FAQ

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What time does your service start?

Our Sunday worship service begins at 10:00 a.m.

What do I wear?

There is no dress code. Wear what makes you comfortable. Generally, people at St. Peter’s dress casually.

Do you have to be an Anglican to go to St. Peter’s?

No. All people are welcome here. Many of our members come to us from other faith traditions or none.

What happens when I come into the church?

• You will be greeted by a member of our welcome team and given a brochure with our Sunday service, Bible readings and announcements. Our hymns (songs) are found in the blue Book of Common Praise in the back of the pews (seats)

• Feel free to ask our greeters any questions you may have.

• Take a seat wherever you feel comfortable.

• You may notice some people bow or genuflect towards the Altar before sitting or leaving. This is a special sign of respect and reverence for Christ. Some people also may bless themselves with the sign of the cross in prayer or with holy water when entering and leaving the church as a reminder of their baptism. Again, only do what feels right for you.

• People usually pray or read scripture before the service to help centre themselves in the presence of God before the service begins.

What if I don’t know what to do during the service?

Don’t worry! You are invited to follow along with as much, some or none of the service as you feel comfortable with. You may follow along with the flow and actions of others, ask for help by the person nearest you, or speak to a member after the service to learn more about why we do what we do. Or you can just sit and let it all soak in. Often instructions are included in the service book. A general guide is that we sit to listen and stand to sing, pray and praise.

Can I receive the Bread and the Wine?

All people of any age who are baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are welcomed to receive. You may receive the bread or wine standing or kneeling. If you prefer not to receive the wine, cross your arms over your chest. If you do not wish to receive the bread or the wine, we encourage you to join us at the Altar to receive a blessing. Cross your arms over your chest to indicate that you would like a blessing. If you are unable to come to the Altar, let one of our greeters know and Holy Communion will be brought to you.

How would you describe your Sunday service?

At St. Peter’s we like to think of our style of worship as reverent yet relaxed; having a little sense of mystery, but approachable. We believe that a response to being in the presence God calls for a sense of wonder. Yet we also believe that a response to being in God’s presence should call out for a sense of joy. We believe that our worship should engage all the senses, and so we use a variety of colours, music, incense and ritual that changes throughout the year to enhance the different Church’s seasons. At St. Peter’s, we like to draw on both the ancient and modern richness of the Church’s resources. All services are in modern English. We use the Book of Alternative Services of the Anglican Church of Canada. Our service is usually about an hour long.

Do you have other services?

Yes. On Wednesdays at 9:00 am we have a morning prayer service. Throughout the year we have many other services. Regularly check out our website or sign up for our weekly “What’s Happening at St. Peter’s” email to get the latest news.

Are children welcome?

Of course! Currently we offer a Children's Chat as part of the service. Don’t worry if your child talks or makes noise during the service - all of us are invited by God to make a “joyful noise”.

Are LGBT people welcome?

Certainly! St. Peter’s is an inclusive church, a member of Proud Anglicans and is a safe place for the LGBTQ community. We annually take part in Toronto Pride and Durham Pride celebrations by joining in the marches and having our welcome and info booths.

Will they tell me how to think, how to act or how to vote?

Absolutely not. In the Anglican Church we know that every journey toward God is unique. You won’t be forced to think a certain way or “get in line” with everyone else. In fact, you’re welcome to bring your questions, doubts, hopes and dreams with you. You’ll be encouraged to seek guidance from God through prayer, the tradition, worship, scripture and reading, meditation, and other methods that work for you. Each one of us finds God in different ways.

What do you call the clergy?

Ordained men and women clergy in the Anglican Church are bishops, priests and deacons. Everybody in our congregation is a “minister” as a minister means someone who serves. Each of us is called by God to serve in a different way. At St. Peter’s, if the priest is male, we usually address him as “Father”, a traditional term of respect and affection (example: “Hi Father John”.) Some women priests prefer to be called Mother (e.g. Mother Joan), some do not. If you’re not sure how to address the clergy just ask them.

Want to Know More?

Come and check us out on a Sunday morning and explore the spiritual journey with us!

We can’t wait to meet you!