Category: Walking Together

Walking Together is the weekly e-news of the Northern Illinois Synod. Anyone can subscribe by clicking here) or by sending names and email addresses to karin@nisynod.org. Congregational submissions are encouraged! Send stories, prayer requests, bulletin board items, news, and photos to karin@nisynod.org.

The Church Cannot Stay Silent – a pastoral letter from Bishop Jeffrey Clements

"I am asking this synod to confront anew the sins of racism, anti-Semitism, and white supremacy."

August 15, 2017 Reformation 500: 50 things Luther taught that you may not know As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Living Lutheran is exploring 500 of its unique aspects, continuing the series this month with 50 Reformation things you may not know about … continue Children-in-worship series: More than kids’ bulletins Children …

LEAD is has four $1290 scholarships remaining for its “In Search of Paul” study pilgrimage to Turkey and Greece, April 3-19, 2018. ELCA leaders rostered 10 years or fewer may apply. We believe it is important that newly rostered leaders can avail themselves of studying in the geographical and historical context of the Apostle Paul, but …

August 8, 2017 Perspective: A bigger table in a divisive era On July 26, the Trump administration filed an amicus brief stating that the provisions under Title VII (which dates back to 1964) do not refer to people in the LGBTQIA community. According to the … continue A new sense of purpose The Rev. Jackie Utley …

In support of those who will join an act of public witness against racial injustice Aug. 12 in Charlottesville, Va., the Rev. William O. Gafkjen, bishop of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and chair of the ELCA Conference of Bishops, has issued the following prayer on behalf of the …

Prayers of healing requested for Pr. Sharon Rogers’ husband, Al, who has cancer. Find out more at his caringbridge site: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alpepperrogers

Children in worship series: Everyone can serve More than attendance The purpose of including and encouraging children in church—as well as their parents—is not to “improve our numbers.” It’s to get the gospel into the marrow of their … continue Reformation 500: 50 things Luther taught that you may not know As we commemorate the 500th …

Are you an individual with a love of learning and people of all ages? If yes, then we’ve got a unique opportunity waiting for you! Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mount Morris, IL is looking for a part-time Director of Christian Education. This individual will implement the educational ministries of the church, including among others, …

Do you have a heart for bringing healing, justice, and wholeness to people and communities. Serving Illinois since 1867, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is a nonprofit social service organization of the three Illinois synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). LSSI is the largest statewide social service provider, serving over 65,000 …

St. John’s, Sterling, new pastor, Rev. Jacob Gawlik will be installed this Sunday, August 6 at 9:30 a.m. Pastor Jacob Gawlik, his wife, Michelle, and their two children, Hannah and Eve, have moved to Sterling. They are settling into their new home and acquainting themselves with the community. Pastor Jacob will begin his ministry here on …

When college students you know head to campus, you can help introduce them to Lutheran Campus Ministry. Use this link to share contact info with Lutheran Campus Ministry most anywhere! Click here. You will find an online form that you can use to send student names and contact information to the ministry or congregation closest to …

“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday – September 10, 2017 – is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Resources Promotional Items Videos

Today, we present our ELCA Advocacy Update for the month of August. Please read below for important information on ELCA Advocacy efforts in Washington, across the country and throughout the world. To read the full version of the update and for more information on advocacy efforts from our Lutheran State Advocacy offices, visit our blog! ELCA Advocacy, …

We want to hear from you! The draft of a social message on human rights is now available for feedback at ELCA.org. Social messages provide a framework for conversation and guidance for ministries in the church about pressing matters of social concern. Human rights touch many aspects of church and society – the social message draft endeavors …

Ferne Caroline Svendsen Rouse Pierce, mother of Richard Rouse (spouse of Beth Lewis, president and CEO of 1517 Media), was born December 13, 1922 in Earlville, IL. She died peacefully on July 17, 2017 in Solvang, CA. She was 94 years old. A memorial service, followed by refreshments, will be held on Friday, September …

August 6-12 LOMC is holding our first ever Tents Giving! With the amount of rain and storms we have had in the past couple weeks, many of our tents are damaged. We are accepting donations to purchase new, durable, and camp-proof tents. Each tent costs between $150-$200 because we are hoping to purchase high quality …

Pastor Kristen Glass Perez’ husband, Javier, died Wednesday, August 2. The visitation will be Tuesday, August 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. in Wallenberg Hall at Augustana College. The funeral will be Wednesday, August 9 at 10:30 a.m. in Ascension Chapel with a lunch following in Wallenberg Hall. Read the obituary.

