Parish Life
St Paul’s Episcopal is a large, active community of faith and, although parishioners come from a wide variety of backgrounds and geographical locations, the congregation is knit together tightly in one Body and one Spirit.
The common life of St. Paul’s — our Parish Life — includes countless opportunities for worship and formation, service and fellowship:
No matter who you are or where you are on the journey of faith, we invite you to explore this parish community — the body of Christ in Old Towne Petersburg.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care is a vitally important aspect of common life at St. Paul’s. Through various pastoral ministries, members of the parish community — clergy and laity alike — share in each other’s joys and sorrows, and, when and where needed, offer each other prayer, guidance, and support.
The clergy ask that you or, in the event you are not able to make a phone call or send an email, someone close to you, contact the church during times of personal crisis, illness, or when a life-changing event has taken place. Such instances include the birth or adoption of a child, hospitalization, and death.
Visits to the sick and homebound, including the distribution of Holy Communion in home or hospital, are crucial parts of pastoral care. Contact the church office if you, or someone close to you, is in need of or would appreciate a visit.
Periods of intentional preparation for reception of/participation in the sacraments, particularly Holy Baptism and Holy Matrimony (Marriage), and funeral planning, are all part of pastoral care, and the clergy are eager to offer their assistance.
Additional information about the sacraments and pastoral rites of the Church, including Holy Baptism, Holy Matrimony, and funerals and liturgies for the burial of the dead are available here.
Newcomers & Membership
All are welcome and invited to take part in the life of St. Paul’s, Petersburg. There are many ways to become involved in the community and, although we would very much like you to join the parish, “official” membership is by no means a requirement.
If you are a recent or prospective visitor, or a newcomer to St. Paul’s, click here to view a series of frequently asked questions, the answers to which may prove helpful to you.
Hospitality lies at the very heart of our identity as a community of faith. At St. Paul’s, we strive to extend a spirit of warmth and welcome to all who enter our doors — especially to those who are visiting or who are new to the parish. If you fall into either of these categories, and even if you don’t, we encourage you to join us for one of the opportunities for fellowship that is offered each Sunday: at the informal breakfast in Bristol Hall following the 8:00 liturgy; at lemonades on the lawn during the summer following the 10:30 service.
Receptions specifically designed for those who are new to the parish are held on a periodic basis. For more information, speak with a member of the clergy or contact the Parish Office.
Stewardship
Stewardship begins with an understanding that everything we have is a gift from a lavishly generous God who is active in our lives and in all of creation. In gratitude for God’s gifts, we are called to give back to God from the first fruits of our labors.
Stewardship is more than a financial commitment made each Fall. It is also offering time and talent in support of the mission and ministry of the parish community, including, for example, support of worship services, teaching Sunday School, supporting each other in the Christian life, contributing to parish efforts to serve the homeless and working to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In addition to your pledge and tithing there are other ways to show support for St. Paul’s:
In addition to making a yearly financial commitment to St. Paul’s, members and friends are asked to put their faith into action by offering time and talent to the parish and the wider community it serves.
St. Paul's Church is a diverse family that knows the unconditional love of God, and respects and welcomes all to share the Gospel of Christ.
© by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Site created by Michael Maszaros.
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