Fully Alive!

10/15/26 View this email in your browser

HOW HAS KNOWING JESUS MADE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE?
For many of us, that can be a hard question to answer. We know He has—but when the moment comes to share, we’re not always sure what to say. And yet, we have people in our lives we long to see know Jesus.

1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have—but do this with gentleness and respect.”

The God’s Story = Your Story Workshop is designed to help you do just that. Through guided reflection and simple discovery tools, you’ll learn to recognize how God has been present and at work through both the highs and lows of your life.

You’ll leave with a clear, natural way to share your story—one that feels authentic and easy to talk about. And one that introduces people to Jesus.

Join us for the God’s Story = Your Story Workshop on Saturday, November 14, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Register HERE Or on your Church Center App.

Join our multi-generational women’s group this month as our very own Alicia Potvin encourages us to discover a confidence that grows through seasons of loss and rejection, learning to move forward, conquering through Christ. Grounded in 1 Peter 2:4, 9, we’ll be reminded of who we are in Christ and the confidence we can have because of Him. Cozy up with some warm chili and fellowship with other women on October 27, from 6:30-8:00 pm in the Life Center. If you’re able, sign up to bring Chili HERE. Or provide a side dish or dessert (no need to sign up for that). Or just come as you are!

FOOD DRIVE
St. Peter’s Community Partners Ministry is organizing its semi-annual food drive for Jehovah - El Buen Pastor Lutheran Church and Good Shepard Christian Academy, in Chicago, serving the Logan Square community. We are helping Jehovah stock their food pantry for the holidays and winter season.

Please place your food donations in the designated area in the narthex through Sunday, November 8. The school children are asked to bring their food donations to chapel on Wednesday, November 11. 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, diapers, etc.).

If you would like to help pack the donations, we will be packing on Wednesday, November 11, from 7:00 am to 9:00 am in the Narthex. 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!

A NOTE FROM THE PARISH NURSE
On October 1, 2026, I underwent major surgery for pancreatic cancer, and the procedure was successful. I will continue treatment for the next several months and into the new year. I am deeply grateful for the cards, emails, messages, and texts offering prayers for me and my medical team. I take each one to heart, and your support strengthens me as I recover.
A Helpful Lesson
One thing I have learned—and would like to share—is that gifts requiring care or storage may create extra work for someone to recover. Items such as blankets, lotions, food, and flowers must be managed and stored.
Practical Ways to Help
• Consider creating or using an Amazon wish list. It makes ordering easy for the giver and ensures the recipient receives something useful.
• Practical items such as Fair life Core Power protein shakes, Gatorade, Propel, or even new pajamas can brighten someone’s day and be put to good use.
• Prayer: easy to do, anytime, anyplace, and is free.

Supporting Someone Through Surgery and Recovery
The most meaningful support often includes prayer, compassionate presence, and practical help. Listen without judgment, respect the person’s need for rest, and offer specific assistance as requested, remembering the biblical encouragement to bear one another’s burdens and to show love through both words and actions. Blessings and thanks, Jean M Mau, your Parish Nurse

THE SLOW DOWN
The Slow Down with Tanner Olson and Matt Doering is coming in just a few weeks. Through stories, poetry, song, and reflections on faith, these evenings offer an opportunity to step away from the routine, gather with others, and be encouraged in Christ. But don't come alone. Think of someone in your congregation, a friend, family member, colleague, or neighbor who might appreciate an evening like this.

Friday, October 16, 2026 • St. Peter

Dinner will be available at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:45 p.m. Sign up HERE!

CHRISTMAS WREATH ORDERS!
Get a head start on your holiday decorating while supporting our very own Cub Scout Pack 37! The Scouts will be taking pre-orders for Christmas wreaths this Sunday, October 18 after the 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM services, and again before the 11:11 AM service. Stop by, place your order, and support our Scouts while spreading a little Christmas cheer!

PADS
The PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) program provides meals and safe, warm, overnight shelter to those struggling with homelessness on Monday nights and Tuesday mornings at Our Saviours. For the past 37 years Our Saviours has partnered with Journeys, The Road Home, in Palatine, a social service agency offering support services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Volunteer shift opportunities include making and serving breakfast and dinners, helping with set up and first shift, staffing the overnight shifts (night owls and early risers are especially needed for overnight shifts), providing bag lunches or clean up on Tuesday mornings.

On-line sign up is now available HERE for October through December. The youth volunteer policy can be found on the signup. Not yet trained to work on site with guests present? Attend a short meeting at Our Saviours and join the PADS team! Two short training meetings are as follows and you need only attend one:

Tuesday, October 20 at 7:00 pm • Monday, November 9:00 - 6:30 pm
Use the link HERE to sign up for training so we can contact you in the event of any changes in date or time. For more information about the PADS program, please contact one of the site co-directors, Bruce Freier 773-656-0606 or Sheryl Hilbert 847-337-9104 For help signing up online to volunteer or attend a training session, email oslcpadsvoldirector@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE: LOU MALNATI’S DINE & DONATE!
Mark your calendar for Monday, October 19, from 11:00 AM–10:00 PM and enjoy some delicious deep-dish pizza while supporting St. Peter School! Whether you dine in, order carryout, or get delivery directly through Lou Malnati’s, a portion of your qualifying order will benefit our school!
Here’s how to participate:
Dine in, call in, or order online or through the Lou Malnati’s app.
Use promo code GPFUND26 when ordering online or in the app.
Be sure to mention St. Peter or show the fundraiser flyer when placing your order.

Order online at order.loumalnatis.com

Please note: Third-party delivery apps are not eligible. Enjoy pizza night while giving back to St. Peter School. Thank you for supporting our Saints!

PURCHASE WORSHIP FLOWERS

ST. PETER FINANCIAL REPORTS

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
October 12 - 18 is National Box Tops Week! Any eligible products purchased during that time period and scanned within 14 days will earn DOUBLE Box Tops! Purchase 4 items on one receipt and earn 20 Box Tops!! This can earn a lot extra for St. Peter! So don’t forget to scan those receipts! Thanks for your support

TRANSFER THE BLESSING
Delaying Your Christian Estate Plan?
Jerry said to his friend Paul, “I just came from the doctor. I do not like conversations at the doctor’s office. I get so tongue tied. I forget about what I wanted to ask the doctor. I am trying to think about what certain words mean and before I know it, I am being ushered out of the office without talking about everything I needed to discuss.” Paul replied, “I know what you are talking about. It is the same reason that I have not been getting my estate plan updated. When I get around legal people, I hear words like codicils, per stirpes and in vivo. I get so stressed about keeping it all straight that I put it all off for another year.” Legal terms and carefully crafted documents all have particularly important purposes in our estate plans. Sometimes, the difference between a contested estate and non-contested estate may come down to the proper use of these words. In truth, which may be stressful for you. That is why it is important to start talking about your goals, thinking, and praying, before facing that stress head on. That is where working collaboratively with Ray Pagels, our Christian Estate Planner, can help. Ray is a fellow believer who wants to stand alongside you, to assist and encourage you in expressing your wishes clearly. Once that is achieved, he will assist in sharing that with your attorney so you can be confident that all your desires are known. In the process, you can gain a new friend, sharing life in Jesus. To receive confidential help with the foregoing, at no costs to you, please contact St. Peter’s Christian Estate Planner, Ray Pagels on his cell: 847-226-2262 or his email at raymondpagels1@gmail.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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111 W. Olive St.

Arlington Heights, IL 60004

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