Our Book of Common Prayer teaches that sacraments are "outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace." The two great sacraments of the gospel are Holy Eucharist and Holy Baptism. We also recognize other sacramental rites, including confirmation, ordination, holy matrimony, reconciliation of a penitent and unction (anointing) of the sick and dying.
Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Jesus for the continual remembrance of his life, death and resurrection, until his coming again. We celebrate Holy Eucharist (also known as the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion) every Sunday. All are welcome to receive Communion.
Our Book of Common Prayer defines baptism as “full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in baptism is indissoluble.” We baptize in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Through baptism, God adopts us into God’s family and makes us members of Christ’s body, the church. In Baptism, we join with Christ in his death by renouncing all that keeps us from God, and we join in his resurrection by being born to a new life in Christ. The Baptismal Covenant describes both the promises and responsibilities of this new way of life.
The Episcopal Church baptizes infants, children, and adults. Parents and Godparents make solemn vows on behalf of a child at baptism, and with the congregation, reaffirm their own baptismal vows, promising to raise the child in the Christian faith. Baptized children of all ages are welcome to receive communion. If you would prefer for your child to receive a blessing instead, please let the priest know when you come up for communion.
Older children and adults who wish to be baptized are sponsored by at least one baptized person who promises to support them by prayer and example.
A meeting with the clergy is required before scheduling a baptism, and some preparation is required, in order that persons receiving the sacrament understand the promises made by God and by the one to be baptized. All baptisms take place during the regular Sunday liturgy, not during a private ceremony.
If you have been baptized in another tradition but wish to join the Episcopal Church, or if you are in a place in your life where you wish to reaffirm your baptism, we welcome a conversation with you. Learn more here
For more information, contact The Rev.Susan Hartzell
Confirmation is the rite in which we make a mature and public affirmation of our commitment to Jesus Christ. At confirmation, we receive continued strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and laying on of hands by a bishop. Confirmation is a wonderful rite of initiation in which the Bishop ‘confirms’ the good work the Holy Spirit has begun in you. Please know that confirmation is not required for joining St. Peter’s in the Woods or for receiving Holy Communion.
Youth ages 13 and older and adults interested in exploring confirmation are invited to contact Reverend Susan, to learn more.
Christian marriage is a covenant between two persons who make vows of love and fidelity to one another in the presence of God, their families, and friends who will help them uphold those vows. The joy and love of a married couple both comes from God’s love and points to it, and the Episcopal wedding service reflects that truth. Several sessions of pre-marital counseling are required by the Episcopal Church prior to a wedding.
In the Episcopal Church, marriage is a sacrament and an expression of Christian community. And so, generally, it is understood that persons wishing to be married by our clergy are active, committed parishioners either here or in their own community of faith, or that they intend to worship with us regularly and become active members of St. Peter’s in the Woods. Please contact the office, or speak to our clergy to explore if a wedding at St. Peter’s in the Woods is right for you.
The death of a loved one is difficult. The clergy at St. Peter’s in the Woods is honored to meet and pray with you and help you plan a funeral or memorial service during your time of loss. In the Episcopal Church, the burial service reassures us that God’s love is stronger than death. At its core, it is an Easter service, grounded in our belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and faith that our loved one has “entered into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of all the saints.” (BCP 470)
We encourage you to consider making your own, advanced funeral arrangements. This is a thoughtful way to help your family and friends honor your life. We can keep your completed funeral planning document on file at the church.
The death of a member of the church should be reported as soon as possible, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with the Rector.
This funeral planning sheet will help you begin thinking through the burial rite service.