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Rector's Note: Feeding the Hungry in Uncertain Times - 11.13.25
Feeding the hungry has been a practice of the church since it’s earliest days, when Christian communities stood out for their generosity in a Roman culture that wanted little to do with people in need. Today the church continues to take its Gospel call to care for those who are food insecure very seriously, both by providing food in emergencies and advocating for governmental and social structures that protect people on the margins at all times. The disruptions
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Nov 13, 20253 min read


Rector's Note: Early Thanksgiving - 11.06.25
The call came out of the blue a few weeks ago. “St. Peter’s Church, this is Rev. Barb, how may I help you?” “Oh wonderful! This is Moni McIntyre…” The Rev. Dr. Moni McIntyre! A voice from nearly two decades ago laughed into the phone. She had been poking around on the internet and saw my name and position and decided on a whim to call. She didn’t expect me to answer the phone. And I didn’t expect to hear from one of the people who were key to my becoming a priest, 18 years af
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Nov 6, 20253 min read


Rector's Note: Ten Years Later, A Loving Legacy - 10.23.25
In spring of 2026, we will be celebrating the 10 th anniversary of the joining of St. Philip-in-the-Fields with St. Peter’s, Glenside. The Oreland church, which got its start as a daughter parish of St. Peter’s, closed its doors and turned its property back over to the diocese in 2016 after determining that with a shrinking congregation, the parish could not be sustained into the future. The joining of the parishes predates my arrival, but I can say that everywhere I look I
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Oct 23, 20253 min read


Rector's Note: Please hold your applause- 10.16.25
Our Worship Committee meets about six weeks before each church season begins to anticipate liturgical changes in the season, make adjustments and ensure that the various liturgical ministers are on board with what’s to come. They also bring up issues to make liturgy better, such as how to stay safe during the COVID pandemic or how to reinstitute intinction. Of late, we’ve had a few conversations about how to address the tendency to applaud after anthems and other special musi
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Oct 16, 20253 min read


Rector's Note: Tell out Your Soul this Stewardship Season-10.9.25
Stewardship season is again upon us. This Sunday we will kick off our month of reflection and discernment of how we give our time, talent...
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Oct 9, 20254 min read


Rector's Note: Getting Ready for the Feast of St. Francis-10.2.25
As we prepare for the feast of St. Francis this Sunday, I hope you are getting your pets ready to be blessed during the service. Sit them...
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Oct 2, 20253 min read


Rector's Note: Where was Rev. Barb last week?-9.25.25
The Credo conference that I attended last week in Maryland drew clergy from all over the country to focus on how to care for our ordained...
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Sep 25, 20253 min read


Rector's Note: May My Eyes Bless All I See-9.11.25
For my end of summer reading, I’m listening to a recording of the book Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom by the late spiritual writer...
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Sep 11, 20253 min read


Rector's Note: Welcome Home-9.4.25
Some churches call it Rally Day. Others have ministry fairs. Last year, we decided to call our day to kick off the program year...
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Sep 4, 20253 min read


Rector's Note: An opportunity for Public Prayer in Solidarity with Migrants-8.21.25
If God really answers our prayers as the Scriptures promise, why is the world as messed up as it is, and why do our own faithful...
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Aug 21, 20254 min read


Rector's Note: So glad to be among the neighbors-8.7.25
Since the end of June, the Abington Community Fridge, tucked on St. Peter’s back porch between the kitchen and the wheelchair accessible...
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Aug 7, 20253 min read


Rector’s Note:Remembering Joanna Macy-7.31.25
Joanna Macy, whose work and writing has had a profound impact on me, passed quietly from our lives a few weeks ago on July 19 at the age...
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Jul 31, 20253 min read


Rector’s Note: How can we help-7.24.35
Offering care is one of St. Peter’s greatest charisms, those gifts that God places in us to share with other people. It’s reflected in...
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Jul 24, 20255 min read


From the Parish Nurse: The Importance of Emergency Contacts- Especially for Those Living Alone
Dear Friends in Christ, At St. Peter’s, we are blessed to be part of a caring and compassionate community. From the Pastoral Care Team...
Kristina Marchuk
Jul 24, 20252 min read


Rector’s Note: Flower Power-7.17.25
This morning, as I was walking the dog with Jess, I looked longingly at the two raised beds that neighbors have planted with wild flowers...
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Jul 17, 20253 min read


Needed Now More Than Ever: Supporting the Food Cupboard in Challenging Times
During a time when food insecurity is rising and government support systems are being reduced, ministries like our Food Cupboard are more...
Food Cupboard Stewards
Jul 17, 20252 min read


Rector's Note: Back from the Beach, Into the Heart-7.10.25
I wasn’t sure what to write about today for my Rector’s note after two weeks away. There is indeed much that’s on my mind. For example: •...
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Jul 10, 20253 min read


Anthem Spotlight: Majesty - Jack Hayford-6.19.25
This will be our final Anthem Spotlight, as our Music Director will soon be leaving St. Peter’s. Best wishes to Carol Cei! As I prepare...
Carol Cei
Jun 19, 20251 min read


Rector’s Note: Won’t You Celebrate with me?-6.19.25
Today is Juneteenth, the national holiday that commemorates the oldest celebration of the end of slavery in the United States, marking...
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Jun 19, 20253 min read


Rector’s Note: Responding to the Cry of our Neighbors-6.12.25
“Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, and especially the hearts of the people of this land,...
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
Jun 12, 20256 min read
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