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The Beacon
In thy light shall we see light.
Psalm 36:9
| | | Bartolomeo Manfredi was a student of Caravaggio. Scholars believe that he painted the St. Peter side of this image and sent it to his friend and acolyte Nicholas Tournier who completed the St. Paul side. Even in art, partnerships produce exceptional results—just like Peter and Paul’s real-life collaboration. | |
Dear People of St. Peter's,
Given his pride of place among the twelve disciples, St. Peter, our patron saint, is celebrated a little more widely than his colleagues. Historically, the Christian calendar used to commemorate a number of Petrine feasts: The Chair of St. Peter, the Martyrdom of Peter, the Confession of St. Peter, the Chains of St. Peter, and the Primacy of Peter, to name some of them. But the oldest and most consistently celebrated feast day of St. Peter is one he shares with the Apostle Paul on June 29 (Monday). According to tradition, both were martyred in Rome. Why are the two remembered together? There’s a very good reason.
Peter and Paul knew each other. They walked and talked together. They had meetings in which they discussed important things. There is good reason to believe they even respected one another. But they were men of very different visions.
Peter’s ministry was, primarily, local—in Jerusalem and among the Jewish converts. Paul’s ministry was more fully apostolic: he took the message of Jesus to the ends of the known world. What’s important to us today—and what was revolutionary two thousand years ago—was the degree to which they each intrinsically understood the importance of both approaches. This tolerance may well have been uneasy, but it did endure. And because these two men “kept the main thing the main thing” they were able to set aside their own personal pride and allow the Gospel to spread in ways neither could imagine. This original “team of rivals” would become an enduring example of how the Holy Spirit can work through our petty human differences for the sake of the kingdom. So, on Monday, June 29, I encourage you to pray this prayer:
Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
See you in church,
Clarke
Services This Sunday
8:00 a.m. – Historic Church – Rite I
10:00 a.m. – Historic Church – Rite II
Combined Leaflet
Liturgical Texts
Hymns
Livestream link for 10 a.m. Sunday morning service.
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Summer Schedule
Services will be held at 8 and 10 a.m. throughout the summer in the Historic Church. Nursery care is available, and there will be materials for children during the service. Adult Formation and Sunday School will return in September.
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Prayer Book and Changes to the Service Leaflet
Throughout the summer, we will be using the Book of Common Prayer in Sunday worship and a shortened leaflet.
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Worship on July 5--National Hymn
On July 5, our final hymn will be #718, a rousing fanfare-march, with a nod to our Semiquincentennial.
The text is by Daniel C. Roberts (1841-1907), who was educated at Kenyon College and served in the Union army during the Civil War. He was ordained in the Episcopal Church in 1866 and served congregations in Vermont and Massachusetts. From 1878-1901 he served as chaplain at St. Paul Church in Concord, New Hampshire. He penned the text to God of our Fathers in the centennial year of the Declaration of Independence, 1876, collaborating with composer George W. Warren (1828-1902). Largely self-trained as a musician, Warren was an organist in a number of Episcopal churches, including for thirty years (1870-1900) at St. Thomas Church in New York City. He was known as a composer and arranger of primarily sacred music.
(Paraphrased from Hymnary.org.)
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Thanks and Appreciation
- To Susan Davis who led St. Peter’s support of the recent American Red Cross Blood Drive, to Dave Tatum, Gail Malcolm, Betsy Bouvel, Don Cheetham, Dan Davis who helped with registration etc., and to all the donors from the parish and the community who made the event a success.
- To Rachel Martin Swartz for her five years of service for St. Peter’s as Parish Administrator, at her retirement.
- To Steven Patchel and the Choir for presenting the final Evensong before summer break, and to Melissa Shaner and Holly Hardester who led the subsequent reception, coordinating the set-up of food and beverages brought by multiple parishioners. To all who enjoyed the music and reception, and who helped to clean up.
- To the Sunday school teachers for their work throughout the school year.
- To those who provided childcare for the youngest family members during Sunday church services.
- To Melissa Shaner for organizing the Adult Formation speakers throughout the program year.
