06/08/2026
News from United Lutheran Church in Gardner
June, 2026 Newsletter
Why “Fellowship” matters
After worship on June 7
There is an interesting theory about why homo sapiens, we humans, survived the evolutionary process and became the dominate species on the planet. It is because we learned how to cooperate with one another. We were vulnerable to weather, predatory animals, and disease. Our babies are the most vulnerable live births of any other mammals. And yet, we humans have learned to cooperate with one another, build relationships of mutual support, and protect one another. We have developed because we have learned to nurture deep, loving connections to each other.
The same is true for the church. This month we will have the synod assembly June 12-13. The word synod is from a Greek word which literally means “walking together”. Representative from the many congregations of the Northern Illinois Synod will become one voice in electing leaders, passing resolutions, and adopting a budget to help us walk together toward the common goal of declaring our faith in the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, which a Trinity, is also a fellowship of love within God.
So, on June 7 we will meet around coffee (of course) and home baked goodies that are shared to take time to talk to one another, make connections, and just be in fellowship. These strong bonds are as important as worship. In Acts 2 we read of the first church: 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers…44All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. For me, the key to this text is “as they spent much time together.”
I treasure the one hour a week I spend with you in worship. But I also know that for this church to survive, we need to spend time together in fellowship. It is what humans do.
Peace, Pastor Greg
Mission of the Month News: Our mission of the month for June is support of the mobile food pantry near the firehouse. Give non-parishables or use the offering envelopes marked with “Special Offering”.
Church Council will meet on June 21.
Thrivent Members: If you have a Thrivent policy, you may be able to support the church by using Choice Dollars. Check on your Thrivent website for Choice Dollars or call your agent to see if you are eligible to send these dollars to United Lutheran Church in Gardner.
Our services are still on Facebook Live. Every once in a while, we get non-members who attend these services online. Feel free to share the service with family and friends.
Children in Worship: Children are always welcome in worship. If you inform the pastor ahead of time that you will be attending with your children, he will prepare a children’s message and an activity to compliment the sermon for the day.
Our worship schedule: Pastor Olson will be with us on June 7 and 21. Dean will lead worship on June 14, and Kelly will lead worship on June 28.
Looking ahead: Pastor Olson’s 50th anniversary of his ordination into the ministry. Save the date of July 19 when after worship a special event of fellowship is planned to celebrate this event. Details to follow.
Remember in our prayers those who have been ill or healing from injuries this last month: Joe Spiezio, Barney Vigna, and Kelly Derr.
