Principal's Corner
by Donna Laughlin
As mentioned in previous editions of Eagle Info, Immanuel has teaching positions open for the fall of the upcoming school year for Spanish, PE, and middle school history. Immanuel's Mission and Ministry Council [MMC] has appointed a Call Committee to seek teacher candidates, interview them, and present them to our congregation for a vote to extend a call. As required by our church's constitution, all Committee members must be church members, and our church leaders always do their best to ensure that the Committee members represent a broad cross section of stakeholders that includes MMC members, School Committee members, past and present school parents, and teachers. The members of this Call Committee are: Elvin Harms, Erica Ciro, Matt Cassidy, Michele Randall, Julie McFarland, Erin Riddell, and Keith Bartelmey.
The call process is unique and slightly different from the hiring process that is typical in other settings. While we do conduct interviews and go through a vetting process, we also believe that the Holy Spirit guides and directs the process. Each step of the process is covered with prayer that God’s will be done and that the process and decisions are guided by the Holy Spirit. A call is extended by the congregation, and at the same time the call is ultimately from God.
Candidates who are called must be trained in the doctrine and beliefs of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Once trained, they are included on a roster of those who are eligible for a call. Our Call Committee is able to use the roster as a resource in finding candidates who have the proper credentials for the position and are a good fit for our ministry needs. The Committee interviews these candidates and presents a slate of candidates to the congregation's voters' assembly. While the Committee does the leg work of the interviewing and vetting of the candidates and subsequently makes a recommendation to Immanuel's voters' assembly, it is Immanuel's congregation that makes the decision about whom to extend the call. After the congregation votes their decision, the call is then extended to the candidate for prayerful consideration. If the candidate is already serving another congregation, he or she notifies their congregation that they have been asked to consider another call, and at that point they prayerfully discern which call God wants them to serve. Once the candidate knows with peace and certainty what God's plan is for them, they provide an answer to both congregations. God's timing is always best for these decisions, but in general a candidate makes a decision within two weeks. The Committee must respect the privacy of all of the candidates being considered, but they do strive for open and regular communication with the church and school community throughout this process.
When going through a call process, we are often asked if non-called candidates are considered. Yes, they are. If we believe that a non-called candidate is the best fit for our needs at the time, we pursue that path. However, because Immanuel considers our school a significant ministry of our congregation, we ultimately desire the most highly qualified candidates to also be able to receive a call.
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Reminders
- If you need help with your Gather Smart app, please contact the school office rather than contacting Gather Smart's customer service. Our office staff and Technology Committee will be able to assist you more quickly.
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Our next Open Forum is on Mar. 8, 6:30-7 PM. If you have thoughts or ideas to share that would help the future of our school ministry, please email schoolcommittee@ilcsbatavia.org.
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If you wish to contact one of our Extended Care workers, Aliyah and Rachel, after 4 PM, please call the school at 630 406 0157 and then press # 29.
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Students may learn remotely if they are going to be out several days waiting for COVID test results, quarantining as a positive case or close contact, or if they are a sibling or child of a positive case or close contact. They may also learn remotely if their parents have made arrangements in advance to learn remotely for an extended period of time due to concerns about the risk of infection, if there are household members with health issues, or similar circumstances. Students will not be allowed to learn remotely for mental health days, half-day absences due to appointments, or if they are staying home because they are too ill to learn, or are taking a trip. Teachers need at least a day’s notice prior to a student learning remotely.
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Please read our Traffic Safety guidelines carefully and follow these practices to help keep our students and their families safe during drop-off and pick-up times.
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Worship This Weekend
9:15 AM - Sunday Forum, Fellowship Hall and via Zoom at bit.ly/3bUhKaK
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Illinois Education Expense Tax Credit
Many of our school families may qualify for the Illinois Education Expense Tax Credit. It is essentially a scholarship of up to $750, with most families eligible to receive the full $750 credit. For more information, click here.
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Online Enrollment Update
We are getting oh-so-close to re-enrollment time for the 2021-22 school year here at Immanuel! The administration is being trained on the new online enrollment system and we are targeting a launch date of Feb. 23. It’ll be here before you know it! Each parent will be emailed detailed instructions on how to log into the system, set up a profile, upload documents, enroll/register, and pay the registration fee…all online. We will be using the email addresses in our current system that parents provided as part of the 2020-21 registration. Much more information to come! Thank you again for all your patience as we launch this new system.
