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For the week before Sunday, September 17, 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 . Additional news and information can be found at the Walking Together Annex	Sign up to join the  Walking Together mailing list
**New format for Walking Together** Starting this week, the only items in the e-mail portion of Walking Together will be the new and upcoming events. All the other current items will still be accessible by going to the new Walking Together Annex. There you will find the rest of the good news and information from Walking Together. Links to the Annex will be available at the bottom of each section of Walking Together. This will shorten the length of the e-mails, yet still retain all the important news for you to use.   * Therefore, there will no longer be * asterisks to mark the new items each week. All items in the e-mail will be new.   Your comments and suggestions for the improvement of Walking Together are always welcome. Please send them to karin@nisynod.org. Next Tuesday evening, September 19, is the first of the NI Synod Mission Gatherings: Download a movie poster (8.5"x11" pdf) to advertise the upcoming events. Sometimes we, as members of Lutheran congregations in the Northern Illinois Synod, feel unqualified to tell the story of how we work together to make Christ known.  There are marvelous stories to hear and tell in each of our congregations, in the synod, and in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  “Faithful, Welcoming, Generous” is the theme of this year’s Mission Gatherings. That is also the title of a DVD, which will be introduced at these events.  It has produced by the synod to help our members tell the story. Pastors, congregation council members, stewardship and evangelism leaders, as well as other interested members are encouraged to participate: Find out more HERE>> September 19 (N) Our Savior's, Rockford; (map) September 21 (NE) Salem, Sycamore; September 26 (E) St. John, Joliet; September 28 (SW) Trinity, Galesburg; October 3 (S) St. Matthew's, Princeton; October 12 (C) St. Paul, Dixon; November 14 (NW) First, Freeport; November 16 (W) Salem, Moline.   On Saturday, September 9, the Northern Illinois Synod Council voted unanimously to begin a companion relationship with the Arcot Lutheran Church in India. The Arcot Lutheran church serves the Tamil-speaking population in the districts of South and North Arcot, Tamil Nadu. Plans for Bishop Gideon Devanesan to visit the NIS are being discussed. Expect to hear more about our new relationship in the coming weeks. In the meantime, read about the trip taken by Bishop Wollersheim and others from the NIS to India HERE>>   "Understanding our Latino Neighbors" is the theme of a workshop to be offered at First, Moline on Saturday, October 7, from 8:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. The program will include a video outlining the history of U. S. – Mexican relations. Presentations about the immigrant experience and the religious and cultural traditions they bring from Mexico, will be made by a local Latina, Imelda Crinklaw. We will also review the history of U. S. immigration policies and current issues with "undocumented" immigrants, as well as the impact of immigration on the American economy. Opportunities for questions and discussion will be included with each presentation. Helpful handouts and reference materials will also be on display. This workshop is offered by the Anti-racism Team of the Northern Illinois Synod and co-sponsored by the Multi-cultural Task Force of the Illowa Lutheran Coalition. Registration begins at 8:30 and the program at 9:00 a.m. Pastors, members and friends of all area and synod congregations are invited. There is no cost to participants, but an estimate of attendance is important to help plan for the set up and refreshments. Call the Illowa office at 794-4000 or email Frank Samuelson at cfsam@mchsi.com  with the number you expect to attend from your congregation.   Living Hope Lutheran Church will soon be opening its doors to the public after 11 years at Lincoln-Way East High School Cafeteria in Frankfort, Illinois. The grand opening celebration will be Sunday October 15 at 10:30am, with a western BBQ to follow. The congregations of the Northern Illinois Synod are invited. Please RSVP to Pr. Ben Bergren at PastorBen@frankfortchurch.com   Mark your calendars and plan to attend the Synod Wide Reformation and Ordination service on October 29 at 4pm at Immanuel, Rock Falls. More information will follow.   Randy & Carol Stubbs (First, DeKalb) and their three children are serving as ELCA missionaries to Tanzania. You can keep up with their adventures at the Stubbs' Family Blog.   You are cordially invited to the 82nd Chicken Supper hosted by Trinity, Durand, 15585 Durand Road, on Saturday, October 7, 2006. Serving hours are 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The supper features iron-skillet browned and baked chicken, our famous traditional homemade noodles, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, cabbage slaw, homemade dessert, coffee and milk. Prices are: adults $8.00, children 4-10 years old $4.50, children 3 and under are free. Carryout is $8.50. Tickets sold at the door.   