Announcements

Dear friends,

As we continue to live into this time of Covid-19, the Vestry and I have worked very hard to keep everyone safe and to find creative ways to feed our common life together as we worship and serve our Lord. We deeply appreciate your prayers, understanding and support. Through it all, I believe we have demonstrated our commitment to Christ and our love for one another.

Doubtless you have noticed that many of the restrictions we have been following have fallen away in the larger community, (such as mask wearing and physical distancing). While this has been much desired by all of us, it remains a concern as we know that many in our community have not been vaccinated for a variety of reasons. This is of particular concern for the very young and the immunocompromised who cannot take advantage of the vaccine or for whom the vaccine just will not work. Still, we seem to be in a bit of a lull in progression of the disease, although the news of the delta variant continues to be disconcerting.

Accordingly, the Vestry and I have decided to lift the mandatory mask requirement for fully vaccinated worshippers and the 3-foot physical distancing that limited the capacity at worship services. This will mean, beginning this coming weekend, that you do not need to preregister to attend a service or wear a mask IF you have received the full dose of the vaccine.

There are several important caveats:

1) Should the virus infection rate begin to rise again we may need to again place restrictions to protect each other and keep everyone safe.

2) Anyone may still choose to wear a mask at worship. In addition, the POD church option (home communion) and home visits from the clergy to bring communion remain available for anyone who does not feel comfortable coming to worship at the service for whatever reason.

3) If you are not vaccinated, you MUST wear a mask. We would encourage you, for your own safety, not to put yourself at risk by attending large gatherings like worship.

4) We are a Christian community which means we are always conscious of the needs of each other. If you do come to worship and notice that someone is wearing a mask, please maintain at least three feet physical distance from them and respect their need for space.

The Vestry and I will meet next week and discuss this further to consider other questions such as Coffee Hour and leaving the sanctuary open 24/7. Regardless of what choices we make, I ask your patience and understanding. These are indeed unprecedented times and we are all trying our best. Please know that if you have any questions or concerns, you may feel free to reach out to me at any time. Know that you are daily in my prayers and I hope that I am in yours.

Peace and blessings,


Jeffrey+

St. Peter's is offering two online Bible study

classes each week.

Thursday morning at 9:30 am Fr. Jeff is leading a study of the Book of Acts. This study follows the hybrid model: in-person for those who are comfortable gathering together (mask wearing is required), or via Zoom for those who either need or want to join from home. This group has lively and informative discussions about the text they are studying together. There is always room for more participants if you are interested.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study meets from 7 to 8:30 pm every Wednesday via Zoom.

Beginning January 6th we will be reading 1st and 2nd Samuel.

This history of Samuel, Saul and David is rich in stories that we all know well, as well as stories of heroines and heroes who don’t get as much press as we might hope for - Hannah and Bathsheba, Nathan and Absalom - and much about the Ark, Philistines, battles, betrayals, songs of triumph and sorrow.... lots to chew on!

Come and join in the discussions. Contact the office for the Zoom links. 

Wednesday Spirituality Group

A group is meeting via Zoom on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 pm, with the Rev. Carlyle Gill as moderator, to consider readings that may lead to greater wisdom and understanding.  We are currently reading “The Seat of the Soul” by Gary Zukav, which can be obtained from Browseabout Books as well as from Amazon.  All are welcome to join us for open and thoughtful discussion; reading is not necessary for participation in the group. 

Please contact the office if you would like to know how to participate.

St. Peter's Readers

St Peter’s Readers has been meeting using the Zoom platform on the third Sunday of the month at 5 p.m. We have decided to move to in person meetings in September we will meet in the conference room in the lower level of the church - and will adhere to all the Covid protocols that are still in place at that time. We hope to continue with Zoom for members who cannot attend in person.

We will meet via Zoom in July and August.


We have made decisions about upcoming selections:

• July 18- Our Town by Thornton Wilder – (classic, play) 

• August 15- Braiding Sweet Grass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer - (nonfiction) 


For information on how to join this group, please contact the office.

We want to see YOU

The warm, loving community full of genuine Christian hospitality is a hallmark of life at St. Peter's. To help us feel connected in our time of quarantine, we are asking for photos of you – individuals, couples, and families. These photos will be shared as a slideshow in upcoming weeks during our 9:00 Sunday Eucharist on YouTube. To get clear photos, just use your smartphone with good lighting and upload your pictures HERE.

Now you can wear a replica of our new Steeple Cross!

Local jeweler Albert Frank has designed silver and gold versions of the new Steering Cross from the steeple of St. Peter's. These are custom made to order and about 1.5 inches in height. If you would like one for your very own, please give him a call at 302-645-1718. Gold is market rate, silver is about $150.