Participating in Worship
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"Come let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with Thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." Psalm 95:1
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Music is a vital part of our life together at Prince of Peace. Under the direction of Cathy Elkiss, Organist and Choir Master, our adult choir and other musicians are an integral part of our Sunday morning worship service.
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Adult Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings and participates in the 10:15 AM service each week. During the summer months the choir is on hiatus, and special music is offered by various participants of the congregation, both vocal and instrumental.
We are blessed to have among our members both professional and amateur musicians who are frequently heard in our services as soloists and in ensembles, or as accompaniment to the choir. Our annual service of Lessons and Carols each December is a highlight for all of our musicians as well as for the parish and our community!
We host musical groups from outside the parish as well. For instance, we are honored each year around Veterans' Day to host the Fort Delaware Cornet Band, who performs hymns, gospel songs, and popular songs from the Civil War on genuine period instruments.
Music
Liturgical Roles
When you attend a service at Prince of Peace, you will see people of all ages serving in liturgical roles. Everyone is welcome to serve in these roles and training and guidance is always provided. So, whether you are 9 years-old or 80, we welcome your participation in worship!​
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These are some of the people you will see before and during the service:
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Greeters - "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You" is a phrase many of us have seen and heard before. At Prince of Peace it is the Greeters who extend that welcome to everyone who enters our doors.
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Ushers - Ushers play an important leadership role during the service from the back of the church. They pass out bulletins, collect the offering and bring the gifts to the Altar during offertory.
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The Altar Guild - This group of parishioners works to prepare the altar for every service held throughout the week and maintains the altar furnishings and vestments. Their work is always visible during Sunday services, mid-week services, weddings, baptisms, confirmations and funerals. Men and women are welcome to serve.
Acolytes - This ministry is fundamental to our worship and includes members from age 9 through 70+! We typically have one server at the 8:00 AM service and the 10:15 AM service includes one server/crucifer and two torch bearers. On festival days we include a thurifer (incense bearer), banner carriers and others.
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Readers/Lectors - Lay persons may lead public worship under the direction of the Rector. At Prince of Peace lay readers lead Morning Prayer and read the scripture lessons during the Sunday worship. It is expected that these leaders will be confirmed communicants in good standing.
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Eucharistic Ministers (Chalice Bearers) - Eucharistic Ministers are licensed by the Bishop to administer the consecrated elements of the Eucharist. The Eucharistic ministers also lead the Prayers of the People each week.
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Eucharistic Visitors - We take Holy Communion on a regular basis to those members of the parish who are unable to get to church due to illness or family circumstances. Through the Eucharistic Visitors the parish community remembers those parishioners, thereby including them in our worship. Eucharistic Visitors receive special training and are licensed by the Bishop. They meet periodically with the Rector for coordination and support.
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Healing Prayer Companions - At both Sunday services we provide an opportunity for anyone to pray and to receive prayers for themselves and others. This ministry is offered by members of the congregation who feel called to act as Christ's servants in the healing process.
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OTHER SUNDAY ROLES
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Christian Education and Faith Formation - Nursery and Sunday School are available on Sundays during September to May and on other special occasions. Children are also always welcome to attend worship with their parents. See our Ministries and Groups Page.
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Hospitality Committee - This ministry helps create a welcoming atmosphere in the church by providing food and decorations for receptions and other fellowship times. The volunteers on this committee are often called upon to assist during funerals and memorial services as well. See our Ministries and Groups Page. ​
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Health Ministry - Maintaining physical health is part of a person’s spiritual life. With this in mind, the health ministry offers a free monthly blood pressure screening administered by a healthcare professional in our congregation. Periodic informational programs about health-related topics and congregational training for use of the defibrillator on premises are provided. We also have a telephone-activated prayer chain for those in need of the support of our prayers.
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