Synod Assembly Festival Worship
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Peoria, June 1 at 8:00 PM
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Synod Assembly Festival Worship will be held on June 1 at 8:00 PM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church,
6001 North University Street, Peoria. The worship offering is
designated for ministries of our companion synods in the Malagasy
Lutheran church in Madagascar.
Festival worship is open to all regardless of registration for Synod Assembly. The service will also be streamed at YouTube.com/@csiselca. Please share this information with your congregation.
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Friday Night Fellowship at Assembly — All Are Welcome! | |
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The greatest joys of a Synod Assembly are often in
the connections we form as we meet new people and relax together. Plan
now to share this time with one another at our Friday fellowship of hymn
singing and an ice cream social: June 2 at 5:30 PM at Faith Lutheran Church in Washington (2206 Washington Road). The “Tacos and Thai”
food truck will be available; you may also pick up food from the many
restaurants in East Peoria by the Conference Center and bring that to
sit down and eat with one another.
All are welcome to join us — you do not have be registered for assembly to attend.
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Servants United Parish Bingo Night | |
Servants
United Parish held a Free Family Bingo Night at St. Johns, Anchor.
Pastor Richard Likeness held an open house with a meal. Gift baskets
were donated by each of the seven congregations in the parish for a
silent auction with proceeds benefitting youth programming. | |
Rummage Sale at Our Savior, Pekin | |
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Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pekin held its
annual rummage sale in late April and raised over $2,600 to benefit
Pekin's Carol House of Hope, a shelter for abused women and their
children.
Each year, Our Savior Lutheran Church chooses a
charity that addresses local needs. This small church averages 35-40 on a
Sunday, and almost 30 people from ages 10-90 volunteered and donated,
collected, sorted, priced, cleaned, cashiered, carried items to cars,
and boxed and donated the leftovers to a charity thrift store.
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ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants
Applications Open Now!
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ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants accompany
congregations and their partners throughout the United States and
Caribbean as they draw on the strengths of communities to address local
issues such as food security, clean water, housing, job access, human
rights, policy change, leadership development and more. Together, these
ministries are part of a comprehensive approach to breaking the cycle of
poverty and hunger — for good.
Awards will be for a three-year cycle, with a
maximum award of $10,000 per year, contingent upon fund availability and
the completion of annual evaluations. The first phase of the
application process closes on May 31.
To learn more or to apply, visit ELCA.org/domestichungergrants.
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First Friday Prayer Group
June 9, 7:30 AM (schedule change)
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Due
to the Synod Assembly on June 2, the prayer group will meet instead on
Friday, June 9, 7:30 AM. This prayer group pray specifically for
ministries around the synod that are connecting with people new to
Christianity. Click here to join the group and get the Zoom link. | |
ELCA Vital Congregations Training
Parts 1 & 2, Summer 2023
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ELCA Vital Congregations Training is a fast-paced,
co-creative, and co-experimental training facilitated by leaders with
steep experience in redeveloping congregations, as well as added guest
presenters with a wealth of knowledge from a variety of settings.
Sessions are held every other Thursday starting
June 15 for Part 1 and August 31 for Part 2; afternoon and evening
options are available, and sessions are recorded and provided to
registered participants.
Part 1:
Congregations ready to take some steps (even small ones) toward renewal
and revitalization will share ideas, gain a greater understanding of
the broader mission, bring clarity about their own mission, and acquire
confidence and knowledge on how to live that out in community. These
principles and more will be explored: being expectant of the Holy
Spirit; living as disciples of Jesus; connecting Jesus and justice;
engaging the neighborhood/community; multiplying leaders who are young,
diverse and bring fresh insights; and aligning with purpose and core
values.
Part 2:
For congregations that have already completed Part 1, this training
will build on the previous training with an additional focus on
evangelism. This training will equip participants to identify and share
their faith stories, recognize opportunities to share their faith, move
into spaces and places that offer the development of new relationships,
and become more comfortable with inviting people to come and see Jesus.
Visit CSIS-ELCA.org/vital to select your training part and register.
