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June 27, 2006 Walking Together is a weekly e-mail newsletter of the Northern Illinois Synod best viewed in html. If you cannot read this e-mail or see the graphics, go to www.nisynod.org/pubs/wt .
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* Due to the Independence Day holiday, there will be no Walking Together next week. Watch for the next issue on July 11.
* On Sunday, July 9th, Nachusa
Lutheran Home of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois will
host its Family Fun Day; all are welcome! The event runs
from 12:00-2:30PM and includes a pork chop dinner, ice
cream, games for kids, and a pig scramble. A free will
offering will be taken. Please contact Steve Hudzik, Program
Director for Nachusa Lutheran Home, at 815-284-7796 x2014
with questions. Download a
flyer
* All are invited to a Celebration of Mwangaza's first Decade of Illuminating its Partners in the United States and Tanzania through Teaching and Learning. Director Seelah Kissioki and Consultant Dr. Shoonie Hartwig will be present. Sunday, August 13, 2006, 5 to 8 p.m. A small meal will be provided. First, DeKalb. RSVP to 815-758-0643.
* Mike Wadle (First, DeKalb) is currently
in Tanzania through Mwangaza, leading seminars and visiting
NIS companion congregations. Keep up with his trip
here>>. More photos and highlights of the Synod Assembly have been added to the www.nisynod.org website.
Charlotte Erickson's (missionary to India) June newsletter is online here.
Dates and locations for the Evangelical
Lutheran Worship Introduction Workshops have
been announced (Oct 28-Feb 11).
Pastors, organists/musicians, choir directors,
worship committee folks, etc. are all encouraged to
attend.
Each congregation may send as many people as it
would like. For the $20 registration fee, each
participant will receive a copy of the ELW and a
meal. See dates and locations
HERE >> The Diakonia program will celebrate its 2nd graduation on July 15 at 2 pm at Alpine Lutheran, Rockford and would like to invite anyone interested to attend. Bishop Gary M. Wollersheim will preach. Last year, 21 people from the Northern Illinois Synod graduated from the two-year program (16 from NI sites and 5 from a Chicago site). Diakonia is a lay education program with an emphasis on spiritual formation. For further information on the program, please contact Douglas Liston at (815) 385-2700 (work) or (815) 331-3000 (home) or dliston@premmag.com. Diakonia is looking for interested students for the fall for its Cary, Rockford, and Moline locations.
An updated Supply Pastor list can be found at www.nisynod.org/resources/supplypastors.htm
The
NIS is currently inviting congregations to be part of a new TIME
(Together in Mission Engagement) program that will be started with a
pastor's retreat this summer, and a kick-off in August. Find out more about the program at
www.nisynod.org/resources/time and watch for more information about
the specific dates. The Northern Illinois Synod, in partnership with the ELCA Foundation and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, announces one-hour Charitable Giving Seminars throughout the Synod to learn about NIS ministries and how to make a legacy gift to your local congregation and the ministries of the Synod. All are invited to learn of new and creative ways to make a lifetime gift. Contact John Califf for more information at 309-794-4004 or jnscaliff@qconline.com Upcoming seminars: August 27 St. Paul, Dixon noon lunch seminar follows; September 12 St. Mark, Chillicothe 10:00 AM following 9:00 AM worship service, Lunch after seminar and brief business meeting; September 17 First, Freeport Noon lunch seminar follows; September 24 St. Mark, Rockford Noon lunch seminar follows; October 1 Faith, Moline Noon lunch seminar follows; October 8 Zion, Kewanee noon lunch seminar follows; October 22 Shepherd of the Valley, Rockford noon lunch then seminar; November 19 First, Rock Island Noon lunch seminar follows.
Is your congregation doing something interesting with education programs? Have you tried something new that is working well? Have you been doing something for years that continues to be a success? If so, share your stories and ideas with your Synod Christian Education Networkers. Contact Brenda Sisson or Mary Anne Daniels with your stories. The more we share our successes, the more we can learn from each other - to help Make Christ Known throughout the NIS!
