Sundays at St. Peter’s
Sundays at St. Peter’s are special times. We gather for worship, and we gather to share food and time with each other in a community of faith. We welcome all who enter our doors.
Worship
Times
Holy Eucharist at 8:00 am & 10:00 am
The 10:00 am service is live-streamed on YouTube.
Compline at 8:00 pm on Facebook Live
When we worship, we gather with others before God. We hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, give thanks, confess, and offer the brokenness of the world to God. As we break bread, our eyes are opened to the presence of Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are made one body, the body of Christ sent forth to live the Way of Love.
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.”
Communion at St. Peter’s
Whether you receive Communion or prefer not to, all people of any age, faith, or tradition are welcome at the Altar during Communion. Whatever choice you make will be respected and you will not stand out regardless of choice.
All baptized Christians of any age from any denomination or tradition are welcome to receive communion during worship. Communion is offered in the form of consecrated bread broken into individual wafers and consecrated wine taken from a shared chalice distributed by communion ministers. Gluten-free wafers are also available. Worshippers may receive in one or both kinds as they prefer, and by sipping from the chalice or dipping the wafer into the chalice as they prefer.
Those who prefer to not receive communion because they are not baptized, or their own tradition requests that they refrain, are welcome to come to the Altar during Communion for a blessing. Simply fold your arms across your chest to indicate your desire for a blessing.
Fellowship
After the 10:00 am service, we gather in Crossroads Hall for fellowship, which is a church-term for sharing time together in a meal and conversation. Rotating hospitality teams provide snacks and treats, plus coffee, tea and other beverages, while people of all ages spend time together to connect in conversation. This is a great time to learn more about our faith, our community, and our ministries. We also love to learn about you, and what brings you to St. Peter’s! All are welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I walk in the church doors?
You can expect friendly ushers to greet you with a smile and a bulletin outlining the worship service. Ushers can answer questions and point you towards the children’s books, restrooms, or a good seat! Participate as you are able—there is no pressure to sing, speak along, give money, or explain your situation, unless you feel comfortable doing so. Sunday worship usually lasts about an hour, give or take.
Are children welcome?
Children are definitely welcome, and you’ll see all ages in our pews most Sundays. We don’t expect silence—in fact, most of us enjoy the sound of children at worship and at play. Attending church is one of the best ways to share faith with children, at any age. We offer Wiggle & Worship during the middle (quieter) parts of the service, when we move to a separate space for our own Bible story and chat time. There are story books and Bibles available to borrow at the back of the church, along with a rocking chair if you need a break from our colonial-era pews.
What does a typical service look like?
Each Sunday service includes three readings from the Bible, generally from the Old Testament, New Testament, Gospels (accounts of Jesus' life and ministry), and a Psalm. A 10-15 minute sermon helps explain the Scriptures and connect them with our daily lives and growth in faith. We offer prayers for our own needs and those of others, and celebrate communion. Depending on the season and service style, there may also be music in the form of hymns sung by all and/or anthems sung or played by one of our musical groups. The order of service is found in a weekly bulletin, with reference to the Book of Common Prayer (1979) and the Hymnal 1982.
What should I wear?
Come as you are! You will find casual shorts and jeans, and people who enjoy dressing up a little more. We bring our authentic selves to God, whatever that may be!
Where do I park?
Check out our Plan a Visit page for detailed directions and hints about parking in downtown Freehold Borough.
How do I get involved?
Whether you are ready to jump in, or you want to wait and see for a bit, talking to our friendly members is a good place to start. You can find information on our website about serving at St. Peter’s and serving in the community, but the folks in the pews on Sunday mornings can give you details, insights, and connect you with the right person. We also recommend subscribing to our weekly newsletter to learn more about our community and activities—the link is below.
