THE ROCK And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church..." Matthew 16:18

Volume 31 Issue 6 JUNE 2020 Newsletter Subtitle Month Year

"From The Pastor's Desk"

We, the church, this community, the world are in a period of mourning. We are mourning our routines, our future, the simple act of touching each other through handshakes and hugs. We are off balance and long to simply have some sign of normalcy. Typically, in the past during times of great anxiety we were able to congregate in person, give signs of encouragement and peace. But we have been restricted. The feeling you have been having of sorrow is called mourning. We do need to shed tears, remember, and take note that we have grief over not passing the peace in church, of not being able to sing hymns together, of not seeing each other's face We miss laughing with one another, reciting and listening to our creeds together. We were designed for one another to be in community together. Sunday morning was a place we could connect, celebrate our faith victories over the week and find strength in our failings.

Rev. Cory Britt We need to cry out to God for his peace to encounter us in our struggles, to call out to God for those this virus is affecting and the conditions it is creating of disparity and despair, that healing, restoration, hope and strength will fill their lives. We need to call out to God for comfort in our grief, for confidence to look to Him in our struggles and to discover how we can be the people he has called us to be.

Remember this prayer from the book of Lamentations chapter 3

21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. 26. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Covid-19 has been a disruption to our lives. It has been inconvenient for some and devastating for others. It has created an environment where we cannot meet as we once did. The church, the people not the building, has a responsibility for Doing No Harm. And so, we did our part in helping to flatten the curve of the virus which was about allowing hospitals to do what was necessary to not be overwhelmed by a flood of patients creating even more chaos. Flattening the curve was not about curing the virus, but making sure we had enough beds and ventilators for the sick.

The efforts made have done a great job. Wellington saw low numbers during our time of quarantine. However, since opening phase 1 the past 10 days has seen an increase in the numbers of people who are testing positive. I say that, so you are aware, that I am keeping an eye on those numbers, to encourage you to keep social distancing, wash your hands, and wear your mask (as there is ever increasing evidence that masks work and remember that it is most effective in keeping someone carrying the virus from spreading it unknowingly). I would also encourage you to get tested. That being said, our conference has given churches permission (barring significant spikes in the presence of the virus) with certain guidelines, when our churches feel ready to begin planning for In Person Worship.

What Does That Mean for St Peter's? There are 3 stages for us to begin in person worship I. Stage 1 A. Re-opening Team 1. Develop safety procedures 2. Develop plan for re-open B. Communication 1. Communicate to the congregation what Sunday mornings will look like from a safety perspective and what worship will look like 2. Have 3 weeks to help congregation plan for their own expectation of what a Sunday morning will require of them II. Stage 2 A. Technical Team 1. Make sure we have people trained to run all the technical aspects of having a live and live streamed worship service 2. Make sure we can do both at the same time well (that we have the right equipment, manpower to simply run the cameras, sound system, screen slide for both online and in person) B. Ushers and Worship Support 1. Training our Ushers for how to help people find safe seats, point towards sanitizer stations, provide masks for those who do have them, etc. 2. Creating safe procedures for offering and communion C. Stage 3 1. Invite you all to worship

Where We Are:

We are moving from stage 1 to stage 2. Our team has done an incredible job of creating procedures for when we can see each other's faces again. I will share some of those below. Over the next few weeks, you will see letters and videos from us sharing the plan; we will be working out the technical glitches for doing live stream and in person on a budget.

 Our goal is to do our best to create practices that will keep you healthy and to keep staff healthy.  The majority of our large churches in the UMC are waiting until late summer to re-open.  We are aiming for early July (barring no major spikes in the virus)  Only 30% of our congregation has indicated they will be joining us for in-person due to concerns of Covid-19.

The Basic Practices

Remember, us having in person worship is not saying that the virus isn't still here. It is and it is dangerous. We can ensure safe practices, but none are guaranteed.

You Should Stay Home If:

 You have a fever  You show any of the signs of having the virus  You are not feeling well  You have an immune system that is susceptible to being weakened by the virus  Or any other reasons your doctor or the CDC has told you to stay at home

If You Come:

 Every other pew will be blocked off to ensure safe distances  Each pew will have 6ft marked off to keep family units or individuals at a safe 6ft distance  Face Masks are required (we are still looking at what age children do not need to wear them)  There will be one entrance  We will have exit doors for different zones in the church  Please do not shake each other's hands (I know, it bothers me too)  We are still doing research on if there will be singing (I know, it bothers me too)  There will not be Sunday school or Nursery or fellowship time (I will miss the donuts too)

There are other details that we will share with you in the coming weeks. Please know we are doing everything we can to create not just a safe place, but a sacred place where we can worship God both in person and online. You are the church, and wherever you are let us be the church.

