Programs and Ministry
St. Peter's-at-the-Light
Episcopal Church

Barnegat Light, New Jersey
Sunday Eucharist involves the talents and gifts of many people.  Acolytes assist as
crucifers and servers to the priest, as well as collect the offering plates and light and
extinguish the candles.  They must be at least 10 years of age and be trained by Fr.
Turner.  
LEMs assist with the celebration of the Eucharist by administering the chalice at
the railing.  
Lectors are designated to either read the Old and New Testament readings
or read the Prayers of the People.  
Ushers help to make visitors and members feel
welcomed during services; they greet each worshiper, hand out bulletins and answer any
questions.

Note:  Visitors who are active in one of these capacities in their home church are
encouraged to speak to Fr. Turner about assisting at St. Peter’s during their stay on Long
Beach Island.
Worship Assistants
  • Acolytes
  • Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM)
  • Lectors
  • Ushers
Christian Formation
  • Adult Education
  • Weekly Lenten Bible Study
  • VBS
  • Inquirer's/Confirmation Classes
There are many opportunities to participate in Adult Education, designed to help each of us discover and deepen
our relationship to God and equip us with the necessary tools to minister within the church and out into the
world.  Our Lenten program currently offers a weekly Bible study; a Taizé service will be introduced on Ash
Wednesday with the hope of incorporating it into our worship schedule on a monthly basis.  For those who are
new to the Episcopal Church or those “cradlers” who are interested in learning more about the Church, its
history, beliefs and liturgy there is the Inquirer’s Class.  This class is a springboard for those wishing to receive
the sacrament of Confirmation.  

In 2008 St. Peter’s implemented its first
Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children in grades 1-6; its theme was “A
Summer Beach Party! Song, Sand, & Stories.”  This one-week event was an exciting and active opportunity for
the kids to learn about God’s love and how to make it part of their lives.  Daily activities included arts and crafts,
music, snacks, lunch, class time, recreation, and some time playing on the beach with adult supervision.  The
kids received a special surprise – a ride on a fire truck to the Bay to learn about environmental efforts to re-clam
the waters!  Plans are in the making for
Vacation Bible School 2009.
Ministry
  • Altar Guild
  • Mission Committee
  • Kitchen Committee
  • Communication
  • Music
  • Outreach
  • Garden Gang
   
Many committed parishioners work uncomplainingly to serve God in his church.  Altar Guild members are
baptisms, funerals and other special occasions.  The Vicar, Wardens, and seven parish members comprise the
Mission Committee; they govern parish affairs and provide leadership. Kitchen Committee members keep the
kitchen area clean, organized, and well stocked for church events.  Volunteers prepare refreshments for Coffee
Hour after services each Sunday.   Communication plays an important role in the life of St. Peter’s - helping to
build community within and to inform outside the church through the quarterly Highlights newsletter, the vicar’s
monthly Lower Lights, newspaper ads and posters announcing events.  We welcome any who are interested in
this endeavor!

Music is an essential facet of worship at St. Peter’s.  On the first
Sunday of each month there is a “Singspiration” 20 minutes before
the service begins.  We sing one or two stanzas of requested
hymns.  During the summer, visitors and parishioners come
together to form a choir, practicing special musical pieces to be
sung during worship.

St. Peter’s also hosts the Valley Forge Boys’ and Men’s Choir for
the community as part of the yearly Blessing of the Fleet
celebration.
St. Peter’s is seriously committed to supporting opportunities for Outreach. Food items and monetary donations
are collected weekly for the local food bank, as well as for holiday food baskets.  Also during the holidays the
Mission Committee will match charitable contributions made by parishioners up to $50 per each contribution.  
Organizations, such as Heifer International, that  work with impoverished families abroad also are donation
recipients.   

In the face of disaster or strife, St. Peter’s acts to minister to others by sending care packages and letters to our
troops or by sending a mission team to New Orleans to help clean up.
Our Garden Gang members don’t sport
tattoos, but they do spend lots of energy
keeping the church grounds well
groomed!  These dedicated parishioners
work tirelessly throughout the summer and
fall weeding, planting and mulching this
island oasis!  Many visitors take
advantage of our lovely garden to spend
time relaxing and meditating.
  • Spaghetti Supper
  • Blessing of the
    Fleet
  • Annual Picnic
  • Dinner Theatre
  • Summer Open
    House
  • Plant Sale
  • Blessing of the Animals
  • Valley Forge Boys' and Men's Choir
Program Events
While many of these activities are fundraisers and others are for the benefit of
the community, St. Peter’s always has an eye to finding innovative ways to bring
Christ to those around us.