God’s Compassion Never Fails

“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Schedules, planning, 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. We get tired and weary.

The temptations that we face each day can also seem to consume us as we face the challenges before us due to our sinfulness. Because we are redeemed by the blood Jesus shed for us and His victory over the grave, we can live today with the promise of life. Baptismal life means new life. We have died with Christ and have been raised with Him. 

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. That compassion is for you! Do your role trusting you are not alone. You have Christ and we have each other. We are stronger together!

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. Be strengthened! 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.

Serving the Master Teacher,

Lois Stewart

Mission Facilitator for Schools

Meet Your NID School Administrators

This week, let’s meet some more for the school administrators serving in your NID schools.

Serving in the Rockford Region: Trisha Engel (Immanuel, Belvidere), Nick Muench (Immanuel, Freeport), Sherri Runge (Concordia, Machesney Park), Sue Domeier (Zion, Marengo), Steve Hall (St. Paul, Rochelle), Alan Runge, Tim Nitz, Scott Erdman (Rockford Lutheran), and Pastor Kevin Koester (Christ, Sterling).

Serving in the Chicago Region: Donna Tennis (St. Philip), Geri Brazeal (Christ the King), Jo Ellen Hoffman (Good Shepherd), Carlo Giannotta (Grace Academy), Sheri Meyer (St. James), Michelle Runge (St. John’s), Robyn DuBose (St. Paul on Dorchester), and Patricia Jackson (St. Paul on Menard).

We lift them up in prayer each day.

Curriculum Mapping



As schools get deeper into the school year, please reach out if you would like to schedule a Curriculum Mapping workshop for your staff. We will schedule as the CUC professors are available.

School Administrators

Watch your email for your reminder to complete the 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 96% 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. 

Since many Early Childhood Directors are not able to leave their schools during the day, we have decided that all Early Childhood Directors will be encouraged to register for and attend the conference dates scheduled and attend with the elementary and high school administrators. The topics chosen will benefit early childhood as well. It is important that directors meet with the principals for networking and fellowship. 

The first Early Childhood Educator Zoom will take place on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The theme for all events this year will be “Connected” to share topics that will strengthen your connections to families, students, and your ECE peers. Plan to join us on the first Zoom as we discuss ideas for “connecting to families.” We’ll hear presentations from directors Lori Schneider and Cassie Sund on how they connect with families in their centers. We’d love to have you join us.

The first Elementary and High School conference will take place on Monday, September 18, 2023 at Concordia University Chicago. The online registration email was sent out on August 10, 2023. All registration will be done online. If you are using Title finds to cover the cost, please let me know (lois.stewart@nidlcms.org). The September 18 topic will be updates on a variety of programs in the NID that will assist your school in being stronger. You will also have the opportunity to meet the new NID administrators. The parking pass is attached. This will need to be posted in your car window that day.

Hearts for Jesus

The “Hearts for Jesus” focus this school year will be the expansion of the feeding program into the community of Georgetown. The students in the school will get well-prepared meals each day. Prayerfully consider what your part will be in blessing this work in Belize. See the link below for more information and to donate.

Lutheran Education Association

The LEA staff is a tremendous blessing to us as we serve various ministries in the NID. Please take a look at the information below about the Lutheran Junior Honor Association. It is a great way for you to connect your students. 

Make Connections

Looking for opportunities to connect with others in your field? Northern Illinois District networking groups are opportunities that help church workers (especially those that are not pastors or teachers) to connect, build relationships, and gain skills for the Lord’s mission. Would you fit into one of these groups? Check out our list of networking groups at nidlcms.org/networking. Email the District Office at office@nidlcms.org to let us know you are interested in receiving these newsletters with meeting dates or subscribe to publications at nidlcms.org/subscribe.

Illinois Coalition for Nonpublic Schools

The Illinois Coalition for Nonpublic Schools supports our schools in Springfield by having lobbyists representing our Christian beliefs as they are related to items that are being considered for new laws. I forward monthly news items and urgent information that is sent my way. Please be encouraged to visit icns.net and consider joining the coalition as a school member. The application is attached.

Connect at Walcamp

More information can be found on the attached flyer.

LCMS School Theme for 2023-2024

The theme for the 2023-2024 school year is based on John 15:1-5. Information on Chapel Talks and Lutheran Schools Week can be found here.