ThiS week At st. peTer’s | 11-17-24
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 26 11-17-2024
Sometimes it seems like our own lives as well as the entire world are overwhelmed with suffering and sorrow, trials and tribulations, destruction and despair beyond our strength and patience. Sometimes we can hardly cope, we can barely understand, and we really don’t see any possible human way forward through the terror and the terrible that we must face. Sometimes, we are caught somewhere between desperation that has no answers and the faintest of hopes that something amazing and unbelievable will happen to make things better. The book of Daniel is an example of apocalyptic literature, full of strange visions and symbolism, that speaks of a sovereign God – mightier than the kingdoms of men and any other powers – breaking into history to set things right.
Today’s reading is one of many visions that Daniel has about the future that God’s unexpected intervention will create. It speaks of deliverance in a great time of anguish… of the dead being raised up, either for eternal reward or endless punishment. It is a call to put your trust in God no matter what is against us. It is a promise of God’s compassion and mercy. Do you known anyone or anything better that can deliver you, or that deserves your trust, than the God who created you… than the God who had blessed you along your life’s journey… than the God who gave the world the gift of Jesus?
TODAY
9:00AM All Saints Choir warm-up for worship.
10:00AM + PENTECOST SEASON WORSHIP + (in person and online)
11:30AM All Saints Choir rehearsal.
11:30AM Scholarship Committee meeting.
RAFFLE FOR 4 BOX SEATS, Sixers/Magic game, 12/6/2024, 7:00PM
seats, food, drink ($2,000 total value) $20/raffle ticket
Drawing on November 24 after church service!
Supports St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.
THANK YOU, Pastor David Maddox II, for preaching the Word this morning!
- PETER’S CHURCH COUNCIL (11/11): (1) approved Minutes of 10-14-2024 meeting; (2) elected to use some “Video Project Funds” (not to exceed $800) to purchase laptop computer for use in Rhoda Hall and elsewhere; (3) agreed to submit proposal to Synod for “Urban Ministry Grant” ($5,000 maximum, Nov. 30 deadline) for some property improvements in the first floor, Educational Building; (4) discussed Property issues, Senior Food Box program, “Sunday School time” snacks. Pray for your elected servant leaders, pray for your church, and pray for the faith, the love, and the work we all share.
Faith in action through grateful giving!
Beyond support of our 2024 Budget ($179,787 is what we envision spending this year) 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)
$5 last week $2,533 received to date in 2024. Your spirit of love is on the shine!
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)
$5 last week, $1,213.50 received to date in 2024. Your spirit of love is on the shine!
Mission Offering (For July – December we have selected a local ministry, the Sisters of Saint Joseph Refugee Housing Project, introduced to us by our young adult member Andrea Wood. Their work includes transitional housing for refugee resettlement, family support services, and a distribution center with needed household items and furniture. This Mission Offering, other monetary gifts, new and gently used items (they have a “wish list”, see the Pastors) and volunteer opportunities are all ways to respond to refugees in need with genuine love.) $15 last week, $385 received to date. Your spirit of love is on the shine!
ThiS week At st. peTer’s
Wednesday, 9:30AM Senior Ministry “Study and Discussion” in Rhoda Hall. Share in the fellowship!
Wednesday, 11:00AM Whole Foods distribution ministry.
Thursday, 7:30PM AL-ANON PROGRAM. Find encouragement to end your own codependence!
Friday, 5PM – 10PM Wedding rehearsal and decorating.
Saturday, 2:00PM Wedding and reception rental (Sanctuary and Rhoda Hall).
What’s Happening… Month of November… Give thanks, live thanks, share love.
November 24… CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY. (Last Sunday of the Church Year)
10:00AM Hybrid Worship (in person and online).
November 28… DAY OF THANKSGIVING in our nation. But some are struggling and suffering.
November 28… Rhoda Hall Thanksgiving meal rental.
November 28… Al-Anon Step Group meeting, 7:30PM. Holidays can sometimes become challenging!
November 30… Rental event in Rhoda Hall, 1:00PM.
December 1… First Sunday of Advent (First Sunday of the Church Year)
10:00AM Hybrid Worship (in person and online).