Pentecost Fifteen Schedule for the Coming Week
St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
2169 74th Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19138
Church Office: 215-424-5122 Fax: 215-424-7841
e-mail address: stpetersinfo@yahoo.com
Revs. Gwendolyn Johnson-Bond & Neil A. Bond, Co-Pastors
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PENTECOST 15. Rally Day. 09-18-2022
Accountability. Early in the academic year may seem strange to think about the final exam, but on this day Jesus reminds us that each of us must give an accounting of all that has been entrusted to us by the Creator/Master – how we have managed our lives, how we have invested and spent our time and our health and our abilities and our possessions, including our money. In the logic of God’s reign, knowing the tremendous wealth of grace that we have been given demands bold and unwavering action from us. You cannot fool God. May we not be judged as having been unfaithful and dishonest when we are called to “give an accounting” for the way we have managed our life. But this is the truth: we all fall short. We are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners. Jesus sees right through us, knows us for who we are and who we aren’t, yet loves us dearly and gives us a second chance. Don’t blow that second chance. You cannot serve two masters. Will you give your allegiance to the God who is the Creator and Lord of your life? Or will you eagerly, foolishly chase after this world’s fading treasures and fleeting pleasures?
TODAY
9:00AM Choir rehearsal.
10:00AM + PENTECOST SEASON WORSHIP +
2:00 – 4:00PM “Blessing of the Backpacks” by Bishop Patricia Davenport at United Lutheran
Seminary 7300 Germantown Avenue. She’ll be blessing students and
their backpacks/lunchbox/laptops. Fun, games, soft pretzels, sweet treats.
- PETER’S CHURCH COUNCIL (09/12): (1) learned that January – August Budget Income was $109,723.44, which is $8,756.01 less than our Budget Expenses of $118,479.45 (The good news is that we did not fall further “into the red” during the past two months, in spite of persons struggling with rising costs and other financial burdens, perhaps trying to get in some vacation trips after a long COVID delay, and maybe struggling with that accountability and management issue raised in today’s Gospel reading.); (2) reflected on a “State of the Union” assessment of where St. Peter’s is right now in these still different times, where we are going. Our shared sense was that we are still learning and growing in our Sunday “hybrid worship” (averaging 37 persons present in the Sanctuary during 13 hot and humid summer Sundays)… we are still not sure how many will be able or willing to return… we are still discovering what events, activities, and ministries might draw physical attendance on location and/or participation from remote locations… and we are still listening for the Holy Spirit’s guidance about new ways and new ministries; (3) decided not to meet with the Bishop and Synod Deans regarding Pastor David Maddox II and others who have experienced systemic racism, particularly because the Synod’s confidentiality principles would not allow us to talk about actual persons and events; (4) heard reports on Women’s Day, our Whole Foods bi-weekly distribution, and a large window that can hopefully be repaired before it falls apart and we need to replace it at greater cost.
LEARN TO LIVE. LIVE TO LOVE.
ThiS week At st. peTer’s
Wednesday, 10AM – noon Diane Hughes (volunteer office administration).
Thursday, 7:00PM WOMEN’S DAY CHOIR rehearsal.
Thursday, 7:30PM AL-ANON PROGRAM. Find encouragement to end your own codependence.
Friday, 6:30PM Girl Scouts.
What’s Happening… .
September 25… PENTECOST 16. Hybrid Worship at 10:00AM. Baptisms, new members received.
Share in our new life together, which is being shaped by the good news of Jesus Christ crucified and now risen among us. Several persons have recently expressed an interest in being baptized or in affirming the faith into which they have already been baptized… and in either case becoming a member of our St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church family. Please speak to our Pastors if the Holy Spirit is leading you into this place and into this people.
September 28… Senior Ministry “Bible Study”, 10:30AM.
September 28… Whole Foods fresh produce distribution, 10:30AM.
October 2… PENTECOST 17. Hybrid Worship at 10:00AM. World Communion Sunday.
Some will gather in a grand cathedral. Some will gather in a mud hut or around a campfire or in the street. Maybe in a storefront or at a bedside or inside a prison. Some will gather with thousands or just a few. And some will need to gather in secret. Christians in every culture and varied situations will break bread and pour the cup – in as many ways as there are gatherings – to proclaim our connection to each other through Christ. Even though our various treasured theologies and our embarrassing divisive attitudes (including racism) might keep us from actually sharing Holy Communion physically together, we draw meaning and power and hope that there is ONE LORD and, therefore, ONE BODY OF CHRIST.
October 7… Wedding rehearsal in the Sanctuary (rental) at 6:00PM.
October 8-9… 37th Annual Women’s Day.
“Looking Backward as We Move Forward” (Psalm 71:18)
Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, 10:00AM, with meal in Rhoda Hall (also on Zoom).
Worship in Sanctuary on Sunday, 10:00AM (also on Zoom), with meal in Rhoda Hall.
October 15… Rental event in Rhoda Hall, 5:00PM.
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We welcome all who have come to worship!
Join our family, share God’s love, and grow in discipleship.