Fully Alive!
HELP US WELCOME OTHERS!
We’re looking for 2 friendly faces to serve as Greeters at our 8:30 a.m. worship service! As a Greeter, you’ll help welcome worshipers and create a warm, inviting first impression. It’s an easy way to serve—and you’ll only be scheduled twice a year for one month at a time. We especially need volunteers for January and December. Interested in helping? Contact Jacquie Korff at 847-437-8389.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLESSING – AUGUST 22-23
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 2026–27 school year by inviting Jesus into your journey. Join us for worship the weekend of August 22–23 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 verse: “God is Greater than the Highs & Lows” from Romans 8:38-39

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Worship Opportunities:
⛪ Saturday, August 22 | 5:00 PM
Sacred Worship in the Sanctuary

⛪ Sunday, August 22 | 8:30 AM
Sacred Worship in the Sanctuary

🎶 Sunday, August 23 | 10:00 AM
Modern Worship in the Life Center

Let’s begin the school year together—anchored in God’s Word!

UPDATE FROM CAMPUS PLANNING COMMITTEE. August 2026
In May 2026, the Campus Planning Committee communicated with the St. Peter family. We continue to meet regularly, sometimes weekly, with an immediate goal of preparing a set of drawings to be sent to a contractor for preliminary pricing.
We are interviewing and considering hiring outside consultants for tasks where our experience is minimal or lacking, such as liturgical art, audiovisual systems, architectural and stage lighting, seating arrangements and sightlines, and aspects of reroofing the sanctuary.
Each of these consultants would charge a fee for determining a firm scope of work and then prepare a proposal to developing drawings and specifically assist with bidding and construction administration. There are both known and unknown fees associated with hiring outside consultants. Cognizant of the budget limits for the Phase I project, we are carefully weighing the options.
On another front, the roofs over the small gymnasium and the Martin Activity Center (MAC) are scheduled for replacement. The storm in April 2026 resulted in partial destruction of the roof over the small gymnasium, exposing insulation and wood decking. Immediate repair after the storm was effective but temporary. Both the small gymnasium and MAC have flat-roof membranes that are at the end of their service life. Roof membrane replacement is now needed. There is an economic advantage to replacing both the small gymnasium and MAC roofs now. Work will begin in August, with expected completion in six weeks.

Join us as we celebrate our Same Page Summer Bible Reading Challenge together!
Sunday, August 30
9:15–10:15 am
Circle Drive

*Inclement weather location: Living Room*

Drop in any time during the hour for a generational celebration with your church family. Everyone is invited as we celebrate spending the summer in God's Word together!

Enjoy:
• Refreshments
• An interactive game all ages will enjoy
• A raffle with fun prizes
• A small gift to celebrate 
• Discovering your next page
• Time to connect and celebrate as a church family

Come celebrate what God has done through His Word this summer!

NATIONAL WELLNESS MONTH 2026: A Time to Care for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Each August, National Wellness Month invites us to pause, reflect, and recommit to healthy routines that support our overall wellbeing. From self-care and physical activity to rest, nutrition, mindfulness, and emotional health, this month is a helpful reminder that small, steady choices can make a meaningful difference over time.
Mark Your Calendar: National Wellness Month begins Saturday, August 1, 2026, and continues through Monday, August 31, 2026. These 31 days offer a simple opportunity to begin, renew, or strengthen habits that support a healthier way of life.
Why Wellness Matters
Wellness begins with everyday choices. Reducing stress, improving sleep, and maintaining balance can strengthen long-term health and help us better serve our families, congregations, workplaces, and communities. Even simple practices—such as drinking more water, moving regularly, setting aside time to rest, or taking a quiet moment for prayer—can support a healthier rhythm of life. The Northern Illinois District (NID) now has a Wellness Officer, Brandy McCoid, who is leading district-wide efforts to promote holistic wellbeing among church workers, lay leaders, and congregations. Her work focuses on physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual health, and includes parish nurses in raising awareness about wellness. More information is available at nidlcms.org.
Simple Ways to Participate

