The ChIPS Program is an Episcopal Ministry program designated to supplying Christmas gifts to the children of incarcerated parents, ie,ChIPS. There are other Churches and organizations who also participate in this ministry. It allows parents in prison to select appropriate gifts to give to their children. They wrap the gifts as well.

Last year our congregations provided more than 700 Christmas gifts for children of parents incarcerated in the NH state prison system. It made many children and parents feel satisfied and happy.

Music is well said to be the speech of angels; in fact, nothing among the utterances allowed to man is felt to be so divine. It brings us near to the infinite. ~Thomas Carlyle

Music is a vital aspect of our worship and provides great joy to us all. Our music ministry includes an adult and a children’s choir.  The adult choir sings from September through June, with weekly rehearsals.  No formal training is required for participation in this diverse group.  The children's choir sings each Christmas, Easter, Advent, and occasionally during the year.

St. Peter’s holds two craft fairs each year. Crafters from all over the state, as well as Maine and Massachusetts, come to exhibit their creations. The church provides food, from hot dogs, hamburgers, and popcorn, to freshly baked pies, cakes, breads, brownies and cookies. We also raffle off a hand-made quilt created by one of our parishioners. The May craft fair is one day, and is held on the Saturday after Mother’s Day.

Children are always welcome in the service.  For those families who prefer, nursery care is provided during the 10:00 Holy Eucharist service for children under age 5.  St. Peter's nursery is a warm space filled with natural light, toys, books, and plenty of joy.  Nursery staff are trained in Safe Church protocol for children and youth safety.  At least two nursery staff are present at all times.

Reaching Out to Our Community
One of the promises that we make in baptism is to “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves”. God wants us to reach out and assure people of His love through compassionate and caring actions. Outreach opportunities allow members of St. Peter’s to share God’s love with others in our parish, our community, and around the world. We are committed to supporting the local community, as well as finding ways to make a difference globally. We share our  blessings by supporting the following ministries…

On the third Sunday of each month a group from St Peters meets at 1:30 at Pleasant Valley Nursing home to play Bingo with Joan Fisk and her friends.  It’s a fun hour, easy for us, and important to the residents.  One of us will call the numbers-others will sit with the residents and either play bingo with them, or help. Any new face is welcome to these folks, and children will always bring a smile to their faces.  When the games are over and a resident gives you a hug or a kiss, you know it’s been a good day.

Shawl knitting ministry was started several years ago by a group of women who enjoyed knitting.  It's purpose was to knit prayer shawls for those who were experiencing difficult times in their lives such as a death, injury or a sadness.  The shawls are blessed during a church service and given, attractively packaged, with a prayer attached.  When there are an abundance of shawls they are  passed on to hospitals where they are given to cancer patients during treatments. The group has recently begun knitting baby blankets which are given to babies who are baptized at St. Peter's.

St. Peter's Youth Group is open to any teenager in grades 7 through 12. We meet about once a month, and engage in activities that range from apple picking to ski trips to "lock-in" overnights in the church. We learn to live out our Christian faith by participating in several outreach ministries: helping with Common Cathedral in Boston; collecting food for local food pantries; joining "work camps" with other youth groups in the diocese to help rebuild houses, to running an Alternative Christmas Fair where all the gifts help promote justice around the world.