- To the tenders of the pollinator garden, Cate Skindeleski, Liz Andersen, and Brenda Grove.
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June Parish Events
In the video below, you will find photos from June events here at St. Peter's, including the 250th Anniversary Celebration, Green Stewards, Bad Boys and Girls for Jesus, and more!
If you have photos you'd like to have considered for inclusion in later editions of the Beacon, please send them to slcurry@stpetersgv.org.
| | May Financial Snapshot-NU | | Income for May totaled $49,417, supported by steady parishioner contributions and strong other income sources. Year‑to‑date income remains healthy at $327,255, and we continue to forecast finishing the year slightly ahead of budget. While May showed a small deficit, our overall financial picture remains stable and encouraging. Thank you for your continued generosity—your support keeps St. Peter’s thriving and moving forward with hope and excitement as we move toward our next chapter in calling our new rector. | |
Communications News
Directions for Requesting Communications for an Event
Please use the form below to request communications for an event, paying close attention to the "short description" for an event. The most effective event communication has a clear, concise, and compelling description or invitation!
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You can use this google form to request communication/announcements about any event. It is monitored by the parish administrator, communication staff, and members of the communications team. Please read over these Directions for Requesting Communications for your Event and email Seretha Curry (slcurry@stpetersgv.org) with any questions.
Announcements Email Address
You can now email just once for any of the communications channels at St. Peter's for all your communications' needs. The email address is announcements@stpetersgv.org. This includes announcements for:
- Keynotes
- Special Keynotes or Announcements
- The monthly preview Keynotes, a.k.a. "Beacon"
- Sunday Leaflets
- Announcements for Sunday Services
| | Children and Youth Formation | | |
We are looking for student volunteers (ages 10 and up) to help make cookies and bagged lunches for children at Pinckney Hill Commons, a Church Housing Property, on a weekly basis this summer. Children living at Pinckney Hill do not receive school lunches and they have a need for healthy lunches. Please contact Liz Andersen, broadwaterfarm@gmail.com, if your child/children are interested in helping. We will determine dates and times that work best for everyone.
| | There are many ways we invite you to become involved with serving our neighbors. Consider volunteering with or supporting one of our outreach opportunities. | |
Volunteer at the St. James School
Go for the Gold Saturdays. Tutors are needed to assist individual students or small groups with academics. Staff is present to support you. Select Saturdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Contact Maggie Sanborn at msanborn@stjamesphila.org for further information.
Welcome Table. Volunteers are needed every Saturday morning, 8-11 a.m., to help organize and distribute food and clothing. Weekday volunteers are also needed, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., to pick up donations, organize, and manage storage. Contact Tiana Jones at tjones@stjamesphila.org for more information.
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School Supplies Needed!
It’s time for School Supply July to help out our friends at the St. James School. Please refer to the shopping list provided to purchase supplies that can be dropped off in the designated box in the historic church OR click on the link to order directly from Amazon to be sent directly to the school.
Thank you for ANY amount of help you can provide!
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Community, Youth, and Women's Alliance of Coatesville
Needs Spanish Speakers!
Do you speak un poco Espanol?
We could use your help. Volunteers are needed for a few hours in early July to register neighbors who come to CYWA’s food pantry. Reregistration of everyone who receives food is required each year beginning on July 1st. Many of the registrations are completed in Spanish. This process is far more friendly when there are volunteers who can speak un poco Espanol.
Registrations will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 11 am and 2 pm beginning on July 1st. They are easy to complete requiring only names and household sizes. Identifications are not required. It is a very friendly community.
If you are available and would like the opportunity to see a community in which St. Peter’s is active, please contact Holly Hardester (hahardester@gmail.com, 484-319-6323). You can learn more about food distribution at CYWA at this address.
Volunteer Drivers to Assist Food Pantry
The Community Youth and Women’s Alliance (CYWA) is seeking additional volunteer drivers to help pick up food donations from local grocery stores and deliver them to the CYWA Food Pantry. Volunteers may drive the CYWA van, ride along with another volunteer, or use their own vehicle for pickups.
