A Word from the Pastors
Each of us is trying to deal with something that none of us – including the old ones – has ever encountered before. We pray for good health for each and all… for good coping skills and patience… and for a timely end to this worldwide crisis. And we’re thinking of those in our community, country, and elsewhere who do not have the same resources at hand.
We did have worship last Sunday, March 15 (about 50-60 people, we shared a “no-contact” peace with waves to one another, administered communion with individual glasses but no intinction)… but now most activities and scheduled events have ceased for the immediate future. No meetings, no groups, no worship until at least the end of March (CDC, state, and city guidelines, as well as a directive from our Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Bishop, the Rev Patricia Davenport). You can assume that most activities and events will not occur in the immediate future. You can call contact persons or the Pastors to check.
These are stressful and troubled times. Almost everything around is closed, except for gas stations, drug stores, grocery stores, food “take-out” (but no “dine-in”), and businesses that are “sneaking” around. Many people are not working, seeking to work from home, or worrying about lost income and limited savings. Lots of emails are coming in from every doctor, dentist, roofer, plumber, restaurant, store, or organization that we’ve ever had any interaction with – and some that we never had interaction with – regarding their careful cleanliness, constant concern, and current suspension of most of their activities. Our topsy-turvy President is routinely on the television congratulating himself for his stable genius leadership and “complete understanding of this invisible enemy before anybody else in the world”, giving mixed and sometimes erroneous messages about facts and procedures, and thankfully allowing some more trusted experts and compassionate representatives to speak. Our state is holding press conferences, our city is holding press conferences, regular news broadcasts are dominated by coronavirus, and there are no live sports to watch anymore. In these challenging times, do your best to stay healthy and to keep others healthy. Pray for and check on each other. Know that the Pastors and people of St. Peter’s hold you in their hearts and minds. Trust God’s love and God’s promises no matter what happens!
Yesterday Pastor Neil readjusted programmable thermostats in our buildings to reflect suspended activities and to save on some of our heating costs. We will also save on our electric and water bills. But some expenses of the congregation will continue. As you have been blessed by God and as you are able, please remember to support the work of Christ that happens at and beyond St. Peter’s with your concern, your compassion, and your generosity.
Remember that you can now make a contribution to St. Peter’s via text or online. Send a text message to 833-914-0896 with the amount you would like to contribute (example: 25). Within a few minutes, you’ll be sent a text with a link to register. Click on the link and enter your cardholder name and debit or credit card information. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a text verification and a receipt of your donation via email. For future giving, send a text with the amount that you wish to give, and it will process automatically! Questions? Contact Veronica Britto.
Pastor Neil & Pastor Gwen