A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

July 2026 Monthly Newsletter

From the Pastor's Desk


Dear church,


It really feels like summer now and of course, in typical Chicago fashion, summer is marked with cool sweater weather temps that swings into heat waves. Please stay safe: check in on each other and don't be afraid to reach out if you're feeling unwell.


The Season after Pentecost reminds us that God’s renewing Spirit is always moving through ordinary days in our ordinary lives. Renewal happens when we gather, serve, pray, and care for one another. It shows up in stories shared at coffee hour, in hands packing meal bags, in children playing during worship, and in conversations that happen when we check on each other. Every act of community becomes a seed of renewal.


July also marks our nation's Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the United States. Milestone anniversaries like these call us to celebrate but are also opportunies to pause and reflect: How have we changed as a nation? How have we contributed to the common good of our country? How does God call us to show up for our communities?


As people of faith, we hold gratitude for freedoms we enjoy while also renewing Jesus' call to sewing seeds of peace, hope, and love in ourselves and in our communities. Whether you are nearby or travelling afar, let us live our call. Let us sew these seeds of renewal through our interactions with others.


Yours faithfully In Christ,

Pastor Tom


Worship Highlights

Sunday, July 5 │9:30am Service

Fourth of July weekend


Sunday, July 12 │9:30am Service

Stay after service to put together community meal bags. We distribute ~100 bags per month.


Sunday, July 19 │9:30am Service


Sunday, June 26 │9:30am Service



News & Events

Churchwide Rostered Ministers' Gathering

Monday, July 6 - Friday, July 10


All ELCA deacons, pastors, bishops, and candidates approved for call are invited to a time of intentional connection to renew our strength, enjoy camaraderie with colleagues and reflect on the Holy Spirit’s work among us.


July Checkmate Social:

TBD│5:30-7:30p

Join us later this month for an evening of chess, board games, and pizza! No experience necessary!


Norridge Cruise Night

Thursday, July 30 │5:00p

Did you know that Pastor Tom rides a motorcycle? He'll be at the Village of Norridge's Cruise Night; come hang out!



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 joins the Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches for the 2026 Pride Parade

Prayer Requests

Marlene Anderson

Evelyn Arendt

Lisa Austin

Frank Barbalace

Len & Karen Batson

Betty Dupree

Chuck Elberding

June Farrow

Toni & Joe Kosydar

Helen Lanners

Arely Martinez

Everly Ramirez

Carol Siemers

Joan Tompkins

Sondra Wince

The Arcuri Family

Frances & Family

Ana & Tom

Sergio & Teresa

Celeste & Family

Seanna

Mark

Tom Justiniano

Maureen Grant

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.

 
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