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From President Heath Curtis:



Ronald Reagan famously invented an Eleventh Commandment when it came to politics. In our household we have also extended the Decalogue to include The Three Dadly Sins. These are things that are guaranteed to get Dad upset (especially at himself when he is the perpetrator of any of them): Spilling Things, Losing Things, and Being Late. 


I hate losing things because I hate trying to find them. Here is a common enough occurrence in the Curtis household: “Has anyone seen my communion kit?” Someone will respond, “I think I may have seen it in the front hall closet.”


My heart sinks. For the front hall closet is a cavern of endless doom: tennis balls, pickleball rackets, rain coats, a shoeshine bag, umbrellas, rubber boots, my cold weather hunting bibs, a box of all the flags we hang on the porch for the 4th of July, it goes on and on. There is no light in there. I will have to sift through it all looking for my communion kit, which is bad enough. But the worst part is that I don’t even know if the kit is in there! I might be searching through all that in vain!


I wonder if we don’t often think of evangelism – looking for lost people – like this. Are we going to put in all this effort and not even find anyone? Or even worse: will we mess it up? Because this thought also goes through my mind as I did in the dark of the front hall closet: what if I missed finding the kit and overlooked it?


But this is not the Biblical way of looking at evangelism. Looking for lost people is not like looking for you car keys in the couch cushions or the communion kid in the front hall closet, not knowing whether they are really there to be found. Consider what the Bible says in Acts 13:48: “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.”


As many as were appointed to eternal life believed. The Lord had his people there in Pisidian Antioch: His lost sheep were waiting to be brought home. The preaching of the Word by Paul revealed them.

 

So evangelism is not like looking for a lost item in a cavernous closet not knowing whether what you are seeking is there or not. Instead it’s like Easter morning when Dad says to the kids, “I’ve put a bunch of eggs out in the front yard! Go get ‘em!”

 

So the only way to mess up evangelism is to not do it. Or as Jesus said, “Don’t hide you light under a bushel basket.” You can’t mess it up and it doesn’t depend on your cleverness. The Lord knows His lost sheep, they are out there, and His Word will reveal them. But He has blessed you to get to be a part of this: you get to help spread the Word.


Next month I’ll more to say about a district-wide evangelism effort that one of our district committees is working on. I’m very excited about the prospects of the entire district having a yearly focus on getting the Word out!

Other Items of Note:


  • Be sure to follow the SID Facebook page for updates about what is happening in the district. You can track my travels around the district each day!


  • There are many events coming up in June, so check the calendar at sidlcms.org/events . Of special note is our Golf Tournament on June 14 to support scholarships for church worker students at our Concordias.


  • Speaking of those District church worker scholarships: applications close on June 15!


Rev. Heath Curtis

President

Southern Illinois District

Calling Vacancies in Southern Illinois District

Bethel, Du Quoin – Vacancy served by Rev. Al Janneke

Blessed Savior, O’Fallon Vacancy served by Rev. Perry Schefelker & Rev. Tony Troup

Christ Our Savior, FreeburgAdam Hiles, student of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, received a call placement on April 29, 2025. Ordination and Installation are at Christ Our Savior June 29, 4pm.

Emmaus, Dorsey Matthew Beaty, student of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, received an assignment as a convertible vicar on April 30, 2025.

Faith, Eldorado/Our Redeemer, Golconda – No candidate received

Holy Cross, Livingston – Vacancy served by Rev. Darwin Schrader

Holy Cross, Renault – Vacancy served by Rev. Royal Boeder

Immanuel, Waterloo – Call Committee Working Towards New Call

Messiah, Alton – Vacancy served by Rev. Willie Meyer

Messiah, Carlyle – Called Rev. Aaron Zimmerman, Farnhamville, IA (declined)

Our Redeemer, Greenville – Call Committee Working Towards New Call

Our Savior, Hillsboro – Vacancy served by Rev. Kevin Cook

St. James, Glen Carbon – Call Committee Working Towards New Call

St. Matthew, Brussels – Vacancy served by Rev. Michael Schempf

St. Paul, HamelNathan Tritch, student of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, received an assignment as a vicar on April 30, 2025.

St. Peter’s, Campbell Hill – Call Committee Working Towards New Call

Signal Hill, Belleville  Forming call committee         

Trinity, Anna/St. Luke’s, Olmsted – Called Rev. Alan Wollenburg, Sikeston, MO (accepted)

Trinity, Harvel – Vacancy served by Rev. Chris Prumm

Trinity, Hoyleton – Nathaniel Bauman, student of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, received an assignment as a vicar on April 30, 2025.

Trinity, Nokomis – Call Committee Working Towards New Call

Trinity, Worden/Zion, Carpenter – Vacancy served by Rev. Heath Curtis

Zion, Carlinville – Vacancy served by Rev. Kelly Mitteis

Zion, Mascoutah – Called Rev. Joel Dietrich, Lincoln, NE (accepted).

Installation of Rev. Dietrich: June 8, 2025 at 3pm.

From Schools & General Executive Jeffrey Fick:


May was a busy month! Here are some events from the Schools and General Executive:

Celebration of Commissioned Ministers Anniversaries

We're excited to share this year's commissioned ministers work anniversaries.

Click here to read who reached milestones this year!

