Amanda Stephenson

We learn together, pray together, and work for justice together. Although we are physically separated right now, this work continues. I encourage you to spend time in prayer around what Jesus is calling you to do right now, and then find ways to turn that prayer into action.

My prayer is that we can use this time in the wilderness both as individuals and as a nation to clarify where our priorities are and who we want to be as people. Don’t just look backward with rosy glasses. Use this time of wandering in the wilderness to learn and grow so that when we enter the promised land, it will indeed be better than what we left behind.

As we live through this strange Lenten social fast that nobody wanted, I hope that we can spend some time with the disciples as they too struggle to adapt to a new normal. I hope that we can trust that “this too shall pass” and on the other side will be resurrection. It may not be on our desired timeline, but it will be. Please know that you all are in my prayers; please keep the clergy and staff of St. Peter’s in yours.

Although we are still at the beginning of Epiphany, the season of Lent will be here before we know it! During Lent, Christians typically choose to either give something up, or to take on a new spiritual practice. This year, at the invitation of the Diocese of North Carolina, we would like to offer you an option for a Lenten practice.

Christian formation is one of the most important things that we do as members of St. Peters. We are all familiar with our robust children and youth programs, but there are many exciting adult formation opportunities in the upcoming year!

We are made for community, and our faith is strongest when it is lived out in community.

Fall formation will resume on August 25 and there are many exciting opportunities to learn and grow in your faith over the upcoming months at St. Peter’s. Keep a close eye on your eNews and Sunday leaflets for the most up to date information about how to get involved.

Traveling with a group of people to another land, another culture, is always an adventure, but on a pilgrimage you do so with a common intention: To grow closer to God and one another. I am incredibly excited to invite you to join myself and Lyn Holt in May of 2020 as we lead an adult pilgrimage walking in the footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Rome!

Join us for this festive and holy day of Pentecost as we rejoice in the presence of the Spirit in our lives and in our church. Don’t forget to wear red!