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The Beacon
In thy light shall we see light.
Psalm 36:9
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Dear Friends,
This Sunday, October 4, is a particularly special day in the life of St. Peter’s as we celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis (born 1182 in central Italy) renounced his family’s wealth and possessions in order to live a life devoted to the Gospel call to simplicity, humility, and – above all – radical love and generosity. He had a sacramental understanding of nature — seeing all creation as an outward and visible sign of God’s grace and presence — and is the patron saint of animals and ecology.
Francis’ life and legacy are an inspiration to live with open hearts and open hands. It is fitting, then, that this Sunday also marks the official kickoff of our annual stewardship campaign. Our theme this year is drawn from the beloved prayer attributed to St. Francis: “In Giving We Receive”. It is an invitation to reflect upon how our own giving sustains the worship, ministries, pastoral care, and fellowship that make St. Peter’s our treasured spiritual home.
We have a wonderful day planned for this Sunday, and I hope you will join us:
All-Parish Holy Eucharist (10 a.m. in the Barn): As we return to our First Sunday program year schedule, we will gather for a single, combined worship service.
Blessing of the Animals (4 p.m. on the Historic Church Lawn): Bring your furry, feathered, or scaled companions (leashed or caged, please) for our annual Blessing of the Animals service. Treats provided!
Please also take a moment to read my full stewardship letter, which is included below in this edition of the newsletter. I invite you to join Emma and me in prayerfully considering how you can support St. Peter’s in the year ahead.
I look forward to worshipping and celebrating with you this Sunday!
John
Services This Sunday
8 a.m. – Historic Church – Rite I
10 a.m. – Historic Church – Rite II
Combined Leaflet
Liturgical Texts
Hymns
Livestream link for 10 a.m. Sunday morning service.
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The Blessing of the Animals for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
October 4, 4 p.m.
Historic Church
October 4 is the feast day of Francis of Assisi. St. Francis lived a life of poverty and humility. He had a deep love for all of God’s creation and has become the patron saint of animals and ecology.
We will celebrate this day in our Sunday worship and will gather later for a brief service to bless animals. All are invited to meet in front of the Historic Church at 4 p.m., rain or shine. Bring your dogs and cats, your birds, lizards, fish or even your stuffed animals. Please leash or cage pets for their safety. Each one will be blessed. There will be treats for pets and refreshments for people.
We are excited to welcome people from neighboring churches and community to our campus for this celebration. All are welcome!
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Stewardship Letter 2026
Dear Friends,
"It is in giving that we receive." These words, from the prayer attributed to St. Francis, have been on my heart as I reflect on this stewardship season at St. Peter’s — my first as your Rector, and one that begins on St. Francis’ feast day (October 4). In my first few weeks with you, I have already witnessed how much St. Peter’s offers to its members and neighbors: two beautiful sacred spaces on an extraordinary campus where we gather, pray, and mark life’s most significant moments; deep spiritual sustenance and formation; a magnificent music program; a welcoming, inclusive community for all ages; generous and relational outreach; and compassionate pastoral care.
Everything St. Peter’s does stems from three sources: the Holy Spirit, the dedication of our leaders and volunteers, and, crucially, your financial support. Through your giving, we all receive the blessings that flow from God into this community, our lives, and beyond. Spiritually, we are sustained by God's grace; materially, we are sustained by the generosity of our congregation. Simply put, we can’t do this work without you.
This year, our goal is to raise at least $500,000 — a 10% increase over last year's campaign — with participation from at least 125 pledges. Achieving this goal will be a meaningful step toward a balanced budget. St. Peter’s is self-funded and we currently draw on parish savings to bridge the gap between income and the cost of sustaining our ministries and campus. While these reserves have supported us, they are not a long-term foundation. Reaching our goal together will move us toward a sustainable and more generative future.
We are at the dawn of a new season with rich possibilities for growth. I have big dreams for St. Peter’s, and I believe God does too. In particular, I feel we are called to reach more people — including through our digital presence — and welcome newcomers into our community of love, and to more fully realize our campus’ potential as a sanctuary for rest, renewal, communion with creation, and a model of sustainability. For these hopes to bear fruit, we need your active participation.
I invite you to join me in planting seeds for our flourishing, both today and tomorrow, by making a pledge to St. Peter’s and, if you are able, prayerfully considering an increase. As the scriptures tell us, "You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity" (2 Corinthians 9:11).
