While some churches can be a bit conservative and closed-minded,
St Peter’s is wonderfully welcoming and encouraging to all, and could
be particularly helpful for those who may have faced rejection elsewhere. The
church congregation is made up of people from a variety of different countries
and ethnicities, from as far afield as Nigeria, Ireland and Taiwan! All show
an interest and concern for others in the church community, giving moments like
the sharing of the peace in a Sunday morning service a real family-feel. Once
a month, the church shares a pot-luck dinner, and other weeks, the students usually
go to lunch together after the Sunday morning service. There is also the opportunity
to attend or lead a bible study after the service.
Sermons are always thought-provoking, and have covered a range of topics in the
last year, from the need for open-mindedness and support for women and gay people
in the world’s churches to the importance of celebrating diversity and
multifaith issues. Preachers have urged the congregation to think about spreading
faith and unity by example and how the actions of individuals can make a difference;
things that have been really inspirational to receive.