Diakonia is a two-year formation program for laity. Diakonia emphasizes the vocation of all Christians to serve as Christ has served us. Anyone interested in this opportunity to enhance their Christian education and equip himself or herself for ministry and service to the church is encouraged to contact Doug Liston at 815-385-2700, dliston@premmag.com or go to www.nisynod.org/ministries/diakonia.htm . There is still time to get started with this fall's class sessions if you HURRY!   Find more NISynod News & Events in the Annex   Back to top
Rostered leaders celebrating birthdays this week including: Rev. Gary Heedum 9/11, Rev. C. Franklin Samuelson 9/13, Rev. Carole Andres 9/13, Rev. Keith Killinger 9/16, Rev. Timothy Kenyon 9/16, Rev. Gerald Larson 9/17, Rev. Robert Pearson 9/17, Rev. Hollis Bishop 9/20, Rev. Mark Hagen 9/20. (if we missed your birthday, please send it to Karin@nisynod.org) Michelle Sabovik, Elaina Salmon, and the other NIS candidates for rostered ministry. Find the complete list of NIS Candidates at www.nisynod.org/candidates.htm . for our partner in social ministry, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, and for the staff and clients of their Re-Connections program. The hurdles faced by those re-entering their communities after having been incarcerated are great, and we pray that those individuals are able to find support and encouragement through programs such as Reconnections and in their communities Those not named here who are hospitalized or otherwise need our prayers. Send prayer requests to karin@nisynod.org.   Find more Prayer Requests in the Annex Back to top
“Our Calling in Education” Why is the ELCA focusing on education? What does it mean to have a “calling” in education? Read and discuss the first draft of this next social statement (available in Spanish as well as English), then participate in face-to-face hearings being held in synods or in an online discussion on LutherLink/Ecunet until October 15. Then don’t forget to respond!   Ecumenical opportunities for seminarians ELCA seminarians have two ecumenical opportunities this fall: October 1 is the deadline to apply to spend the January term in Geneva, one of the ecumenical centers of the world, to discover what it means to be members of a global communion and the implications for this on ministry in North America. October 31 is the deadline to submit an essay for a $500 scholarship; the topic is "The Significance of Ecumenical Activity in Congregational Life." Mission Support: Where Your Money Goes: Generosity is an important part of being Christian. The money, time, talent and energy we give back to God through our offerings are used in a variety of important ways. In September's issue of Mosaic Television we ask three questions: Why do we give? What do we give? And, how is our money spent? We also visit a small congregation on Puerto Rico that is making a big impact in their community and around the world through cheerful giving.     You are cordially invited to join Tim Frakes and an ELCA video team as they record footage for a new NBC Television Documentary about internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Northern Uganda, September 21 through October 8, 2006. Simply go to http://ugandadocumentary.blogspot.com/ and enter your email address in the box on the right of the screen. Each time they post a new video clip, photo or text message from Uganda, you will receive notification. You may respond to any posting, write comments, ask questions, offer insights or just pass along your thoughts and prayers. Lutherans are making a big difference in war torn Northern Uganda through ACT (Action by Churches Together) and the Lutheran World Federation. The ELCA team will spend nine days in an IDP camp in Kitgum, Uganda. The footage they record will be edited into a one hour documentary for air on NBC in the fall of 2007. They also plan to carve a Mosaic issue out of this material.   Find more ELCA News & Events in the Annex Back to top
You are welcome to join a lay-led Bonhoeffer Study Group, Saturday September 23rd, 10-noon. at Our Savior’s, Rockford, 3300 Rural St. For the 2006-07 year, this monthly group will focus on Bonhoeffer's essay "After Ten Years" from "Letters and Papers from Prison". For more information, contact Peter Thomas at pbthomas@insightbb.com   Since 1998, students and faculty at Carthage College, Kenosha, Wis., have investigated ways in which science and religion have been and continue to be in dialogue. In both class work and special events, students have been challenged to go beyond superficial responses to controversial topics like evolution and stem cell research. Dan Schowalter, chair of the Religion Department at Carthage, presents the content of that research during the First Tuesday brown bag presentation in October, hosted by the ELCA Interunit Staff Team on Faith, Science and Technology. Tuesday, October 3, Noon-1:00 p.m. Lutheran Center, 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago Directions: http://www.elca.org/localmap.html   The EPIC of CREATION lecture series provides a thorough presentation of scientific, religious, and theological knowledge about the evolution of the universe, life and culture. The lectures are open to the public, and the series may be taken for course credit through the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS). All lectures take place at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, 1100 East 55th Street, Chicago, IL 60615 on Mondays from 7-10 pm starting September 11. For a schedule see www.zygoncenter.org  For directions see http://www.lstc.edu/about/driving.html   Find more Continuing Education Opportunities in the Annex   Back to top
