St. John's Lutheran Church - Toluca

03/30/2026

Celebrate the culmination of the Lenten season and the joy of the Resurrection with us. We invite you to join our community for these sacred services and fellowship events.

Holy Week & Easter Schedule

Maundy Thursday | April 2
• Time: 4:30 PM
• Lead by: Pastor Dick Joyce
• Theme: "Join us at the Table" as we commemorate the Last Supper and the commandment of love.

Good Friday | April 3
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Lead by: Pastor Dick Joyce
• Theme: A solemn service of reflection and prayer as we remember the crucifixion.

Easter Sunday | April 5
Celebrate the miracle of the Resurrection with a full morning of worship and community.
• Easter Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 8:45 AM
- Gather for food and fellowship before our. festival worship.
• Festival Worship & Holy Communion: 9:00 AM
- We are honored to welcome Pastor Amy Ziettlow, Assistant to the Bishop, as our guest preacher and presider.
• Children’s Easter Egg Hunt: Immediately following the service. All Are Welcome!

Whether you have been with us throughout your Lenten journey or are joining us for the first time, there is a place for you here. We look forward to seeing you as we celebrate the hope and renewal of Easter.

"I am the resurrection and the life." — John 11:25

03/27/2026

🌿 As we prepare for the holiest week of the year, we invite you to start your journey with us this Palm Sunday. 🌿

This Sunday, we will experience the Passion together in a special way. We won't just hear the story; we will live it.
Together with the traditional scripture reading, members of our congregation will give voice to the unspoken thoughts and feelings of those who stood by and witnessed the crucifixion. We believe you will find this to be a profoundly moving and spiritual experience as you walk through this sacred text with us.

Join us to sing beautiful, contemplative hymns that capture the mood of this holy season. This service is a special Lenten opportunity you won't want to miss!

Everyone is welcome. We hope you will join us.

⛪ Palm Sunday Service
🗓️ Sunday, March 29th, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM
📍St. John’s Lutheran Church

02/17/2026

Reminder:

Ash Wednesday service is tomorrow at 7:00pm

Also there will be a reception for Pastor Wayne on Sunday with brunch served after service.

01/25/2026

Church service for tomorrow, Jan. 25, 2026 has been canceled due to the weather. The annual meeting has been postponed until next Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.

12/23/2025

Come join us is celebrating the birth of our Savior.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Day Service, 9:00 a.m.

12/14/2025

The church service for December 14 has been canceled due to the weather.

11/29/2025

Church service for November 30 has been canceled due to the weather. Stay warm and be safe.

09/09/2025

Rest in peace, beloved child of God.

October 8, 1935 – August 28, 2025
Carol Ann (Vollenweider) Pelz, 89, of Glenview, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, at Arbor Terrace of Glenview.

Born on October 8, 1935, in McNabb, Illinois, Carol was the daughter of Lydia and Alwin Vollenweider. She grew up in McNabb alongside her brother, Harry Vollenweider, and remained closely connected to her hometown throughout her life.

On May 6, 1956, Carol married the love of her life, Raymond “Pete” Pelz. They shared 30 wonderful years of marriage until Pete’s passing in 1986, and together they raised their daughter, Cara Lydia Pelz, of Chicago, whom Carol cherished deeply.

Carol dedicated more than 50 years to a career in banking, serving at Farmers State Bank of McNabb and later retiring from Toluca Community Bank. She was widely respected for her professionalism, integrity, and the genuine relationships she built with colleagues and customers alike.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Pelz; her parents, Lydia and Alwin Vollenweider; and her brother, Harry Vollenweider.
She is survived by her daughter, Cara Lydia Pelz of Chicago, along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

A converted Chicago Cubs fan, Carol also enjoyed traveling, golfing, and playing tennis. She especially treasured time spent with her daughter in Chicago—creating memories filled with joy, laughter, and love. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Toluca, where she found fellowship and purpose.

Carol will be remembered for her warmth, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Toluca, with burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Toluca Ambulance Fund or St. John’s Lutheran Church of Toluca in Carol’s memory.

08/01/2025

Lots of fun during True North VBS!

07/27/2025

Come join us tonight! No worries....we'll be inside all night out of the heat!

Guide kids on the ultimate Alaskan adventure where northern lights glow over majestic mountains, racing rivers, and glistening glaciers. As kids trek the tundra, they’ll explore how easy it is to lose sight of what’s true in our wild world today. Pointing them toward Jesus, True North VBS shows ...

07/21/2025

Come join the fun! Spread the word....begins this Sunday!

Guide kids on the ultimate Alaskan adventure where northern lights glow over majestic mountains, racing rivers, and glistening glaciers. As kids trek the tundra, they’ll explore how easy it is to lose sight of what’s true in our wild world today. Pointing them toward Jesus, True North VBS shows ...

07/07/2025

Please join us at St. John’s Lutheran Church next Sunday (July 13th) to welcome and meet Pastor Wayne Shelksohn, our new interim pastor.