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Synod Prayers
Pr. Jay Quinn as he faces surgery December 28
The monthly rostered leader prayer calendar is online at www.nisynod.org/prayers
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December
Birthdays
2 Rev. Gregory D. Olson
4 Rev. Philip Mathai
6 Rev. Troy C. Hedrick
8 Rev. C. Jeffrey Swanson
10 Rev. Jay Quinn
12 Ms. Shirley Harbeck
13 Rev. Henrietta Milner
15 Rev. Charles Olson
17 Rev. Gene Peisker
20 Rev. Linda Jarchow Jones
21 Rev. Daniel Stalker
26 Rev. Karen Capel
29 Rev. James Kragness
30 Rev. Lisa Hufford
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Used pair of hearing aids from 2004 to be donated. Contact Trish Lucas at 815-877-4076. |
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 The 2010 Professional Women Leaders Retreat will be January 25-26, 2010 at Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Rockford with Retreat Leader
Rev. April Ulring Larson. Registration Deadline January 15. Download a brochure to register and find out more.
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by Pastor Kurt Nordby
As we know, 2009 has been economically challenging and this has been reflected in offerings and gifts for ministry in our congregations, our Northern Illinois Synod, and our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Another significant component that is affecting gifts for ministry are the financial decisions of individuals and congregations in response to the Churchwide Assembly action on human sexuality.
These circumstances together have had a significant effect on offerings received by congregations for ministry and gifts of mission support shared for the wider ministry of our Northern Illinois Synod. As you can see by the numbers below, our Mission Support through the end of November is significantly below our revised budget plan for ministry.
Gifts for ministry in our congregations and those of Mission Support for the wider ministry of the church enable us to, in bold and vibrant ways, touch lives with the love of Jesus Christ. In a few short weeks, we celebrate with joy, the birth of the Christ child and God' life transforming grace in Him. Our response to this gift is in the sharing of our gifts that the joy and hope of the Christ child be made known near and far.
Perhaps your congregation might prayerfully consider a special "second mile" gift for ministry and tithe that gift for a "second mile" gift for Mission Support. If your congregation is current in giving, perhaps your congregation might consider a "second mile" gift for Mission Support that our ministry might remain bold and vibrant as we proclaim our Lord's birth.
Thanks be to God for your ministry and have a very blessed Christmas!
Revised Budget Mission Support
as of 11/30/09 is $2,182,253
Received as of 11/30/09 is $2,017,087
Shortage as of 11/30/09 is $ 165,166
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"Faithful Mission Together", is the "microsite" on the ELCA Web site which invites every congregation and member to join in a common witness to the world.
ELCA World Hunger Bulletin: Take half an hour this week to check out the news, your favorite blog or remember one of your own favorite stories. Is there an article or story relating to hunger, poverty, climate change, simple living or the like that focuses on the positive? During this Christmas season as we remember people everywhere in love, and we strive to understand the awesomeness of God's holy gift of Jesus, let's share our favorite stories of hope, peace and transformation. This will be a great way to spread some Christmas cheer and encourage all of us to spread some love!
Fast Facts According to the USDA's Economic Research Service, in 2008, 17 million U.S. households -- about 49 million people -- "were food insecure and families had difficulty putting enough food on the table at times during the year." The number of affected households increased by 4 million over the previous year, the highest single-year increase since the USDA began food security surveys in 1995.
This week at The Lutheran
Global music lifts Luther's 21st-century church.
Also: Workshop asks, 'What is God up to?'
Also: Age 80, and up to his neck.
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Trinity in Durand has Christmas morning worship service at 9AM on Christmas Day. If anyone is looking for a Christmas Day service with Holy Communion, they are welcome to visit Trinity. 15585 Durand Road, Durand. 61024. (815) 871-3623
Know someone who is divorced or recently separated? DivorceCare is 13-week, biblically based support group seminar. Each session shows a 35 minute DVD video followed by small group discussion about the video. The format is set up so anyone can join at anytime during the 13 weeks. Group meets at Zion Lutheran, 1300 Pearl Street, Belvidere beginning on Monday January 18 at 6.30 PM. Call 815-547-6102 for more information. |
| News from Other Organizations |
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Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center will host a free "tubing party" for any youth group for the next 3 weeks to come try out their new sledding hill. They have purchased three tubes for all to have fun sliding down the straw bale-lined run. Please call the office (815) 732-2220 to schedule your "tubing party" today!
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center is now on Facebook! Become a fan today! See tubing photos at www.facebook.com/LOMCRocks
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'We have this treasure'