Overview 2023 Synod Assembly Voting Member Information Resolutions Ministry Fair Bulletin of Reports

Join us on Friday, June 16th at 6:00 p.m. in Gavle Hall, below the Augustana College Dinning Hall for a night of celebrating together at our first-ever Ministry Fair! Read below about the committees and organizations that are going to be present. 

Ministries of the ELCA and/or Northern Illinois Synod 

  • Creation Care Subcommittee   
    • The Creation Care Committee began in 2016 to further study the issue of climate change and to discern the Church’s response. Since its founding, the group has prepared “Seasons of Creation” liturgy available free of charge to all congregations and rostered ministers. We have sponsored several book studies and Earth Church services. 
  • Congregational Life Committee
    • Congregational Life in our Synod, as it is expressed through ministry at the Synod level, is understood as a calling to be present in the lives of our local congregations as they proclaim the Gospel where they are. The Congregational Life Committee is one of five standing committees of our Synod and oversees the work of four subcommittees: Worship, Youth Ministry, Safe Church and Stewardship. 
  • Growing in Faith: The diakonia Program 
    • Diakonia is an exciting opportunity which provides a spiritual journey to lay individuals who wish to become more involved in their church or who want to better understand their faith. The new program for 2023-2024 consists of a 2-year program with flexibility to suit the interests and needs our students.  
  • ELCA Foundation 
    • You have the desire and passion to change the world, but where do you start? The ELCA Foundation has a variety of resources to assist individuals and congregations with their gift planning education and endowment needs. Together with your regional gift planner, we can help you with a charitable giving plan that will have lasting impact. Review these resources and call Tim at 331-444-3120. Together, we achieve things on a scale and scope that we could never do otherwise. 
  • ELCA Mission Investment Fund 
    • The ELCA Mission Investment Fund (MIF) has a wide range of investment opportunities for ministries and individuals alike. MIF provides lending for church projects of all sizes, from new construction to meeting emergency facilities needs. It's "Church, helping Church!" Come by and chat with your friendly and helpful MIF Regional Manager, Richard Wehrs! 
  • ELCA World Hunger subcommittee 
    • ELCA World Hunger creatively and courageously works towards a just world where all are fed.  Our synod World Hunger subcommittee works to support the ELCA World Hunger Appeal, educates congregations about world hunger issues, and raise awareness of the poor and hungry locally, in the U.S. and globally through various programs and resources. 
  • Lutherdale 
    • Located in Southeastern Wisconsin, Lutherdale is a place for rejuvenation, learning, fellowship, and recreation.  Waterfront activities, field games, archery, the farm, low & high challenge course activities, and a 3-sided climbing tower along the shores of Lauderdale Lakes provide opportunities for people of all ages to connect with nature. All are welcome to explore our beautiful 52-acre campus near Elkhorn, Wisconsin. 
  • ELCA Youth Gathering 2024 
    • Every three years, thousands of high school youth and their adult leaders from across the ELCA gather for a week of faith formation. Through days spent in interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service and fellowship, young people grow in faith and are challenged and inspired to live their faith in their daily lives. 
      An important part of the Gathering’s ministry are the two pre-events, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), a faith formation and leadership development event primarily for youth of color, and the tAble, a gathering that brings together, blesses and empowers youth with disabilities. The ministry of the Gathering is excited to partner with Young Adult Ministries to host the first-ever ELCA Young Adult Gathering for individuals who will be 18-35 at the time of the Gathering. 
  •  Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center (LOMC) 
    • LOMC serves the three ELCA synods in Illinois year-round in outdoor ministry. Its 600+ acre site is located in the heart of the Rock River Valley of Northwestern Illinois. It is the focal point for a variety of summer camping programs for youth and children. Throughout the year, people of all ages find LOMC an attractive setting for retreats and conferences. Through nature, we build and strengthen relationships with God and each other. 
  • Lutheran Social Services of Illinois 
    • Serving Illinois since 1867, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is a nonprofit social service organization of the three Illinois synods of the ELCA and one of the largest statewide social service providers. Responding to the Gospel, LSSI brings healing, justice, and wholeness to people and communities.
  • NIS Women 
    • As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. 
  • PATHWAYS  A Center For Spiritual Renewal 
    • PATHWAYS was born to meet a growing desire for spiritual fulfillment. Our mission is clear: to provide a welcoming place for all, where people of different faith traditions can gather for spiritual conversation, prayer, and reflection.   At PATHWAYS, we believe life is a continuous journey. We wander life’s paths in our quest to encounter the Holy. Committed to Christ’s call, PATHWAYS encourages seekers of all faiths and walks of life to deepen their relationship with humanity, creation, and the Divine. Wherever you find yourself on the path, PATHWAYS is here to walk beside you. 
  • Portico Benefit Services 
    • YOUR LIFE’S WORK: POWERED BY PORTICO At Portico, we know that you give of yourself in service to others every single day. To do this work well, you need to be healthy and well cared for, or you risk burning out. The same is true for every employee of your organization.  We believe that wellness impacts your ability to serve. The good news is that you aren’t alone in this. As a nonprofit ministry of the ELCA, we were established to serve church-affiliated ministries like yours, and we have benefit packages to help you serve your staff. 
  • Professional Leaders Conference of the Northern Illinois Synod 
    • This year’s Professional Leaders Conference is September 18-20, 2023 at Lutherdale Ministries in Elkhorn, WI. The guest speakers will be Debie Thomas, a writer of faith and the Bible, and Erik Olson, a church musician. Debie’s presentations are titled, “Replenishing the Well: Finding Strength and Sustenance for Ministry.” Erik’s presentation is titled, “Maximizing the ELW!” 
  • Racial Justice Subcommittee 
    • Working toward the Kingdom, congregations, leaders, and laity of the Northern Illinois Synod are compelled and required to partner with God and our neighbors to learn about and repent of our history of racism, to fight discrimination, inequity, and prejudice in all its forms, to demolish the racist systems of our institutions and economy, reimagining them to heal ethnic and cultural divisions among us. This subcommittee facilitates this effort by listening to and amplifying voices of people of color, providing opportunities for education and cooperative action, and empowering congregations to engage in multicultural relationships in their own neighborhoods. 
  • Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries 
    • Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries serves our community through diverse programs such as Laundry Love Rockford, Becca’s Closet, Park Players, and many others. Our 20 member congregations share the love of Christ in word and deed through their support of this work.  We are called to this service by the Holy Spirit and believe that there is power in Christ to change lives for the better. 

Ministries not Sponsored by the ELCA and/or the Northern Illinois Synod 

  • Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry 
    • For more than 25 years, Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry (LGPM) has been working -- and walking -- with global partners to provide resources and opportunities that help people on the margins thrive, especially women and girls. Current partnerships promote access to education in C.A.R., Guatemala, India, and Tanzania. Stop by our booth to learn how you or your congregation might get involved, whether through travel, student sponsorships, or more! 
  • Quake 
    • Quake is a a hotel-based weekend conference for grades 6-12, started out of Luther Seminary in 1965, where youth encounter the Gospel. If you have at least one youth in your church, then Quake is for you! The next Quake coming to Illinois is January 26-28, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg. Scholarships are available! 
  • Via de Cristo: Living Water 
    • Via de Cristo is an inspiring three-day spiritual renewal experience designed to awaken Christian Faith. This is the Lutheran version of the Cursillo method. It is a 3 day weekend for lay and clergy.