St. Peter’s minister of music to celebrate evening of night prayers July 3
T.J. Thomas, St. Peter’s minister of music, will celebrate "Compline: Night Prayers" at the Summer Spirituality Series Thursday, July 3. The presentation will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at 211 Mulberry St. in Lewes.
Thomas will give in-depth look at this monastic office developed in southern Europe and the Middle East during the first 600 years of Christianity. Compline consists of psalms, short passages from scripture, an office hymn, a canticle, a litany, collects and additional prayers all set to plainsong chant. Kenneth Peterson’s new book, “Prayer as Night Falls: Experiencing Compline," will serve as the primary resource for the presentation. At the conclusion of the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the chanting of the office of Compline.
At St. Peter's in Lewes, Thomas oversees a growing music ministry including vocal choirs for children and adults, a handbell program for beginning and advanced ringers, regular services of Choral Evensong and sung Compline, a concert series, and the annual residency of a prominent Anglican church musician.
During his undergraduate career, Thomas served on the music staff at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Pro-Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., under the direction of his organ teacher and mentor, Canon Mark Laubach. An active member of the Royal School of Church Music in America, Thomas has been on the staff of the King’s College choir training course since 2007. He is also active in the American Guild of Organists, currently serving on the executive committee of the Southern Delaware Chapter, and the Association of Anglican Musicians, for which he helped plan the 2012 national conference in Philadelphia. Thomas received his bachelor’s degree in music from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa.
Each Thursday night through Aug 28, expert presenters will engage participants from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the parish hall of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, at 211 Mulberry St. Fellowship and locally owned King's ice cream will follow each presentation. These free sessions are designed for reflection and dialogue. All are welcome.
In addition to providing spiritual resources for those seeking greater understanding of their own religion, or learning about others, Seekers uses the net proceeds from its store to help those in need, including the Cape Henlopen Food Basket, Doctors without Borders, work in Haiti and Centro Infantil in San Miguel de Allende.
For hours, information, or a full listing of guest speakers, go to www.seekerslewes.com, or call 302-645-9916. To learn more about St. Peter's Episcopal Church and find worship service times, workshops, concerts and other ministries, go to www.stpeterslewes.org or call the office at 302-645-8479.
