PASTORAL SERVICES
Baptism at St. Peter’s Church
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is celebrated according to the canons of the church and the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer. By Baptism, we become full members of the Body of Christ and His Church. Baptisms are therefore part of the public worship of the church and are not performed privately but rather during one of the principal Sunday services. It is expected that persons who are Baptized at Saint Peter’s will answer affirmatively the questions asked in the baptismal covenant, particularly concerning their participation in the life and ministry of this parish. When we baptize infants and small children, it is expected that their parents and/or guardians will assist their children in regular attendance at worship and in the life of the congregation.
The Book of Common Prayer directs that it is especially appropriate for Holy Baptism to be performed at these feasts: The Baptism of our Lord, The Great Vigil and Easter, Pentecost Sunday, and All Saints Sunday. It is also appropriate to celebrate Baptism at the visitation of our Bishop. In addition to the dates listed above, a baptism may also be scheduled on other Sundays of any month other than those listed above. Except in the case of extreme emergency, baptisms will not be performed in the season of Lent.
Before the Baptism is celebrated there is always instruction for the individual and/or parents. Godparents are also strongly urged to be participants in this instruction. If you wish to be baptized or to have your child baptized, please speak with Fr. Jeff.
BAPTISM
BLESSINGS
Blessings for Birthday and Anniversary
Our congregation enjoys receiving blessings for birthdays and wedding anniversaries.
Pet Blessing
Each year on the anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Peter's holds a blessing ceremony for our pets.
BLESSING
CONFIRMATION & RECEPTION
Confirmation & Reception
Confirmation is a pastoral rite in which a mature person, who was baptized as an infant or young child, reaffirms his or her baptismal vows with a blessing and laying on of hands by the Bishop. Reception is a similar rite in which a Christian, who has been baptized as an adult in another tradition, is received into the Episcopal Church by means of a blessing and laying on of hands by a Bishop. The Bishop visits Saint Peter’s Church once every year, in part to Confirm or Receive new members into the Church. Prior to his visit, those wishing to be Confirmed or Received, will be prepared by Fr. Ross through study, prayer and contemplation. If you are interested in being Confirmed or Received, please speak with Fr. Jeff.
CONFIRMATION & RECEPTIONS
POLICY for FUNERALS & MEMORIAL SERVICES
Funerals & Memorial Services
The death of a child of God is a tender and sacred time. In the midst of grief, the Church seeks to offer comfort, prayer, companionship, and the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
When death is anticipated or has occurred, members of St. Peter’s and their families are encouraged to contact the Rector as soon as possible. The Rector and the clergy of St. Peter’s are available to walk with individuals and families through the days surrounding a death, to offer pastoral care, prayer, and guidance in making arrangements for the funeral or memorial service.
We also encourage members of the parish to speak with the Rector in advance about their wishes for a funeral or memorial service. Making these arrangements ahead of time can be a gift to family members, allowing them to know and honor a person's wishes at a difficult time. The parish has developed an aid for end of life planning and memorial services.
The Funeral or Memorial Service
The Episcopal Church understands the funeral as an act of Christian worship in which we commend the person who has died to the loving mercy of God and proclaim our hope in the resurrection. A funeral or memorial service may be held at St. Peter’s Church in accordance with the liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer and the traditions of the Episcopal Church. The service will customarily include a celebration of the Holy Eucharist (communion). After conversation with the clergy, there may be occasions when this may not be included. The staff will create and duplicate the bulletin for the service. This may include the obituary and a picture of the deceased.
Whenever possible, the parish encourages families to consider a service at a time that allows for the family and members of the St. Peter’s community to participate and offer their prayers and support. The clergy will work with the family to set a mutually agreed-upon time and to plan a service that is both faithful to the Church's liturgy and attentive to the life and relationships of the person who has died. Only sacred music may be included in the liturgy. Secular and/or popular music should be reserved for the reception or wake.
A viewing or visitation may be held in the church or parish hall before the service, by arrangement with the Rector. In the Episcopal tradition, eulogies and remembrances are most appropriately expressed at the viewing, wake or reception/repast. If the family insists, up to 3 eulogies/remembrances may be shared at the very beginning of the service. Regardless of the number of eulogies, the total time for sharing should not exceed 15 minutes.
Funeral and memorial services at St. Peter’s are not limited to members of the parish. We are honored to make our church available to the wider community at times of grief and remembrance, and we seek to extend the same pastoral care and hospitality to all who gather here.
Burial and Interment
Members of St. Peter’s and their families may also make arrangements for burial or interment at the St. Peter’s Pilottown Cemetery, Churchyard Columbarium and Memorial Garden, subject to the cemetery's policies and available space.
For information about cemetery arrangements and regulations, please see:
St. Peter's Pilottown Cemetery Policy and Operating Procedures- DOWNLOAD PDF
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is available to the community to conduct funerals and memorial services in accordance with the liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer and the traditions of the Episcopal Church.
Fees and Practical Arrangements
The following fees help cover the costs associated with providing music, facilities, technical services, and clergy for funerals and memorial services.
