A Word from the Pastors – Church Council Meeting Summary

From the Pastors

Your St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Council “zoomed” together from our various individual locations to meet technologically on August 10. We had also held Zoom meetings on May 26 and June 15. The most important thing that came out of this August meeting was what didn’t come out of this August meeting: any firm decision on a “restart” date of physical worship in our sanctuary or the renewal of many other activities. There just has not been enough positive change in our local, national, and world pandemic journey to make us feel comfortable about moving forward in a radical way. We will continue to listen to trusted national medical knowledge and advice (not to non-medical musings and claims or too politicized rants and tweets) and to the City of Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod leadership… we will continue to reflect and pray… we will continue to treasure and protect your health and welfare as much as we value our own… and we will continue to seek out safe ways to worship together, to meet together, and to have fellowship together during this “long walk through the valley of the shadow”.        

Some additional notes from our meeting:

  • Finances. At the end of May, our 2020 Budget Expenses were $5,088.67 more than our 2020 Budget Income. Because members and friends from near and from far are continuing to respond to a gracious Lord with grateful giving, that deficit is now $3,831.00. Thank you for your support in these challenged times! As you might guess, most of our continuing expenses have been for salaries, insurance, and limited utilities.
  • Women’s Ministry has had three virtual monthly “Gatherings”, and is preparing for a virtual Annual Women’s Day weekend on October 10-11!
  • Youth Ministry has had three online sessions. The ELCA National Youth Gathering has been postponed to 2022.
  • Worship. The Pastors solicit your comments and suggestions about our current Zoom Worship (we are holding at about 60-70 households each week). And we are thinking and talking about what the next step might look like, when physical worship together seems more safe. How might we continue to include those who are health-compromised and might not be able to attend, as well as those who are far away but have been tuning in?
  • Use of building. The Church Council elected not to permit the Oak Lane cheerleading squad or the Unstoppable Movement dance group to return to practices or classes in Rhoda Hall until there is more progress in moving beyond COVID-19. And, for the same reason, Church Council rejected having further discussion presently with a childcare program that was seeking to rent space beginning in September in preparation for a daycare that would open in January.
  • Property. The asbestos floor issue in two classroom areas has been fixed and inspected; new floor tiles should soon be installed. Outdoor cement work should be done soon, weather permitting and contractor available. There are several minor plumbing repairs to schedule. Church Council is exploring bids for a one-time professional cleaning of the sanctuary woodwork and also its carpet.

You are loved and prayed for. Stay safe. Stay in the presence, the peace, the power, and the promise of Jesus. And remember that someone somewhere is in need of some GOOD NEWS… you might be just the right person in somebody’s life situation.