Northern Illinois Synod Bishop Gary Wollersheim and Polly are hosting a cruise to visit the highlights of Paul's second and third missionary journey to Greece, Turkey and Italy from November 2 to November 11, 2006. This journey of a lifetime aboard the cruise ship MV Astoria includes a lecture series of Paul's Life and Teachings. Early registration is encouraged. For information contact the Synod Office at 815-964-9934 or John Califf at 309-736-7315 or jnscaliff@qconline.com UPCOMING AREA CONCERTS & MUSICAL EVENTS:
Mingkhwan Zehner
(First, DeKalb) will give a
voice recital in First, DeKalb, at 10:30 AM on Wednesday,
June 28 as a fund-raiser
to support the upcoming mission to Tanzania by her musical
mentors, Randy and Carol Stubbs
The band Captive Free West Lakes will perform a family night concert at Our Savior's, Rockford (3300 Rural, entrance one block north on Corbridge) on Saturday, July 15 at 6:30 pm. The concert is free to the public and groups are welcome! A free-will offering will be taken. Captive Free is a National Team sponsored by Youth Encounter. This group of young adults ministers throughout the western Great Lakes region of the United States for one year with a faith-encouraging program of music, testimonies, drama and puppetry to inspire people of all ages! Find out more about the band at www.youthencounter.org More info about the concert: karin@oursaviorslutheranchurch.org or 815-399-0531 x222.
First, Geneseo invites you to
a Weekend with John Ylvisaker, Friday, August 18,
Saturday, August 19, & Sunday, August 20. Contact First
Lutheran at (309) 944-3196 or e-mail at
firstlut@mchsi.com
to find out more about the ensemble opportunity, workshop,
hymn jam, and worship. Join Shepherd of the Valley, Rockford for another summer of FREE concerts! Free-will offering after each performance enhances music and education programs at our church. Concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude with refreshments. Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church is located on the southwest corner of Mulford Road and Harrison Avenue in Rockford. 2715 S. Mulford Rd. • Rockford, Illinois 61109 • (815) 399-5503 • www.shep61.org
LUTHERAN OUTDOOR MINISTRIES CENTER: * Future with Hope - In keeping with LOMC's and the NIS's commitment to service others, especially those victimized by the hurricanes last fall in the Gulf Coast region of the USA - on July 1st, LOMC will send 15 of their Small Group Leaders (ages 17 to 24) to Beaumont Texas where they will spend a week assisting in the rebuilding efforts. They choose Beaumont because, while much of the media have highlighted the needs elsewhere, this area of Texas was a disaster after Hurricane Rita went through in late September last year. The Small Group Leaders will spend their time repairing roofs that were damaged on thousands of homes in the Beaumont area. This Texas relief campaign is called "Future with Hope" because with God everything is possible. We are very proud of these young people, several of whom are members of churches in the NIS. They are serving others in need a far distance away from home. We ask that if you'd like to donate to this mission trip to please note "Future with Hope" campaign on your check and of course keep them in your prayers that first week of July as they carry out this ministry of service in Beaumont. - Russ Senti, LOMC Executive Director
Save the dates for the following upcoming events! More details will be listed on their website as the dates get closer. Visit www.lomc.org to see the latest photos and news from Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center.
Summer Camp began June 11. Space is still available in most of the camps. The schedule is listed at www.lomc.org . Please call the office if you’d like a summer brochure. 815-732-2220.
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center in Oregon (LOMC) announces a new innovative partnership with the Ogle County Hospice Association Foundation. MORE>>
LOMC staff members are willing to come to your congregation to speak to children or congregation about camp. They will lead children's sermons, temple talks, and Sunday Church School hours. Contact the camp at LOMC@essex1.com for more information. DISASTER RESPONSE:
If your congregation is planning a work trip to the Gulf in the upcoming months and you have extra spots or the capability of taking on one or two more folks, please send the details of your trip and who folks might contact if they're interested in making the trip with you to Lisa Hassenstab, Director of Church and Volunteer Relations, Co-coordinator, Lutheran Disaster Response-Illinois, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, 1001 E. Touhy Ave. #50, Des Plaines, IL 60018, (847) 390-1447, (312) 636-7006 (cell) or Lisa.Hassenstab@lssi.org .