Rev. Jose Cortes, our developer in Moline, is making an emergency trip to Puerto Rico August 3. His mother, Irma Cortes, recently suffered a heart attack. His brother, Luis Cortes, has been battling cancer. Pr. Cortes asks our prayers for his mother and brother as they face health issues.

Visit the NIS website to find out about Reformation 500th Anniversary events around the synod. http://nisynod.org/category/reformation500/

…for Pr. Christine Stienstra and family at the death of her mother, Laura Grebner

Mrs. LaVerne (Laura M. Krug) Grebner, 95, of rural Scales Mound, IL, passed away Saturday afternoon, July 29, 2017, at home. Funeral Services will be at 2 pm, on Wednesday, August 2, 2017, at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, in Schapville, IL, with Rev. Mark Oehlert officiating. Burial will be in Shepherd of …

21st Annual Ecumenical Benefit Brunch Saturday, October 7, 2017 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Trinity Lutheran Church 200 North 1st Street / Rockford, IL Featured Speaker Kimberly Ackmann, Deputy Court Administrator for the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Co-Sponsored by Rockford Deanery Council of Catholic Women and Northern Illinois Synod Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church …

Living Lutheran: ‘After the media leaves, Lutherans stay’ Last year Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) worked on 47 relief and recovery projects in 29 countries and distributed nearly $6.6 million. The ministry has a reputation for staying in and serving communities long after other agencies and media have left. “Because Lutherans are at work in …

From the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America “As the Conference of Bishops, we call our worshiping communities to pray for raising up leaders for this church. We ask that the petitions of every worship service include a plea that new lay leaders, deacons and pastors be identified, invited, encouraged and …

Dear friend in Christ, At the end of last year, I was attending my congregation’s council meeting at which the proposed 2017 budget was presented for the first time. As we were going through the various line items, first on the income side and then later expenses, we came to the line for Mission Support. …

Featured

2018 Synod Trip to India – flyer and information

வணக்கம்! (vaṇakkam! – “Hello” in Tamil) The Northern Illinois Synod is planning a trip to India and our companion synod, the Arcot Lutheran Church, for February 5-16, 2018 (with an optional 2-day add-on). Spaces are filling up. If you might be interested in participating in this trip, please complete the simple survey below today. Download …

Northern Illinois Synod Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 29th Annual Convention Saturday, September 16, 2017 Theme: “Lifting the Least” Morning Message: Bishop Jeffery Clements

2017 PLC will be September 18-20 Presenters: Karoline M. Lewis and Jonathan Rundman The NIS Professional Leaders Conference is the key yearly opportunity for leaders to experience collegiality and connect with what is going on in our Synod. All NIS professional leaders (rostered leaders, seminary students, and paid professional congregational leaders) and their spouses are encouraged to come …

Sunday, October 29 4pm St. John’s, Mendota The special synod-wide Reformation Ordination Worship and Celebration will be Sunday, October 29, at St. John’s, Mendota at 4:00 p.m.

Save the date: Thursday, November 16 at LOMC from 10 – 4

Patti Beamsley, mother of Chris Beamsley and mother-in-law of Pr. Jen Beamsley, St. John, Joliet, is currently (7/19) at Central DuPage hospital awaiting heart surgery.

October 21, 2017 8:30 am – 2:00 pm Faith Lutheran Church 14206 Flagg Center Road Rochelle, IL 61068 Guest Speakers: Thomas Hammar, CPA Molly Hammar-Shattuck, Staff Accountant And By Web Cam, Richard Hammar, Attorney, CPA, & Author Register Online on the right or download the registration form. As you are probably aware, church accounting is not …

The Northern Illinois Synod Stewardship Ministry Team is offering a stewardship resourcing event for congregations entitled “Embracing Stewardship.” Pastor Charles Lane and Ms. Grace Duddy Pomroy, authors of the book “Embracing Stewardship,” will be our resource leaders for the day. Read More

Joyce E. (Wander) Hoffman, mother of Pr. Len Hoffmann, Salem, Sycamore, died on July 14. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1211 Homer Adams Parkway, Godfrey, IL. Funeral Eucharist will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Tegtmeier, Jr. presiding. …

Linda Holmer, wife of Pr. Peter Holmer, St. John’s, Joliet, died on July 19 after fighting gallbladder cancer. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 23, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet, Illinois. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 24, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at St. …

Are you looking for a deeper faith life? Want to be better equipped for Christian Service? Curious about what God has planned for you? …then diakonia™ may be just what you’re looking for! These informational fairs will provide an in-depth overview of the Northern Illinois Synod diakonia Program–a two-year commitment to learning about your faith, …

Please keep retired Pr. Marcia Strahl in your prayers as she awaits results for a new discovery of cancer.

