ThiS week At st. peTer’s | 12-03-23
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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First Sunday of Advent 12-03-2023
(First Sunday of the Church Year)
WAKE UP!
We welcome all who have come to worship God this Advent Season, who wish to prepare themselves for Christ’s coming. Perhaps you sense that the Holy Spirit is leading you into a continuing fellowship with us here. Speak to the Pastors about Holy Baptism, church membership, and faithful discipleship. God’s love for us is greater than our sins, failings and fears. Don’t refuse it. Don’t abuse it. And don’t lose it in the clamor and clutter of what this world pimps as the “good life”.
TODAY
9:00AM All Saints Choir warm-up for worship.
10:00AM + ADVENT WORSHIP + (in person and online)
11:15AM “Trudi’s Raffle” drawing (Who gets the beef?)
11:30AM CHRISTMAS EVE DRAMA rehearsal.
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA PLANTS. To sponsor a plant in memory or in honor of someone or something, please submit an order form and payment – $10.00 per plant – by December 10 to Pastor Neil or Pastor Gwen.
Giving in 2023 (one month to go!)
Those in the Sanctuary can put their offering in the offering plate to share their gratitude and generosity in response to Christ’s love. Those who are farther away might mail a check or money order to St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2169 74th Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19138… contribute online through bit/ly/stpetersgiving and set up one time donation or recurring weekly gift to selected categories…or text to Give+ at 833-914-0896 and follow the instructions to register and record your contribution.
Last Sunday’s offering tally (money given in the sanctuary or mailed, but not online giving) also included:
$ 0 — ELCA World Hunger Appeal, $2,251 received to date in 2023.
$ 0 – Lutheran Charities Appeal, $1,163 received to date in 2023.
The 3 Lutheran-related local social ministry organizations that we support serve over 30,000
of our neighbors in need: KenCrest Services; Lutheran Settlement House; and Gemma
Services (which includes Silver Springs/Martin Luther School).
$ 20 – Mission Offering
We have selected Mothers in Charge, Inc. a Philadelphia anti-violence organization), for our July – December giving. We have received $668.00 to date.
[And our January – June Mission Offering was Covenant House of Philadelphia, servicing
homeless and runaway youth. We received and have sent $647.20.]
$ 0 – Lutheran Disaster Response (Maui Wildfires, Palestine etc.), $575 received to date.
ThiS week At st. peTer’s
Tuesday, 6:00PM Oak Lane Wildcats young cheerleaders in Rhoda Hall.
Wednesday, 10:00AM Diane Hughes (volunteer office administration).
Wednesday, 10:00AM Senior Ministry “Study and Discussion” in Rhoda Hall.
Wednesday, 11:00AM Whole Foods fresh produce distribution.
Thursday, 6:00PM Oak Lane Wildcats young cheerleaders in Rhoda Hall.
Thursday, 7:30PM AL-ANON PROGRAM. Find encouragement to end your own codependence!
Friday, 8:00AM Senior Food Box distribution.
Friday, 6:30PM Girl Scouts.
Saturday, 11:00AM Women’s Ministry “Christmas Gathering” in Rhoda Hall.
Saturday, 2:00PM Baby shower rental in Rhoda Hall.
CHRISTMAS EVE DRAMA. We are seeking to prepare a “play” (entitled “Living Word”, written by Joe Davis) as part of our celebration at the 7:00PM Candlelight Service on Sunday, December 24. We envision having children, youth, and adults as the participants. Do you have interest in helping us prepare? Speak to Pastor Gwen or Juanita Williams.
IT’S NEVER TOO SOON TO BE FAITHFUL.
BUT, ONE DAY, IT WILL BE TOO LATE…
What’s Happening…
December 10… SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT. Hybrid Worship at 10:00AM.
We may have a “guest” preacher this Sunday.
Deadline for Christmas poinsettia plant orders ($10). Give forms and payment to Pastor Neil or Pastor Gwen.
December 11… CHURCH COUNCIL meeting (on Zoom), 7:00PM.
December 16… Memorial Service and Meal in celebration of the life and faith of Donna Jones, 12:00 noon.
December 17… THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT. Hybrid Worship at 10:00AM.
Pastor Bob Holum will be our preacher this Sunday.
December 23… Decorate the sanctuary for Christmas. 9:00AM.
December 24… FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT. Hybrid Worship at 10:00AM.
Pastor Clesha Staten will be our preacher this Sunday.
December 24… CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP. Candles, carols, communion, and Christ!
Hybrid Worship at 7:00PM.
December 31… FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS. College and Career Student Sunday.
Hybrid Worship at 10:00AM. Our preacher will be Minister Tiese Giles of St. Mark’s Lutheran.
January 1… NEW YEAR’S DAY. A new time to live into fresh opportunities for faith!
GOD IS THE POTTER, WE ARE THE CLAY.
WILL YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE NEWLY MOLDED?