God’s Word is a Lamp

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”  Psalm 119:105

School libraries are a great place to find books that cover a myriad of topics. There are opportunities to access online books as well. Students are able to search for just the right book during their “library time.” Some books send their imaginations on an adventure while others assist with research that is being done. Books help in opening up the world to children (and adults). What kinds of books do you enjoy?

A library that highlights Bible Story books and various translations of God’s Word offers children the “lamp” to guide their feet as they grow and walk on the path God has set them on. We are all sinners and daily step off the path God has placed us on. However, we receive the forgiveness of sins as we confess and believe that God takes our sins away. Jesus won the victory and we are His redeemed children. We can’t read the Scriptures or hear them without seeing and hearing Jesus!

As our schools support families in the education and nurture of their children, may everyone remember that God’s Word is our lamp. It lights the path He has placed us on. In this dark world, we have light!

The Word, our Wellness, and the gift to Witness come from our Heavenly Father and give us such great opportunities each day!

Serving the Master Teacher,

Lois Stewart

Mission Facilitator for Schools

Meet Your NID School Administrators

Let’s meet some more of our school administrators:

Katie Martinez (Little Lambs at Immanuel, DeKalb), Andrea Maske (Good Shepherd, Elgin), Stephanie Krueger (Trinity, Genoa), Doreen Peterson (Christ the Rock, Rockford), Jamie Czischki (St. John, Woodstock) 

Mary Grishow (My Father’s World at Prince of Peace, Crystal Lake), Toni Anderson (Lord of Life, Elburn), Kristin Kolodje (Little Saints at St. Peter, Hampshire), Kathy Kaszuba (TLC at Trinity, Huntley), Julie Zimmermann (St. Mark’s, St. Charles)

Keep these schools in prayer as they share Jesus with our littlest learners.

Friday, October 6, 2023 – NID Educator Conference

On October 6, 2023, the NID educators will gather at St. Peter, Arlington Heights for a day of worship, learning, and fellowship. The sectionals are all high interest and the presenters are experts in their field. See the video invitation and link below for more information and to register.

The offering taken at the conference will be directed to “Hearts for Jesus” this school year. The project is the expansion of the feeding program in Belize to a community called Georgetown.

Church Worker Appreciation Month

How will you celebrate and give thanks for the church workers in your life? October is set aside to give thanks for all workers in our congregations and schools. Please see the attached letter related to “Set Apart to Serve.”

School Administrators

You should have received an email to complete the annual Statistical Report for Rosters and Statistics. This is your annual reporting form. The information that you share is very helpful in research for our District and across the LCMS. Last year we had 96% reported. That was great, but I know we can get 100%!! Please see this sample form. You received one specifically for your school.

Walcamp



We are blessed with a great camp for outdoor education, retreats, meeting space, and so much more. Bill Indelli is the Executive Director and is dedicated to growth and development of new programs. Please see the attached information related to some new and exciting programs being put in place. 

Early Childhood, Elementary, and High School Administrators



The new school year brings so many opportunities to serve, learn, and grow together. We are blessed with conference opportunities where we come together as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Early Childhood Educators have a great year of events planned (both in person and on Zoom). We encourage all directors and teachers to engage for learning, fellowship, and focus on the Word of God. Please download this attachment and keep it so you are able to watch for details. 

The first Elementary and High School conference for 2023-2024 took place on Monday, September 18, 2023 at Concordia University Chicago.

The online registration email was sent out on August 10, 2023. All registration will be done online. If you are using Title finds to cover the cost, please let me know (lois.stewart@nidlcms.org). It is not too late to register for the future conference dates. 

School Marketing Seminar

On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, representatives from many schools across the NID gathered at Bethany, Naperville for a day of worship, fellowship, and learning. Best practices were shared along with a lot of great ideas for marketing your school. Many thanks to Pastor Schumacher for his opening devotion. Many thanks to the three presenters – Ann Ciaccio (Communications Director for the NID), Linda Fox (Admissions Director at Bethany, Naperville), and Victoria West (Admissions Director at Trinity, Tinley Park). There were incredible take-aways for each school.

School Safety Conference

Please see the attached flyer with information for the annual school safety conference. This has always been a great event with very valuable information.  

Register Now: Careers for Christ Fall 2023



The theme for Careers for Christ Fall 2023 is “Soli Deo Gloria” based on the Bible verse: “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the glory of God” (Colossians 3:17).

High school students interested in learning about LCMS professional church work careers are encouraged to register for CUC’s Careers for Christ Weekend, which will begin with check-in at 6:30 p.m. Friday, November 3, 2023 and conclude after brunch Sunday, November 5, 2023.

Hearts for Jesus

The “Hearts for Jesus” focus this school year will be the expansion of the feeding program into the community of Georgetown. The students in the school will get well-prepared meals each day. Prayerfully consider what your part will be in blessing this work in Belize. See the link below for more information and to donate.

Lutheran Education Association

The LEA staff is a tremendous blessing to us as we serve various ministries in the NID. Please take a look at the information below about the Lutheran Junior Honor Association. It is a great way for you to connect your students. 

Make Connections

Looking for opportunities to connect with others in your field? Northern Illinois District networking groups are opportunities that help church workers (especially those that are not pastors or teachers) to connect, build relationships, and gain skills for the Lord’s mission. Would you fit into one of these groups? Check out our list of networking groups at nidlcms.org/networking. Email the District Office at office@nidlcms.org to let us know you are interested in receiving these newsletters with meeting dates or subscribe to publications at nidlcms.org/subscribe.

Illinois Coalition for Nonpublic Schools

The Illinois Coalition for Nonpublic Schools supports our schools in Springfield by having lobbyists representing our Christian beliefs as they are related to items that are being considered for new laws. I forward monthly news items and urgent information that is sent my way. Please be encouraged to visit icns.net and consider joining the coalition as a school member. The application is attached.

Parish Professionals

Parish Pros is back! The first meeting was on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. This is a great way for all Parish Pros to network and meet new workers. DCEs, Deaconesses, DCMs, etc. all have the opportunity and are encouraged to attend. Watch for details on the next gathering in October.

Parish Nurses 

The Parish Nurses serve in a variety of ways in their own congregations and across the NID. If you have a Parish Nurse in your congregation, please encourage them to connect with this group. Have them contact me (lois.stewart@nidlcms.org) for more information. They will be meeting next on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 starting at 10:00 a.m. The event will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Country Club Hills.

The address is: 

4231 W. 183rd St. 

Country Club Hills, IL 60478

LCMS School Theme for 2023-2024

The theme for the 2023-2024 school year is based on John 15:1-5. Information on Chapel Talks and Lutheran Schools Week can be found here.