The Northern Illinois Synod Lutheran Disaster Response Task Force continues to share ways individuals and congregations can help those who have been struck by disaster. Find out more at the NIS LDR website.
You can read about help that's still needed in the Southeastern Synod on their website at http://www.elca-ses.org/Katrina_recovery.htm |
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Send prayer requests to karin@nisynod.org. |
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*
Have you
lined up your summer reading yet?
*
* A message to Adult Chaperones for the 2006 Youth Gathering: Thank you for your valuable service to our youth! While you are in San Antonio, would you consider giving an hour of your time to help raise steward leaders in our church? In the Interaction Center, at least 48 volunteers are needed for a special display. The zip line tower will have large banners with 10-10-80 (this is a simple yet powerful principle for financial stewardship that really connects to kids). All you would do is talk briefly to kids waiting in line, point to the tower, and offer a washable "10-10-80" tattoo. You could have a great and positive impact on youth (and our whole church) for years to come! If you can help, or if you have questions, please reply to assistant@lacrosseareasynod.org . You will receive simple instructions and an hour assigned to you. Please pass on this invitation to other adult chaperones from your congregation. Thank you. Have a wonderful, blessed, and safe trip to San Antonio! Pastor Lanny Westphal, Assistant to the Bishop, La Crosse Area Synod.
* Has your
congregation hosted a Fair Trade
Fair? If you are willing to
share your congregation's
experience to be part of a
front-page article for Seeds
for the Parish, please
contact
Jan.Rizzo@ecunet.org . On July 30 the Gospel text tells the miracle of feeding a multitude with fives loaves of bread and two fish. Find a related devotion, "A Loaves and Fishes Lunch Bag Miracle" (and children's message) on p.3 of the Hunger Guide for Congregations (Pentecost). There's another hunger-related option for July 30, too. The Pericope Partners devotion for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost is also available as a reproducible bulletin insert — find it posted at www.elca.org/youth Including this Hamiltons for Hunger devotion in the Sunday bulletin on July 30 would be a great way to thank the Lutheran Youth Organization and all the Youth Gathering participants for their Hamiltons for Hunger campaign. The campaign could raise $1 million dollars for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. Learn more at www.elca.org/gathering/offering/ Find the complete Hunger Guide for Congregations (Pentecost) and other ELCA World Hunger resources posted at www.elca.org/hunger/resources
GRACE
MATTERS - GRACE MATTERS the radio
ministry of the ELCA
August 2006
Programs - (Encore Month)
The Deaconess
Community of the ELCA is offering grants up to
$500,000 in 2007 to congregations or social ministry
organizations who wish to partner with the Sisters
to start new, cutting edge social ministry programs.
Such programs must be gospel-centered, prophetic, cooperative partnership, inclusive, and
focused on stewardship. The deadline
for the application process is Jan. 15,
2007. For more
information, contact the Deaconess Community of the
ELCA, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL
60631-4171; (800) 638-3522, x1705; or email
Deaconess.Community@elca.org . The Deaconess
Community of the ELCA is a community of skilled
women committed to a life of service to church and
society. They are willing to take risks to serve God
and God's people. Learn more about the Community at
www.elca.org/Deaconess . This year's Global Mission Event will be held July 27 - 30, 2006 at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts. At the Global Mission Event, congregations, families, youth, and seniors - along with international guests and missionaries discover a global community of God’s grace. Find out more...
Mosaic offerings in 2006 - find out more at www.elca.org/mosaic
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Augsburg Fortress Summer Music Clinic: July 31 - August 1 Redeemer Lutheran Church; 139 E First ST; Hinsdale IL 60521. Free event to area musicians, and worship leaders. Featured clinicians: Anton Armstrong and John Ferguson from St. Olaf College, Marlene Anderson- handbells. Sessions on children's choirs, handbells, choral sessions, vocal technique, question and answer panel with Anton and John on the state of worship and music in the church today. Hymn Festival featuring hymns from Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Attend all of the two days or part of it, no pre-registration necessary. Contact: 1-800-426-0115 X377 Jane Knappe. Schedule, directions at www.augsburgfortress.org/events .
