Coronavirus Message | 12-16-2021

From the Pastors

A Word from the Pastors

Church Council

Your elected servant-leaders gathered for a Zoom meeting on Monday, December 8. Some notes from that meeting:

  • Minutes from the November 8 Zoom meeting were reviewed, corrected, and approved.
  • Pastors Neil and Gwen made a summary report that included a review of regular uses of the building (Cliveden-Wister Al-Anon group, 2 Girl Scout troops, Whole Foods distribution, Senior Ministry Bible study, Senior Food Box distribution, ELCA Youth Gathering kids) and three single uses (Eastern Star/Masons “Thanksgiving basket preparation”, “Christmas Choir” session, Girl Scout area leaders). They announced two “Guest Preachers”: Rev. Dr. Harold Davis on December 19 (Advent 4); Joe Davis on December 26 (Christmas 1, “College/Career Sunday”).

They reported that the “Video Equipment Project” progress had slowed, with both an audio issue and a video issue; and that we are also contacting possible “tech resources” for assistance, as well as preparing some budget scenarios for a paid video production specialist technician. The Pastors also mentioned that, as of December 10, our Synod is once again urging “an abundance of caution” as COVID infections and hospitalizations spike up once more and thought “we are perhaps still wise in not rushing towards being in the Sanctuary together.”

  • 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 November – have continued to be strong enough. Actual Budget Income for 11 months has exceeded actual Budget Expenses by $110.83. Given the uncertainty and the challenges that COVID has created, the victory of a congregation still standing on its feet and on its faith in Jesus is so much greater than the few dollars of official surplus!  

Annual Meeting. Last year our Church Council elected not to schedule an Annual Congregational Meeting because of COVID-19. Normally this meeting is held between the beginning of January and the end of March one Sunday after worship and includes a review of the previous year, election of several Church Council members, approval of an operating Budget for the coming year, and any other business that the Congregation chooses. Annual Meetings are a time of togetherness, gratitude, reflection, faithfulness, and challenge. In early 2021 we would have gathered for our 90th Annual Congregational Meeting but did not. Early next year   we might gather for our 91st Annual Congregational Meeting. (Yes, we would probably call it by that number even though we actually skipped a year!) May we be a people that loves the Lord and loves to serve him. Believe this: God didn’t bring us this far so that we could fail Him now!

 

CHRISTMAS  EVE  WORSHIP,  December 24

Join us online NEXT Friday at 7:00PM for the joyous celebration of the wonder and mystery of Jesus Christ born among us!

 

                                        Pastor Neil & Pastor Gwen