St. Peter's United Church of Christ

Some churches have committees, deacons and elders. We have teams, and each is headed by a team leader. St. Peter's is intentionally structured to give each team the autonomy and authority to make decisions and implement ideas and programs they feel will enrich the life and spirit of St. Peter's.

In fact, all members and friends of St. Peter's are encouraged to bring ideas to team leaders and/or pastors. We love to encourage new ministries! Here are just a few of the ideas brought forth in the past that are now an important part of the church:

• St. Peter's special friendship with the Rural Health Center (located on Rural St. in Indianapolis)
• Health screenings and our Health and Wholeness Program
• Our (at least) twice-a-year trip to Washington United Church of Christ in Cincinnati
• The Peace Garden in our front yard, where fresh vegetables are donated to area food banks.
• Special relationships and visits with church friends in Cuba and El Salvador
• Interfaith dinners, where we've learned about Judaism and Islam

Team Descriptions

Missions  The Missions Team could be described as the "heart of the heart" of St. Peter's, responsible for a staggering number of caring ministries: IHN quarterly rotation (Interfaith Hospitality Network), annual service trips to Cincinnati and Cuba, Gifts to the Manger, the Peace Garden, Rural Health holiday celebrations, undergarments for children, emergency assistance for area families, Giving Tree gift program, monetary offerings to the United Church of Christ's Wider Mission, and Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. Contact the Missions Team.

Hospitality  At St. Peter’s, the fellowship among members is vibrant and connected! With the opportunities for getting together as varied and diverse as the congregation is, St. Peter's fellowship is ongoing, spiritual, athletic, serious and just for fun!

The mission of the Hospitality Team is to connect with existing members, new members, friends and visitors with a welcoming spirit and generous heart on behalf of our congregation. Some of the team's ministries include: Fellowship Hour, Fellowship Lunches, Flower Ministry, meals for newborns, funeral meals, Hanging of the Greens, newcomer cookies, college student care packages, greeting cards, and Health and Wholeness, including fitness walks and pedometer challenges. Contact the Hospitality Team.

Education  Responsible for a variety of activities at St. Peter’s. Among them: Vacation Bible School, children’s programming for all ages, camp opportunities for the young and the young-at-heart as well as special Advent and Lenten programs. They also maintain the church’s library.

This group watches over our Education Hour classes every Sunday morning (preschool age - adult), plus oversees Children’s Worship, the Nursery, any special events for children and the assorted adult study programs offered at St. Peter’s. This Team meets quarterly to plan special events and organize informational get-togethers. They also discuss issues that impact the religious education at St. Peter’s. Contact the Education Team.

Spiritual Life The purpose of the Spiritual Life Team is to provide programs and opportunities that enrich the spiritual life of the church and the lives of churchgoers. This has included a wide variety of programs, including a photography exhibit called "Love Makes a Family," wilderness trips, men's and women's retreats, interfaith dinners, and the Compassion Circle, a group of members who week meetly to explore ways of being compassionate with others and self. Contact the Spiritual Life Team.

Music  With choirs at both the 8:30 and 11:00 am services, special music by instrumentalists and the brand-new handbell choir, St. Peter's music program is strong and vibrant. Lead by Director of Music Tim Moore, Associate Director of Music Elaine Akermann and Director of Handbells Cheryl Keckler, there are a variety of ways music lovers can get involved. You can sit back and listen, join the "Walk Up Choir" once a month, ring handbells, or – if you’re a child – participate in the Children's Choir and/or Sign & Sing. Contact the Music Team.

Generosity  The purpose of the Generosity Team is to encourage members and friends to give of their "time, treasures, and talents" in support of the growth and spiritual life of St. Peter's. The Generosity Team believes that God created, and God continues to create. It is their hope that they may help the congregation reflect on the abundant life that God creates in our relationships and our actions. Your support will help us sustain our many ministries and missions.  Donations small and large are greatly appreciated.  Contact the Generosity Team. To give online please go to our Giving Page.

Pastor Support  Our Associate Pastor Support and Senior Pastor Support Teams Provide professional guidance and serve as a sounding board and liaison between the pastors and the congregation. Each team has four members. Contact the Associate Pastor Support Team. Or, contact the Senior Pastor Support Team.

Preschool  This four-member team supports St. Peter's community preschool, which currently enrolls 85 students. The Preschool Team plans marketing efforts and hosts fundraisers and social events. The team also offers support for the preschool staff. Contact the Preschool Team.

Staff Support  The Staff Support Team serves as a support system for addressing any work-related issues of nonpastoral  staff, and develops policies and procedures relating to employment practices. The Team's mission statement is "to develop a workplace that exemplifies a healthy work environment through the development of hiring policies, procedures and employment practices." Currently, there are four members on this team. Contact the Staff Support Team.

Technology Team This team is responsible for everything we see hear and feel at the church. The Technology Team oversees all sound and video systems, website development and maintenance, computer equipment, network maintenance, lighting and heating and air conditioning. Contact the Technology Team.

Building and Grounds  Oversees the maintenance of inside and outside the church, including heating and cooling, roofing, painting, parking lot, light fixtures, repairs and remodeling. Organizes twice-a-year grounds clean-up. Contact the Building and Grounds Team.

If you'd like to learn more about how St. Peter's is organized, please click here for a copy of our Constitution and Bylaws.