As part of the Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program, the Rev. Dr. Richard A. Jensen, former dean of the program, will present the Don M. Wardlaw Lectures July 5 and 6 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC. The lectures are free and open to the public. Augustana Chapel at LSTC is at 1100 East 55th Street, Chicago. His Wednesday, July 5 lecture will be on “Seeing Salvation: The Church’s Struggle with Words and Images.” On Thursday, July 6, Jensen will speak on “Visualizing Salvation: The Nitty-Gritty of the Task” For more information about the lectures and the ACTS D. Min. in Preaching Program, visit www.actsdminpreaching.org .
Lutheran ENGAGED Encounter - “A wedding is a day… A marriage is a lifetime…” Planning to marry & have a few questions? Have you thought about your life together AFTER the honeymoon? Experience a Weekend together with other couples beginning a life-long commitment to each other! Begins: Friday night @ 8 PM Ends: Sunday afternoon @ 12:30 PM “Or is it just the beginning!?” October 20-22, 2006 New Location! Bishop Lane Retreat Center Rockford, Illinois. A $35.00 Registration fee reserves your rooms. Total cost of the weekend is $275.00 meals and lodging included. Presented by 3 married couples Contact Curt & Chris Bjorklund–(815) 675-2765 Curtnchris4ee@msn.com or go to http://groups.msn.com/LutheranEngagedEncounterofNorthernIllinois
Trinity Seminary's Center for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning offers a Multiple Staff Workshop for rostered and non-rostered church leaders (full and part-time) September 11-13, 2006 at the Weber Center, Adrian, MI. For more information contact: Center for Cont. Ed. & Life Long Learning; Trinity Lutheran Seminary, 2199 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43209-2334. hkuhlmann@columbus.rr.com
Stephen Ministries announces the first Breakthrough Leadership Conference, which will take place October 8-13, 2006, in St. Louis, Missouri. This comprehensive training event for leaders of all types--pastors and business executives, educators and entrepreneurs, administrators and managers--will offer the best leadership concepts and practices, enriched with sound psychology and firmly rooted in biblical principles. MORE>>
The Bethel Series has been a tool that has served so many congregations in the Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA. Revitalizing our spiritual life happens when people get into the Bible and history has proven that the Bethel Series is a wonderful program to lead people into the Word. There they actually meet the true Christ of the Scriptures. Your church may own an enrollment in the Bethel Series--and it’s for a lifetime! Some congregations have laid the program aside for awhile, but this may be the right year to renew the program. Some congregations have yet to experience what can happen when their laity achieves biblical literacy. To learn more about the Bethel Series, visit their website at www.bethelseries.com --or call them at 800-462-2335. The summer training program is scheduled for July 16—25, 2006. Food and housing will be offered at the Edgewater Hotel, and the Emmaus Room is generously provided by Bethel Lutheran Church for the teaching of the classes. Renew…Revitalize…Enter into a life of discipleship
First, Geneseo invites you to a John Ylvisaker Weekend. Saturday, August 19th, Workshop - 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. Meal and refreshments after workshop, Sunday, August 20, John will lead worship at 8 A.M. and 9:30 A.M.
Here I Stand: Leading Change Through Self-Differentiation is a three-day Lombard Mennonite Peace Center event at which pastors will be trained to integrate this approach into their ongoing ministries. LMPC will offer this event on August 22-24, 2006. This event will be held at St. Peters United Church of Christ in Elmhurst, Illinois. Learn more about this event and download a registration brochure on our website: http://www.lmpeacecenter.org/HIS.html.
Mediation Skills Training Institute is designed to equip church leaders with the skills necessary to deal effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. It also includes a component on congregational intervention and consultation, placed within the context of family systems theory. Lombard Mennonite Peace Center will offer this event on August 7-11, 2006. This event will be held at St. Peters United Church of Christ in Elmhurst, Illinois. Learn more about this event and download a registration brochure on our website: http://www.lmpeacecenter.org/MSTI.html.
