World Labyrinth Day
Every year on the first Saturday in May people around the world celebrate World Labyrinth Day. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes invites you to celebrate with us. You can enjoy a walk in our labyrinth located in St. Peter’s Square on Second Street, or our labyrinth located at Pilottown Cemetery on Pilottown Road. Both are always open and all are welcome!
Little Cupboard
Community Pantry
The Little Cupboard is a sustainable program for feeding children and families of our local and larger communities. Little Cupboard volunteers, with donations and financial support, work hard to help ease some of the hunger faced by those in our little part of the world. Through this ministry, hunger and poverty in our community is addressed each and every day. The Little Cupboard, located just outside the Church gate by the labyrinth, contains a variety of nourishing, non-perishable food items for those in our larger community experiencing food insecurity.
staff
Kelley Mallon
PARISH ADMINISTRATOR
T.J. Thomas
MINISTER OF MUSIC
T.J. serves as Minister of Music at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, Lewes, DE. He oversees a vibrant music program including several choirs, a concert series, and the annual residency of a prominent Anglican Church musician. Prior to St. Peter’s, T.J. was Interim Director of Music at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. During his undergraduate career, he served on the music staff at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Pro-Cathedral (Wilkes-Barre, PA) under the direction of his organ teacher and mentor, Canon Mark Laubach. An active member of the Royal School of Church Music in America, T.J. functions as Liturgist and Co-Music Manager for the King’s College Course every summer. He is active in the American Guild of Organists and Association of Anglican Musicians. T.J. received his Bachelor’s degree in Music from Marywood University (Scranton, PA). He was received into the Episcopal Church in 2006.
Jessica Potter
Director of Family Ministries and Communications
Jessica serves as the Director of Family Ministries and Communications at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes, DE. She became a member of St. Peter’s in 2014 and volunteered with Godly play, Vacation Bible School, and Heart and Soul. Later she served as the under 30 delegate for Convention and was the Vestry liaison for Christian Formation.
Jessica oversees St. Peter's online platforms and Christian formation programs from Godly Play through S.P.Y High school. She is on the Diocesan Youth Leaders Advisory Group.
Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delaware and is a Certified preschool teacher. Jessica lives in Millsboro with her spouse Michael and dog Charlie.
Bob Reehorst
SEXTON
Helen Waite
GARDNER
CLERGY & STAFF
The Rev. Jeffrey AUSTIN Ross
RECTOR AND PASTOR
As the Rector and Pastor of Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, I would like to welcome you to our parish webpage! We are glad you have found us and want you to know that if you are looking for a spiritual home, you would be most welcome in our community. Here is a little about me. Since August of 2005, I have served as the Rector of Saint Peter's Episcopal Church which has been in existence for over 300 years and is an active and growing community. We have a strong ministry reaching out to youth, young families, and newly retired adults. We are passionate about our local outreach ministries. I am a life-long Episcopalian and have been ordained since 1998 (my sister is also a priest!). Prior to ordination, I worked as a family therapist as well as on Bishop's staff for Christian Formation. I am a graduate of the General Theological Seminary and I also hold a Master of Science degree in Pastoral Counseling from Neumann University. My wife has a PhD in Corporate Leadership and she currently serves as the Executive Director of the Delaware Alliance for Non-Profit Advancement. We have a grown daughter and a son. We enjoy swimming, skiing, and traveling. Personally, I am trying to enhance my novice skills in photography and playing the penny whistle as my official hobbies (along with loving movies, books and theater!).
The Rev. Canon Mark Harris
PRIEST ASSOCIATE FOR MISSION
Mark has served at Saint Peter’s Church since 2003. He has served as a Vicar in Puerto Rico, a Chaplain to the U. of Michigan and U. of Delaware, was Staff Officer for Ministry in Higher Education and Director of Overseas Missionaries and Partnership officer for East Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East at the Episcopal Church Center in New York, and director of an independent mission agency. He has been a rector and interim priest in Delaware. Along the way he has served as a consultant for numerous parishes, dioceses, religious organizations as well as worked on issues of justice and peace.
Mark holds a Master’s of Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For his work with the Episcopal Church in the Philippines he was named Canon for External Relations, and received an honorary doctorate. Mark is an avid poet and artist, with a printmaking studio in Milton, De. He and his wife are blessed with two wonderful grown children, two spectacular grandchildren and two very lovable dogs! You can follow Mark on his blog Preludium at www.anglicanfuture.blogspot.com.
