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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.

Annual Red Cross Blood Drive: Saturday, February 8

All slots are full for the Feb. 8 blood drive.

 from 9 am to 2 pm at St. Peter's. Special thanks to parishioner Kate Boyce for arranging this annual event.

Thanks also to those who donated "thank you pints," which included beer from the Glenside Pub, ice cream from Sprinkles in Elkins Park, and soup from Giuliano's Deli in Glenside. These businesses were recently highlighted in the Glenside Local's Community Spotlight for their ongoing support of the community, including their generous contributions to the blood drive donors.

For more information on the Blood Drive contact Kate Boyce: (blooddrive@stpetersglenside.org)

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 group, 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 9 a.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 reserve your spot, please contact Debbie DeKalb at sojourner_44@yahoo.com. 

Mitten Tree Blessing

This Sunday, February 9

The final day to drop off mittens, hats and scarves for those in need is this Sunday, February 9. Please place your donations (handmade or store-bought) in the blue “Mitten Box" located on the ramp outside the sanctuary. Rev. Barb will bless the donations at the 10 a.m. liturgy .

Special thanks to St. Peter’s Community Partnerships Committee for organizing this annual drive.

Celebrating Black History Month

Explore the many ways to celebrate Black History Month during February, from Absalom Jones celebrations to social justice trainings and book recommendations from the Diocese's Anti-Racism Commission. Check the newsletter for weekly black history resources.

In addition to serving as our new Accounting Warden, Ernie Dixon is treasurer of the Diocese's Anti-Racism Commission (ARC), and he also facilities ARC's weekly book group.

The book group typically meets Wednesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. The zoom link can be found here. The group is currently reading Race Rules by Fatimah Gilliam.

If you are interested in joining the book group, please contact Ernie at 215-816-1252 (call or text) or via email at marzelldixon@me.com.

If you'd like to get involved in anti-racism work, please contact the Rev. Barb Ballenger, who is co-chair of ARC, (stpeter654rector@gmail.com).

Bishop Gutiérrez's Letter on Religious Freedom

The Rt. Reverend Daniel G. P. Gutiérrez's statement below is in response to the lawsuit filed by Quaker groups against a policy change that would no longer exclude protected areas, like houses of worship, from government interference.

"Freedom of Religious Exercise is the first and most foundational principle upon which this nation was established. It is one’s right to exercise one’s religion freely and attend religious services without government interference."

"The federal government has recently withdrawn the policy that once prohibited immigration enforcement from obstructing the free exercise of one’s religion. Some of our friends and neighbors are now credibly concerned that they cannot safely attend religious services in fear of potential government scrutiny."

Use the button below to read the bishop's full letter.

Dear Rev. Barb, Vestry Members, and St. Peter’s Community,

It is difficult to convey in words how deeply moved I was to be honored at the Annual Parish Meeting. During my 25 years at St. Peter’s I have had the gift of discovering what it means to be a member of a community committed to listening for God’s invitations and acting on them. I will always be grateful for the deep love and compassion I have both witnessed and experienced at St. Peter’s, and commit to sharing these gifts wherever I go.

For your info, I am putting my house on the market this spring and will move to my apartment in Baltimore sometime this summer. In the meantime, I will continue to be fully present to my ministries here. I am thankful that Baltimore is not a long distance and am reflecting about ways I can continue to be connected after I move. Livestream, Zoom, email, and phone make this possible, thankfully. (And also mail, Interstate 95, and Amtrak!)

The Cathedral by Rodin lives in a prominent place in my home where I can experience it throughout the day as the light changes. What a remarkable way to remember my St. Peter’s Family.

Gratefully,

Linda

Anthem Spotlight

Lead Me, Lord

Sometimes a hymn grows out of an Anthem. In this case, the Anthem actually grew out of the hymn. Lead Me, Lord was written by Samuel Sebastian Wesley III. He was the third male to bear the name Samuel in 4 generations. He didn’t share the Methodist beliefs as did his Grandfather and Great-Uncle. He was, however, much more dedicated to the Church of England. In that vein he created a selections of Psalms and Hymns that were utilized in Worship. He also arranged tunes, chants and anthems and became a musical editor and arranger for several of the Church of England hymnals.

Wesley had written a Cantata, “Praise the Lord, O My Soul,” which was based on the Psalms. He used the hymn as the closing section, adding a very moving but gentle close to this larger work. The original large work was actually composed to dedicate the new organ at Holy Trinity Church in Winchester. Our Anthem opens with a very beautiful Alto solo in the first section. The Alto section also leads the Choir to a close in the final lyrics. It is truly prayerful and inspirational.

Donate to the Food Pantry

This Winter

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

During the cold winter months, we are in great need of soup, mac & cheese, spaghetti-Os, protein such as stew, chicken, tuna Spam, and always peanut butter and jelly. 

Because of your generosity, we currently have a surplus of vegetables.

Our neighbors with food insecurities appreciate your donations.

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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