Pickups take place Monday through Thursday, generally between 8:30 a.m. and noon. Volunteers should be able to lift up to 35 pounds to help load food at the stores and unload it at CYWA. You can sign up for the day or days that fit your schedule.
If you are interested in helping (or you know someone who might like to help), please contact Joe at jw.car16@gmail.com or text 610-721-8036.
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July is Peanut Butter and Jelly Month
Shopping Cart food ministry. Thank you for your continuous support of the shopping cart ministry! You provide direct support to our friends at CYWA in Coatesville. Any questions call the office (610-644-2261). THANK YOU!!!
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Clothing Drive
We are collecting items now through September for our fall warm clothing drive. Labeled bins will be set up in the Historic Church, the Bank Barn, and the Parish House. Do your spring cleaning and end-of-season sale shopping with our Clothing Drive in mind. We will need anything clean and WARM for adults and kids. Our Outreach partners could use new or gently used and CLEAN socks, hats, scarves, gloves, sweatshirts or coats. Let's hope we don't have a winter like our last one but there is a need every year. For questions or to help with distribution, please contact Brenda Grove (knitters@stpetersgv.org).
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Church Farm School Clothes Closet
Griffin Clothes Closet could use the following items: Sport jackets, black and brown shoes, both casual and dress; socks; black and brown belts (small and medium), deodorant, body wash, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
For more details, please contact: Erika Gross, Director of Philanthropy at egross@gocfs.net.
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Habitat for Humanity of Chester County
Always has opportunities for volunteers to help in many ways to construct homes for deserving people who earn the benefits of home owning. No special skills or tools are required. Third Saturday each month, 8:30-3:30 p.m., locations vary. For more information, please contact outreach@stpetersgv.org.
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The Green Stewards
Quick Tips for Summer Travel and Creation Care!
- You can help protect migratory birds and insects. When possible, turn off outdoor lighting or use motion detection lights. Light confuses night pollinators. If you need light, use LED light that is filtered to be yellow or amber in color to attract fewer of the flying insects.
- When traveling, you can reduce your carbon footprint by purchasing a travel offset at cooleffect.org. If you are not traveling, consider adjusting your thermostat to a slightly warmer temperature or at least when you are out of the house. Programmable thermostats make it easier.
- Mulch isn't great if it touches the base of your tree or bush. It will create problems and potentially kill your tree or shrub through increasing moisture and disease. Leave a six inch bar ring around them.
Save the Date for a Nature Walk!
August 2 (weather permitting)
Following the 10 a.m. service
Let's walk and explore. Join us after church for a nature walk to our preserve next door.
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Memorial Brick Fundraiser
Celebrate and honor loved ones while supporting our church through our Memorial Brick Fundraiser. For a donation of $100, you can purchase an engraved 4" x 8" brick personalized with up to three lines of text. Bricks may be inscribed in memory of or in honor of individuals or families. The bricks will be placed in the area in front of the Parish House (Church Office Building).
Order forms will be available in the gathering spaces in both the Barn and the Historic Church.
All orders must be submitted by September 6, 2026.
"One generation shall tell to the next the wonderful works of God." — Psalm 145:4
Create a lasting tribute while helping support our church community. Questions? Please contact Cassandra Shannon (cassieshannon18@gmail.com) or Katie Franz (franzkgp@gmail.com)
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July Parish Events and Announcements | | |
Parish Fourth of July Picnic--Save the Date!
Sunday, July 5, following the 10 a.m. service
Historic Church
The 5th of July should be a great Sunday for a parish picnic. Our plans are to gather on the lawn in front of the historic church following the 10 a.m. service. We will enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers, a variety of side dishes and salads, all followed by ice cream sundaes with lots of toppings. Please plan to join us by
signing up here. We ask that you bring a side dish or salad. Everything else will be provided.
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Labyrinth Walk
The labyrinth group at St. David's, Radnor, will walk our labyrinth at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 16. All are invited to join them. More information will be available in a future "Keynotes."
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Local Author Joins Discussion in July!
We are excited that the following month, Ethan Joella, the author of the novel The Same Bright Stars, will join our discussion on the third Monday, July 20. This is an uplifting and emotionally resonant novel set in a Delaware beach town about a local restaurant owner at a turning point.