The Rev. Carlyle Gill
PRIEST ASSOCIATE FOR PASTORAL CARE
The Rev. J. Carlyle Gill recently retired after thirty years of ordained ministry. She is among the first women to be ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. Carlyle served as Assistant Chaplain to the College at the University of the South, Associate Rector at St. Augustine-by-the-Sea in Santa Monica, California, Rector of St. Stephen and the Incarnation, Washington, D.C., and Senior Associate and Interim Rector at St. Alban’s, Washington, D.C. Carlyle received her Master's of Divinity from The Virginia Theological Seminary, her Master's in Philosophy of Religion from Columbia University and her Bachelor of Arts from Queens University. She is currently a retreat leader and spiritual director.
The Rev. Ted Olson
PRIEST ASSOCIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION
Ted was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. He was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 1979 for the Diocese of Wilmington where he served in parishes and as a canon lawyer. He earned a graduate degree in canon law from The Catholic University in Washington, DC, a master's degree in pastoral care and counseling, and training in spiritual direction from Neumann University in Aston, PA. After electing to leave Roman Catholic ministry in 2004, he worked in the fields of alcohol and drug counseling, psychotherapy, and hospice chaplaincy. Following his reception into the Episcopal Church, he entered a process of discernment resulting in his petition to have his ordination received by the Episcopal Church. In August 2020, Ted’s Orders were received by Bishop Kevin Brown, and he is now canonically resident in the Diocese of Delaware.
Ted and his spouse, Jack Anderson, live in Millsboro with their two Siamese cats, Annie and Lucie. They enjoy traveling in their RV as well as living in lower Delaware. Ted’s interests include personal and spiritual growth, ongoing education, and good entertainment.
THE REV. DEACON LARRY NORFLEET
DEACON
Larry and his wife Sue have two children and three grandchildren.
The rev. Paula j. waite, M.th., acc
DIOCESAN CHAPLAIN TO BEEBE HOSPITAL
Paula is a vocational deacon whose service within the Diocese of Delaware is fulfilled by her ministry as a Staff Chaplain at Beebe Healthcare at the main campus in Lewes. Paula graduated from St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore Maryland and was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Chilton Knudsen in 2018. Paula completed her residency in chaplaincy at Christiana Hospital in 2017 and joined Beebe Healthcare upon graduation. Paula has a certificate in the Foundations of Palliative Chaplaincy and is Board Certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains. Paula created and offers a community education program, Life Before Death, that focuses on Advance Care Planning. Paula and her husband Tom reside in Milton with their cat Samantha. Please contact Chaplain Paula at Beebe Healthcare if you or your loved ones are hospitalized.
Get Connected
CHILDRENS MINISTRIES
Secondary Title
Sunday School is offered September to May from 9:15 to 10:15 at which time the children join their parents for the 10:00 a.m. Service in the Sanctuary or the 10:30 Family Service in the Community Hall. Our Sunday School consists of the Little Shepherds (ages 3-6) and the Disciples (grades 2-4). SPY Middle and Spy High (grades 5-12) meet in the Community Hall at 12pm, following coffee hour.
cHRISTIAN FORMATION sCHEDULES
CLICK THE BOXES BELOW TO FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING AT ST. PETER'S
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Pardon our mess
this page is under construction
More information coming soon!
Volunteers
vOLUNTEERS
Secondary Title
Interested in volunteering at St. Peter's ? Here are some things you should know. There is now an online safe church training. This training teaches all volunteers how to interact safely in different situations. To learn more about the safe church program click the button below.
EfM
why should I consider joining?
Thoughtful people are asking….What is EfM and why should I consider joining?
EfM is the acronym for Education for Ministry, a distance learning program of the Episcopal Seminary in Sewanee, TN.
It is a four year program of study, group reflection/discussion, worship, Christian community and spiritual friendship.
More details available at www.efm.sewanee.edu.
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Have you ever read a book that really engaged you and made you think? Or, watched a movie or heard a talk show or had a conversation that seemed to challenge your view of life or your faith? Have you ever opened the Holy Bible but found it too difficult to understand how it could relate to questions raised by life’s big and little questions? Do the current political issues within the church frustrate you and cause you to wonder if the church has ever before gone through such turmoil? Did you come to the Episcopal church from another Christian denomination or another faith and wonder what the Episcopal church “thinks” about this or that? Do you sometimes think that you are the only one who struggles to understand your faith? Do you love the thoughtful sermons preached every Sunday at St. Peter’s but wish the conversation could continue? If you find yourself answering yes to any of these questions you might be a good candidate for EfM.
