St. Peter's Episcopal Church Parish Organizations

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS

The VESTRY is the official board of the church which directs property, finance and parish policy. The Rector, Wardens and Vestry people comprise the membership. Election of the Vestry takes place at the Annual Meeting each January. To be eligible for election, a candidate must be an active member in good standing. (Regular church attendance, a regular supporter of the churches budget, and active in the ministry of the Parish.)
Contact: The Rector,(732.826.1594)

ST. PETER’S CHOIR, under the direction of R. Douglas Sheldon, provides the musical compliment to the weekly principal service of worship by performing a variety of anthems and liturgical responses in conjunction with the Christian calendar of the Episcopal Church. Musical selections are generally performed by the full choir with occasional small groups and solo renditions. In addition the choir provides music for special services throughout the year, highlighted by the annual service of Lessons & Carols.
Membership in the choir is open to any adult member in the Parish who has an interest in singing. (Many of the current members came up through the ranks of St. Peter’s boys and girl’s choir dating as far back as the early 1940’s. In addition to Perth Amboy, current members reside in communities encompassing a wide geographical area.
Guests from Westminster Choir College have become standard members of the choir, and occasional guest performers from other groups have joined with St. Peter’s Choir for special celebrations. Anyone interested in joining the choir, please contact: St. Peter’s Parish Office (732.826.1594) or see Mr. Sheldon immediately following the church service.

ACOLYTES serve by assisting the clergy at the altar during worship services. Anyone aged nine years or older may serve. If interested, contact the Acolyte Master, Butch Bryson at 732.699.0896.

LAY READERS participate in the worship service by reading the appointed Lessons and Psalms. Anyone interested in serving as a Lay Reader please contact the Deacon, the Rev. Kathleen DeJohn, (732.826.1594 or 732.442.2212).

THE USHER’S GUILD is comprised of dedicated men and women who greet and welcome parishioners and visitors at scheduled church services. They provide physical assistance to those in need, aid with seating, smooth the flow of traffic during the Eucharist, and collect and present the offering to the altar. They also guide and train adults and children to help with the mechanics of the worship services.
The Guild is open to anyone with an interest in serving our Lord in the humble basics of the church service. Anyone interested in serving contact an usher or call Bill Meyer (732.634.0890).

THE MOTHER’S GUILD is one of the major fund-raising organizations in the parish. They specifically support Christian Education as well as general Parish financial needs. The Mother’s Guild is open to all women of the Parish. If interested contact Elaine Leiter, President (732.738.4138).

THE ALTAR GUILD members prepare the altar for all church services including weddings, funerals, and baptisms. They maintain the linens, vessels, and vestments. They also change the dossal curtain and the paramounts on the pulpit and lectern according to the church season. If interested in serving on the Altar Guild contact Directress, Cherrill Garoniak (732.826.5444).

THE LIVING MEMORIAL FOUNDATION receives monies from Spiritual Bouquets and Memorial Services. These funds are used for the support of the Parish. Contact David Adams (732.324.8085).

ST. PETER’S YOUTH GROUP presently boasts a membership of 30 young adults in grades 6-12. Our young people keep busy combining and balancing many diverse activities which include Christian Education, Community service, Fund-raising, Parish function support and fun filled field trips. Some of their many projects are: Sponsoring a child from Ecuador,Danny, age 9, cooking and serving at the Salvation Army, Walks for Autism and the Passion on Good Friday. Anyone in grades 6-12 interested in becoming a member of the group contact Ralph Richardson, (732.545.7576) Mary Aponte (732.819.7382), and John Cardillo (732.494.3508).

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCHWOMEN work with the women of the Diocese of New Jersey to create, organize and support outreach programs for the Diocese and National Church Anyone interested in participating, contact Deborah Anderson (732.245.7444) or Kathy Stephenson (732.324.1352).

LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITORS are parishioners who are specially trained to carry the Sacrament consecrated at our principal worship service to those parishioners that are ill and shut-in and no longer able to attend church. These very important visits help them to stay connected to the worship and life of our parish. Anyone interested in the training for this ministry please contact the Deacon, Rev. Kathleen DeJohn (732.826.1594 or 732.442.2212).

ADULT EDUCATION we offer periodic Bible study, or reflections on spiritual publications. The frequency of our sessions depends on the interest and commitment of those who wish to participate. If interested contact Ellen Torres (732.525.2633)

SUNDAY SCHOOL provides a progressive Bible based curriculum with emphasis on the Episcopal tradition for our children from pre-school through the eighth grade. The curriculum is taught by a group of well trained staff members. Anyone interested in registering your children or joining our staff please contact the Rector, (732.826.1594) or the Deacon, The Rev. Kathleen DeJohn (732.826.1594 or 732.442.2212).