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.
My single valentine Hello there, This valentine is for you, from me, one single person to another. If you’re anything like me, I’m guessing you have mixed emotions about Valentine’s Day. It’s hard being … continue I’m a Lutheran: Carly Sorensen Emanuel Lutheran Church, Council Bluffs, Iowa 11th-grader at Abraham Lincoln High School, Council Bluffs I pray for …
Retirement takes planning. Whether it feels light years away or just around the corner, Portico’s Pre-Retirement Seminar can help plan members prepare. And it’s coming to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Libertyville, IL on July 25, 2019. In the morning, learn how to invest for your future in the midst of current financial goals. In the afternoon, discover …
Rev. Sherry Hoening, former NIS pastor, now serving in the LaCrosse Area Synod, died unexpectedly on Tuesday morning,February 19. Thank you for your prayers of comfort for all who grieve, especially her family and members of the two congregations she was serving. She was well-loved by many, many people. Visitation 4-8pm Monday, February 25 Ehorn-Adams Funeral Home 10011 …
Operation/Facilities Assistant, Part-Time Position This a year-round position working with our Operation/Facilities Manager. Work will include maintenance and repair work of all buildings and landscaping of our 52-acre campus. To apply or for more information contact: Paul Degner 262-949-2285 paul@lutherdale.org
Are you registered for 2019 Congregational Resourcing Event (if not, register now, here!)? You'll want to visit the 2019 CRE Online Guide to decide what workshops you'll want to attend. There are so many great workshops this year! You can use the online guide ahead of time to preview all the workshops. You can also use …
ELCA launches collaboration with Blessed Tomorrow In line with its commitment to pursuing wholeness for creation, the ELCA has announced a collaboration with ecoAmerica and its Blessed Tomorrow program, which helps faith-based organizations elevate their leadership on the moral, religious and justice issues surrounding climate change. The collaboration underscores this church’s commitment to raising awareness of climate …
2/19/2019 CHICAGO – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has formed a preferred vendor agreement with Vanco, an eGiving software developer and payment processor serving more than 20,000 churches across the country. The agreement offers Vanco’s GivePlus suite of eGiving solutions to ELCA congregations. The ELCA churchwide organization has sought new working relationships with …
Freedom Lutheran in Oregon invites you to a special series. Light dinner provided each night. Session 1: March 10, 4:30 pm – LGBTQ+ Terminology Panel Discussion featuring members of PFLAG and RIC Session 2: March 24, 4:30 pm – “Call Me Malcolm” viewing and discussion Session 3: April 7, 4:30 pm – Community growth discussion Questions? Contact Pr. Karyn Kost at: 815-661-6315
February 18, 2019 Dear Friends, Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is with sadness that I report to you the death of Rev. John L. Kindschuh on Friday, February 15, 2019 in Rock Island, Illinois. Pastor Kindschuh was born November 10, 1926, in Oakland, …
Our Savior’s, Rockford, Women of the ELCA invites everyone to unpack your bags, as Gene Van Galder presents… “What I Have Learned From Travel” Saturday, March 2 at 9:30 a.m. in The Bridge at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 3300 Rural, Rockford Everyone is welcome to hear some surprises and some old “stand-bys” from Gene. The program …
This is a special edition of the ELCA Advocacy Update. Find 2019 ELCA Advocacy Policy Priorities which will focus the work this year of the ELCA in Washington, D.C. on actions that will reduce poverty and hunger, promote safe and healthy communities and care for our environment. To read an online version of the February 2019 update and …
Making Christ Known is a monthly collection of stories, videos, and links to share with your congregation through email, websites, and newsletters. What stories do you have to share? What would you like to see and hear? Send your stories and ideas to Deacon Karin Graddy, Communication Director at kgraddy@nisynod.org. Click the images below to read this …
The Center for Theology and Land at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa is hosting its 38th annual Small Town and Rural Ministry Conference, Mar 3-5, 2019 at the Best Western Plus hotel in Dubuque, Iowa. The theme of this year’s ecumenical conference is “Building Resilience among Leaders and Communities”. Resilience, the ability to adapt to …
Download a bulletin insert to encourage your congregation to attend this year’s Congregational Resourcing Event on Saturday, March 9 at Kishwaukee College in Malta. Keynote presenter Rev. Dr. Dave Daubert will speak on Being Disciples Comes First. He will lead two other workshops, Making Disciples: Core Practices That Change Lives and The Invitational Christian, based on his …
This Lent, you are once again invited to join fellow members and supporters of ELCA World Hunger to study, reflect and give during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving. Journey into Lent as we explore the connections between our faith and our shared ministry to end hunger and poverty. Discover new ways to engage your …
