A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

August 2026 Monthly Newsletter

From the Pastor's Desk


Dear church,


August carries a particular kind of energy in the life of a congregation. Summer scatters us—into travel, family gatherings, long weekends, camps, backyard dinners -- all signs of the beautiful chaos of warm‑weather. People stop in and out of worship and that casual rhythm is a gift that offers renewal.


But as the light shifts, evenings come earlier, and back‑to‑school lists appear on refrigerators, the church once again becomes our gathering place. And there is something holy about the summer scatter. It reminds us that God meets us everywhere: on hiking trails, in airports, at homes we are visiting. We are invited to celebrate that return and start connecting with one another again. Let's check in with one another, share a summer story, and reflect on how our lives have changed in just one season.


This is also a good time to see what we want for this upcoming church year. Do we want to try a new ministry? Strengthen an existing one? Is our service the right shape and taking place at the right time? At the Rostered Minister's Gathering in early July, we spoke at length about service serving the congregation. I would love to hear your thoughts on whether our current service time works for you at this point in your life.


We have lots of exciting things coming up -- our Blessing of the Backpacks, Rally Day Block Party -- and I look forward to hearing about all the ways God met you during the summer scatter.


Yours faithfully In Christ,

Pastor Tom


Worship Highlights

Sunday, August 9 │9:30am Service (worship bulletin)

Sunday school activity for families


Sunday, August 16 │9:30am Service

Blessing of the Backpacks - All students -- young in age and in heart -- are invited to join for a special backpack blessing to kick off the school year! Afterwards, we will head over to Sweet Oasis for ice cream.


Sunday, August 23 │9:30am Service


Sunday, August 30 │9:30am Service

Community Meal Bag Prep Sunday: Join us downstairs in the Fellowship Hall as we pack the next month's worth of community meal bags.



News & Events

Book Club

Tuesday, August 25│7:00p

This month's book is Backman's A Man Called Ove. Please join for good conversation and fellowship, even if you're unable to finish the book.


Facebook event link

Rally Day Block Party

Sunday, September 13

10:00am Church Service

11:00am-2:30pm Celebration

Join us for Rally Day—a fun, all‑ages celebration that marks the start of a new program year and gathers our whole community after the summer scatter.


Reconnect with familiar faces, meet new ones, enjoy food and fun, and step together into a season of worship, learning, and service.


Rally Day is our reminder that church isn’t just something we attend; it’s a community we belong to. Bring a friend and be part of the energy, the welcome, and the hope of a new year beginning.


Facebook event link

Volunteer Opportunities

Worship Team

We've posted our Summer Worship Sign Up List!


Are you interested in reading on Sunday mornings? Maybe you'd like to help hand out bulletins to visitors? Click on our Sign Up link above and volunteer to help out at an upcoming service.


In Case You Missed It...

APLC at Norridge Cruise Night

Prayer Requests

Marlene Anderson

Evelyn Arendt

Frank Barbalace

Chuck Elberding

June Farrow

Helen Lanners

The Arcuri Family

Everly Ramirez

Carol Siemers

Joan Tompkins

Sondra Wince

Sergio & Teresa

Celeste & Family

Tom Justiniano

Tom Spires

Bobby Dupree

Please email the office if you would like to add someone to our prayer list.

Information

 

Worship Service

9:30am on Sundays


Worship Bulletins & Newsletters

We will mail hard copies of the weekly worship bulletins and newsletters by request


Pastoral Care

Contact Pastor Tom by email or cell (312-771-9896)


Giving

Donations are accepted in-person, by mail, or online.

Learn more about giving options here.

 
Facebook  Web  Email