Northern IL District

Weekly Devotion: This IS the Feast! by Sue Domeier, Emeritus Commissioned Minister In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!” Revelation 5:12-13; 19 5-9 I am a proud grandparent to six wonderful grandchildren. So, take this with a grain of salt when I talk about grandchild #4. This boy, quite simply, holds my heart. He attends one of our Northern Illinois District Lutheran schools, works hard, and is so very tender-hearted that it sometimes takes my breath away. In my family, holiday dinners are referred to as feasts. I think that started when the grandkids started coming along. The kids love to help plan the meal, prepare table decorations, and more. Every part is discussed and planned in great detail - from the menu down to the silverware and china. We have plans, don’t you know. Last Easter, this grandson was especially involved in our feast preparations. Menus, tablecloths, napkins, place settings, and more did not escape his review. He even insisted on the good china. His reason was always the same: “Grandma, it’s the feast!” The day arrived. We worshipped the risen Savior, found some eggs, and enjoyed some Easter basket treats. When we finally sat down to eat our Easter dinner, this boy broke into song, and it all made sense. “This is the feast of victory for our God! Alleluia…!” The words poured out of his heart, and I understood. “Grandma, Jesus is alive!” This 8-year-old boy was not preparing for a big family dinner. He was preparing a feast of victory for His Savior, Jesus! His simple confession of faith and song of praise stole my breath and underscored the very reason we sustain and support our Lutheran Schools. He was sharing the truths that had been shared with him within the walls of a school that shares Jesus not only with him, but with all the other children who hear this most precious news. He was sharing the truths that are shared with him at home. He was sharing his heart, and his heart has Jesus. His faith is alive and growing. He shares his love of Jesus and I am thankful. I am thankful that I can watch him grow in that faith. I am thankful for teachers, administrators, and pastors who tend that tender faith as he grows. I am thankful for a home that shares Jesus. More than that, I am thankful for a God who uses a little boy to remind me that I serve a risen Savior! That Savior has a name, and His name is Jesus! Because truly, This Is the Feast of Victory for our God! Alleluia! Weekly prayers and devotions are available at nidlcms.org/devotions-and-pr…. “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuild. If you are an ordained minister or a commissioned worker in the LCMS Northern Illinois District and would like to submit a devotion, you may contact Sue Green. #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord Listen at youtu.be/BadZnmXLn8Q

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK OF: November 2, 2026: Bountiful Father, as we set aside time to focus on and give thanks for Your abundant blessings, open our eyes to be grateful every day. May that gratitude overflow into our interactions with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

WEEKLY DEVOTION: Contempt or Humility by Rev. Kris Whitby, LCMS Northern Illinois District “He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and treated others with contempt.” Luke 18:9 Do you know when I’m most tempted to consider myself righteous by my own power or deeds? For me, it’s not merely when I look at my good works. It’s when I look at my self-believed righteousness in comparison to my view of someone else. Certainly, I’ve done more good in God’s eyes than some murderer or drug dealer, which makes me feel a little righteous about myself. Certainly, my works done “for God’s glory” are more significant in God’s eyes than those of a five-year-old child, right? When I hand-pick with whom to compare myself, I’m tempted both to see myself as righteous and to start to treat others with contempt. Contempt is the feeling that a person is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn. That’s the common thread found in the two episodes in Luke 18:9-17. The Pharisee in Jesus’ parable thought himself righteous as he contemptuously compared himself to the tax collector in the story. The disciples contemptuously rebuked the people who were bringing little children to Jesus, thinking there were more important people for Him to bless, perhaps even themselves. How ironic that we sinners might consider ourselves righteous even when we find ourselves treating those for whom Christ died so poorly. God have mercy! And He does! There is another common thread in these two episodes: humility. The tax collector in Jesus’ story and children do not think of themselves highly, or believe they are owed something by God because their works are better than others. They seek our Lord’s love and mercy on account of Him. Those are the ones who go home blessed and justified because Jesus is gracious. He demonstrates it by His cross and empty tomb. His grace justifies us and molds in us a high regard for those He loves…sinners like you and me! Weekly prayers and devotions are available at nidlcms.org/devotions-and-pr…. #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK OF October 26, 2026 #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord

Weekly Devotion: Precious Gift by Rev. Erik Gauss, Cross Lutheran Church, Yorkville I remember in high school I had to carry an uncooked egg around for a week. I was supposed to treat it like it was a human infant. I had to create a transport device that was safe, but also realistic for a human child to be in. I had to take this thing to band rehearsal, sports practice, and theater set construction after school. I had to keep it near me and carry it, along with all my books throughout the school day. I needed to make it “clothes” and change those clothes/diapers regularly. It was fun at first, but that soon wore off, and it became a burden. For children born into a faithful family, the gift of faith is similar to a birthright. Your parents teach, guide and model the faith. When you wander, they call you back. Faith is a blessing at first, and the joy of knowing and loving Jesus fills and heals a soul wounded through the trials and uncertainty of the world. But as the world continues to beckon, does your faith ever feel like a burden? Faith is not fragile like a raw egg. At the same time though, it needs to be tended to, nourished, and fed. It doesn’t need protection from the outside world, but it does need to be cherished by its “owner.” When we get tired of the rules of faith, burdened by the expectations, bored by the familiarity, or neglectful of its longevity, we risk being enticed by the world, or worse, having our faith die. How many of us say, “I don’t need church this week” in favor of something more urgent in our schedule? What threshold will matter enough to sacrifice feeding our soul, pouring into the community, and strengthening the foundations which our life, marriages, and character are built upon? Consider the often slow and unsuspecting way the devil works. It starts as a Sunday here, a devotion there, a prayer here, and a moral failure there. We sacrifice the ways of Jesus for the comforts of the world on a daily basis, often without regard for the impact, and claim a confident assurance that “next time” we will be all in. If your faith is ensnared with weeds or even weakened from poor nourishment, hear this truth: it’s never too late! Our God is the giver of all things, and Jesus is the only One with perfect faith. He perfects our faith through forgiveness and the nourishment of His body and His blood. We are so blessed! Make this weekend your “next time” to come and receive God’s gifts at church. Come and be present for others to find joy seeing you again. Invite that person you’ve been meaning to ask. It’s your birthright, and God wants you to have it in full! Don’t let our own familiarity or the idea that we can do it “next time” give away this precious and powerful blessing. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 Weekly prayers and devotions are available at nidlcms.org/devotions-and-pr…. #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord

Prayer for the week of October 19, 2026: #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord

NIDnews.org was recently able to have a conversation with Brandy McCoid, the LCMS Northern Illinois District Wellness Officer. She shared a bit a of a recap on the District’s Let’s Get Moving Challenge, the LCMS Wellness Wheel, and future plans for other events and activities centered on wellness and sponsored by the District. Read more at nidnews.org/october-2026-min… #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWellness

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK OF October 12, 2026: #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord

WEEKLY DEVOTION: The Wind Blows by Dari Hartmann, DCE, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mount Prospect Our junior high youth group recently played a game called "The Wind Blows." If you’ve never played, it’s essentially a more chaotic version of Musical Chairs. Everyone sits in a circle, with one person standing in the middle. The person in the center announces, “The wind blows for…” and fills in the blank with a description, like “anyone wearing glasses.” Instantly, everyone with glasses has to scramble to find a new chair before the person in the middle steals one. Watching the kids play, I loved seeing their imagination run wild as they came up with different endings to the phrase. But as I reflected on it later, the imagery hit a little closer to home than I expected. In ministry, it often feels like the wind is blowing exclusively for us. Maybe it’s an impossibly long day, a sudden crisis, or a painful interaction that leaves you feeling exposed and targeted. In those moments, you find yourself frantically looking for an empty chair—a safe spot to slip into just to catch your breath. But in the relentless pace of church work, that empty chair can be incredibly hard to find. When the wind keeps blowing and there’s nowhere to sit down, it is easy to slip into self-pity. We feel tossed around by circumstances completely out of our control, exhausted from trying to keep everyone else spiritually fed while we run on empty. Have you been there lately? When the whirlwind of ministry threatens to knock us off our feet, we can anchor ourselves in the truth of Psalm 91:1-2: "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" You might feel like you are standing directly in the eye of a hurricane today. But Scripture reminds us that we don’t have to scramble for a temporary, earthly chair to find safety. We already have an eternal refuge. God is a safe harbor where we can ride out the storm of the day. When we dwell in Him, we don't have to rely on our own strength to stay standing. We can rest under the shadow of His protection. The wind may blow today, but your Fortress will not move. Prayer: Lord, as I face the headwinds of ministry today, remind me that I do not weather this storm alone. Forgive me for the times I focus on the chaos or slide into self-pity. Shift my gaze away from the challenges and lift my eyes back to You. Thank You for being my strength, my power, and my quiet safe harbor. I trust in You, my refuge and my fortress. Weekly prayers and devotions are available at nidlcms.org/devotions-and-pr…. “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuild. If you are an ordained minister or a commissioned worker in the LCMS Northern Illinois District and would like to submit a devotion, you may contact Sue Green. #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord

October 2026 Communications Theme: Wellness Wellness is about more than one part of our lives. God created us as whole people, and the different areas of our well-being—spiritual, emotional, physical, relational, vocational, financial, and intellectual—are interconnected. When one area needs attention, it can affect the others. This month, take time to consider your own wellness. #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWellness

2026 Fall Ministry Update: What We are Praying For As we explore the gift of prayer through the voices of God’s people across the LCMS Northern Illinois District. You can read what is on the hearts of fellow believers—and you also hear from others who share how prayer shapes the life of their congregations, strengthens faith, and connects God’s people to one another and to His promises. For Jana Crandall of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere, prayer is more than a ministry—it is a way of life, grounded in God’s Word. Read more at nidnews.org/fall-2026-minist… #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord

As we explore the gift of prayer through the voices of God’s people across the LCMS Northern Illinois District. You will read what is on the hearts of fellow believers—and you also hear from others who share how prayer shapes the life of their congregations, strengthens faith, and connects God’s people to one another and to His promises. For Rev. Scott Bruzek, associate pastor, prayer is the source of strength and encouragement for both individual Christians and the congregation as a whole. Read more at nidnews.org/fall-2026-minist… #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord

Fall 2026 Ministry Update: Prayer as a Way of Life As we explore the gift of prayer through the voices of God’s people across the LCMS Northern Illinois District. You will read what is on the hearts of fellow believers—and you also hear from others who share how prayer shapes the life of their congregations, strengthens faith, and connects God’s people to one another and to His promises. For Rev. David Seabaugh, senior pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, prayer is far more than a practice—it is a way of seeing the world. Read more at nidnews.org/fall-2026-minist… #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord

As we explore the gift of prayer through the voices of God’s people across the LCMS Northern Illinois District. You can read what is on the hearts of fellow believers—and you also hear from others who share how prayer shapes the life of their congregations, strengthens faith, and connects God’s people to one another and to His promises. For Rev. James Hess, senior pastor of St. James Lutheran Church in Chicago, prayer is not simply part of the Christian life—it is at the heart of it. Read more at nidnews.org/fall-2026-minist… #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord

Fellowship of Faith, McHenry Looks to the Future As far as the “typical” LCMS congregation goes, Fellowship of Faith in McHenry, Illinois is still in its infancy (or perhaps, its toddlerhood?). Having been established in 1999, they’ve seen tremendous opportunity in the community and growth in their membership over these years. Now they are ready to look to the future, moving forward with plans with a groundbreaking on July 26, 2026. Read more at nidnews.org/fellowship-of-fa… #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWellness

WEEKLY DEVOTION: The Good Shepherd and His Sheep by Rev. Steve Maske, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Elgin Have you ever lost something that really mattered to you? Maybe it was your keys, your wallet, or something with sentimental value. You search everywhere. You retrace your steps. You look in places you know it probably isn't. Why? Because you want it back. Jesus tells us about something far more valuable than a lost possession—a lost sheep. A shepherd has one hundred sheep, but one wanders away. The shepherd doesn't simply say, “Well, I still have ninety-nine.” He goes after the one that is lost. He searches until he finds it. And when he finds it, he rejoices. That is the heart of our God. We are often tempted to think that God must be disappointed with us when we wander. And the truth is, we do wander. Sin pulls us away from God's Word. We become distracted by the things of this world. We make choices that put distance between ourselves and God. Sometimes we convince ourselves that we can find our own way. The truth of God’s word is this: before the Good Shepherd showed up, we were lost sheep. But notice what the Good Shepherd does. He doesn't wait for the sheep to find its way home. He goes looking for it. That is the Gospel. Jesus came looking for you! Jesus didn't wait for you to become good enough or clean up your life. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He went all the way to the cross, where He took the punishment our wandering deserved. Jesus carried our sin and guilt, died in our place, and rose again so that lost sinners could be brought home. The sheep doesn't rescue itself. The Shepherd does. And when the Good Shepherd finds His lost sheep, He rejoices. Perhaps today you feel like that lost sheep. Maybe you've wandered spiritually, neglected God's Word, or allowed guilt to convince you that you've gone too far. Hear Jesus' words: “The Son of Man came to save the lost.” That includes you. Jesus is still your Good Shepherd. Through His Word, He calls you home. Through His forgiveness, He restores you. Through His grace, Jesus brings you safely back into His flock. So don't run away from the Shepherd because you are lost. Run toward Him because He is looking for you. And when He finds you, He doesn't say, “Where have you been?” He says, “Welcome home.” The Good News is that while we were still a long way off, the Good Shepherd Jesus came running to find and rescue us! “For the Son of Man came to save the lost.” — Matthew 18:11 Weekly prayers and devotions are available at nidlcms.org/devotions-and-pr…. “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuild. If you are an ordained minister or a commissioned worker in the LCMS Northern Illinois District and would like to submit a devotion, you may contact Sue Green. #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord

Prayer for the week of: September 28, 2026: #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWord

In the Fall 2026 Ministry Update, three reflections explore prayer through the lens of the LCMS Northern Illinois District’s three pillars: WORD, WELLNESS, and WITNESS. Together, these reflections remind us that prayer is not simply something we do—it is part of our life as God’s people, shaping how we hear His Word, care for one another, and bear witness to Christ. We look at prayers of Witness. Read more at nidnews.org/fall-2026-minist… These prayers focus on sharing Christ's love through outreach, service, mission work, and faithful engagement with the world around us. "Let your light shine before others." – Matthew 5:16 #AdvancingHisKingdom #NIDWitness

A new name and a fresh format! You may notice something different about the latest edition of what was formerly called the School Newsletter. Now called Education News & Notes, the new name better reflects what this communication has always offered—news, resources, meetings, conferences, and information for those serving throughout education, commissioned ministers, and related ministries across the NID. We’ve also refreshed the format to make information clearer, more concise, and easier to find. While you’re exploring what’s new, visit our redesigned District websites, too: 🔹 NIDLCMS.org — District information, resources, staff contacts, conferences, and more at nidlcms.org/ 🔹 NIDnews.org — News and stories from ministries across the District at nidnews.org/ A name that better fits. A format that’s easier to navigate. The same commitment to keeping you informed and connected. Read more at: conta.cc/4rmp85k #AdvancingHisKindgom #NIDWellnes

A labor of love. A work of craftsmanship. A beautiful reminder of Christ at the center. St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton recently dedicated a new crucifix, handcrafted by longtime member and master woodworker Mark Swanson. The new crucifix complements the other pieces Mark has created for the sanctuary and carries forward a story that began when St. Andrew was founded in 1963 with a mission “to know Christ and make Him known.” Pastor Don Stein shares the congregation’s history, the inspiration behind the crucifix, and how this new addition serves as more than beautiful craftsmanship—it is a visual reminder of Christ and His saving work. Read the full story on NIDnews.org: nidnews.org/st-andrew-rockto… #AdvancingHisKingdom