Lutheran World Relief (LWR) announced that as of December 31, 2006, it will no longer collect clothing of any kind for distribution through its Material Resources Program. LWR will continue to ship any previously collected clothing that remains in its warehouse until those supplies have been exhausted. Those who have been collecting clothing to take to a local LWR ingathering this fall may still do so. Find out more HERE>>   Find more News from Other Organizations in the Annex   Back to top
St. John’s, Mendota is seeking an Office Assistant to work approximately 20 hours per week in the office. Main responsibilities include the weekly bulletin and announcements; monthly newsletters; and general office duties such as mailings, answering phones, and assisting office staff as needed. The ideal candidate must have working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Publisher; be able to work independently in a small office; attention to detail; and organizational skills. Please send your cover letter and resume to the Church Office by September 25. St. John's Mendota is seeking a Music Minister who will coordinate all the various aspects of our music programs with the Worship Committee, as well as lead the Sr. Choir in weekly rehearsals and worship performances. At the same time we are looking for a Children’s Music Director who will provide musical ministry to our elementary age (and younger) members. If you are interested, or know someone who is, please send your cover letter and resume to the Church Office by September 25   St. Paul Lutheran Church, Oregon, Illinois, is seeking musicians for the following positions.  Send resume to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 114 S. 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061 or stpaul13@verizon.net . Organist:  St. Paul is seeking an organist for the Sunday morning Traditional worship service and special worship services throughout the year.  An experienced church organist with knowledge of the most common liturgical services of the ELCA is preferred.  Salary to be based on education and experience and is negotiable.  Adult Choir Director: St. Paul is seeking an Adult Choir Director for the Sunday morning Traditional worship service and special worship services throughout the year.  The responsibilities would include weekly rehearsals, and working with the pastor and other music staff to select the appropriate music through the year.  Salary to be based on education and experience and is negotiable. Keyboardist: St. Paul is seeking a keyboardist for the Sunday morning non-traditional service and special worship services throughout the year.  Strong keyboarding skills and ability to work with volunteer musicians is preferred.  Salary to be based on education and experience and is negotiable.  Ensemble Director: St. Paul is seeking an Ensemble Director for the Sunday morning non-traditional worship service and special worship services throughout the year.  The responsibilities would include weekly rehearsals, and working with the pastor and other music staff to select the appropriate music through the year.  Salary to be based on education and experience and is negotiable.   Global mission service opportunities with the ELCA: Long-term service:  Pastoral care professor - Taiwan,  HIV/AIDS training coordinator - Nigeria,  Pastor - Jerusalem, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Pastor - Honduras,  Communication assistant - Palestine,  Water resources development trainer/teacher - Liberia,  Pastor/leadership trainer - Suriname, Theology instructor - Liberia.  2-year short-term service:  Teacher for missionary children - Central African Republic Leadership,  development/trainer - Zambia,  ESL teacher - Indonesia (deaconess school), Hong Kong,  HIV/AIDS worker - Namibia, South Africa,  Financial trainer - Botswana Communications - El Salvador, Costa Rica English and science teachers - Namibia ESL/evangelism - Japan ESL - China 1-year: Communication specialist - Cambodia (LWF program).  A wide range of volunteer opportunities, ranging from 2 months to 2 years in duration, are available. Included also is the Young Adults in Global Mission Program for 19-30 year-olds. For details on all these, please go to www.elca.org/globalserve  or call 800-638-3522, ext. 2648.   Send your bulletin board items to NISNews@comcast.net.   Find more Bulletin Board Items in the Annex   Back to top
...are published on the first Tuesday of each month.    Back to top
...is updated on the second Tuesday of each month. Click here to go to the Financial Snapshot - find out more about the Synod's current financial situation. Back to top
Looking for information from a previous Walking Together? Visit the ANNEX for more information OR 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 Communication Director for the Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA Karin@NISynod.org   www.nisynod.org 103 West State Street Rockford, IL 61101 815-762-0758 Fax: 815-964-2295 <>< Making Christ Known <>< Back to top

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Northern Illinois Synod, 103 West State Street, Rockford, IL 61101 Phone: 815-964-9934 Fax: 815-964-2295 welcome@nisynod.org Questions or comments about this website may be directed to Karin Graddy, Northern Illinois Synod Communication Director