+ The Truth +

How often have we heard or recited those words of John 3:16? And how quickly have we forgotten them as we walked in the shadowy wilderness of our own sin and the sins of others? The truth about even the best of us is that within every heart there is something which is not quite of God, something sinister and selfish and evil that we cannot self-correct. The truth about the worst of us is that no one deserves only and all of our fault-finding, finger-pointing, guilt-slinging, or hell-wishing. Before God there are no secrets. God knows both our sin and our need of salvation. The bold bare truth about each and all of us is that we are worthy of judgment and condemnation, punishment and destruction. But the greater truth about God is found in those outstretched arms nailed to the cross at Calvary. In the shadows of the cross – where to the mystery of undeserved suffering has been added the deeper mystery of unmerited love – Jesus the Son of God is lifted up in death to offer us the dawn of new life, both abundant life now and eternal life at the last.

TODAY

9:00AM All Saints Choir warm-up for worship.

10:00AM + LENTEN SEASON WORSHIP + (in person and online)

11:20AM All Saints Choir rehearsal.

The deadline for Easter plant orders is today.

Giving in 2024

Our 2024 Budget income will need to average $3,457.44 each of the 52 weeks. We can accomplish this! In 2023 we averaged $3,418.98 each of the 52 weeks. Last Sunday’s Budget income (not counting online giving) was $2,171.00. God has blessed us to be a blessing! Let’s all stay faithful to the One we call our Savior and our Lord. Our first Mission Offering will be designated by the Church Council when it meets tomorrow; we have received $250 to date.

God’s great grace attitude of gratitude generosity!

Those present 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. God has blessed us to be a blessing!

+ 2024 ST. PETER’S CHURCH COUNCIL (installed today, meeting tomorrow) +

Cecil Webb, Veronica Britto, Carol Chatman, Stephanie Fluellen, Ida Swindle, Regina Carter, Armia Dennis, Brenda Draper, Linda Gillum, Janice Henderson, Rashidah Perkins, and Trudi Wright. Pastors Gwen and Neil are also on the Church Council. And Ben Shipanga continues as our Treasurer. Each year, our Church Council members are part of that long line of faithful men and women who humbly and courageously have undertaken the special responsibility of leading and serving in the name, spirit, and mission of the risen Christ.

Dean’s Election. Today our Central Philadelphia Conference of our Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod (ELCA) will elect a new Dean to replace Pastor Regina Goodrich of Mediator, our Dean for the constitutional limit.

ThiS week At st. peTer’s

Every day… Women’s History Month. Remember. Celebrate. Step forward.

Monday, 7:00PM CHURCH COUNCIL meeting “in person” in Rhoda Hall.

Tuesday, 7:00PM Area Girl Scout leaders in Rhoda Hall.

Wednesday, 9:30AM Senior Ministry “Study and Discussion” in Rhoda Hall. (Note the earlier start!)

Wednesday, 10:00AM Diane Hughes, volunteer office administration.

Wednesday, 11:00AM Whole Foods fresh produce distribution.

Thursday, 7:30PM AL-ANON PROGRAM. Find encouragement to end your own codependence!

Friday, 6:30PM Girl Scouts.

Saturday, 12 noon YOUTH GATHERING meeting to get ready for New Orleans, 2024!

What’s Happening…

March 17… FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT. Hybrid Worship in person and online at 10:00AM. Pastor Clesha Staten will preach.

March 18… Scholarship Committee meeting on Zoom, 7:00PM.

March 24… PALM PROCESSION / PASSION SUNDAY. Hybrid Worship at 10:00AM.

March 27… Whole Foods fresh produce distributions, 11:00AM.

March 28… MAUNDY THURSDAY Worship.

We remember Jesus washing feet, breaking bread, offering the cup, serving, sacrificing.

March 29… GOOD FRIDAY Worship. Volunteers for “7 Last Words of Jesus”?

We remember Jesus suffering, submitting, and dying to love us.

March 31… EASTER SUNDAY RESURRECTION. Still dead? No, he rose!

Hybrid Worship in person and online at 10:00AM. BAPTISMS! NEW MEMBERS! Speak to our Pastors.

There will be a meal after worship provided by Jerona Jackson-Rice. Come and be blessed and fed.

ThiS week At st. peTer’s | 3-10-24

+ The Truth +

TODAY

God’s great grace attitude of gratitude generosity!

ThiS week At st. peTer’s

What’s Happening…