WELCOME AND THANK YOU
Welcome to the St. Peter’s Chelsea volunteer team! Our mission is to cultivate space in New York City where seekers can authentically encounter God. In a world that often feels anxious and isolating, we believe church should be a place where people can breathe, relax, and know they are deeply loved. Here, the real you is welcomed to encounter the real God—the One who loves you, loves this world, and is making all things new.
At St. Peter’s, we imagine this space like a community garden in the middle of the city—an oasis where beauty, growth, and connection can flourish. And just like any garden, it takes many loving hands to tend it. That’s where you come in. From greeting others at the door to caring for children, sharing your gifts in worship, or helping to pack bags of food for our neighbors, your service is essential to everything we do.
Thank you for giving your time and your heart to this ministry. We hope this handbook helps guide and support you, and that along the way, your own faith journey is strengthened as you serve. We’re so grateful you’re here. Welcome to the team!
Christine
Welcome to the St. Peter’s Chelsea volunteer team! Our mission is to cultivate space in New York City where seekers can authentically encounter God. In a world that often feels anxious and isolating, we believe church should be a place where people can breathe, relax, and know they are deeply loved. Here, the real you is welcomed to encounter the real God—the One who loves you, loves this world, and is making all things new.
At St. Peter’s, we imagine this space like a community garden in the middle of the city—an oasis where beauty, growth, and connection can flourish. And just like any garden, it takes many loving hands to tend it. That’s where you come in. From greeting others at the door to caring for children, sharing your gifts in worship, or helping to pack bags of food for our neighbors, your service is essential to everything we do.
Thank you for giving your time and your heart to this ministry. We hope this handbook helps guide and support you, and that along the way, your own faith journey is strengthened as you serve. We’re so grateful you’re here. Welcome to the team!
Christine
ABOUT ST. PETER’S CHELSEA
A New Worshiping Community in a New Home
In 1831, the students and faculty of The General Theological Seminary, along with their neighbors, sensed that the Spirit of God was on the move in a new way. After a season of worshiping together on campus, they discerned that it was time to plant a new church in the neighborhood called St. Peter’s. Clement Clark Moore donated the land on 20th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues and over time, the Rectory, the Sanctuary and the Parish Hall (now the Atlantic Theater) were built to house this growing community.
During the first half of the 19th century, St. Peter’s clergy was busy attending to the needs of those affected by the cholera and yellow fever outbreaks, as well as the arrival of thousands of immigrants fleeing unfavorable conditions in Europe. In the late 19th century, St. Peter’s organizations, run mostly by women, provided employment to needy women, ran an industrial school for boys, and provided many other programs and services vital to the community.
Throughout the 1960s, St. Peter's housed many of the city’s most active peace, arts, civil rights and unionizing organizations, including the national offices of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and Black Women’s Liberation. Our outreach in the late 20th century focused on pastoral care to a growing number of New Yorkers with AIDS and their families.
Revitalizing St. Peter’s Congregation
In 2019, St. Peter’s vestry voted courageously and unanimously for a bold new vision. The church had been struggling for many decades and in a new movement of the Spirit, in partnership with the diocese, a team from All Angels’ and Church of the Heavenly Rest, joined with St. Peter’s congregation to help revitalize the ministry.
Having survived the pandemic, the congregation has grown, from 20 to 130, annual pledging has gone from $18,000 to $360,000, community has been strengthened, more young families have joined, and there is an earnestness, vitality and joy that is drawing people into an authentic relationship with God. St. Peter’s hosts a weekly food pantry, recovery groups, musical and arts events, happy hours, beloved annual events such as the Blessings of the Animals and Christmas Tree Lighting and is eager to make more connections with the Chelsea community. We are ready to enter into the next phase at St. Peter’s!
At St. Peter’s Chelsea, our mission is to cultivate space in New York City for seekers to authentically encounter God.
