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.
Members of your congregation – like so many Americans – may be looking for ways to rethink the tradition of gift-giving at Christmas. What better way to celebrate God’s love in Christ than by sharing that love with others? With ELCA Good Gifts, your members and their friends can choose from more than 50 life-changing, …
Genoa Intersections held its first small group study Sept. 17 with 13 participants: A Faith for all Seasons – Dealing with Life Changes. This outreach effort under ELCA/Synod Domestic Missions is led by Deacon Carla Vanatta with support from Salem, Sycamore members. Your prayers are appreciated.
If you didn’t get a chance to fill out an evaluation for this year’s Professional Leaders Conference, please take a few moments to fill it out online. please wait a moment for the form to load…
September 19, 2018 Listening: the Heart of Innovation In innovation work, the very first step is to listen. Alex Goryachev, Managing Director of Innovation Strategy and Programs for Cisco, calls listening “a rare art” at the heart of innovation, something that is vital “to survive and develop collaborative strategies with…partners…around the world.” Silicon Valley might seem …
Our Savior’s, Rockford Women of the ELCA invites everyone to a “Study on Psalm 131 and the Surprises it Holds” Saturday, September 29, 2018 1:30 in the Patio Room at Our Savior’s Everyone is welcome to a Bible lesson presented by Dr. May Persaud, instructor of Biblical languages at Wartburg Theological Seminary. There will be …
In this issue of Making Christ Known we are highlighting the ministries of deacons, our Ministers of Word and Service. The lay rosters of this church were combined in 2017. Those who had been serving as associates in ministry, diaconal ministers and ELCA deaconesses are now known as deacons.
Looking for the Word In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came … continue I’m a Lutheran: Bettye Olson Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minn. …
I’m leaving for my first trip to Holden Village, a retreat center near Chelan, Wash. I’ve heard about this Lutheran Shangri-La for years. I have sung and played the Holden Evening Prayer in many settings. I’m excited. The theme verse for the week I’ll be in residence is “Fear not,” which is part of a …
Monday, January 28, 1 p.m. - Tuesday, January 29, noon Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center • 1834 IL Rt. 2 • Oregon, IL • 815-732-2220 • lomc.org Our spiritual lives as individuals and together are lives of journey. They are unfolding, en route, and along the way. Both interior and exterior walks yearn toward the light …
A fire took place in the church building of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Oak Park on Wednesday, September 5. Please keep the congregation in your prayers. that resulted in significant damage. Thankfully, no one was injured.
Tabor Lutheran Church has many With One Voice and Worship and Praise supplements available for those who can make use of them, many long tables and chairs that we would like to sell for a donation, and other furnishings that might be useful in other congregation settings, or even for home use. Contact Pr. Jane …
October 26-28,2018 Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see Manteno, IL ABOUT “ONE YEAR TO LIVE” Men of all ages yearn for real friendships and a closer relationship with Christ. Join us and be… •Adventurous and courageous •Genuine and spiritual Look forward to… •Banding together and being challenged •Examining your life and making decisions Be prepared for a spiritual boot …
Luther Seminary’s KAIROS continuing education courses offer a wealth of learning opportunities designed for clergy and church leaders of all denominations. Learn more and register at luthersem.edu/KAIROS. Worship Forming Community— Prayer and Music Leadership September 10-October 15 A set of hands-on training labs focused on building skills and developing a greater sensitivity for worship and music …
The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to …
The sabbath lesson in Christopher Robin In the first 15 minutes of the new film Christopher Robin, the title character does the following: decides he’s too old to continue playing with Winnie the Pooh and his other friends in the … continue ELCA school builds culture of peace Editor’s note: With global migration on the rise and …
Friends of Lutheran World Relief (FLWR) encourages all congregations in the Chicago-land area to bring their Quilts and Kits to any of the following sites on Saturday, October 6, 9:00 am – 12 noon and/or on Sunday, October 7, noon – 3:00 pm. This annual Fall Ingathering (provided for over 30 years) is a coordinated …
‘Thad’s Story’ – discerning vocation through YAGM Meet Thad, a young leader who dedicated a year of his life to service with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary through ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM). Watch Thad talk about the impact the YAGM program had on his life and vocational call. With 80 participants beginning their …
Saturday, October 6, 2018 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Registration at 8:30. St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Avenue, Rockford, IL Far Away and in Our Backyard – Continuing our conversations… Human Trafficking Featured Speakers: Jimmie Getter, Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling (RSAC), and Brittney Fry, Rockford Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (RAASE), And will also be responders …
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) will honor ABC Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee at its 37th Annual Amicus Certus Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Union League Club of Chicago. In her recent memoir, Natural Disaster: I Cover Them, I am One, Zee details her struggle with clinical depression and in doing so, offers …
Dear friend, Elise Ephraemu Beni, Malawi Let me introduce you to Elise. She lives in Beni, Malawi. As a farmer, she relies on her maize harvest as her primary source of food. So do most of the children in her village. At the church’s nursery school, children gather to sing, learn and eat porridge made …
