Weekly Announcements for FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT 03-30-2025

Wandering prodigal (it means “recklessly extravagant”) son who wasted so much and then found his way home… compassionate father who never stopped waiting and hoping, who was overjoyed and eager to receive and celebrate… and angry older brother who had to face his feelings of resentment. Lent is a time of homecoming, a time when those who have wandered away from God might return… and a time when those who have remained are invited to provide a genuine welcome to those who have returned. The truth is that each of us is lost in some way, yet each of us comes to the Lord’s communion table by the open invitation of God’s love. In Christ, we are each and all welcomed home – the ultimate homecoming. The traditional disciplines of Lent down through the ages were the act of giving alms (offering money and resources to extend God’s glory and goodness to others), the act of praying (devoting more time to listen and to share with God) and the act of fasting (abstaining from eating for a set period of time, skipping a meal, not eating a food we like, etc.) During the 40 days of Lent, GIVE to realign yourself with others, PRAY to realign yourself with God, and FAST to realign yourself with self. Sundays are not included in the 40-day Lenten period. Each Sunday is a re-enactment of the resurrection!

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

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

Beyond support of our 2025 Budget (we anticipate spending $186,576.82) are special opportunities to give on behalf of others. They include:

ELCA World Hunger Appeal (meeting international, national, and local hunger and poverty needs).

We have received $530 to date.

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 have received $290 to date.

Mission Offering (For January 1 – June 30 it is Steven’s Wings Global Youth Adventures, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth to discover the joys and learn the how of travel. We have received $416 to date.

Lutheran World Relief (responding to various disasters and tragedies all over the face of this earth).

We have received $50 to date.

Hard times for so many struggling and suffering in our world are an opportunity for heart times of compassion,

affirmation, and support from those of us who are willing to care and share.

March has been Women’s History Month. Even as some try to politically erase the past and cancel the future, one thing hasn’t changed over the years – women of all ages (even tiny infants and seniors approaching a century of life!) continue to be victims of sexual harassment and sexual violence. And it is still not uncommon for wives, sisters, daughters, and other female friends to receive less pay and fewer promotions than males even if we try to say that there are no gender discrimination issues. Perhaps we can agree that Christian men will always respect and protect all women and will advocate for justice and higher societal values. And we must also educate the young men as we help create a better world.

Thank you, WOMEN’S MINISTRY, for online international prayers related to Women’s History Month!

2025 DEFICIT REDUCTION. We are looking for 50 St. Peter’s members or friends who will each make one total contribution of $160, given in addition to their regular offering support, to help us address a known deficit in our operating 2025 Budget. The contribution amount does not need to be given in one payment.

Please mark your contribution with “Deficit Reduction”. We have received $370 to date.

Wednesday, 10:30AM Senior Ministry “Games and Social Activity” in Rhoda Hall. Join the fellowship!

Thursday, 7:00PM All Saints Choir rehearsal. Add your voice to the praise and the encouragement!

Thursday, 7:30PM AL-ANON STEP GROUP. Find and share support to codependence!

Friday, 8:30AM Senior Food Box ministry.

Friday, 6:30PM Girl Scouts troops.

Saturday, 10AM – 2PM Girl Scout event in Rhoda Hall.

April 6… FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT. Hybrid Worship in person and online at 10:00AM.

April 12… WOMEN’S MINISTRY “Gathering”, 11:00AM. The sharing of faith continues!

April 13… PALM PROCESSION / PASSION SUNDAY. Hybrid Worship at 10:00AM.

April 17… MAUNDY THURSDAY Worship.

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

April 18… GOOD FRIDAY Worship. Volunteers for “7 Last Words of Jesus”?

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

April 20… EASTER SUNDAY RESURRECTION. Still dead? No, he rose!

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

May 10… “Everybody’s Birthday Party” event, sponsored by Women’s Ministry.

May 31… 95th Birthday Party for Queen Sutton at Marriot Philadelphia West (Conshohocken), 2PM, $50.

Deadline for tickets is May 1.

November 7, 2028… U.S. Presidential Election. Stay resilient and loving in the midst of all the trauma and drama, the non-ending expressions of hurt and hate.

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Speak to our Pastors about joining in our new life together which is being shaped by

the good news of Jesus Christ crucified and now risen among us! Get baptized, affirm

your baptism, join our congregation, and walk in faith and servant love. April 20 is the

EASTER SUNDAY celebration of Christ’s victory. Make it a victory in your own life!