Fully Alive!

DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITIES DURING LENT
What would it look like for Lent to be meaningful for you this year, even in a small way
What do you want Easter to mean for you personally—not just historically or traditionally?

Lent can be a season to slow down, reflect, and draw closer to Jesus as we prepare our hearts for Easter. Below are two opportunities for you to consider the above questions and draw closer to Jesus, the source of true hope and love this season.

Lent Bible Reading Plan
This simple Bible reading plan guides you through Scripture as you prepare your heart for Easter—one day at a time. Experience how a steady rhythm of reflection, prayer, and presence with Jesus can change your life. Access the plan on your Church Center App OR the back of the Lent Worship Schedule located at the front desk.

Book of John Holy Week Study and Discussion
Read the Gospel of John, focusing on Jesus’ final days—His teachings, His sacrifice, and His deep love revealed on the road to the cross. No pressure. No perfect answers. Just open hearts, honest conversation, and a shared desire to walk with Christ through Lent.

Starting February 22
Sundays During Discipleship Hour 10:00–11:00 AM
Middle School Wing, upper level, Room 224
Led by John and Amy Picchiotti. No registration required. Drop-ins welcome.

GOVERNING BOARD NOMINATIONS ARE DUE 4/15
The Governing Board is calling for nominations. We encourage all to pray that God will deliver up leaders to serve in this vital role. We seek women and men who have leadership experience, who are voting members of the congregation, and who are able to serve in accordance with the qualifications and expectations listed in the GBPM. Nominations can now be made through a simple online form HERE. Paper copies are also available through the church office.

A description of the qualifications can be found in the Governing Board Policy Manual (GBPM) posted on our website fulllifeinchrist.org/governing-board or in the church office. The nomination deadline is April 15.

READY TO TAKE A NEXT STEP IN YOUR FAITH?
Whether you’re new to St. Peter or have been around for a while, if you’re looking to build deeper community and grow in your faith, we invite you to join the New Member Community Group.
This 7-week group is a welcoming, conversational space where you’ll:

Learn the foundational beliefs that set St Peter apart
Explore what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life
Meet others who are also taking next steps in their faith

It’s also the pathway to becoming a member of St. Peter — but more than that, it’s an opportunity to be known, encouraged, and spiritually grounded.

The group begins Sunday, March 1 and meets weekly on Sundays from 10:00–11:00 am during Discipleship Hour. If you’re ready for community, curiosity, or just a fresh start with Jesus, this is a great next step. Register at fulllifeinchrist.org/join.

ASH WEDNESDAY - ASHES ON THE GO AVAILABLE
Wednesday, February 18th is a special day in the church year. Known as Ash Wednesday, it begins a 40-day season of Lent that leads us to Easter. It is a time of reflection, recognizing our brokenness as we remember just how much we need our Savior Jesus. Many people receive a cross of ashes on their forehead as a way to remember this need. If you would like to have ashes placed on your forehead, stop by one of the following locations.

Ashes available before and after 12:00 pm and 6:30 pm Ash Wednesday Worship.
Ashes available all day in the Main Lobby from 8:00 am - 6:30 pm.
Ashes available at Bartz Hall from 7:00 am - 8:30 am and 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm for our extended care families.

While you’re in the building, join our school students for chapel at 8:45 am and worship our good God.

In addition, an Ash Wednesday service will be held at the Lutheran Home on Wednesday, February 18th at 2:00pm.

ST. PETER ADULT SPORTS BEGINS THIS SUNDAY⚜️
Recreational Volleyball and Basketball start this Sunday, February 15th! There is still time to sign up if you haven’t already. If you have a full volleyball team or plan on playing but need a team, please email Joel Koester at saintpeterahsports@gmail.com. Schedules and information will be communicated by email moving forward. There will be games at 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm each week. If you are interested but are hesitant to commit fully, feel free to just show up at 3:00 pm on Sunday to see what it’s all about. Reminder this is for fun and all skill levels are welcome!!!

