Weekly Announcements for: 9TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 07-26- 2026
9TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 07-26-
2026
At the end of Matthew, Chapter 13 Jesus tells several more parables or word pictures,
everyday images of the reign of God’s kingdom – a tiny mustard seed growing into shelter and
shade; a small measure of yeast penetrating and expanding flour in sustaining abundance; everything
boldly sold to obtain a precious buried treasure or the shiniest of pearls; a fishing net cast out to bring
in a giant catch.
What treasures are you seeking in life? In a world of seductive whispers, glittering things,
and titillating pleasures, let us pray for ourselves, let us pray for one another, that we might always
seek and long for God’s love and God’s grace… always value and hold onto God’s love and God’s
grace… always trust and place our ultimate hope only in God’s love and God’s grace, no matter what
comes our way or gets in our way. There is nothing better than God’s love and grace… nothing
stronger… nothing that will last longer, yes, even beyond our life on this earth. Do I hear this?
Do I believe this? Will it be the very foundation and direction of my life?
TODAY
9:00AM All Saints Choir warm-up.
10:00AM + PENTECOST SEASON WORSHIP + (in
person and online)
The Kingdom of God is present in our faithful living and generous giving.
Beyond support of our 2026 Budget ($187,927 is what we envision spending this year) are those
opportunities for special giving on behalf of others. They include:
ELCA World Hunger Appeal (responding to international, national, and local hunger and poverty).
We received $110 last Sunday and $1,986 to date. Thank you for caring that shares survival!
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). We
received $225 last Sunday and $746 to date. Lives are truly being changed! You are offering health and help
to others!
St. Peter’s Church Mission Offering (For July 1 – December 31 this offering will go to Pure Heart Mission, a
grassroots neighborhood charitable organization begun by local resident Lamar Glover that has already
worked with us through regular food donations, several clothing giveaways, and Christmas toys.) We received
$15 last Sunday and $25 to date. (And in January 1 – June 30 we received $512 total to share with the
Sisters of St. Joseph Refugee Housing Project here in metropolitan Philadelphia.) Thanks so much for
reaching out!
“God’s Global Barnyard” is an ELCA development project to help families and villages fight poverty. It
involves sending chickens, goats, cows, and other animals and items somewhere in the world Children often
are eager to help with this project. We have received $20 to date.
Lutheran Disaster Response (walking with communities before, during, and after specific tragedies such as
fires, floods, and storms… often staying for years) and Lutheran World Relief (addressing suffering, poverty,
and injustice all over the face of this earth) are both responses of love and compassion in action.
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”.
ThiS week At st. peTer’s
Wednesday, 9:30AM Senior Ministry “Sister Talk” Discussion and Study. Men are also invited.
Wednesday, 10:30AM Whole Foods fresh produce distribution in Rhoda Hall to the community.
Thursday, 10:00AM Funeral and funeral meal, Sanctuary and Rhoda Hall (rental
Thursday, 7:30PM AL-ANON STEP GROUP. Find and share support to overcome codependence!
Saturday, 10AM – 3PM “Community Day” at St. Peter’s! Help publicize and support!
Back to School supplies giveaway.
Live music and games, arts and crafts, snacks and refreshments.
Flea market table rentals.
Door prizes.
BEAR CREEK CAMP! Our St. Peter’s children have had the opportunity to get close to
God’s created world in the Pocono Mountains, to be with new friends and old, and to
experience sharing Christ’s love with others – a week of summer camp – for just $75.
Session 6 begins this afternoon.
What’s Happening…
August 2… PENTECOST 10. Hybrid Worship in person and online at 10:00AM.
August 8… Memorial service for Janice Brown (who joined St. Peter’s in 1974 and completed her earthly
journey on July 3) at Lambie Funeral Home, 8000 Rowland Avenue, Philadelphia 19136, 11:00AM.
August 8… Women’s Ministry “Gathering” in Rhoda Hall and online, 11:00AM.
August 9… PENTECOST 11. Hybrid Worship in person and online at 10:00AM.
August 19… “I Remember It Well, South Philly!” an event of reflection, sharing, and celebration organized by
Elaine Jones, 1-3PM in Rhoda Hall. Bring your memories! Bring your family! No cost.
THE KING WHO LOST GOD’S TREASURE
God gave King Solomon the wisdom that he asked for, plus so much more that he hadn’t requested! He
was called the wisest man in the world, and kings and queens traveled hundreds of miles to meet him. He was
celebrated for the songs he composed and the proverbs he spoke. Under his reign Israel reached its “Golden
Age” of prosperity and peace and pleasure and prestige. But he wouldn’t stay “wise” all the time. King Solomon
would also become known for his excesses – too much luxury at too high a cost of taxes and slave labor… too
much extravagance in his love life with 700 wives and 300 girlfriends… so many altars built for the gods of his
wives… a misplaced trust in military alliances with other nations instead of trust in God. This king who spent
seven years building a great Temple to worship God and fourteen years to build himself a fabulous palace
would end up abandoning the God before whom he initially humbled himself… would end up bringing
discontent and disruption to his people whom he had prayed to wisely govern… and would end up being the
final king of a united nation of twelve tribes. The best leaders in the world are truly following God! King
Solomon started out that way, with humility before God as well as every advantage of wealth, power, and
wisdom. But then it all went to his head, and he even made himself the unofficial religious leader of the nation.
Solomon’s heart would turn away from God, and this great wise man would lose his understanding in the pursuit
of personal privilege. Do you think our own political leaders are humble before God and have our best interest
at heart? Why or why not?