Northern Illinois District Newsletter

Filled with living hope in Christ,

Confessing, Praising, and

Advancing His Kingdom.

LCMS Northern Illinois District Email Newsletter: January 2, 2026

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Communications Theme January 2026

Sanctity of Life

“I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” With these words from Psalm 139:14, we confess the deep and immeasurable truth that every human life—from conception to natural death—is the handiwork of God. His works are wonderful, intentional, and known intimately by Him. Because each person is created in God’s image, we hold fast to the unwavering conviction that all people are worthy of dignity, care, compassion, and prayer. This truth shapes how we speak, how we serve, and how we walk alongside others in every season of life.

This same conviction compels us to see Christ’s image reflected in those who are vulnerable or displaced, caught in the trauma of war, the isolated, the ill, and all who suffer injustice. Jesus came to redeem all by His life, death, and resurrection, and in His grace, given in Word and Sacrament, believers are being renewed in His image. (Colossians 3:10-11).

The sanctity of life is not an abstract principle but a lived confession that God values every person and calls His people to do the same. As we encounter a world marked by conflict, fear, and division, we respond with steadfast hope, courageous love, and fervent prayer—trusting that the God who wonderfully made each life also redeems, protects, and walks with His people. In every age and circumstance, we proclaim this truth: all life is precious to Him.

FROM YOUR DISTRICT OFFICE

Parish Administrators Network Group Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for January 26, 2026 at Cross, Yorkville, 8609 IL-47, Yorkville, IL 60560. At this time, the plan is to provide updated information regarding church and school security. For information, contact sue.green@nidlcms.org.

Communications and Admission Directors Network Group Meeting

Save the date for our next NID Communicators and Admission Directors Group gathering! We will gather by Zoom Tuesday, February 3, 2026. During our last meeting, Sean was unable to attend but he will be there for our next meeting to lead us through good conversation. Watch for details and the link after the holidays.

Speaker:

Sean Newman - Director of Music Ministry at Faith Lutheran Church in Lake Forest, IL Sean earned the Master of Music Education degree from VanderCook College of Music and the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Concordia University Chicago. He also completed PhD coursework at the University of Iowa and is a fully Kodály certified music educator through the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music’s Summer Kodály Institute.

Topic:

Event Streaming - Sean will speak on copyright issues in worship /event streaming. Please invite those responsible from your congregation/school.

Save the Date-General Pastoral Conference!

The 2026 Northern Illinois District General Pastoral Conference will be held May 4-6, 2026, in our very own Dixon, Illinois. The venue in Ronald Reagan's hometown and the petunia capital of Illinois is the fabulous Post House Ballroom. Watch our website and emails for updated information.

Visit our Webpage

Hearts for Jesus 2025-2026

This year’s Hearts for Jesus focus begins with a mission to renew and strengthen the Vacation Bible School program in Seine Bight, Belize — helping share the Living Hope we have in Jesus!

Together, we get to be good neighbors, serve with joy, and connect the community with the mission. In Seine Bight, every day is a walk in Word, Wellness, and Witness—where Jesus is always at the center.

Watch the video below to see how your support helps bring energy and hope to this ministry!

Shine 2026

With the considerable number of events happening around us, it feels as if SHINE! 2025 took place in the distant past. Actually, it’s been just a couple of months since we participated in SHINE! Here’s a brief look back at the service to our communities through SHINE! 2025. It’s not too early to begin making plans for your service projects for SHINE! 2026, scheduled for April 10-19, 2026. We can’t wait to see how God continues to use His people in the LCMS Northern Illinois District to share His love in our communities!

Save the Date - NID Belize Mission Trip

The dates for the 2026 NID Belize mission trip are June 13-20, 2026. This year's goal is to have 25 people to share the love of our Savior with our friends in Seine Bight. If interested, contact Ellen.

Learn more

AROUND THE DISTRICT

The Way of Wonder

St. John Lutheran Church 410 N. Cross Street Wheaton, IL 60187 is hosting "The Way of Wonder, Thursday February 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Join Bill Donaghy of The Theology of The Body Institute, for an immersive experience of the mind, heart and senses as we explore a mosaic of classical and contemporary art, music, and theological reflections that will open us to wonder again! Tickets are on sale now and are limited. Tickets are $20.

Please contact Pastor Marcus Nelson, if you would like more information.

Information and registration

POSITION AVAILABLE

Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries, East Dundee Program Manager

Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries (RLOM) is an LCMS-affiliated, Christ-centered nonprofit providing residential care for women in crisis pregnancies. They walk alongside vulnerable women with compassion, accountability, and the hope of the Gospel. Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries is seeking a Program Manager to serve as the primary case manager and program leader for our Florida maternity home. This is a ministry calling for someone with a heart for mercy work, a deep Christian faith, and the ability to guide women through transformational change. Download position description

The LCMS Northern Illinois District is congregations, schools, and ministries of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, spanning the northern 24 counties in Illinois. Filled with living hope in Christ, Confessing, Praising, and Advancing His Kingdom through Word, Wellness, and Witness. Our website can be found at nidlcms.org.

Contact:

Ann Ciaccio

Director of Communications

708-223-3118

ann.ciaccio@nidlcms.org

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