Filled with living hope in Christ,

Confessing, Praising, and

Advancing His Kingdom.


Education News & Notes: September 24, 2026

***You may notice that this edition of Education News & Notes has a new format. We hope to be able to relay information in a clearer and more concise way! We also invite you to visit the newly redesigned LCMS Northern Illinois District websites: nidlcms.org (for District staff information, resources, conference listings) and NIDnews.org (for all the up-to-date news from around the District)!***

From Lois:

"Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, as his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22-23

 God’s Compassion Never Fails


Schedules, planning, meetings, phone calls, emails... and the list goes on and on. The busyness of each day has a way of making us (at times) feel like we are being consumed by "things" and expectations. 


The temptations we face each day can also seem to consume us as we encounter challenges. Giving up, lashing out, or falling into despair can be the work of the devil. Because we are redeemed by the blood Jesus shed for us and His victory over the grave, we can celebrate the promise of life in Him. Baptism is a lifeline and a source of strength and salvation. You are in Christ forever. Listen and believe His promises.


As we encourage one another to focus on the love God has for us, let’s remember that His mercy is new each day. We have a fresh start to serve, share, and sing of the great mercies given us out of Jesus’ love for us. May we focus on the Wellness of ourselves and each other through encouragement, prayer, and being in the Word each day. As we are blessed to Witness, may we do it boldly.


As educators, it is a blessing to have the privilege of sharing the hope in Christ each and every day with students and their families. May we all flourish together as we focus on the compassion that Christ has for us. He remains at work in you! Have the attitude of Jesus going into each day. Serve in your role, trusting you are not alone. 


You have Christ and we have each other. We are stronger together!


Serving the Master Teacher,

Lois Stewart

Mission Facilitator for Schools

To Do Items

School Administrators



You should have received an email to complete your annual Statistical Report for Rosters and Statistics. The information that you share is very helpful in research for our District and across the LCMS. Last year we had 97% reported. I know we can get 100% this year!! The due date is November 1, 2026. Please save a copy of the completed form or your records.

From the Education Office

Reaccreditation Complete


Congratulations to Trinity Lutheran School in Burr Ridge! We celebrated their reaccreditation with a special presentation to their congregation on Sunday, September 13, 2026. God’s continued blessings!

Hearts for Jesus


The Hearts for Jesus focus this school year will be "Gospel on the Go." This initiative will allow Missionary Pastor Jason Groth to supply resources for new programs. To learn more or to donate, please visit our website. We also welcome Chris Bolte as the new Executive Director of the Belize Mission Society. She and her husband Brett live in Nebraska. We pray God’s continued blessings upon the work they do so faithfully!

Parish Nurses 


The Parish Nurses serve in a variety of ways in their own congregations and across the NID. If you have a Parish Nurse in your congregation, please encourage them to connect with this group. Have them contact me (lois.stewart@nidlcms.org) for more information. 

Around the District

Wellness Corner


We're in the last week of the Let's Get Moving Challenge. If you haven't joined, don't be discouraged! You don't need a challenge to start being more active!



If you need some inspiration on how to get started moving, check out today’s article that highlights ways to make movement fun. The trick is discovering what YOU enjoy doing…and then go do that!

Download today's

Shine! 2027


Dates are set for next year's Shine! event have been set, so mark your calendars and start thinking about how your groups can reach out into the community to be the hands and feet of Jesus in serving others. The dates are April 9 - 18, 2027. 

Woodson Lectures


On November 19, 2026, Concordia University Chicago will host a day of history and civics for 7th through 12th grade students and teachers, titled "Inspiration from the American Heroes, Patriots, and Entrepreneurs of Black History." More information and registration is available at the link below.

Download tod

Upcoming Meetings/Events

Early Childhood, Elementary, and High School Administrators



The first Elementary and High School conference will take place on Monday, October 5, 2026 at Concordia University Chicago. If you are using Title finds to cover the cost, please let me know (lois.stewart@nidlcms.org). You will also have the opportunity to meet the new NID administrators and reconnect with friends. Please plan to stay for lunch. The topic for this first conference Best Practices for NLSA (writing accurate comments, concerns, recommendations, etc.), led by the NID District Accreditation Commission. There will be time for questions, table talk, and practice. Please print the parking pass below and place it on your dashboard in the parking structure. 

Educator Conference



October 16, 2026 is the date we will gather at Concordia University Chicago for the NID Educator Conference. All school principals, early childhood directors, and teachers should have received an email with registration information. Professional Development credits will be available for all who desire them. The registration link is also included below.

Parish Professionals



This group of Directors of Christian Education, Deaconesses, Parish Musicians (and more!) meets monthly for activities and growth opportunities. We were able to meet on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee and our guest presenter was Rev. Chris Singer, Executive Director of Lutheran Church Charities. His topic was about Spiritual First Aid Watch for October meeting details coming soon!

Resources

Lutheran Education Association


Does your school value discipleship, service, leadership, and academics?

Are you looking for a new or different way to honor your junior high students?

LEA’s Lutheran Junior Honor Association is for you!


Do you want to know more? Contact denise.rice@lea.org or click the link below.

FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE
Filled with living hope in Christ,

Confessing, Praising,

and Advancing His Kingdom


PARTNERS IN MINISTRY

For Information on LCEF contact Joe Willmann at 630-359-8058

or joe.willmann@lcef.org. Facebook.com/lcef.nid

Lutheran Church Extension Fund

Walcamp

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