Looking Forward to August
You may want to put a library hold NOW on our August 17 selection, Theo of Golden. This is a very popular and heart-warming book that Clarke recommended in a prior "Keynotes." If you need the link or have questions, email bookclub@stpetersgv.org or contact Brenda Grove.
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Save the Date--Shakespeare is returning to St. Peter's!
Saturday, September 19
2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The Tempest, presented by ACT Players
St. Peter's welcomes ACT Players back with their production of "The Tempest," to be performed outdoors behind the Bank Barn if weather permits and indoors if not. Shipwrecks, magic, and love transform a mystical island in this classic play.
A talkback with the cast will follow the 2:00 p.m. performance, and music by the Greenwood Players will begin at 6:00 p.m. before the evening performance.
The event is free, but reservations are requested and donations gratefully accepted. Treats will be available for purchase. You are welcome to bring your own food, but PLEASE NO NUTS due to severe allergies in the cast.
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Needlework: Usually First Saturday--Moved to July 11
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Parish Hall, Historic Church. Our Needleworkers create items for those in need, including, prayer shawls, scarves and caps. Others repair altar linens or do needlepoint. You can also bring your own projects. All are welcome.
Popcorn Theology is on hiatus for the Summer!
Book Club: Third Monday
7-8:15 p.m., Google Meet. The goal of this book club is to deepen our understanding of the mission and ministries of our church while building relationships. Email Brenda Grove at knitters@stpetersgv.org for meeting link.
Outreach: Sandwich Making: Third Tuesday
10-11 a.m., Kitchen, Bank Barn. We gather to make sandwiches and nutritious bag lunches to be distributed to CYWA (Community Youth and Women’s Alliance) in Coatesville the following day. All volunteers welcomed!
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Wednesday: Morning Prayer and Bible Study
10 a.m. Zoom. If you wish to participate this week for the first time, please contact Melissa (parishadministrator@stpetersgv.org or 610-644-2261) to be added to the email list.
Wednesday: The Women's Circle
1:30 p.m. Historic Church. Women meet to share conversation and friendship. All women in the parish are invited. Additional information is available by writing to womenonthehill@stpetersgv.org.
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Thursday: Praying our Prayer List
9:30 a.m. Zoom. For more information, please contact Mary Ann Tatum at maryanntatum5@gmail.com.
Thursday: Echo Lake Bible Study - on summer hiatus
1 p.m., Echo Lake. A weekly gathering with Echo Lake residences to study the lectionary text for the week. For more information, contact the parish office (parishadministrator@stpetersgv.org or 610-644-2261).
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Friday: Gathering of Men
8 a.m., varies. First Friday of the month, they gather in the parish hall in the historic church, other Fridays via Zoom. All men in the parish are invited. To join, please contact Rod Platt at plattile@aol.com or 610-291-0937.
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Driving on Campus
Please drive slowly when on the St. Peter's campus. The walkway between our campus and the Atwater community means that people on the path are crossing St. Peter's Road near the final turn, so keep a lookout for pedestrians. Thank you!
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June 26, Friday:
8:00 a.m. Gathering of Men – via Zoom
June 27, Saturday:
1:00 p.m. Norwich Choir Rehearsal – Bank Barn
2:00 p.m. Jack Northrup Funeral – Historic Church
June 28, Sunday:
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I – Historic Church
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II – Historic Church*
Sunday School and Adult Forum on summer recess
June 29, Monday:
11:00 a.m. Staff Meeting – via Zoom
July 1, Wednesday:
10:00 a.m. Bible Study – via Zoom
1:30 p.m. The Circle of Women – Historic Church
July 2, Thursday:
9:30 a.m. Praying our Prayer List – via Zoom
July 3, Friday:
8:00 a.m. Gathering of Men – Historic Church
July 4, Saturday:
Needlework moved to next Saturday!
July 5, Sunday:
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I – Historic Church
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II – Historic Church*
11:00 a.m. Parish Picnic
Hospitality follows each service
* service will be live streamed
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