Towel Ministry is a youth oriented outreach ministry that focuses on repairing and refurbishing homes for the elderly, the physically and mentally challenged and those who are struggling economically primarily in the Onslow and Carteret Counties. Teenagers, youth leaders and adults come from various Episcopal Churches mostly from the southeast to St. Peter’s for one week in July. Here they participate in work projects such as painting houses, building wheelchair ramps, clearing yard debris, and other needed housing repairs. The most important aspect of Towel is the care, love, and respect these young people provide for the families they are serving. 

This ministry began in the Diocese of Western North Carolina by the late Deacon Chris Greer and Father Gene McDowell over 23 years ago to help those in need. Later The Rev. Deacon Mike Jenkins from Morganton, NC continued this outreach ministry and started having churches host Towel Week. When Father Bert Eaton became rector of St. Peter’s, he and his wife Carol brought Towel Ministry to Eastern North Carolina.

Why is it called Towel Ministry? The towel reminds us of Jesus who wrapped a towel around his waist and became a servant by washing his disciples feet. Also a waiter or waitress places a towel over his or her arm and serves others. Here at St. Peter’s we also call this ministry “Beach Towel” because of our nearness to the beach.

Parishioners prepare the undercroft for sleeping arrangements, provide all the dinners and snacks, fix breakfasts in our kitchen, and also work at the job sites. The community helps by donating food, discounting tools and materials, and the local high school provides shower facilities.

At the end of each day teenagers report to the group on their experiences and where they saw God that day working in their lives and those whom they are serving. Beach Towel at St. Peter’s is truly a Servanthood Ministry and hopes to take this ministry to other churches in the diocese.

2009 Towel Ministry Photos