The Clergy Clinic introduces participants to key concepts of family systems theory, provides opportunity to explore one’s own family of origin dynamics, and includes time for presenting case studies from one’s ministry setting for coaching and consultation. The clinic also includes input from Lombard Mennonite Peace Center staff and video input by Murray Bowen, the father of family systems theory, and Edwin Friedman, who led the way in helping clergy understand the congregation as an emotional system. LMPC will offer this event in November, 2006, February, 2007 and April/May, 2007. This event will be held at First Church of Lombard, UCC in Lombard, Illinois. Learn more about this event and download a registration brochure on our website: http://www.lmpeacecenter.org/ClergyClinics.html.
Youth Ministry Certification schools will be held September 11-29, 2006, on the Wartburg Seminary campus in Dubuque, Iowa. Wartburg Seminary's Center for Youth Ministries in an expanded partnership with the Youth and Family Institute will conduct the schools. A third certification school will take place at Rainbow Trail Camp in Colorado. The dates are October 31-November 17, 2006. More information can be found at www.wartburgseminary.edu . Select Centers>Center for Youth Ministries for schedule and details. The phone number is 563/589-0220.
www.FaithandWisdom.org , in cooperation with the ELCA Division for Ministry, is your source for information on lifelong learning opportunities. Faith and Wisdom compiles events and programs throughout the world offered by some of the most distinguished organizations in North America and worldwide. These organizations have proven themselves trustworthy sources of lifelong learning for clergy, other church professionals, and for all who wish to pursue education as Christians. |
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Disciple Seminars Announces: Help new
and experienced leaders polish skills, gain confidence in
teaching and network with others. WHAT: DISCIPLE I, Jesus in
the Gospels, Christian Believer, Beyond Disciple I: Disciple
2, 3 AND 4. WHERE: Living Waters Lutheran Church. WHEN:
August 25-26, 2006.
Rockford Area
Lutheran Ministries - upcoming summer events:
2006 Lutheran Ministries Golf Scramble, Friday, July 14, PrairieView Golf Course, Byron, 7:30 a.m. Registration, 8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start, Registration brochures will be mailed in May. Questions? 815/962-4279. |
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* Good Shepherd,
Romeoville has several computer monitors to
donate. Contact Pastor Suzanne Anderson-Hurdle,
revhurdle@earthlink.net or 815-886-4354. Adult Choir Director and/or Chime Choir Director needed, beginning September 1, Trinity, Mt. Morris. To apply please call the church at 815-734-6354 or visit the web-site at www.lutheranonline.com/telcmm.
Part-time worship leader needed to direct new contemporary-style worship band. Strong keyboard skills required, plus an ability to lead and work with volunteer musicians. Submit letter of interest and resume to Pastor Mark Hagen at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61107.
For sale: a very nice full Hammond organ. For more information, please contact Dianne Miller at 815-385-6575 or sarge@fastermac.net .
Karen Ream, presenter at the 2006 Congregational Resourcing Event, is available to present her program at no charge to Sunday adult forum/education programs in the Synod. It is an educational program on spiritual companioning/direction entitled "Unraveling the Knots in Your Life through Spiritual Companioning." Contact Karen Ream, 3609 Corbridge Ln, Rockford, IL 61107, 815-397-8410, dafodiljoy@juno.com
Christ the Lord Lutheran (Elgin), a midsize congregation northwest of Chicago, seeks musician(s) to fulfill the following functions, which may be combined depending on candidate’s qualifications. Salary is negotiable. Send resume to: Beth Lawniczak, Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, 12N462 Tina Trail, Elgin, IL 60123 or ctlbeth@core.com (847-741-8141). For more information see our website: www.christthelordlutheran.com .
First Lutheran, Princeton, has two flags-- 1 American--1 Christian -- that they are no longer using and would be glad to give them to any other church or group that could use them at no charge. Contact Mary Dorsch at rmdorsch@theramp.net .
