You’ll never meet a perfect man, except Jesus. Here at St. John’s we are blessed to have many men who are intent on growing in their calling to be godly men, masculine men, sacrificial men. Repentant, forgiven men. Men who, by God’s sufficient grace, will “Man Up!”
Three years ago we read Jeff Hemmer’s book Man Up. We’re going to do it again, and I urge every young man high school and up to join me in the study of it this school year. Any guy can read it. A new one will cost you $10 (your old copy is fine, by the way), plus the time and energy to study it for the next seven months.
Here’s the plan:
- All men who are studying Man Up! meet once a month, 7-8pm on the last Sunday.
- The monthly meeting begins with an overview, and then breaks into small group discussion.
- August 30 will be the kickoff. September will be the first month of reading and discussing.
- Each meeting is limited to one hour, but guys can stay if they wish after the closing.
When I write a note for the Eagle, it’s for the whole church, and this one is no exception. Studying Man Up! will be a quest for men among us, but it will bless the whole congregation, whole families, and our community. Thus, ladies, this note and this project relates to you, too. All of us ought to pray that Man Up! will challenge and comfort.
Pastor Burdick
Rally Day 2026
Mark your calendars. Sunday, August 23rd. Breakfast will be at 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School Teachers & Director Needed for Fall
Sunday School teachers and a Superintendent are needed for our Sunday School Program this fall. Please contact Pastor Dille or Phil Stuemke with questions and interest.
Fifth Sunday Door Offering
On the 5th Sunday of the month we will receive a door offering in support of Lutheran Care Center for the “Chapel Challenge.” The August 29 & 30 door offering will help LCC place new carpet in the Chapel, because the original carpet has ripples that make it unsafe. Thank you for taking up the challenge and helping the LCC worship life! Make checks payable to LCC-Chapel Challenge.
Response to the Gospel
Our Attendance Last Week
Sunday July 26 ………………………………. 402
Our Offering
Sunday July 26 ……………………… $8,707.00
Online Offering ……………………… $3,469.00
Total Gen. Fund ………………….. $12,176.00
Lifelight Bible Study
Lifelight Bible study group will start back up on Sunday, September 13. The study is titled Miracles. Please sign up by August 31.
This Week’s Sunday School Lesson — Lesson 13
“A Soldier Believes” is the focus of today’s Bible lesson. In Philippi, Paul and Silas cast the spirit of divination from a slave girl, but her angered owner has the two thrown into prison. Around midnight, Paul and Silas are praying and singing to God when suddenly an earthquake shakes the prison. The jailer, thinking his prisoners have escaped, prepares to take his own life. Paul and Silas interrupt his plan as they share the Gospel with him and his whole family, whom Paul then baptizes. Discuss how God uses events in our lives to give us opportunities to share His Word.
Thank You
Lois Budde would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, visits, and phone calls. After her fall, she had therapy at Lakeland and is now living at The Villas of Holly Brook. God’s blessings to all.
Prayer List
Roger Fritch, Larry Gehle, Bryce Beccue, Steve Rubin, Steve Martin and Gerry Thoman.
Family Life Center Annual Vision Dinner
Sept. 11, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. Keller Convention Center
Life Quote
“And so, our life finds its meaning in Him. Our path is directed by Him. Our future is secure in Him. Though life may take a very unexpected turn, whether with a pregnancy, an illness, depression, or sudden loss, there is hope, there is peace, and there is comfort in the compassion and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us.” — Rev. Paul Clark, Lutherans For Life of Michigan – A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life • lutheransforlife.org
Stewardship Moments
Matthew 14:17–18 – “They said to him, ‘We have only five loaves here and two fish.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.'” The five loaves and two fish were all that the disciples had. But when they handed them over to the Lord, the multitudes were fed. Apart from Jesus, all we do and all we have comes to nothing. But in Jesus, the Lord blesses all we do and all we have for His gracious work.
Confirmation Orientation
Confirmation ministry will begin again in late August. The Orientation meeting for parents and students in grades 6, 7, 8 will be Wednesday August 26 at 5:00pm. The Word of God and Luther’s Small Catechism are our texts. Faithful attendance in class and in worship is required.
Acolyte Training
The incoming 6th Grade students will receive their training in service as an acolyte on after the Confirmation Orientation.
Holy Trinity Lutheran High School
Join us Sunday, August 23, at 3:00 p.m. for Principal Rutherford’s installation!
