Press Releases

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Press release for Saturday, June 13, 2009

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Posts Services for June 14

The Rev. Dr. Anita Schell-Lambert, Rector, will celebrate the Holy Eucharist on Sunday, June 14, with services at 8 a.m. (said, Rite 1), 10 a.m. (choral, Rite 2), and 5 p.m. (Contemporary).  The scripture readings for the day are 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13; 2 Corinthians 5:6-17; and the Gospel from Mark 4:26-34.   June 14 marks the last day of the choir season for St. Peter’s adult choir who will be taking a summer hiatus until next September.  The Children and Youth Choir will also be on official summer vacation until next fall.  Choristers from the Children and Youth Choir who received  Certificates from Organist-Choir Director Randall Krum last Sunday included Mickey Marchetti, Isabelle Small, McKenzie Kelley, Brandi LaFountain, John LaFountain, Téa Oakes, and Brandon Livingston. 
St. Peter’s and the First Baptist Church are co-hosting a summer Vacation Bible School in July for all interested students.  This program is called Camp Edge: Experience and Discover God Everywhere.  This is a way to learn, share, and meet new friends for parents and children from both congregations.  A refundable deposit of $5.00 will be required with the registration form which must be completed prior to July 10.  Please call St. Peter’s (442-2911) for more information. 
St. Peter’s Monthly Pot Luck Supper will be held on Friday, June 19.  All are welcome to this free supper at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall.  If you can, please bring a dish to share.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is located at 200 Pleasant St., Bennington.  More information can be accessed at the church’s web site www.stpetersbenningtonvt.org or by calling the church at 802-442-2911.   

Press release for Saturday, May 30, 2009

St. Peter’s Church observes Pentecost June 31 and holds Tongues of Fire Chili Cook-Off

On Sunday, May 31, the Feast of Pentecost will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington.  St. Peter’s rector, the Rev. Dr. Anita Schell-Lambert, will celebrate the Holy Eucharist at services at 8 a.m. (Rite 1 said service), 10 a.m. (Rite 2 choral service), and 5 p.m. (contemporary service).  The lessons appointed for Pentecost tell of the coming of the Advocate, the spirit of wisdom and truth, in the rushing sound of wind and the tongues of fire that seemed to rest on the disciples.  They all were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages. Members of the congregation will read the gospel simultaneously in several languages, to suggest that original event.

Music at the 10 o’clock liturgy, under the direction of Organist/Choirmaster Randall Krum, will include organ voluntaries by Dieterich Bustehude and Michangelo Rossi, the anthem Come, Holy Ghost by Thomas Atwood and the motet I will not leave you comfortless by Everett Titcomb, sung by St. Peter’s adult choir. Congregational hymns will reflect the Feast of Pentecost as well.  The sacrament of Baptism will be administered during the 10 a.m. liturgy on Pentecost.

The annual Pentecost Tongues of Fire Chili Cook-Off will take place in the Parish Hall at approximately 11:30 a.m. following the church services. Everyone is welcome.
Further information about the services and events at St. Peter’s Church may be found on the church website www.stpetersbenningtonvt.org or by calling the St. Peter’s Church office at 802-442-2911.

Press release for Saturday, May 23, 2009

The 7th Sunday of Easter celebrated at St. Peter’s Church, May 24

On Sunday, May 24, the 7th Sunday of Easter, The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington, with the Rev. Paul Evans, celebrant.  Father Evans, from Saratoga Springs, NY, is well-known to the community and St. Peter’s as he has often acted as ‘supply’ priest when St. Peter’s rector has been away.  The Rector, the Rev. Dr. Anita Schell-Lambert, is traveling to Panama to visit daughter Rachel who is serving in the Peace Corps.
The services at St. Peter’s on May 24 are the 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite 1, said service, the 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite 2, Choral service with organ and choir, and the 5 p.m. Holy Eucharist, with the Contemporary Ensemble, and newly-ordained priest, the Rev. Margo Fletcher, as celebrant.
Looking ahead at St. Peter’s to Sunday, May 31, the Feast of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit with tongues of fire, will be observed with services at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 5 p.m.  Pentecost is observed with the celebration of Baptism at the 10 a.m. liturgy.
The St. Peter’s Pentecost Tongues of Fire Chili Cook-Off will be held on Sunday, May 31, from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the church. Enter your favorite chili to be judged and consumed in this newly adopted favorite activity.  Call the church at 442-2911 or check the website www.stpetersbenningtonvt.org for entry forms and details.

