Fully Alive!

SKIPPING TIME IN GOD’S WORD?
I have often wished that skipping time in God’s Word had more obvious physical symptoms like the caffeine headache I get if I skip my morning coffee or the rumble in my stomach when all I want in the evening is a snack I shouldn’t have. Unfortunately, rushing out the door without having some devotional time doesn’t usually have any immediate effects. It’s usually when I’m diving back into it after a few days off that I realize what I was missing.
As a church worker, it is easy to think we must have this bible thing down, but to be honest, sometimes I have to remember that there’s a difference between reading scripture to prepare a lesson or lead a group and reading it for my own spiritual growth. That’s why I was so struck by what I saw on Easter Sunday.

There, in between serving at three different services was a high school student reading her bible and spending quiet time with God in the chaos of the morning. Talk about hunger. It made my spiritual stomach rumble a little. I hope it will for you too. Not to make you feel guilty, but to encourage you to make sure you’re not ignoring your spiritual hunger.

I could tell you countless other stories of the youth who live out a life like Jesus as hungry followers, generous responders, unhurried friends. They are living 1 Timothy 4:12 with abandon: Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

I hope you are as inspired as I am by their example and I hope you’ll pray for all the families of St. Peter as they raise their children hungering for God’s Word in the same way. May we all remember Jesus’ words to us in Mark 10: “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
— Kayla Olson - Leader of Children and Family Discipleship

NJHS TOY DRIVE 4/17-29
Our National Junior Honor Society students are proud to partner with Genero C.I.T.Y., a volunteer-run nonprofit located in Arlington Heights, to collect toy donations from April 17 through April 29. Genero C.I.T.Y.’s mission is to build a supportive community of caregivers by providing accessible, inclusive resources that connect families navigating their child’s therapy journey. We are collecting new or gently used books, toys, and games that support play development for children of all abilities. Please note that clothing and stuffed animals cannot be accepted. Through this partnership, our students are excited to give back and help bring joy and encouragement to families in need.

FOOD DRIVE APRIL 19 - MAY 6
The Community Partners Ministry is organizing a food drive for Jehovah Lutheran Church and School (Good Shepard Christian Academy), located at 3740 W Belden Ave in Chicago serving the Logan Square community. We are helping Jehovah stock their food pantry for the summer. Please place your donations in the designated area in the living room area from April 19th through, May 6th. Please only bring non-perishable items: canned foods (soup, tuna/salmon, ravioli, spaghetti, fruit, vegetables, etc.), packaged foods (coffee, tea, macaroni and cheese, pasta, potatoes, cereal, rice, etc.), paper products (paper plates, paper towels, facial tissue, toilet paper, etc.), and family-size toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, laundry detergent, etc.). If you would like to help pack the donations, we will be packing on Wednesday, May 6, from 7:00 am to 9:00 am in the Living Room. We appreciate any donations of copier paper boxes to pack the food in. If you have any questions, would like to volunteer or have boxes, please contact Vaughn or Diane Kuerschner at 847-980-7648. Thank you for your support.

FROM THE PARISH NURSE: CARE FOR THE CAREGIVER
April is National Volunteer Month, a dedicated time to honor and appreciate the invaluable contributions of volunteers in our communities. Volunteer opportunities abound—in churches, schools, community organizations, and even within our own homes. Among these roles, serving as a caregiver stands out as both a meaningful and challenging form of volunteerism. Read more HERE!

GRACE AND GATHER 4/28
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

LEVITICUS 23: THE SEVEN FESTIVALS & COMING MESSIAH
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 1-2:15 pm in the Life Center or via Zoom 7-8:15 pm. Zoom sessions will be recorded so there i still time to catch up if you have not registered. CLICK THE BUTTON ABOVE TO REGISTER!

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. Letting your family know about your estate gift plans is especially crucial regarding the charitable desires you have. Even if you choose not to share all the details of the inheritance you plan to give them, you should communicate the list of ministries you desire to support and why. This way, those family members will have clear insight into the details included in your estate plan, instead of heads full of questions. Your LCMS Foundation Associate Gift Planning Counselor can assist in sorting through which conversations you want to have. 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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