The Anglican Church of Saint Peter

Brighton Beach
(Diocese of Melbourne)
Anglican Church of Australia

Welcome to St Peter’s.

The Anglican Church and Parish of Saint Peter in Brighton Beach, Melbourne,is part of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne (Southern Region), within the Anglican Church of Australia and part of the world-wide Anglican Communion, and one holy, catholic and apostolic church.

The present church was built in 1908 and enlarged in 1934. St Peter’s is a signatory to the Covenant Churches in Brighton and shares with local churches in study groups, ecumenical services and prayer.

The People of St Peters are on pilgrimage and welcome others to share this vision with them. We invite you to make this your place of worship and your community of faith.

The Reverend Russell S Joyce

Russell was Ordained within the Diocese of Melbourne in 1975 In 2006 he celebrated the 30th Anniversary of his ordination as a priest. He has served in the parishes of Belmont, Box Hill, Warrandyte, Werribee (all in the Melbourne Diocese) and also in East Otago and Wakari (in Dunedin, New Zealand) and the Wangaratta Cathedral Parish (Wangaratta, Victoria). Russell was also Chaplain to the Bishop of Wangaratta during his time at the Cathedral Parish. Russell has also served on the Maori Bishopric within the New Zealand Anglican Church (Te Pihopatanga O Aotearoa of Te Hahi O Te Porowini O Niu Tireni).

In November 1999 he accepted the invitation to become the Vicar of St Peter’s in Brighton Beach and was Inducted on November 10th 1999.

Russell holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Bachelor of Divinity and also a Master of Theology. Since 1990 he has also served as a Chaplain in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve, and was advanced to Senior Chaplain in January of 2003. Russell has also graduated from the Royal Australian Navy Staff College with the qualification ‘psac’.

Russell has also served on a number of Boards and Committees within the Diocese of Melbourne and other Diocese, and is a Member of the Anglican Defence Force Board of General Synod of Australia and on the Vocations Panel for the Anglican Defence Force Chaplaincy. In community life Russell served for many years on the Council of La Trobe University.

In August 2006 Fr Russell received the Maritime Commander of Australia’s Commendation for his ministry over 12 years to the Anzac Frigate programme for the RAN and RNZN. In October 2007, Russell was elected by the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia as one of three clergy to the Anglican Defence Force Board.

St Peter’s Clergy

Fr John Leaver AO RFD ED - has joined the parish Staff as Part Time Associate Priest. Fr John comes with a long history of ministry in many Diocese and in many roles, including as Senior Chaplain in the Army Reserve and as a former Chaplain at Peninsula School. We welcome Fr John to the parish and to the ministry team. Fr John was awarded the AO for his services to the creation of low-fee community schools.

Fr Russell Braddon is a Priest-in-Association in the Parish. He has a long and faithful ministry within this Diocese and we are blessed indeed by his presence amongst us adn ministry to and with us at St Peter’s in Brighton Beach.

St Peters Vestry & Churchwardens.

St Peter’s Vestry meets on the Second Tuesday of each month.

Parish Groups:

• Women’s Fellowship
• Anna Group (Mother’s Union)
• The Beavers (Tuesday morning garden & maintenance)
• Opto Art Group
• St. Peter’s Kindergarten
• Bible Study Group and Discussion Groups (as organised)
• Lenten Study
• Singing Group as required for the Great Festivals.

There is good church parking in Moffat Street and in Were Street in the area immediately around the church property.

The Vicar has Monday as his day off. He can be contacted through the details below at all other times.

Contact details

77 Were Street
Brighton Beach Victoria 3186
(Melway ref: 76E2)

Postal:
P.O.Box 9225
Brighton, VIC 3186
Australia

Phone: (61-3) 9592 2397

Our greetings from all at St Peter's in Brighton, Melbourne. Thank you for visiting this Web Page and we hope that you find the information you are seeking. If we can be of any further help, or you have questions to ask, please contact us direct or through the Church Office on (03) 9592 2397.

The Diocese of Melbourne has as our Archbishop, the Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier. Our Regional Bishop is the Right Reverend Paul White . Our Archdeacon is the Venerable Ray McInnes.

This year, 2008, is a very special one for St Peters Church and Parish. It marks the Centenary of our creation as a parish and we look forward to many special events, services and visitors over the next months - a full list is available under the "Coming Services/Events" page, We hope to see you during the year at these occasions. The theme for the year is: “To celebrate the past; to rejoice in the present; and, to promote the future”.

St Peters is an inclusive church and we seek to welcome all within our community and seek to enable people in their spiritual journey through the worship and fellowship of this church and parish. St Peter's welcomes you to this church and our parish. Please make yourself known and join us for worship at any of the services. If we can help in any way, please feel free to contact the Vicar through the Church Office.

Our regular Sunday Services of 8am and 10am continue throughout the year (including January) as does the weekly Eucharist on Wednesdays at 9.30am.

