Ministries

Outreach

The love, concern and care within our church family and for the community are beautifully reflected in our Outreach programs. Ideas and volunteers for new outreaches are always welcome.  If you've seen a need in our community that St. Peter's can help with, please contact the clergy or call the office, and the parish will do everything it can to help. The following are some of the annual and continuing outreach activities you can support with your time, talents, and financial gifts:

Grace & Holy Innocents Soup Kitchen

Members of St. Peter's volunteer monthly to feed the homeless at Grace & Holy Innocents, 498 Clinton Avenue, Albany. Our children and young people serve at these events as part of the "Angels In Training" led by Laura Saffares. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to spend these few hours (11 AM to 1 PM) on the last Saturday of each month helping those in our community who need it most. To donate or volunteer, please contact Laura Saffares or the parish office.

 

Overflow Homeless Shelter for Men at First Lutheran Church

From November through April, St. Peter's Church provides meals at the Overflow Homeless Shelter, sponsored by the Capital Area Council of Churches. During the winter months, when the regular shelters fill up quickly with women and children, the men can come to this overflow shelter for a hot meal and a good night's sleep.  Please contact Deacon Christine Wickman or the parish office if you would like to be involved. Volunteers are needed both to cook meals and to deliver them to the Overflow Shelter.

 

Food Pantry

The congregation is asked to bring non-perishable goods for adults and children each Sunday in support of this fine program. Donations are sent to the active food pantries of our neighborhood churches at St. Mary's Church and First Church of Albany for distribution to the needy. Please place your donations on the table provided at the front of the nave before or after the service or as you walk up for communion. This is a fine way for parents to teach their children about our Christian duty to help the poor.  Every time you go to the grocery store, let your children pick out one or two nonperishable items to give to the poor; then let them place them on the table at the front of the nave.

 

Knit with Love

Parishioners knit sweaters for children across the country and throughout the world through Guideposts Knit for Kids program. Please contact Deacon Christine Wickman or the parish office if you would like to participate.

 

Downtown Day Care Center

St. Peter's continues financially to support the Downtown Day Care Center in conjunction with First Reformed Church of Albany, and several church members serve on the Daycare's Board. The Downtown Day Care cares for children 18 months to 5 years of age and provides scholarships for children of low-income families.  St. Peter's support helps make sure these children are well-cared for in a safe and nurturing environment so parents can work and provide for their families.  If you would like to make a donation, please contact Mr. Moses Kamya or the parish office.  

 

Grants to Nonprofit Organizations

Proceeds from the Church Mouse Thrift Shop are given in grants to local nonprofit organizations. To apply for a grant, contact the Women of St. Peter's or the parish office.

 

These are just a few of the outreach ministries provided by St. Peter's Church. In addition, church staff provide outreach to "walk-ins" in need, and members join in outreach activities as opportunities arise throughout the year. Keep your eyes open for outreach events in which we have participated in the past (cooking Thanksgiving meals for the poor with EQUINOX, providing Back-to-School supplies for needy children, adopting a family for Christmas, supporting sister churches in Uganda, participating in the annual Albany CROP Walk, feeding the hungry with Food for the Poor) as well as new outreach opportunities.