Weekly Announcements for PENTECOST 19 10-19-2025

October 13, 2025 Announcements

The struggle of faith. When Christ calls us to discipleship, he calls us to disciplined lives. We are to be persistent in our attempts to be faithful… we are to keep at the demands of discipleship, that is, keep on praying, keep on trusting, keep on trying and crying for justice. At times it is difficult to hang in there with God. Sometimes we lose heart. Sometimes we lose faith. Sometimes we are in a wrestling match, a tug-of-war, hanging on for dear life – is it with God? With ourselves? With this world and its devil? Sometimes the struggle lasts all night, and sometimes the night seems to drag on for weeks and months and years. Sometimes we end up with a limp, but that’s not the greatest change in how we will live or what we will live for. Jesus, who knows all about our human struggles and our potential as disciples, wonders “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” May our lives respond with the correct answer. Don’t lose heart, don’t lose hope, keep on – now, tomorrow, always.

TODAY
9:00AM All Saints Choir warm-up for worship.
10:00AM + PENTECOST SEASON WORSHIP + (in person and online)
11:30AM All Saints Choir weekly rehearsal.

MAKE AMERICA and the world HUMAN AGAIN.
LOVE, NOT HATE.
PEACE, NOT VIOLENCE.
MERCY, NOT GREED.
JUSTICE, NOT ABUSE.
HUMILITY, NOT ARROGANCE.
GOD’S TRUTH, NOT LIES. THE WAY OF JESUS, NOT JUST “MY WAY”.

We welcome Pastor Gwen King as our preacher and our presider at Holy Communion this morning. (Pastors Gwen & Neil are celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary.) We thank God for the gifts of Pastor King’s personality, the passion of her faith, and her capable servant-leadership!
40th Annual Women’s Day! “Pray Without Ceasing”, 10/11 + 10/12

In spite of lower attendance both Saturday and Sunday (maybe heavy rain that did not arrive), we had two encouraging events, a spirit of joy and hope, satisfying food, and affirming fellowship. THANKS TO ALL WHO PLANNED, PREPARED, AND PARTICIPATED! Including giving in previous months, Women’s Day Offering totals $1,345.45. You can still give… just designate your offering.

We are Christ’s help and hope to a world in need and despair. Beyond support of our 2025 Budget ($186,576.00 is what we envision spending this year) are various special opportunities for giving on behalf of others. They include:
ELCA World Hunger Appeal (meeting international, national, and local hunger and poverty needs);
$1,585.00 received to date in 2025. Your spirit of love is on the shine!
Lutheran Charities Appeal (assisting three local social ministry organizations – KenCrest Services, Lutheran
Settlement House, and Gemma Services – that serve thousands of neighbors with various needs);
$914.50 received to date in 2025. Your compassion is showing!
Mission Offering (For July – December we have selected Lutheran Settlement House, one of our Lutheran Charities, for additional support;.$215.00 has been received to date. And our January 1 – June 30 Mission Offering was Steven’s Wings Global Youth Adventures. We received $840.00.)
Lutheran World Relief (responding to those various tragedies and disasters and emergency needs);
$50 received to date.
Bishop’s Fund – We do not pay the Bishop to visit and preach at our 95th Anniversary on 9/28, but we did collect donations to this fund for emergency and special need situations. (Pastors Gwen and Neil received from this fund at least once back in their poorer West Philly days.) $345 received to date.

This week at St. Peter’s
Wednesday, 9:30AM Senior Ministry “Sister Talk” Study and Discussion. Men are also invited.
Wednesday, 10:30AM Whole Foods fresh produce distribution in Rhoda Hall to the community.
Wednesday, 7:00PM “Angel Tree Program” information and interest meeting on Zoom.
Thursday, 7:30PM AL-ANON STEP GROUP. Find and share support to overcome codependence!
Friday, 6:30PM Girl Scouts troops.
Saturday, 9:30AM – 5PM. Girl Scout event in Rhoda Hall.

What’s Happening…
Today, 2:00 – 4:00PM: “Fall Fling Trunk or Treat”, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3104 Main Street, Sumneytown. Includes ALL FREE hayrides, food, craft, and trunk or treating.
Today, 3:00PM: “Jazz Concert to Benefit Food Ministry”, at Christ Lutheran Church, 30th + Diamond Streets, Philadelphia.
October 26… Reformation Sunday. Worship in person and online, 10:00AM. Pastor Clesha Staten will be our Preacher.
November 2… All Saints Sunday. Worship in person and online, 10:00AM.
We will remember with a lighted candle, a chime of bells, and our tears and thanksgiving the members of our St. Peter’s congregation who have completed their life’s journey since last All Saints Sunday: Rosella McVay; Ann Hopkins, Lennie Gaither; and John Hill (previous year).
November 9… Deadline for “Everything but the Turkey” contributions for Gemma Services (one of our local Lutheran Charities).