Dear friend in Christ, If one of our highest aspirations for people is that they might live into a life of generosity and service, blessing both their lives and the world, how do we, as congregations and the church, model that kind of generosity? How might our life together regularly teach and encourage people to …
God for all Seasons of Life is the theme of the 2019 Northern Illinois Synod Women of the ELCA 2019 Spring Retreat. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13: 8 Saturday, April 27, 9am – 3pm at LOMC Bible Study Leader Esther Prabhakar Special Music Peg Lehman Worship leadership Pastor Jessica …
This gathering is for deacons or candidates in Region 5. It will be a time to worship together, form new relationships, share about our calls, hear from speakers, and join together to learn from and encourage one another. Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Susan McArver, Professor of Church History and Educational Ministry, Lutheran Theological Southern …
The Andover showing of the documentary, Sons & Daughters of Thunder, has been set by Kelly & Tammy Rundle, the director and producer from Fourth Wall Films. The documentary, which was partially filmed at the Jenny Lind Chapel, will be shown on Saturday, March 30, 2019, 7:30 pm, at Augustana Church in Andover. This will …
The main goal of the Northern Illinois Synod Youth Ministry subcommittee is simple: To do youth ministry that individual churches can’t do on their own. We are launching a new youth leadership team for the synod! Two youth from each conference will be chosen to plan and lead youth ministry events for the whole synod. These youth …
We’re excited to announce that ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving will return in 2019. Journey with us and fellow Lutherans as together we experience how the grace of Christ moves us to engage in transformative works of love around the world through ELCA World Hunger. Resources feature a devotional calendar, weekly study, inspirational …
This Lent, we invite you to focus your congregation’s Lenten activities by joining us during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving. Together, we’ll experience how the grace of Christ moves us to engage in transformative works of love around the world through ELCA World Hunger as God calls us into the ministry of hope, liberation …
Sponsored by the Northern Illinois Synod Congregational Life Committee, the Congregational Resourcing Event (CRE) is one of this synod’s finest yearly events. This year’s CRE will be Saturday, March 9 at Kishwaukee College in Malta, IL. Everyone in a congregation – can take advantage of this learning event to strengthen skills, gather resources, network with others, and …
Seminary Sampler at LSTC Come and see for yourself or share with someone who is considering ministry! Perhaps you are considering a call to public ministry. Perhaps someone is urging you to consider a call to public ministry. Perhaps you are simply wondering how you might continue to serve this world in need. If you find …
Save the Dates! The next ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering will be July 20-23, 2020 at the Convention Center in downtown Phoenix, AZ. We have reserved blocks of rooms at three local hotels with a room rate of $139.00 per night. Early Registration will be $245 with a May 20, 2020 deadline. Regular Regular Registration after …
Dear friends in Christ, Preparations are underway for the busy holiday season and many will be looking for a church home to give thanks and prepare for Christ’s birth. This season offers an opportunity to extend an invitation of welcome to friends and neighbors, encouraging them to worship in your congregation. To support your communication …
Dear friends in Christ, As I travel throughout the church, I see the love of Christ being lived out in so many life-giving ways – transforming communities and creating places of hope that embody God’s grace. One of these places is Arusha, a bustling city in northern Tanzania. Here we walk alongside our companions at …
Dear friend in Christ, Have you thought about the difference between a nutritionist, a cook and a restauranteur? All have something to do with food, but the focus of each is distinct. A person educated in nutrition would know the science behind why we can’t live on bread alone, while a cook might be thinking …
And a child shall lead them One of my favorite moments at my parish is the hush right before Christmas Eve services begin. The lights are lowered just a bit as everyone settles in, and eventually the rustling stops and a … continue Waiting at the door this Advent Editor’s note: This is the fourth post …
12/6/2017 10:15:00 AM CHICAGO – The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has issued the following statement in response to the decision to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. December 6, 2017 I am deeply disturbed to learn of the Trump administration’s plans …
Living saints Often when I think of All Saints Day, my first thoughts are nostalgic, delightful memories of my grandparents. They were kind and committed, smart and resilient, funny and faithful. A church … continue Talking with your kids about death Many of the best children’s stories start with death. Often it is the death of …
Together with presiding bishops of the ELCA and The Episcopal Church, we PRAY, FAST and ACT in support of comprehensive polices that support people struggling with housing insecurity and homelessness. WE PRAY “O God, you are the tree of life, offering shelter to all the world. Graft us into yourself and nurture our growth, that we may …
