February 2023
Luke 10:1 says that Jesus sent out His disciples two by two. What a joy to know our Lord still sends us into His harvest together! Among the partners we are grateful to have in service to Christ are Recognized Service Organizations. These not-for-profit groups work alongside our District to foster the mission and ministry our Lord gives us. We are blessed by RSOs.
On February 1, 2023 at Concordia University Chicago, the LCMS Northern Illinois District (NID) hosted a gathering for the LCMS Recognized Service Organizations with a presence in the Northern Illinois District.
The gathering started with prayer and devotion based upon 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 led by Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss, President of the LCMS Northern Illinois District. Rev. Dr. Chad Kendall, who has recently been named assistant provost for mission & identity, brought greetings from Concordia University Chicago.
It is the District’s intention to create a greater impact for the Gospel through fellowship and relationships with one another. Consistent with that, President Buss reminded all that “we are stronger together” as a part of the Body of Christ. That was echoed by others in that “we do not walk alone”.
Recognized Service Organizations [RSOs] are not-for-profit groups who are independent of the LCMS but whose operations foster the mission and ministry of the church, providing programing and services which are in harmony with our Synod. Deaconess Dorothy Krans, who oversees all Recognized Services Organizations in the Synod, was also present to provide the RSOs with updates from her office. The LCMS Northern Illinois District is blessed with several RSOs, headquartered in the NID, and even more who work within our midst, partnering with our congregations to build bridges between them and local communities.
From Lutheran Church Charities serving the under-resourced and traumatized, to LINC serving in urban settings, from Phil’s Friends bringing compassion to those with cancer, to Redeeming Life serving expecting mothers and their children, to Lutheran Education Association resourcing schools, Walcamp Outdoor Ministries, and more, we thank God for these partners! Check out the complete listing of RSOs on our web page at nidlcms.org/recognized-organizations.
We are grateful for the partnerships in Christ.
WITNESS: Encouraging personal witnessing, congregational engagement with their community, support of our NID partnerships and missions and sharing in a world mission field together