“We Sing the Year Round” Sunday October 14, at 4pm “We Sing the Year Round,” is a Hymn Festival written and led by organist, Dr. John Ferguson in celebration of the new organ which leads the congregational singing at First Lutheran Church in Galesburg, October 14 at 4pm. John Ferguson retired June 2012 after serving …
Thursday, November 15, 2018 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Trinity Lutheran Church, 1330 13th Street, Moline, IL 61265 $50 per person This workshop is for pastors and deacons of both the Northern Illinois Synod and the Southeastern Iowa Synod. Registration costs include lunch. Workshops will be lead by Arden Mahlberg, Ph.D., from The Integral Psychology Center, Madison, …
Pr. Scott Ralston, Faith, Forreston, was released from the hospital on Monday, August 27. Please keep him in your prayers for recovery and healing.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Moline, Illinois seeks qualified, committed, energetic person(s) for the positions of Choir Director and Choir Accompanist. Detailed job descriptions and a job application can be found at www.tlcmoline.org
Join the Rev. Dr. Rolf Jacobson of ‘Working Preacher’ fame, and professor at Luther seminary as he discusses the challenges that preachers face in this politically-charged, rapidly changing day and age, and what makes for effective preaching today. Drawing from his experience as a professor, and his passion for the narrative lectionary, Dr. Jacobson will …
Introducing ‘Three Sides Podcast’ “Three Sides” is a new monthly podcast featuring stories from the ELCA. As a church that believes God is calling us into the world – together, “Three Sides” will share diverse voices from across this church. Typically, it’s said there are two sides to every story. But often a middle or …
IMMEDIATE MUSICIAN OPENING: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Woodridge, IL, is seeking a part-time musician (organ preferred, piano required) to support our Sunday Service and Adult Choir. This is a year-round position serving a small congregation in the Western Suburbs. Responsibilities: • Lead congregation with weekly hymns and service music for one (1) …
Annika Rose Alsop was born on August 13 to Pr. Joy (Faith, Rochelle) and Jake Alsop. Pastor Joy, Jake, Axel, and Silas are very excited to welcome her into the family!
Crazy Love! God’s Radical Affection for Us featuring Agape and Pastor Maggie Falenschek November 9-11 $145 per person includes lodging, programming, and food Contact LOMC at 815-732-2220 or registrations@lomc.org
Pastor Jeff Linman will be the preacher at the annual Swedish Service at the Jenny Lind Chapel in Andover on Sunday, September 30, at 4 pm. He completed his call as part-time Pastor of Renewal and Redevelopment at First Lutheran Church in Monmouth August 31 and joined the Retired Roster September 1. The 30th will be …
October 27, 2018 8:30 am – 2:00 pm Faith Lutheran Church 14206 Flagg Road Rochelle, IL 61068 Guest Speakers: Thomas Hammar, CPA Molly Hammar-Shattuck, Staff Accountant and by webcam, Richard Hammar, Attorney, CPA, & Author Register online on this page or download the registration form. Topics for Discussion Taxes Moving Expenses – Personal or Business? Tax …
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 …
All NIS women are invited to the 30th annual NIS Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American Convention on Saturday, September 22 at Trinity, Harvard. Theme: “Hope for the Homeless” Morning Message: Bishop Jeffrey Clements Matthew 8:20 “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere …
The Discovering Hope; Building Vitality in Your Congregation conference is sponsored by the Congregational Vitality Team, ELCA Domestic Mission. The event is being held at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 200 S. Main St., Washington, IL, on Saturday, October 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We gladly invite your congregation to send a team (pastor and …
Mark your calendars and plan to attend a Coffee with the Bishop at one of several locations this fall. Sunday, September 23 – 2:00-3:30 p.m. First, Freeport Saturday, October 20 – 10:00-11:30 a.m. Zion, Belvidere Saturday, October 20 – 2:00-3:30 p.m. Immanuel, Amboy Sunday, November 4 – 2:00-3:30 p.m. First, Galesburg Sunday, November 18 – …
Saturday, October 20, at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center near Oregon, IL. The day begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. The program begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. with worship (we’ll be completely finished by 3 p.m.). Retreat Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Bouman, Director of Domestic Missions for the ELCA and …
The Rostered Ministers Continuing Education Task Force is proud to offer the following continuing education opportunities for Rostered Ministers! Download a flyer. Effective Preaching for Today Speaker: Rev. Dr. Rolf Jacobson (Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary) Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Christ Lutheran Church, Belvidere Working Toward Racial Justice Speaker: Judith Roberts (ELCA Program Developer for …
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 …
Live Well Challenge ELCA-Primary members and spouses, Portico’s 2018 Live Well Challenge invites you to strengthen your physical and financial well-being, and earn up to $400 wellness dollars. How to Complete This Year’s Challenge Complete Your Biometric Screening by Nov. 30: Earn $200 This year, Portico is offering a more objective way to assess your …
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 …
In 2009, the Churchwide Assembly authorized the development of a social statement on women and justice. The ELCA Task Force on Women and Justice: One in Christ has been at work since 2012 and brought the work to a crucial stage: On November 15, 2017 it released the Draft of a Social Statement on Women …
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 …
When college students 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 their campus. …
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 …
