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 8                                                                                                                                                                                  07-14-2024

You can read the gory details in today’s Gospel reading. John the baptizer’s death shows the price that one sometimes has to pay for being a “witness” – the Greek word martyr means “witness”. Like John, Jesus and his disciples will also suffer at the hands of those who are opposed to God’s truth, God’s will, God’s salvation. And there is a long list of famous and not-so-well-known prophets and priests and preachers… peace makers and justice seekers and mercy bearers… saints great and small… who have stood in the past, who are standing, in the present, who will stand in the future to speak truth against power, to share love in the midst of hate, to represent new life in the shadows of death. Oh, let us faithfully stand firmly “in Christ” because if we don’t, then we might fall for anything!

TODAY

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

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

“CREATED TO BE”

Veronica, Timyk, Bernadette, Lisa, Rianna, Katrina, Demeir, Madison, Danaeh, Brandon, Samir, Xavier, and Tredon are all part of our St. Peter’s travel group (some are adult leaders, some are adult volunteers, some are kids) participating way down there in New Orleans in the

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Youth Gathering!

They will be engaged in huge gatherings of worship and Bible study and inspiration (15,000 kids!); organized smaller service and learning opportunities; shared prayer and reflection; and, of course, fellowship and fun. Thanks for the financial support that many of you have given and might yet give! Pray for the entire Youth Gathering, pray for our group, pray for each individual to be transformed by this “in Christ” experience! The event ends on July 20.

 

1. PETER’S CHURCH COUNCIL (07/08): (1) received oral report from Tyesha Kidd Love on the Synod “Urban Ministry Resource Days” held on June 8 and June 9 to encourage each other, to share strategy, and to hear about fund possibilities in these challenging times; (2) received a report from the Pastors; (3) reviewed some Property notes on tasks accomplished or in progress; (4) elected to support the Sisters of Saint Joseph Refugee Housing Project here in Philadelphia as our Mission Offering for July – December of 2024; (5)   discussed Church Kitchen cleanliness, possible programs for immigrants, and “Community Bingo” gatherings. Pray for your elected servant leaders, pray for your church, and pray for the faith, the love, and the work we all share.

[Church Council was not able to review and officially approve the Financial Report. But January – June Budget Income was $81,970.49, and January – June Budget Expenses were $89,913.49, about $2,930 less than what we anticipated spending. Our deficit for the year is about $8,000. From Ben Shipanga, our Treasurer: “The obvious reason for the shortage is the decline in weekly regular offerings after March, when we had a $5,600 surplus. The average Sunday weekly collection is less than $2,000 now.”]

It’s CHRIST’S CHURCH, but it’s OUR financial responsibility.

Worship every Sunday! Keep it a strong day in your weekly routine… then the days that follow won’t be “weak” days!

 

A PRAYER FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

God of all nations, we give you thanks and praise, for you have blessed this nation with health, peace, safety, and all things needed for our daily lives. But we are not a perfect country, and we are troubled by division, greed, violence, pride, and prejudice. We pray for humble, wise, honest, and mentally sound leaders who will not just serve their own egos but will govern with integrity and seek the well-being of all who inhabit this land. May we never become so proud that we take for granted what you have bestowed, never become so materialistic that we neglect the great responsibility you have entrusted us to others less fortunate, never become so unloving as to continue further into the cycle of violence and prejudice, and never become so stupid that we forget that one day we will stand – with all nations and peoples – to be accountable before you. May we continue to humble our hearts and our ways in dependence on God. Let righteousness and justice flow like a mighty river all over our world. Amen.

 

Reaching out with dollars that become loving deeds.

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, $1,588 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)

$25 last week, $729 received to date in 2024.

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.) Just starting today at $0. Our January – June Mission Offering collected about $1,400 for Loaves and Fishes, Capetown, South Africa..

 

ThiS week At st. peTer’s

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

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 trip preparation (Some are traveling to London, some to Mexico!)

Saturday, 2PM – 5PM1 Rental event in Rhoda Hall,

Saturday…     ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans ends. Our transformed group returns!

 

What’s Happening…

June 16 – August 9…  BEAR CREEK CAMP. Register now for a wonderful week of camp!

The cost of a week of overnight camp this season is as little as $75. Contact Pastor Gwen if you have questions.

July 21… PENTECOST 9. 10:00AM in person and online.