ThiS week At st. peTer’s | 5-12-24
05-12-2024
On the last night of his life… before he faced his arrest, trial, and crucifixion… Jesus prayed for his disciples. Not just those disciples back then. He also prayed for all future believers who would be birthed out of his death and through the witness of his followers. In other words, he prayed for you, he prayed for me, and, yes, for those yet to be born and who will someday believe. And what did he pray? After all these years, Jesus still prays “that they may be one” – united in love, sustained in faith, preserved from the evil one, continuing God’s mission. This oneness, this unity, is the work of the Spirit – bringing us together, keeping us together, filling us with mutual love and joy, empowering our work and witness as Christ’s presence in the world. Come, Holy Spirit!
TODAY
9:00AM All Saints Choir warm-up for worship.
10:00AM + EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP + (in person and online)
11:30AM All Saints Choir rehearsal.
We are grateful to Tyesha Love Blackshear, a member of our St. Peter’s Church family, for the gift of her faith and the blessing of her words in this morning’s Sermon!
MOTHER’S DAY. Today we celebrate mothers and mother figures, grandmothers and great grandmothers, daughters and sisters, young and old, and especially those who are in the Lord. In truth, this is a day that holds both joys and sorrows, expectations and longings, words spoken and much left unsaid. May we pray for those who have birthed us, who have nurtured us, who have pushed us and protected us, who have been tender and strong toward us, who have given us the love of God in our everyday lives, and who have prayed us up in good times and bad. And if we are facing hurt or guilt or regret today, may we continue to seek God’s Holy Spirit to heal, strengthen, and guide us.
LOVE, NOT HATE. PEACE, NOT VIOLENCE.
MERCY, NOT GREED. JUSTICE, NOT ABUSE.
HUMILITY, NOT ARROGANCE. GOD’S TRUTH, NOT LIES.
THE WAY OF JESUS, NOT JUST “MY WAY”.
Express your Easter fai+h with deeds and dollars unblocked by tombstones!
Beyond support of our 2024 Budget ($179,787 is what we envision spending this year to bear Christ’s name, spirit, and mission) are those special opportunities for giving on behalf of others. They include:
ELCA World Hunger Appeal (meeting international, national, and local hunger and poverty needs)
$0 last week, $1,058 received to date in 2024.
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)
$50 last week, $509 received to date in 2024.
Mission Offering (For January – June we have selected Loaves and Fishes, Capetown, South Africa, suggested by Pastor Bob Holum after he visited and interacted there. It is a shelter facility and social ministry that works with homeless people to provide “spiritual, psychological, and material renewal”.)
$15 last week, $420 received to date in 2024, two more months to respond.
ThiS week At st. peTer’s
Monday, 7:00PM CHURCH COUNCIL meeting in Rhoda Hall.
Tuesday, 7:00PM Area Girl Scout leaders in Rhoda Hall.
Wednesday, 10:00AM Diane Hughes, volunteer office administration.
Wednesday, 10:30AM Senior Ministry “Games and Social Activities” in Rhoda Hall.
Thursday, 7:30PM AL-ANON PROGRAM. Find encouragement to end your own codependence!
Friday, 6:30PM Girl Scouts.
Saturday, 10AM – 2PM ELCA Youth Gathering “Car Wash” with hot dogs, other light refreshments.
We’re seeking to raise some of those last necessary funds.
DAY OF PENTECOST.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” to the Christian faith next Sunday at 10:00AM!
Wear red, yellow, orange, or even “hot pink”clothes as we celebrate the fire of the Holy Spirit that filled, fired, and poured out of those 120 believers. Pastor Robert Holum will be our preacher. Can we gather our own set of 120 believers? Hybrid worship in the Sanctuary will be followed by a picnic downstairs, fellowship, games and other activities. Invite FAMILY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, STRANGERS!
What’s Happening…
May 26… HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY. Hybrid Worship at 10:00AM.
May 29… MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY. Remember those who have served our country in times of war and in times of peace. All gave some, and some gave all.
May 31… “Lutheran Night at the Phillies”, 6:40PM, in support of SEPA Synod Youth programs.
Go to www.phillies.com/lutheran. Password: LUTHERAN. Select from available tickets.