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1 Update from Lutheran Disaster Response Dear friends, Now that the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey is coming fully into focus, we see that the need will be great and recovery will take many years. Your gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response designated …
LEAD is has four $1290 scholarships remaining for its “In Search of Paul” study pilgrimage to Turkey and Greece, April 3-19, 2018. ELCA ministers rostered 10 years or fewer may apply. We believe it is important that newly rostered ministers can avail themselves of studying in the geographical and historical context of the Apostle Paul, but …
Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”Luke 10:2 “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 …
11/14/2016 9:30:00 AM CHICAGO – The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has issued the following statement on Standing Rock. Statement from ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton on Standing Rock When we come together for worship, we often begin with confession and forgiveness using these words: “We confess …
A message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
Dear friends, It has always been curious to me how the same situation can be perceived so differently by various people. For those of us living in the north, these cooler autumn days bring either a welcome relief from the summer heat or they signal the coming of a potentially harsh winter. It’s all in …
Portico is taking its next wellness reformation step – introducing Care Coordinators to help ELCA-Primary health plan members navigate the complicated health care landscape and purchase care with an eye to both quality and cost. This innovation is helping Portico keep the 2017 ELCA-Primary baseline health contribution increase the lowest in four years. Watch this …
The Little Red Book Get the 2017 Edition Today! For decades, the annual Appointment Book or “The Little Red Book” has served Lutheran leaders as a practical, handy, pocket-sized date-keeping reference. Included are ELCA and ELCIC directories, lectionary days with readings, festivals and commemorations, and liturgical color. The cost of $9.95 includes shipping and handling. …
Today, community, faith, and migrant rights advocates are gathering at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington, DC to ask President Obama to protect children and families from Central America. This event takes place in response to President Obama’s planned convening of world leaders for a summit on refugees in New York City, following …
And they’re off! In mid-August, 84 Young Adults in Global Mission volunteers gathered in Chicago for a week of orientation and were sent off to their countries of service! We are excited about the new stories and lessons that the young adults are going to learn and share over the coming year. Please consider the …
Open up the Reformation story for children in your congregation with Papa Luther. Download the free Leader Guide today! The Papa Luther Leader Guide is now available as a free digital download! The six-session Leader Guide offers a variety of ways for kids to explore the Reformation story, with each session providing a historical framework, some biblical basis, a Luther Link, and while relating …
Leymah Gbowee is a Nobel Laureate, Liberian peace activist and a Lutheran. She addressed the 2016 ELCA Grace Gathering and Churchwide Assembly with an inspiring speech that encouraged the church to be bolder than ever before.
9/9/2016 6:50:00 PM CHICAGO – The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has released a statement addressing the situation surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline. On Sept. 9 a federal judge ruled against the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s request to halt construction of the pipeline. Three federal agencies …
Mark your calendars for Aug. 7-10, 2017, when the ELCA will host its first ever Rostered Ministers Gathering in Atlanta. This will be an opportunity for our Rostered Ministers to assemble for worship, education, and fellowship. We will gather under the theme, “On the Way … Together,” using the Emmaus Road story (Luke 24:13-35) to …
Next year marks Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA’s annual theme year for the Global Church priority, including Missionaries and Young Adults in Global Mission, Global Ministries and International Women Leaders, and we hope you will join us! Through a variety of learning and giving opportunities, we will lift up this important …
The 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, by a vote of 811 to 55, approved adoption of the roster of Ministry of Word and Service. Beginning January 1, 2017, associates in ministry, deaconess of the ELCA, and diaconal ministers will be a single, unified roster of Ministry of Word and Service. The accompanying constitutional amendments related to …
Take action now at the ELCA Action Center! August 2016 Over the last two years many members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have responded to a call to ask Congress to meet an urgent humanitarian need of the Palestinians by supporting Augusta Victoria Hospital and the other East Jerusalem hospitals. The message from congressional staffers in 2015 …
July 28, 2016 A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject of all, subject to all (Martin Luther in Freedom of a Christian). Wow, Lutherans love paradox! Law and gospel. Saint and sinner. Free and bound. David Swartling, former ELCA secretary, …
