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.
Ruth and Mary Norman were in a multi-car accident as they were driving to Wartburg Seminary graduation on Sunday, 5/22. Mary broke a couple of bones. Funeral arrangements will be posted here when they become available. http://www.rrstar.com/news/20180522/ruthie-fairchild-dies-from-injuries-in-jo-daviess-county-crash
Rev. William Weidenbach, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Somonauk, was released from Edwards Hospital in Naperville and is recovering at home.
Mary Norman and Ruth Fairchild were in a car accident on Route 20 on Sunday headed to the Wartburg graduation. Mary has a couple of broken bones. Ruth died of her injuries on 5/22. Please keep her in your prayers.
Diane Juell, wife of Pr. Rodney Juell, will undergo major spinal revision surgery at Northwestern Memorial in Chicago on June 28
Dear colleagues in ministry, Many of you are already making plans for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sundayon Sept. 9. New resources are now available to help you organize and prepare. You will find the resources you need to plan your activities and worship, invite your neighbors and promote within your community. There are videos to watch and share for inspiration. New …
PERSONAL PLANNER Important Life Decisions “How can I plan?” asked Mary. “We just sold our home and bought a retirement condo. Our older child just moved across the country and our younger child will be getting married later this year.” Read More SAVVY LIVING How to Choose a Good Estate Sale Company Can you provide …
Bishops-elect reflect on historic votes Last weekend, following her election as the ELCA’s first female African-descent synod bishop, Patricia Davenport was reminded of a hymn her congregation sings, “For Everyone Born” by Shirley … continue Let the little children come Instead of wrestling with their parents in the back pews during worship, toddlers at Grace Lutheran …
Teens and adult leaders will be painting houses (for those in need) as part of a local mission camp held June 5-8 in Sterling. This project is the combined effort of seven churches in Sterling and Rock Falls: Bethel Reformed, First Christian Church, First Presbyterian, Grace Episcopal, Immanuel Lutheran, St. John’s Lutheran, and St. Paul Lutheran. Each …
We still have some availability for the “Active Threat to a House of Worship” Training seminar on June 7. For those interested in attending, reservations are required – please send your name, phone number and e-mail address to wendy.pinkowski@advocatehealth.com. Continental breakfast and sandwiches will be served. Thank you. Wendy Pinkowski Secretary 1, Mission & Spiritual Care, …
LSTC gives thanks for the life and witness of Professor Vítor Westhelle. Vítor Westhelle, professor of systematic theology at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), died May 13 after living with cancer since early 2017. He was a deeply respected and revered theologian, colleague and mentor at LSTC and globally. The LSTC community …
The Bulletin of Reports for the 2018 Synod Assembly is available for download. Visit nisynod.org/assembly/bor. Printed Bulletins of Reports are only available for purchase during pre-registration for Assembly. Extras will not be available at Assembly. You are responsible to download and either print or bring the BOR electronically for your use at Assembly.
The Thirty-first annual Northern Illinois Synod Assembly which will be held Friday-Saturday, June 15-16 at Augustana College in Rock Island. Find out more at nisynod.org/assembly. Special guests include The Rev. Dr. Stephen Bouman and The Rev. Dr. Craig L. Nessan. Registration is open. Visit nisynod.org/assembly/registration. Complete agenda available at nisynod.org/assembly/agenda. Friday, June 15 8:00 am Assembly Registration begins in …
In her May column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton writes: “Jesus loves his own and loves us to the end.” And, she notes, Jesus makes it possible for us to do the same. Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/2w8NZSe and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/2jlilYt.