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Cory Britt

YouTube Information Worship Services

Traditional Worship 8:00 & 11:00 am Contemporary 9:30 am

Sunday School All Ages 9:30 am

St. Peter's Quick Links

More About Us

We invite you to subscribe and follow us on our Teaching/Sermon Channel Food Ministry on YouTube. You will find our latest Sunday morning sermons, as well as short devotional videos to help guide you on your journey to reflect the image of God in your life. We even have videos for the children in your life: Sunday morning children's chats that are based on the sermon of the week, music videos filled with popular Bible and VBS songs, and coming soon Bible time with Ms. Shelly & Ms. Jenn.

Follow this link to watch our videos!

https://tinyurl.com/SPUMCYOUTUBE

Once you find us, go ahead and subscribe and turn your notifications "on". Urgent Need This will allow you to be notified whenever a new video is posted. Please Donate If you have any questions, please contact Shelly Albright at [email protected]. We have been helping those in our congregation, their friends

and families who are in need INTENTIONAL DISCIPLING every month with Publix gift Adult Ministries cards. The need for help continues to grow so if you can help, please make your check out to St. Peter's putting Food Ministry in the memo section. .

Rev. Rachel Lever

LOOK WHO GOT CAUGHT SERVING "BEHIND THE SCENES" REACH OUT TO CROS MINISTRIES Make a difference here at home! Help us alleviate hunger in Palm Beach County. Help us stock the CROS Food Pantry in Lake

Michelle Knevelbaard ~ Before the quarantine, Michelle was in Worth by bringing non- charge of the Pathway to God Prayer Ministry. Since the quarantine began, Michelle hosts a Zoom prayer gathering each perishable food items with Monday evening. you to worship. Demand is heavy and often the supply is limited. CROS - Christians

Reaching Out to Society.

Eric Zuehlsdorff and Barbara Otto ~ Before the quarantine, you would find seven or eight people counting the weekly offering. Since the quarantine began, Eric and Barbara have been carrying the responsibility. ST. PETER'S AUTOMATIC OFFERING PLAN YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS MADE EASY

St. Peter's Automatic Offering Plan is similar to payment programs offered by banks and utility companies. Your contributions are automatically withdrawn from checking or savings accounts at any bank or credit union. It's 100% safe. No one but you has access to your account and nothing can be withdrawn without your authorization. You can change or cancel your contribution by simply sending a written notice to St. Peter's. For more information or to obtain an authorization form just click on the link Electronic Funds Authorization form or please call the office, 793-5712, ext.13.

Jerry Tuliano ~ Before the quarantine, Jerry planned, coordinated, and cooked many meals at St. Peter's. Since the quarantine began, we caught him preparing lunch for the church staff on a recent Sunday.

The hospitality program has increased since it was started. The coffee and donuts have become a big hit with the children and adults. It was decided to set up in the Fellowship June Zuehlsdorff and Howard Dargan worked on the roof of the gym on a recent Sunday afternoon. Eric Zuehlsdorff and Barry Hall for the comfort of Hutchins were also involved in the project. everyone with the addition of tables and chairs so we can KUDOS TO ... all enjoy fellowship with ... the persons listed above ... and to many others who continue to others. serve our church family, even in the midst of a world-wide pandemic!

MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE LED SHORT TERM STUDIES DURING THE QUARANTINE

Surprise the World ~ Monday - Carol Curtis and John Cardozo Surprise the World + DNA ~ Tuesday - Howard Dargan and Jerry Tuliano Surprise the World ~ Wednesday - Sheryl Beach Surprise the World ~ Thursday - Dave Boyer ST. PETER'S Surprise the World ~ Sunday - Group participants shared the GREETERS AND WELCOME leadership Anxious for Nothing ~ Wednesday - Ann Lewis CART VOLUNTEERS You'll Get Through This ~ Monday - Debbie Louda and Neil I would like to thank you for Spielholz your generous gift of time to You'll Get Through This ~ Wednesday - Ann Lewis volunteer to greet our church family and welcome visitors as they come to worship on Sunday.

