CRE

Schedule

8:30 a.m. Registration Opens and Dispaly Time in Dillon Mall

9:30 a.m. Opening Worship/Devotion wtih Bishop Stacie Fidlar in Dillon Mall

10:00 a.m. Announcements

10:15 a.m. Break

12:00 p.m. Lunch in the Cafeteria

1:15 p.m. Workshop A

• Prayer Beads, PATHWAYS, a ministry of Christ Lutheran in Belvidere, 1K01/1K03
  • Throughout the ages, prayer beads have crossed cultural and religious boundaries.  Join us as we explore the history of prayer beads with a focus on Lutheran prayer beads.  We will make a set of The Pearls of Life, prayer beads created in1995 by retired Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Bishop Martin Lönnebo.  Participants will become familiar with (and take home) the ancient practice of praying with beads.
• A Gazillion and One Outreach Ideas, Outreach Committee, in 1K04/Lecture Hall
  • This workshop is a time to exchange and to incubate outreach ideas that you can easily put to work in your own congregation. Participants will share ideas for outreach that they've used in their ministry settings. Current resources on outreach will be shared. 
• Youth Ministry Panel, Deacon Shari Simon and NIS Youth Leaders, 1H16/Riverview Conference Room
  • Come hear from a panel of youth ministry leaders from across the synod about what makes youth ministry great and what makes it hard. Get some ideas for youth ministry in your context and share your ideas with others. Also, hear updates for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 
• Adapative Worship, Deacon Laura Gorton and Pastor Scott Stolberg, 1H18/Riverview Conference Room
  • Planning inclusive worship can seem overwhelming at times.  In this workshop, you'll hear about the work of several rostered ministers (mostly in the North Conference) who plan and lead Rejoicing Spirits, a service aimed at adults with developmental disabilities that is open to all. We'll share tips that we have found to be helpful and explore ways to get children, youth, and vulnerable adults involved in worship leadership within your own congregational context.
• ELCA Homelessness and Justice Network, Ms. Beca Malmgren, ELCA Homelessness and Justice Network, 2K02/Founders' Room
  • The Homeless and Justice Network of the ELCA is a coalition of ministries called to serve with those on the margins who are struggling with homelessness, poverty and justice issues. This unique network is a ministry WITH, rather than FOR those experiencing poverty, homelessness and injustice. The network believes that ALL of God’s children deserve an opportunity to gather and be the church together; in the walls or outside the walls. The H&J Network gathers together the pastors, mission developers, and leaders of these ministries to connect, refuel, bring new ideas to the table, share the stories that ignite passion, and equip leaders from within so as we stand on the margins with Jesus; all are included.
• The Many Pathways to Ordained Ministry, The Rev. Rakel Evenson, Candidacy Committee and Cade Chrastina, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, 2K9A
  • These days, candidates for professional ministry come from all ages and walks of life. Seminaries are doing their best to adapt to the changing needs of students. Come learn about the options available for those interested in becoming a pastor or deacon and how the Candidacy process is set up to support candidates.
• Accompaniment with Global Partners, Mrs. Deb Quinn and Mrs. Janet Larson, Global Mission Committee, in 2L06/Cafeteria Classroom
  • The Global Mission Committee would like to take a deeper look at the mission of accompaniment.  Our goal is to share that accompaniment is not only for missions overseas, but in our own backyard.  We will share how local churches are responding to crises both here and abroad.  There will also be a discussion and practical guides on how to handle trauma.
• From Story to Support: Sharing Your Mission to Inspire Generosity, The Rev. Lindsay Fertig-Johnson, Synod Generosity Director, 2L07
  • Stewardship isn't just about asking for money. It is about inviting people to actively participate in a mission that matters. This workshop introduces a mission-focused approach to generosity. Together, we'll explore how storytelling, relationships, and clear invitations help people connect with your mission and take the next step towards meaningful engagement and investment.
• Finished, not Failed: Congregations Leaving Legacies, The Rev. Laurie Skow-Anderson, in 2M05
  • What if your congregation’s next most faithful step might be to close? What if the big question folks are afraid to ask out loud is whether or not it is time to close their beloved church building? How and when should church leaders have the conversation about completing the work that God had given them during this season? How can you care for the needs of your members, finish well, prepare to leave a legacy and begin the process of Holy Closure? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this workshop. 
• A New Synod Constitution: The Proposed Changes and Your Role in the Process, The Rev. Julie Monnard and Mrs. Denise Norman, Constitution Review Committee, in 2M07
  • A new draft of the synod constitution has been approved at the September 2025 Synod Council meeting. Before this comes before the Synod Assembly in 2026, take a look at the document and discuss how the suggested changes help us to better support the ministry of Northern Illinois Synod. Proposed changes impact Synod Assembly, Committees, and Conferences. 

