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View our livestream broadcast here:
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A Message from Pastor
Last week I was on vacation with my family in Montana. We went to Yellowstone for a couple of days, and more than once I made the comment, "This is so different from Illinois, it seems weird that we're still in the same country!" I wasn't used to seeing geysers everywhere, or the grand mountains, or the wild Bison that caused a 45 min traffic jam (the only traffic jam I've ever been so happy to be in!). But yet, it's all in the United States. Sometimes I feel that way about life in Christian community. God has made us all so very different, with different gifts and situations, and times in our lives, yet we are all one. And what a blessing it is that you have different gifts than your neighbor! You can both serve God, but in different ways - ways that bring fulfillment and purpose to your lives. God allows us to be thankful for the gifts he's given us, and graterful for the gifts of our neighbors as well. We all serve God together. How might God uniquely use you to serve him this week?
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TRANSFER THE BLESSINGS: ESTATE CLEANING and PLANNING
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Renee and Fran were chatting as they walked out of Church last Sunday. Renee said, “I finally made the decision to move into a retirement community. My house was just getting to be too much for me, especially after Frank went to be with the Lord. But I just do not know where to get started on the packing. I have lived in that house for thirty years and there is so much stuff to sort through. I am having a tough time starting.” Fran replied, “If you would like, I can come help. I have a lot of boxes, and we can just pick off one room at a time.” Renee said, “Oh that would be lovely.” The process began on Wednesday with lots of laughter and even a few tears. There are many “Big Things” in life that become easier to begin if we just have someone along with us. Christian estate planning is one of those. It requires organization of your information. It includes conversations about what you want to accomplish. It culminates in putting together legal documents that seem powerful, and maybe even a little scary. Your LCMS Foundation Associate Gift Planning Counselor can be your friend who will come along your side to get started. They have expertise and training in helping you move through each step of the process so that you can feel confident about the finished product when you sign documents with your attorney (if necessary). Instead of living with the burden of your procrastination, you can move forward, putting together a faithful stewardship plan directing the gifts the Lord has entrusted to you. For assistance, contact Ray Pagels at his cell: 847-226-2262 0r [email protected]
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FOOD PANTRY UPDATE: 165 households visited the St Paul of the Cross food pantry in June. Most needed items are cold cereal, pancake mix and syrup, canned tuna and WHITE rice (l lb.). Thank you for your continuing support!
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MISSION OF THE MONTH: Our mission of the month for August is Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) which highlights its ministry in this way: “Moments of crisis cast shadows of uncertainty. As followers of Christ, we are called to be His hands and heart in the world. Just as Jesus walked alongside the weary and offered solace to the hurting, we too are called to BE THERE for each other.” According to the organization, “LCC’s mission is to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need.”
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PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR PRAYERS:
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Elizabeth Okray, Frank Brant Avila, Janet Reich, Carol Claybaker, Gigi Breitzman, Livia Grace Gallo, Daniel Avila, Sr., Eleanor Claybaker, Richard Avila, Carol Mraz, Laura Peter, Jeanette Peter, Vito Caputo, Shant Esho
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LAST WEEK'S ATTENDANCE AND FINANCIALS
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Weekly Giving Report - 07/26/26
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Internal Gifts/Receipts - General Fund External Gifts/Receipts
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White Envelope Giving/Plate Offering
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Worship Attendance: Saturday 07/25 73 Sunday 07/26 144 TOTAL 217
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St. Andrews School Tuition Assistance Matching Challenge
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Read more to learn about the St. Andrews School Tuition Assistance Matching Challenge or for the link to contribute.
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A Gift to the Glory of God
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Read more to learn about how to make a contribution in memory of a loved one.
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Pastor Appreciation Sunday - October 25
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Join us on Sunday, October 25 as we take time to celebrate and show our appreciation for our pastors! We will gather during the Pancake Breakfast in the gym.
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CROP Hunger Walk
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St. Andrews is participating in the 2026 CROP Hunger Walk to support Church World Service (CWS) and help families who are struggling with hunger. Please join us - with your steps and your donations.
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Help Wanted! Volunteer Engagement Director
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Help Wanted! VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR – 5 hrs/wk. Read more to view the full position description.
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How The Sausage is Made (Sermon Study) - October 8, 2026
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The parables in Matthew 22 are not just difficult—they confront the way we think about stewardship, invitation, and whether we are living as though everything belongs to God. Pastor Ethan and Pastor Matt unpack the “terrible parable” of the vineyard and preview the wedding banquet text with one central question: What do these stories reveal about us right now? Ethan …
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Muddy Windows
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Pastor Ethan explores another one of Jesus' parables this week. Set against the backdrop of the perfect, eternal, heavenly Feast described in Isaiah 25, Jesus describes a much messier event. Guests refuse their invitations, people are rebellious, rude, and apathetic. A city is burned and a guest is thrown out. Through the messiness, and however muddled it may appear, the …
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The Most Terrible Parable - The Noble Vineyard Owner
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Pastor Matt takes us back to Matthew 21, to the second Parable Jesus tells during Holy Week. Jesus takes on the religious leaders who act as if they are in charge and have the authority that only God truly has. Jesus challenges them with a brutal parable about a vineyard owner whose tenants act as if they own the land, …
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CHURCH OFFICE 847-823-6656
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Nichole Wandel, Office Administrator
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Matthew J. Hoffmann, Pastor
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Ethan Luft, Associate Pastor
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Jordan Holliday, Director of Music
Christa Neve, Director of Comm. and Media
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Greg Lendy, Contemporary Worship
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Hillary Delanty, Principal
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SCHOOL OFFICE 847-823-9308
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