  • Choose one wellness goal: Start with a realistic habit, such as taking a daily walk, drinking more water, or keeping a consistent bedtime.
  • Move in a way you enjoy: Try a brisk walk, gentle stretching, swimming, cycling, or another activity that fits your routine.
  • Make rest a priority: Set a regular sleep schedule and create an evening routine that helps you wind down.
  • Create space for calm: Spend a few minutes in prayer, meditation, journaling, or quiet reflection to support emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

This August, consider one small step you can take toward wellness. Whether at home, at work, in your congregation, or in the community, every healthy choice helps build a culture of care. National Wellness Month reminds us that self-care is not a one-time effort, but a meaningful practice that can continue long after August ends.
Jean M Mau Parish Nurse: parishnurse@fullyalive.org

LAY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2026
Whether you're serving in a small or large congregation, new to lay leadership, or have years of experience, you're invited to the 2026 LCMS Northern Illinois District's Lay Leadership Summit on Saturday, August 22 at Walther Christian Academy in Melrose Park. Join fellow leaders from across the District for a day of worship, encouragement, practical workshops, and meaningful connections as we grow together in serving Christ and His Church. This year's keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, with workshop tracks covering congregational leadership, administration, healthy ministry practices, and youth ministry. Register by August 10, and bring a group of five or more to receive discounted pricing. For more information and to register, click HERE!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Once again (and for more than 24 years now), St. Peter families have demonstrated their generous spirit through their donations of school supplies to Jehovah/Good Shepherd Christian Academy. We sent 8 boxes of school supplies, 4 boxes of 3 ring binders, 8 backpacks, and 5 lunch boxes. You also donated $250.00 in Walmart gift cards. And that isn't even the most exciting part! Your ministry of the month for Jehovah was $3,050! When we speak with the staff they always speak so warmly of St. Peter and are so grateful for all you do for Jehovah/Good Shepherd. Thanks also to Bob Vossel and Paul Crawford for delivering the supplies.

And the King will reply; I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Matt. 25:40.

HAVE A PROM DRESS HIDING IN YOUR CLOSET THAT DESERVES ANOTHER NIGHT OUT? We’d love to give it a second chance! 
We’re collecting gently used, modern prom dresses for a new lending closet at our partner children’s home and school in South Africa. Prom—called Metric Dance in South Africa—can be expensive, and this closet will help girls at the children’s home and St. Peter School scholarship students experience this special event alongside their peers.


 Dress Requirements: Please donate dresses that are:
  • Modern/up-to-date — think 2020 or newer
  • Any Size 
  • Gently used, clean, and ready to wear 
  • Appropriate for a high school dance 
Dresses will receive final approval from the lending closet coordinators in South Africa. Styles that aren’t a cultural fit will be donated to Community Threads.

Drop-Off: Now through September 21 at St. Peter. Please place dresses on hangers in the designated location in the main lobby coat room across from the main office. Let’s help a girl find the dress and make her Metric Dance extra special! 
COURAGEOUS STORYTELLERS

Hello, my name is Lucas Atienza, and I’ve been at St. Peter for the past ten years. Growing up here, I’ve learned a lot about God, but one verse that’s always stuck with me comes from Luke 12:25–26. It says, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest?”
To me, this verse is a reminder that worrying doesn’t actually help anything. No matter how much stress or anxiety I feel, it won’t change the outcome or add more time to my life. Instead, God calls us to trust Him—to let Him lead us through whatever we’re facing. When I hear this verse, it reminds me that worrying doesn’t help me. Instead, it encourages me to trust that God is guiding me. Remembering that helps me stay focused and grounded in my faith each day.  Thank you God for always being there for me.