To learn more about Sewanee visit their WEBSITE
Contact Jacqueline Ferris and Ray Michener.
Secondary Title
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Holy Week and Easter services
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Sunday,
April 2nd: 8 am and 10 am Holy Eucharist with Procession of the Palms
10:15 Last Supper Reenactment during the Iona Service in the Parish Hall
Wednesday, April 5th: 7 pm Choral Tenebrae Service
Thursday, April 6th: 7 pm Maundy Thursday Eucharist with Foot Washing
Friday, April 7th: Noon Good Friday Liturgy
Friday, April 7th: 7 pm Taizé Prayer Around the Cross, Last words and Labyrinth service
in the Parish Hall
Saturday, April 8th: 7 pm The Great Vigil of Easter
Sunday, April 9th: 8 am Festal Choral Eucharist
10 am Festal Choral Eucharist
10:30 Family Eucharist Iona Service in the Parish Hall
Easter Egg Hunt on St. Peter’s Square immediately following the last service of the day
parking meters go back into effect
may 1st
The parking meters in downtown Lewes will be
active from May 1 until October 14th from 9 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week. As in
previous years, the meters on Second Street in front of the church and on
Market Street immediately next to the church will not be enforced until noon on
Sunday, but they are enforced AT noon on Sunday. (If you are still parked at
12:05, you may find a ticket on your windshield.) Please note that this applies
ONLY to the block that surrounds St. Peter’s Square; if you park in front of
the bank or Agave, for instance, you have to pay or you will get a ticket.
Please do NOT park in the parking lot at R&L Liquors after 10 am on
Sundays; you will get a ticket. Instructions on how to feed the meters can be
found on the meters themselves
Ministries FAir
Secondary Title
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church invites you to join us for our Ministries Fair, Friday, April 28 (5pm to 7pm) or Saturday, April 29 (10am to Noon), St. Peter's Parish Hall: Are you looking for how you can become more involved at St. Peter's, or simply wondering what a particular committee or group does? Come to the Ministries Fair! This is a no-pressure, informational event with representatives (both lay and clergy) to answer your questions. Refreshments will be offered (wine & snacks on Friday, coffee and pastries Saturday) and there is no charge. Just come, ask questions, meet new people! All are welcome! Questions? Contact St. Peter’s Office at 302-645-8479
Youth Group Overnight
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Saint Peter’s Youth are invited to an overnight stay at Camp Arrowhead. This youth fellowship will take place on April 22 through the 23. Our Saturday will be filled with games, camp activities (depends on staffing), a labyrinth walk, conversations, a campfire, and will end with a service Sunday morning at 10 in the Chapel. We would love for your youth ages 9 to 18 to join us. Families are invited to join the 10 am service in the Chapel. This is a great chance for all of our youth to get together, post Covid, and enjoy each other’s company in the presence of God. Contact Jessica Potter to register no later than March 31st.
YOuth Group Overnight
Saint Peter’s Youth were invited to an overnight retreat at Camp Arrowhead. This youth fellowship took place on April 22 and 23. Our Saturday was filled with kayaking, gaga, games, a labyrinth walk, conversation about the stewardship of the earth, and smores. Our retreat ended with the Sunday morning Iona service in the Chapel. We had an absolute blast. Please enjoy a glimpse of our fun filled weekend by viewing the pictures below.
volunteer
Secondary Title
What does volunteering at the Art Show look like?
There are many ways to help during St. Peter's Art Show. We have listed a few of them below.
Water distribution
Information Booth
Food Concessions
Set up and Break down
Directing traffic during vendor arrival and departure
Welcome to St. Peter's
Sanctuary in the Heart of Lewes
Saint Peter's Episcopal Church serves the city of Lewes, Delaware, and the surrounding community. Located in the heart of the First Town in the First State, Saint Peter's is one of the oldest congregations in the state of Delaware. The church has served the community faithfully since 1681.
Today, Saint Peter's is more active than ever. We are a warm, welcoming congregation with warm and welcoming clergy. We invite anyone seeking a relationship with Christ to join us.
We are open for in-person worship. Masks are voluntary.
For more information about our worship, children's programs or our nursery, please call Saint Peter's Parish office at [302] 645-8479, or email office@stpeterslewes.org. Our office hours are 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday.
