The Vicar is presenting the following sermon series during Easter.

11-Apr   Topic: Adam & Christ   Title: "Two Adams" (1 Cor. 15:22)

18-Apr   Topic: Judgment   Title: "Two Deaths" (Matt. 10:28)

25-Apr   Topic: Regeneration   Title: "Two Births" (John 3:3)

2-May   Topic: Atonement   Title: "Christ's Cross" (1 Pet. 2:24)

9-May   Topic: Eternal life   Title: "Your Resurrection" (John 11:25)

16-May   Topic: Glory   Title: "Your Crown" (1 Pet. 5:4)

23-May   Topic: Divine Election   Title: "God's Church" (John 15:16)

The Vicar continues his weekly exposition of the Catechism, found in the Book of Common Prayer, pp. 845-862.

Q. What did God promise [the Hebrews]?

A. God promised that they would be his people to bring all the nations of the world to him.

The Latin word for priest is pontifex, which is made up of two other words: pons meaning bridge, and facere, to make. A pontifex, a priest, is a bridge-maker. This is what the Hebrews were called to be: a nation of priests, a nation of bridge-makers. But a bridge from what and to where?

To whom is the better question to ask. Speaking to the Israelites in Exodus 19:6 God says, “you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.” A priest brings people to God and God to the people. Israel was an entire nation set apart for priestly service: to bring the world to God and God to the world.

—JWD.

St. Peter's is indeed blessed and damage to the church from last Friday's windstorm was minimal. The roof remains watertight, with only a few shingles needing to be replaced. Repairs were made on Tuesday. The downed tree is being cut up and removed.

Damage to the narthex and porch is still being assessed. An insurance adjuster was on site Thursday and will return with an engineer next week.

The floral guild is always grateful for donations. If you are interested in dedicating flowers in memoriam or for a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary, please send an email to stpeterschurch@optonline.net with the date and the name(s) to whom you would like to dedicate the arrangements.

"One of the greatest events in the history of St. Peter's Church was the celebration of the sesquicentennial of the founding of the church. In honor of the occasion, a special service was held on Sunday morning, October 21, 1951 at 11 o'clock. Bishop Charles K. Gilbert of the Diocese of New York and the Reverend Mr. Hazzard participated in the service. The Reverend Mr. Hazzard also observed his eightieth birthday. Immediately after the service, Chancey Stillman gave a luncheon for the distinguished clergymen and the parishioners."

—Adapted from Louise Tompkins, A Landmark: The History of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church (Lithgow, NY, 1971), 21.

We ask that you please not come to church in person if you have Covid-19, have symptoms consistent with Covid-19, or are subject to the provisions of the New York State Covid-19 Travel Advisory.

O God, who hast prepared for those who love thee such good things as pass man's understanding: Pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee in all things and above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God,

for ever and ever. Amen.

To remember St. Peter's in your estate plans, please considering joining The Lithgow Socety. To find out more, click here.

wrote this ditty for this week's Mouse:

"The evil that men do lives after them,

   The good is oft interred in their bones"

So Shakespeare said, but it will never be

   If you'll sign up, as one of Lithgow’s "Knowns."

That’s "Known" as known to now have made a pledge,

   To set aside, in your dying estate,

A portion for St. Peter’s onward life,

   And thus ensure its ever sacred fate.

You have had its benefit right here on earth,

   But others soon will follow where you strode;

So think of Lithgow, when you write your will,

   Our "small white church, upon its own dirt road."