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Lent and Easter at Immanuel |
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Red Letter Challenge
On Sundays during Lent [Sun. at 8 and 10:30 AM] Immanuel is participating in the Red Letter Challenge. Developed by Zach Zehnder, the Red Letter Challenge is designed to help you develop the rhythm of a follower of Jesus—being both a hearer and a doer or what God says. Christians can have good intentions, but intentions without precise aim at Jesus always lead to unintended consequences.
Sun., Feb. 21 - Introduction
Sun., Feb. 28 - Being Everything flows out of who you are and who you become when you spend time with God.
Sun., Mar. 7 - Forgiving Everyone is in desperate need of God’s grace, receiving God’s forgiveness and learning how to forgive others.
Sun., Mar. 14 - Serving Gratitude for what God has done leads you to serve Him. While serving others won’t save you, it just might save someone else.
Sun., Mar. 21 - Giving Learn that Jesus challenges you to be generous. Just as you serve as a response to God, you give because God gave to you.
Sun., Mar. 28 - Going Jesus offers a way of life filled with adventure, mission, and purpose; and He’ll be there right beside you.
Books and other materials are available before and after in-person worship services or stop by during the week to pick up your copy in the church office. Cost is $15 each.
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Through Their Eyes
Pr. Eric Kennaugh and Immanuel member Bill McLane will provide brief Lenten devotional videos that will be available each Wednesday at 1 PM at immanuelbatavia.org/watch. These videos will highlight the events leading up to Christ’s crucifixion through the eyes of those involved.
Wed., Feb. 24 - Caiaphas and the Christ Take an inside look at Jesus’ response to the High Priest’s acerbic questioning.
Wed., Mar. 3 - Herod and John’s Cousin On the heels of Herod’s rather tempestuous relationship with John the Baptist, witness firsthand how he interrogates John’s cousin, Jesus.
Wed., Mar. 10 - Pilate and the King Take a closer look at how this man sealed Jesus’ fate by his lack of courage.
Wed., Mar. 17 - Satan and God’s Champion Take this incredible opportunity to witness Jesus’ descent into hell to do battle with the Evil One—the Devil himself.
Wed., Mar. 24 - The Father and His Son Witness the risen Christ entering the gates of heaven to celebrate with the Father His triumph over sin, death, and the power of the Devil.
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Holy Week and Easter
Learn from Jesus how best to prepare for this singular day, the day our salvation was secured through His suffering and triumph.
Mon.-Fri., Mar. 29-Apr. 2, 7:15 AM, Sanctuary Holy Week Devotions
Thu., Apr.1, 4 PM and 7 PM, Sanctuary - Maundy Thursday worship with Holy Communion
Fri., Apr. 2, 4 PM and 7 PM, Sanctuary - Good Friday worship
Sun., Apr. 4, 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, and 1 PM, Gymnasium - Easter worship with Holy Communion
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Lou Malnati’s Restaurant Night
Tue., Feb. 23, 4-10 PM, 1048 Commons Dr., Geneva
Enjoy a famous Chicago-style deep dish pizza or Keto crustless option—or any of Lou Malnati’s other delicious dishes at Immanuel’s next Restaurant Night! Please remember that the fundraiser must be mentioned or the flyer shown at time of placing order. Hard copies are available in the school atrium. Mangiare!
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Piano and Voice Lessons With Ms. Politowicz
In addition to her duties as ILS music teacher and choir director, Grace Politowicz offers virtual voice and piano lessons. As an educator with a degree in Vocal Performance, Early Childhood Music Education certifications, and 14 years of piano study, she loves to help students to discover the joy of music. Please contact her at gpolitowicz@immanuelbatavia.org.
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Summer 2021 Registration is Open
Walcamp is a year-round Christian ministry in Kingston, Illinois offering camp programs for youth, families, and groups. There is something for everyone: youth camps, day camps, weekend family camping, and programs for persons with special needs. Walcamp is a great place to experience fun camp activities, build new friendships, grow stronger in your faith, and enjoy God's glorious creation! For complete information visit walcamp.org.
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Feed My Starving Children
Fri., Mar. 19, 9-11 AM
We know how COVID is effecting us in the US; the impact for developing countries is tragic and the need for food is great! To sign up or learn more, email Linda Fass at fasslinda@yahoo.com.
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Northern Illinois Food Bank
Tue., Mar. 9, 6-8 PM
Sixteen Immanuel members braved the bitter cold, wind and snow to help serve our hungry neighbors in Northern Illinois. Our group packed 4,468 pounds of food, which will provide 3,723 meals! Sign up to help by contacting Bill Pietsch at bdpeach@me.com.
