LCMS Northern Illinois District Email Newsletter: May 1 , 2020
RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS
Joy:Fully Lutheran
Even in these times, it is good to reflect on what it means to be Joy:Fully Lutheran.
Partner with us in
Advancing His Kingdom
FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE
Video Message from LCMS Northern Illinois District President Allan Buss:
 
We are all missing the people we care about, but we are all finding new ways to learn and to keep Christ the focus. And, we are ALL comforted by the promises of God.
 
Please share so that we, even in this challenge, can be used to bless and help those in our church and school partnerships and our communities. Let’s have a positive and hopeful impact.
 
We ALL matter.
2021 LCMS Northern Illinois District Convention
The 60th Convention of the Northern Illinois District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod will be held Friday and Saturday, March 12 and 13, 2021 at
Concordia University Chicago.
What's Next?
The LCMS Northern Illinois District has assembled a team of church workers to provide resources and information on the reopening of our churches and schools.
An initial report will be issued in early May and include information for our churches on best practices as well as outreach and ministry to those in need. A specific report for school reopenings will follow at a later date.
Recognized Services Organizations need your help now more than ever.
During the COVID-19 crisis, our Recognized Services Organizations need your help now more than ever. Please check out their needs to see how you can help.
70,000 Face Mask Challange
Lutheran World Relief is requesting volunteers to sew cloth face masks that will be sent overseas to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Responding to Church Workers Suffering Financially

COVID-19 has dramatically affected our world in a variety of ways including making a global economic impact that has directly affected congregations and many church workers, perhaps even you. This has rapidly left many of our synod’s workers in economic distress.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, the Lutheran Church Extension Fund, and the Northern Illinois District have joined together in creating a response to this economic downturn, designed to provide some temporal relief for those suffering financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This assistance is provided through the Soldiers of the Cross – COVID-19 Response Fund.
If you are a church worker in the LCMS Northern Illinois District and find yourself in need, please see below.
Your Help is Needed

The need is urgent. As you are able, please prayerfully consider supporting this initiative for our church workers in the Northern Illinois District through your gift of any amount. May the Lord richly bless your generosity.
Remaining Connected to Church
Though meeting together in large groups has ceased to prevent illness from spreading, the use of technology has enabled spiritual care and fellowship to continue. Many churches offer alternatives so that members remain connected with each other and with God’s Word. Share encouragement with one another.
RESOURCES
Network Group Zoom Meetings
Networking groups continue to meet and support each other, and, especially during these times, we are praying for each other. To be included in the Zoom network group meetings, contact your group coordinator at the District office listed below.
Communicators and Admission Counselors: ann.ciaccio@nidlcms.org
Parish Administrators: sue.green@nidlcms.org
Parish Professionals: lois.stewart@nidlcms.org
School Administrators and Early Childhood Directors: lois.stewart@nidlcms.org

The LCMS Northern Illinois District has set up a webpage which includes resources provided from a wide range of authorities. We encourage you to be that "city on a hill" in sharing "His love which casts out fear" (1 John 4:18). We will be updating the webpage as information is received so please check back from time to time for these updates.
Event Cancellation

Please check directly with the event organizers of any previously published events you had planned on attending to verify the status.
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