Press release for Saturday, May 16, 2009

St. Peter’s Offers Bake Sale during Mayfest, May 23

On the northeast corner of Pleasant and School Streets, Bennington, on the grounds of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church,  on Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. – sold out, St. Peter’s Church will be offering a sale of luscious homemade baked goods. Rhubarb, strawberry, and other fruit pies, sugar cookies, decorated cup cakes, artisan yeast breads, butterhorn rolls, and much more.  Stop by during your Mayfest stroll and pick up some delicious baked goodies at St. Peter’s Church Bake Sale on Saturday, May 23. More info: 802-442-2911.

Press release for Saturday, May 9, 2009

Stephen Sandy presents poetry reading for June Arts Program

Noted poet and St. Peter’s parishioner Stephen Sandy will present the second in the Vermont June Arts Program called “Books for Bennington,” which features readings from books by local authors.  Stephen Sandy’s appearance will be on Thursday, June 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the Paresky Education Center at the Bennington Museum.  He will read from his recent books, especially Weathers Permitting and Netsuke Days. Recordings of two poems set to music will be played.  Books will also be available for sale.

The program is free and open to the public.  Accessed by elevator or main staircase, the Paresky Education Center is a small auditorium space on the second floor of the Museum, 75 Main St., Bennington.

Press release for Saturday, May 9, 2009

St. Peter’s Services May 10 relate “I am the Vine; you are the branches.”

Worship services on Sunday, May 10, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington, will be offered by the Rector, the Rev. Anita Schell-Lambert, at 8 a.m. (Holy Eucharist, Rite 1, said service), at 10 a.m. (Holy Eucharist, Rite 2, choral service), and 5 p.m. (Holy Eucharist, contemporary service with music led by the Contemporary Ensemble.).  The Gospel reading for May 10, Easter 5 is from John 15, as Jesus says “I am the Vine and you are the branches.”

At the 10:00 liturgy, organist-choirmaster Randall Krum will play the Andante movement from Handel’s Organ Concerto in F Major and the Grand Choeur by Nicholas Gigault.   The choir will sing the motet Ave Maria by Jacques Arcadelt at the Offertory and the Communion motet A New Commandment by William Mundy.

The next Baptisms at St. Peter’s are scheduled for Pentecost Sunday, May 31, at the 10 a.m. service.  Pentecost is one of the four times designated in The Book of Common Prayer as particularly appropriate for Baptism.  Those desiring baptism for themselves or their children are asked to call Mother Schell-Lambert at 802-442-2911, ext. 7 to schedule appointments to prepare for baptism.

Activities coming up at St. Peter’s in May include the Tongues of Fire Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, May 31, and the Baked Goods Booth at Mayfest on Saturday, May 23.  Please phone the church at 442-2911 or consult the church website www.stpetersbenningtonvt.org  for further information.

All are invited to observe the Feast of the Ascension on Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, Rt. 7A, Arlington, VT, as the Rev. Scott Neal, Rector, celebrates the Holy Eucharist.  Everyone is welcome.

Press release for Saturday, May 2, 2009

Sunday, May 3, marks Good Shepherd Sunday at St. Peter’s Church

Sunday, May 3, will mark Good Shepherd Sunday at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington.  The Rev. Anita Schell-Lambert, Rector, will celebrate the Holy Eucharist at services at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 5 p.m.  The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday because the Gospel reading speaks of Christ as the Shepherd of His people. The liturgy at 8 a.m. is a said service, and the liturgy at 5 p.m. is a contemporary service using prayers from Enriching Our Worship and music from the Gather hymnal led by St. Peter’s Contemporary Ensemble.

The liturgy at 10 a.m. is a choral service featuring organ and choirs as well as congregational hymns.  Music this Sunday will include the organ voluntaries “Sheep May Safely Graze” from Cantata 208 by Johann Sebastian Bach and the “Marche-sortie” by Théodore Dubois played by organist-choirmaster Randall Krum. St. Peter’s Adult Choir will sing “Brother James’ Air” at the Offertory, and  the Children and Youth Choir will sing the Communion anthem “Everywhere I go the Lord is near me” by Natalie Sleeth.  Two of the congregational hymns that mark Good Shepherd Sunday will be “The King of love my shepherd is” and “Savior, like a shepherd lead us.”

Activities coming up at St. Peter’s include on Saturday, May 9 at 9 a.m., the preparation of the raised beds of the neighborhood garden on the east side of the church property.  St. Peter’s Eco-justice team heads this endeavor which last year raised produce that was given to neighbors in need of fresh vegetables.

Information and brochures for Rock Point Summer Camp may be found on-line at www.dioceseofvermont.org (click on the link for Rock Point Summer Camp) or see St. Peter’s Rector, Mother Anita, with questions and if scholarship assistance is needed.

St. Peter’s will sponsor a baked goods booth at Mayfest on Saturday, May 23.
St. Peter’s Tongues of Fire Chili Cook-Off will be held on Sunday, May 31.
For further information, please call the church at 802-442-2911 or check the church website at www.stpetersbenningtonvt.org.

