Press Releases

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Updated on Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Press release for Saturday, February 6, 2010

St. Peter’s Youth Support ‘Souper Bowl of Caring’ February 7

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Youth Group will participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring on Sunday, February 7, 2010. Non-perishable food items will be collected in shopping bags available at the church or that people supply. At the church doors, youth group members will also hold soup pots ready to receive money donations. They will join young people in churches across the country in efforts to collect money for hungry and hurting people. In 2009, over 13,000 groups participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring generating over $10 million. All of the money collected here on Feb. 7 will be donated to the Bennington Food and Fuel Fund. None of the money is sent to the Souper Bowl of Caring headquarters.

St. Peter’s collection results will be reported to the national headquarters of Souper Bowl of Caring so national totals can be determined and announced. Since the Souper Bowl of Caring began in 1990, more than $60 million has gone to help people in need. You can support the youth of our church community in this effort to “love our neighbors” by dropping your dollar in the soup pot and bringing in a non perishable food item on February 7.

Additional information is available by calling the church office at 802-442-2911 or by checking the website at www.stpetersbenningtonvt.org. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington, is a Christian fellowship attentive to the word of Christ and the proclamation of the Good News of His presence. We invite all to share His presence at the Communion table. On Sunday, Feb. 7, the Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 8 a.m. (said, Rite 1), and 10 a.m. (choral, Rite 2).

Press release for Saturday, February 6, 2010

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church to offer Lenten Series ‘Deep Peace: Healing Ourselves and Creation’

“Dance then, wherever you may be, I am the Lord of the Dance, said He! And I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be, and I’ll lead you all in the Dance, said He.”

These words from the chorus of the contemporary hymn “Lord of the Dance” describe the Christ that will be invited into people’s lives during the 2010 Lenten supper series at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington. The series will be based on the book “Christ of the Celts: The Healing of Creation” by J. Phillip Newell. The Celtic Christians experienced Christ as leading to the ‘Unity of our origins,’ and it seems in the 21st century we seem to need that aspect of God’s will for us more than ever. Copies of the text “Christ of the Celts” are available for purchase for $16.00 or to borrow from St. Peter’s through the parish office.

St. Peter’s Lenten Series will be held on five Tuesday evenings: February 23, and March 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 6:00 pm to 8 pm. A light supper of soup and bread will be followed by rxploring “Christ of the Celts” in music, dance, and art. Activities will be suitable for persons of all ages from St. Peter’s and from the community. St. Peter’s parishioner Linda White will lead the program. Please call St. Peter’s Church office with questions or for additional information.

Press release for Saturday, January 30, 2010

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church to hold annual meeting on January 31

The 2010 Annual Meeting of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington, VT, will be held in the Parish Hall on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, following the consolidated 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist liturgy. Parishioners will be called to order by St. Peter’s 26th Rector, the Rev. Dr. Anita Schell-Lambert, Senior Warden Barbara Hoar, and Junior Warden Dick Bower.

A special vote will be held regarding a proposed amendment to the By-Laws of St. Peter’s Parish which would reduce the number of vestry members from 12 to nine. Elections of delegates for the 2010 Diocesan Convention as well as Deanery delegates will also be held, along with the election of new vestry members. All parishioners are urged to attend the annual meeting. Communicants in good standing are eligible to vote.

At the annual meeting, various reports will be presented for the many programs and ministries of the church, such as Pastoral Care, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Music, Christian Formation, and Missions and Outreach.
Reports from the Treasurer and the Budget Committee will be heard, and decisions will be made regarding the 2010 Parish Budget. Lunch, prepared by members of the Parish under the direction of Colleen Gates, will be served during the meeting.

St. Peter’s is happy to offer the use of its building to non-profits in the community. Currently St. Peter’s is used by RSVP for a bone builders class, for the Court Diversion Program, AA, Baton Twirlers, and other groups. A variety of events and programs are held at St. Peter’s during the year.

Additional information about the services and programs of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church may be found on its website at www.stpetersbenningtonvt.org or by calling the church at 802-442-2911.

