This Sunday, November 19, Pastor Steve will continue the sermon series Essential Education: Why Everyone Needs to Go Back to School by bringing the message of When Life Gives You Lemons from Matthew 25:14-30. The service begins at 9:00 AM in the Sanctuary.

St. Peter's wants to ensure you get the most out of in-house worship. If you are having difficulties hearing the message, sound-amplifying devices are available at the back of the Sanctuary. Ask an usher to assist you.

The FLOWERS this Sunday are given by Jocelyn Blaskey in memory of her mother, Emma Whiting.

MUSIC NOTES

As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought



Through the first five books of the Bible, Moses brings up the idea of first fruits a total of thirteen times. It was an essential concept for his people to understand. God called his people to bring the first yield—the first fruits—from their harvest to him as an offering to demonstrate the Israelites’ obedience and reverence for God. It also showed that they trusted God to provide enough crops to feed their family.



Although we no longer live in an agrarian-based society and likely don’t worry about harvest time or giving away the first yield of our crops, the idea of first fruits is still relevant—it just takes on a new meaning for us. What started as a specific instruction for bringing crops to the temple priest was expanded on later in Scripture. It no longer refers to literal fruit—first fruits means any income, wealth, or blessings that a Christian has received over the course of the year.

Frank von Christerson, who wrote the text for “As Those of Old…”, was born near Helsinki, Finland, but moved to America at the age of four. He attended Stanford and San Francisco Theological Seminary and retired after thirty-seven years of service to United Presbyterian Churches in Berkeley, North Hollywood, and Sacramento. He was also a Fellow of the Hymn Society and wrote five hymns. According to the Presbyterian hymnal Glory to God, this text ‘expresses the conviction that being a good steward is an essential part of the Christian life, for self-giving is God’s own nature.’



The tune of this hymn – Forest Green – is named for a village in Surrey, England, where Ralph Vaughn Williams collected it in 1903. You may recognize this tune as an alternative melody for O Little Town of Bethlehem.

Worship from Home

Our 9:00 AM service will begin broadcasting at 8:55 AM. Join us on our YouTube channel to view the service.

Calling All Slightly Used Coats, Sweaters, and Hoodies



This is the time of year we end up going through our closets and getting rid of coats, sweaters, and hoodies that no longer fit, or maybe we just don't like them anymore and are making room for new ones.   

Mission Outreach is having a donation drive ending this Sunday to collect those items. There will be two large boxes just outside the Sanctuary where you can deposit your donation. The donations will be going to those in need of warm outerwear this winter.  

Flower Calendar

Sign-ups for our 2024 Sunday Sanctuary flower dedication will be held on the patio following Worship on Sunday. Due to an increase in costs, the price for one Sunday will be $60 for the donor, with St. Peter's picking up the addition cost of delivery to the church.

To allow everyone to participate, we are asking donors to sign up for just one Sunday each until others have had a chance to fill the dates. You may pay by check, cash or online prior to your dedication Sunday. Thank you to our congregation who is always faithful in providing the beautiful flowers.

Blood Pressure Screening

Health Ministry will be screening blood pressure this Sunday, November 19, after the service in the Sanctuary.

Christmas Poinsettias

Deadline Tuesday, December 11

St. Peter’s is continuing the tradition of decorating our sanctuary with poinsettias at Christmas. If you want to purchase a poinsettia in honor, in celebration, or in memory of someone, click the link below for the order form and instructions.

Annual December

Socks & Blankets Tree

December 3 - 17 

Socks and blankets are often requested by those who are without a home, at risk of homelessness, or are in a homeless center, so once again, we will be collecting socks and blankets for those in need. Bring a pair of new child, youth, man, or woman’s socks or a new blanket with you to church from December 3 through December 17, and we will deliver the items to homeless women with children, at-risk high school students, homeless adults, seniors in our community, and veterans who served our country. We appreciate all that you do to care for those in our community and share God’s love to all those around us!

If you have questions or need help getting the socks or blankets to the church campus, please e-mail outreach@stpetershb.org or call 714-846-6641, ext. 226. 

Bring HOME to St. Peter's

This year’s Advent/Christmas theme is Seeking Home. Just as the baby Jesus found a unique home in a manger, we, too, find our home to be a special place during the Christmas season. There are family traditions and decorations that we bring out each year. As part of this year’s St. Peter’s celebration of Christmas, we ask that you share a bit of your family tradition by bringing a Nativity to be placed on display in our Sanctuary during the Advent season. We will be collecting the Nativities on Sunday, November 26, on the patio and Monday, November 27, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Sanctuary. We are not able to accept them any earlier. These will be on display on a table, so they can be no larger than 18 inches tall. Help bring home to St. Peter’s Christmas.