Basketball will start at 7:30 pm. Those interested can show up on Sunday night. We will be using a separate app to help with scheduling. If you email Joel Koester, he will send that information to you.

We’re excited to welcome the Concordia University Wisconsin Symphonic Wind Ensemble to St. Peter for a special evening of music! Join us on Friday, February 27, at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary for a beautiful concert featuring sacred and classical selections from the wind repertoire. This premier 60-piece ensemble from Concordia University Wisconsin brings exceptional musicianship and powerful, inspiring sound. Admission is free, with a free-will offering to support their ministry and music. Enjoy an evening of music that lifts the heart and soul—we’d love to see you there.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP – UPCOMING EVENTS
High school students are invited to join us for Youth Group in the weeks leading up to Easter! We meet in the Youth Room from 6:00–8:00 pm where students grow in their faith in Jesus through Christian community, worship, and learning from God’s Word. Upcoming Bi-Weekly Gathering Dates: February 15 • March 1 • March 15 • March 29

MISSION OF THE MONTH ETHIOPIA PERISH NURSING UPDATE
Thank you for the support and contributions for the January Mission of the month: Ethiopia Parish Nursing! On Sunday, January 22, 2026, I will share our mission trip at 10:00 am in the Life Center. I am happy to share that Rev. Dr. Tilahun Mendedo and his wife Abbie will be at St. Peter the weekend services of May 2nd and 3rd, preaching for all services and during the Bible study hour. Updates on the Parish Nurse Ministry and Master Builders Center will be shared. For more information about the Master Builder Center, click HERE.

PURCHASE WORSHIP FLOWERS

ST. PETER FINANCIAL REPORTS

PADS
(Public Action to Deliver Shelter) will continue through April and many volunteer spots are open! Please sign up to help out at OSLC PADS in March and April. Use the link HERE to sign up electronically. Volunteer openings are now posted through the end of April and there are many ways you can help. Trained volunteers can serve Monday evening dinners and breakfast on Tuesday mornings. Or volunteer for first, second or third shift. Volunteers for overnight shifts are especially needed or sign up to clean up the PADS area on Tuesday mornings. Volunteer with a friend or family member. Perhaps you’d rather provide a breakfast or dinner entree, side dish, or bag lunch ingredients. No training is required for these spots and recipes can be provided. Cooks are always needed. Please help out. OSLC is one of many local churches and community organizations that work with Journeys The Road Home in Palatine, a social service agency dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness to find stable housing and rebuild their lives. If you need any help to sign up electronically to volunteer at PADS, send an email to oslcpadsvoldirector@gmail.com. For any questions regarding the PADS program, contact one of the OSLC site Co-Directors, Bruce Frier 773-656-0606 or Sheryl Hilbert 847-337-9104. The Summer Suppers program, providing dinners to those struggling to afford food, will resume at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church on the first Wednesday of the month, beginning in May. Watch for further information as plans are finalized.

THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS – MARCH 31ST DEADLINE!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! A heartfelt “thank you” to all of you who directed your Choice Dollars to St. Peter Lutheran Church and School. Are you an eligible Thrivent member and have choice dollars available to direct? Please keep St. Peter in mind. The deadline to direct is ALWAYS March 31. Here is how you can check your eligibility to direct Thrivent Choice Dollars. Visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” after the prompt.

Remember to set up the direction of your Choice Dollars to St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W Olive Street, Arlington Heights, IL 60004 by March 31st.

CHARITABLE GIFTS
We live in an “I can do it myself” culture. Sometimes we might be tempted to think a Christian estate plan is just a collection of documents (will, trust, POA). However, we need to look deeper into the factors influencing a good plan. A will might refer to a certain percentage of gifts to family or ministry, but a beneficiary designation on an account like an IRA might supersede with different instructions. It is important to have help making sure these documents agree. Your LCMS Foundation Associate Gift Planning Counselor can assist. Contact Ray Pagels at raymondpagels1@gmail.com or his cell: 847-226-2262.

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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111 W. Olive St.

Arlington Heights, IL 60004

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