Liturgy at St. Peter's
elebrating what God has done for us through the service of the liturgy is the central part of our life together. The original meaning of the word liturgy is “the work of the people.” Our service is designed to involve the people. Both the people in attendance as well as the celebrant (the priest leading the service) have a part to play in the great drama in which we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ each Sunday.
However, the service is also carefully designed to be unobtrusive. Anyone can come in and enjoy the service without being uncomfortable. You are welcome to participate as little or as much as you like.
Engaging the Senses
If you have not experienced a liturgical style of worship, you may have heard this form of service called the “sit, stand, kneel” variety of worship or “smells and bells” since we ring bells and sometimes use incense (Revelation 8:4). The service is designed to engage the whole person in the experience — all five senses — so that we might personally and fully experience the mystery and majesty of God. To get a better feel of what the service is about, you may want to read through the service from the Book of Common Prayer, a collection of the Church's historic prayers and services that have been passed on through two-thousand years of church history — or simply come and visit.Service of the Word
During the first part of the service, we focus on hearing the word of God read and preached. Each week, we hear different scriptures read from both the Old and New Testaments. In fact, more Scripture is read during our liturgy than in most church services. Our liturgy is drenched with Scripture. You are encouraged to hear the Word of God and to let it shock, challenge, and transform you.Holy Eucharist
In the second part of the service, following the pattern of the first Christians (Acts 20:7), we partake of Holy Communion (also known as the Eucharist) every week. Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist, which recalls His words and actions at the Last Supper. Celebrating the Eucharist renews and strengthens our union with Christ and our fellow Christians. At St. Peter’s, all baptized Christians from any denomination are invited to receive the Eucharist with us.For more information, see What to expect on your first visit.
