Announcements for the week of February 22, 2026
FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT 02-22-2026
+ The discipline of Lent +
The Israelites wandered 40 years in the wilderness as they traveled to the land that was promised. Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights struggling with Satan in the wilderness. During Lent we will journey through our own 40-day wilderness as we face the temptations, troubles, tests, and tragedies of human living. Jesus knows all about these struggles. He leads us and guides us along the way toward growing trust, courageous faith, and humble servanthood. Open your mind, your heart, your hopes, your dreams, and your ways to God’s grace.
The traditional disciplines of the season of Lent down through the ages were the act of giving alms (offering money and resources to extend God’s glory and goodness to others), the act of prayer (devoting more time to listen and to share with God) and the act of fasting (abstaining from eating for a set period of time, skipping a meal, not eating a food we like, etc.). During the 40 days of Lent, GIVE to realign yourself with others, PRAY to realign yourself with God, and FAST to realign yourself with self. Sundays are not included in the 40-day Lenten period. Each Sunday is a re-enactment of the resurrection!
TODAY
9:00AM All Saints Choir warm-up for worship.
10:00AM + LENTEN SEASON WORSHIP + (in person and online)
11:30AM All Saints Choir rehearsal?
God’s great grace attitude of gratitude generosity!
Beyond support of our 2026 Budget (which we will approve next Sunday) 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).
We have received $210 to date.
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).
We have received $215 to date.
Mission Offering (For January 1 – June 30 it is Sisters of St. Joseph Refugee Housing Project. We sent them $579.65 in 2024.) We have received $131 to date.
“God’s Global Barnyard” is an ELCA development project to fight poverty. We have received $20 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.
Wednesday, 6:30 – 7PM Online international Prayers related to Women’s History.
Wednesday, 7:00 – 8PM Online Lenten Study with Pastor Clesha Staten.
Thursday, 7:30PM AL-ANON STEP GROUP. Find and share support to overcome codependence!
Friday, 6:30PM Girl Scout troops.
Saturday, 11AM – 2PM “Free Community Clothing Giveaway”, Part 2, in Rhoda Hall by Lamont Glover and
Mission Pure Heart.
What’s Happening…
Month of March… Women’s History Month. Discover. Celebrate. Commit to the future.
Who are the women that have made a meaningful difference in your life?
March 1… SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT. Worship in person and online at 10:00AM.
Annual Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary after worship. Adopt our 2026 Budget. Elect 2 Church Council members. Receive reports. Give thanks for God’s grace.
[Alternate date is March 8.]
March 4, 11, 18, 25… Online international Prayers related to Women’s History Month, 6:30PM.
March 4, 11, 18, 25… Online Lenten Study with Pastor Clesha Staten, 7 – 8PM.
March 14… Women’s Ministry “Gathering” in person and online, 11:00AM.
April 2… MAUNDY THURSDAY OF HOLY WEEK.
April 3… GOOD FRIDAY OF HOLY WEEK.
April 5… RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD / EASTER DAY.
June 4… Scholarship Committee bus trip to Sight and Sound Theatres in Lancaster, PA to see “JOSHUA”. Lunch at Shady Maples. Our Scholarship Committee is asking for $175 per person. Contact Carol
Chatman or Jerona Rice to submit your name and a deposit.
November 7, 2028… U.S. Presidential Election.
Stay resilient in the midst of all the trauma and drama of today’s world.
Don’t stop loving in spite of all the hurt and the hate and the hustle of US politics.
+
4 important questions during Lent:
1) Do you believe that God loves you?
2) Do you believe that you are a sinner?
3) Do you believe that Jesus died for your sins?
4) Will you now trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord?
Join in our new life together which is being shaped by the good news of Jesus
Christ crucified and now risen among us! Please speak to our Pastors about Holy Baptism, affirming your Baptism vows, or joining St. Peter’s.