Fully Alive!
Lay Worship Assistants
As one of our core values at St. Peter, we are constantly empowering others so that they can put their God-given talents and abilities to good use as we live out the words of Ephesians 4:11-12: “Christ gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”

We already see empowering in spaces such as Grace & Gather, the Spiritual Care Team, New Member Community Groups, youth ministry, Modern Worship, Sacred Retreats, I Am His Story workshops and weekends, the Governing Board, and more. The body of Christ is truly beautiful!

One new area of service that we have recently introduced is that of Lay Worship Assistants. Over the last several months, as your pastors, we have prayerfully selected and trained several laymen to assist from time-to-time in Sacred Worship. Those who have been trained and are willing to serve include John Sommerfeld, Larry Gates, and Ralph Bertermann. (Others participated in the training but prefer not to serve in this way, and a few more would like to go through the training when it is offered again.) 

About once per month, these Lay Worship Assistants will assist the pastors during one of our Sacred Services (Saturday @ 5 pm or Sunday @ 8:45 am) with elements of the liturgy that do not require an ordained pastor. Examples could include reading the Scripture readings or introducing the reading of the creeds, offering the prayers of the church or the benediction, as well as assisting with distribution of communion. While new to St. Peter, these roles in public worship have long had a place in Lutheran churches across the world, and as a result, our Lutheran hymnals have a history of including “L” for laymen in the liturgical order, not just “P” for pastor or “C” for congregation.

On a few occasions during the course of the year, these trained laymen may lead these parts of the Sacred Services when no pastor is available. This doesn’t happen often and we do the best we can to avoid it, but it will be helpful to have an alternative when it does. Normally they will serve alongside a pastor, similar to the men who volunteer to assist with distributing communion.

Because this is an important leadership role in our church, we invite you to keep these men in your thoughts and prayers! When you see them, thank and encourage them. If you can, join us on the weekend of August 9 & 10, as we formally install them into this volunteer position at the 5 pm and 8:45 am Sacred services. They would be honored by your presence as they prepare to continue their work of service within the St. Peter family.

As always, if you have any questions or thoughts you’d like to share, please feel free to reach out to either of us, and we will be happy to talk with you as soon as we can!

Following Jesus,

Pastor Micah & Pastor Randy
TOWN HALL MEETING SUMMARY: A LOOK AHEAD
Dear Church and School Community,
At the recent Town Hall meetings, the Campus Planning Committee shared exciting updates to the Campus Master Plan. This multi-phase initiative sets the course for a more accessible, functional, and future-ready campus for all generations. Below is a summary of what was presented during the Town Hall meetings.
 Structural Repair of Sanctuary main rafters
·       Work begins end of July or early August of 2025
·       Work expected to take 4 to 5 weeks
·       Basement of sanctuary evacuated for duration of work
Phase I: Building for Today’s Needs
Part 1: Accessibility & Arrival
  • A new West Circular Drive with a Canopy for covered drop-offs.
  • Accessible parking added along North Highland Avenue.
    • 8 ADA parking spots
    • 11 short-term guest parking spots
Part 2: Sanctuary & Basement Transformation
  • Sanctuary Renovation: Updated seating and altar reconfiguration, improved HVAC, modern architectural, general, and theatrical lighting, enhanced sound/video systems, and new flooring.
  • Basement Reconfiguration: Multi-purpose room capable of being subdivided into 1 to 3 rooms, updated finishes, lighting, and HVAC.
 Part 3: Welcome Area & Church Office Area
  • Lobby Expansion: Redesign of east and west entries, skylight above sanctuary entrance, aligned lobby and west wing hallways, and security desk.
  • Office Suite Improvements: 6 new offices, 3 conference rooms, and administrative areas.
  • Basement Enhancements: New restrooms, new electrical systems, modern mechanical energy-efficient heating system, old boiler replacement, new undesignated expanded space on the west side.
Phase II: Expanding Learning Spaces
Part 1: New Classroom Wing (West of MAC and Gymnasium)
  • A three-story addition with 5 classrooms per floor, restrooms, and a dedicated west school entrance.
Part 2: West-Wing Renovation
  • Existing west wing classrooms will be transformed into meeting rooms, conference areas, and space for versatile school use.
Phase III: Growing Our Future
Part 1: Early Childhood Courtyard
  • East classroom wing demolition to create a larger, more secure, early childhood playground and open courtyard space.
  • Larger courtyard space could be used for outdoor weddings, traditional or modern outdoor services.
Part 2: Preschool Classrooms
  • Four new preschool rooms will be added to the west side of the Life Center Wing.
Part 3: Gymnasium Upgrade
  • The small gym will be reimagined to include centering the basketball court, moving the stage to the north side of the gymnasium in newly created space and adding bleacher seating on the stage for performances and other gatherings.
A copy of the slides used for the Town Hall meetings is attached HERE. We have also summarized the Q & A sessions into an attachment HERE.  We are excited to be able to present ideas to build a space that serves worship, learning, and community for years to come.
ST. PETER IS NOW HIRING!
JOIN OUR TEAM AS A MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN!
Are you a skilled and versatile problem-solver with a knack for keeping things in top working order? St. Peter Lutheran Church and School, along with our partner facilities, is looking for a dedicated Maintenance Technician to join our team!