Yours in Christ,
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The Reverend John Kennedy
Rector
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How to Make Your Pledge
Our main stewardship packets (Letter, Pledging Guide & Pledge Card) will be distributed at church this Sunday. If you miss us in person, a copy will be mailed to your home next week. Extra pledge cards will also be available in the church pews and parish office throughout the campaign.
Two ways to pledge:
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Physical Card: Return your completed card in the Sunday offering plate or to the parish office.
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Online: Pledge directly online.
Thank you for your generous support of St. Peter's!
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September Parish Events
In the video below, you will find photos from September events here at St. Peter's, including Fall Fest, The Tempest productions, 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.
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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
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Fellowship Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to host our customary coffee and tea service and provide snacks immediately following each 9/10 and 11:15 a.m. service.
You can sign up online here. If you prefer, sign up on a clipboard in the Barn or Historic Church, and your name will be added to the online signup. First-time hosts are especially welcome and orientation will be provided. For more information contact Michael Smith at michaelsmithgmail@gmail.com or 813-943-3796.
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Hello! My Name Is...
As a kindness to John and Emma Kennedy, who have over a hundred of us to meet and learn to recognize, please locate your name tag and start wearing it. If you need a name tag, please contact Melissa in the office and we will make sure you have one.
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PJ Whelihan's Dine 'N' Donate for St. Peter's Preschool
November 4
5-9 p.m.
PJ Whelihan's will host a Dine 'N' Donate with a portion of all proceeds benefitting the school. Dine in or take out and be sure to mention St. Peter's Preschool!
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Sunday School
Sunday School welcomes all children in kindergarten through sixth grade. (If you don't currently receive emails about Sunday School and children's activities, you can sign up here to get them.)
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Youth Group
For the fall semester, we will be meeting twice a month following the 9 a.m. service. The last Sunday of the month will usually involve a cooking or baking service project collaborating with the Sunday School.
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October 11--Peaceful Practices Session 2--led by Seretha Curry
"Conflict has the potential to help us receive the Divine in new ways. When we are most
vulnerable, we are most able to see God." The Peaceful Practices curriculum is a resource produced by Mennonite Central Committee U.S. It is designed for congregations and other groups to build basic skills of healthy conflict transformation and dialogue. We will spend time reflecting on Bible stories and discussing the tools recommended by the Peaceful Practices curriculum.
Our world is not at peace today. Our brothers and sisters across the world are suffering incredible violence and destruction. The world is in desperate need of Jesus' way of peace and life, so the church must get to work. To the right you will find a list of countries currently experiencing a genocide emergency, or at risk of experiencing one in 2026.
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October 18--Convention Report--led by our delegates
The Diocese of Pennsylvania is holding its annual convention on October 9 and 10. Come learn about what is happening in our diocese and around the region, as well as what it is like to participate in this aspect of church life.
October 25--Finance Report--led by Joe Herbst
The Finance Commission will offer its annual state of the parish presentation, with updates on stewardship, the High Point, and property projects.
All are welcome in the Barn between the 9 and 11:15 services. Bring your coffee and your curiosity and your questions!
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There are many ways we invite you to become involved with serving our neighbors. Consider volunteering with or supporting one of our outreach opportunities.
St. Peter's Outreach Calendar
The Outreach Commission has constructed a month-by-month calendar that encompasses many (not all) of our outreach endeavors. Our hope is that this will be helpful to parishioners as we individually identify and plan how and when to participate. The calendar can be found on kiosks in gathering spaces, and paper copies are available to be taken with you. This link can also be used to view or print a copy. Watch for upcoming opportunities in each Beacon issue.
Looking Ahead
Here are some of the Outreach activities planned in upcoming months. Please join us as we continue to serve Jesus by serving our neighbors.
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Church Housing
Church Housing (CH) knows how to do things right and well. In early November they will be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for the residents in each of their facilities. This will be a full turkey dinner, with all the sides and trimmings, along with pumpkin pie for everyone. Wouldn’t you like to be a part of this?
There are multiple opportunities both on weekends and weekdays at one of their Phoenixville, West Chester, and Upland locations, where you will see the communities CH has built. You may volunteer once, which is always appreciated, or you may come back for more. Invite a friend to come with you.