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Worship Anew
Donations of $25 ensure this program runs on BATV for one week. Sign up calling the church office to support this community service.
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Amazon Smile
Make a difference when you shop! Shop for items at smile.amazon.com/ch/36-2683484 to generate donations for Immanuel Lutheran Church and double your gift giving! Thank you for supporting our ministries using AmazonSmile. Track your personal impact throughout the year at your My Impact page.
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Box Tops for Education
Our school recently received $79.80 in Box Tops funds for the period Mar.-Nov. 2020.
Here's how it works: buy Box Tops products, scan your receipt, and earn cash for our school! Visit BTFE.com/emailgroceryreceipts to learn how to earn box tops on your online grocery purchases. Thanks you!
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Immanuel Church and School Spirit Wear
Whether an Immanuel Eagles fan or a church member who would like to proudly wear our colors, there is something for everyone! Items are either screen printed or embroidered. The link to shop and order is stores.inksoft.com/ilbspirit/shop/home.
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Matching Gifts
Immanuel recently received a $923 check from the United Way of Metro Chicago. This unexpected gift was a pleasant surprise. I reminds us that many corporations participate in matching donations to churches and private/parochial schools. To learn more, please contact your company's financial office or Karen in Immanuel's financial office at finance@immanuelbatavia.org.
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Scholastic Books
Order reasonably priced books through Scholastic books online to earn free library and classroom books for Immanuel! Visit clubs.scholastic.com/home and be sure to use Immanuel's code: 2KI7W. Book orders are due online on the second Thursday of each month. Questions? Contact the school office at school@immanuelbatavia.org.
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ShopWithScrip
ShopWithScrip® allows families to support Immanuel while purchasing items such as gas, groceries, and clothing. Retailers offer a rebate percentage and 55 percent of it goes to ILCS and 45 percent is refunded to purchasers (you!) at the end of the school year. Details and sign-up instructions are available at shopwithscrip.com. Use Enrollment Code 96A591B555773.
ShopWithScrip Due Dates are Feb. 22; Mar. 8, 22; Apr. 12, 26; May 10, 17
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Supporting Safety
Safety protocols are also being put into place in church settings, including clear acrylic barriers on the pipe organ and piano in the balcony. If you are able and feel led to do so, please help offset these additional costs by clicking here.
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Immanuel School Committee |
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School Committee Provides Open Forum for Parents
These Forums are held on the second Monday of each month, 6:30-7 PM, prior to the regularly scheduled School Committee meeting. Reservations are required. Obtain a hard copy of the reservation form from the school office. An online version is available at https://bit.ly/3lkZiLW. Please send completed forms to schoolcommittee@ilcsbatavia.org.
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Immanuel School Committee Members
Chairperson Erin Riddell, or other members Sheryl Dauksha, Nicole Erickson, Larry Fass, Kendall Heetland, and Vickey Rachow.
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Sat., Feb. 20
8 AM - Men’s Bible Study, Fellowship Hall
Sun., Feb. 21
8 AM - Worship, Gym
9:15 AM - Discovering Immanuel, Multi Purpose Room
10:30 AM - Worship, Gym
11:30 AM - Holy Communion, Sanctuary
1 PM - First Communion Class, Sanctuary
6:30 PM - High School Night, 254
Mon., Feb. 22
6:30 PM - GriefShare Online
6:30 PM - Belonging Study, Multi Purpose Room
6:30 PM - Middle School Night, 254
Tue., Feb. 23
4-10 PM - Restaurant Night at Malnati's, Geneva
7 PM - Student Ministry Leader Study, 254
7 PM - Youth Praise Band Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Wed., Feb. 24
8 AM - School Chapel
9 AM - Women’s Bible Study, Fellowship Hall
Thu., Feb. 25
6:30 PM - Thu. PM Bible Study [Acts], Fellowship Hall
7 PM - Forming, Multi Purpose Room
Fri., Feb. 26
6:30 PM - Fri. PM Bible Study [Big Questions], Fellowship Hall
Sat., Feb. 27
8 AM - Men’s Bible Study, Fellowship Hall
Sun., Feb. 28
8 AM - Worship, Gym
9:15 AM - Discovering Immanuel, Multi Purpose Room
10:30 AM - Worship, Gym
1 PM - First Communion Class, Sanctuary
6:30 PM - High School Night at Immanuel, Youth Room
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Junior Golf Lessons at St. Andrew's, West Chicago - details here.
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Church 630 879 7163, 8-4 PM
School 630 406 0157, 8-4 PM
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