Events and Resources for Schools and Educators in Northern Illinois

I Need a Fidget Spinner
“Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the prize of the upward Call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13+14 ESV

A recent craze in educational circles has been a tool to help children focus. By spinning the device it is supposed to help students concentrate on their tasks. Some schools have outlawed fidget spinners because of the misuse of these tools. At this time of year, it may seem like life is so crazy busy and tasks seem so looming, that we ALL need a fidget spinner!

In today’s Reading, Paul also reminds us to focus. But he calls us to focus our eyes on the goal of eternal life which Christ has earned for us. Sometimes this incredible gift gets blurred amidst our busyness. Our ability to not live life perfectly is exactly why Christ literally “Crossed” the finish line. He has conquered all that this world would have us fret and worry about; things which ultimately distract us from focusing on the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Last week I witnessed the Baptism of an eighth grader and his mom. Afterwards, the principal walked over to me and said, “I’ve been so busy with the end of the year stuff that I just realized there are at least five other children here who are not yet baptized but are thinking about it. I think I will talk with them before they leave for the summer.” He got focused on what truly matters. And he wasn’t even using a fidget spinner!

As your final days and weeks fill your calendar may you be focused on the Cross, eternal salvation and the children God has entrusted in your care. May the Holy Spirit enable you to stay focused and daily share the joy and hope of the finish line.

God’s peace,

Mike

Discussion Questions:

What are you stressed about that is distracting you from the joy of the Lord?
How can focusing on Christ help us in our daily frustrations and challenges?
How might you help others focus on Christ rather than things of this world?

For use in staff meetings, print devotion and discussion questions.

Here are the latest opportunities to strengthen
your faith and connect with the community.

CONFERENCES - MEETINGS - EVENTS

School Leadership Conference

Join The Lutheran Schools
Partnership June 5 and 6 at Concordia Lutheran High School, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and learn insights regarding
fundraising and provide
inspiration for staffing the
important areas of fundraising
and enrollment management.
Attend one or both days. Print flyer

Basics of Grant Writing

Experienced grant writers will communicate why, where, and how your ministry should pursue grants, Saturday, June 3, 2017, 9 a.m. to Noon, at LCMS Northern Illinois District Office, 2301 S. Wolf Road, Hillside Print flyer and registration form for more information. Cost $10/person includes lunch.

Are you coming to Basics of Grant Writing?

DATE AND TIME
06/03/17 9:00am - 06/03/17 12:00pm

I'll be there!

Maybe

I can't make it

NID Summer Workshop

All NID administrators and teachers are invited to attend the NID Summer Conference Series, Wednesday and Thursday, June 14 to 15, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at St. John's Lutheran School, 220 S. Lincoln, Lombard. Topics will include social studies curriculum and instruction, mission-minded schools, and MAP testing.

Workshop fee is $100/person for the first 2 people from a school; $50/person for each additional attendee from the same school. That includes both days of workshops and lunch, Questions? Contact Tricia Walton Print flyer Print registration

Wellness Retreat

All commissioned, ordained, office workers and highly engaged volunteers are invited to attend Grace Place's Wellness Event, Thursday, September 21, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church 11500 German Church Road, Burr Ridge. Cost is $20 for first registration, $15 for each additional worker from the same location. Print flyer and registration form.

Are you coming to the Wellness Retreat?

DATE AND TIME
09/21/17 8:30am - 09/21/17 3:00pm

I'll be there!

Maybe

I can't make it

Teachers Fall Conference

Watch for a special edition email with schedule and registration information for the October 6 Teachers Conference at NIU. It will arrive prior to Memorial Day.

Important Deadlines

NLSA Deadline
NLSA Cumulative Annual Reports and the $100 District NLSA Fee are past due. Accreditation cannot be retained without submitting these two items. Accredited schools should send reports (and questions) to KeithWilharm@Yahoo.com. Send checks made out to “The Northern Illinois District” to Judy Wolf, NID, 2301 S. Wolf Rd., Hillside, IL 60162. Print invoice.

School Pics for Teachers' Conference

Please send any school pics to Cindy Allor to be used at the Teachers Conference this Fall. Reformation, Mission Possible Fun school pics, close ups of children. Of course, only send pics of children for which you have already received a media permission approval.

Easy Way to Promote Excellence in Your School
Promote and encourage excellence in your school community. Click here to recommend a planning committee member OR to affirm one of your superstar teachers.

School Support Fund Due by June 1
This fund helps offset the increasing costs of services provided by the District especially in the areas of accreditation and curriculum. Any fees collected in these areas helps to supplement a small portion of those services. Please consider supporting the Office of School ministry of the NID. Print flyer

Resources

2017-2018 Yearly School Safety Tips
The Powerpoint from Officer Verber’s presentation to the NID Leadership Conference last month is available. Print Powerpoint

Summer Reading

Lasting Impact by Carey Nieuwhof
Jesus CEO by Lori Beth Jones
Five Star Church by Toler and Nelson
Tsunami by Daniel Cook
The End of Average by Todd Jones

Theme It’s Still All About Jesus
Scripture Verse: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8 ESV) Upcoming yearly themes and associated resources can be found on LuthEd under the “School Ministry Yearly Themes” page.

Doing Your Water Lead Tests This Summer?

The Illinois Coalition for Non Public Schools (ICNS) has negotiated with water testing companies for a group discount. Join ICNS and begin taking advantage of this discount.

Church Worker Updates

Report Staff Retirements Here

Contact us to report any staff retirements occurring at the end of the 2016-17 school year. Please let us know if you would prefer we not publish any names.

Let Judy Know...

When positions get filled, please inform Judy Wolf so she can keep our vacancy list current.

Going To Need a New Teacher? Populate the CMIF system
Whether you are looking to hire staff for next year OR looking for a Call yourself, the new Commissioned Minister Information Form (CMIF) system needs updated forms
Any rostered workers may complete their CMIF for by contacting Rosters and Statistics at 888-843-5267 or email rosters.stats@lcms.org.

FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE

Prayer Guide: April - June 2017

Church Workers:

Update Your Contact Information All rostered and non-rostered church workers are asked to please update their NID contact information when there is a change of email, address, phone, etc., or if new in the district.

Lutheran School Links and Resources

Subscribe me to School Newsletter!

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY

Joyful Response

The Joyful Response Electronic Offering Program (PDF) allows congregation and school members to:

Give offerings consistently
Fulfill their stewardship commitments
Share their financial blessings efficiently and predictably
Make tuition payments reliably and conveniently
Fulfill their tuition payment commitments with ease
Save the time and cost of writing checks

For information on LCEF, contact Vanda Toner at 708-223-3117 or Vanda.Toner@lcef.org. Follow LCEF at facebook.com/lcef.nid. Subscribe to the LCEF e-newsletter. Get May 2017 Rates