A Word from the Pastors | 9-16-21 – St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church

Church Council

Your elected servant-leaders gathered for a Zoom meeting on Monday, September 13. Some notes from the July meeting:

Minutes from the July 12 Zoom regular Council meeting and the July 26 Zoom special Council meeting (to discuss “Video Equipment Project”) were reviewed and approved.
Pastors Gwen and Neil reported (07-12-2021 to 09-12-2021) that they officiated at two funerals, a non-member and a member; because of continued COVID-19 safety concerns, neither was held in our Sanctuary and neither was permitted a reception in our Rhoda Hall fellowship area. They sought and received approval for reception into membership of Pastor John Gotschall, a former Lutheran pastor and still a church musician who has been attending our Zoom worship services and supporting St. Peter’s with his offerings. They were on vacation one Sunday but attended the Zoom worship incognito. They briefly reported on some of their other events and activities.
Finances. Ben reported that offerings by members and friends of St. Peter’s – mailed, dropped off, or given online in the report period covering January to August – have exceeded what was anticipated in our 2021 Budget planning by almost $10,000! This has covered our loss of income that we anticipated from rentals for events and activities, and it has also helped keep our 2021 Budget balanced. Actual Budget Income for 8 months was $112,177.45 and actual Budget Expenses were $113,358.36. Pastors Neil and Gwen expressed gratitude, from themselves and on behalf of the others who receive compensation, for the gift of a job and the blessing of income during this uncertain and challenging COVID-19 time.
Re-opening. Most of our “Video Equipment Project” is completed (need audio connection and additional learning and training of the system). Special gifts for the project total $9,000.00; we also have submitted a “Forward Together in Faith” grant application for $2,500.00 to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod. We originally had selected either September 5 (Labor Day weekend) or September 12 (Grandparents Sunday) as target dates for the first “hybrid worship” that would include connection and interaction between “in-person” worshipers and “remote” worshipers both local and scattered in other states. Now our opening date for “hybrid worship” is more fluid and will be determined by completing all preparations (equipment, training, and safety cleaning protocol) and those all-important statistics about local infection rates.
Property. During this quieter time in activity, we are continuing progress towards “cleaning up” and “clearing out” throughout our buildings.
Ministries. Whole Foods distributions (twice each month) and Senior Food Box distributions (once per month) continue. Senior Ministry “in-person” Bible Study (probably twice each month) will begin on 09/15 at 12:00 noon. ELCA Youth Gathering sessions will begin 09/16 with a Zoom meeting; “Car Wash and Dessert” fundraiser at the church on 10/02, 9AM – 1PM. Women’s Ministry is preparing for its annual Women’s Day “Prayer Breakfast” (10/09) and Worship (10/10); both events will again be Zoom “online” gatherings. Scholarship Committee distributed 35 “Back to School” backpacks to children in our congregation and city, delivered additional backpacks to a social service agency.

We are uplifted by the faith, the witness, and the generosity of so many believers – both those members of our faith community here in Philadelphia who have continued to share in the common journey as well as new friends who now worship and serve with us! So not everything that has come forth from this terrible pandemic has been sorrowful and a hindrance. God’s Spirit is blowing across the land and into hearts.

Stay safe! Stay sane! Stay in the Spirit!

Pastor Neil & Pastor Gwen