Hey friends, 

Hope you had a great July 4th—got to relax a little and connect with others as we celebrated our country’s birthday. In worship last weekend, the band rocked and we talked about the first of eight practices as we walk the Path of Peace. God’s word is the light that leads us in life, even when the path my seem dark. “In a culture of Self, we receive God’s WORD.”  

This weekend, the band will take us into the backwoods for some good old bluegrass music. Pastor Karl will be back in the saddle and talk to us about the second of the eight practices of the Path of Peace: In a culture of entertainment, we respond in WORSHIP. 

Here are some ways to engage in the coming weeks: 

• Our mission team is heading to Slovakia to partner with a local congregation to lead a week-long summer camp and you’re invited to be a part of this journey! Support the team by becoming a prayer partner. Commit to lifting up the team in prayer—before they go, while they travel, and as they serve. Pick up a prayer prompt card at the Connection Center or view it here.  

• We're preparing to welcome our new DCE Intern, Liz Rossow, to the Prince of Peace family at the end of July!  We want to shower her with love, and one of the ways we can do this is with a gift card collection to help her get settled and feel loved—think big box stores like Target or Walmart, local grocery stores, or your favorite Palatine restaurants.  You can place these in the box at the connection center or drop them off in the church office.  Together, we can make Liz feel loved and supported as she moves into her new community!  

• During the month of July, we are collecting school supplies to ensure that local students start the school year prepared and ready to learn. Click here to view the list of much-needed items on the Church Center App or use the wish list links to shop online. Please drop off any donations in the labeled donation bin located near the church nursery by Sunday, July 27.  

All the above is made possible because of you and all you do to LOVE OTHERS. All we do at POP is because of you and your willingness to give back what God has given to you. This also goes for your offerings as well. At the midpoint of our calendar year, we have received $715,399 in offerings, which has funded 46% of our 2025 annual operating budget. All we do at POP is because of you and your willingness to give back what God has given to you. We appreciate your faithful generosity to support the ministry opportunities that God is setting before us as a congregation. Give a one-time or set up recurring offerings here.

Well, that is all for this week.  I can't wait to see you this weekend for worship!  

God bless,

Share your prayer requests—directly through text messages!

There are two ways to do this:

1. If you're reading this on a mobile device: Click the link above to open your messaging app, and the prayer number and prompt will be preloaded. Simply add your prayer, and hit "send."

2. If you're on a desktop: Use your mobile device to text "Prayer" to 224-315-8808.

After sending the "prayer" message, you’ll receive a reply with further instructions. Follow these prompts to share your specific prayer request. You can also share a prayer through the Church Center app.

Need help using the app? Click here for helpful videos,
or call the church office.