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The Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Mary
The Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Mary
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| An inclusive faith community worshipping in the Anglican tradition |
| 126 West 2nd Avenue Denver, CO 80223 (303) 722-8781 |
| The congregation and staff of St. Peter and St. Mary would like to thank the many blessed souls who make the Neighborhood Outreach programs happen. Your work is truly appreciated by the souls that you touch, directly and indirectly. |
Partnering with other parishes, each Tuesday night we are able to serve as many as 100 - 150 guests a "Four Star" meal. St. Clare's supper is open to everyone and continues to be an important community activity. St. Clare's supper has served more than 4,500 meals per year, hosted dozens of personal prayers, witnessed hundreds of smiles, and felt the warmth from thousands of deserving hearts.
In 1985 it was decided that a full meal should be offered: main course, veggies, salad, and dessert. The supper was moved to Tuesday nights with assisting personnel remaining faithful to the project.
Cooks and evening personnel rotate each week, each parish working one Tuesday per month. Our cooks and servers include people who may or may not be members of any parish. Many of them have been faithfully volunteering in this capacity for as many as fifteen years. Our guests continue to assist in the clean-up, and a good deal of rapport exists between them and our volunteers.
While the bulk of financing is provided through St. Peter and Mary's outreach fund, at various times the Episcopal Foundation, Christ Church, St. John's Cathedral, St. Stephen's, Christ the King, and our neighbors, First Avenue Presbyterian Church, as well as many generous individuals, have provided much-appreciated financial assistance. In addition, Christ the King and several individuals have provided foodstuffs (equaling $3,788 in 2004). Our numbers have increased from the original few to as many as 170 people on any Tuesday. We have been able to hold our costs to under $1.75 per person and $1.00 per serving. (We serve seconds and thirds while the food lasts.) All of our personnel are volunteers and seem to enjoy the evening, as do our guests. |
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During the winter months when temperatures dip below 20 degrees with wind chill, the Parish Hall is opened for overnight shelter (any night except Monday). During the winter of 2005-2006 the church was open for 22 nights; during the winter of 2006-2007 it was open 33 nights . Capacity each evening is 40, and no one is admitted under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A hot supper is provided, as well as a hot breakfast the next day. During the evening our guests are treated to movies and snacks. We provide blankets. All guests are expected to treat each other and our volunteers with dignity and respect. This year the Men's Group from Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Centennial, provided material and labor to insulate the Parish Hall. |
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The church maintains a clothing closet to help our guests. We are always in need of toiletries, men's jeans, underwear, and socks. |
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In the spring of 2006 the church joined with Denver Urban Gardens and applied for funding from Kaiser Permanente for monies for this project. As a result, the church parking lot is banked on two sides by nine garden plots. The intent of the garden project is to serve our homeless and working poor guests. We hope that the gardens will become a source of pride, community, and transformation for our guests and that the project will help build bridges between the homeless and Baker Neighborhood residents. |
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In the fall of 2006 we began our newest project: On the fourth Tuesday of each month a medical doctor and a lawyer are onsite to provide medical and legal assistance. These professionals offer respite in these areas and are not considered as primary caregiver or legal counsel. |
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