VOLUNTEERING AT ST. PETER'S
Thank you for your interest in joining 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 considering giving your time and your heart to this ministry.
Thank you for your interest in joining 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 considering giving your time and your heart to this ministry.
HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER
The most important thing in volunteering is a willing heart and desire to serve. There are certain roles that anyone can jump into and other ministry roles where we seek to discern the best fit in alignment with one’s gifts. We welcome young volunteers (those under the age of 18) with parental consent, and will adapt our approaches to ensure they are supported and safeguarded, as well as finding their contribution fulfilling. If additional support is needed, we can discuss this on a case by case basis.
Once you indicate your interest in specific roles on the Pledge Form, a St. Peter's staff member will be in touch with you regarding next steps.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
VOLUNTEERS OPPORTUNITIES THAT REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND CONSIDERATION
PROCESS: The above roles require additional consideration and training as described as follows:
The most important thing in volunteering is a willing heart and desire to serve. There are certain roles that anyone can jump into and other ministry roles where we seek to discern the best fit in alignment with one’s gifts. We welcome young volunteers (those under the age of 18) with parental consent, and will adapt our approaches to ensure they are supported and safeguarded, as well as finding their contribution fulfilling. If additional support is needed, we can discuss this on a case by case basis.
Once you indicate your interest in specific roles on the Pledge Form, a St. Peter's staff member will be in touch with you regarding next steps.
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.
VOLUNTEERS 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 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, require a background check.