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Our Community
Sycamore is directly west of Chicago by approximately 60 miles and is informally linked with its neighbor DeKalb, home of Northern Illinois University. Kishwaukee College is in nearby Malta. The population is slowly and steadily growing, tracked at over 18,500 in 2023. Saint Peter's is located a stone's throw from the historic downtown business district with local restaurants and businesses. The county courthouse is the center of town and sits next to a Carnegie library. Sycamore organizes a regionally-acclaimed Pumpkin Fest, with participation from over 30 DeKalb County not-for-profit organizations. The multi-day event includes a 5K run, lively parade, games, music and food. The parade passes in front of the church on Sunday where we joyfully serve pumpkin squares from a recipe that has been part of the church for years and brats. Funds raised from the event are used for outreach activities and various projects in the church. Sycamore is the county seat for DeKalb County with a population of just over 100,000. The community supports a hospital and health system affiliated with Northwestern University. DeKalb County is credited with being the birthplace of the Farm Bureau movement. It is also home to many established local companies and has a growing influx of multinational corporations setting up operational warehouses. St. Peter’s Church was founded in 1855 with the current church building erected in 1878, on the original site. The Parish House was added in 1957. |
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Our Ministries
Sycamore participates in Meals on Wheels, the Shoe Box Ministry, Hope Haven dinners, Caregivers and the Sycamore food pantry. We also host a local breakfast with heroes. Members may participate in the life of the church as readers, Altar Guild members, intercessors, acolytes, lay ministers, choir members, Episcopal Church Women (ECW), Vestry members and in Sunday school. We gather for coffee hour, St. Nicholas dinner, Chooseday, adult Bible study, parish suppers and picnics. We bond through our similar beliefs, our concern and caring for each other and the community and our desire to share good times. Being a smaller parish, we consider each other "family." Many members who have moved away come back regularly to worship with us and reconnect with friends. Other members travel many miles to attend our weekly services. Young couples enjoy planning their wedding at St. Peter’s and we rejoice in celebrating the baptism of their children with them. Newcomers find they feel right at home as we are a very friendly, welcoming group. |
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Our Diocese
The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago is geographically and culturally expansive. The diocese spans about half the area of Illinois, stretching from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River, from the Wisconsin border nearly to St. Louis. The 117 congregations are found in the city of Chicago, in the suburbs of Chicagoland, other Illinois cities like Peoria, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford, and many rural settings across the state. The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago encompasses congregational vitality initiatives such as The College for Congregational Development, established Episcopal college ministries throughout the state, and a strong commitment to social witness as expressed through the work of Episcopal Charities and Community Services, the social outreach arm of the diocese. Our diocese is led by the Rt. Rev. Paula E. Clark, thirteenth Bishop of Chicago. |
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Saint Peter's Episcopal Church | Established 1855 Red Doors Open for Growth and Transformation in the Name of Jesus Christ © 2024 Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, Sycamore, IL |