We are always looking for volunteers and if you have an interest please contact Shelly Albright [email protected] or call 561-800-8375.

Thank you again for your BUILDING BETTER MOMS help.

On May 15, the last meeting of the 2019-2020 Building Better Moms was held by way of Zoom. The agenda included a devotional, an evaluation of the programs during the year, and a raffle. Pictured above are Elizabeth Prince, who received the book, Wild, and Carrie Sellari, who received Aztec Secret.

Coffee and donuts are CONGRATULATIONS served from 8:00 to 11:00 am. DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY GRADUATES!

On May 20, Disciple Bible Study IV participants met for their final class. It was my pleasure to join the group for virtual communion. The following persons will be recognized in a worship service soon: Barbara Bess, Andrea Gerhoff, Eucleane Greaves, Elaine Jefferson, Pat Johnson, Kate Kouba, Debbie Louda, Fred Peguero, Mariana Peguero, Dan Sands, Liz Sands, John Tamsberg, Pansy Watson, Martha Webster. Rev. Cory Britt taught several We are always looking for sessions of this 32 week, in-depth course. some volunteers to help on Tuesday mornings to straighten

out and supply the sanctuary. If NEW ZOOM CLASSES this is something you would be interested in please contact Debbie Ferrugio in the church office at 561-793-5712 ext. 13.

Dealing with Doubts

This class will cover the major issues related to having doubts about one's faith. Topics will include exploring what faith and doubt really are, learning about Biblical doubters, investigating reasons for doubt, and developing strategies for understanding and managing doubts. Leader: Debbie Louda Dates: Six Tuesdays beginning on June 9 United Methodists have Time: 6:00 PM Book: This class will include material from several different "The Upper Room resources, but there is no specific book or videos. Living Prayer Center" Registration: Registration is a must so that we can send you the Zoom invitation. Contact Rachel Lever, [email protected]. prayer ministry with a 24-hr, Anyone intererested in this topic is welcome, including those who toll-free Prayer Line at: are currently being challenged by doubts or who want to help someone who is struggling with their faith. 1-800-251-2468.

Here at St. Peter's, we have an intercessory prayer group called The Pathway to God Prayer Ministry. Michelle Knevelbaard is our new coordinator. You can send your prayer concerns to [email protected] and she will forward them to the rest of the prayer team.

I & II Thessalonians RESOURCES Click on icons to for more Paul loved the young Thessalonian Church like the family he never information. had, perhaps more than the other churches. Yet their ethics continued to reflect the values of the pagan cultures that surrounded them. Join us as we learn about Paul's teaching regarding the return UMC 2008 Book of Discipline of Jesus. Leader: Jane Fernandez Cokesbury Dates: Five Mondays, for each book, beginning on June 15 Time: 11:00 AM Book: You are encouraged to read I & II Thessalonians in your favorite Bible. Registration: Registration is a must so that we can send you the Zoom invitation. Contact Rachel Lever, [email protected].

GROUPS FOR ADULTS ++ Denotes groups meeting by way of Zoom **Denotes short term small groups SUNDAY AM - Fellowship Class++

AM - Small Group for Parents of Young Children AM - Small Group for Parents of Youth PM - DNA Group++ PM - Abundance of Joy Reunion Group++ PM - Women's Reunion Group++ PM - Men's Book Study++ MONDAY AM - I & II Thessalonians - Begins June 15**++ AM - Ruth Circle (1st Monday) PM - Men's Reunion Group++ PM - Women's Reunion Group++ PM - Zoom Prayer Gathering**++ PM - Women of St. Peter's (2nd Monday) PM - United Methodist Men (3rd Monday)

TUESDAY AM - Men's Breakfast Group ++ AM - You'll Get Through This**++ PM - Dealing with Doubts - Begins June 9**++ PM - Women's Small Group++ WEDNESDAY AM - Women's Breakfast Reunion Group++ AM - Disciple Bible Study I++ AM - Disciple Bible Study IV++ PM - Prayer Shawl Ministry PM - Surprise the World! small group** PM - You'll Get Through This**++ THURSDAY AM - Building Better Moms PM - Men's Bible Study++ FRIDAY PM - Women's Lunch Reunion Group++ SATURDAY AM - Men's Breakfast Reunion Group++ Contact Rachel Lever, [email protected], for more information about groups OR for information on how to connect with your group through Zoom CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES

We have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure our children and youth are still connected to Jesus and their church!

