St. Peter's

Episcopal Church

Milford, Connecticut

A Word from our Rector, Matt Lindeman

"I appointed you to to go and bear fruit"

Friends, here we are.

The last Sunday together as Pastor and Parish in the seven years we've been called to serve together. I give tremendous thanks for the ways in which we've been able to abide in the love of Christ and bear fruit in his name.

We have two baptisms on the docket this weekend, both at 10:00 am, and I could think of no better way to finish my sacramental journey this Sunday in our church, than welcoming two new members of the household of God. We're called to grow, to encourage one another, and abide in God's love. That will carry us through. Our relationship as pastor and parish will end, but in Christ we remain connected, each of us bearing fruit.

As I am being grafted into another community, called to help others bear fruit in Christ in Southport, know that I'm cheering for you, even if from a little further away. It may not be obvious, however because I have certain limitations upon what I'm allowed to do after our pastoral relationship ends. There are a few things that I'll need to explain as we move into this next phase of our life in Christ.

I entrust you to God's care, and know that with our wardens, vestry, staff, and the incredible leadership of our Rev. Mothers, St. Peter's is in fantastic shape. What you need is here. It is enough.

Trusting God means letting go. While I would love to "like" your photos on Facebook or Instagram, comment on life updates, and send you a text on your birthday, I am required by my Bishop's and Canons to refrain from engaging with St. Peter's after I depart. The "leaving well" requirements by which I'm required to abide are designed to help us all put down new roots, and to help clear a path for your next priest at St. Peter's.

We're all called to go and and bear fruit in a new season of growth. In the meantime, we're in great hands...God's hands.

Here at St. Peter's , with God's help the Rev Mothers, your vestry, your staff and the congregation as a whole are in great shape to enter into this next chapter. You've got great administrative support, worship leadership, pastoral care, and the love of God on your side. That's a great comfort.

My last sacramental act on behalf of the parish will be to preside at the burial of Linda Gustafson, though we will ceremonially conclude our time together on Sunday. Watered by baptism, fed by the Eucharist, bearing witness to the truth of the resurrection, and the promise of new life, I could not think of better ways to conclude my service here at St. Peter's.

While it is not easy, we're called to step forth in faith, hope, and love. God's got this!

I look forward to the joy of baptisms, breaking bread to gether one more day, and makingthe most of this weekend. We have an organ concert with Andrew Liu, and our celebration on Sunday after the 10:00 am service. So let's embrace before it's our time refrain from embracing.

Let's cry, and dance, and sing our Alleluia's and give thanks to God for bringing us together and walking with us all these years.

"Glory be to God whose power, working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask for or imagine. Glory to him from Generation to Generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus forever." Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21.

May the love of God always connect us, the Holy Spirit guide us, and the power of the Holy Spirit sustain us now and always.

Matt+ 

This Weekend

On May 4 we will celebrate with an Organ Concert by Andrew Liu in the Church at 5:00pm.

On May 5th, we will celebrate the last Sunday of our mutual ministry together with a celebratory brunch following the 10:00am Service.   

• Acts 8:26-40
• 1 John 4:7-21
• John 15:1-8
• Psalm 22:24-30

Happy Birthday to:

Maggie Lewis, Wesley Christensen, Sandra Torriani, Ashley Sandfort, Zane Franz

Happy Anniversary to:

Julie & David Kelsey, Kristina & John Scicchitano

It is exactly what it says...Coffee and Conversation!

Like the disciples gathered in the upper room, after the resurrection, we’ll share in some food, fellowship, and learn about the ways in which the resurrected Christ is active in our world.

May 4 at 5pm a Concert in the church as part of Rev. Matt's farewell weekend.

May 5 will be Rev. Matt's last day with us at St. Peter's, let's try to make it to worship and stay for the brunch after.

May 19 Bake Sale for VBS

June 2 Last day of Sunday School

No Youth Group this week.

youth@stpetersmilford.org

UPDATE ON ALTAR FLOWER DONATIONS

Due to increased costs, we have raised the suggested donation for Altar Flowers to $50. Donations may be made as a memorial or a thank offering at any time for a specific Sunday.

Forms are located in the back of the church, which can be mailed to the office, put in the collection plate or given to an usher. Email Joan Kayser, Parish Administrator if you have any questions.

 Flowers this weekend are being offered in

Gratitude and Loving Memory of our Mother, Elizabeth D. Barbano by The Barbano Family

and

In Memory of Edward Henning, Brenton Michael Smith & Brayden Burwell Heery by Joni Henning

A special thank you for all those that purchased a " Blooming 4 Good" bouquet at Stop & Shop during the month of March. The Community Outreach Dinner will receive $68 as a result of your purchases!

We have been chosen again for the month of May! If you are purchasing these special bouquets just mention St. Peter's Church and $1 will donated for the Community Outreach Dinner for each bouquet purchased during the month of May!

+Thanksgiving for the Baptism of Djimon Gabrielle Lewin Anokye, and Jameson Fisher Jardin this Sunday at St. Peter's 10:00am Service!

+ Your prayers are requested this week for: Phil Pancoast, Valerie, Paul Smith, Barbara Knoth, Alexis Bristol Casey, Laura, Alex, Beth and Kevin Bell, John Kropitis, Paul Austin, Jason, Judy, Susan, Katrnia, Emily, Andrew, Corinne, Doug, Corliss, Patty, Gabriel, Malcom, George Shelton, Linda, Emily Milks, Amy B, Aelish Bell, Carol, Bruce, Grace Warrington, The Ash Family, Jessica, and Kathleen. We pray also for Pat and Andy, Linda S, we pray for Johanna, Stephanie, George, Jim Torriani, and Maria Durazzo.

+ Pray for those who have died, especially Linda Gustafson, Faith Selmer, Dr. Henry Astarjian, father of Jennifer Astarjian Fournier, and those who we remember in this season of resurrection.

+ Pray for First Responders, Hospice Chaplains and Funeral Directors.

+ Pray for continued wisdom and discernment in our leaders in government and the church alike that we may renounce the evil powers of this world that corrupt and destroy the creatures of God.

+ We give thanks for the faithful service of our Clergy, Wardens, Vestry and Staff in this time of transition.



+ Pray for peace, especially in Ukraine, Haiti, and in Gaza. May the suffering, violence an famine end, especially among all children, elders, and non-combatants. We pray for release of the hostages, and dignity for all God's people.

+ Pray for partners in Mission, Christian Community Action, Milford's Way, Loaves and Fishes, The Beth El Center, Casas pro Cristo, The New York Haiti Project, Bridges, and the South Central Region's Food ministries, I Wage Peace, and other mission partners.

+Pray for the unemployed and underemployed; for all who suffer from addictions; for all who suffer chronic illness, and for all caregivers;

+ Pray for all who will be persecuted for their faith, and for all refugees seeking safety. Pray for discernment as we seek to welcome them.

+ Pray for all active members of our Armed Forces community, especially Stephen Bell and Henry Lucas.

+ Pray for renewal in our church, that the Holy Spirit might continue blessing us with the endurance to run the race before us, and to do so with joy.

+In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer this week, we pray for The Anglican Church of Brazil.

+ In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer this week, we pray for St. John's, New Haven; St. Luke's, New Haven; St. Paul & St. James, New Haven

+Clergy whose work in Retirement Communities, especially Armsmear; Chaplains at Retirement Communities and Retired Clergy Chaplains.

Please send requests for additions to the weekly prayer list by email to office@stpetersmilford.org