First Lutheran, DeKalb, is seeking to fill two positions: part-time organist for traditional worship & part-time coordinator (with piano or guitar skills) for contemporary worship. To apply, contact First Lutheran Church, 324 N. Third Street, DeKalb, IL at (815) 758-0643.
The Northern Lakeshore cluster
of the Greater Milwaukee Synod is looking for any other youth groups
traveling to the first week (July 3-10) of the National Youth
Gathering in San Antonio. They are trying to fill a third bus and can
take approximately 40 more folks. Consider joining them as they
visit the Oaks Indian Center in Oaks, OK (home to a native American ELCA
congregation) and a visit to Texas Lutheran University who is hosting a
4th of July party and dorm accommodations. If you are interested in
pooling resources, please contact Pastor Paul Mittermaier
stjelca@execpc.com or call
262-677-3176.
Find job opportunities with
Lutheran
Social Services of Illinois at
LSSI's job
opportunities web page. Redeemer, Bettendorf, IA is seeking a full-time Coordinator of Youth & Family Ministry to work with elementary, middle, & high school youth. For a full job description and application, please browse to www.redeemerbett.org. Interested persons may contact Richard Pokora at 563 355-8909.
Church Organist Position Available: First
Lutheran Church, Moline, Illinois, is seeking a church organist for one
service Sunday mornings and special worship services through the year.
Experience as a church organist and familiarity with the liturgical
services of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is preferred.
Salary is negotiable. First Lutheran has a two manual, Zimmer tracker
pipe organ, installed in 1982. Send resumes to First Lutheran Church,
1230 - 5th Avenue, Moline, IL, 61265, attention Pastor Frederick
Schmidt. Send your bulletin board items to NISNews@comcast.net. |
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...are published on the first Tuesday of each month.
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...is updated on the second Tuesday of each month. |
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Looking for information from a previous Walking Together? Visit www.nisynod.org/pubs/wt for all the back issues.
Walking Together is a weekly e-mail newsletter that brings you all the news you need to know to stay up to date on happenings in the Northern Illinois Synod. It is sent to rostered leaders, congregations, and others by request. To be added to the listserv, change your e-mail address or otherwise manage your subscription, please click the link on the right or e-mail Karin@NISynod.org Your submissions, comments, and suggestions are welcomed. Contact Karin Graddy, Communication Director for the Northern Illinois Synod at Karin@nisynod.org.
If you are changing your e-mail address please send your name, old e-mail address, and new e-mail address to NISNews@comcast.net .
You can also change your e-mail address, subscribe, unsubscribe, or control other personal options by going to http://lists.faithgroups.net/mailman/listinfo/walkingtogether . If you have any questions about this service, or ever have any trouble with Walking Together, please don’t hesitate to contact me at Karin@nisynod.org .
Karin
Graddy,
Associate in Ministry
Karin@NISynod.org
<>< Making Christ Known <>< |
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or a 
If your congregation would like to host the
Holy Land Communion Ware,
please contact Leona Peterson-Spear at
*
Almost ten months have passed since Hurricane Katrina,
and another hurricane season is upon us, but the
rebuilding work from the 2004 & 2005 storms is far from
over. Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to the
long-term recovery of the areas affected by these
disasters - a commitment that could last as many as ten
years.
You are an important part of this long-term recovery.
Volunteers are needed at our sites in Florida,
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Volunteers
must be 16 or older, in good health, have a good
attitude, and be willing to work hard. The conditions,
especially as summer brings high temperatures and
humidity, are less than glamorous. But the work is truly
rewarding.
As the recovery effort transitions from clean-up to
long-term rebuilding, a particular need is for
volunteers with a background in construction and
rebuilding, or in a particular trade. These volunteers
can coordinate and train others, perform assessments,
and lead teams of less-experienced volunteers. If you are interested in putting
together a work crew, please visit our website at
Why
not include "The Good Book" in your summer reading list? We
make it easy to access daily Bible readings
Comments
on popular media phenomena
July 2006 Programs
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Northern Illinois Synod, 103
West State Street, Rockford, IL 61101 Questions or comments about this website may be directed to Karin Graddy, Northern Illinois Synod Communication Director |
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