A New Worshiping Community in a New Home
In 1831, the students and faculty of The General Theological Seminary, along with their neighbors, sensed that the Spirit of God was on the move in a new way. After a season of worshiping together on campus, they discerned that it was time to plant a new church in the neighborhood called St. Peter’s. Clement Clark Moore donated the land on 20th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues and over time, the Rectory, the Sanctuary and the Parish Hall (now the Atlantic Theater) were built to house this growing community.
During the first half of the 19th century, St. Peter’s clergy was busy attending to the needs of those affected by the cholera and yellow fever outbreaks, as well as the arrival of thousands of immigrants fleeing unfavorable conditions in Europe. In the late 19th century, St. Peter’s organizations, run mostly by women, provided employment to needy women, ran an industrial school for boys, and provided many other programs and services vital to the community.
Throughout the 1960s, St. Peter's housed many of the city’s most active peace, arts, civil rights and unionizing organizations, including the national offices of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and Black Women’s Liberation. Our outreach in the late 20th century focused on pastoral care to a growing number of New Yorkers with AIDS and their families.
Revitalizing St. Peter’s Congregation
In 2019, St. Peter’s vestry voted courageously and unanimously for a bold new vision. The church had been struggling for many decades and in a new movement of the Spirit, in partnership with the diocese, a team from All Angels’ and Church of the Heavenly Rest, joined with St. Peter’s congregation to help revitalize the ministry.
Having survived the pandemic, the congregation has grown, from 20 to 130, annual pledging has gone from $18,000 to $360,000, community has been strengthened, more young families have joined, and there is an earnestness, vitality and joy that is drawing people into an authentic relationship with God. St. Peter’s hosts a weekly food pantry, recovery groups, musical and arts events, happy hours, beloved annual events such as the Blessings of the Animals and Christmas Tree Lighting and is eager to make more connections with the Chelsea community. We are ready to enter into the next phase at St. Peter’s!
At St. Peter’s Chelsea, our mission is to cultivate space in New York City for seekers to authentically encounter God.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
- Ushers/Greeters are vital members of the church community, serving as the first point of contact for visitors and parishioners. They are responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere, assisting with practical needs, and ensuring a smooth worship service. Their ministry of hospitality is key to making everyone feel comfortable and included. Duties will include distributing the bulletin, counting attendance, and collecting offering.
- Readers proclaim God's Word by reading scripture lessons and may lead the Prayers of the People during services. They play a vital role in worship, facilitating the Liturgy of the Word.
- Hospitality volunteers create a welcoming environment for everyone by providing refreshments for coffee hours and other events, creating opportunities for conversation and connection.
- Outreach engages a wide range of activities focused on meeting community needs and being a witnessing presence in our city. This involves volunteering with our Food Pantry on Saturday mornings and participating in events for the community such as Ashes & Prayers on Ash Wednesday, Pride Outreach, Blessing of the Animals and other events.
- Administration & Office Assistance volunteers provide general clerical and office assistance in support of parish administration and/or other ministries needing administrative assistance.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES THAT REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND CONSIDERATION
- Altar Guild volunteers are laypersons who dedicate their time to preparing and maintaining the altar and sanctuary for worship services. They are responsible for ensuring the space is reverently prepared for services, including setting up communion elements, caring for linens and vessels, and arranging flowers. Their work behind the scenes is essential to the smooth execution of worship and the overall atmosphere of reverence in the church.
- Eucharistic Ministers are laypersons authorized to assist in distributing the consecrated bread and wine during Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist. They play a vital role in facilitating the sacramental life of the church, ensuring that members receive communion in an orderly and reverent manner.
- Children’s Ministry & Youth Ministry volunteers play a vital role in nurturing the faith development of young members. They provide opportunities to engage with children, including leading Children's Worship, providing childcare in the nursery and assisting with children’s participation in the service. Volunteers working with children and youth are required to complete a background check.
- Music Ministry volunteers share their musical talents and passion of worship to lead the parish in musical worship during weekly Sunday services.
- Prayer Ministers are available during the Eucharist and on occasion after services to pray with and for community members. Given the pastoral, confidential and sensitive nature of this ministry, Prayer Ministers are appointed by the clergy.
