Weekly Announcements for Week of July 6-12

PENTECOST 4 / U.S. Independence Weekend    07-06-2025

Psalm 33:12 reminds us, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” God longs for all of
humanity to humble ourselves and to seek forgiveness, to pray for God’s guidance, and to care for
the needs of the least of his children. Each July 4 and throughout the year, our United States of
America should not celebrate our nation’s independence without also confessing our dependence on
God or acknowledging our interdependence with all the other people on this earth. O Lord, may we
learn how to become “believers without borders”, that is, citizens of an earthly nation, but
ambassadors of God’s peace, justice, healing, and love beyond any boundaries of nation,
race, political party, culture, class, or other earthly data. Psalm 33:13-15 warns us that God is
watching us carefully. We are accountable to God, including our leaders. Psalm 33:16-17 tells us, “A
king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a
vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save.” Today a mega-bully with narcissistic
personality disorder might not succeed with rambling tariffs, tantrums, threats, non-truths, and a
mega-bill… or with wild attempts to humiliate, hate, and harm anybody who does not bow the knee to
him. Our nation needs to really turn to God, and not just as a political ploy “in about two weeks”.

TODAY
9:00AM All Saints Choir warm-up for worship.
10:00AM + PENTECOST SEASON WORSHIP + (in person and online)

$ Giving in 2025 $

Beyond support of our 2025 Budget (we anticipate spending $186,576.82) are special opportunities:
ELCA World Hunger Appeal (meeting international, national, and local hunger and poverty needs).
$15.00 last week. We have received $980 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 $579.50 to date.

Mission Offering (For July 1 – December 31 it is Lutheran Settlement House, located in the Northern
Liberties / Fishtown section of Philadelphia. Our Church Council elected to give them additional
support; they are also one of our 3 Lutheran Charity Appeal organizations. Founded in 1902, they
originally offered assistance of various kinds to Southern and Eastern European immigrants. Today they
continue to offer dignity and justice to all. They provide domestic violence services, homeless services,
food access, senior services and education for various ages. For January 1 – June 30 our Mission
Offering was Steven’s Wings Global Youth Adventures, a nonprofit organization dedicated to
empowering underserved youth to discover the joys and the how of travel. We received $840.)
Lutheran World Relief (responding to various disasters and tragedies all over the face of this earth).
We have received $50 to date.

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”.

+ 95th Anniversary Worship + Picnic last Sunday +
Some had trouble finding the “Flourtown loop” at Fort Washington State Park and might still be
circling around in their cars. Worship started later than 10:30AM, and we are not sure how
many were able to see and hear much online. Some expressed difficulty getting the online copy
of worship. It was, as expected, hot and humid. But it didn’t rain. And we were blessed with an
“in person” attendance of about 85, ranging in age from 5 months to their 90s (with lots of
children and youth!)… plus enough food, plenty of fun and fellowship, lots of space and beauty.
THANK YOU to our planners and providers and preparers and volunteers, those who attended,
and those who invited or brought others!

PEACE  REST  ETERNAL LIFE

We are thanking God for the life and the faith of the Rev. Dolores Farinre-Carey, our past Choir
Director, Church Musician, and neighbor for many years. She completed her earthly journey on June
27. And we are also thanking God for the life and faith of Ann Hopkins, who became a member of
St. Peter’s in 1987 and completed her earthly journey on June 30.

ThiS week At st. peTer’s

Wednesday, 10:30AM Senior Ministry “Games and Social Activity” in Rhoda Hall. Join the fellowship!
Thursday, 7:30PM AL-ANON STEP GROUP. Find and share support to overcome codependence!
Friday, 8:30AM Senior Food Box distribution ministry (Last Friday was the July 4 holiday.)
Saturday, 11:00AM WOMEN’S MINISTRY “Gathering” in person and online.
2025 DEFICIT REDUCTION. We are looking for 50 St. Peter’s members or friends
who will each give $160 in addition to their regular offering support. We have received $1,805 to date, and
our goal is $8000. The contribution amount does not need to be given in one payment. Please mark your gift as
“Deficit”.
Wear your church around town. We are still receiving orders and deposits for the “95th Anniversary”
t-shirts, $20 total. Thank you, Carol Chatman (coordination) and Janice Henderson (shirt maker).

What’s Happening…

June 15 – August 8… BEAR CREEK CAMP. Sign up now for a wonder-filled week at our
Lutheran Church Camp in the Pocono Mountains! The “Philly Connect” base fee will again be
$75; additional items (Camp Store, photo or video) will cost extra. You can register online or on paper.
See the Pastors if you have any questions. We have a few sponsor gifts to help with the camp fee.
July 13… PENTECOST 5. Worship in person and online at 10:00AM.
July 14… CHURCH COUNCIL meeting, 7:00PM.
July 18… Funeral for Rev. Dolores Farinre-Carey, 10AM (Viewing at 9AM, Meal after the funeral).
July 19… Vernon Park A.A. Step Group anniversary event in Rhoda Hall, 1:30PM.
July 20… PENTECOST 6. Worship in person and online at 10:00AM. Pastor Bob Holum
preaching.

In these days of war and rumors of war, hurt and hate, chaos and corruption,
MAKE AMERICA (and the world) HUMAN AGAIN.