|
Since the beginning of the St. Peter's congregation in the 1840's, our members have engaged in efforts to establish relationships with neighbors of the church in order to fulfill the commandment to love your neighbor as you love yourself (Matt. 22:39). Some of these relationships were in reponse to pressing social needs and led to the creation of permanent agencies to feed the poor, care for the sick, and house the homeless. Other relationships were more temporary in nature and intended to let our neighbors know we are a Christian community that cares about the emotional, physical and spiritual needs our neighbors.
Some of today's activities that are directed towards engagement with our neighbors include:
The Salam Clinic at St. Peter's UCC
 |
The Salam Clinic is a cooperative effort with doctors from the Muslim Community of St. Louis to provide free basic adult medical care for persons in the neighborhood who have limited or no insurance coverage. The clinic is held in our church building on Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
|
Music and Creative Ministries Productions
Our Director of Music and Creative Ministries produces a number of free music and dramatic programs each year to provide our neighbors with an evening of entertainment and an introduction to local amateur and professional performers.
|
|
Room at the Inn
Room at the Inn is sponsored by the Sister's of Divine Providence, in collaboration with more than 60 interfaith congregations, to provide immediate emergency shelter to families that are homeless. The program has two parts: a day-site and rotating overnight sites. We have shared in this ministry as an overnight host since 1996, providing sleeping facilities and meals prepared by members of the congregation.
Open Gym Programs
During the school year, we open our gym to neighborhood youth (ages 10 through 18) who wish to participate in pick-up basketball, under the supervision of adult leaders. Sessions are offered on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
For adults, we also have co-ed pick-up volleyball on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 PM.
Tai Chi Classes
Our Parish Nurse conducts free tai chi classes for interested neighbors and congregants at 10:00 AM on Mondays and 12:30 PM on Wednesdays.
Boy Scout Troop 383
 |
St. Peter's has sponsored a Boy Scouts of America troop for decades. Open to youth from the neighborhood and congregation, the goal is to provide training in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations.
|
|