PROCESS: The above roles require additional consideration and training as described as follows:
- Safe Church Training: The Diocese of New York requires many of our volunteers to take their Safe Church Training course to volunteer. If your volunteer role requires this, you’ll need to complete the training before you can volunteer. The training will take about 3 - 5 hours, is done virtually and will be coordinated by our administrative team.
- Review of Ministry Capacities: Some volunteer roles will require consideration of individual talents and skills in addition to a heart to serve. Ministry leaders will meet with interested persons to discuss these opportunities.
- Background Check: Certain volunteer roles, including any role where you may work with youth under 18, will require a background check.
LIVING OUR CALL AS VOLUNTEERS
Serving at St. Peter’s is not only about what we do, but how we do it. The way we serve together is itself a form of witness to God’s love.
Being Present: Arrive on time and be fully present in your role. Your punctuality helps our team function smoothly and ensures that we’re ready to welcome and serve others with care and excellence. Everyone serving on a Sunday morning gathers at the altar at 9:30 am for prayer, grounding our service in God’s presence.
Faithful Communication: If you’re unable to volunteer for a scheduled shift, please let your ministry leader or coordinator know as far in advance as possible. Early communication allows us to make adjustments and ensures no role is left uncovered. Whenever possible, help find a substitute so that the ministry is carried forward.
Honoring One Another:
- Treat every person—volunteer, parishioner, staff, and guest—as beloved of God.
- Care for one another by maintaining healthy boundaries. When unsure, ask for consent.
- Speak in ways that build up, not tear down. Avoid gossip, harmful jokes, or exclusion.
- Listen with humility, patience, and care, assuming good intent
This may include (but is not limited to):
- Slurs or offensive jokes
- Negative stereotyping or name-calling
- Hostile or threatening language or behavior
- Offensive written or visual materials, including those sent by email, text, or social media
- Intimidation, exclusion, or behavior that creates a hostile or uncomfortable environment
- Interferes with a person’s ability to participate or serve
- Creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment
- Is used to pressure someone into compliance or silence
Examples include:
- Sexual comments or jokes
- Unwanted touching, hugging, or gestures
- Explicit propositions or offers of benefits in exchange for sexual attention
- Sexually suggestive emails, texts, or images
- Leering, staring, or comments about someone’s body
- Retaliation when someone says no to unwanted attention
Holding Trust with Care: Volunteers may become aware of personal or sensitive information. Please honor this trust by keeping such information private, sharing only when necessary and appropriate.
Witness Beyond the Walls: In social media and public life, remember that you carry the witness of our community. Share and act in ways that reflect God’s love and honor the dignity of all.
Serving with A Clear Mind and Heart: As we offer ourselves in service, it is important that we do so with full presence, clarity, and care. St. Peter’s is a drug-free environment. Alcohol may be served at certain events, but volunteers are expected to consume responsibly and remain able to serve faithfully.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS
If You Experience or Witness Harm
If you experience or see harassment, unsafe behavior, or a boundary violation, please speak up. You may bring your concern to the clergy or wardens. Reports will be handled with care and discretion. Retaliation for raising concerns in good faith is not acceptable. Your safety and well-being matter deeply.
In Case of Emergency
For urgent medical or safety concerns, call 911. First aid kits are available in the sacristy, front office and in the rectory kitchen.
Concerns or Suggestions
Your voice matters. If you have ideas or concerns, please contact Savina Kim Johnson at [email protected].
Conflict with Another Volunteer
Disagreements sometimes arise. If you find yourself in conflict, please reach out to The Rev. Christine Lee at [email protected] for support and guidance.
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
- Savina KimJohnson | Staff Assistant | [email protected]
- Rev. Christine Lee | Priest-in-Charge | [email protected]
- Rev. Lisha Epperson | Assistant Priest | [email protected]
- Safety Response Team lead | St. Peter's Chelsea Warden - Ryan Berry | wardens@stpeterschelsea.org
VOLUNTEER ACKNOWLEDGMENT