What does it mean to be a member of St. Peter’s? Do I have to do anything in particular to qualify?

If you have been baptized, you’re already a member of the Church, the Body of Christ. Being a member of a particular congregation like St. Peter’s means placing your name officially on the rolls. These days in the Episcopal Church, joining a local parish means submitting your name and information about your baptism to the Parish Office through the Household Information Form. If you have questions about either baptism or membership, we invite you to contact the St. Peter’s Parish Office (973-538-0555, extension 10). Also, from time to time we offer both a Keys Course and an Inquirer’s Course for anyone interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church and St. Peter’s, but it’s not a prerequisite for joining. Stop by the Welcome Table in the Great Hall for more details, or ask someone on the Pastoral Staff.

Are children welcome at all services?

Yes. We believe that children — their presence, their questions, their honesty and their special intuitive sense of God — make us a more faithful and vital congregation. Naturally, we encourage parents to help teach their children about behavior that is appropriate for worship, and we encourage those without children to welcome our younger worshippers. There are some Sunday services that make a special effort to include children. Our 9:15 AM service gives children and adults the opportunity to hear a children’s homily. At the end of the service, the children follow the cross in procession to the Undercroft for Church School, which ends at 11:00 AM. (During the summer, Church School for children through third grade is held at 10:00 AM, concurrent with the 10:00 AM summer worship service. Children are welcome to attend either Church School or the worship service.)

From September through May, children through third grade are invited to worship in Children’s Chapel, an age-appropriate instructed liturgy planned held monthly in the Parish House. The service features a story-style telling of the gospel, a few simple songs, and an instructed Eucharist.

We also offer excellent nursery care for infants and toddlers in the Undercroft on Sunday mornings from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. (During the summer, nursery care is offered from 9:45 to 11:15 AM).

How do the three Sunday services differ?

Our 8:00 AM Holy Eucharist is a quiet, intimate, and traditional liturgy with a homily and no music. Our 9:15 AM Holy Eucharist is an inter-generational celebration with music, contemporary language, and a homily. Children are especially welcome. Our 11:15 AM Holy Eucharist is a rich and formal liturgy incorporating both contemporary and traditional language. The Office of Morning Prayer is often said on the fourth Sunday of the month. (During the summer, the service schedule changes to 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.)

Will I be able to take my time getting to know the church, or will I be asked to participate in activities right away?

Our hope is that you will be welcomed and given the feeling that you belong, but not pressured to join a particular group or help out with a church program. Many people, especially those returning to church after a time away, appreciate the opportunity to take their time.

Although worship is the central focus of life at St. Peter’s, really belonging to a church means helping to support the ministries of the church through your stewardship of time, talent, and treasure. Take your time, see what draws you, and join in more fully when you’re ready. The opportunities are varied and rich. Know that your presence and your participation are a gift to God and to the people of God gathered at St. Peter’s.

Are the clergy considered ministers or priests? And how should I address them? Reverend? Father? Mr. or Ms.?

In our tradition, ministers are all the people of the church: bishops, priests, deacons, and the laity. Those members of the ordained clergy are called priests or deacons. We’re a pretty informal place; first names between adults is completely appropriate. As for your children, have them do what they would with any other person in a leadership position. The question is more what feels right to you than what our clergy expect.