This is the perfect time for families to enjoy worship together. Children and

Jenn Morgan, Coordinator of youth who attend worship are more Children's Arts & likely to practice their faith as adults. Shelly Albright, Director of The worship team is dedicated to Children and Youth Ministries making each service a special Puerta de Golpe, Cuba experience for all ages.

Participate in our online services, comment and read the comments! It has been a unique way for us to remain an active Christian community.

Each week we produce a Zambia

Children's Chat to match Contact Information Website: stpeters-umc.org Pastor Cory's Phone: 561-793-5712 sermon topic. Fax: 561-793-5848

We encourage you to Senior Pastor: take the time to Rev.Cory Britt watch. It's not just for Ext. 11 the little ones! The [email protected]

children's message is Assistant to Pastor: a really easy way to relate to the theme of the weekly service. Rev. Rachel Lever Ext. 21 If you watch it before worship, it is a sneak peak. If you watch it after [email protected] worship, it is a good recap. You can follow the links below to view the most recent chats. Director of Children & Youth Shelly Albright Ext. 29 [email protected]

Coordinator of Children's Arts Jenn Morgan Knock, Knock: In this [email protected] episode, Ms. Shelly explores the story of Jesus Knocking on our Director of Praise and Worship Copeland Davis heart door. [email protected]

Ch Ch Ch Changes:This week Director of Traditional Worship Ms Shelly looks at how God Jim Sheldrake calls us to transform (fancy word Ext. 30 for change into something new) [email protected] and be kind to our neighbors! Secretary: Pentecost: Ms Shelly and some of her friends talk about Pentecost Debbie Ferrugio Ext. 13 and the birth of the Church! [email protected]

Director of CEC: YouTube channel: Lori Maxwell Ext. 17 BIBLE TIME with Jenn &Shelly. [email protected] These videos include music, crafts, and a Bible story. The videos are geared toward children from pre-K through grade 5. However...the adults will love watching our bloopers and outtakes! Pastor Cory can't resist sharing our mistakes. Actually, we think that may be his favorite part to edit!

WATCH OUR LATEST VIDEO!

Joshua Knocked Over What?: Join Miss Jenn and Miss Shelly as they lead you through the Story of Joshua at Jericho. You'll learn new songs and a new craft!

Does your child love to sing and dance? If your children love music, be sure to have them watch Ms. Jenn sing and dance to their favorite Bible songs! Her music videos have been a huge hit with the little ones. There are videos for the preschoolers, as well as our elementary aged kids. All of the music videos contain songs kids will love. Angel & Celebration Singers CEC Music Time

Wednesday evenings

7:30pm Tea Time: Girl's small group led by Katie Dresselt and Shelly Albright.

7:30pm B&B: Boys small group led by Chris Gayle and Calvin Strals.

Sundays

3pm Confirmation Class

4pm Youth Group

For information on how to get youth involved in our programs, please contact Shelly Albright at [email protected].

PLEASE, reach out to us if you are in need of anything: a listening ear, a question, a person to vent to, financial assistance, someone to pray with....anything at all.

We are praying for each one of you daily!

TRADITIONAL MUSIC

Heather R. Nelson, Ph.D., is a part-time church music director in Missouri. Her career is serving as a vocologist (the science and practice of vocal habilitation, or vocal training and therapy) and a voice teacher. Her PhD in Vocal Pedagogy and Voice Science. She says, The voice is one of the most wonderful creations that God has bestowed upon us, and I am endlessly

fascinated with it. Jim Sheldrake For me, I never thought I would have to learn about aerosol and droplets when it comes to being a musician. Aerosol particles versus droplets, the distance they can travel and how long they can linger. And then there's the science of temperature and humidity affecting those moistures we left behind. And what about airflow, as in the AC unit? Dr. Nelson has a lot of data on all this. Bottom line, we (Christians) are a singing people. We are social and loving. The lack of being in corporate worship, including the lack of physical touch and togetherness is very, very hard. Dr. Nelson, along with many qualified people agree that until we know more about the aerosol survival rate of SARS-CoV-2 particles, we should continue to be cautious about meeting together as a congregation.

I get it. THIS IS HARD! I am a singer, and I want to sing together with my people. I miss it. I receive angry and sad comments from some who do not understand nor accept the decision to keep our singing private. One side of me says, "Deal with it," while another side reminds me to be compassionate, understanding, and prayerful.

