Greetings!
If you ask the average parishioner at St. Peter’s in the Woods why they are here, some for decades, some for just a few months, they’ll tell you: The welcome is real, the community is genuine, and the worship is designed to nurture and empower disciples to serve the world in Jesus’ name.
We understand the joys and struggles of life in Northern Virginia, that desire for deeper meaning and connection in the midst of busy lives. We’ll meet you where you are on your faith journey, and offer numerous ways to grow deeper - in small group ministry, mission and service opportunities, or simply walking together in love.
We are an intergenerational faith community of young families, students, faculty and staff from nearby George Mason University, military and other retirees, new and longtime members. We are an active congregation with about 130 worshippers on a Sunday. But don’t let our size fool you - we have the energy and mission focus of a much larger congregation!
Whether you are looking for a place to worship, a spiritual home, or a caring group of people who actively support and encourage one another, St. Peter’s in the Woods has much to offer.
I invite you to come and see God at work in our midst and join our journey of faith!
Blessings,
The Rev. Susan Hartzell, Rector
History & About The Episcopal Church
We were founded as a church plant in 1988 by the Church of the Good Shepherd in nearby Burke, and were financially supported by the Diocese while we grew our ministry. Services began in 1989 in Bonnie Brae Elementary School, which remained our place of worship until we moved into our current building in Fairfax Station in January, 1998.
In 2013, St. Peter’s in the Woods achieved status as a full parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, meaning we are now a fully independent and self-supporting parish.
We’re a relatively young church, rooted in an historic faith tradition, but not afraid to try new things as we live into the church God is calling us to be.
St. Peter’s in the Woods is an Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Virginia
The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ. We are connected through local, regional, diocesan and national structures that help us do ministry together, serving God and the world. The Episcopal church is made up of 109 dioceses and regional areas in 17 nations. The Most Rev. Michael Curry is the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican Communion, the gathering of Anglican and Episcopal churches from around the world. Today, the Anglican Communion comprises more than 80 million members in 44 regional and national member churches in more than 160 countries. At the head of the Anglican Communion is the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
What People Say
I was impressed with the clergy
One of the first things that drew me to St. Peter’s in the Woods was the Choir ministry. I saw a place where I could worship, contribute and learn musically. There is so much shared talent. Also, I was impressed with the clergy. The level of knowledge, compassion, communication skills and leadership. As a result, I find much joy in our spiritual community.
- Susan
Exciting place to worship!
St. Peters in the Woods is a growing and vibrant Espiscopal church. We have been worshipping here for almost three years and were made to feel like we were part of the church family from the moment we walked in the door. The messages are engaging and easy to understand, and the ministry is reaching more people every week. St. Peters in the Woods is an exciting place to worship!
- Ryan D.
Friendly and Welcoming
After attending and visiting several churches in the area, we were still looking for the best fit for our family. One visit to St. Peter’s and we knew we had found what we were looking for. St. Peter’s is a warm and welcoming community that offers a diverse array of programs and services for all ages.
One thing that struck us at St. Peter’s was how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Whether it is your first time visiting or you have been attending services there for years, you are made to feel welcome and leave each week wanting to return. The St. Peter’s community is just that – a true community comprised of people from different walks of life all coming together to serve God and our neighbors. It’s also a place where you can get involved at a level that meets your needs and desires.
St. Peter’s in the Woods is my parish home.
A little over a year ago a friend of mine recommended St. Peter’s in the Woods to me, so I decided to visit a few services. The sermons were so inspiring and the music was so uplifting that I initially felt it was a good fit for me. This past year my family has enjoyed the special activities and programs for kids, like Sunday School, Youth Group, Fall Festival, and Vacation Bible School, and I have especially loved participating in the Music Ministry.
A year later I feel like I couldn’t have made a better choice. The welcoming atmosphere and sense of real community are just a few of the things that have kept me coming back. There are so many opportunities for fellowship and ways to serve that I recommend it to all my friends. I am happy to say that St. Peter’s in the Woods is my parish home.
- Terri
Genuine Christian embrace.
After retiring from a military career, we were simply unable to find a church in which we felt the sense of community, reverence, and joy we had so often experienced in our military parishes. We had reluctantly abandoned the search by the time we moved to Fairfax Station a couple of years ago. The wonderful owners of the home we purchased introduced us to St. Peter’s in the Woods and we were welcomed, prayed over, and enveloped in a genuine Christian embrace. We are home again.
- Chuck