Give Thanks with a Happy Heart

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  James 1:17

In advertisements on TV, billboards as we drive, the internet, and the list goes on, we see prompts that try to interest us by saying things are “free” and “just what you need.” So much false advertising comes our way because it seems like there is always a “hitch” to it.

James 1:17 tells us that “every good and perfect gift is from above.” That means it is sent from our Lord and Savior. Out of love for His children, God blesses us each and every day with what we need for this life. He is consistent in His care for us, not “wishy washy” from day to day. We can trust this promise. There is no advertising ploy. What we get is given freely and generously out of love. 

We are daily in need of forgiveness and in faith and with a contrite heart that forgiveness comes to us free as well. Jesus took care of that when He went to the cross and rose victoriously.

Let’s not hoard the gift of God’s love, but share it freely with everyone. It won’t run out and it is eternal. As we move towards observing Thanksgiving, please remember that each day God gives us is a day to give thanks and rejoice! What better way than to share Him with others.

As we place our faith and trust in God (no matter the stresses we face), we can all be thankful that God holds us in the palm of His hand and gives us what He knows is best for us. So, when trials come step back and know God’s plan is perfect. Stay in the Word. Take care of yourself to be Well. Use your words and life as a Witness.

Remember each day – Christ loves you and holds you close. May you all be blessed this Thanksgiving.

Serving the Master Teacher,

We Give Thanks for New Brothers and Sisters in Christ...

We praise God each time we gain a new brother or sister in Christ. Recently, at Zion Lutheran Church and School in McHenry, there were several Baptisms performed by Pastor Mark Buetow. We know that God is working in the hearts of many and praise Him for each new brother or sister (no matter what age)!

Photo credit: Zion member Betty Olsen

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). We are excited to share that the host congregation will be St. Peter, Arlington Heights. Watch for details in the future.

School Statistical Updates for Synod

Thank you to all schools that have submitted their Statistical Report for this school year. I am excited that about 90% of schools reported. That’s great. Next year, let’s go for 100%. Administrators, please make sure you keep your access information on file. The NID Education Office is not given that confidential information. 

If you have not yet submitted that form, please do so. The information is helpful to the School Ministry Office in St. Louis as well as my office.

Elementary and High School Administrators

Monday, February 27, 2023 will be the next Administrator Conference at CUC. Watch for more details. In the meantime, Elementary and High School Administrators should be gathering in their regions for updates and conversation.

Early Childhood Events

Our next event will be via Zoom on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. An email reminder with the Zoom link was sent on November 10, 2022. I am excited to have Mrs. Kelley Fehn, the Michigan District Early Childhood Consultant, Zooming in with us. She is a blessing and you will not want to miss it.

Hearts for Jesus

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.

DOXOLOGY Respite Retreat

TEC21

Enrollment for the 2023/2024 TEC21 workshop program opened November 1!

It’s time to register for Season 15 of the TEC21 Workshop Program! Visit the registration page now at tec21connect.com/registration. Principals, you can hold seats using your names until you identify which teachers to send. Ready to explore something new in Season 15, launching September 2023? In addition to cohorts for early childhood, elementary, middle-level, high school, and higher education, we offer a virtual STEM cohort and brand new virtual music cohort! Yes, even niche educators like music teachers seek to learn how to use technology to enhance their ministries!

If you missed the opportunity to enroll teachers in this current season of the TEC21 Workshop Program look ahead to the 2023/2024 school year and register now to hold seats. According to a 2017 research study on effective teacher professional development by the Learning Policy Institute, our Workshop Program meets all the benchmarks of effective teacher professional development:

Content focused

Incorporates active learning

Supports collaboration

Uses models of effective practice

Provides coaching and expert support

Offers feedback and reflection

Of sustained duration

The LCMS School Theme for the 2022-2023 school year is “Making Disciples for Life.” This theme is based on Matthew 28:18-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”