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Filled with living hope in Christ,
Confessing, Praising, and
Advancing His Kingdom.
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School Newsletter: June 25, 2026
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Midsummer Rest
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Summer often arrives with mixed emotions for teachers. There is relief after a busy school year, gratitude for God's faithfulness, and perhaps a growing list of projects, curriculum plans, workshops, family responsibilities, and preparations for fall.
Even during a break, it can be difficult to rest.
In God’s Word, rest is more than taking time off. The Sabbath pointed God's people to something greater than physical recovery. It pointed them to Christ Himself. Jesus is our true Sabbath rest. He invites weary sinners, weary workers, weary teachers, and weary servants to come to Him and receive what no vacation can fully provide: forgiveness, peace, and confidence in God's grace.
As Lutheran teachers, much of the year is spent pouring ourselves out for others. We teach lessons, encourage students, comfort families, attend meetings, and share God's Word. Yet the Gospel we proclaim to students is also for us. Church workers can become so focused on serving others that they neglect receiving Christ's gifts for themselves. God continually calls us back to His Word, where He renews and sustains us.
This midsummer season is an opportunity, not merely to recover energy, but to receive God's gifts. Whether your days include travel, reading, family activities, continuing education, or quiet moments at home, Christ remains your source of rest. His work is complete. Your standing before God does not depend on how much you accomplished this year or how prepared you feel for the next one. It depends entirely on Jesus, who lived, died, and rose for you.
So today, set aside your unfinished tasks for a moment. Open the Bible. Hear the promises spoken in your Baptism. Receive the peace that Christ gives. The same Lord who called you into teaching will sustain you for the work ahead.
Stay in the Word. Take care of yourself to be Well. Use your words and life as a Witness.
This newsletter is FILLED with numerous dates for you to get on your calendars. Please make note!
Have a wonderful and restful summer!
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Lois Stewart
Mission Facilitator for Schools
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ILSAC
The Illinois Lutheran School Administrator Conference took place at Immanuel, Batavia from June 8-10, 2026. Many thanks to Immanuel for hosting this conference! School Administrators and Early Childhood Directors/Lead Teachers gathered from many LCMS schools across the state. All three districts were represented well for worship, learning, networking, and followship. God has blessed our schools with so many wonderful and faithful workers.
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Blessed is She Summer Women’s Lunch
Please see the attached invitation for the summer women’s lunch at Concordia University Chicago.
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2026-2027 Calendar Information
As preparations begin for the upcoming school year, there are many events you might want to have on your calendars. Listed below are some of those dates. Of course, this is not comprehensive, but it is a nice start.
Wed., 8/5/26 - Back-to-School Worship & Keynote at St. John’s, Lombard- 9:00 a.m. start
Fri., 8/14/26 - Education Summit at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW)
Wed., 10/7/26 - Safety Conference at White Eagle in Niles
Fri., 10/16/26 - NID Educator Conference at Concordia Chicago
Sat., 10/17/26 - Illinois State Lutheran School Cross Country Meet
Sat., 10/24/26 - Nat'l Lutheran Schools Cross Country Meet at CUW
Sun.-Tues., 11/1-11/3/26 - DCE retreat at Camp CILCA in CID
Fri.-Sun., 11/6-11/8/26 - Illinois State Lutheran Schools Grade 6-8 Volleyball Tournament
Sat., 2/6/27 - Spelling Bee at Immanuel, Elmhurst
Sat., 2/27/27 - Knowledge Bowl at Immanuel, Batavia
Fri.-Sun., 3/5-3/7/27 - Illinois State Lutheran Schools Basketball Tournament
Fri., 3/5/27 - Illinois State Lutheran Schools Cheerleading Competition
Thurs.-Sun., 3/18-3/21/27 - Nat'l Lutheran Schools Basketball Tournament at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN
Thurs., 4/8/27 - NID/CUC 8th Grade Adventure Day
Sat.-Sun., 5/15-5/16/27 - Illinois State Lutheran School Track and Field Meet
Mon.-Wed., 6/7-6/9/27 - Illinois Lutheran School Administrator Conference at Our Savior, Springfield
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Registration Instructions - Educator Conference - Friday, October 16, 2026
Registration for the conference goes live on August 10, 2026 with an email that contains the registration link.
As you being thinking about the coming school year, here are some valuable items to think about when it is time to register for the October 16, 2026 Educator Conference at Concordia Chicago:
1. REGISTRATION will go live on Monday, August 10, 2026 via an email. Registration will close on Monday, September 28, 2026.
- Principals, please remind your teachers that they will get the email registration link as well. They should NOT register as individuals.
- Faculty should choose their sectionals and give that list to you, so you (as principal) will do a "group registration" for your faculty.
- If you are using Title Funds to pay for conference, you will need to let Julie Klopke at LEA know so she is able to make note of that for your school.
- If you must pay for the conference by check, you will also need to let Julie Klopke know.
2. Included in the registration will be the opportunity for people to order a shirt. That was a popular option two years ago. The ordering deadline will be Monday, September 21, 2026.
- The payment for the shirts will need to be included in your total registration cost.
- Each principal will then get reimbursed from those ordering a shirt at their school.
- The shirt options will be:
• a gray quarter zip pullover / The "I Heart Lutheran Schools" will be embroidered on the left upper chest.
• a black long sleeve t-shirt / The "I Heart Lutheran Schools" will be silkscreened on the front of the shirt.
• a gray short sleeve t-shirt / The "I Heart Lutheran Schools" will be embroidered on the left upper chest.
- Orders will get picked up at registration on October 16, 2026.
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NID Early Childhood events
We are excited that planning is being done for another great year of events. If you are a preschool or Kindergarten teacher, please be encouraged to attend these events. We would love to see you all there.
Sat. 9/12/26 - Zoom gathering from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Fri., 10/16/26 - NID Educator Conference at Concordia Chicago
Sat., 2/20/27 - "Wheels on the Bus" including professional development from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Many more details to come.)
Sat., 4/10/2027 - Zoom gathering from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
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NID Principal Leadership Conferences
Watch for the email registration link to be sent out soon!
Mon., 10/5/26 - 9:00 a.m. at Concordia University Chicago
Mon., 2/22/27 - 9:00 a.m. at Concordia University Chicago
Mon., 4/26/27 - 9:00 a.m. at Concordia University Chicago
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When Work Takes Too Much
Many of us know what it’s like to run on empty, getting work done and pressing on to the next task. There’s always more to be done, and if we’re not careful, our lives can be consumed by a good thing called work. Today’s Wellness Corner invites you to reflect on your work – life balance with a simple question. The answer reveals the health of your relationship with your job. Perhaps you’re like today’s author who needed to make some simple shifts to bring healing and stability to both his work and home life. If so, maybe today is your time to explore some similar changes and start finding relief for yourself and those you love!
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Lay Leadership Summit 2026 - Registration is open!
The 2026 Lay Leadership Summit will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Walther Christian Academy, 900 Chicago Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160.
Featured Speakers:
LCMS Northern Illinois District President Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss
Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing
Registration is now open! Early bird registration is $25/person and CLOSES July 3, 2026. Regular registration of $40/person begins July 4, 2026. Registration deadline is August 10, 2026.
Join us for this enriching and empowering event. Let’s journey together towards a stronger and more encouraged tomorrow!
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Filled with living hope in Christ,
Confessing, Praising,
and Advancing His Kingdom
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