Pastor’s Message
This painting sold at an auction in New York in 2017 for $81,000,000. What makes it special? Well, first and foremost, it’s the person who painted it. The painting is called Laboureur dans un Champ, which translates to Worker in a Field, and it was painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1889.
But perhaps what adds even more value is the story behind the painting. It was painted only a few days after Van Gogh was released from a hospital, where he had been treated for mental health issues. If you were to see it in color, you would notice soft tones of yellow, blue, and purple covering the field and surrounding the man and his horse as they work the plow.
In a devotion written about this painting from christian.art (a great resource!), the writer states that the short and abrupt brushstrokes (as opposed to long, smooth ones) reflect Van Gogh’s anxiousness. Yet, the soft colors and the clearly defined sun reveal his desire for peace.
What does this have to do with today’s text? Well, it’s a reminder for us to trust in Jesus’ words in the Gospel lesson—that in Him we will find rest. What a weekend to be reminded of that. It’s not in the fleeting things of this world (yes, they are blessings from God) that we find rest… not in the freedom we have living here in the U.S.A., not in the parties we’re having to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country, and true rest is not even found in our families. It is found only in Jesus, through His Word and Sacrament.
Cling to that and have fun this weekend—but remember where your rest, peace, and hope are found!
The Lord bless you,
Pastor Dille
Fortkamp Ordination Celebration
Sunday, July 26th we will celebrate a rare milestone. Pastor Gary Fortkamp was ordained into the Holy Ministry on July 24, 1966. Not many pastors serve as active pastors into their 60th year of ministry. Let us give glory to God for what He has done through Pastor Fortkamp and the Office of the Ministry! July 26th we’ll mark the milestone in our morning Services, and then have a congregational dinner immediately following. At 1:00pm we’ll host a cake and punch/coffee Open House so others outside our congregation can come greet Pastor and Gloria. We have notified all of the congregations Pastor has served the past 60 years in full-time or vacancy capacities, from Colorado, Nebraska and Illinois. Next month we will post a signup sheet for all who plan to attend the congregational dinner. Our Elders have decided to give a $1000 donation to a mission of Pastor Fortkamp’s choosing. He has chosen Mission Central in Iowa. Anyone desiring to add to this donation can make contributions on July 26! Praise God!
Eagles Nest Preschool Garage Sale
The preschool has accumulated an abundance of “well loved” Christian and Educational toys over the last 28 years. They are having a garage sale in the multi-purpose room. It is a “good will” donation. Please stop by after church and check it out. Thank You.
Response to the Gospel
Our Attendance Last Week
Sunday June 28: 405
Sunday School: NA
Our Offering
Sunday June 28: $9,241.00
Online Offering: $3,069.00
Total Gen. Fund: $12,310.00
Volunteer Luncheon
Tuesday, July 14 at noon
For all Volunteers of the Large Print Center
Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell, President of Lutheran Braille Workers will be our special guest. Sign up in the work room before July 6
If you’re not able to sign up in person, please call Marilyn (217-821-0508) or Kathy (217-254-9360) to be included. The catered meal will be hosted by St. John’s.
Sunday School
We are looking for volunteers to help with summer Sunday school. If you could teach even one Sunday, please let Pastor Dille or Kiley Bohnhoff know. It’s nice to give our wonderful teachers a break.
Ice Cream Social
Faith Lutheran Church Shumway is having their annual Ice Cream Social Sunday, July 12 from 4:00-7:00. The menu will be homemade ice cream, BBQ, hot dogs, pies, cake, and drinks. There will be a free will offering. All proceeds to benefit the Holy Trinity Lutheran High School.
Cross Dedication
The Dedication of the Cross at our Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery on Dutch Lane will be held at Noon this Sunday, July 5th.
Sunday School Today
There will be no children’s Sunday school today. Adult bible study will be as usual in the fellowship hall.
Food Pantry Distribution
The next distribution is Tues., July 14 from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Holy Trinity Lutheran High School
We have very exciting news for the progress of Holy Trinity Lutheran High School.
The School Board for Holy Trinity Lutheran High School continues to work diligently toward the opening of the school.
At our most recent meeting we discussed and prayerfully deliberated extending a call for our first principal. We interviewed four candidates and voted to extend the call to Pastor Rutherford of Lincoln, MO. Please join us in praying for him, his family, those he is currently serving, and Holy Trinity Lutheran High School as he considers this call.
Thank you!
