August 2021
On Monday, August 9, 2021, the LCMS Northern Illinois District (NID) brought together educators from around the District for the annual Back to School Worship and keynote.
“In All Things,” is the theme for the 2021-22 school year and will also be used during National Lutheran Schools Week and at the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering It is based on Colossians 1:15–20: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. “
The event was hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church in Roselle, Illinois with Rev. Jonathan Petzold leading the worship service. President Allan R. Buss delivering the sermon message, focused his message on “Jesus is all you will need to get through the school year. Jesus holds you.”
After a short break, the keynote speaker, Dr. Beverly Yahnke (Executive Director for Christian Counsel at Doxology) provided an uplifting and spirited address on “Happy New Year”.
All NID school educators were invited and included representation from Walther Christian Academy and Concordia University Chicago. This was the third year for the Back to School Worship Service which even took place during the COVID-19 restrictions. Plans are currently underway for the 2022-23 school year service.
The LCMS Northern Illinois District currently has 44 stand-alone early childhood centers, 44 elementary schools (including those with early childhood centers), 2 high schools, and 1 university in its district.
As the District office, we carry out our mission by upholding three pillars. These pillars direct our work together in the vision laid out for us.
WORD: Helping congregations be more centered on a rich life of Word and Sacrament, with congregational support in transitions as well as time of joys and sorrows.
WELLNESS: Promoting and encouraging health and vitality in congregations, schools, ministries, professional workers and lay-leaders.
WITNESS: Encouraging personal witnessing, congregational engagement with their community, support of our NID partnerships and missions and sharing in a world mission field together.