Carol Lynn Stubbs (nee Asch), 58, passed away at home on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. A Service of Celebration for the life of Carol will be on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at 4:30 PM at St. John’s Evangelical Church in Kohlsville, WI with visitation beforehand starting 3:00 p.m. All are …
God’s grand creation Even with our extended winter this year, the bluebirds are back and choosing their nesting sites, which, for me, means that “spring has sprung!” One of the primary ways I enjoy participating in … continue The spirit of God on the move Editor’s note: With global migration on the rise and cultural polarization …
World Malaria Day 2018 – Updates from the Field From 2011 to 2015, the ELCA Malaria Campaign raised both awareness about malaria and gifts to support companion churches and partners in fourteen countries to combat this disease. These gifts continue to support projects in countries faced with the daunting challenges posed by malaria. This …
Gathering partners Curious who are partners are? See who we’re working with! Check out our Interactive Learning partners and the ministries that will be present during your Interactive Learning Day. You can also see the many partners in Houston that we’re working with for Service Learning at the Gathering. See all the great things the city is doing and …
Living Lutheran: “The ‘e’ word” Connotations of the word “evangelical” have led some Lutherans to distance themselves from the term or to distinguish from cultural evangelicals by using a different pronunciation. So why does the ELCA have the word “evangelical” in its name? It goes back to the core of Lutheran identity, as “evangelical” comes …
Dear friend in Christ, As we try to figure out more effective ways of engaging people in stewardship, discipleship, church life and a life of faith, we need to make sure the big picture is, in fact, the big picture. When we think about master narratives, cosmology, metaphysics, means vs. ends and ultimate concerns, what …
PERSONAL PLANNER Zero-Tax Cash and Trust About 15 years ago Linda’s father passed away. As her inheritance, she received a commercial lot that was a mile outside of town. At the time she received the inherited property, it was worth about $100,000. Read More SAVVY LIVING Simple Steps to Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer Is skin …
Millie Anderson, mother of Assistant to the Bishop Deaconess Cheryl Erdmann died a little after midnight on April 26. Thanks be to God for her life and her faithfulness.
#CycleToSynod Breaking the Cycle of Hunger Fundraiser for ELCA World Hunger The Northern IL Synod invites you to join us for the 1st Annual #CycleToSynod, taking place June12–15, 2018. The route is tentatively set to start at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rockford and end at the Synod Assembly at Augustana College in Rock Island. Along …
Come and join us at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center for a day of learning practical ways we can all respond to God’s call to care for the earth. Dr. Barbara Rossing – Keynote speaker Pastor Scott Ralston – Master of Ceremonies Pastor Michel Clark – Devotions Leader May 19, 2018 8:00AM-1:00PM Held in the Ragnar Moline Dining Hall Continental breakfast Free-will …
Let’s be honest: There’s a big difference between theological training and administrative skills. That’s why Luther Seminary and Augsburg University created the Mini-MBA, a weeklong intensive course to equip pastors and church leaders like you to enhance your vocational training with essential skills like: effective communication using marketing and social media leading and developing paid …
What: Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders (MSTI) When: August 6-10, 2018 Where: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn, IL (Chicago suburb) Who: Clergy and all persons in positions of church leadership who are interested in learning skills that will equip them to deal effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of church …
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30 at 7:00 PM FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH 225 South Third Street, Rockford, IL SPONSORED BY: Northern Illinois Synod Global Mission Committee First Lutheran Church, Rockford Trinity Lutheran Church, Moline North Conference Ali Paris captivates audiences worldwide with his unique fusion of Middle Eastern and Western music styles highlighted by both technical virtuosity and …
Friday, May 25 – Monday, May 28 This weekend is a super-sized service project to get LOMC ready for the summer camp season. Landscaping, construction, clean up, painting, and more! Groups, families, individuals, and churches are all invited to join us for the weekend. Housing and camping available. Meals will be provided. Contact Ken Dilbeck for …
2/22/2018 11:45:00 AM CHICAGO – In partnership with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s Leadership Initiative, the seven seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will launch a combined effort to encourage new candidates for ministry in the ELCA. The program, “Do you want to change the world?,” is being promoted through a series of …
Christ, Stockton’s WELCA group is missing a light-colored wooden banner stand. It is heavy and comes apart into two pieces. There was no case for it. It may be marked WELCA NW. If you have seen this banner stand, please contact Nancy Rice at 815-275-0303.
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 …
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 …
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.