We invite you to join with us, to visit with us, and hopefully to make St Peter's your place of spiritual journeying and growth in faith, your place of worship and fellowship.

Russell

The Reverend Russell S Joyce
Vicar.

Sunday Services

8.00am Eucharist
10.00am Sung Eucharist

Wednesdays

9.30am Eucharist
(first Wednesday of the month, Healing Ministry)

Pastoral Offices

Baptism
Marriage
Funeral

also:
* Confirmation
* Reception into the Anglican Communion
* Admission to Communion prior to Confirmation

St Peter's also offers opportunities for: * Laying of on hands, anointing and prayer
* Confession

As requested and as available - see separate pages for further details on Baptisms and Weddings.

For more information please phone the Church Office on (03) 9592 2397 during office hours.

For further details regarding special services, including confirmation or admission to the Anglican Church, please contact the Church Office on (03) 9592 2397 during office hours.

Coffee, Cake and Conversation

This is a monthly gathering of parishioners and friends who come together for a byo lunch, and this is followed by coffee together with cake and conversation, led by a speaker with time for questions. Topics are various and provide an opportunity in a friendly environment to discuss questions of faith and living.

Coming Speakers:

Wednesday 2nd July, 12noon ASYLUM SEEKERS - How you can help. Come and listed and discuss issues around those who come to this country to seek a new and better life and how we can support and help them.

Future issues will deal with topics such as our local rail service, police issues in Brighton, preparing your own Funeral, worship and church, and such like. The vicar welcomes any suggestions of topics or speakers for this series. There is no cost, other than a gold coin donation. Any questions please ring the Vicar, or email him for further information on (03) 9592 2397

If seeking baptism at St Peter’s in Brighton Beach it is assumed that you already have a connection with this Church, are a parishioner here, or intend to become one. Baptisms are normally conducted in the parish church within the parish in which you live.

Through baptism we have been brought into the church, the body of Christ. The whole of our Christian life thereafter should be a living out of our baptism or a living into the “true, full and eternal life in which Jesus Christ unites God and humanity”.

Baptism requires a commitment on the part of adults (in the case of the baptism of infants) that they will answer in the name of their child: * Will you accept the responsibility placed upon you in bringing your child for baptism. * Are you willing to answer on behalf of your child * By your own prayers and example, by your friendship and love, will you encourage your child in the life and faith of the Christian community. Are you prepared to link yourself with your local faith community through its life of worship and service.

The Way Ahead

You may feel that you are not able to answer these questions as yet. If this is the case the Church provides a service of Thanksgiving for a Child, and the Vicar will be happy to discuss this wonderful service for your child.

Baptism does not make us Anglican or Church of England. We are not baptized into a denomination or a building. We are baptized into Christ; into his death and resurrection, into a living relationship which we seek to live out through our life’s journey. The “where” we do that is the denominational question, to which faith community we link ourselves. We would warmly welcome you to St Peter’s as your community of faith.

Godparents: There are normally three Godparents (two of the sex of the child and one of the opposite sex). They should be baptized members of the Christian Church - not necessarily of the Anglican Church.

The Baptism Service:

The Baptism should normally be conducted during the main 10am Sunday Eucharist when the faith community is present, and able to welcome you and support you and your child in this significant moment. Sometimes (usually monthly) baptisms are held after the main morning service (at 11.45am), and these may be with other families.

Welcome: The Vicar welcomes the opportunity to discuss baptism with you. We welcome your coming to St Peter’s for the baptism, and we seek to make it a joyful and happy occasion for you and your family and friends. If we can assist in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us prior to the service.

Please contact the Church Office on (03) 9592 2397 for further information.

Thank you for your enquiry regarding being prepared for marriage, and the wedding service, at St Peter's Anglican Church in Brighton Beach. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the church and ask them.

To book a wedding at St Peter's, you are required to:
* Make an appointment to see the Vicar
* Pay a $100 non refundable deposit
* Bring birth certificates. If for a second marriage - evidence of death, nullity or divorce (if applicable). - Please note the Government requires evidence through full birth certificate. An Australian Passport is no longer acceptable.
* A photograph of you both

Who may be married?
Any one may be married at St Peter's. Either the bride or groom - or both - should be a baptized member of the Christian Church. A divorced person may be married in the Anglican Church after permission has been obtained (through the Vicar) from the Regional Bishop.

Who may marry us?
According to the rules of the Diocese of Melbourne, you must be married by an Anglican Priest in an Anglican Church. This means that the Vicar of the parish will prepare you and marry you. He may be assisted by a priest/minister from another church in good standing with the Anglican Church of Australia.

When can I get married?
You may be married on any day of the week, including Sunday afternoon. The following days are not available: Christmas Day, Easter Day, Holy Week (including Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Eve - Holy Saturday), and some other parish days. The Vicar is happy to discuss dates and times with you.