Anniversary planning and promotional tools are available on ELCA500.org. These include: Anniversary logo for use in official congregation and synod Reformation anniversary activities Anniversary ideas for developing activities Ideas for promotion, including samples from congregations Promotional PDF posters to fill in and communicate activities Promotional postcard for communicating the website and social media Connect with ELCA 500 Facebook and Twitter. Here all can …

Prepare for the fast-approaching 500th anniversary of the Reformation Get 20 free books on the Reformation for your church! Host a Reformation 500 Bookstore at your church this fall and introduce your congregation to engaging and affordable resources on the Reformation while growing your church library! The Fall 2017 Bookstore features some newly included titles like Martin Luther’s Table Talk, Luther’s Prayers, and …

Special Synod Assembly Highlights Issue This issue is jam-packed with photos from the 2017 Synod Assembly. Visit nisynod.org/assembly/highlights for more photos, videos, and more!  Click here to download the issue. (The series on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism will continue next issue.)  Click here to download the issue.

Save the date for the upcoming Reformation anniversary commemoration event in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Oct. 31. You are invited to share this information on your synod and congregational websites and in newsletters and bulletins so that all may schedule and plan to participate in this event. Also, feel free to link to or provide …

May 18, the presiding bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Episcopal Church issued a joint invitation to a season of prayer, fasting and advocacy. The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA and The Most Reverend Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, extended this call out of concern …

The Northern Illinois Synod Council has approved the following Sundays as “Nursing Project – Tanzania” Sundays: May 21 June 19 July 16 August 20 September 17 October 22 Congregations are asked to use one or more of the Sundays for prayer for the project and for our partners in Tanzania, and to ask for a …

The Leadership Initiative encourages all of us to seek out and inspire gifted people in our congregations and communities to consider a call to the ministry of the gospel. If you know someone who shows a gift for ministry, help mentor and foster them. Together — pastors, deacons, lay people – we can bring the …

Please save the date Sunday, Sept. 10, when congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will again have the opportunity to gather together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. The ELCA’s anniversary theme, “Freed and Renewed in Christ,” reminds us of the gospel’s promise that we are …

Pastor Hagen’s mother, Sylvia, passed away Saturday, January 28 in Albert Lea, Mn. Pastor Mark said that his mother had a stroke about week before and was in a coma. Funeral services will be held in Keister, where Mark grew up, on Tuesday. His father is well under the circumstances.

Caring for Your Whole Self Thousands of leaders across this church have made it an annual habit to take stock of their well-being, work to strengthen it, and earn wellness dollars. In 2017, Portico invites you to participate in our Live Well Challenge. This year, we encourage you take an even more holistic view. Consider …

June 27 – July I, 2018, we will be gathering in Houston for the ELCA Youth Gathering. Every three years, 30,000 high school youth and their adult leaders gather for a week of faith formation known as the ELCA Youth Gathering. Through days spent in interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service and fellowship, young people grow in faith …

The Ten Commandments This issue is the 2nd in a special series on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism Memorizing the Catechism NIS Bishop Jeffrey Clements Friends in Christ, One of the requirements of my Lutheran Confessions class in seminary was to memorize Luther’s Small Catechism. I am not particularly good at memorization. It takes a …

Carol has successfully returned to the US and is hospitalized in Milwaukee, WI. She was hospitalized in Pretoria, South Africa, and has been diagnosed with Plasma Cell Leukemia with many complications. For more information, please see the updates on the Caring Bridge site (Please note, donations on the CaringBridge page do NOT go to the Stubbs family. …

The Nursing Project – Tanzania supports the Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre Nursing School in Arusha Tanzania. The school opened in 2014 and in September of 2016 graduated its first classes providing much needed nurses to the area. The school is in danger of being closed unless a permanent location is built. The task force is …