Press release for Saturday, January 23, 2010

Special Patronal Festival Services at St. Peter’s Church, January 24

On Sunday, Jan. 24, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington, VT, during both liturgies (8 a.m. and 10 a.m.)  the church will honor Peter, the patron saint of St. Peter’s Church, Bennington.  At the Solemn Procession at the 10 o’clock service, the congregation will sing Hymn 518. Christ is made the sure foundation. The Gradual Hymn, #661, relates the story of the calling of the fishermen Peter and Andrew “Who cast their nets in Galilee” to be Disciples of Jesus.

At its founding in 1834, the Episcopal Parish in Bennington chose the Apostle Peter as its Patron; therefore, the Parish celebrates the Patronal Festival on the Sunday following January 18 (the Feast of the Confession of St. Peter, Apostle). On the Patronal Festival of St. Peter, the Gospel reading is  Matthew 16: 13 – 19, the Gospel account of the Disciple Peter’s acknowledging that Jesus Christ is the “Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” In this same Gospel, Christ names Simon as “Peter,” saying “on this rock I will build my church.” Then he gives Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven.  In St. Peter’s Church building, there are many reminders of the Patron saint. The stained glass windows at the Pleasant Street end of the nave of the church depict scenes from the life of Peter. Pictures, tapestries, and banners that utilize keys as a symbol of the saint may be seen throughout the church building.

The Rev. Dr. Anita Schell-Lambert, Rector, will celebrate the two masses on Jan. 24, assisted by The Rev. Penny Hawkins, Deacon.  At the 10 o’clock liturgy, St. Peter’s Choir will sing How Goodly are thy tents by Ouseley as the Offertory anthem, and Ave verum corpus by Edward Elgar as the Communion motet. Randall B. Krum, Organist-Choirmaster, will direct the choir and play organ voluntaries Allegro vivace by Desmond Ratcliffe and Wir danken dir, Gott (Sinfonia) from Cantata BWV 29 by J. S. Bach.   All in the community are welcome at the services and activities of St. Peter’s Church. For further information, please consult the church website at www.stpetersbenningtonvt.org or call the church office at 802-442-2911.

Press release for Saturday, January 23, 2010

Rev. Dr. Anita Schell-Lambert presents program January 25 on Emerging Environmental Worldview at UU Meeting House

In describing her planned presentation on January 25, the Rev. Dr. Anita Schell-Lambert quotes Iza Hussin from a paper entitled “Islam and the Challenge of Interfaith Activism”:  “The world is a fragile place.  It has always been so.  What has changed is that within the hearts of its most powerful citizens, a space has been made from which we may discover our own roles in preserving this world, as well as those of the peoples for whom fragility has always been a way of life.”

In her presentation on Monday, January 25 at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, 108 School Street, Bennington, Mother Anita will examine the global environmental crisis that has escalated in the last decade and explore what people can bring to this moral dilemma. Mother Anita will articulate an emerging environmental worldview from both Christian and Buddhist perspectives that support respect for nature, its conservation, and the development of an environmental ethic.

Sponsored by the Bennington Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), this program is a public meeting, open to all who are interested in the topic “How Then Shall We Live? An Interreligious Eco-Justice Model for the Local Community.”  The speaker, the Rev. Dr. Anita Schell-Lambert, is the 26th Rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Bennington.  She is a native of Lancaster, PA, and holds degrees in music, English literature, and world religions from Brown University, General Seminary, and most recently the Episcopal Divinity School where she wrote her doctoral thesis on the topic of environmental justice.

The community is welcome at this program at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25, at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, 108 School Street, Bennington.

Press release for Saturday, December 19, 2009

Sunday, December 20th:Christmas Pageant at St. Peter’s Church

This Sunday, December 20, is the traditional Christmas Pageant at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington, at 10 a.m. There will be children in the pageant whose parents, and even grandparents, participated in years past. Angels, shepherds, pages for the 3 kings, candle-bearers, and the Holy Family - all presenting the age-old nativity story with costumes and music. Come experience the wonder! Information: 802-442-2911.

