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Filled with living hope in Christ,
Confessing, Praising, and
Advancing His Kingdom.
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School Newsletter: August 20, 2026
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Welcome Back to School – Rooted in Christ
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." Colossians 2:6-7
Welcome back to school! I pray that summer was a blessing and time to relax, refresh, and re-energize for the coming year. We are blessed by God to have another year to educate His precious children. Remember that you are His precious child, too! The most important part is sharing the love of Jesus with the students of all ages and each other as adults. Never delay to take the opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus! That love and Jesus are for you, too, in all their richness.
The LCMS theme for the year is "Rooted in Christ." It is my prayer that is a focal point throughout the coming days and weeks. Jesus commands us in Matthew 28:19 to "go and make disciples of all nations." That command He gives us is His promise to bless! As we are "rooted in Christ," we are ready each day to share Jesus.
Let us also remind our students, families, and staffs that Jesus is with us always and walks with us. So often, He carries us. He is faithful in keeping you. You were rooted in your Baptism.
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.
To God be the glory for the gift of our schools! Have a tremendous year in Him!
Serving the Master Teacher,
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Lois Stewart
Mission Facilitator for Schools
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Chapel Talks
Visit the link below for the 2026-2027 Chapel Talks.
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Giving Thanks for Lutheran Education
What a joy and blessing to gather on August 5, 2026 at St. John’s, Lombard for our annual Back-to-School Worship and Keynote address. We give thanks to St. John’s for hosting our gathering and a "Rooted in Christ’"message from President Buss. Many thanks also to Shelly Schultz, Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry and Director of Christian Education Program Director at Concordia University St. Paul, MN, for her inspiring keynote about "Being Filled with Joy." We are also very thankful for the many musicians, vocalists, and Pastors' Choir sharing their joy in worship.
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Summer Conferences
Throughout the summer, many gathered for worship, learning, and fellowship. Those conferences included: Curriculum Mapping led by Concordia University Chicago professors in the College of Education, ILSAC (Illinois Lutheran School Administrator Conference) bringing together leaders (Elementary Administrators and Early Childhood Directors) from all three LCMS Districts in Illinois, and FLAME (Future Lutheran Administrators-Midwest Educators) bringing together future leaders from eight of our LCMS Great Lakes Districts. To God be the glory for these workers in our schools.
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Welcome to new NID workers
Welcome and God’s blessings to several new school administrators and teachers! We give thanks for and pray for your service beginning in the Northern Illinois District. Please welcome the following administrators:
Heather Hoy – Zion-Concord, Bensenville
Scott Francis – St. Luke, Itasca
Michael Gall – Trinity, Tinley Park
Hillary Delanty – St. Andrews, Park Ridge
Kelli Sok (interim) – Zion, Marengo
Kip Crandall (interim) – St. Paul, Rochelle
Ginna Gatlin – Our Savior, Joliet
Kelly Nelson – St. Matthew, Hawthorn Woods
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Congratulations
The NID is thankful for all of our schools from small to large who teach Jesus each day. I continue to lift them all up in prayer as the new school year has begun and they focus on Word, Wellness, and Witness.
Congratulations to: Immanuel, Batavia and Trinity, Burr Ridge for completing their reaccreditation. To God be the glory for their faithful work and dedication!
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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.
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CUC Early Childhood Graduate Programs
Please the see the information below about Early Childhood graduate programs and Concordia University Chicago.
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Careers for Christ
Registration is open for the Fall 2026 Careers for Christ weekend at Concordia University Chicago. It is free to attend and will be held October 10-12, 2026. Encourage high school students you know to consider attending in order to explore LCMS professional church work as a potential for their future!
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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.
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School Advisory Cabinet
Please meet the NID School Advisory Cabinet. These are the lead principals in each of the regions (Andy DeWitt, Donna Laughlin, Julie Messina, and Donna Tennis), our National Lutheran Schools Accreditation Commissioner/Consultant (Sue Domeier), and Early Childhood Consultant Coordinator (Cathy Gruenwald). I give thanks for each one and their willingness to serve.
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Lutheran Annual Request Form
All Rostered Workers in the Northern Illinois District should have received an email from Rosters and Statistics in St. Louis with the form to update your information that goes in the Lutheran Annual. Please complete and submit that form by September 1, 2026 to be included in that publication. The Education Office does not have individual worker passwords. If you do not have that, please contact Rosters and Statistics.
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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%!!
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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!
-In September, we welcome David Welch, from the PSW district to talk to us about the benefits of incorporating whole body movement into our day.
-In October, we will gather at the NID Educator's Conference, where there is a track of sectionals for early childhood.
-In February, we will gather at Immanuel, Batavia for our Wheels on the Bus adventure. The morning will be filled with learning about parent relationships and events, authentic assessment, and play-based Kindergarten in action. We will tour St. Mark's Preschool in St. Charles and Immanuel, Batavia.
-In April, Angela Shirley will join us virtually for a workshop on being inspired in our ministry.
Cathy, Amy and Doreen hope you will join them for each event as we serve the little learners in God's Kingdom.
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 see the link below. | | |
Hearts for Jesus
We are blessed to be a blessing. It is with great joy that I am able to share that your dedication and support of the 2025-2026 "Hearts for Jesus" project blessed the Belize Mission Society with a contribution of over $8,000.00! That generosity was a blessing as the Vacation Bible School resources were updated for the summer programming in Seine Bight and Georgetown. We give thanks for Cathy Dulgar as she follows God’s call to other ministry and outreach opportunities.
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.
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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.
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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. Watch for details and location at the beginning of September.
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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.
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Let’s Get Moving Challenge!
We are thrilled to announce a District-wide Movement Challenge for the month of September. The Challenge is simple: move your body for 10 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Movement is a powerful deterrent to health issues, and short bursts boast great benefits to your wellbeing. That’s why we will spend the month of September encouraging you to get moving! Learn more about the Let’s Get Moving Challenge in today’s post, along with some fun incentives and intentional support designed for ministries.
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Filled with living hope in Christ,
Confessing, Praising,
and Advancing His Kingdom
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