Time of the Wedding
Morning and afternoon weddings are available, with mid afternoon being the most popular time. The time you book should be kept unless a change is agreed to by the Vicar of the Parish. You should arrive on time! It is neither "traditional" or"fashionable" for the bride to be late for her wedding. Many people have arranged to be at the church for your wedding at an agreed time. If there is another wedding that day and you arrive late you may find you will loose your time spot or the wedding time at the church will need to be shortened.

Cost of the Wedding:
Please ring the church office on 03-9592 2397 for up-to-date costs.
The deposit is taken off the final cost of the wedding which is a fixed fee of $950 (as at 6 February 2007). This cost includes:

• Church donation
• Clergy
• The verger (who assists the minister and assists the bride on arrival)
• The organist
• Preparation time with the clergy
• Two large flower arrangement and pew decorations
• Rehearsal
• Administration

Can we photograph and/or record a video of the service?

Yes, we encourage the use of photographers and video cameras. It is however important that the mood and integrity of the service is not disturbed or compromised. We ask that your photographer or video producer speak with the presiding priest before the wedding service.

The funeral service is a significant time in our journey of life. It is the opportunity to celebrate a life now ended, commend that life and ourselves to God, and to give thanks for the life, love and the friendship shared and enjoyed - all of which have enriched our lives and helped make us the people we are.

The Anglican Funeral Service contains all these elements in a simple and touching Christian liturgy from the moment the coffin is received at the church to the farewell from the church. This service can be personalised in many ways: the choice of readings and readers, the particular music and hymns chosen, and in the celebration of the life through the Eulogy or Reflection. Symbols of the persons life can also be used, but the primary focus must always be that this is a Christian act of worship and this is to be pastorally maintained throughout the service and in the choices. For example, it would be suggested that these symbols be placed on a separate table in the church, rather than on the coffin itself.

The national flag, where appropriate, may also be used on the coffin.

The number of Eulogies or Reflections should be kept to one or two to avoid duplication and repetition.

You may feel that a Christian service such as this is not really what you want. We at St Peter's are more than happy to work with you through this process and to assist you in obtaining a civil celebrant should you wish to proceed that way.

It may also be appropriate to hold other services following the Christian service, such as an RSL or Masonic or other tribute. Care should always be taken so as not to blur the service being conducted and each should be kept quite separate.

As many, if not most, services at St Peters are now what we call "full services" and held entirely at the church (that is, no service at the Crematorium) you may wish to hold these additional tributes outside the church at the hearse, prior to its being driven away. The RSL service especially is designed as a graveside service and this would be a most appropriate place for this final tribute by members of the RSL. These matters should always be discussed with the Vicar during the arranging of the service.

St Peters also has a Funeral Information Sheet to enable you to prepare for your own funeral and to lodge this form with your church and with family, so that they know your wishes. We are happy to send this form to you.

To discuss any of these points or to arrange a funeral at St Peter's, please contact the Vicar directly on (03) 9592 2397

St Peter's Church Pipe Organ
BRIGHTON BEACH
MELBOURNE, Victoria
Australia

GREAT ORGAN: 61 notes
Bourdon 16'
Open Diapason 8'
Stopped Diapason 8'
Dulciana 8'
Principal 4'
Flute 4'
Fifteenth 2'
Tierce 1 3/5'
Mixture III ranks
Trumpet 8'

SWELL ORGAN: 61 notes
Gedeckt 8'
Salicional 8'
Gemshorn 4'
Nazard 2 2/3'
Piccolo 2'
Mixture III ranks
Oboe 8'
Double Trumpet 16'
Trumpet 8'
Clarion 4'

PEDAL ORGAN: 30 notes
SubBass 16'
Bourdon 16'
Quint 10 2/3'
Principal 8'
Flute 8'
Octave 4'
Fifteenth 2'
Double Trumpet 16'
Trumpet 8'
Clarion 4'

St. Peters hold a regular series of concerts and recitals each year. Details for the 2008 programme are being developed and will be posted here as soon as confirmed.

St Peter's sees these concerts as part of our ministry within this community and our outreach beyond our Sunday worship.

PLEASE NOTE:

The St Peter's Tennis Club and Tennis Courts are currently closed.

No memberships are being taken.

No play is allowed on the courts.

St Peter's Kindergarten.
http://www.stpk.com.au/

Anglican Defence Force Chaplaincy and Bishop:
http://www.anglicanadf.org.au/

Anglican Media, Diocese of Melbourne
http://www.media.anglican.com.au

Diocese of Melbourne.
http://www.melbourne.anglican.com.au/

http://www.anglican.org.au/community.cfm?SID=29/a>

The following will take you to our link parish of St Peter's in Brighton, England, within the Diocese of Chichester.

http://www.stpeterschurchbrighton.org.uk/