Throw Your Coat on the Bench
“Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12: 1b ESV
One day last week we had a taste of spring. Thousands of children in Lutheran schools all over our district shed their coats and flung them on the benches during recess! How freeing it must be to shed the things which keep them from running faster, chasing friends during a game of tag or dominating in the Gaga pit.
As we run the race of our daily lives, there are many distractions, problems and sins which weigh us down from doing the right thing. Gossip, laziness, a lack of patience, and even withholding Grace from those who irritate us can let us succumb to our human flesh. Like a heavy winter coat, these things become burdens and can keep us from doing God’s Will. Especially as we see the end of the school year approaching it is easy to let up a little and simply jog to the finish line.
As a redeemed Christian, remember that Christ has removed the weight of your sin so you do not have to carry them. His death and resurrection takes the heaviness from your heart and lets you live in freedom.
Secondly, since your Baptism, the Holy Spirit lives in you and gives you the strength to run with endurance the tasks set before us.
Living in the freedom of Christ, we can daily shed those heavy coats and live in the sonshine and warmth of His love. Happy Spring!
God's Peace,
Mike
Discussion Questions:
- What weighs you down in your race to do God's will?
- How does Christ's death and resurrection free you to persevere?
- Who around you needs to be reminded to shed the weight of sin?
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Here are the latest opportunities to strengthen
your faith and connect with the community.
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CONFERENCES - MEETINGS - EVENTS
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West Region Early Childhood Meetings Focus on Crisis Management Plans
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The next Early Childhood meeting for the West Region will be held April 26 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11008 N. Church Street, Huntley .
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They will focus on how Centers can create and implement Crisis Plans. Please RSVP to Vicki Piller at
vpiller61@gmail.com
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Sunday, June 3, 2018 at 3 p.m., in the Chapel of Our Lord, Concordia University Chicago, President elect Rev. Allan R. Buss will be installed as LCMS Northern Illinois District President.
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Preaching will be Rev. Dr. John Nunes in a service of Word and Sacrament. Presiding over the Service of Installation will be
LCMS 1st Vice President Rev. Dr. Herbert Mueller. Also installed will be the Presidium, Secretary, Circuit Visitors, Board of Directors, Nominations Committee, and Board of Regents.
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Early Childhood Planning Meeting May 16
Calling all Early Childhood leaders to participate in a planning session for next year’s Regional monthly topics. The meeting will be held at Concordia Early Childhood Center on May 16 from 4:30-6:30. Please RSVP to
aimee.walsh@cuchicago.edu.
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Early Childhood Conference Proposals
The next Concordia University Early Childhood workshop will be Friday, August 3. Anyone interested in presenting at this conference can learn more.
Print information sheet
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Summer Workshop
Plans are continuing for the summer workshop at St. John’s, Lombard. on June 13 and 14. Watch the next newsletter for details.
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NID Leadership Meeting Parking Pass
Download your
parking pass for next Monday’s Leadership Meeting at CUC.
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The 2018 Kaleidoscope Fund grant process is now open!
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The Kaleidoscope Fund, a granting program established by Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), helps ministries shine brightly and share the Gospel.
These grants help strengthen congregations, Lutheran schools, church workers and the communities they impact.
This year:
- Funds will be granted in amounts between $25,000 to $250,000.
- The process will now begin with a grant proposal summary.
- The committee will then select ministries from these proposals to apply for a grant.
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Chapel Offerings to help International Students in Lutheran Education
LeadAChild is an international organization that supports students who attend Lutheran schools beyond the United States. As you consider chapel offerings for next school year,
visit their website which includes ideas for a chapel service.
Print flyer
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New ISBE Ombudsman for Non Public Schools
Illinois has designated an ombudsman to monitor and enforce equitable services requirements under Title I, Part A and Title VIII of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The ombudsman, Carmine Draude, serves as the state’s primary point of contact for addressing questions and concerns from private school officials and local school districts. For more, including contact information,
print flyer.
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Access Curriculum via Dropbox
The NID curriculum is available in a DropBox format. Please contact Lois Stewart,
lois.stewart@nidlcms.org, to gain access.
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NLSA Deadlines Fast Approaching
The deadline for submitting your Cumulative Annual Report AND your annual NID accreditation fee is May 15, 2017.
Make checks for $125 payable to “Northern Illinois District” and mail to Karen Eggersdorfer at the NID office, 2301 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, Illinois 60162-2298. Memo: NLSA Fee
E-mail your Cumulative Annual Report to Keith Wilharm at
KeithWilharm@Yahoo.com. Note that NLSA policy states that schools submitting reports and fees past deadlines jeopardize their accreditation. Direct any questions to Keith Wilharm.
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Weekly Devotions Now Now Available in Audio and Text
“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Romans 14:19
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School Support Fund Invoice
Please consider contributing at least $1 per student for the NID School Support fund. This helps offset the many services which cost the district but are provided free or greatly reduced to schools. Some have asked for an invoice to provide for accounting purposes.
Print invoice if needed for accounting purposes.
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Considering A Call
Pondering a Call or know someone who is? If you or a staff member would like personal guidance through the Call consideration process,
this document will help you with that.
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Teachers Conference Committee Nominations
The Conference Committee By-Laws is undergoing an overhaul. If you know someone who would like to have a voice in the future direction of the Teachers Conference
complete this form
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Teacher Award Nominations
A great way to affirm outstanding school leaders is just a
click away
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Report Staff Retirements Here
To report any staff retirements occurring at the end of the 2017-18 school year, email Lois at
lois.stewart@nidlcms.org. Please let us know if you would prefer we not publish any names.
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Church Workers:
Update Your Contact Information Online
. 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.
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LCMS Northern Illinois District
2301 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL 60162
Phone 888-708-LCMS
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Wish to stop receiving the School Newsletter? WAIT!
Don't unsubscribe below!
Click here
and tell us to remove "School Newsletter"
from your preferences but still remain on other NID lists.
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