Ammon Probst
Holy Trinity Lutheran High School Board Chair
Positions Open at St. Peter Lutheran School
The Board of Christian Education is seeking to fill the positions for Kindergarten and 1st & 2nd Grade Teachers for the next school year. If you would like to apply, please mail resume to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 605 E. Third St., St. Peter, IL 62880 ATTN: Board of Education. If you prefer, you may also email your resume to the board Chairman at nathanjacquin@gmail.com
Prayer List
Judy Ziegler, Don Clark, Gary & Kathy Wenthe, Bryce Beccue, Steve Rubin, Steve Martin, Gerry Thoman, Kathy Mueller, and Synda Overbeck.
Prayers
For Gene Koebele and family after the death of his sister, Millie
Congratulations to Colby & Holly Adams for the birth of a son, Jasper Troy, born Tues. June 30th
Youth Corner Upcoming Events
Holiday World Tues. July 21
This is for this year’s 6th grade through LYF members
Sign Up by July 14th
Sign Up information is on the bulletin board
Or by using this QR Code below
You may take a friend
$40 per person
You may pay for your ticket with your LYF funds
You may take up to $50 from your LYF funds as spending cash
You will be contacted about money and more information. Must have waiver (which are on the church bulletin board) filled out in full by July 21 and with you.
The Flock
High schoolers are invited to join us for The Flock this summer! We will be meeting on the following dates:
July 5 & 19
August 1 & 15
Jr. High LYF
Jr. High youth are invited to join us for Youth Group this summer! We will be meeting on the following dates:
July 15 and 29
August 5
Rummage Sale
July 30 from 4-7pm
July 31 from 9am-6pm,
August 1 from 9-11:30am
Drop off dates & times
Sun., July 26th from 3pm – 4pm
Mon., July 27th from 9am – 6pm
Larry Brandt Golf Outing
Sept. 19th
1 p.m. Tee Off
Rummage Sale Help is Needed
At Set Up
Sun., July 26
After Fortkamp’s Open House Reception-4:00pm
Mon., July 27 from 9am-6pm
At all Sale Times
At Clean Up
August 1 from 12-2pm
All LYF Youth and Parents
Please consider helping
There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.
Please contact Cathy Norris (217-821-3656) Donetta Ohnesorge (217-821-3300) or Carolyn Wendte (217-821-6541) If you have questions.
Golden Eagles
There will be NO Golden Eagles dinner for the month of July. The youth will be using the fellowship hall to prepare for their annual rummage sale. We will meet again Aug. 27
Our mission each month goes toward Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. We are accepting donations to fill 50 shoeboxes in October (25 boys & 25 girls). So far, toothbrushes, combs, hair brushes, pencils, and sharpeners have been collected. Our next request is for sunglasses, jump ropes, and yo-yo’s. The Social Ministry team truly appreciates your cooperation. God is Good.
Anniversaries This Week
7-05-2002 Jeff & Ashley Flach
7-06-1996 Todd & Lisa Sigg
7-07-2001 Derek & Donetta Ohnesorge
7-08-1978 Fred & Judy Meislahn
7-08-2000 Kenny & Mary Dasenbrock
7-08-1989 Rick & Vicki Cook
7-10-1982 Dan & Lisa Norton
7-10-2004 Doug & Julie Stuckemeyer
7-11-2020 Jay & Mary Wallace
Birthdays This Week
7-05 Carol Klein, Heidi Kinkelaar, Knox Kinkelaar
7-06 Brad Osborne
7-07 Alec Brown, JD Snow, Larry Kuhns, Robert Hunsaker
7-09 Ben Meinhart, Jonathan Stremming, Maddy Keith, Phyllis Dueker
7-10 Carissa Snow, Cindy Shingleton
Attention ALL Boards
Your reports need to be in the office by Tuesday, July 13 by noon
Upcoming Meetings
Council Meeting
Tuesday, July 21 at 7:00pm
Voters Assembly Meeting
Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00pm
CALENDAR — July 5 –July 11, 2026
Sunday 5
8:00 a.m. Worship w/HC
9:15 a.m. Sunday School – Adult Only
10:30 a.m. Worship w/HC
12:00 p.m. Immanuel Cemetery Cross Dedication
6:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran High School Comm. Mtg.