VOICE OF CARE – CAREFEST 2026
It is that time of year once again for our Annual Voice of Care: Care-FEST!
When: Saturday, August 29, 2026 (Before Labor Day)
Where: St. Peter Lutheran in Schaumburg. 202 E. Schaumburg Rd.
What: We will have our crafts and games, sing-along and Jesus Time worship we all love.
Activities: Lunch will be grilled hamburger or hotdog, not a box lunch. Also, from 10:30 to 11:30 the Petting 
Zoo Experience will be available again this year. The event is free but you must register at voiceofcare.org so we have a head count for food. Contact Dennis Pieper, Director of Ministry Facilitators 708-759-4954 If you have questions.

SUMMER SUPPERS AT OUR SAVIOUR'S
The Simmer Supper program, helping those struggling to buy groceries, has been helping an average of 50 guests on each night. We have served a variety of delicious meals ranging from grilled burgers, enchiladas, donated chicken from Popeyes in Palatine, donated sweets and bread from Jarosch Bakery, fruit, green salads and homemade sweets. Two more Summer Suppers remain: Wednesday, August 5 • Wednesday, September 2

Volunteer spots remain to provide side dishes, beverages, desserts, ingredients for bag lunches, dinner set up and assembly. Click HERE to sign up for a spot! No training is required!


PADS
The PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) program will resume in October. Two PADS training sessions are scheduled at Our Saviour Lutheran Church for new PADS volunteers and those who wish to start volunteering again after a few years absence. Join us on Wednesday, September 16 or Tuesday, October 20 both starting at 7:00pm. Please register in advance for a training session so we can notify you in advance in case of a change in location, time or date. Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/ESPBfFp

The sign up link to volunteer for PADS shifts will be available in late August or early September. Volunteers who have helped with PADS or Summer Suppers in the past will receive an email with the link to sign up. Watch for it!
The PADS leadership team at OSLC hopes to welcome returning volunteers and many new volunteers when PADS resumes at Our Saviour’s in October! Please plan to volunteer for this vitally needed social ministry program! For further information or any questions about PADS or Summer Suppers, contact one of the OSLC site co directors: Bruce Freier 773-656-0606 Sheryl Hilbert 847-337-9104. Any problems signing up electronically, send an email to oslcpadsvoldirector@gmail.com
PURCHASE WORSHIP FLOWERS
ST. PETER FINANCIAL REPORTS
MISSION OF THE MONTH: Master Builder Center
St. Peter has prayerfully considered and is supporting  a five-year investment of $20,000 to sponsor two mission outreaches within Ethiopia. August, 2026 ministry of the month at St Peter support will: 
 
  • Establish and nurture a new outreach that grows into local congregations
  • Equip and train indigenous church workers
  • Advance the Gospel in regions where Christ is not yet known
  • Build a legacy of faith impacting future generations
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” — Matthew 9:37
TRANSFER THE BLESSING
ESTATE CLEANING and PLANNING
Renee and Fran were chatting as they walked out of Church last Sunday. Renee said, “I finally made the decision to move into a retirement community. My house was just getting to be too much for me, especially after Frank went to be with the Lord. But I just do not know where to get started on the packing. I have lived in that house for thirty years and there is so much stuff to sort through. I am having a tough time starting.”  Fran replied, “If you would like, I can come help. I have a lot of boxes, and we can just pick off one room at a time.”  Renee said, “Oh that would be lovely.”  The process began on Wednesday with lots of laughter and even a few tears.
 
There are many “Big Things” in life that become easier to begin if we just have someone along with us. Christian estate planning is one of those. It requires organization of your information. It includes conversations about what you want to accomplish. It culminates in putting together legal documents that seem powerful, and maybe even a little scary.
 
Your LCMS Foundation Associate Gift Planning Counselor can be your friend who will come along your side to get started. They have expertise and training in helping you move through each step of the process so that you can feel confident about the finished product when you sign documents with your attorney (if necessary). Instead of living with the burden of your procrastination, you can move forward, putting together a faithful stewardship plan directing the gifts the Lord has entrusted to you. For assistance, contact Ray Pagels at his cell: 847-226-2262 0r raymondpagels1@gmail.com
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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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