There are signup sheets in gathering spaces. You may also send an email with your plans to outreach@stpetersgv.org.
Here’s the schedule:
Meals will be served at five locations on five different dates. There are three opportunities to help with each meal served.
- Prepare – prep food, arrange and decorate room, set tables
- Cook - roast turkey, mash potatoes, etc.
- Serve and clean up – greet residents, serve from buffet, clean up
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October is Canned Tuna and Chicken Month
Thank you for your continuous support of the Shopping Cart Food 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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The Clothing Drive
Thank you to everyone who has brought something warm for others in need. Please bring in any additional items by October 4. Until then items may be stored on one side of the Barn coat closet. Please be careful not to place a personal item on that rack. We need a few volunteers to transport clothes to Coatesville in the last week of October on Wednesday and/or Thursday morning. Brenda Grove is coordinating volunteers--contact her at knitters@stpetersgv.org.
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Volunteer at the St. James School
Go for the Gold Saturdays
Select Saturdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Tutors are needed to assist individual students or small groups with academics. Staff is present to support you. Contact Maggie Sanborn at msanborn@stjamesphila.org for further information.
Welcome Table
Saturdays and Weekdays
Volunteers are needed every Saturday morning, 8-11a.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.
Fall Fest
Saturday, October 24, 1-4 p.m.
Join the Community of St. James for its Fall Festival of food, games, music, and tours. Please contact Gail Guthridge at guthgirl60@gmail.com if you’re interested in attending.
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Church Farm School
Representatives from Church Farm School in Exton visited St. Peter’s last spring and over the months since there have been opportunities for us to renew our acquaintance with this Episcopal boarding school, grades 9 through 12. Ethnic, geographic and socio-economic diversity are found in their student body. Many students are from single-parent families.
The school offers the Griffin Clothes Closet where students can come to find clothes and personal care items they need. This has opened up an opportunity for us to be involved. Clothing has been donated, some of it from St. Peter’s warm clothing drive. It needs to be sorted and folded. There is also a need for volunteers who can help students select clothes for themselves.
Gail Guthridge has been helping with the Griffin Clothes Closet and can tell you more about it. If you are curious, contact her at guthgirl60@gmail.com.
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Habitat for Humanity of Chester County
There are always opportunities for volunteers to help in many ways to construct homes for people who earn the benefits of home owning. No special skills or tools are required. We meet with other churches on the third Saturday of each month, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., locations vary. For more information, please contact outreach@stpetersgv.org.
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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. Order forms are available in the gathering spaces in both the Barn and the Historic Church and in the office.
"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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Popcorn Theology
Please join us by Zoom on Monday, October 12 at 6 p.m. as we discuss "Richard Jewell"
(2019), the second film in our series “American Heroes, Past and Present.” Gail McLaughlin, co-chair of our group, has designed and will moderate our discussion of this and the other films in our fall series. You can watch the film on a streaming service or on DVD from your local library.
Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Paul Walter Hauser and a supporting cast that includes Kathy Bates, Jon Hamm, Sam Rockwell, and Olivia Wilde, the movie focuses on Richard Jewell, a security guard at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Jewell discovered a bomb designed to funnel its explosive force toward a large crowd attending evening festivities. He notified law enforcement and then assisted in the evacuation of the crowd. During the evacuation, the bomb exploded, killing one person and injuring more than 100 others, but Jewell’s intervention had prevented the toll from being far worse.
Initially – and properly – hailed as a hero, Jewell subsequently became publicly identified as a “person of interest” thanks to a leak by FBI investigators, and he lived through nearly three months of intensive public scrutiny as he was falsely accused of being the bomber. Ultimately exonerated, he received a tepid apology from Attorney General Janet Reno, and several FBI investigators who had violated various professional standards in pursuing Jewell received administrative sanctions.
The movie illustrates more than just an abuse of power by government. It also demonstrates how the power of modern media can push someone who does not wish it into the spotlight, and then just as quickly turn celebrity status into a nightmare. Finally, it shows that heroism comes in many forms, including the courage to persevere in the face of a grinding injustice.
Beyond discussing these events themselves, we will examine the technical, artistic, and spiritual aspects of the movie. The Zoom link will come via a special Keynotes on Sunday, October 11. To learn more about this program, please contact either Gail McLaughlin (gailannmclaughlin@verizon.net) or Steve Ockenden (steveock@verizon.net).
