Fully Alive!

RETIREMENT NOTICE
It is with a mix of gratitude and heartfelt emotion that we announce the retirement of our Director of Operations, Candy Fromm, effective early 2027. Candy will be concluding her time with St. Peter after more than 30 years of dedicated service to our ministry.
Throughout her many years with St. Peter, Candy has built lasting relationships and has been a trusted colleague and friend to so many. She has served our ministry in numerous roles, and her leadership, commitment, and unwavering dedication have helped shape St. Peter into the strong and vibrant community it is today. Her presence will be deeply missed.
Candy will continue to be a vital part of our staff in the months ahead and will remain in her current role until early 2027. During this time, we will begin the process of hiring a Human Resource/Payroll Coordinator who will work alongside Candy to ensure a smooth transition in this integral role within our ministry. We look forward with faith and anticipation to whom God will provide as the next Human Resource/Payroll Coordinator.
After that position has been filled, we will turn our attention to hiring a new Executive Director to take on the remainder of her duties and help move the ministry forward in a powerful, organized manner.
If you know someone who may be well qualified for this position, please encourage them to complete an application and submit it to cfromm@fulllifeinchrist.org

“Mission on the Wilderness Road of America” May 2 and 3, 2026
May is Mission Month, and each weekend at St. Peter will feature a different mission. On May 2 and 3, 2026, Rev. Dr. Tilahun Mendedo will speak at all St. Peter services and during the discipleship hour (10:00–11:00 AM on May 3). His message, based on Acts 8:26-40, is titled “Mission on the Wilderness Road of America.” During the discipleship hour, Rev. Dr. Mendedo will share about the ministries of the MBC and their work in Ethiopia, including the recent mission trip in January where training was provided to 47 parish nurses. This training has empowered local nurses to provide essential care in underserved areas, improving health outcomes for many families.
We will have display tables featuring items from Ethiopia—such as crosses, baskets, and scarves—for sale to support the Parish Nurse Ministry. Abbie, Pastor Tilahun’s wife, and I will be available at the tables to answer any questions. Come discover how your support can make a difference in Ethiopia and learn firsthand about the inspiring work of parish nurses. Please plan to join us this weekend to experience the impact of “Mission on the Wilderness Road of America."

Rev. Dr. Tilahun Mendedo
Founder and CEO

Rev. Dr. Tilahun Mekonnen Mendedo is a dedicated pastor, educator, and higher education leader committed to fostering Christ-centered learning environments. With a strong background in theological education, church leadership, and institutional administration, he has led strategic initiatives in Christian education, church planting, mission leadership, and donor cultivation. His experience spans roles in pastoral ministry, academic administration, and global missions, shaping faith-based communities through leadership formation and organizational development. As the Founder and CEO of Master Builder Center, Rev. Dr. Mendedo leads fundraising and strategic planning efforts for ministries in Ethiopia. Previously, he served as Associate Executive Director at Lutheran Bible Translators, supporting missionaries and ministry growth. As President of Concordia College Selma, he spearheaded campus expansion, student retention programs, donor engagement, and institutional reform, advancing Christian higher education. A seasoned speaker and professor, he has addressed church conventions, mission festivals, and academic seminars while teaching courses in world religions, leadership, and theology. His lifelong dedication to faith-based initiatives continues to inspire communities through education, mission work, and servant leadership.

THE FOOD DRIVE IS NOW UNDER WAY!
The Community Partners Ministry is hosting a food drive for Jehovah Lutheran Church and School (Good Shepherd Christian Academy) in Chicago, supporting families in the Logan Square community. Donations will be collected April 19–May 6 in the Living Room. Please bring non-perishable items such as canned goods, packaged foods, paper products, and family-size toiletries. Want to help more? Join us for packing on May 6 from 7:00–9:00 am, and we welcome donations of copier paper boxes. Questions or to volunteer: contact Vaughn or Diane Kuerschner at 847-980-7648. Thank you for your support!

PURCHASE WORSHIP FLOWERS

ST. PETER FINANCIAL REPORTS

LCMS FOUNDATION ASSOCIATE GIFT PLANNING COUNSELOR
Rene said to her good friend Cheryl, “I really do not like the idea of sharing much about my personal life with other people. I am very private. That is why I have not moved forward with my estate plan revisions after Peter died. I just do not want to tell everyone what I am thinking about, and what I am planning to do. Cheryl responded, “Didn’t you go to the doctor last month to deal with your fear that you might have cancer?”

“Well yes, I did. What is your point?”
“My point is that you openly shared your fears with your doctor, talked about some very personal symptoms, and allowed the doctor to run tests. I am so thankful you got a good report. Seeking the help of someone who will care about you, who understands how to get you organized, who can keep you on track and who can share a wealth of information about how to achieve your goals, is the same thing. It is good to be assisted by someone who has compassion and experience. I worked with the LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor after a presentation they did at Church. They were extremely helpful. I had some work to do but because of the counselor we dug in, I made some decisions, I completed work with my attorney and now I have peace of mind knowing I have a good plan in place.”

Your LCMS Foundation Associate Gift Planning Counselor can help you as well with their confidential no cost care, organizational skill, and charitable gift planning expertise. To get started, 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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