The Future of St. Peter’s: A Letter from the Vestry
May 23, 2021
Dear Beloved Members of St. Peter’s Church,
After careful consideration, prayerful reflection, and with a heavy heart, the Vestry at St. Peter’s Church has passed a resolution to end our ministry and close the church.
The main catalyst for closure is our declining membership and attendance, which was negatively impacted and hastened by the coronavirus shut downs and abrupt transition to online worship. The actual date for closing has not been determined yet, and will be decided by the Vestry with input from representatives of the Diocese of Newark. Once we relinquish control of our church the Diocesan Trustees will oversee the maintenance and control of our finances and property, including acting as the landlord for the other building users.
The future of the Thrift Shop is yet to be determined, and the Vestry is still considering whether the congregation will scatter to area churches or if it’s feasible to move en masse to one nearby church. The Vestry will continue to communicate with the congregation once decisions are finalized, and we welcome your input, comments, and questions.
We are deeply saddened by the realization that the life cycle of St. Peter’s has come to an end. We thank Reverend Elizabeth for the twelve years she has overseen and shepherded our community with such caring, grace, and respect, and we wish her a future filled with many blessings and joy as we part ways and she begins a new chapter.
Please keep the Vestry in your prayers in the days ahead as they determine God’s calling at this important time.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”—Isaiah 40:8
God’s Peace,
Ruth Portela, Senior Warden on behalf of the Vestry:
Cynthia Brady, Rob Coonce, Katie Ferry, and Angie Ratkowitz