2:05 p.m. Break

2:20 p.m. Workshop B

• Children's Mimistry Ideas: Godly Play, Deacon Laura Gorton, 1K01/1K03
  • Godly Play is a creative and imaginative approach to Christian formation for children. Based off of a Montessori foundation, it helps children and adults make meaning through story, wonder, and play. It honors the spiritual lives of children of any age and helps adults who lead the program find deeper meaning in their own faith journeys. This workshop will present the basics of this dynamic program along with a demonstration of a Godly Play session.
• Space-Sharing Fundamentals: How to leverage your property for partnership, The Rev. Sarah Lyn Jones, Church Property Resource Hub, 1K04/Lecture Hall
  • Inviting community organizations into a church building can help revitalize its space and presence in the surrounding community.  Pastors and lay leaders will learn how to engage new partners, manage all the aspects of space-sharing, and develop a robust strategy that can help sustain their church's mission as well as their building. We’ll discuss success stories from a variety of contexts to highlight how sharing your space can be a vital ministry and stewardship opportunity. And yes, we’ll talk about taxes! Participants will walk away with examples of space-sharing opportunities, key elements of a strong space-sharing policy, and tools to increase the capacity of their congregation to leverage their facilities for partnership.
• Social Ministry and Advocacy, Social Ministry Committee, 1H16/Riverview Conference Room
  • The Social Ministry Committee works to inspire and encourage the people of the congregations and communities of the Northern Illinois Synod to care for those in need, serve our neighbors, seek justice and righteousness for all people.
• The How and Why of the RIC Process, RIC Subcommittee, 1H18/Riverview Conference Room
  • Curious about what it takes to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation? Want to learn more about why congregations choose to become a RIC Congregation? Join members of the RIC Subcommittee for time to talk through the process, explore resources, and learn the importance of public welcome.
• Supporting Mental Health Needs in Your Community, Ms. Karissa Fleming, 2K02/Founders' Room
  • A workshop geared to help ministerial staff navigate the world of Mental Health. The role of ministry and trust is one that is unique and sacred. Adding additional tools to recognize symptoms, engage in effective communication, and build networks to best support your congregation is a skill that will not only boost staff's self-esteem, but will engage in community and overall trust of staff. Karissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and can help staff navigate many struggles facing congregations: depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma.
• Lay Ministry Opportunities in the Northern Illinois Synod, SAM Taskforce, 2K9A
  • Are you a lay person who confidently serves in your home congregation and wonders about deepening your faith by serving in a new way? Come learn about Synod Authorized Ministry, the Lay Pulpit Supply list, Diakonia, and Preaching Among Friends.
• Feeding Our Neighbors: Stories from ELCA World Hunger, World Hunger Subcommittee, 2L06/Cafeteria Classroom
  • Thanks to your support through last year's campaign, ELCA World Hunger is better able to serve those in need. Come hear stories of how your donations are helping to feed families around the world, and learn new ways to connect and support World Hunger.
• Grant Writing 101, The Rev. Jennifer Ohman-Rodriguez and The Rev. Josh Ebener, 2L07
  • How do we find grants that can help us fund ministries?  What grants do the synod and ELCA offer?  How do I write a compelling grant proposal?  Join us for this workshop on grant writing to learn more about how to write grants to fund ministries.  We will discuss some of the fundamentals of grant writing and look at how to find grant opportunities, and provide an overview of grants offered by the synod and the ELCA.
• Elected as an office in your congregation? Now what?, Mrs. Lori Whalen and Mrs. Nancy Lillevold, 2M05
  • Join the conversation as we unpack what it means to serve your congregation in the capacity of a church council officer. Whether you are newly elected or have served for a number of years, it's all about sharing best practices with each other.
• Partnering with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, The Rev. Kelly Nieman Anderson, LSSI, 2M07
  • Learn practical ways that Congregations across NIS are "Going Deeper" in their partnership with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois! Representatives from St. Barnabas Cary will present with LSSI staff to give examples of ways to partner with programs and support LSSI's mission. 

3:10 p.m. Break

3:25 p.m. Sending Out in Prayer in Dillon Mall

3:45 p.m. End of the 2026 CRE