If you attended the 2008 Professional Leaders Conference, please take a moment to fill out this evaluation form.

The NIS Social Ministry Committee invites pastors, outreach leaders and others from small- to mid-size communities to attend the Urban Ministry for Small and Midsize Communities Conference, Nov 20-22 at the Cliffbreakers Resort in Rockford. Keynote Speaker is Rev. Stephen Bouman, executive director of ELCA Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission (EOCM). Registration deadline is November 14. Find out more about this outstanding event.

Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center invites you to AutumnFest 2008, Sun., Oct. 12, 10 am-4:30 pm. Wagon Rides, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Cider Pressing, Choir Performances, Fishing, Canoeing, Pumpkin Carving, and Van Tours. Lunch (free-will offering) from 11:30 am - 2 pm. Worship at 3:30 pm. www.lomc.org, 815-732-2220.

Harvest Fun Fall Adventure Day for Kindergartners-3rd graders will be at LOMC Saturday, October 25 from 10am-4pm. Come learn how to sow the seeds of God's love in our communities. Cost is $30/person which includes lunch & snack. 815-732-2220

Workshops and displays are sought for the 2009 Congregational Resourcing Event to be held Saturday, March 7 at Kishwaukee College, Malta. The topic, "Word of God. Word of Life," will be highlighted by keynote speaker, Dr. Matthew J. Marohl, Associate Professor of Religion at Augustana College and a member of the ELCA Committee on the "Book of Faith" Initiative. Submission deadline for CRE workshops is November 30, 2008. Fill out a form linked above, or contact Pr. Greg Olson, Congregational Resourcing Event Chairperson, at flcptown@frontiernet.net or 815-537-2758.

This year's NI Synod Mission Gatherings: Caring for God's Creation Where I Live, continue. This Week: 9/30 New Life, Bolingbrook, Next: 10/9 Bethany, Crystal Lake find more... 

As we approach this November 4 and prepare to make voting choices at all levels of government, many feel lost in the sea of campaign rhetoric, policy options, media analysis and the reality of pressing issues in our local and global communities. Many voters turn to their faith as a guide in making these complex voting decisions. The ELCA Washington DC office, in collaboration with the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin, has developed several resources for congregations. Thank you for your continued support and engagement in our calling to be a public church.

"Care for Returning Veterans" will be held Oct. 29 at Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque, IA. This workshop will prepare pastors, caregivers and others interested in providing "care and hospitality for our brothers and sisters who have been impacted by the trauma and stress of war.Register by contacting Pr. Marcia Strahl Find out more...

Fast Facts: 90 percent of children living with HIV are in Africa.

This week on The Lutheran's front page
Church & state: Exploring the superstitions behind the wall of separation.
In Luther's view: 'Two kingdoms' doctrine draws line of separation.
Where peace is in their hands: Palestinian children learn to resolve conflicts among their peers.
U.S. a divided house: Religion tempers political views.
Also: Discrimination, racism.
Also: More habits.
Also: HIV travel restrictions.

Coming up on Grace Matters Sunday, October 5, Donald Kraybill,Practice. Practice. Practice, Matthew 6:9-15. Within 24 hours of the Nickle Mines, PA., shooting that killed five Amish girls in October 2006, the whole world knew of the tragedy. What captivated the most public attention, once the shock of the horror was digested, was the amazing capacity of the Amish people to forgive the killer and serve his family. Donald Kraybill, co-author of the book Amish Grace, joins this edition of Grace Matters to explain how honest forgiveness of the Christ-like variety can only be forged over a lifetime of practice. Find Grace Matters in your area.