August 2022
On Wednesday, August 20, 2022, over 300 teachers, administrators, and pastors gathered together for this year’s Back to School Worship and Keynote, held at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Palatine, Illinois.
Rev. Warren Schilf was the liturgist with President Allan R. Buss preaching. Based off Colossians 1:21-22, “And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,” President Buss reminds us that “We are made for this time” and that God will not abandon us, He has not in the past, and He will not in the future.
Lois Stewart, Mission Facilitator for Schools, serving Commissioned Workers, spoke to the group and reinforced that “we are stronger together” as we working together in our District in Advancing His Kingdom through Word+Wellness+Witness. Exemplified through the music, musicians from across the LCMS Northern Illinois District including: Jared Stiek – Education professor at Concordia University Chicago and member of St. Matthew, Barrington, Katie Stiek – teacher at St. Paul, Mount Prospect, Jenny Laabs – Director of Music at Immanuel, Palatine, David Hasseldahl – teacher at Zion, Marengo, and Erik Eeg – Director of Music at Zion, Marengo.
Concordia St. Louis Seminary President Emeritus, Dale Meyer was the keynote. Dr. Dale A. Meyer is president emeritus and professor emeritus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The theme of his joy-filled and uplifting message focused on “It’s a Great Time to be the Church and a Church Worker.” As he explained why it is a great time: “Because this is the Church of our Lord, Jesus Christ!”
After the Keynote, teachers new to the NID participated in an orientation with District staff.
Our work together is supported by Resolution 3-01 from the District’s 2022 Convention: Congregations can have a greater impact for the Gospel by working closely together. We are many faces, but one faith, serving the people for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The NID’s support of the Back to School Worship and Keynote fits hand-in-hand with all of the NID’s mission pillars: hand-in-hand with all of the NID’s mission pillars:
