August 2023
On August 11, 2023, church workers from Circuit 8 gathered together for worship, fellowship, and a focus on work and rest balance.
Circuit 8 leadership brought together the first all worker conference, a long held desire of the LCMS Northern Illinois District, with invitations going out to all church workers including pastors, DCEs, teachers, deaconesses, administrators, secretaries, and custodians from all of the congregations located in Circuit 8 of the West Region. Church workers joined together, many in similar roles, for worship, fellowship, and a focus on the work and rest balance needed. The conference was held at Walcamp Outdoor Ministries, an RSO of the LCMS located in Kingston, Illinois.
The conference had both educational and professional development components with a strong emphasis on fellowship and networking with fellow workers in the Church. Worship was led by Rev. Pat Pinion, Circuit Visitor for Circuit 8, with Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss, President of the LCMS Northern Illinois District, preaching. Brenda Jank, Founder and CEO of Run Had Rest Well led the workers in conversations on running hard and how to rest well, allowing God to work in us and through us.
Free time was available allowing participants to enjoy Walcamp’s amenities such as hiking, a climbing wall, and zip lining in the natural beauty of the outdoors. At the end of the conference, Rev. Bill Yonker, Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Dundee, provided some lighthearted story telling.
We are grateful for all of the church workers in the LCMS Northern Illinois District and we give thanks to God for providing workers for the harvest of His fields. We are stronger together as He uses us for His work.
WELLNESS: Promoting and encouraging health and vitality in congregations, schools, ministries, professional workers and lay-leaders.