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ELCA Region 5 (the twelve synods of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and the Northern Great Lakes Synod) will gather in satellite locations for a combined boundaries education day on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost for registration is $50. 

This annual regional event will focus on professional development around professional boundaries, gender justice, and racial justice. The desired outcome is that region-wide professional development offerings will allow for higher-quality events and adherence to best practices. 

Boundaries education encourages professional ministry leaders to: 

  • Engage in critical thinking on power/vulnerability as professional religious leaders
  • Define expectations for professional ethics and conduct
  • Gain tools for implementation of professional ethics and boundaries in daily life and ministry 

This event is for all rostered ministers, synod authorized ministers, and seminary interns currently serving in ministry settings. Retired rostered ministers are also welcome to attend. All those in active ministry are expected to attend this event. If you cannot attend, please contact Rev. Julie Monnard, jmonnard@nisynod.org, for options. 

The Guest Speakers 
The main guest speaker is Rev. Sunitha Mortha. She is currently the Associate to the Bishop and Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging for Metropolitan Chicago Synod. She has designed the content, structure, and discussion for our region’s event.  

Supplemental guest speakers are: 

  • Rev. Dave Efflandt. He is currently the lead pastor at St. Paul Lutheran in Waverly, IA (Northeastern Iowa Synod). He had previously served as pastor of Messiah, Port Byron and Salem, Moline, both in Northern Illinois Synod. 
  • Deacon Lidixe Montoya. She is the mission developer for Neighbor to Neighbor: Together in Ministry/ Vecino a Vecino: Juntos en Ministerio, a new ministry in Northwest Synod of Wisconsin.

The Locations 
Northern Illinois Synod’s satellite locations include: 

  • First Lutheran Church in DeKalb (324 N. Third Street, DeKalb IL 60115)
  • Trinity Lutheran Church in Moline (1330 - 13th Street, Moline IL 61265)
  • Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton (600 N. Main Street, Stockton IL 61085) 

Participants can choose to attend at any site and will receive the same experience. This event will be a combination of digital and in-person resources: Zoom worship, pre-recorded content videos, on-site discussion, and a Zoom question and answer session with the guest speakers. 

Registration is now open! Please register before October 25th. 

If your congregation cannot pay via credit card, please contact Laura Bergren at the synod office, office@nisynod.org and 309-794-4004. 

Register Today!