Press release for Saturday, December 12, 2009

Christmas and Late Advent Services posted for St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Christmas Services will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington, VT, beginning with Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. with the Holy Eucharist (Rite 2) with the Children and Youth Choir leading the musical offerings.

The traditional Christmas Eve Midnight Mass will begin at 10:30 p.m with carols for choir and congregation followed by the Holy Eucharist (Rite 2).  On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, the Holy Eucharist (Rite 1) will be celebrated at 9 a.m. with organ and congregational carols. The Rev. Dr. Anita Schell-Lambert, Rector, will be celebrant at all Christmas services. The Rev, Penny Hawkins, Deacon, will assist.  Music is under the direction of St. Peter’s Organist/Choirmaster Randall Krum.

The annual Christmas Pageant will take place on Sunday, Dec. 20 (Advent 4) at 10 AM in the church. The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec, 20

On Dec. 13, Advent 3, the Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 8 a.m. (Rite 1), 10 a.m. (Rite 2), and 5 p.m. (Contemporary). The Feast of Lights (Epiphany) Pageant will take place on January 10.

Press release for Saturday, December 12, 2009

St. Peter’s Christmas Tea to be held Saturday, December 12

The community is cordially invited to St. Peter’s Church Christmas Tea, to be held this year on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 3:00 to 5:30 PM, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington, VT. Tickets are $6.00 and may be purchased at the door or reserved through the church office, 802-442-2911.

A tradition for more than 50 years, the Christmas Tea has become St. Peter’s Christmas gift to the community, providing a way to welcome in the joy of the Christmas season. The Church’s Parish Hall is transformed into a beautiful and inviting candlelit setting, resplendent with gleaming silver, sparkling crystal, the scent of pine wreaths and trees, and with the buffet Tea table full of delicious cookies, tea sandwiches, holiday goodies, and much more. The traditions of the season will be found in decorations, the bows of the wreaths, table centerpieces, and trees. Tea Chairperson Vickie Cutler and co-chair Debby Dutcher along with all the members of the Tea committee invite everyone in the community to begin their holiday celebration at St. Peter’s Christmas Tea.

In addition to the Tea Room, St. Peter’s Christmas Shop will be open in the Guild Room with crafts and homemade goodies for purchase. Highlights in the Christmas Shop this year are Christmas tree ornaments, hand-knitted and crocheted hats and mittens, hand-crafted dolls and stuffed animals, hand made cards and notes, and goodies such as home made fudge, snack mix, various breads, and candies, all ready to give as gifts. St. Peter’s Cookbook Keys to the Kitchen, Heritage Edition and Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, the music of St. Peter’s on CD will also be available for sale.

While waiting for their tables in the Tea Room, guests may be seated in the church to enjoy Christmas carols and other music played by organist Randall Krum or they may browse in the Christmas Shop. As their tables become available, guests will be escorted to the Tea Room by Tea committee members.

Further information is available through the church website www.stpetersbenningtonvt.org or by calling St. Peter’s Church office at 802-442-2911.

Press release for Saturday, December 5, 2009

St. Petersburg Russian Men’s Ensemble to present concert December 9

The St. Petersburg Russian Men’s Ensemble return to Bennington to present a concert at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington, VT, on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009 at 7:30 PM.

Kirill Sokolov, Alexander Gogol, Evgeny Vischnevsky, and Vadim Smantser, the four singers who make up the St. Petersburg Russian Men’s Ensemble,  are all skilled musicians who bring extensive training and experience to the presentation of a repertoire that encompasses various periods and styles, including  ancient Russian chants, Western European choral music, and works by contemporary composers. Since one of the goals of the ensemble is to popularize Russian music, their program includes Russian folk songs, secular compositions, sacred works, and arrangements of popular melodies. A freewill offering is requested. All in the community are cordially invited.  St. Peter’s Church is wheelchair accessible. Information: 802-442-2911.  www.stpetersbenningtonvt.org