In this critical role, you'll be instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation and upkeep of our diverse campus. If you're passionate about hands-on work, enjoy tackling a variety of repair challenges, and thrive in a supportive environment, we encourage you to apply!

BECOME OUR NEXT BUILDING ATTENDANT!
Do you have a knack for keeping things running smoothly and a passion for serving your community? St. Peter Lutheran Church and School is searching for a dedicated Building Attendant to join our team!

In this essential role, you'll ensure our facilities are safe, welcoming, and impeccably maintained for everyone who steps through our doors—from energetic students and their families to dedicated volunteers and cherished church members. If you're a proactive individual who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys helping others, we'd love to hear from you!

Click HERE to learn more about the positions, requirements and apply 
SUMMER CAMP POTTERY SALE
Our friend, Mr. Kowbel, returned with completed pottery pieces, and they look fantastic! His team of volunteers worked to get the pieces glazed and fired and now they are ready for sale. The campers made some amazing pieces that will be sure to spark conversation. Campers and their families can share how they created the pottery in order to serve others and love like Jesus.
 
Proceeds from the sale of the pottery will go toward our partner ministry, Tabor Lutheran Church, and the Tabor Cultural Center in Albany Park. Tabor seeks to share the love and good news of Jesus with an incredibly diverse neighborhood in a variety of ways, including through arts programs.
 
Pots and small hearts are available for $20, and the professionally made hearts are available for $35. You can purchase the pottery in the main entrance lobby after camp on Thursday and Friday (2:30-5:30 pm) and after our church services over the weekend (5:00 pm Saturday, 8:30 am, 9:00 am, and 11:11 am Sunday). We hope that you'll come check out what the campers made and take some beautiful pottery home with you.

PADS
(Public Action to Deliver Shelter) which provides meals and overnight shelter to those experiencing homelessness, will resume at Our Saviours on Monday, October 6. Please plan to become a new PADS volunteer and come to a short training session. Training will be given at OSLC on these dates:

Wednesday, August 20 at 7:00 pm • Sunday, September 14 at 10:00 am • Wednesday, October 1 at 7:00 pm
Sign up HERE to come to one of the training classes:

The class will last about an hour. New volunteers will tour the OSLC PADS site and review policies and procedures . Members of the PADS Leadership Team will conduct them and answer any of your questions.

Please sign up to come to one of these classes. Registration is strongly encouraged so you can be notified if the meeting date or time needs to be changed. This winter, volunteer and lending a helping hand to PADS , a vital social ministry program conducted in partnership with Journeys The Road Home in Palatine. Our Saviours has hosted PADS guests for over 30 years. This season, Our Saviours will host PADS overnight guests each Monday night from October through April. The Leadership Team would love to welcome you as a new volunteer!

For any questions about PADS training contact one of the OSLC site co directors:
Bruce Freier 773-656-0606 • Sheryl Hilbert 847-337-9104 Sign up to Serve , Pick Up Donated Chicken or Contribute Food! No Training Required!

