God’s Compassion Never Fails

‘Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, as his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’  Lamentations 3:22-23

Schedules, planning, meetings, phone calls, emails, and the list can go on and on. The busyness of each day has a way of making us (at times) feel like we are being consumed by ‘things’ and expectations. 

The temptations that we face each day can also seem to consume us as we face the challenges before us due to our sinfulness. Because we are redeemed by the blood Jesus shed for us and his victory over the grave, we can celebrate the promise of life. Baptismal life means new life. We have died with Christ and are raised with Him. You are Baptized!

As we encourage one another to focus on the love God has for us, let’s remember that His mercy is new each day. We have a fresh start to serve, share, and sing of the great mercies given us out of Jesus’ love for us. May we focus on the Wellness of ourselves and each other through encouragement, prayer, and being in the Word each day. As we are blessed to Witness, may we do it boldly.

As educators, it is a blessing to have the privilege of sharing the hope in Christ each and every day with students and their families. May we all flourish together as we focus on the compassion that Christ has for us. Have the attitude of Jesus going into each day. Do your role trusting you are not alone. You have Christ and we have each other. We are stronger together!

Serving the Master Teacher,

We Love Our School Because...

“I like playing with toys.” “I like Mrs. Dewitt.” “I love everyone at school.” “I like playing with friends and having fun and showing kindness.”

                               Trinity, Burr Ridge Preschool Outdoor Classroom

Church Worker Appreciation Month

October is the month set aside to celebrate and thank all church workers. What a great time to thank pastors, teachers, DCEs, DCOs, parish musicians, and more who serve in your congregation and school. I give thanks for all who serve in our churches and schools. Please see the attached letter from our LCMS President Matthew Harrison.

SAVE THE DATE for Back-to-School Worship - August 9, 2023

Even though the new school year has just begun, all administrators are highly encouraged to put this date (August 9, 2023) on their 2023-2024 calendars so members of your faculty and staff have it. What a fantastic way to start the school year (worship, fellowship, and a lot of energy). The host congregation will be shared in the future.

School Statistical Updates for Synod

In August, all Early Childhood Directors, Elementary Administrators, and High School Administrators received notice from the Office of Rosters, Statistics, and Research. It is time to complete and update your School Statistical Record for them. Your password information is confidential so hopefully you have it on file. If you are a new administrator and need your contact information, please connect with the Rosters office in St. Louis. Due date is November 1, 2022. Let’s aim for 100% submission this year in the NID!! 

Early Childhood, Elementary, and High School Administrators

The new school year brings so many opportunities to serve, learn, and grow together. We are blessed with conference opportunities where we come together as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Please find the attached registration information for the administrator conferences this school year. 

Since many Early Childhood Directors are not able to leave their schools during the day, we have decided that all Early Childhood Directors will be encouraged to register for and attend the conference dates scheduled and attend with the Elementary and High School Administrators. The topics chosen will benefit early childhood as well. It is important that directors meet with the principals for networking and fellowship. 

The first Elementary and High School Conference will take place on Monday, September 26, 2022 at Concordia University Chicago starting at 9:00 a.m. The topic will be ‘School Safety,’ and we are planning a great panel discussion with law enforcement personnel. There will be opportunity for table talk and scenario discussion. Plan to stay for lunch.

Watch for details along the way for specific opportunities. See attachments for registration materials.

Non-Rostered Teacher Workshop

We held the first NID non-rostered teacher workshop on Saturday, September 10, 2022. This workshop was intended to walk non-rostered teachers through the six parts of the Small Catechism and give an overview of LCMS doctrine. Thank you to Joe Willmann, our NID Lutheran Church Extension Fund District Vice President, for his informative and inspiring presentation.

“Even though I could think of a myriad of exciting things to fill my Saturday, I told my first year, non-rostered teacher that I would be ‘glad’ to attend the walk-through of the six chief parts of the Catechism with her if she wanted to go. She took me up on it, and I am happy she did. It was a thought-provoking refresher for me. My non-rostered teacher appreciated learning about our Lutheran faith in greater detail. She said, ‘I appreciated learning in detail what Lutherans believe. It didn’t seem like we were there that long.’ Great job Lois and Joe in furthering the mission of ‘Making Disciples for Life!’”   

Steve Zielke, Principal, St. Peter Lutheran School, Schaumburg

“The presenter, Joe Willmann, presented a fact-filled and user-friendly learning opportunity based on Luther’s Small Catechism and the Bible to deepen our understanding of the beliefs that inform our ministry as educators in the Lutheran faith. His presentation was enriched by thought-provoking comments and an interactive conversation between the presenter and the participants. We enjoyed our time exploring these important pillars of the Lutheran faith.”

Elizabeth Reilley  ECEC Director, Zion, Hinsdale

September 11, 2021

Many of us can easily recall what we were doing when the news of the 9-11 attack took place. Twenty-one years ago, I was giving my 4th graders a religion test when our 8th grade teacher shared the news. Such national disasters are forever embedded in memory.

The 7th and 8th grade students at Immanuel Lutheran School in Elmhurst did research on the events of the day. The attached poem is shared by them.

Hearts for Jesus

We are blessed to be a blessing. It is with great joy that I am able to share that your dedication and support of the 2021-2022 ‘Hearts for Jesus’ project blessed the Belize Mission Society with a contribution of over $7,000! That made it possible for 10 students to be supported all year in school and 2 ½ children fully funded for 4 full years!

The ‘Hearts for Jesus’ focus this school year will be the Mercy House that is being built in Belize. The children will have a new space for eating their lunch when at school, dental and doctor offices, and more. Please prayerfully consider what your part will be in blessing this work in Belize. You can view a video below of the Mercy House project.