Fully Alive!

YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
At St. Peter, we care deeply about understanding the hearts and minds of the people we serve. We believe that listening well helps us grow together in faith, strengthen relationships, and better fulfill our mission of living a full life in Christ. That’s why we’ve partnered with ChurchVoice, a platform designed specifically for churches to gather meaningful feedback from their worshiping community. In the coming weeks, you’ll receive a brief survey invitation from ChurchVoice—by email or text. It takes only a few minutes to complete and will help our leaders understand what’s working well, where we can grow as a congregation, and how we can better care for you and your family.

We’ll send these short surveys a few times a year, and these surveys will be intentionally staggered – not everyone will receive the survey at the same time. This approach helps us hear from a wide range of voices, and stay attentive to how our ministry is connecting with people throughout the year. When you receive your invitation, the subject line or text message will clearly include St. Peter so you know it’s from us. All responses are confidential, and your contact information will never be used or shared by ChurchVoice. Thank you for sharing your perspective and for being part of what God is doing here at St. Peter.

NEWS FROM THE PARISH NURSE
A Season of Gratitude and Renewal. October invites us to notice God’s care in the changing seasons. As daylight grows shorter and routines become busier, this is a good time to renew habits that support physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual well-being. Small, steady choices—resting well, eating nourishing foods, staying connected, and making time for prayer—can help us serve God and one another with greater strength.
Read more HERE, including a Wellness Check-In, Scripture for the Journey, Simple Practice for This Month and a Prayer for October.

Stop by the lobby on Sunday, October 4, for a special bake sale hosted by our Hands and Feet of Jesus class!
Our students are raising funds to purchase new basketballs for our gym, with a goal of $1,000!

Sunday, October 4, 9:00–11:30 AM • Lobby Area • Cash Only
Stop by, grab a sweet treat, and help our students reach their goal. Every purchase makes a difference!

COZY FOR A CAUSE!
The Hands and Feet of Jesus class is bringing back Cozy for a Cause, a winter gear drive benefiting Cradles to Crayons! Help us spread some warmth by donating: Gently used hats, scarves, gloves, coats and NEW socks

Donation boxes will be available in the church lobby and vestibule by Bartz Hall from September 30–October 7.
Let’s get cozy and help keep kids warm this winter!

HELP JOYCE WITH HER ESTATE SALE THIS WEEKEND!
Do you love estate sales? Do you like to help friends from St. Peter? If so, we’d love to have your help on the weekend of October 2-4. The St. Peter community has been rallying around a dear member, Joyce, helping her prepare to downsize and move out of her home for the past 40+ years. If you have time to spare and can help, sign up HERE today.

We need about 5-6 people for each volunteer slot (morning & afternoon) to help the sale run as smoothly as possible.

If you can’t volunteer but love to shop, check out the amazing things up for sale and stop by to take home your new favorite items HERE.

Lastly, we still need some small & medium size boxes and newspaper, so bring those by St. Peter any time before October 3, and we’ll put them to good use.

IN LOVING MEMORY: STAYING CONNECTED
Stay connected with our St. Peter family through our In Loving Memory email list. When we learn of the passing of a current member or a former longtime member of St. Peter, we send an email sharing their obituary and service information when available.

These emails are a way for our church family to stay informed, remember those who have been part of our St. Peter community, and keep their loved ones in prayer. Would you like to receive In Loving Memory emails? Click here to subscribe.

SAINTS IN PRAYER
As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids is prayer. Gather with us once a month as we approach God’s throne of grace together, joining our hearts in prayer over our children, St. Peter, and the administration.If prayer is new to you—or praying out loud feels a little outside your comfort zone—please don’t let that keep you from coming. You are welcome to simply come, listen, learn, and pray silently alongside us. There is no experience or expectation required. We’re simply parents learning to seek the Lord together.

Saints in Prayer meets after preschool drop-off from 8:30–9:30 on the first Tuesday of each month (10/6, 11/3, 12/1). If you’re dropping off elementary kids, feel free to come earlier and hang out until prayer starts. We’ll meet in the Life Center. Babies and younger kids are welcome!

PADS BEGINS MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) ministry at Our Saviour Lutheran Church begins Monday, October 5 and they anticipate an increase in guests this season and your help is needed. Just one night can make the difference in the life of someone struggling with food insecurity and without safe shelter for the night.

There are three ways you can help:
1. Prepare a dinner entree, breakfast casserole or bring lunch itmes.
2. Sign up to work a PADS shift. Trained volunteers sign up HERE
3. Bring a friend or family member to PADS. Training on Tuesday October 20 or Monday, November 9. Attend only one session - Sign up HERE.
Training not required to prepare food items at home. Any questions contact Pat Polerecky at 847-208-6972 or patpolerecky@yahoo.com.

ARE YOU A THRIVENT MEMBER?
Thrivent Choice® is now easier and more impactful. Members can now have a bigger impact with less effort, making it easier to support the causes close to your heart.

WHAT’S CHANGING?
All Thrivent Choice members now receive Choice dollars to direct to charitable organizations like St .Peter Lutheran Church and St. Peter Lutheran School.

PREVIOUSLY
Only select Thrivent clients with membership were eligible.
Choice Dollars were accrued gradually throughout the year.
Due to gradual accrual, Choice Dollars could be directed until Mar 31 of the next year.

NOW
All Thrivent clients with membership are eligible.
Choice Dollars are available in full at the start of each year.
All Choice Dollars are available to direct at any time January through December.

All 2026 Choice Dollars are now available. Take a moment to direct your available Choice Dollars. Direct Now

PURCHASE WORSHIP FLOWERS

ST. PETER FINANCIAL REPORTS

TRANSFER THE BLESSING
A Bequest to Save Taxes
Thomas was a widower who had a great love for our church community and family. As an individual who had directly benefited from our work, Thomas wanted to thank us with a gift from his estate.

Thomas told his attorney that he wished to make a bequest to his church and school. Thomas' estate included some stocks, real estate, and an IRA. Thomas' attorney recommended that he give the appreciated stock and real estate to his children and leave his IRA to his church or school.

Thomas: My attorney told me that if I gave the stock and real estate to my children, these assets would receive a step-up in basis at my death. My children could then sell them without paying tax. However, if I gave my children my IRA, the IRA would be subject to estate and income tax. After paying all these taxes, truly little would be left for my family. By giving the IRA to this church, I could make a nice gift and avoid any additional tax for my estate and children.

Thomas contacted his IRA custodian to obtain a beneficiary designation form. He filled out the form and designated our church as the 100% recipient of his IRA account. Thomas' attorney then specified in Thomas' will the bequest of his other assets to his children.

Thomas called and notified the church of his bequest. Thomas was pleased that because our church was a tax-exempt institution, it would receive the full amount of the IRA value when he passed away, creating a legacy for the future.
To receive confidential help with the foregoing at no cost to you, please contact St. Peter’s Christian Estate Planner, Ray Pagels, on his cell: 847-226-2262 or on his email at raymondpagels1@gmail.com

COMMUNITY • EMPOWERING • BOLDNESS • JOY

Mission: Leading People To A Full Life In Christ
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Vision: Seeing Lives And Communities Transformed As We Become More Like Jesus
And we all… are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Copyright © 2026 St. Peter Lutheran Church & School, All rights reserved.
Thank you for signing up to receive email communications from St. Peter Lutheran Church and School. We respect your privacy and promise to keep your information safe.

Our mailing address is:

St. Peter Lutheran Church & School

111 W. Olive St.

Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Add us to your address book

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.