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October Book Club
Enjoy a good book and conversation by attending our monthly book club on-line at 7 p.m. on (usually) the third Monday of the month. For October, we are reading the satirical novel Moo by Jane Smiley. Everyone is welcome to join any month.
For further information and the link, please contact Brenda Grove at bookclub@stpetersgv.org. We are sharing these books because they may require longer wait time if you are borrowing them from a library. (Note: the November meeting is the week of Thanksgiving. There is a movie adaptation for those short on time!)
Book List
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PFLAG: The Dads Film Screening and Community Conversation
October 3, 7:30 p.m.
Uptown Theatre
PFLAG West Chester/Chester County and the LGBT Equality Alliance invite you to a powerful community screening of THE DADS a feature documentary that follows a community of fathers of transgender and nonbinary children as they navigate love, fear, and fierce advocacy at a moment when their kids’ rights and safety are under attack. This screening is proud to be part of the LGBT Equality Alliance’s OutFest series, celebrating LGBTQ+ stories and community throughout the year. Tickets here.
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Birdwatching
October 17, 9 a.m.
Campus
Join us on a tour of St. Peter's campus to see what the birds are up to! Open to all ages. We will meet at the Bank Barn. Wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars. Many thanks to Donna Kipphorn of the West Chester Bird Club who will be our guide for a two-hour walk. Previous walks have spotted numerous birds and this is the peak for fall migration. Please note this event is rain or shine.
The West Chester Bird Club was founded in 1910 and is one of the oldest bird clubs in the Unites States. The club is open to birders of all levels and has field trips all year as well as evening programs September through June.
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Trunk or Treat
Sunday, October 25, 5-6:30 p.m.
Bank Barn Parking Lot
All are invited to this simple, safe version of traditional trick-or-treating, where children visit festively decorated car trunks to collect their treats—a fun way to gather as a community and a great opportunity to invite others to St. Peter’s. Please plan to join us and bring your friends, family, and neighbors.
To ensure success, we need your help! Please sign up below to decorate and host a trunk of treats or contact Seretha Curry. We need at least 15 trunks for this to be a fun event for all of the children visiting our campus. We also need a couple of people to help direct traffic. This is a great event for Youth, Children, and Families.
Everyone hosting a trunk is eligible to win the coveted “St. Peter’s Perpetual Trophy” for the best trunk. This year’s decision will be by people’s choice—everyone will have a vote! For more information, contact Seretha at slcurry@stpetersgv.org.
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All Saints Choral Evensong
November 1, 4 p.m.
Historic Church
Please join us for All Saints Choral Evensong on Sunday, November 1, at 4 in the Historic Church. Evensong is sung Evening Prayer, and a beautiful way to complete the weekend and begin a new week. Our choirs will sing canticles of Charles Stanford and Malcolm Archer's setting of "And I Saw a New Heaven and a New Earth."
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Ongoing October Activities | |
Needlework: First Saturday
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: Second Monday
6-7:30 p.m. Zoom. See above for details.
Book Club: Third Monday
7-8:15 p.m., Google Meet. See above for details.
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. Take a break from your daily routine and come spend an afternoon in fellowship with the women of St. Peter's. Nothing fancy -- just ideas, feelings, and concerns. 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.
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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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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1:
9:30 a.m. Praying our Prayer List – via Zoom
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2:
8:00 a.m. Gathering of Men – Historic Church
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3:
10:00 a.m. Needlework – Historic Church
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4: Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost; The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II – Bank Barn*
10:00 a.m. Sunday School – Bank Barn, lower level
Fellowship follows the service
4:00 p.m. Blessing of the Animals – Historic Church lawn
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5:
11:15 a.m. Staff meeting – Parish Office
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7:
10:00 a.m. Morning Prayer and Bible Study – via Zoom
No Women’s Circle this week
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8:
9:00 a.m. Preschool Grandparents’ Day – Historic Church
9:30 a.m. Praying our Prayer List – via Zoom
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9:
8:00 a.m. Gathering of Men – via Zoom
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11: Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I – Historic Church
9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II – Bank Barn
9:00 a.m. Sunday School – Bank Barn, lower level
10:20 a.m. Adult Forum – Bank Barn
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II – Historic Church*
Fellowship follows each service.
* This service will be live-streamed.
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