Parish Life
at St. Peter's Episcopal Church
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, established in 1851, has provided a welcoming and vibrant community of faith for generations of Oxonians and Ole Miss students seeking connection to God. Now in our 173rd year of organized mission and ministry, we continue to thrive, fostering in our community a sense of meaning, purpose, and belonging.
Formation & Programing for Adults
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Brotherhood of St. Peter
For men of all ages, the Brotherhood meets for prayer, food, service, and fellowship on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 8:00 a.m.
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Centering Prayer
Parishioners gather on Thursdays at 9:15 a.m. to discuss a short meditation then 20 minutes of silent prayer.
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Connections (Women's Group)
Connections meets on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. to discuss various faith-related topics.
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Contemplative Study Group
This group meets Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the writings of Richard Rohr and other contemplatives.
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Everyday Sisters
Every Thursday at 10 am, this group of women gathers for Bible and book study, fostering both spiritual growth and fellowship.
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Family in Focus
Moms and dads meet Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. to examine best parenting practices in this group that is “rooted in faith and focused on family.”
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Tuesday Morning Bible Study
This clergy-led study meets at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays.
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Tychicus Bible Study
This lay-led group meets after the 9:00 a.m service on Sundays to study scripture.
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Women's Book Group
Women of all ages meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. to discuss a different novel.
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Writing in the Spirit
Wriers of all skill levels meet on Mondays at 3:00 p.m. to write and share pieces inspired by a spiritual prompt.
Fellowship
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B.Y.O. Baby
Mothers and their babies (two years old and under) gather on select Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. for breakfast and conversation.
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Foyer Groups
These montly dinner groups allow parishioners the opportunity to enjoy great food and get to know one another.
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Hospitality Committee
Our Hospitality team coordinates refreshments for various parish functions.
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Men's Breakfast
Men of all ages meet at the Beacon for fellowship on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
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Spanish Class
Taught by Deacon Penny Sisson, speakers of all levels gather on Mondays at 4:00 p.m.
Community Engagement & Outreach
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Detention Center Ministry
Our ministry to the Lafayette County Detention Center includes weekly Centering Prayer with male inmates, weekly Bible study with female inmates, and operating the library within the jail.
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Haven House Ministry
St. Peter’s members lead worship at Haven House on the 2nd and 5th Sundays of the month at 10:00 a.m.
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Little Dresses & Shorts
Seamstresses of all levels meet to sew dresses and shorts for girls and boys in need locally and around the world.
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Love Packs Collection
A collection wagon is set up at St. Peter’s for Love Packs, whose mission is to provide supplemental food on weekends and holidays for school age children in need.
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The Pantry of Oxford
One month each year, usually during April, St. Peter’s parishioners staff Oxford’s food bank.
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Parchman Prison Ministry
On the 2nd Tuesday of the month, parishioners travel to the Mississippi State Penetientary at Parchman to visit and conduct a service with men housed there. A large group also travels to Parchman each Advent to offer a service of Lessons & Carols.
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Recovery Communion & Dinner
In partnership with Oxford-University United Methodist Church, we offer a service of Holy Communion, followed by dinner, for those in or interested in recovery, as well as for loved ones of those who struggle with addiction. The service is held the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. and alternates between OU and St. Peter’s.
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Rise & Shine Community Breakfast
Volunteer cooks, servers, and setup and cleanup crews come together Monday and Thursday mornings to offer free breakfast to all-comers from 6:45 until 8:15 a.m.
Pastoral Care
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Funeral Guild
Our Funeral Guild coordinates refreshments and hospitality for funeral visitations.
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Pastoral Care Team
The team meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month to learn of pastoral needs within the parish. Team members call on fellow parishioners and send notes of care and support.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Knitters and crocheters of all skill levels gather on the 3rd Saturday of the month a 10:00 a.m. to create prayer shawls as well as caps for newborns.
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Holy Eucharist at the Elison of Oxford
We gather at the Elison of Oxford on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. to celebrate Holy Eucharist with residents.
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Honoring Widows & Widowers
Our ministry to those within the parish who’ve lost spouses includes intentional care as well as hosting several gatherings during the year.
Worship
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Acolytes
Acolytes are trained to carry crosses and torches in procession and to serve at the altar at our 11:00 a.m. service. Younger children assist at our 9:00 a.m. service by carrying the small processional cross.
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Altar Guild
We have several teams that set up for and clean up after worship, as well as care for the linens and vessels used in worship.
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Choir
Our Parish Choir, comprising adults and older youth, rehearses on Wednesday evenings and sings on Sunday mornings at 9:00 and/or 11:00 a.m. Our Junior Choir (2nd-6th grades) rehearses on Wednesday afternoons and sings several times throughout the year at our 9:00 a.m. service.
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Flower Guild
Our Flower Guild teams design and care for arrangements behind the altar and in the narthex, as well as other locations throughout our campus.
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Lay Eucharistic Ministers
LEMs assist in worship services by reading the Prayers of the People and serving consecrated wine at Communion.
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Lay Eucharistic Visitors
LEVs are sent out twice a month from our 11:00 a.m. service to share Communion with our homebound parishioners.
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Lectors
Lectors bring the scriptures to life by reading lessons from the Old and New Testaments at all three morning services. If you have a passion for sharing the Word, consider joining our team of lectors.
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Ushers
Ushers play a vital role in welcoming worshippers. They also distribute service bulletins, assist the congregation during communion, tidy up the nave after services, and manage the offering at the 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services.