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Your Summer Read
Synod Book Discussion
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Join others from around the synod for discussion of the book The 21st Century Christian: Following Jesus Where Life Happens by Moynagh and Beck. Zoom meetings will be from 6:00-7:00 PM on June 21, July 12, August 2 and August 16. Register here to get the Zoom link. If you are interested in a discussion group but can't make those times, contact elise.rothfusz@csis-elca.org. | |
Faithful Innovation Sampler
Sunday, June 25, 3-5 PM CT via Zoom
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Come
get a taste of what Faithful Innovation Learning Communities are all
about! Join Faithful Innovation practitioners from across the ELCA for
two hours, for a Q&A and to sample training exercises. Faithful
Innovation is about learning practices that deepen a congregation's
relationship with God, one another, and their neighborhood, to free them
for new ways of being the church in a changed world. For a more
detailed description visit CSIS-ELCA.org/faithful-innovation. | |
Building a Culture of Generosity | |
Economic
worry is everywhere. But God’s abundance is greater than our fear, and
we know that God is doing great things through our congregations. Learn
to tell this story and live this story through the tools of Building a
Culture of Generosity, a program that gives you confidence to tell God’s
story through your congregation. Inspire the generosity that God has
put in our hearts. Zoom sessions begin in August, so register soon. See the flyer for more information. | |
Truth & Healing Movement
Class: Indian 101
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The ELCA’s Truth & Healing Movement is an
opportunity for this church to increase our understanding of our
colonizing impacts on Indigenous people in the past and present. Over
the next several months, there will be opportunities to learn, raise
awareness and engage in other ways to impact hearts and lives across
this church. We believe that the truth, and our knowing and embracing
it, is the first step toward healing for all of us.
Stay tuned to the ELCA and Living Lutheran social media channels and the Truth & Healing Movement page to learn about ways to get involved and share with others.
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The general population knows very little about the
Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island. Even the most basic topics are
often grand mysteries. This is by design; for centuries the colonial
project has prioritized the complete erasure of Native people. “Indian
101” explains some of these basics to build a foundation for students to
stand in solidarity with Indian people across the United States as we
work together to dismantle longstanding systems of oppression.
The class will be held on Thursday, June 1, at
10:00 AM. No pre-registration is required to participate; just click
"join the class" to attend.
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Bishop Roth’s Retirement Dinner | |
Bishop
John Roth will be retiring at the close of his term as bishop August
31, 2023. We invite you to a Retirement Dinner in his honor on Saturday,
July 15, 5:00 P.M. at Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park in Springfield.
Tickets are $30 each, and reservations can be made at the link below by
July 1. Additional donations toward the cost of the dinner are accepted
and can be included when you make your reservation. Any donations beyond
the expenses of the dinner will support our companion synods in the
Malagasy Lutheran Church. | |
Pastor
Maureen Stein will provide a synod staff video sermon for Sunday, June
11, the second Sunday after Pentecost. Materials will be emailed to
congregation leaders on Tuesday, June 6. | |
Lutheran Campus Ministries | |
Open House at St. Andrew’s (University of Illinois)
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St.
Andrew’s Lutheran Campus Center at the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign will open its doors to parents and students coming for
orientation. Click the flyer for more information and use the QR code to
let them know you are coming. | |
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ISU Campus Ministry Is Moving | |
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Campus ministry at Illinois State University is
moving out of its longtime home at the Campus Religious Center to a new
location across from the student center. Alumni are invited to gather,
reminisce, and say farewell to the building at an open house on Sunday,
June 4, from 1:00-7:00 PM (210 West Mulberry Street, Normal).
Help is needed for moving day on Saturday, June 10
at 9:00 AM. Everything will be boxed and ready to go. Refreshments and
lunch will be provided.
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June 1-3: Synod Assembly remaining sessions (Embassy Suites, East Peoria)
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June 1, 8:00 PM: Synod Assembly Festival Worship (St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Peoria)
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June 2, 5:30 PM: Friday evening fellowship at Synod Assembly (Faith Lutheran Church, Washington)
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June 9, 7:30 AM: First Friday Prayer Group (Zoom)
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June 11: Synod staff sermon by Pastor Maureen Stein
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June 15, 12:30 PM or 6:30 PM: Vital Congregations Training Part 1 (Zoom)
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June 21, 6:00 PM: Book discussion (Zoom)
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June 25, 3:00 PM: Faithful Innovation Sampler (Zoom)
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Share your ministry stories with the synod! | |
The next newsletter deadline is Friday, June 9. | |
Job Openings at St. Mark, Belleville
Organist, Choir Director
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St. Mark Lutheran Church ELCA of Belleville, Ill.,
is currently seeking applicants for the position of choir director and
the position of organist. Please indicate in which position you are
interested or if you are interested in both positions.
