Fully Alive!

LEVITICUS 23: THE SEVEN FESTIVALS & COMING MESSIAH
Hungry followers of Jesus, don’t skip over Leviticus. Not only is Leviticus the first book Jesus learned to read as a child, but in Leviticus 23 God gives us seven festivals packed with Messianic meaning and relevance today. Let these biblical holy days open your eyes to see Scripture and Jesus in a fresh and deeper way. In fact, come and see through Christ how you can be blessed by their understanding – even modern observance.

The seven-week Bible study launches on Wednesday, April 15 and runs through Wednesday, June 3 (no class on May 27). Come in-person from 1-2:15pm in the Life Center or via Zoom 7-8:15pm. Zoom sessions will be recorded. There is also a +20-page, fill-in-the-blank Participants’ Guide to pick up at the front desk or to print yourself online.

“Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” -Jesus, Matthew 4:4

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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.

COURAGEOUS STORYTELLERS

Hi, my name is Ashley and I have been going to St. Peter since I was two years old. During this time, I have been able to grow my faith in Jesus Christ as I grow up each year. However, during covid, I slowly fell out of faith with God, because I wasn’t able to go to church. My mom would literally have to drag me to the living room to watch the online service. From then on I’ve always thought of church as a chore, not as something I wanted to go to voluntarily.

As I got older, I started realizing that my faith wasn’t supposed to be based on routine, it was supposed to be a real relationship with God. Little by little, I began to understand that He was still there even when I didn’t feel like I deserved it, or when I wasn’t paying attention. One of the biggest moments in my faith journey was when I tore my ACL. It felt unfair, painful, and I was angry with Him. I kept asking, “Why?” “Why did you let this happen my 8th grade year? Was it because I forgot to pray at night? Or was it because I didn’t want to get up early to go to church?” But during that time, God kept reminding me that He had a plan, even if I couldn’t see it or understand it.

Instead of being angry, I’ve been learning to trust Him more and believe that He can use even hard things for something good. But during these past few weeks, God started showing me that it’s okay to feel that way, and He can handle my questions. I began to realize that even in the hard moments, he wasn't punishing me. He was teaching me to rely on Him more than I rely on my own plans. Instead of staying angry, I started trying to trust that He had a purpose for this situation, even if I couldn’t see it right away.
A verse that has helped me through this is Psalm 34:18, which says: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This verse reminds me that God doesn’t leave me when I’m hurt or confused. He comes closer.

I don't want to just focus on my hardships in life, I want to focus on how God used this opportunity to bring me back to him. Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Even though my faith journey hasn’t been perfect, I’m thankful that God never stopped working in my life. My parents, and especially my friends, helped me stand back up again, and I know that I can trust in God to lead me though this hard time and bring me back to him.

AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS PLANT & FLOWER SALE! LAST CALL
Last call for the American Heritage Girls annual flower sale. Order forms and payment are due Friday, April 10th, and delivery day is Friday, May 8th, just in time for Mother's Day. Flower sale forms may be dropped off at the front desk at St. Peter. Take a look at the available items in this Flower Order Form for more details. Can't decide what to get? Have a peek at these Flower Photos. Thank you for supporting our young women. Enjoy your flowers!

Hey gals! Join us for a meaningful opportunity at our Grace & Gather women’s ministry on April 28th and make a global impact in partnership with Accessible Hope International in Sierra Leone, Africa. Support women with disabilities by donating and packing items for the Hope Store, where participants can “purchase” essential goods using program-earned currency through educational and health initiatives. You can also help assemble Mother-Baby Packs, which provide newborn essentials to mothers in need after childbirth. Pick up a Hope Store item list or click here and be part of a hands-on effort to bring hope, dignity, and care to families in Sierra Leone. April 28 6:30-8:00pm Life Center

Our St. Peter students are excited to bring the classic and charming musical Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella: Youth Edition to the stage April 16–18! ✨👑

They’ve been working hard, and we can’t wait for you to experience the magic with us. We hope you’ll join us for one of the performances!

PURCHASE WORSHIP FLOWERS

ST. PETER FINANCIAL REPORTS

ESTATE PLANNING
A good gift plan within an estate includes inheritance for family and gifts to ministry. Sometimes the family side of things can be a bit tricky to plan. Many people choose one of their family members to serve in the role of personal representative, trustee or in the power of attorney role. There should always be alternates chosen as well. It is wise to communicate this plan to family before the Lord calls you home, so family members are ready to each do their parts to help carry out your faithful stewardship plan. Your LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor can discuss and pray with you about your choices and the communication of those choices. Contact Ray Pagels on his cell at 847.226-2262 or raymondpagels1@gmai.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

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