Organist
Funeral or memorial service: $250
Additional rehearsal for other musicians: $100
Soloist: $100
Sexton Services
Additional cleaning, moving furniture, or related services: $150
Webcasting
Technician and livestreaming of the service to YouTube $200
Clergy
Suggested Donation: $300
Parish Hall
Suggested Donation $200 (there is no fee for the use of the Church)
Families who have questions about these arrangements or who have particular circumstances that may affect their ability to meet these fees are encouraged to speak with the Rector. The pastoral care of the Church comes first, and we want to work with families with compassion and understanding.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is honored to accompany individuals and families through the sacred journey of death, burial, and remembrance. In the midst of sorrow, we gather to give thanks for a life, to commend our loved ones to God, and to proclaim our Christian hope in the resurrection.
FUNERALS & MEMORIALS
HOLY UNCTION & SICK CALLS
Holy Unction & Sick Calls
All parishioners are strongly urged to inform the church when they or a loved one are seriously ill and/or hospitalized. Our clergy are very willing to visit and pray with members of the congregation at any time, but especially when they are in need. When you call the office, please let the staff know if you or your loved one would like to be anointed with the oil of the sick (Holy Unction) for healing and/or have Holy Communion brought to you.
HOLY UNCTION & SICK CALLS
Marriage at St. Peter’s Church
Lewes, Delaware
St. Peter’s is a sacred and holy place. For generations, faithful people have gathered in our sanctuary to mark significant moments in their lives and to deepen their commitment to Christ and to one another.
St. Peter’s is a church, not a wedding venue. We do not rent our sacred space for weddings or other private events, and we are unable to respond to requests from outside wedding coordinators or those seeking to use the church as a day-rental venue.
In the Christian faith, marriage is a covenant between two consenting adults (of any gender), entered into before God and within the community of the Church. It is therefore not understood as a private event. A Christian marriage takes place in the presence of God, Christian witnesses, family, and invited guests gathered in the church.
The Book of Common Prayer teaches that Holy Matrimony is intended by God for the couple's mutual joy, for the help and comfort they give one another in times of adversity, and for the procreation and care of children. We recognize that, for many reasons, not all couples are able to conceive or raise children. We nevertheless believe that every marriage is called to be grounded in mutual love and that the love shared between two people can be generative—building up love in the world and bearing witness to gracious, sacrificial, and faithful love.
Marriage is a lifelong covenant in which two people promise to love, honor, and cherish one another, seeking to live together in faithfulness and in the love of God.
For more information policies and procedures click the red button to open the pdf.
Fees
In addition to the fees listed below, a contribution in thanksgiving for the use of the church is always welcomed.
Item Fee
Church Fee — includes organist, sexton, and service bulletin design and printing $1,000
Optional contribution to the Clergy Discretionary Fund — a thank offering for clergy assistance; used by clergy for outreach and education $500–$1,000
Additional musicians — including soloists and other instrumentalists Price Varies
Organist rehearsal fee — optional; the organist does not routinely attend rehearsals $100
Aisle candles for evening services — optional $100
Livestream of the service — optional $200
picture by Dona Jung Photography 2022
WEDDINGS
PRAYER VIGILS
Prayer Vigils
At various times during the Christian year it has become a tradition at St. Peter’s to hold a prayer vigil in the Church. In preparation we make certain that at least one person is responsible for one hour, but more than one person is welcome to participate at any given hour. The hour may be spent in reading the scriptures or other devotional literature that is made available, in meditation, or prayer. This is done for the purpose of making intercession for the worshiping community in its ministry. Traditionally we have a Prayer Vigil beginning the evening of Maundy Thursday that goes through Good Friday, as well as before and during events that affect the parish and world.
PRAYER VIGILS
RECONCILIATION
Reconciliation
The sacrament of Reconciliation is a rite by which a minister of the church absolves and offers forgiveness of sin to a penitent in the name of Christ and his church. The sacrament is also known by the term confession and is available to anyone who feels that sinful events in their life have caused a block in their relationship with Christ. It is by no means mandatory, but is rather a means offered by the Church to help reconcile individuals to God and to receive counsel in restoring their relationship with Christ. It is celebrated upon request to Fr. Jeff.
RECONCILIATION
SUPPORT GROUPS
Support Groups
The gathering of small groups of people for the purpose of support, healing and well-being are profoundly helpful for persons facing serious challenges in life. These groups arise on an as needed basis. Effective support groups are usually composed of four to eight persons, have a primary purpose, require a commitment to confidentiality and to meet for a limited period of time. At the end of this predetermined time, the group decides whether to continue to meet for another specified period of time or to conclude. Further information may be obtained by calling the church office.
SUPPORT GROUPS
THE END OF LIFE & FUNERAL PLANNING
One of the best gifts you can offer your loved ones is an end of life plan. This booklet offers you a way to make your last wishes known, as well as information that can be so vital for your family to have. CLICK HERE to download a copy of of the End of Life and Funeral Planning guide.
OCCASIONAL SERVICES
LEAD PASTOR
There are many services offered by the church for spiritual growth and well being of the members and friends of the body of Christ. Among them are:
† Reconciliation of a Penitent [commonly known as Confession]
† Blessing of a Home
† Commissioning of Ministries
† Ministration at the time of death [commonly known as Last Rites]
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