The residual effects of Covid continue to impact some individuals, especially those with weakened immunes. We understand and respect this. Therefore, wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing is optional and we encourage you to do what would make you feel most comfortable.
In the spirit of inclusivity, we acknowledge that many individuals have allergies to nut products and/or are sensitive to highly scented products. We kindly request that you do not bring nut products into the building and respectfully refrain from wearing highly scented perfumes.
The lyrics for hymns/songs sung during the service will either be in the blue Book of Common Praise (noted in the bulletin as CP#123) found in the pew, or in the white Music Supplement binder (noted in the bulletin as SUPP#123) found on the shelf beside the entrance to the sanctuary.
Parts of the service are from the green Book of Alternative Services, found in the pew. The page number will be noted in the service bulletin provided.
During the service, we delight in exchanging the Peace and we encourage you to do so in a way that makes you feel most comfortable. Some individuals embrace in a hug, others prefer to shake hands, and those who are not comfortable with physical contact will simply wave.
There are long periods of time when we stand during the worship. We respect that each individual has different mobility needs and encourage you to sit down at any time.
All are welcome to receive Communion. If you desire a gluten-free wafer, please don’t hesitate to make this request. We ask that you follow the direction of the sides people and form a single line in the center aisle to receive the bread. It would be most helpful to the Presider if you open your hands flat rather than cupping them. After receiving the bread, please move to either side to receive the wine. We serve the wine from a common cup; however, if you wish not to receive the wine in this way, feel free to touch the base of the chalice. Please note, for the health and comfort of all, Intinction (dipping bread/wafer into wine) is not allowed. If you do not wish to receive the bread or wine, but would like to receive a blessing instead, please cross your arms over your chest. Please return down the side aisle after receiving communion.
During Communion time, we also offer Healing Prayers on the ‘choir side’ of the altar. If you are experiencing hardship or illness and need God’s guidance and comfort, please feel free to pray together with a member of our prayer team for the healing power of God in relation to your particular illness or situation. Your personal request will be entrusted in confidence.
We also offer a prayer bowl located on the table at the back of the church. If there is someone for whom you wish to offer silent prayers, please write their name and circumstance on the paper provided and place it in the prayer bowl on the table.
St. Peter’s welcomes all parishioners to actively participate in Sunday services (leading prayer, reading, canting the Psalm) as they desire. However, when circumstances limit an individual from attending in person, participation in the service will happen virtually using Zoom. This means that you will hear someone's voice through the audio system, rather than seeing them physically. When there are virtual participants contributing to a service, the Officiant will acknowledge they are joining us online, prior to them speaking.