The Episcopal Church traces its roots in the United States to English settlers who brought with them the Church of England. After the Revolution, the Church of England in America adopted the name of “The Protestant Episcopal Church in the U.S.A.” in 1789.
Episcopalians are part of the Anglican Communion. We number about 70 million people worldwide. All of us across the globe worship using modern versions of the Book of Common Prayer, whose roots go back to the first edition in 1549. The Church was determined, through the creation of this Book, that lay people would participate in all the liturgy, not simply have it performed for them by the clergy.
We continue that tradition of involvement using the 1979 American edition of the Book of Common Prayer; we worship using the contemporary language forms for both Morning Prayer and the Holy Eucharist. Because parts of our service are not always in page number sequence, and because we also use a Hymnal, which may be somewhat confusing, we also provide service bulletin or guide at every service. We also regularly use a service booklet that combines the words of the worship service with the melody for special prayers set to music.
The Anglican/Episcopal tradition provides an emotionally and intellectually stimulating worship style intended to honor God and involve everyone in the service. Some have also observed that the Episcopal Church is a “bridge” between Protestant and Catholic traditions. Married couples with one partner from the Catholic tradition and one from the Protestant often find a common ground of worship and spiritual practice in the Episcopal Church.
At St. Peter’s Church, all services are led by ministry teams of men and women. In the Episcopal Church, our ordained ministers are referred to as bishops, priests, and deacons. The priest in charge of a parish is called a “Rector.” You will notice that our deacons are ordained to sacred orders, unlike in many Protestant denominations where this term refers to those in lay leadership positions. We also commission lay readers and Eucharistic ministers to assist the priests and deacons. The Rector usually preaches at all the services each weekend and from time-to-time invites guest preachers.
We offer Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper) to all persons, regardless of their denominational background or their current status in that denomination. As well, we welcome all children to the altar so that they will never remember a time when they did not participate in this sacrament.
Holy Communion is received by the people going up to the altar in an orderly way. This reminds us that we come before God and have a place at the table. The priest will gladly bring communion to any persons who are unable to go forward for communion. The so-called “communion rail” is in place for the comfort and ease of the people — it is not a fence to keep us away from the altar, but is an extension of the Holy Table.
The Bread is served first. To partake, put forward your hands to receive the Bread. You may eat it immediately, then sip from the Cup. Or, others hold the Bread and then dip it into the Cup. To drink from the Cup, reach out and guide it to the lips. (In some traditions, the Communion Bread is placed in our mouths by the Server; if you would prefer this, look up to the Server and offer your piece of bread to the server to indicate your intentions.)
Persons who desire to live their lives completely free of alcohol should know that a second Cup is also used at our 10 o’clock Sunday service which contains grape juice. After receiving the Bread, when the silver Cup is presented, place your hand across your heart to indicate that you do not wish to receive the wine, but look to the lay minister carrying the crystal Cup with grape juice.
Baptism is the rite of initiation into the Church of Jesus Christ. Almost all denominations recognize baptisms by water in the name of the Trinity of God. Baptism is appropriate for children of members of the congregation and for those adults who wish to become members.
In an emergency, anyone can administer baptism. The priest should be notified immediately if this occurs, so that the baptism can be recorded properly.
Baptisms are normally held on four major feast days of the Church year: Easter, Pentecost, All Saints’ Day and the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (1st Sunday after Epiphany), in the context of the major service for that day. Baptisms are not held in Advent or Lent. Other dates may be arranged after consultation with the Rector.
Holy Eucharist — All and any persons of any age of any denomination may receive the consecrated Body and Blood of Jesus Christ at a service of Holy Eucharist. There are no requirements concerning preparation for the Eucharist. Materials to help young children understand the Eucharist are available and this topic is included each year in the Sunday school curriculum. Our Rector would welcome the opportunity to help prepare anyone for baptism. A series of classes is regularly offered.
Confirmation is the mature affirmation of the vows that were made on one’s behalf at Baptism in the presence of a bishop of the Church. It is also the way that Christians from other denominations formally join the Episcopal Church. The bishop confirms this commitment through the laying on of hands. It is expected that all adult members will be confirmed. Preparation for Confirmation is done through a class, or through private consultation with the Rector. Except in unusual circumstances, the minimum age for this commitment is 13 years.
Holy Matrimony is a Christian rite that can coincide but is additional to civil marriage. It is the blessing of God upon the spiritual and physical union of one man and one woman. If one desires to be married, the priest needs at least 60 days notification, 90 days if one of the parties is divorced. Those who wish to be married should be members of this or some other Christian community. Premarital counseling is required. At least one of the parties must already be baptized. If at all possible, please contact the Rector before a date is set.
Weddings are celebrations of great joy and thus weddings are not usually conducted during the somber periods of reflection called Lent (prior to Easter) and Advent (the four weeks prior to Christmas).
The sacrament of Reconciliation of a Penitent (commonly called confession) is available to anyone, and is arranged privately with the Rector. The content of a Confession is completely and forever confidential.
Holy Unction — Following the ancient practice of both the Jewish and Christian faiths, the sick may be anointed by holy oil blessed by the bishop, with prayers for healing. This action signifies God’s active presence in the lives of those who suffer and the power of healing found through Jesus Christ. A person may be anointed on behalf of another.
Burial — It is appropriate to call the Rector at any time, night or day, in the event of the imminent death of a parishioner or a relative. Anointing is appropriate before death and there are prayers to be offered by the family at this time.
Funerals obviously cannot be scheduled; the Rector is always available on short notice as needed. 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 all Episcopal churches. We can help you to minimize the stress at such a difficult time. Before a loved one dies, we can provide counseling and planning forms that you are sure to find helpful.
And, you may also choose to do this for yourself. Not only will this spare your survivors some grief, it will ensure that your own wishes will be known and respected. It is recommended that all parishioners have a record on file at the Church of their desires for burial and a funeral. A form for this is available from the parish office.
Prayer for Healing — Every Sunday, trained volunteer lay ministers are available during the Communion portion of the service to pray with and for you with the laying on of hands. This is an ancient practice of Christianity that helps us share our burdens with each other.
A Form of Commitment to Christian Service — appropriate when a person wishes to make or renew a commitment to the service of Christ in the world, either in general terms, or upon undertaking some special responsibility. This is done in the context of a Sunday service.
Renewal of Marriage Vows — Suitable for a public celebration, usually on the occasion of a wedding anniversary. This can be done within a Sunday service.
Blessing of a Pregnant Woman — To ask for God’s guidance and protection in the bringing forth of new life into the world.
Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child — Can be done immediately following birth in the hospital or home, or on the first Sunday that the child is brought into the church.
The Blessing of a Home — Appropriate after a move, or even if one has lived in the same dwelling for years. Especially appropriate during the seasons of Epiphany (the two months after Christmas) and after Easter.
The Blessing of Religious Objects — For crosses, prayer books and other objects that enhance one’s spiritual life.
The Blessing of a Civil Marriage is the celebration of God’s blessing upon Christians who have been married outside of the church and who wish to receive the sacrament of matrimony.
Holy Communion at Home — for those unable to attend church because of sickness or disability. St. Peter’s is fortunate to have lay persons trained by the Diocese to bring Communion to our homes after Sunday services if we wish.
Blessing of a Committed Relationship — for same gender couples to celebrate a commitment to a life together in the context of the Christian community. Those who wish this pastoral service need to be members of this parish and counseling with the Rector is required beforehand.