A Word from Pastor Dille
The Old Testament lesson for today begins with the words:
“O Lord, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed.” (Jeremiah 20:7)
Talk about learning the lesson the hard way. Think about your life and all of the lessons where you, like Jeremiah, have learned the hard way. I find myself saying quite often that some lessons you simply have to learn the hard way. Maybe you’ve heard or thought that before, too.
One thing is certain: Jeremiah, who is one of the great prophets, lived a life full of hard lessons. He is often referred to as the “weeping prophet.” He not only proclaimed the fall of God’s people into captivity, but perhaps even more agonizingly, he had to watch it happen. Why? Because God’s people also had to learn a lesson the hard way. They found themselves looking to idols for answers instead of looking to the Lord. Jeremiah witnessed the Babylonians conquering Judah.
Thankfully, we know that this was not the end for God’s people. The Lord preserved a remnant from Judah, and from their line would come Jesus. And Jesus gave all His people a future.
The same was true for Jeremiah. Even though he lived a life full of beatings, imprisonments, and hardship, he proclaimed a message of forgiveness and restoration. In fact, my confirmation verse comes from Jeremiah — Jeremiah 30:19:
“Out of them shall come songs of thanksgiving, and the voices of those who celebrate. I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will make them honored, and they shall not be small.”
Of course, the Lord’s message of forgiveness is for us today as well. I believe that the fulfillment of Jeremiah 30:19 can be seen in the Church today and in our individual families. Whether we have to learn the hard way or not, we do learn that the Lord is with us and that His goodness and mercy endure forever.
May the Lord bless you this week and always,
— Pastor Dille
Fortkamp Ordination Celebration
On Sunday, July 26, 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!
On July 26 we’ll mark the milestone in our morning services, followed by a congregational dinner. At 1:00 p.m. 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 $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 make contributions on July 26. Praise God!
Baby Bottle Project
Baby bottles with donations for Family Life Center are to be returned today.
Upcoming Events
Golden Eagles Dinner — June 25
Thursday, June 25 at 12 noon. Picnic lunch with fried chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, green beans, rolls, and dessert. Cost is $10.00 per person. Sign up on the bulletin board in the atrium. You must sign up by today, June 21.
Lydia Guild Bake Sale
This Saturday and Sunday, June 20 & 21, in honor of Father’s Day.
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.
Cross Dedication — Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Dutch Lane
Sunday, July 5 at Noon
Holy Trinity Lutheran High School
www.holytrinityLHS.com
Vacation Bible School — Thank You!
The total offerings from VBS were $652.87, benefiting Community Support Systems (CSS), which serves infants, children, and adults with disabilities and their families through advocacy, housing, employment, and family support programs.
We averaged 125 children over the 4 evenings and were blessed with 38 helpers. A special thank you to all the parents and those who volunteered!
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: 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: July 1, 15 & 29 | August 5
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 | TBD
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 Pastor Dille or Kiley Bohnhoff know. It’s a great way to give our wonderful teachers a well-deserved break.
This Week’s Sunday School Lesson — Lesson 8
“An Ascending Truth” — During His last days on earth, Jesus instructs His disciples, preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead. Gathering His disciples on the Mount of Olives one last time, Jesus physically ascends to heaven. Two angels repeat Christ’s promise to return in the same way He ascended. Family discussion: What great commission does Jesus give His followers?
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 collect items monthly for Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes. For the month of June they are collecting pencils and sharpeners.
LCMS Foundation — Estate Planning
A good estate plan includes inheritance for family and gifts to ministry. What if the gift you want to give your favorite ministry doesn’t fit into that ministry’s future? An LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor can help you have those conversations so your gift accomplishes what you intend. Contact Scott Radden at 618-977-4049 or scott.radden@lfnd.org.
Stewardship Moment
Romans 6:13 — Everything we have, even our own existence, our very selves, is a gift from God to be used for His purposes. God has called you to be His own and has given you tasks to perform in home, in church, and in society. How will you serve Him today?
Life Quote — Lutherans for Life
“Committed, present, and selfless fathers are the antidote to the culture that has embraced abortion. If we want to end abortion and restore a culture of life, then we need men to embrace fatherhood. We need to take on the great mission, the life-long quest of courage, servitude, and faith. So, let’s cheer on fathers for the amazing work they do. They’re shaping the future, one day at a time, with God’s love as their guide.” — Jeff Gunnarson, Campaign Life Coalition
Response to the Gospel
Attendance — Sunday, June 14
Worship: 427
Offering — Sunday, June 14
Sunday Offering: $4,821.00
Online Offering: $2,304.75
Total General Fund Offering: $7,125.75
Prayer List
Gary Wenthe, Bryce Beccue, Steve Rubin, Steve Martin, Gerry Thoman, Kathy Mueller, and Bob Overbeck.
Anniversaries This Week
June 21 — Derek & Andrea Storm (2014)
June 22 — Gus & Beth Koester (2024)
June 23 — Dustin & Marissa Brown (2018)
June 25 — Brandon & Holley Wendling (2022)
June 25 — Phil & Heidi Kinkelaar (2016)
Birthdays This Week
June 21 — Max Stewart, Gayle Robbins, Mason Stewart
June 22 — Kolton Westjohn, Larry Quicksall
June 23 — Grayson Whitaker, Jacque Frey, Jeff Weis
June 24 — Bob Marxman, Don Grupe, Mary Brauer
June 25 — Emily Klitzing
June 26 — Emmalin Smith
June 27 — Lucas Stortzum, Nicholas Devall, Sharon Vonderheide
This Week’s Calendar — June 21–27, 2026
Sunday, June 21
8:00 a.m. — Worship with Holy Communion
9:15 a.m. — Sunday School
10:30 a.m. — Worship with Holy Communion
7:00 p.m. — The Flock
Monday, June 22
Pastor Dille Sabbath
5:15 p.m. — Board of Ed Childhood
Tuesday, June 23
2:30 – 2:45 p.m. — Food Pantry Prayer
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. — Food Pantry Distribution
Wednesday, June 24
10:00 a.m. — Bible Study
1:00 p.m. — Office Staff Devotion and Meeting
Thursday, June 25
Noon — Golden Eagles Dinner
5:30 – 8:00 p.m. — Hall Rental
Friday, June 26
No events scheduled
Saturday, June 27
8:00 a.m. — Band Practice
5:30 p.m. — Worship with Holy Communion