to connect

to connect

Peace, friends. 

You’ve probably noticed that this (text only) version of the eMessenger looks a little different. 

I suppose that’s because things are different. 

We continue to adapt our ministry and operations as St. Peter’s and the wider community implement practices designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and we want to take a moment to say thank you for your patience and goodwill.

We will endeavor to post devotional pieces and other materials to offer spiritual nourishment via the St. Peter’s website (under “News and Views” on the front page) and will continue to creatively attend to spirit and soul in any way that we can.  In this challenging time, we would encourage you to be mindful of what you need as you care for yourself and, potentially, others.

One writer encouraged spiritual nourishment this way: As you are able, treat this time as Sabbath and pay attention to what you are feeling and experiencing. Dwell in God’s word individually and with loved ones as much as possible…even if it’s through the wonders of technology! 

Today, we point you to a few resources: 

• You can jump on Twitter and check our @ELCICinfo. Join our National Bishop each day as she suggests a hymn from EvLW and invites you to pray while you sing through the hymn and join her in prayer in the petition. We will retweet the Bishop’s devotions so you’ll be able to see them through the St. Peter’s feed that appears on the front page of the St. Peter’s website (just scroll down towards the bottom).

• You can check out our local Two Rivers Ministry Area site at https://trmalutherans.ca for a great collection of online postings of sermons and worship pieces.

• The South Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America offers Daily Prayer Gatherings. Each weekday at 10:00 a.m. they will offer a live Daily Prayer Gathering on their Facebook page and via YouTube.

• There’s a family devotional entitled Pandemic Hope: A Family Devotional for Life during COVID-19. (https://unite-production.s3.amazonaws.com/tenants/trinityol/attachments/231128/Pandemic_Hope_Devotional.pdf) While it’s aimed at families, there are some interesting activities. My fav is the included Hymnal Handwashing Hits!

• If you are interested in a radio broadcast of a Lutheran service, consider listening to the St. Matthews Kitchener Golden Hour broadcast, Sundays at 11 a.m. on FaithFM 93.7 Kitchener-Waterloo, or Rogers 926, or at kitchener.faithfm.org

Psalm 46: 1-3 & 7 reminds us that

1 God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,

though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

3 though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble with its tumult. 

7 The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Friends, even though St. Peter’s doors are closed for now, our faith in God is wide open. 

As Luke Powery reminds us, 

as we move forward, in the days ahead, let’s continue to pray for one another. 

Let’s continue to stay connected to each other in new and creative ways. 

Let’s continue to demonstrate our care for one another, our love for one another. 

Should you feel (mentally) stressed, or find yourself in need of supportive conversation, please feel free to contact Pastor Mark at 519-591-1551.

St. Peter’s bells will continue to ring – not only to tell us the time! – but as a sign of hope that we will get through this together with God’s help.