St. Peter's Episcopal Church

What are services like?
All regular worship services at St. Peter’s are services of Holy Eucharist (meaning Thanksgiving), which is a form of liturgy (worship) handed down through the ages in the Church and is a service celebrated in two primary and equal parts: the first part is the Ministry of the Word which includes praise and adoration of God, readings from Holy Scripture (the Bible) followed by a full sermon, recitation of our beliefs (The Creed), prayers and intercessions for ourselves and others, the confession of our sins, the assurance of God’s forgiveness and sharing in the Peace of God. The second part of the service is the Ministry of the Sacraments or Holy Communion, where we remember in liturgical forms not only the Last Supper of Jesus with his apostles, but also his life laid down for the world in his Crucifixion, and the Glory of his Resurrection. We participate in this by receiving Holy Communion, the Bread and the Wine as Jesus shared with the apostles, in which we believe Christ conveys to us his Real and abiding Presence. Following that we give thanks for the great gift we have received and hear the call of God for us to go out into the world to serve in Christ’s Name. At the conclusion of most services, we have healing prayer teams available to pray with anyone in need. Saturday: 5 PM Holy Eucharist (Rite II: Said) This service is a peaceful and quiet service that includes a full sermon. It is typically 45 minutes in length and is an option for those who have other commitments on Sunday morning. Sunday Mornings Preceding and following each worship service is a time of fellowship on our central patio with coffee and fresh doughnuts. Our Sunday School hour is from 10 AM to 11 AM. Those children who normally attend our 11 AM service go to worship after Sunday School. Nearly every Sunday, we have an Adult Forum in our Parish Hall covering a variety of topics. All children are welcome and encouraged to attend worship with their parents. However, should parents choose to utilize our nursery, it is available from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM for children five and under. Our Nursery is staffed by child care professionals. 7:45 AM Holy Eucharist (Rite I: Said) Our first service on Sunday morning employs Elizabethan English as set forth by the Book of Common Prayer's principal compiler and author, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. Parishioners of all ages attend this service who enjoy its quiet and gentle nature. This service is typically 45 minutes in length. 9 AM Holy Eucharist/Family Service (Rite II: Sung) Our second service on Sunday morning employs a more contemporary form of liturgy, in style, language, and music. This is typically our largest service and parishioners spread across the full range of our population, from infants to seniors. While children are welcome at all our services, this service is especially designed to be child and family friendly, and is planned to meet the needs of children and adults alike. There are design elements particularly for children, including sermon time, after which there is an opportunity for our Holy Wigglers to go to the nursery. The children experience a great amount of freedom in and ownership of this service. For more information: Children in Worship. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, the music is led by our Director of Music utilizing a wide variety of liturgical music. On the 2nd and 4th Sundays, the music is led by ReSound (Parish Band) borrowing a variety of influences from popular music genres. This service is normally 50 minutes in length, honoring the shorter attention span of our youngest members. Children's Church is held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. During the singing of the Gloria in Excelsis, or the opening hymn, the children process to Children's Church for a Service of the Word particulary desinged for them, and the grown ups have an opportunity to hear the full-length sermon. The children return at the Offertory in time to receive the Holy Communion. 11 AM Holy Eucharst (Rite II: Sung) Our final service on Sunday morning is a Choral Eucharist incorporating anthems, motets and other liturgical music offered by the Parish Choir and St Nicholas Choristers that draws upon the rich heritage of the English choral tradition. Once a quarter, and on major feasts, a Solemn Eucharist is offered in which the Parish Choir sings the full Mass (Ordinary and Proper) within the context of a fuller liturgical expression. While this service also meets the needs of every age group in our parish, it does not have the specific design elements that are contained in the 9 AM Family Eucharist. This service is normally a little more than an hour in length. 5 PM Choral Evensong (First Sunday of the Month) Choral Evensong is offered utilizing the Book of Common Prayer, 1662. Originating from the monastic hours, this uniquely Anglican choral service combines the distinctive parts of Vespers and Compline as set forth by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer in the Book of Common Prayer, 1549. Evensong is sung by the Parish Choir, St Nicholas Choristers, and Friends and draws its music from the English choral tradition. Evensong is typically followed by a festive sherry reception in the Parish Hall. 11:30 AM Holy Eucharist at La Vida Del Mar 1:30 PM Holy Eucharist at Emeritus Residence Every Sunday, lay and clergy members, take the Sacraments from our Sunday services to a local assisted living senior residential center. A full service, including a brief sermon, is provided. Tuesdays 7 AM Holy Eucharist (Rite II: Said) A gently paced, quiet, and peaceful service which includes a brief homily. This service is typically 30 minutes in length and is followed by an interactive, hour-long Bible Study Group. Wednesdays 9:30 AM Holy Eucharist with the Sacrament of Healing (Rite II: Said) This service uses a liturgy combining the Sacraments of Holy Unction (healing) and Holy Communion, including a Litany, special prayers for healing, and the Laying on of Hands and anointing with Oil of Unction. The service also includes a brief homily and is normally 45 minutes in length. It is followed by a fellowship and discussion group for our seniors.

What is the community like?
St. Peter's is a vibrant, friendly community, where all are welcome to contribute their gifts, skills, and passion. In the midst of the excitement, there is yet room for quiet and contemplation. All are truly welcome.

What if I'm not a Christian?
We welcome you to come and share your spiritual journey, to learn about ours, and how our relationship with Jesus Christ is transforming our lives. Your questions are welcome, and will only serve to enrich the journey for us all. If you decide you would like to become a Christian, and be baptized, we will be ready to welcome you to this new stage of your journey. If not, we treasure you as a sister or a brother, and trust that the Holy is present in our relationship nonetheless.