Youth Corner
The Flock
High schoolers are invited to join us for The Flock this summer! We will be meeting on August 2 & 15
Jr. High LYF
Jr. High youth are invited to join us for Youth Group this summer! We will be meeting on August 5.
Cruise Night
Cruise night is set for Saturday, September 12. Food from 4 p.m. until we are sold out! More details will be coming soon.
Larry Brandt Golf Outing
Sept. 19th, 1 p.m. Tee Off
Board Members
In October our Voters Assembly will elect board members for service in support of our mission (Proclaim the Christ, Grow the Family, Love the Neighbor). Boards, including those members who are completing their time of service, should soon be praying, thinking, and recruiting so that all positions are filled. Do you have a desire to serve in some aspect of our ministry? Speak with our pastors or with Adam Bohnhoff (VP) or Jeff Weis (Pres). Thank you.
LCMS Foundation
In putting together a Christian estate plan, initiation of your efforts is the most difficult part. Often, we put off estate planning because we do not want to confront our fear of dying. Jesus said in John 11, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies. And whoever lives and believes in me will by no means die forever.” You can initiate your plans knowing full well that in Jesus, death has been conquered. Your LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor can remind you of this confidence. Contact Scott Radden @ 618-977-4049 or scott.radden@lfnd.org.
Food Pantry Distribution
The Pantry could use Boxed Cereal, Beefaroni/Ravioli, Crackers (No Saltines) & Canned Fruit.
Thank You
We would like to thank everyone that helped with the rummage sale. Thank you to all who helped set up, worked, help us clean up, or donated items. It was all so very much appreciated! God’s blessings on you all! The Youth Board
New Directory
It’s time for an upgrade of our Church Directory. In August we’ll gather information, in September we’ll publish a new Directory. Please help us ensure that the church office has your accurate address, phone number(s), and email address. Photos for the directory will usually be gleaned from public photos on Facebook. If you want to submit a photo to appear in the Directory, please email it to office@stjohnsLCMS.net Thank you!
A Note from Pastor Fortkamp
PRAISE BE TO GOD for His grace and mercy in granting me 60 years for proclaiming and administering His Word and Sacraments. Though I feel unworthy of such, your praising God for honoring me with 60 years in the ministry was very moving. Over $4000 was given to Mission Central for reaching others with the Good News of God’s love for them in Christ. Your love, kindness and gifts and personally coming to this special event hosted by St. John’s Lutheran, Effingham is greatly appreciated. To God be the glory.
— Pastor Gary D. Fortkamp
Anniversaries This Week
8-02-2020 Christ & Morgan Lidy
8-02-1980 David & Bea Wendte
8-03-2024 Jackson & Kayla Wendling
8-03-2013 Bobby & Kristin Niemerg
8-04-1984 Robert & Pamela Williams
8-05-2000 Darren & Jackie Tabbert
8-05-1978 David & Jeanette Worman
Birthdays This Week
8-02 Andrea Wendling, Erica Hansen, Reese Wendling, Ronnie Johnson
8-03 David Moeller, Dawn Quicksall, Dena Willis
8-04 Alex Nelson, Jessica Mottashed, Nancy L Ohnesorge, Sydney Nelson
8-05 Cinda Hulskotter, Debby Storm, MaLeeha Higgs, Terry Budde
8-06 Justin Brummer, Marcy Scott, Phyllis Rohlfing
8-07 Malachi Stuckemeyer
8-08 Kathy Shingler
A friendly reminder: If you receive Communion using the individual cups, it is best if you “pinch the rim, but don’t squeeze edge to edge.” Squeezing from edge to edge morphs the cup a bit and can make it hard to remove. Pinch the rim and transfer it to your other hand and it will come right out!
Calendar — August 2 – August 8, 2026
Sunday 2
8:00 a.m. Worship w/HC
9:15 a.m. Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship w/HC
6:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran High School Comm Mtg
7:00 p.m. The Flock
Monday 3
Pastor Dille Sabbath
6:00 p.m. Worship Committee
Tuesday 4
5:30 p.m. Board of Ed
5:30 p.m. Board of Trustees
Wednesday 5
10:00 a.m. Bible Study
1:00 p.m. Office Staff Devotion and Meeting
6:00 p.m. Youth Fellowship at the Burdicks’
Friday 7
Pastor Burdick Sabbath
Saturday 8
8:00 a.m. Band Practice
9:00 a.m. Stephen Ministry
5:30 p.m. Worship w/HC