See complete job descriptions and responsibilities.
Please send your resume to St. Mark Lutheran Church, 105 E. D Street, Belleville, Illinois 62220, Attention: Search Committee
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ELCA Young Adult Vocational Fellowship | |
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The ELCA is excited to announce a new program for
Young Adults! The ELCA Young Adult Vocational Fellowship is an exciting
program that offers young adults an amazing opportunity to discover
their calling while gaining valuable professional experience. In
partnership with new and existing year-long opportunities at ELCA
affiliated ministries, participants are equipped with the necessary
tools and knowledge to explore their faith and vocational aspirations,
all while receiving support from a network of peers and experienced ELCA
coaches. The program is designed to prepare communities and ministry
organizations to welcome new, young, and diverse leaders, paving the way
for a more inclusive and dynamic future. Additionally, fellows receive
competitive compensation and benefits, including access to mental health
resources, relocation assistance, coaching, and a small group cohort.
The program has partnered with several sites for
the 2023-2024 year, including The Dwelling, All Places Together,
National Lutheran Communities & Services, Together Lab, Rainbow
Trail Lutheran Camp, The Hunger Advocacy Fellow Program, Building
Resilient Communities with the ELCA Churchwide Organization, Pine Ridge
Reconciliation Center, the Minneapolis Area Synod, and Capital
University. This program truly embodies the ELCA's commitment to
empowering young adults and building a brighter tomorrow. For more
information about the program and these partner sites, please visit ELCA.org/Vocational-Fellowship.
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Coffee with Pastor Kelly
New LSSI Video Series
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is a new weekly video series produced by Lutheran Social Services of
Illinois (LSSI) and hosted by The Rev. Kelly Nieman Anderson, LSSI’s
manager of church and community engagement. Pastor Kelly shares
information about LSSI’s programs while reflecting on their connections
to our Lutheran faith. Episodes will be released on LSSI’s YouTube
channel every Sunday morning and advertised on their social media
channels. Subscribe to their YouTube channel for free to get new video notifications. Grab some coffee, and join Pastor Kelly at home with a group of friends! | |
Are
you interested in thinking about what evangelism is? Are you interested
in gathering with others who have questions and ideas about how we talk
about Jesus with our neighbors? The Evangelism Network meets on the
fourth Mondays of every month at 2:00 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us
for the conversation. Sign up on at ELCA.org/evangelism
(where you can also find a growing list of resources). Click the orange
box below the video link to sign up to be part of the network. | |
Civic Life and Faith
Study Curriculum
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The
ELCA Task Force on Studies for Civic Life and Faith has released a
six-session study about government, democracy, and how Christians are
called to participate in civic life. Each customizable session comes
with a teaching video, prayers, hymn suggestions, Scriptures, group
discussion questions, suggested resources and case studies. After each
session, participants are asked to give feedback on the content to help
the task force write a draft social statement. The study response period
is open through October 15. Your input is key — thank you for your
participation! Learn more. | |
Leadership Lab
July 17-22 at Augustana College
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Leadership Lab will take place July 17-22 at
Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Leadership Lab is designed
to assist youth and young adults in acquiring skills that will be useful
in congregations, local communities, and the world while experiencing
Christ's love in community. Each level of Lab is structured to help
participants progress in their ability to be responsible ministry
leaders and help them grow in their awareness of God, self, and others.
Registration is $450 per person with special rates
for new church participation, adults with groups, and returning
attendees from 2022.
For more information, please visit LeadershipLab.net or email questions to the directors at leadershiplabdirectors@gmail.com.
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The next newsletter deadline is Friday, June 9. You may send submissions to communications@csis-elca.org or click here.
All
members of Central/Southern Illinois Synod congregations are encouraged
to subscribe to our synod newsletter and e-mailings. Forward this
newsletter to your council members and friends and invite them to
subscribe!
Subscribe to the newsletter here!
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