Every church is going through this same thing. How we move forward in corporate worship is a very serious discussion church leadership is considering, prayerfully and wisely. What if we reconvene with increased caution, including no speaking to one another without a mask? What happens if we move forward without any singing? Yeah, that's the ticket! We have Copeland, Ryan, and Pastor Cory who could each perform solo! I suggest there can be worship without singing. We can worship with preaching, testimony, prayer, contemplation...all things that are true worship that just happen to not be set to music. As a worship leader and a music educator, I have long wanted for you to carry all forms of worship to your home lives, including making music on your own. Too long we've left the music to the professionals. I do not believe God wants to hear only from the professionals. Remember, Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! (Psalm 100)? This is your wonderful opportunity to sing everywhere.

Trying times can be discouraging times, so keep singing... I sing because I'm happy, (His Eye is on the Sparrow) Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee. (Holy, Holy, Holy) Rejoice, ye pure in heart; rejoice, give thanks, and sing. (Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart) All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice (All People That on Earth Do Dwell) O worship the King, all glorious above, O gratefully sing HIs wonderful love (O Worship the King All creatures of our God and King lift up your voice and with us sing. (All Creatures of Our God and King) Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art! (How Great Thou Art)

See you in church.....someday soon!

CHILD ENRICHMENT CENTER

"No one who achieves success does so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude." - Alfred north Whitehead

Graduation at C.E.C. looked a bit different on May 27th and May

28th. Children's heads popped up Lori Maxwell through sunroofs as teachers greeted the line of cars with cheers, waves, diplomas, and gifts. Preschoolers were being treated to a drive-thru graduation. With the sounds of Pomp and Circumstance flowing from large speakers, the children in caps and tassels leaned out car windows to hear their name called and receive their diplomas. Rain or shine, distance learning or classrooms - we were able to celebrate this precious milestone.

It is difficult to believe the school year has come to an end. I am filled with mixed emotions. Our C.E.C. families will have the memory of...that year in preschool when...it stopped. We will remember that we learned differently, but most of all we will remember what is essential. Our connections to each other, which we can't live without.

Congratulations to St. Peter's VPK Graduating Class of 2020!! We are so proud of you!! SALTY SERVICE INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS One for Israel- Eitan Bar There is an underground awakening taking place in Israel. The crisis is making people rethink their faith. There has been an increase of 40% in views. In fact, in the last several days they had 4.7 million views of their videos. The orthodox rabbis announced that the Messiah would arrive this past Passover. Of course he did not come, therefore, many are looking for answers and finding the testimonies of those who have accepted Christ. What exciting times!

Liberia- Johannes and Lena Ebner Since the Corona virus made things so difficult, they decided they needed to evacuate the country. They were not allowed to leave their county. Most of the essentials (food, healthcare, access to money and stores) were in the next county. It was very expensive, @$1600 each for an airline ticket, but they made it. They are in the USA in self-quarantine and staying in a donated time share. People have been very generous in supplying new toys for their children to play with. (They had requested to borrow some toys) They feel blessed to be safe.

Zambia- Nate Steury Although we have not received a newsletter this month, we know that their projects continue. They are preparing to open the new clinic and the retirement home. The many other projects,(the bees, the well digging, the school, the pastors school, the farm) all continue. They have a marvelous ministry.

Cuba-Puerta de Golpe-Eduardo Murga During their quarantine, Pastor Pitity goes to pray in the sanctuary every morning and sends out verses he feels God leads him to find to help everyone in this crisis. So far these are the ones he has sent to us: Psalms 20-complete, 29-complete, 40:1-8, 73-complete, 84:10-12 Habakkuk 2:1-4, 3:17-19 Colossians 3:12-15 Matthew 7:7-12 Isaiah 26:3-4 Romans 8: 14-18 In the meantime, your generosity is providing food for the members of the congregation. They have prepared a soup and other food for them to come pick up.

Alonso de Rojas -Arturo Manuel Silot Labaceno During their isolation, the pastor has been busy constructing an outdoor kitchen and storage room. The outdoor space will be perfect for church dinners and gatherings. Also the pastor's wife, Ana Julia, has graduated with a diploma in theology. Congratulations and many blessings.

Thank you for praying for our missionaries.

In His service, Carol Walters Curtis and Ann Lewis