Events and Resources for LCMS Churches and Church Workers in Northern Illinois - May 15, 2017
From Northern Light Online

Dad Takes Outside Shot for Teens – and Wins
St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lansing is a small church, but it draws 30 to 40 teens on Sunday nights for basketball -- and more are from the community than the church. Read the story at NIDnews.org.
Here's What's Coming Up
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Teacher Recognition Dinner
The Chicagoland Lutheran Educational Foundation invites you to the Teacher Recognition Dinner for Chicago Lutheran schools. This annual gala will be Thursday, May 18, at River Forest Country Club, 15W468 Grand Ave., Elmhurst, Illinois. Reception begins at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 p.m. and teacher awards follow. Please purchase tickets by May 1. For more information go to clefchicago.org .
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Luther North Last Graduation Weekend - Alumni Invited

All Luther North alumni and friends are invited to celebrate 108 years of Luther Institute, Luther High School North, and Luther North College Prep at this last graduation weekend. The following events are taking place on campus, 5700 W. Berteau, Chicago, Friday, June 2, to Sunday, June 4:  

  • Open House: Friday, June 2, at 5:30 p.m.   
  • Concert: Friday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m. Northwest Concert Band; LN Band Alumni invited for Wildcat Fight Song and "O God of Youth." 
  • Graduation Service: Saturday, June 3, at 10 a.m. Admission is by TICKET ONLY and seating is limited. Print flyer
Grant Writing Workshop
Discover potential additional resources for your congregation or school ministry. Plan to attend "An Introduction to the Basics of Grant Writing" on Saturday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Northern Illinois District office, 2301 S Wolf Road, Hillside. A $10 registration fee includes lunch. For information, contact Sue Green at 708-548-1207 or at [email protected].
Print flyer     Print registration
Are you coming to the Basics of Grant Writing event?
LOCATION
Northern Illinois District Office, 2301 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, Illinois

DATE AND TIME
06/03/17 9:00am - 06/03/17 12:00pm

I'll be there!
Maybe
I can't make it
Doxology: "More Than Giving"
Doxology is teaming up with Synod's stewardship office to hold "More than Giving," a conference on stewardship, at the Lindenwood Retreat Center (between Donaldson and Plymouth, Indiana - about 40 minutes east of Valparaiso). Led by Rev. Heath Curtis and Rev. Nathan Meador, this conference will equip pastors and laity to think biblically and “Lutheranly” about financial stewardship in its broader context. Friday and Saturday, June 9-10, noon to noon. Details and registration are at Doxology's website. (The program also is offered Sept. 15-16 in Buffalo, Minnesota.) 
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Voice of Care's Mile for Mileage
Mark your calendar for this summer's
Voice of Care Mile For Mileage Challenge events:
  • July 22 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Schaumburg
  • August 19 at Castaldo Park in Woodridge
Walk and picnic, rain or shine. Walk in person or "virtually" collect pledges online. To register or donate, visit voiceofcare.org/mile-for-mileage.
Youth Summer Fest
Save the date, July 22, for St. Paul Lutheran Church's Summer Fest. Live DJ, inflatables, balloon soccer, food, and more. All junior high and high school students are invited. For more information, contact Andrew Tutwiler. Print flyer
Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music
LCMS Worship will hold its Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music July 25–28 at Concordia University Chicago. This triennial event offers pastors, church musicians and others an opportunity to grow in skills that enhance the joy of God's people in receiving his gifts. Registration closes July 10. For more information contact the LCMS information center at 888-the-LCMS (843-5267) or [email protected]. Register here
Continuing Education
Calvary Lutheran Church, Elgin, is hosting a Continuing Education opportunity from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, on July 31 to August 2 (times are 9 to 4 on Monday and Tuesday; 9 to noonish on Wednesday). Both church workers and laity are welcomed as participants (fees vary). Print flyer or go to ctsfw.edu/ctsfw-events/continuing-education/elgin for all the details.
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DIY Golf Fundraiser
Add a spin to your weekly golf came, while supporting Voice of Care. Take a foursome and golf at course of your choice. Each participant tallies up small contributions along the way based on hole score, etc. When finished, total up donations on the report card and submit with payment. For information, visit voiceofcare.org/diy-golf-fundraiser
One-Day Wellness Event in NID for Church Workers
All commissioned, ordained and ministry office workers plus highly engaged volunteers are invited to attend a Grace Place Wellness Event, Thursday, September 21, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11500 German Church Road, Burr Ridge. Cost is $20 for first registration, $15 for each additional worker from the same location. Print flyer  Print registration.
Are you coming to the Wellness Retreat?
LOCATION
Trinity Lutheran Church, 11500 German Church Road, Burr Ridge, Illinois

