The Choirs

Music is a very important ministry at St. Peter's.  See our Music section for a complete discussion of all aspects of the music ministry.

St. Peter's Altar Guild

Did you ever wonder who makes our church look so beautiful each and every week? The Altar Guild arranges the altar flowers and, more importantly, takes care of the Sanctuary and the needs of the clergy for all services.

The Altar Guild members are God's housekeepers. They do the housework pertaining to the sanctuary ( i.e. dust all the furniture, mop the floors behind the communion rails, change the fair linen which is the white cloth on the altar, and the linens on all the tables,  brush the cushions, polish the silver, change the colored frontal hangings to correspond to the seasons.) The large linens go out to be laundered but the purificators and corporals are taken home and washed. In the sacristy Guild members lay out the chasuble and the stoles for the clergy and prepare for any special services (e.g. baptisms, weddings, funerals, thanksgivings.) To help the clergy they set up the "stack" (i.e. the items needed for communion.) Then, of course, after the service it is the members' responsibility to wash up the vessels and dispose of the consecrated wine in the earth.  In other words the Altar Guild does what one would do at home when expecting guests, except, of course, they do it for God and our clergy and congregation.

 If you have experience with flower arranging, would like to learn flower arranging, or are interested in any of the other services that the Altar Guild performs, you are welcome to join. Guild members meet on Saturday morning to prepare for Sunday services. New members will never be left alone because there is an experienced leader present each week.

Contact Jennifer Dyer if you are interested in joining.

Acolyte Guild, Lectors and Chalicists

The Acolyte Guild is a unique inter-generational ministry.  These are the servers, runners, and the "wait staff" of the liturgy.  On the average Sunday, Guild members act as crucifer, crucifer/server, and torchbearers.   In these roles, acolytes lead processions while carrying the parish's two antique processional crosses and torches.  The liturgy also includes a procession for the reading of the day's Gospel lesson.  Servers assist priests in setting the altar for the Eucharist and facilitate the ceremonial washing using the lavabo. For special services and high holy days, Guild members also serve as thurifer, incense boat bearer, and banner bearer.  The Guild is administered by a chairperson who works with priests and parish staff to develop the schedule of Sunday and special services, often months in advance.

The most important aspects of the Guild are communication, consistency, and commitment.  In addition to the acolytes, we have about 20 chalicists who serve at the three services each Sunday plus the special services throughout the year.   You can view the current schedule on this page.

In addition to the acolytes and chalicists, we have about 20 lectors who serve at the three services each Sunday plus the special services throughout the year.   You can view the current schedule on this page.

Ushers and Greeters

There are currently about 40 ushers and up to 50 greeters.  Both groups are instrumental in presenting St. Peter's as a welcoming and inclusive church. 

Ushers

At the 9:15 and 11:15 services, there are usually three ushers and a vestry person at each service who greet worshipers, distribute the order of service, collect the offerings, facilitate communion, and provide any other assistance as needed.   (The 8:00 service requires only one usher and there is no greeter.)  After the service, the head usher and vestry person count the loose offering (envelopes remained sealed).  You can view the current schedule on this page.

Greeters

In addition to the ushers, at each Sunday service several Greeters welcome all who attend, watchful for visitors or newcomers who want information about our Church and parish life. Several tenets of our Baptismal Covenant offer our ministry an excellent framework to follow as we attempt:

• To introduce visitors to our parish and Church.
• To inform them of our many programs and ministries.
• Toinvite them to meet other members of our parish, and clergy.
• To inspire them to become active members of St. Peter's Church.

Our Hospitality Table and bulletin boards in the Parish Hall display many glimpses into our Church, its ministries, and its people. We now have a "Goodie Bag" to distribute to visitors containing brochures about St. Peter's, a coffee mug, candy, and other gifts. However, nothing can replace the personal touch Greeters lend to a truly welcoming experience within our Church community.

If you are interested in participating in this ministry, or want more information about it please contact Henry Magno. 

You can view the current schedule on this page.