SUMMER SUPPERS CONTINUE AT OUR SAVIOURS
Summer Suppers give families and individuals having trouble affording groceries the opportunity to have a nutritious dinner. Please lend your helping hands and volunteer at one of the four remaining Summer Suppers: Wednesday, August 6 • Saturday, August 30 • Wednesday, September 3 • Sunday, September 14. Sign up HERE

Dinner is served in Fellowship Hall from 6:30-7:30 pm on Summer Supper evenings. Donated food, such as fruit, side dishes, desserts, water, and soda, should be dropped off by 5:00 pm. Recipes are provided, or use one of your own.
FROM THE PARISH NURSE
This past weekend, Pastor Griener’s message offered some practical advice for everyday lives…. “God calls us to be useful. Encourages us to use what we have to serve others, to bless Him, to find a hobby, to find an opportunity to volunteer throughout our life. God calls you to be creative, and fruitful. WHY? It honors and glorifies His purpose for you as your creator and gives you something focused to do and always serves others.” This message resonated with me. Since retirement…. I have joined the Medial Reserve Corp, giving Covid vaccines during the pandemic, and now volunteer at wellness clinics twice a month in McHenry County. I volunteer as a Chicago saint…. ushering at local theatres, and of course, at St. Peter as a member of the choir, Parish Nurse and Spiritual Care Team. There are so many opportunities to volunteer: Here are some ideas: St. Peter:  https://www.fulllifeinchrist.org/volunteer

Consider volunteering with local organizations:
The American Red Cross, animal shelters, food banks, local library, Lutheran Church Charities, sports organizations, or theatres…just to name a few.
There are so many opportunities to fit in with almost any area of interest. I encourage you to ponder how our Lord is encouraging to serve, God will bless your service. Blessings, Jean M Mau Parish Nurse parishnurse@fulllifeinchrist.org
BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLESSING – AUGUST 23-24 
Calling all students and educators of all grade levels and school settings!
Whether you attend or work at a public school, homeschool, or St. Peter, we invite you to start the 2025–26 school year by inviting Jesus into your journey.
Join us for worship the weekend of August 23–24 as we offer a special Back-to-School Blessing and Prayer.
Students: Bring your backpacks and receive a special backpack tag featuring this year’s theme:
“SHINE BRIGHT” from Philippians 2:15b
“Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”
Worship Opportunities:
🌳 Saturday, August 23 | 5:00 PM
Outdoor Worship on the North Lawn
(Bring your Ravinia-style picnics, lawn chairs, and blankets)
⛪ Sunday, August 24 | 8:30 AM
Sacred Worship in the Sanctuary
🎶 Sunday, August 24 | 9:00 AM
Modern Worship in the Life Center
🎶 Sunday, August 24 | 11:11 AM
Modern Worship in the Life Center
Let’s begin the school year together, anchored in God’s Word and shining His light!

NEW Resource: Sacred Retreat To-Go Box – A Personal Guide to Time Away with God
Are you feeling spiritually dry, overwhelmed, or simply longing for a deeper connection with God? The Sacred Retreat To-Go Box is your step-by-step guide to planning a personal time of rest, renewal, and realignment with the heart of God.

This easy-to-use digital resource helps you:

  • Choose the right setting for stillness and solitude

  • Prepare for your time away through prayer and accountability

  • Structure your retreat with Scripture, reflection prompts, creative expression, and worship

  • Hear God’s voice and return refreshed, focused, and spiritually grounded
     

Whether it's a few hours or a full weekend, the Sacred Retreat To-Go Box makes it simple and meaningful to step away from the noise—and step into the presence of God.

The Sacred Retreat To-Go Box is available now for $15. [Click HERE to gain access.] 

Whether you're brand new to spending time alone with God or a seasoned retreat-goer, the To-Go Box is perfect for anyone desiring spiritual renewal. Start planning your own sacred retreat and take time to rest in God’s presence.

Your soul will thank you.
PURCHASE WORSHIP FLOWERS
ST. PETER FINANCIAL REPORTS
ESTATE PLANNING
We can face competing priorities when we think about planning our estates.  Am I giving things away or am I trying to control how things will be used?  St Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 6, “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”  In Christ we know that He gives us all the treasures of His Kingdom.  That frees us from being entrapped by the things of this world, allowing us to give them freely to family or ministry.  Your Gift Planning Counselor can help you get started on your plan.  Contact Ray Pagels at raymondpagels1@gmail.com or Ray’s cell 847-226-2262 for his assistance.
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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
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