DATE AND TIME
09/21/17 8:30am - 09/21/17 3:00pm

I'll be there!
Maybe
I can't make it
59th Convention of the District
Delegate information and nomination forms have been sent to all congregations and rostered workers. The convention will be held Friday and Saturday, March 9-10, 2018, at Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta Street, River Forest. The nomination forms and convention delegate forms are all available at nidlcms.org/convention.
Bucks for Vets
Military Outreach USA is asking our churches to join a project called "Bucks for Vets." Interested members of your church are asked to donate a buck a day ($30 a month) to be sent to our local Military Outreach USA. A Chicago mattress firm is making a new, full-size mattress, box spring, metal fame, linens and pillows available for just $140. Your donations will enable Military Outreach USA to provide this bed set and other personal items to veterans in need. Print flyer for contact information .
The LCMS Northern Illinois District is a Military Caring Organization.
Resources
7 Ways Your Church Could Use Pinterest  

  1. Pin images of church members.
  2. Pin images of worship events.
  3. Pin images of events or ministries of the church.
  4. Pin crafts.
  5. Pin beautiful images (scenic, nature, places) with appropriate or meaningful Scripture passages on them.
  6. Pin images that promote your current sermon series.
  7. Pin images of books that are considered a must-read or helpful to those wishing to grow in their spiritual journey.

(Encourage your members to add these images in posts they share with friends, witnessing to their faith and highlighting their home church.)

For the complete article visit Concordia Technology blog

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Part-Time Preschool Teacher Aide, Darien
St. John Lutheran Early Learning Center (ELC), 7214 South Cass Avenue, Darien, has an open aide position for the upcoming academic year beginning August 28, 2017, through May 23, 2018.  Contact Dr. Nancy Chibe, Director, 630-324-6582 or email. Print information

Youth Ministry Coordinator, Elmhurst
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 142 E. Third Street, Elmhurst, is prayerfully seeking to fill the position of Youth Ministry Coordinator. It is a 10-15 hour per week position that involves the nurture and discipleship of young people to be the future leaders of the Christian church. Learn more by going to Immanuel's website, immanuelelmhurst.org. and click the link under the Announcements section of the front page.

Organist/School Music,  Elmhurst
Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, 142 E. Third Street, Elmhurst, is prayerfully seeking assistance in the area of music. They are in need of a regular organist to accompany the Saturday evening and one Sunday worship service. They also seek someone to lead the 5th to 8th grade school choir.  These positions are each contracted but may be combined with other music duties into one part-time position for a qualified applicant. Please inquire by phone 630-832-1649 or by email [email protected].

Winter Assistant Pastor
Lutheran Church of the Cross in Port Charlotte, Florida, is seeking assistance for the senior pastor from November 1, 2017, through April 30, 2018. Port Charlotte is on the west coast, midway between Sarasota and Fort Myers. The Winter Assistant Pastor should be a friendly and caring person with a congenial personality. A commitment to all the doctrines of the LCMS is, of course, a basic requirement. For detailed information call 941-627-6060 or e-mail [email protected]. Learn about the church at www.lccross.org. 

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Joyful Response
The Joyful Response Electronic Offering Program allows congregation and school members to:

  • Give offerings consistently
  • Fulfill their stewardship commitments
  • Share their financial blessings efficiently and predictably
  • Make tuition payments reliably and conveniently
  • Fulfill their tuition payment commitments with ease
  • Save the time and cost of writing checks

For information on LCEF, contact Vanda Toner at 708-223-3117 or [email protected]. Follow LCEF at facebook.com/lcef.nid. Subscribe to the LCEF e-newsletter. Get May 2017 Rates

Church workers:
Update Your Information
All rostered and non-rostered church workers are asked to please update their NID contact information when there is a change of email, address, phone, etc., or if new in the district.

Commissioned workers need to do contact updates in two places:
  1. District Office
  2. Rosters and Statistics
Previously Published News and Events
Read past issues of the Parish Resource Connection
LCMS Northern Illinois District, 2301 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL  60162
Phone 888-708-LCMS     Email