Filled with living hope in Christ,

Confessing, Praising, and

Advancing His Kingdom.

Filled with Hope

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Webster’s dictionary defines hope as "trust/reliance – desire accompanied by expectations of fulfillment." As Christians, we know hope is a confident expectation of what God has promised and its strength is in His faithfulness. Hope is all over the Bible!

So often in the news, we hear phrases such as… people have no hope; there is no hope; it is a hopeless situation, etc. Without God, people are in a hopeless state. They cannot just have a "desire for expectations to be fulfilled." Sin pulls the true meaning of hope away from people and results in them being empty. When people are empty, they have nothing from which to give others. We don’t want you empty, but to be a daily partaker of Hope.

We are an Easter people and, therefore, have the hope that comes through the work and life of Christ. As forgiven children of God, we have a reason to be filled with the joy and peace that comes from Jesus. You can overflow with the hope that is promised through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. You have hope even when feeling otherwise. Look to Jesus! Holy Communion is all about being filled with Hope.

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 hope we have in Christ. This hope is for you. Have the attitude of Jesus going into each day.

As we place our faith and trust in God (no matter the stress we face), we can all be thankful that God holds us in the palm of His hand and gives us what He knows is best for us. The cross tells us that best! So, when trials come, step back and know that God’s plan is perfect. Stay in the WORD. Take care of yourself to be WELL. Use your words and life as a WITNESS.

Be filled with joy this school year and flourish in your lives together! 

Serving the Master Teacher,

Lois Stewart

Mission Facilitator for Schools

Educator Conference

You should have October 16, 2026 on your school calendars. This is the date we gather at Concordia University Chicago for the NID Educator Conference. The registration link went live via an email to all school principals, early childhood directors, and teachers. The information for registration was sent out in that email. Notice the registration deadline.

If you are planning to order an "I Love Lutheran Schools" shirt, there is a separate ordering deadline.

Our keynote presenter for the afternoon will be Jennie Williamson of Arison Records. She is an inspiring and energetic worker in the kingdom. You will truly enjoy wrapping up the day with her. Here is a link to listen to a bit of her music. 

Shine! 2027

Dates are set for Shine! 2027, 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. 

School Administrators

Watch your email for your reminder to complete for annual Statistical Report for Rosters and Statistics. This is your annual reporting form. The information that you share is very helpful in research for our District and across the LCMS. Last year we had 97% reported. That was great, but I know we can get 100%!!

Early Childhood, Elementary and High School Administrators

The new school year brings so many opportunities to serve, learn, and grow together. We are blessed with conference opportunities where we come together as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Early Childhood Consultants are excited to learn and grow with all of the NID preschool and kindergarten teachers through virtual and in-person events this year!

The first Early Childhood Educator Zoom will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. This Zoom is to bring everyone together for devotion, reintroductions, and an update on the exciting things planned for this school year. 

The first Elementary and High School Administrator Leadership Conference will take place on Monday, October 5, 2026 at Concordia University Chicago. The on-line registration email was sent out in August. All registration will be done online. See the email that was sent. 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 will be Best Practices in writing comments, concerns, and recommendations in your NLSA report. The morning will be led by the NID District Accreditation Commission. There will be time for questions, table talk, and practice. Please remember to print the parking pass below and place it on your dashboard in the parking structure. 

Hearts for Jesus

The "Hearts for Jesus" focus this school year will be "Gospel on the Go." This initiative throughout the coming school year will allow Missionary Pastor Jason Groth to supply resources for new programs. He plans to start new Bible studies with men’s and women’s groups, youth group catechesis, and reach the community with the love and hope of Jesus. We get to be good neighbors and then speak the Living Hope we have in our Savior. We get to connect the community with the mission. Word, Wellness, and Witness are all part of the daily walk in Seine Bight where Jesus is the center.

I would also like to introduce the new Executive Director of the Belize Mission Society. Chris Bolte and her husband Brett live in Nebraska. She serves in the position and we pray God’s continued blessings upon the work they do so faithfully. 

Careers for Christ

October 10-12, 2026 is the annual Careers for Christ event on Concordia Chicago’s campus. Encourage your youth to attend and explore church work vocations. See details below.

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!

How can Lutheran Junior Honor Association assist your school Ministry?

• It is designed to nurture the qualities that Lutheran schools value.

• It assists you as you give students opportunities to grow outside of the classroom.

• It allows you to join with other Lutheran schools across the nation as you inspire leadership, build character, and recognize excellence.

• It is easy to implement and has easy to access support from LEA staff.

• It is for schools of all sizes.

• It is designed by Lutheran educators for the uniqueness of Lutheran schools.

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

Parish Professionals

To God be the glory for the Parish Professionals that serve in the NID (Directors of Christian Education, Deaconesses, Parish Musicians, just to name a few). This group meets monthly for various activities and growth opportunities. We give thanks that Alex Brice serves as the group coordinator. Watch for emails each month with event information. If you have any questions, please reach out to (alex.brice@stmarkslife.org) or myself (lois.stewart@nidlcms.org). The first gathering will be Thursday, September 17, 2026 starting at 11:00 a.m. We will gather at Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee (310 E. Main St.). Our guest presenter will be Rev. Christ Singer (Executive Director of Lutheran Church Charities). His topic will be safety and trauma.

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. 

Wellness Corner

What if I told you there was a way you could lower your stress levels, have more energy, sleep a little better, and sharpen your memory and focus? And it’s something you can do right this very second! Sound appealing? The way to a more energized you is simply to MOVE MORE throughout your day! That’s why this month, we’re encouraging everyone in the LCMS Northern Illinois District to Get Moving!

The Challenge is simple: move your body for 10 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

Learn more about the Let’s Get Moving Challenge, along with some fun incentives and intentional support designed for ministries, by following the link below. 

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Those enrolled in Concordia Health Plans can participate in a Vitality challenge developed for you to earn bonus Vitality points! You can participate in this special Vitality challenge that runs at the same time as the Let’s Get Moving District-wide challenge. Follow the link below to learn how CHP members can sign up today!

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