A Word from Pastor Burdick
Love is active, not merely a feeling. I watched a brief, mature, and loving interaction in the halls during VBS this week. Two Jr. High girls who were leading little children from station to station took a small boy to the first aid kit. “A tiny bandage for a tiny cut,” one said — subtly assuring the student that it was going to be okay. The other girl didn’t have anything left to do there, so she started to walk away … and quickly said out loud, “Ope! I need to stay with you” — following our MinistrySafe guidelines. I was very proud and grateful. It was one of many loving actions throughout the week. But not the greatest.
The pinnacle of love this week was in the proclamation of Law and Gospel. Pastors, teachers, parents, youth, signs and songs told the Good News about Jesus. He didn’t just say He felt love for us. He endured the cross, scorning its shame, for us all. He loved us, and still does. Actively.
Forty years ago Kathy and I exchanged marriage vows. We didn’t say we felt love for each other that day. Pastor Watkins asked us, “Will you love her/him?” We promised future action — a life of bandages, sacrifices, diapers, patience, forgiveness, worship and ministry. Staying together.
Love is active! Proclaim the Christ. Grow the Family. Love the Neighbor.
— Pastor Burdick
P.S. Thank you to every VBS volunteer!
Our recent Catechism Bible Study has been the onramp to our congregation for numerous people. Last Sunday, this Saturday, and next weekend we’re hearing new members say “yes, by the grace of God” to Confirmation vows. Welcome in the name of the Lord. We’ll have a New Member Reception later this summer to celebrate and get to know these dear Christians!
Church Family Picnic — Today!
Sunday, June 14 | Immediately following the morning worship service | Eat at 11:15
Potluck lunch! The main course will be provided, along with dinnerware and drinks. Bring your favorite side dish and/or dessert.
Upcoming Events
Baby Bottle Project
Baby bottles with donations for Family Life Center are to be returned next Sunday, Father’s Day.
Golden Eagles Dinner — June 25
Thursday, June 25 at 12 noon. The meal is a picnic lunch with fried chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, green beans, rolls, and dessert. Everyone is welcome. Cost is $10.00 per person. Sign up on the bulletin board in the atrium. You must sign up by Sunday, June 21.
Cross Dedication — Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Dutch Lane
Sunday, July 5 at Noon
Volunteer Luncheon — Large Print Center Volunteers
Tuesday, July 14 at Noon
Special guest: Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell, President of Lutheran Braille Workers
Sign up in the work room before July 6. If unable 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.
Holy Trinity Lutheran High School
www.holytrinityLHS.com
Youth Corner
The Flock — High School
High schoolers are invited to join us for The Flock this summer! Gatherings include time in God’s Word, meaningful fellowship, and encouragement. Friends are always welcome!
Remaining Dates: June 21 | July 5 & 19 | August 1 & 15
We are looking for volunteer families to host. Contact Pastor Dille if interested.
Jr. High LYF
Jr. High youth are invited to Youth Group this summer! Friends are welcome!
Remaining Dates: June 17 | July 1, 15 & 29 | August 5
We are looking for volunteer families to host. Please talk to Pastor Dille if you’d like to host.
Man Up! Study — Returning in August
We have a group of men interested in a reprise of the Man Up! Study, launching in August. One or two chapters discussed at each monthly meeting. Last time about 25 men participated. Families with high school and older boys are encouraged to discuss having those young men read this book. More details to come!
Garage Sale
Sale Dates:
July 30 | 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
July 31 | 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
August 1 | 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
August 1 | Cleanup: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Drop-off Dates:
Sunday, July 26 | Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Monday, July 27 | 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Larry Brandt Golf Outing
Saturday, September 19 | 1:00 p.m. Tee Off
Sunday School
We are looking for volunteers to help with summer Sunday school. If you could teach even one Sunday, please let Kiley Bohnhoff know. It’s a great way to give our wonderful teachers a well-deserved break.
Church Library
Our Library (5th floor, south end) is full of Biblical and wholesome resources for adults and kids. Go up after worship and check something out today.
Food Pantry Distribution
The next distribution is Tuesday, June 23 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Endowment Fund Applications
All board chairs, please remember that applications are due by July 1.