OUR MISSION
The mission of St. Peter's Church is to share the love of God through worship, Christian formation, and reaching out to those in need in the community.
stewardship
Secondary Title
CHILDRENS MINISTRIES
Secondary Title
Sunday School is offered September to June from 9:15 to 10:00 at which time the children join their parents for the 10:00 a.m. Service in the Sanctuary or the 10:15 Iona Service in the Community Hall. Our Sunday School consists of the Little Shepherds (ages 3-6), the Disciples (grades 2-4), SPY Middle (grades 5-8), and Spy High (grades 9-12)
godly play
Godly Play is a program that uses a hands-on approach to Christian formation. Children are invited to listen to stories, pray together, and wonder about God. Godly Play encourages children to ask questions and respond to the lesson in open and creative ways. Our goal in Godly Play is to show how to be open to the Holy Spirit, the Creator, and the Redeemer all at once, all the time in every place.
More information about Godly Play
building faith brick by brick
Building Faith Brick by Brick is a new curriculum that we have introduced to our Disciples class. Dig into your bin of LEGO® bricks and start Building Faith Brick by Brick! Children in 2nd grade through 4th Grade engage the Bible and use their imaginations by recreating the stories with LEGO®.
Safe Church
Secondary Title
Working with children and youth in the Episcopal Church requires Safe Church training. Safe Church training is offered in person and online. Remember, you must contact your church administrator or Toni Snow for instructions on registration.
For more information follow the links provided.
Shrove tuesday
pancake dinner
Thank you to everyone who helped shop, set up, cook, serve, wash the dreaded dirty dishes, and break down on Shrove Tuesday. St. Peter's is blessed to have so many willing helping hands. It is safe to say that the pancake dinner was a success. Thanks to everyone's generosity we were able to raise $1,300 for Code Purple
COFFEE HOUR
If you are
interested in hosting click the button below to learn more about getting involved with Coffee Hour.
Godly Play & Sunday School
St. Peter's Sunday School runs from 9:15 to 10am. There are classes for all ages. We would love for you to join us. Godly Play is spoken here.
ST. PETER'S 57TH ANNUAL ART SHOW
July 1, 2023
Since the 1980s, St. Peter’s has given the money raised to organizations that help people in need in the local area, and this year will be no different. The Community Resource Center in Rehoboth, a ministry of the Lewes Rehoboth Association of Churches, is a major beneficiary of the show. Aid is given regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, color, marital status, creed, national origin, disability, or religious affiliation.
It’s no wonder that the show’s motto is “Art that Gives.”
Click on the picture to learn more about our Art Show.
Our Mission
The mission of St. Peter's Church is to share the love of God through worship, Christian formation, and reaching out to those in need in the community.
reminder
Secondary Title
No one at St. Peter’s will ever solicit a monetary donation from anyone in our parish via a text message or email. There are many scammers who spoof our identity to prey on the generosity of our parishioners. If you ever receive a solicitation of this sort, please call us or come see us to confirm its veracity.
Additionally - we do not use Twitter, so if you see anything posted on Twitter that claims to be from St. Peter's, know that it is NOT us!
Thank you to our sponsors!
art show page
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Gallo Realty (for providing the shuttle)
Lewes Senior Activity Center (for providing the shuttle)
Long & Foster Kogler Team (Mike Kogler, Candy Williams, Carol Lazzara) for generously donating this year's t-shirts
M&T Bank (for use of their parking lot for exhibitors)
pastoral services
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Baptism at St. Peter’s Church
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is celebrated according to the canons of the church and the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer. By Baptism, we become full members of the Body of Christ and His Church. Baptisms are therefore part of the public worship of the church and are not performed privately but rather during one of the principal Sunday services. It is expected that persons who are Baptized at Saint Peter’s will answer affirmatively the questions asked in the baptismal covenant, particularly concerning their participation in the life and ministry of this parish. When we baptize infants and small children, it is expected that their parents and/or guardians will assist their children in regular attendance at worship and in the life of the congregation.
The Book of Common Prayer directs that it is especially appropriate for Holy Baptism to be performed at these feasts: The Baptism of our Lord, The Great Vigil and Easter, Pentecost Sunday, and All Saints Sunday. It is also appropriate to celebrate Baptism at the visitation of our Bishop. In addition to the dates listed above, a baptism may also be scheduled on other Sundays of any month other than those listed above. Except in the case of extreme emergency, baptisms will not be performed in the season of Lent.
Before the Baptism is celebrated there is always instruction for the individual and/or parents. Godparents are also strongly urged to be participants in this instruction. If you wish to be baptized or to have your child baptized, please speak with Fr. Jeff.
Blessings for Birthday and Anniversary
Our congregation enjoys receiving blessings for birthdays and wedding anniversaries.