Groundbreaking at St. John, Chester

Mr. Jeffrey Fick, Schools and General Executive, had the privilege of attending worship and the groundbreaking ceremony at St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, on May 4. St. John will be building a new school under the theme, “Building on a Foundation of Faith.” We give thanks to God for this exciting new chapter in their ministry!

Wacky Wednesday at St. Paul, Columbia

The Preschool class at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Columbia, enjoyed a lively and joy-filled “Wacky Wednesday.” Miss Shelley and Miss April do a magnificent job directing and nurturing the children. Their love and leadership shine brightly!

Unity Lutheran Christian Elementary School Fundraising Dinner

Unity Lutheran Christian Elementary School hosted its annual fundraising dinner, “Share in the Miracle,” on May 8 at The Regency in O’Fallon. We are deeply grateful for the generous support of all our donors and friends. Your partnership makes a lasting impact!

Prison Ministry Workshop

A Prison Ministry Workshop was held on May 16 and graciously hosted by St. John Lutheran Church, New Minden. This outreach is a tremendous blessing to our brothers and sisters in prison. We thank our faithful volunteers and all who support this vital mission. If you are interested in becoming involved in Prison Ministry, please contact the District Office.

Congratulations, Graduates!

Congratulations and God’s blessings to the graduating class of Unity Lutheran Christian Elementary School! We also lift up prayers for all the graduates of our Lutheran schools across the Southern Illinois District. May the Lord guide your next steps in faith.

Mission Sunday at Jerusalem, Collinsville

Mr. Jeffrey Fick, Schools and General Executive, was honored to serve as the guest presenter at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Collinsville, on May 18 for their Mission Sunday. The focus of the presentation was the Hearts for Jesus 2025 designation—Lansdowne Community Initiative (LCI) in East St. Louis.

LCI is a nonprofit organization committed to revitalizing the Lansdowne neighborhood one property at a time through housing development, community engagement, and education programs. We thank God for this mission-minded effort that is transforming lives and communities.

Mr. Jeffrey A. Fick

Schools and General Executive

Southern Illinois District

District News

Golf Tournament for Scholarships June 14

Join us for the Bob Streuter Memorial on June 14. Proceeds from this event fund scholarships for students from Southern Illinois District pursing full time church work. Since its inception 20 years ago, this tournament has added over $175,000 to the scholarship endowment.


Thank to you all the teams that have registered! For those not registered yet and wanting to play, contact Wally Streuter at 618-973-8377.


Click here for more information.

School Administrators Conference June 9-11

All Illinois LCMS School Administrators are invited to attend the 2025 Illinois State Lutheran Administrator Conference to be held June 9-11, 2025 at Zion Lutheran School 1301 N. State St., Litchfield, IL 62056. Speakers include Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, Erik Hyam, and Matt Davidson.


Click here for more information.

Book Event in Hamel June 18

Meet authors Katie Schuermann and Christine Elliott Rivers! Hosted at St. Paul Lutheran School in Hamel, these authors will be focusing on their books for students in grades 2-5.


Click here to view the banner.

Trivia Night in Columbia to Benefit Eve's Restoration Ministries June 19

Book your table now for a Trivia Night on June 19 that benefits a great ministry! Eve's Restoration Ministries provides parenting resources and Christ-centered spiritual care to mothers whose children are currently in foster care.


Hosted at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Columbia gather some friends and come out for a great evening!




Click here for the registration form.


District Youth Event: English Country Dancing June 29

Join us for an evening of fun and dancing!

Dancers from 7th to 12th grade are welcome to gather at Metro East Lutheran High School for an afternoon of fun. Admission to the dance is only $5 per dancer.


Never been to an English Country Dance? Not a problem. All dances will be called (which means that someone teaches the dance and also “calls” out steps during the dance.) All skills levels are welcome!

 

Sunday, June 29

Doors Open: 2:30p

Dance: 3–5:30p

Cookout and Picnic: 5:30-7p


Click here for more information.

Day of Spiritual Renewal August 7

We are excited to join with all of our church workers in this year’s Day of Spiritual Renewal. This year, there are breakout sessions for everyone: rostered workers, Lutheran non-rostered teachers, and non-Lutheran teachers.


In a world that often challenges any claims regarding the knowledge of God or any standard of truth, our Lutheran Confession shapes our teaching, our worship, and our daily lives. This year’s theme invites us to rejoice in what it means to be a Lutheran today, especially what it means to be a Lutheran teacher, and how our Lutheran Doctrine will guide us to serve in joy today and to live in joy eternally.


Mark your calendars for August 7 and join us in this day of learning and fellowship!


Click here for more information.

Bus Tour to Branson September 17-18

Spaces fill quickly!

Join us for a bus trip to Branson, Missouri! Each year, the Older Adult Ministry Team of Southern Illinois District take a bus tour. This year, the group is heading on a trip to Branson. The group will see two shows: David at the Sight and Sound theater and “Down Home Country” show.


This trip is designed for adults aged 50 and above, and is also walker-friendly. Space is limited, so if you're interested, click below for more information and registration.



Click here for more information.

Calendar

  • June 9-11 School Administrators Conference
  • July 4 District Office Closed
  • June 14 Golf Tournament for Scholarships
  • June 15 Scholarship Applications Due
  • June 29 Youth Event: English Country Dancing

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