Press release for Saturday, April 11, 2009

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Posts Easter Worship Services

The Rev. Anita Schell-Lambert, Rector, and the entire parish of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington, invite everyone in the community to the worship services that celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection, Easter, 2009.

On Saturday, April 11, the Great Vigil of Easter will be celebrated at the 7 PM liturgy at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington.  This service, with Baptism and the Holy Eucharist, will include organ music, the adult choir, hymns, and the use of incense.
Services on Easter Day, the Sunday of the Resurrection, April 12, include the Holy Eucharist, Rite 1, at 8 AM, with congregational hymns.  Organist-Choirmaster Randall Krum will play the Organ Concerto No. 4 in F (Allegro) by G.F. Handel  as the opening voluntary and Allegro moderato by Gordon Young as the closing voluntary.

The Rite 2 Holy Eucharist liturgy at 10 AM will include festival hymns and choir anthems “Christ our Passover” by Will C. MacFarlane and “Come, Ye Faithful” by R. S. Thatcher. Organ voluntaries will include the Toccata (from Symphonie V) by Charles-Marie Widor and the Handel Organ Concerto No. 4 (Allegro).  The Holy Eucharist Contemporary Liturgy at 5 PM will feature music led by the Contemporary Ensemble.
For further information, please call St. Peter’s Church at 802-442-2911 or consult  the church website at www.stpetersbenningtonvt.org.

Press release for Saturday, April 4, 2009

Palm Sunday to the Day of Resurrection, April 5 – 12, Services  at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

On Sunday, April 5, the Sunday of the Passion, Palm Sunday, a dramatic reading of the Passion will be part of the liturgies at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington. The Children and Youth Choir will sing at the 10 a.m. service. The adult choir will sing the anthem “Song of the Passion” by Oldroyd.  A Palm Sunday breakfast will be hosted by Wynn Metcalfe and his crew and will be served between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall.

Holy Week will have Morning Prayer said each day at 8:30 a.m.  The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated in the Lady Chapel at 12 noon on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, April 6, 7, and 8. On Tuesday, April 7, there will be a meditative Taize service, including devotions around the cross,  in the church at 7 p.m. led by St. Peter’s  Contemporary Ensemble.  The service of Tenebrae (Shadows) will be held in the church at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8.

The ancient series called the Triduum (The Three Days) begins on Thursday, April 9 with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. in the Lady Chapel.  The Maundy Thursday liturgy is held at 7 p.m. The adult choir will sing “Parce mihi Domine” by Cristobal Morales. The service will include foot washing, the Holy Eucharist, and the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose in the Lady Chapel. The Vigil Watch will be kept in the Chapel from 8:30 p.m. Thursday to Friday at 7 p.m.  People may sign up to keep watch for an hour at the Altar of Repose. “Could you not watch an hour with me?”

On Good Friday, April 10, Stations of the Cross will be led by Deacon Penny Hawkins in the church at 12 noon.  The Good Friday Liturgy will take place at 7 p.m. and will include the Men’s Schola, the Reproaches, and traditional plainsong hymns.  The sermon will be given by Bain Davis of the Bennington Friends Meeting.

Holy Saturday and the Great Vigil of Easter will be celebrated at 7 p.m. on April 11. The Great Vigil of Easter will include music with the adult choir, hymns, and organ music. Beginning with the Great Vigil of Easter the nature of the celebrations becomes increasingly festive.  The Great Vigil of Easter begins in darkness for the Lighting of the New Fire.  Then the Paschal Candle signifying the Light of Christ is carried through the church.  The liturgy, including Baptism and the Holy Eucharist, illustrates the increase of light and hope felt by the disciples and the early church. The Great Vigil of Easter will include the use of incense.

Three services will be held on the Sunday of the Resurrection, Easter Day, April 12.  At 8 a.m. the Holy Eucharist, Rite 1, will be celebrated with hymns and organ music. The liturgy at 10 a.m. the Holy Eucharist Rite 2, will have hymns, organ music, and the adult choir singing the anthem “Come Ye Faithful” by Thatcher.  Organist Randall Krum will play the concluding organ voluntary Toccata (from Symphonie V) by Charles-Marie Widor. At 5 p.m. the Holy Eucharist, Contemporary Liturgy, will be led by the Contemporary Ensemble.

The Rev. Anita Schell-Lambert, Rector, will celebrate all liturgies, assisted by the Rev. Penny Hawkins, Deacon.  All in the community are welcome at St. Peter’s services. For additional information, please call the church at 802-442-2911 or consult the church website www.stpetersbenningtonvt.org.