7:00 p.m. The Flock
Monday 6
Pastor Dille Sabbath
Tuesday 7
5:30 p.m. Board of Education
5:30 p.m. Board of Trustees
Wednesday 8
10:00 a.m. Bible Study
1:00 p.m. Office Staff Devotion and Meeting
Thursday 9
5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Hall Rental
5:30 p.m. Board of Elders
Friday 10
Pastor Burdick Sabbath
6:30 p.m. Young Adult Bible Study
Saturday 11
8:00 a.m. Band Practice
9:00 a.m. Stephen Ministry
5:30 p.m. Worship w/HC
A painting called Laboureur dans un Champ (“Worker in a Field”) sold at auction in New York in 2017 for $81,000,000. It was painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1889, only days after he was released from a hospital where he had been treated for mental health issues. Soft tones of yellow, blue, and purple cover the field and the man and horse plowing it.
A devotion from christian.art notes that the short, abrupt brushstrokes reflect Van Gogh’s anxiousness, while the soft colors and clearly defined sun reveal his desire for peace.
It’s a reminder for us to trust in Jesus’ words in the Gospel lesson — that in Him we will find rest.
True rest isn’t found in the fleeting things of this world — not in our freedom as Americans, not in our 250th anniversary celebrations, and not even in our families. It is found only in Jesus, through His Word and Sacrament.
Cling to that and have fun this weekend — but remember where your rest, peace, and hope are found!
The Lord bless you,
Pastor Dille
Fortkamp Ordination Celebration
Sunday, July 26th we will celebrate a rare milestone. Pastor Gary Fortkamp was ordained into the Holy Ministry on July 24, 1966. Not many pastors serve as active pastors into their 60th year of ministry. Let us give glory to God for what He has done through Pastor Fortkamp and the Office of the Ministry!
July 26th we’ll mark the milestone in our morning Services, followed by a congregational dinner. At 1:00pm we’ll host a cake and punch/coffee Open House so others outside our congregation can come greet Pastor and Gloria. All congregations Pastor has served over the past 60 years — in Colorado, Nebraska, and Illinois — have been notified. A signup sheet for the congregational dinner will be posted next month.
Our Elders have decided to give a $1,000 donation to a mission of Pastor Fortkamp’s choosing — he has chosen Mission Central in Iowa. Anyone desiring to add to this donation can contribute on July 26! Praise God!
Eagles Nest Preschool Garage Sale
The preschool has accumulated an abundance of “well loved” Christian and educational toys over the last 28 years. They are having a garage sale in the multi-purpose room. It is a “good will” donation. Please stop by after church and check it out. Thank you!
Response to the Gospel — Our Attendance Last Week
Sunday, June 28: 405
Sunday School: NA
Our Offering
Sunday, June 28: $9,241.00
Online Offering: $3,069.00
Total Gen. Fund: $12,310.00
Announcements
Volunteer Luncheon
Tuesday, July 14 at noon, for all Volunteers of the Large Print Center. Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell, President of Lutheran Braille Workers, will be our special guest. Sign up in the work room before July 6. If you’re not able to sign up in person, call Marilyn (217-821-0508) or Kathy (217-254-9360). The catered meal will be hosted by St. John’s.
Sunday School
We are looking for volunteers to help with summer Sunday school. If you could teach even one Sunday, please let Pastor Dille or Kiley Bohnhoff know. It’s nice to give our wonderful teachers a break.
Ice Cream Social
Faith Lutheran Church Shumway is having their annual Ice Cream Social Sunday, July 12 from 4:00–7:00. The menu includes homemade ice cream, BBQ, hot dogs, pies, cake, and drinks. There will be a free will offering, with all proceeds benefiting Holy Trinity Lutheran High School.
Cross Dedication
The Dedication of the Cross at our Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery on Dutch Lane will be held at Noon this Sunday, July 5th.
Sunday School Today
There will be no children’s Sunday school today. Adult Bible study will be as usual in the fellowship hall.
Food Pantry Distribution
The next distribution is Tuesday, July 14, from 3–4 p.m.
Holy Trinity Lutheran High School
The School Board continues to work diligently toward the opening of the school. At the most recent meeting, the Board discussed and prayerfully deliberated extending a call for the school’s first principal. Four candidates were interviewed, and the Board voted to extend the call to Pastor Rutherford of Lincoln, MO. Please join us in praying for him, his family, those he is currently serving, and Holy Trinity as he considers this call.
Thank you!
Ammon Probst, Holy Trinity Lutheran High School Board Chair
Positions Open at St. Peter Lutheran School
The Board of Christian Education is seeking to fill Kindergarten and 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher positions for the next school year. Mail resumes to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 605 E. Third St., St. Peter, IL 62880, ATTN: Board of Education, or email the board chairman at nathanjacquin@gmail.com.
