Services at St. Peter's Church
The Episcopal Church is a member of the third largest body of Christians, the Anglican Communion, which numbers about 70 million worldwide. All of us Anglicans worship using various versions of the Book of Common Prayer. Here at St. Peter’s we use the 1979 American edition, which allows lay people to fully participate in worship, not simply have it performed for them by the priests. We also use The Hymnal 1982 as well as other musical resources, and include in each bulletin copies of the Bible readings and prayers for the day. We encourage everyone to take their copy of the bulletin home so that they may later re-read them and reflect on them.
Sunday Service Schedule:
Our regular schedule (September through mid-June)
7:45AM Spoken Eucharist: A quiet, contemplative Service of Holy Communion.
9:00AM Family Eucharist: A more relaxed Service of Holy Communion. Music always includes several traditional hymns with organ, plus some informal worship songs in gospel, folk, rock or jazz traditions led by Peter’s Rock, our praise band. On occasion, the Jubilation choir or one of the handbell choirs offer an anthem. Children participate fully in leading the service, reading the Bible lessons, leading the prayers, or serving as ushers.
11:00AM Choral Eucharist: A traditional sung service. Music includes both beloved familiar hymns, newer contemporary hymns, and sung responses. Anthems in a variety of musical styles including Renaissance, Classical, Modern, and folk are offered by the St. Peter's Choir, which is comprised of church members supplemented by professional choristers. About once a month, the King's Peal, our adult handbell choir offers anthems as well. On special feast days, incense may be used, further enhancing the beauty of this solemn celebration.
DURING THE SUMMER (from Father’s Day to Labor Day) There is ONE later service only, at 10:00 AM.
Spanish Language Service:
Saturday at 5:30 PM La Santa Misa: Every Saturday night in the chapel we have a Spanish language service of Holy Communion.
Weekday Service Schedule:
Wednesdays at 9:00 AM Eucharist and Healing: Every Wednesday in the chapel we have a brief service of Holy Communion, followed immediately by a service of Healing.
At all of the above services, we offer the Holy Communion to all persons baptized in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, regardless of their church background.
Other services are offered on weekdays from time to time according to the needs and interest of the congregation, and have included Morning or Evening Prayer, or Healing Services.
Other Services:
Service schedules are posted in the service bulletins and the monthly parish newsletter The Peppercorn. During the year, we offer these opportunities for commitment and spiritual renewal:
• The Sacrament of Holy Baptism (about six times during the year) on designated feast days. We always conduct baptisms in the presence of the full congregation, usually Sundays at 11:00, occasionally at 9:00. Baptism is available for both infants as well as adults.
• The Rite of Confirmation, which the Bishop conducts during his annual visit. The service is usually on Sunday morning at 11:00, although it may be at a special weekday evening service. In the presence of the Bishop, youth and adults who have been prepared re-affirm their Baptismal vows, accepting the adult responsibilities of the Christian Faith. Also at this annual service, persons originally baptized and confirmed in other catholic traditions reaffirm their Baptismal vows, and are received into the Episcopal Church by the bishop.
Please address inquiries about Baptism, Confirmation, and Reception to the Rector. Education and preparation for these rites is essential, as we consider each of them to be significant transitions and not be entered upon lightly. Classes are held regularly for confirmands, those to be received, as well as for those planning to have their children baptized.
• Holy Matrimony can be scheduled at the mutual convenience of the couple and the rector. Please call the church office at least six months in advance of the desired date. This is necessary to allow time for the required pre-marital counseling and to ensure the availability of the church
• Funerals obviously cannot by scheduled. However, it is critical for the family to discuss the details with the Rector prior to making other arrangements as there are particular guidelines to be followed in the Episcopal Church. We can help you to minimize the stress at such a difficult time; before a loved one dies, we can provide guidance in preparing a service to have ready long before the sad event. You may also choose to do this for yourself; not only will this spare your survivors from having to make many decisions during a time of difficulty. This will also ensure that your own wishes will be known and respected.