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.
24 Adult Robes and 48 Stoles $750 OBO Good Condition 20 years old Cost $3600-$4200 new 23 Junior Robes $500 OBO Excellent Condition Less than 10 years old Cost $1725 new Contact: St. Matthews Lutheran Church 416 E Dover Rd Princeton, IL 61356-9551 815-879-6491 StMatthewsPrinceton@gmail.com
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 – …
My take: Why in the world would anyone get ordained today? On a Tuesday night at the end of summer, I participated in an ordination. Ordination, the act of consecrating someone as a member of the religious clergy, is sort of an antiquated ritual that’s … continue Pastors of transition “Interims want to help people through …
Freeport – Come to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church-ELCA November 8 through the 11 for a Fair Trade Fair featuring fairly traded handcrafts and consumables from artisans and farmers in developing regions around the world. The sale will be held at Prince of Peace (2700 W Stephenson St, Freeport) on Thursday/Friday, November 8/9 from 9 …
Dear friends, Today is World Food Day, a time when millions of people around the world come together in action to end hunger. In honor of the day, I wanted to introduce you to someone exceptional. Christopher Nkhoma is a young man living in Malawi, where more than 70 percent of the population lives on …
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK September marked Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Oct. 7-13 was Mental Health Awareness Week. Disability Ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has engaged the topic of mental illness and learning disabilities over the past year as an expanded understanding of its work. At the Youth Extravaganza 2018 in …
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, …
ANNIVERSARY SERVICE TO CELEBRATE 1868 MOVE TO “NEW” CHURCH IN ANDOVER A special 150th anniversary service will be held in Andover on Sunday, November 18, 3 pm, to commemorate the move in 1868 of Sunday worship services from the Jenny Lind Chapel (JLC) to the “new” (Augustana Lutheran) church. The service will start at the JLC …
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 …
Tuesday, February 5, 2019 First Lutheran Church, DeKalb Speaker: Judith Roberts (Program Director, Racial Justice Ministries, ELCA) During this professional gathering of rostered leaders, participants will explore concepts and consequences around race in communities and congregations. Through worship, reflection and action planning, leaders will be equipped to carry these conversations into their local context. Fee: $35 if …
Join us for a day of spiritual renewal! We’ll begin the day with Spiritual guide and professional counselor, Rev. Elaine Olson. After learning about Spiritual Practices to Sustain Ministry we will have the opportunity to experience them. After lunch we will share in an Affirmation of our Vocation with Bishop Clements. Tuesday, April 9, 2019 …
Disrupt Extravaganza 2019 Disrupted through Connection The vision of the Network is to see a future where children, youth and family ministry in the ELCA flourishes and becomes ever stronger through Renewal, Education, and Connection. I began working in youth ministry while I was a high school student myself. Some of my earliest memories include …
By the light of Grace “Jesus was clear that when he is raised up, he will draw all people to himself. Ever since we got booted out of the garden, it has been God’s relentless pursuit to bring his people to. … continue My take: On the church that harms and heals The church of Christ …
For immediate release October 4, 2018 The “Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge” (HFBFC) will be held Oct. 18-19 at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC). One student from each ELCA seminary will present at the event. It is open to the public and free of charge. HFBFC was launched in 2015 to develop …
On Sunday, October 21, 3:00 pm, Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley invites the public to an organ dedication and hymn festival with guest Organist Dr. Satre and resident organist Michael Waal. Dr. Satre is Emeritus Professor of Music and University Organist at his alma mater,Trinity International University from which he retired after …
It’s time to enter your organization’s 2019 health benefit option. Congregations and organizations who sponsor employees through Portico: Please choose the ELCA-Primary health benefits option you will offer for 2019 and enter it on EmployerLink before Oct. 26. You must do this even if you want to continue your current option, your plan members waive …
Bruce James Headlee was born on December 22, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan and passed away on October 1, 2018.
October is Rostered Ministers Appreciation Month Is your congregation joining us for Rostered Ministers Appreciation? This is a great opportunity to show your pastor or deacon your congregation’s appreciation – all while supporting the next generation of leaders through ELCA Fund for Leaders and Youth and Young Adults. New resources are available to help you get started, …
Lutheran Disaster Response provides immediate and long-term disaster relief On Sept. 28, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit parts of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. More than 1,200 people have died and the death toll is expected to rise. Lutheran Disaster Response is providing immediate relief through longstanding partnerships in Indonesia, and it will continue to …
10/2/2018 2:30:00 PM In early September, members of the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) were saddened and dismayed to hear reports that the U.S. government was planning to discontinue financial assistance to Augusta Victoria Hospital and five other East Jerusalem hospitals. We appreciate and strongly affirm ELCA Presiding Bishop …
So now what? Last year it was all Reformation all the time. On this 501st anniversary of the Reformation, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton uses her October Living Lutheran column to call on us to “refocus our attention on the gospel of our freedom, forgiveness and reconciliation given to us through God’s indescribable act of love in Christ’s death and resurrection.” Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/2NlNPtV and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/2xVgZeQ.
E-Alert from Lutheran Disaster Response “Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant.” – Psalm 119:76 Dear friends, A 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Sept. 28, leading to a devastating tsunami. So far, more than 1,200 people have died, and the death toll is …
Waiting on truth Editor’s note: On Oct. 18, the church commemorates the Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist. In 1959, Philip Roth published “The Conversion of the Jews,” an amusing short story about Ozzie … continue The renegade The sixth graphic novel by author Dacia Palmerino and illustrator Andrea Grosso Ciponte, Renegade: Martin Luther, the Graphic Biography …
Martin “Marty” Wittig, 62, of Leaf River died in a car accident on September 6, 2018. Visitation will be 4-7 PM on Friday September 21, 2018 at the Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Byron and again from 10-11 AM Saturday September 22, 2018 at St James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6024 N Columbine Rd, Forreston, IL …
The Rev. Herbert B. Carlmark died on Tuesday, September 18, 2018. Funeral arrangements will follow. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughter, Nan Dahlke (Dan), and son, Tim Carlmark. Pr. Carlmark was ordained on June 17, 1956. He received a BA from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, in 1952 and graduated from Augustana …
The synod office is hosting a luncheon for all NIS congregation secretaries on Wednesday, January 9, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m at the Rockford Synod Office, 103, W. State St., Rockford, IL 61101. Catherine Lundeen, archivist, from the ELCA churchwide office, will be our speaker and will talk about archives parish register documents you …
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1 Dear friends, As I write this email to you, Hurricane Florence is barreling toward the Carolinas, with more than 1 million people being told to evacuate as dangerous winds, storm surge and potentially catastrophic flooding are expected. As a church, …
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.
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.
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. …
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