Pet Blessing
Each year on the anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Peter's holds a blessing ceremony for our pets.
Confirmation & Reception
Confirmation is a pastoral rite in which a mature person, who was baptized as an infant or young child, reaffirms his or her baptismal vows with a blessing and laying on of hands by the Bishop. Reception is a similar rite in which a Christian, who has been baptized as an adult in another tradition, is received into the Episcopal Church by means of a blessing and laying on of hands by a Bishop. The Bishop visits Saint Peter’s Church once every year, in part to Confirm or Receive new members into the Church. Prior to his visit, those wishing to be Confirmed or Received, will be prepared by Fr. Ross through study, prayer and contemplation. If you are interested in being Confirmed or Received, please speak with Fr. Jeff.
Funerals and Memorial Services
The death of a child of God is a tender event. Members of the church are urged to call Fr. Jeff as soon as possible when death is anticipated or has come, in order that he may bring the comfort of our faith and the presence of the church family. In addition, parishioners are encouraged to sit down with the Rector ahead of time to make advance arrangements. It is appropriate for the funeral of a Christian to take place in the Church. A viewing can also be held in the parish hall or the church prior to the service. The service should be held at a time when the congregation has an opportunity to be present. Members and their families may also avail themselves of the Pilottown Cemetery.
St. Peter's Pilottown Cemetery Policy & Operating Procedures- Download PDF
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is available to the community to conduct weddings, funerals and memorial services in accordance with the liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer and the traditions of the Episcopal Church.
FEES FOR FUNERALS AND MEMORIAL SERVICES - Download Word Doc.
Holy Unction & Sick Calls
All parishioners are strongly urged to inform the church when they or a loved one are seriously ill and/or hospitalized. Our clergy are very willing to visit and pray with members of the congregation at any time, but especially when they are in need. When you call the office, please let the staff know if you or your loved one would like to be anointed with the oil of the sick (Holy Unction) for healing and/or have Holy Communion brought to you.
ST. PETER'S OFFERS THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE TO ALL PERSONS.
Entering a Holy Union or marriage is a major rite of celebration in the Christian community. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is available to the community to conduct wedding services in accordance with the liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer and the traditions of the Episcopal Church.
St. Peter's will provide service to anyone if at least one partner is a baptized Christian. In the course of this celebration, a couple declares before God and the congregation that they are knowingly and without reservation entering a relationship that has consequences for them and for society as a whole. When two people present themselves for a Holy union, they are declaring that they are a part of the Christian community and are, or desire to begin to be participants in the life and witness of the faith community.
In order to uphold the integrity of both the Sacrament of Holy unions and to provide a setting in which the couple and their families and friends can celebrate its joy, the following policies and procedures are adhered to in this parish. For more details about weddings at St Peter's download the document provided in the link.
Download Word Doc. Download PDF
Prayer Vigils
At various times during the Christian year it has become a tradition at St. Peter’s to hold a prayer vigil in the Church. In preparation we make certain that at least one person is responsible for one hour, but more than one person is welcome to participate at any given hour. The hour may be spent in reading the scriptures or other devotional literature that is made available, in meditation, or prayer. This is done for the purpose of making intercession for the worshiping community in its ministry. Traditionally we have a Prayer Vigil beginning the evening of Maundy Thursday that goes through Good Friday, as well as before and during events that affect the parish and world.
Ordination
This sacrament is the setting apart, by the laying on of hands and prayer by a bishop, of a person, to function in the Ministry of Word and Sacraments in the Church. There are three orders of ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church: Bishop, Priest and Deacon. Those who are contemplating a vocation of ministry should speak with Fr. Jeff.
Reconciliation
The sacrament of Reconciliation is a rite by which a minister of the church absolves and offers forgiveness of sin to a penitent in the name of Christ and his church. The sacrament is also known by the term confession and is available to anyone who feels that sinful events in their life have caused a block in their relationship with Christ. It is by no means mandatory, but is rather a means offered by the Church to help reconcile individuals to God and to receive counsel in restoring their relationship with Christ. It is celebrated upon request to Fr. Jeff.
Support Groups
The gathering of small groups of people for the purpose of
support, healing and well-being are profoundly helpful for persons facing
serious challenges in life. These groups arise on an as needed basis. Effective
support groups are usually composed of four to eight persons, have a primary
purpose, require a commitment to confidentiality and to meet for a limited
period of time. At the end of this predetermined time, the group decides
whether to continue to meet for another specified period of time or to
conclude. Further information may be obtained by calling the church office.
