Submitted by Pastor Frank Dietz:
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT: We light the Advent candle of HOPE. While nourished by the Holy Meal at the HOLY TABLE we will be invited into praise in the 122nd Psalm along with Romans 13:11-14a, Isaiah 2:1-5 and Matthew 24:36-44. All are welcome as we begin the journey through Advent anticipation and preparation.
Submitted by Pastor Frank Dietz:
The traditional observance for the last Sunday of the church year, liturgically, will be Totenfest. Place that pastoral sense in memoriam with the roll call and bell toll inside a measure of Thanksgiving in anticipation of the national community’s pause to give THANKS. Psalm 46, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20 and the Gospel from Luke-Acts in Luke 23:33-43.
All, indeed, are urged to come and give thanks for our blessings and the lives that have blessed us during their journeying with us.
Submitted by Pastor Frank Dietz:
This Sunday worship on the hill at St. Peter’s will draw attention to how God regards young children with the Sacrament of Baptism, declaring “You Are God’s Beloved!” Scriptures from the 98th Psalm, a portion of Isaiah’s song in Isaiah 65:17-24 and Luke 21:5-19 will inform our gathering. All will be invited to renew their own Baptism as they come forward for the sacred moment of Holy Communion. ALL who come in faith are welcome here and at the Table!
Readings:
Submitted by Pastor Frank Dietz:
As the bell summons on Sunday, we’ll be an “Alleluia/Hallelujah Affair” in process! The service will be focused on Psalm 145. It is one of the larger collection in the historic Psalter of the Hallel Psalms……great and deep expressions of praise. These particular Psalms probably comprised a liturgical series of special hymns. Power. Hope. Joy. The wellspring of great spiritual life resources!
Join us and multiply the joy!
Readings:
Submitted by Pastor Frank Dietz:
This Sunday we identify with a “little guy” caught up a tree! The awkwardness of the moment when one is face-to-face with the holy and dealing with life’s ultimate questions and challenges is something that occurs for many of us. Can and do we learn from Zacheus? All of the lessons help us “come to terms” with who and whose we are and can be, . . . ! ! !
The service is one of pew Communion for all who have gathered…….and, at St. Peter’s all who come in faith are welcome and invited to respond to Christ’s invitation to “Come!”
Submitted by Pastor Frank Dietz:
Sunday at St. Peter’s on the hill is “kirchenfest” which locally means “Confirmation Reunions.” Several special classes have been invited and will be recognized.
Normally, Kirchenfest in Germany, and in some other church settings globally, means extraordinary showcasing of mission. The lesson contrasts the “self satisfied” Pharisee with the poor unfortunate beggar/sinner whom Jesus lifts up for his faith expression and focus. The lesson and the literal interpretation of such a lesson as took place in the witness of the new Pope Francis this week make a striking backdrop to what in the liturgical church calendar is REFORMATION Sunday. That makes it a RED LETTER day recognizing the work of the Spirit to call us to a deeper sense of church and faithfulness in ministry as the people of God. What an apt summons for a church on the bridge toward its future!
The following is from the church newsletter for October, “The Voice on the Hill:”
Following church services, our annual Kerchenfest will take place, recognizing confirmands from 25, 50 and 60 years ago (1988, 1963, 1953). A list of names can be found on page 5. There will be a turkey luncheon after worship and a raffle for a special, heirloom queen-sized quilt. The quilt, “Loving Leaves” created in beautiful fall colors, was originally donated by Bill Albert. The top was pieced anonymously, and then lovingly hand quilted by the ladies in the St. John’s UCC Church quilting group in Burton. Raffle tickets will be $5 each or five for $20 and the funds will support parsonage improvements and repairs which will be needed prior to occupancy by our new pastor. Join us for food and fellowship!
Readings:
Joel 2:23-32
Psalm 65
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 2
Luke 18:9-14
One of the hand-carved, wooden scripture plaques in the sanctuary.