The Church in the Community
Stewards
Visitors to St Peter’s are offered a warm welcome by volunteer stewards from the Church and the local community. Our stewards are able to offer guidance and information for the many visitors as well as providing hand-held information boards in various languages.
Churches Together in Tiverton (CTT)
St Peter’s is a member of Churches Together in Tiverton, an interdemoninational organisation together with other Christian groups in Tiverton. We seek to serve the community together in a variety of ways and we enjoy worshipping together from time to time.
Churches Housing Action Team (CHAT)
This Mid-Devon charity for the prevention of homelessness was established by local Christians in 1995. It offers free, confidential and impartial advice and support. CHAT runs the Tiverton food bank and keeps a store of donated items to help clients set up home. Further information can be found at http://www.chatmid.org/.
Members of St Peter’s support the charity in a number of ways, such as monthly giving via the CHAT Giver of Hope scheme and contributions to the food bank via collection points in local shops.
Lunch on the Go
The local Church and other groups are working together to offer friendship, information and a simple lunch. St Peter’s is involved in collaboration with Tiverton Baptist Church.
Open the Book
Bible stories are re-told and acted in a fun, entertaining way at Castle School.
Street Pastors
A typical night’s work for the Street Pastors here in Tiverton starts by meeting at around 9.30 pm after parking in Tesco car park. The Street Pastors pray together with the Prayer Pastors and then prepare to go out at around 10.00 pm. With pockets of lollies, water bottles and a rucksack full of flip-flops, a medical kit and other paraphernalia, they set out to walk the streets, greeting all who they meet, and being met with enthusiasm and affection.
The team visits the various pubs and bars, talks to the door staff and reports back to the Prayer Pastors from time to time. If a situation occurs, in which particular prayer is needed, the Street Pastors contact the Prayer Pastors. They generally also have radio contact with the pubs and bars and, if necessary, with the police. There are occasions when the Street Pastors come across an altercation or potential trouble, but most situations are resolved with careful, diplomatic handling and the very welcome prayers of the support team. The problems that do occur are often the result of too much alcohol.
In a final stint, from around 3.00 am, the team can be found outside the night club, waiting for everyone to go home. This can take up to half an hour, as revellers are often in no hurry to disperse, although there is usually a clear police presence around this time. The Street Pastors constantly need your prayers and would welcome anyone who would like to join them, either as a Street Pastor or as a Prayer Pastor.
Concerts and Church Hire
St Peter’s Church has the largest seating capacity in the area and is available to hire for concerts. It is a regular venue for several choirs, both locally and from further afield. Pictured here is an international chamber orchestra that has given several concerts here.
School and Group Visits
St Peter’s has good links with several Primary schools in Tiverton. Members of the team here take assemblies and run Christian clubs in partnership with other churches. The Church also hosts and organises special services at Christmas, Easter and Harvest, as well as welcoming group visits from schools and other groups.
Uniformed Organisations
Although St Peter’s has no formal links with specific groups, we are pleased to welcome young people from all the uniformed organisations to mark Remembrance Day, to take part in the Mayor’s Service, and on other occasions.