Prayer List
Judy Ziegler, Don Clark, Gary & Kathy Wenthe, Bryce Beccue, Steve Rubin, Steve Martin, Gerry Thoman, Kathy Mueller, and Synda Overbeck.
Prayers
For Gene Koebele and family after the death of his sister, Millie.
Congratulations to Colby & Holly Adams on the birth of a son, Jasper Troy, born Tuesday, June 30th.
Youth Corner Upcoming Events
Holiday World — Tuesday, July 21
For this year’s 6th grade through LYF members. Sign up by July 14th (info on the bulletin board or via QR code). You may take a friend, $40 per person. You may pay with LYF funds and take up to $50 from your LYF funds as spending cash. You will be contacted about money and more information. Waivers (available on the church bulletin board) must be filled out in full and with you by July 21.
The Flock
High schoolers are invited to join us this summer on July 5 & 19 and August 1 & 15.
Jr. High LYF
Jr. High youth are invited to Youth Group this summer on July 15 & 29 and August 5.
Rummage Sale
July 30 from 4–7pm, July 31 from 9am–6pm, and August 1 from 9–11:30am. Drop off dates: Sunday, July 26 from 3–4pm, and Monday, July 27 from 9am–6pm.
Larry Brandt Golf Outing
September 19th, 1 p.m. tee off.
Rummage Sale Help Is Needed
At Set Up: Sunday, July 26 after Fortkamp’s Open House Reception–4:00pm; Monday, July 27 from 9am–6pm.
At All Sale Times
At Clean Up: August 1 from 12–2pm.
All LYF Youth and Parents, please consider helping. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. Contact Cathy Norris (217-821-3656), Donetta Ohnesorge (217-821-3300), or Carolyn Wendte (217-821-6541) with questions.
Golden Eagles
There will be NO Golden Eagles dinner for the month of July. The youth will be using the fellowship hall to prepare for their annual rummage sale. We will meet again August 27.
Our mission each month goes toward Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. We are accepting donations to fill 50 shoeboxes in October (25 boys & 25 girls). So far, toothbrushes, combs, hair brushes, pencils, and sharpeners have been collected. Our next request is for sunglasses, jump ropes, and yo-yo’s. The Social Ministry team truly appreciates your cooperation. God is Good.
Anniversaries This Week
7-05-2002 Jeff & Ashley Flach
7-06-1996 Todd & Lisa Sigg
7-07-2001 Derek & Donetta Ohnesorge
7-08-1978 Fred & Judy Meislahn
7-08-2000 Kenny & Mary Dasenbrock
7-08-1989 Rick & Vicki Cook
7-10-1982 Dan & Lisa Norton
7-10-2004 Doug & Julie Stuckemeyer
7-11-2020 Jay & Mary Wallace
Birthdays This Week
7-05 Carol Klein, Heidi Kinkelaar, Knox Kinkelaar
7-06 Brad Osborne
7-07 Alec Brown, JD Snow, Larry Kuhns, Robert Hunsaker
7-09 Ben Meinhart, Jonathan Stremming, Maddy Keith, Phyllis Dueker
7-10 Carissa Snow, Cindy Shingleton
Attention ALL Boards
Your reports need to be in the office by Tuesday, July 13 by noon.
Upcoming Meetings
Council Meeting: Tuesday, July 21 at 7:00pm
Voters Assembly Meeting: Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00pm
Calendar — July 5–11, 2026
Sunday 5
8:00 a.m. Worship w/HC
9:15 a.m. Sunday School – Adult Only
10:30 a.m. Worship w/HC
12:00 p.m. Immanuel Cemetery Cross Dedication
6:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran High School Comm. Mtg.
7:00 p.m. The Flock
Monday 6
Pastor Dille Sabbath
Tuesday 7
5:30 p.m. Board of Education
5:30 p.m. Board of Trustees
Wednesday 8
10:00 a.m. Bible Study
1:00 p.m. Office Staff Devotion and Meeting
Thursday 9
5:30–8:00 p.m. Hall Rental
5:30 p.m. Board of Elders
Friday 10
Pastor Burdick Sabbath
6:30 p.m. Young Adult Bible Study
Saturday 11
8:00 a.m. Band Practice
9:00 a.m. Stephen Ministry
5:30 p.m. Worship w/HC