Peter's sends a delegate to the Council's monthly meetings.

Christmas In April: Each April, members of the parish join with “Christmas in April” to clean, paint, repair, and upgrade homes on a single Saturday for needy Arlingtonians. All parishioners 14 years of age and above are welcome.

Clothing Collections: Ranch-style clothing in good condition is collected throughout the year for residents of the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, where the Episcopal Church has maintained a mission for over a century. Shipping costs are paid from church funds. Clothing not suitable for South Dakota is given shelters for homeless and abused persons living in Arlington.

Diocesan Council: Lay delegates from St. Peter’s participate in annual meetings of the Virginia Diocesan Council along with representatives of all other parishes in the diocese. The council considers an annual budget for the diocese, votes on committees and officers to lead Diocesan activities, and takes up various resolutions setting forth church policy on a wide variety of current issues. It also assesses the state of the Diocese including ongoing building projects, planting new churches, recruitment and appointment of clergy, outreach activities in the state and overseas, educational and ministerial needs and long-term plans.

Help the Homeless Kindness Kits: Ever feel helpless when you pass folks on the street begging for money? St. Peter's is responding to this dilemma with "Kindness Kits". Each kit includes bottled water, nonperishable snacks, a list of organizations providing services to the homeless in the District of Columbia (a Northern Virginia version is under production), change to make a phone call and a card telling the recipient "You are in the prayers of the people of St. Peter's Episcopal Church." Assembled by our High Schoolers with support from Fr. Craig's discretionary fund, the kits are available in the Narthex. Help us further this ministry today by taking one or more of the kits with you and handing them to a person in need.

Emergency Winter Shelter Meals: If you are looking for a hands-on way to serve God and your community, what better opportunity than preparing a meal for the ASPAN Emergency Winter Shelter. The St. Peter's community has been quietly supplying and delivering meals every winter Thursday evening for at least four years under the direction of Rene Peyton. The shelter is open November through March and sometimes into the first weeks of April, if the weather remains harsh. We need more volunteers to keep this important service as part of St. Peter's contribution to its larger community. The idea of preparing a simple meal for 40 may seem daunting, but some have found that by combining efforts with a group of friends or acquaintances, the task can fill an important need and be enjoyable, too. Assistance and support are readily available. If you can help or want more information, please contact Lisa McCue or Pam Park.

Meals on Wheels: The Second Friday of Each month, five teams from St. Peters’ meet at First Presbyterian Church in North Arlington (near Ballston) to pick up and deliver meals to shut-ins. Each route takes approximately 1-1/2 hour at most. We have participated in this ministry for more than 30 years and always welcome volunteers to help with the delivery.

Powhatan Nursing Home: For many years St. Peter's rector and a group of parishioners have led a monthly Eucharist for the residents, family members, and staff of Powhatan Nursing Home. Our services usually include the reading of the appropriate Gospel and a brief homily. Some of the residents are able to join in on familiar parts of the service. For several years Jim Selway and Lisa Lettau have provided music and led us in singing familiar and beloved hymns. This is a very worthwhile and rewarding ministry.

Region 3: Consisting of representatives of all of the Episcopal churches in Arlington, this group meets monthly to discuss topics of mutual interest and concern.

So Others Might Eat (SOME): This ministry consists of a team of shoppers and cooks to prepare breakfast and lunch to 300-400 homeless and poor men, women, and children in Washington DC. St. Peter’s is one of many community groups that provide food and prepare meals at the SOME facility, 71 O Street NW on the first Thursday each month.

©1998-2004 Trustees of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Arlington, VA