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.
2018 Northern Illinois Synod Congregational Resourcing Event (CRE) will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at Kishwaukee Community College, Malta, Illinois. Our keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Dave Daubert. Read about Dr. Daubert’s keynote presentation and find out more about the CRE at nisynod.org/cre. We are searching for CRE workshop presenters. Would you or someone you …
Animals Water Health Care Women & Children Christmas Gifts Gifts that give back Struggling to find the perfect gift? Or tired of shopping for someone who has everything they need? Shop ELCA Good Gifts and choose a life-changing, charitable gift — such as a goat or water well — and donate in honor of someone special. SHOP …
The 2018 Annual Report Cover is available for congregations and is downloadable from the ELCA website. 2018 Annual Report Cover Single Pages 2018 Annual Report Cover Spreads If a congregation wants to order the four-page hard copies, they are available now from the ELCA Distribution Center. Orders can also be placed with the ECIS at …
Jean Lee of Westminster, Colorado passed away in November. She was the mother of Pr. Kim Lee-Brown, St. John, Princeton. Please keep Pr. Kim and her family in your prayers.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142. 847-669-9448 Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 2650 Plainfield Rd., Joliet, IL 60435. 815-439-2320 $50 per person Registration costs include lunch. Workshops will be lead …
St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pearl City is seeking a part-time Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator. Applicants should possess strong organizational, recruiting, and communication skills, as well as a commitment to the Christian faith maturation of self and others. A background check will be required. Please contact Pastor Tom Ekstrand at 815-443-2215 or pastortomekstrand@gmail.com.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church invites the community to participate in their eleventh annual Nativity Walk during their Epiphany Celebration, Twelfth Night, on Sunday, January 6, 2019, from 4-6 pm. Epiphany marks the end of the “twelve days of Christmas” and is typically known as the time when the Magi (wise men/kings) arrived in Bethlehem, worshiping …
In November, three youth and two adults from the Northern Illinois Synod traveled to Carol Joy Holling Retreat Center in Ashland Nebraska for the ELCA Youth Leadership Summit. Watch the video below to find out more about the trip. The ELCA Youth Leadership Summit is an annual gathering for high school youth identified as leaders …
November 2018 Dear partners, In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I will begin with a word of tremendous gratitude. At the end of this year, Eileen Heffner will retire after nearly 27 years of faithful service at the ELCA churchwide organization. We give thanks to God for her, and especially for her ministry with Ecumenical and …
Pr. Tom Rogers, Shepherd of the Hills, McHenry, broke his leg. Please keep him in your prayers for healing.
Living Lutheran: ‘To serve and love the neighbor’ This year marked the fifth anniversary of “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, a day when ELCA congregations across the country participate in a national day of service. Living Lutheran’s November cover story gives a look at how five congregations marked the day and includes stories from members on what …
The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America continue our united call to Pray, Fast and Act in support of good policies and programs that provide opportunities for and respect of the dignity of all people. This month we draw your attention to international programs that work to prevent the spread of and …
‘We are one in the Spirit. We are united in Jesus’ name.’ “There is a safety and refuge in this place that is so, so very holy,” proclaims the Rev. Kirsten Fryer. Fryer is an ELCA missionary serving as the pastor of an English-speaking congregation, St. Andrew’s United Church of Cairo. St. Andrew’s houses, several ministries …
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 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in La Crosse, WI. on Feb. 21, 2019. In the morning, learn how to invest for your future in the midst of current financial goals. In …
Monday, January 28, noon - Tuesday, January 29, noon Bishop Lane Retreat Center 7708 East McGregor Road, Rockford, IL 61102 Bearers of the Light - In our time together, we will use Scripture and song to ponder the depth of bearing the Light in our personal life and professional ministry in our turbulent, tumultuous time. In …
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 …
This issue focuses on young people in our congregations. In November 2017, Bishop Clements called together a group of leaders to talk about revitalizing youth ministry in the Northern Illinois Synod. This group formed a purpose statement and has worked to bring together youth ministry leaders from each conference. Plans are in the works to …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
08/12/2016 NEW ORLEANS – William B. Horne II of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Clearwater, Fla., was elected vice president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Horne was elected on the fourth ballot with 565 votes to 175 votes for Cheryl G. Stuart of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, …
08/12/2016 NEW ORLEANS (Aug.12, 2016) –The 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly, by a vote of 811 to 55, approved adoption of the roster of Ministry of Word and Service. Beginning Jan. 1, 2017, associates in ministry, deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and diaconal ministers will be a …
08/10/2016 NEW ORLEANS – Recognizing the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) as a Book of Faith church, ELCA Vice President Carlos Peña reflected on the 10th chapter of Luke as he opened his Aug. 9 final report to the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few,” Peña said. …
08/10/2016 NEW ORLEANS (Aug.10, 2016) – The 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly took several significant steps Wednesday moving forward the mission of this church as a church for the sake of the world. By a vote of 931 to 9, the assembly overwhelmingly accepted the “Declaration on the Way,” a unique …
