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St. Peter's News

Rooted in Love, Growing through God's Grace, Reaching Out to All

You can view our complete calendar here for all scheduled events and activities.

Angel Piano recipients receiving their gifts during Three Kings Day 2023.

Angel Piano Gifts Distribution

 this Sunday, January 12

Any remaining Angel Piano gifts must be dropped off at the church office tomorrow before 5 p.m. so they can be delivered this weekend.

Everyone is invited to see the Three Kings distribute the gift bags to the children on January 12, 2025, at Christ Church and St Ambrose, 3554 N. 6th St.  Philadelphia, PA 19140. Services start at noon. 

Following the service the Three Kings will give the gifts to the children. A large traditional Spanish lunch will be followed by a mariachi band and dance.

The Rev. Emily Richards to be Interred in Memorial Courtyard Saturday, January 18

Use the button below to learn more about the Souls Shot Portrait Project at St. Peter's.

Vestry Search Committee

The congregation will elect up to Vestry members at the parish's Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 26. Four positions are for three-year terms.  A one-year term to fill the position of Meredith Flaherty will also be up for a vote.

In January, Vestry members Jeanné Hannum, Amy Michener-Wall, John Olson, and Karen Sayer will complete their Vestry terms.

A slate of parishioners has been assembled to run for these seats.

Running for three-year terms are:

• Terita Reeve
• Chris Teleha
• Beth Carlin
• Sam Hogg

John Olson is running to fill an unexpired 1-yr term.

For more information about the election contact Rev. Barb at stpeter654rector@gmail.com

Annual Report available Jan. 10

Annual Meeting: Sunday, Jan. 26

The Parish Annual Meeting will follow the morning service on Jan. 26. Parishioners will vote on next year's Vestry nominees and review the annual report, as well as enjoy a luncheon organized by our kitchen coordinators. 

The Annual Report features the agenda, the list of nominees, the financial report for 2024, and annual reports on parish ministries. Links to the electronic version will be emailed to parishioners Jan. 10.

Nominee updates, including bios and pictures, can also be found on the church website starting January 10.

Read Rev. Barb's 12/7/23 Rector's note for some background on the meeting. 

Annual Red Cross Blood Drive: Saturday, February 8

Here is your chance to be a lifesaver AND get some great thank yous also.

The "give a pint, get a pint" blood drive returns to St. Peter's on Saturday, February 8  from 9 am to 2 pm.

This year our "thank you pints" are beer from the Glenside Pub, Ice Cream from Sprinkles in Elkins Park and Soup from Giuliano's deli in Glenside. 

In addition, the Red Cross is offering $15 e-gift cards from a variety of merchants.

Use the button below to make an appointment today. Invite a friend!

For more information contact Kate Boyce (blooddrive@stpetersglenside.org)

Visit the Red Cross website to read the eligibility criteria.

St. Peter's Peeps Retreat Saturday, February 8

St. Peter's Peep's Retreat at Cranaleith Spiritual Center in 2024.

The St. Peter's Peeps, which is open to all who identify as female, is hosting its annual retreat on Feb. 8 at Cranaleith Spiritual Center in Northeast Philly from 9a.m.-4 p.m. The cost is $55, which includes lunch.

The Rev. Mary McCullough will facilitate this retreat focused on peace and hope.

To RVSP your spot, please contact Anne Gibson at irishmom68@comcast.net or Debbie DeKalb at sojourner_44@yahoo.com 

Walk in Love Stewardship 2025 Updates

Thanks to all who have turned in their pledge cards since Ingathering Sunday. If you haven't done so already, take some time to fill out a physical or digital pledge card.

Since Ingathering Sunday, we've received 65 pledges totaling $168,795 in annual contributions.

The annual Stewardship Campaign invites you to prayerfully consider your financial giving for 2025. Visit the Way of Love Campaign 2025 web page for updates on giving, watch Time and Talent showcase videos, watch parishioner reflections, and access the lyrics to the Walk in Love theme song.

Anthem Spotlight

Shall We Gather at the River?

As we commemorate the Baptism of Jesus, we feature an Anthem which is comprised of two very well-known songs: "Shall We Gather At The River" and "Deep River."

Shall We Gather… has lyrics and a tune written by a Philadelphian, Robert Lowry. His first experience as a Church Member was at the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia. During his professional life, he served as a pastor in West Chester, New York City, Brooklyn, and Lewisburg, PA. During these years he wrote many melodies, which are sung throughout the world with texts translated into many languages.  Shall We Gather… was one of his least favorites, although it is one of the best-loved. He had no system for his compositions. Sometimes the words were first; other times the music first and sometimes both came at the same time.

The setting that you will hear was arranged by John Carter. There is an interesting accompaniment that gives the suggestion of swirling waters throughout the entire first section. As the piece moves towards the second section, the swirling slows down until it becomes a heavy plodding as the accompaniment for Deep River. This is drawn from a traditional African American Spiritual. We will be appreciative of Tim Flaherty who will sing this as a solo.

As the solo comes to an end, there is a blend of ideas. Sopranos and Tenors sing Deep River while Altos and Basses sing Shall We Gather…The Anthem comes to a brilliant close on the text “Yes, we’ll gather at the river that flows by the throne of God”. This is an Anthem that offers the listener a great deal of audio description, but you need to be listening for the many different facets that will come your way.

Donate to the Food Pantry this Advent Season

Thank you to all who so faithfully donate to our food cupboard. Your contributions are very much appreciated.

We have seen the need for food increase in the past months. Our shelves are often almost bare, and there is little in our stock closet to fill them. If you haven’t been a regular donor, please consider our neighbors with food insecurities. The holidays are especially tough on some.

The Sundays after Christmas are a perfect time to acknowledge all that God has given you by giving to others.

We are in great need of soup and proteins (tuna, chicken, stew, Spam)

Thank you for your support,

Audrey Kipphut and Rick DeKalb.

Learn more about this ministry here.

Use the button below to download the shopping list.

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