Positions Open — St. Peter Lutheran School
The Board of Christian Education is seeking Kindergarten and 1st & 2nd Grade Teachers for the upcoming school year. Mail resume to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 605 E. Third St., St. Peter, IL 62880, ATTN: Board of Education, or email nathanjacquin@gmail.com.
Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes
The Golden Eagles have been collecting items monthly for Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes. For the month of May, they collected 35 hair brushes and 71 combs. Thank you for your generous donations. God bless you all!
LCMS Foundation — Estate Planning
A good estate plan includes inheritance for family and gifts to ministry. If it has been a while since you were involved in a leadership role in your favorite ministry, an LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor can help gather information and facilitate conversations to ensure your gift makes the greatest impact. Contact Scott Radden at 618-977-4049 or scott.radden@lfnd.org.
Stewardship Moment
Romans 5:8 — God did not wait for mankind to make the first move. He went and found Adam and Eve. And while we were still sinners — still enemies of God, still set against Him — God looked on us with kindness and generosity, and so loved us that He sent His Son Jesus to suffer, die, and rise for us. We now seek to grow up into His image as loving, generous, and kind sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.
Life Quote — Lutherans for Life
“It is important for each of us that we not forget how our country came to be an independent nation. It’s even more important that we individually remember how dependent we are upon God’s provision, protection, and blessing for those liberties we daily enjoy and use. Take the time to turn to the Lord with a thankful heart. Pray also for the willingness to share in the responsibilities and duties that belong to you as a citizen of the United States of America.” — Daily Devotions, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Sister Lakes, Michigan
Response to the Gospel
Attendance — Sunday, June 7
Worship: 407
Adult Sunday School: 38
Offering — Sunday, June 7
Sunday Offering: $15,201.90
Online Offering: $6,709.50
Total General Fund Offering: $21,911.40
Prayer List
Marlin Alwardt, Heather Davis, Dana Keller, Sue Habbe, Gary Wenthe, Bryce Beccue, Roger Fritch, Steve Rubin, Steve Martin, Gerry Thoman, Lois Budde, and St. Peter Lutheran Church and School.
Anniversaries This Week
June 14 — Dennis & Linda Marxmann (1986)
June 14 — Nicholas & Dana Devall (2011)
June 14 — Pastor Mike & Kathy Burdick (1986)
June 15 — Meredith & Kolin Roderick (2019)
June 16 — Terry & Laura Braun (1984)
June 18 — Mark & Cindy Vail (1988)
June 18 — Zachary & Monica Scott (2016)
June 18 — Jake & Erin Wendling (2005)
June 20 — Gary & Cathy Norris (1981)
June 20 — Randy & Erica Hansen (1998)
June 20 — Ron & Carol Lading (1965)
Birthdays This Week
June 14 — Ammon Probst, Faye Tomkins, Marlene Haake
June 15 — Bailey Willenborg, Danny Stevenson, Derek Ohnesorge, Jacque Dixon, Jamie Lotz, Jim Gibbons, Paige Jansen, Leandra Meyers
June 16 — Hope Brinkopf
June 17 — Donald Wendte, Jackson Courson
June 18 — Carol Hulskotter, Karine Castillo, Sara Jennings
June 19 — Mary Dasenbrock, Thad Genaust
June 20 — Gabriel Walker, Todd Sigg, Gus Koester
This Week’s Calendar — June 14–20, 2026
Sunday, June 14
10:00 a.m. — Worship with Holy Communion
11:15 a.m. — Church Picnic
Monday, June 15
Pastor Dille Sabbath
9:00 a.m. — Vacation Bible School Tear Down
4:00 p.m. — Board of Evangelism
5:00 p.m. — Board of Stewardship
Tuesday, June 16
No events scheduled
Wednesday, June 17
10:00 a.m. — Bible Study
1:00 p.m. — Office Staff Devotion and Meeting
6:00 p.m. — Youth Fellowship
Thursday, June 18
5:00 p.m. — Board of Youth
5:45 p.m. — Hall Rental
Friday, June 19
Pastor Burdick Sabbath
6:30 p.m. — Young Adult Bible Study
Saturday, June 20
8:00 a.m. — Band Practice
5:30 p.m. — Worship with Holy Communion