Ministries
St David’s offers a variety of programs and ministries to support our congregation and our community. For more information or to schedule, call or email St. David’s:
Office phone: 724-941-4060
Email: stdavidspeterstwp@gmail.com
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Our Sunday Service is a contemporary celebration of The Holy Eucharist: Rite II. Children’s Church is offered most weeks and our Family Service is held the last Sunday of every month.
Sermons from Sunday services are recorded live and accessible on St. David’s Facebook page. Bulletins for each service are emailed each week - join St. David’s email list here.
Our Worship Ministry is responsible for leading worship for the congregation. Lay ministers are essential to fulfilling the mission of our parish and to the care of the members of our community.
Volunteers are welcome! Please click here to learn how you can take part.
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There are times in all of our lives where it helps to speak with someone who can be an attentive listener and a resource for spiritual support.
St. David’s Priest-in-Charge provides a variety of services for those in need. Please contact the Rev. Kris Opat via email or call 412-780-6212.
Pastoral care services include:
Hospital Visit/Ministration of the Sick
Visits for parishioners in the hospital or at home during times of illness to provide support, prayer, and sacraments, if desired.
Funerals and Grief Counseling
Assistance for families of our Parish and others in our surrounding community with end-of-life pastoral care, funeral planning, and bereavement counseling.
Pastoral Counseling
Supportive discussions and spiritual guidance for life’s challenges, offered safely and confidentially.
Prayer List
We would be glad to pray for you and your loved ones in your time of need. To have a name added to the weekly prayer list, please email the parish office.
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For more information or to schedule, please email The Rev. Kris Opat or call 412-780-6212.
Anyone, regardless of age or denomination, is welcome to become a member of St. David’s. If you wish to be officially recognized as a member of the larger Episcopal Church, we are happy to offer Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation for any who wish it.
Baptism
Persons of any age are welcome to be baptized at St. David’s. Please contact The Rev. Kris Opat by email or phone for more information. Once a date has been set, please fill out the baptismal form and send it to the office.
Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation
The Bishop of Pittsburgh visits St. David’s once per year (usually around St. David’s Day on March 1). During their visit the bishop offers opportunities for Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation.
Confirmation is a mature affirmation of one’s baptismal vows, and public declaration of membership in the Episcopal Church. When one is confirmed, the bishop blesses and confirms the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in their life.
Confirmation is required for any who wish to serve on Vestry, volunteer as a Lay Eucharistic Minister/Visitor, or who wish to begin discernment for ordination.
Reception is for any who have been confirmed in another denomination and would like to be recognized as a full member of the Episcopal Church.
If you wish to be officially recognized as a member of the larger Episcopal Church, and you have been confirmed in another denomination, you will want to arrange for reception by the bishop.
Reaffirmation is a practice that is available for any who want a public opportunity to reaffirm their faith and their desire to be a part of the church. This is typically offered to people who have left the church for a period, and in returning feel they want a formal recognition of it.
Remember that God will never reject you from the church, and so reaffirmation is not necessary. If you feel it will be helpful to your walk with Christ, St. David’s is happy to offer this service to support you.
Youth and adults wishing confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation are encouraged to contact The Rev. Kris Opat by email or phone for more information.
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Christian marriage is a sacrament of the church in which a couple takes life-long vows before God, their families, and the Church, seeking God’s grace and blessing to help them fulfill these vows.
Couples contemplating marriage at St. David’s should contact The Rev. Kris Opat to arrange a date and allow time for premarital counseling. A minimum 60-day notice is typically required.
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St. David’s offers a variety of study and discussion groups for adults throughtout the year. Sign up for our email list to receive updates on new classes, or listen to recorded sessions from Rev. Kris on Understanding Prayer and How the Episcopal Church Engages with Community
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St. David’s offers a wide variety of services for children, including Children’s Church, Family Services, and our Christian Early Learning Center preschool. Scroll down for more information on these services.
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St. David’s supports the South Hills Interfaith Movement in their efforts to support local families in need. Some of the programs we participate in include the Angel Emporium, Sack Hunger, Back to School, the annual Coat Drive and the Food Pantry.
Children's Ministry
We adore children and are delighted that nearly a quarter of our congregation is under 12. St David’s is proud to offer a variety of services for children and families, both during and after church. Here are some of the other ways St. David’s supports children and parents:
Activity Areas
There is an activity area in the back of the church. If your toddler or young preschooler needs more room to move around, feel free to make use of this space with them. We believe that children learn much through play and that they benefit by being a part of worship while they play.
If you have an infant with you, know that we do not mind a little fussing. If you feel you need to step out with them, a cry room available in the narthex will enable you to continue to listen to the service while you care for your child.
Children’s Church
Following our opening prayers and music, children are invited to Children’s Church in our education wing. We offer groups for ages 2-5, K-5th grade, and a “Bible Cafe” for older elementary and teens.
Using a special storytelling method known as Godly Play, children gather in our circle, hear the stories of our faith, and are invited to explore more together through immersive play. Afterwards, children are invited back to the circle for a prayer and feast, and then receive a blessing and return to the Big Church just before Communion.
We believe this Montessori-style method gives children the opportunity to experience the stories and then work with materials that will allow them to consider what the story means to them. For more information on Godly Play, visit http://www.godlyplayfoundation.org.
Family Service
On the last Sunday of each month, children of all ages stay in the service to celebrate together. This service is a little shorter, and we invite children to help serve as readers and ushers. Children are invited to the altar for a child-friendly sermon, usually using the Godly Play storytelling method. Children are also invited to the Table as the Priest celebrates Communion.
Christian Early Learning Center
St David’s Christian Early Learning Center is dedicated to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and enriching environment where every child’s unique abilities and potential are celebrated. We offer a safe and inclusive space that promotes holistic development, creativity, and a love for learning. Click here to learn more about St. David’s Christian Early Learning Center.
"My children love the programs here! Vacation Bible School and youth group are always highlights of their year."