Come and enjoy a day of fun in God's beautiful creation. Food, games, craft fair, entertainment at Walcamp Outdoor Ministries and Retreat Center, 32653 Five Points Road, Kingston, Sunday, September 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone 815-784-5141. Email office@walcamp.org. Visit their website, walcamp.org, for more information.  Print flyer

The 2016-17 Artist Series at St. John's Lutheran Church, 215 S. Lincoln, Lombard, kicks off the season Sunday, September 18, 3 p.m., with the Renaissance Quintet, a highly regarded string ensemble, playing music of the 20th Century. Information about St. John's Artist Series is available by calling the church office, 630-629-2515. All are invited, free of charge.

Bethany Lutheran Church and School, 1550 Modaff Road, Naperville, is holding its Octoberfest, Saturday, September 24, noon to 10 p.m. Family fun event includes "American English" band, brats, beer, kids' games and so much more. Free for children under 13; adult price $10. For more information visit bethanylcs.org/octoberfest.

Please use in your church bulletin

40 Days for Life Aurora Prayer Vigil
40 Days for Life Aurora Prayer Vigil is September 28 to November 6, 2016. Pastors, youth leaders, deaconesses or Stephen Ministry leaders are encouraged to gather a small group for a one-hour prayer slot at the site of Aurora Planned Parenthood on Saturday, October 22, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pray on site at the field located immediately across the Frontage Road from Aurora Planned Parenthood, 3051 E. New York Street, Aurora. Day by day, one hour at a time, each person through the power of the Holy Spirit can make a difference in the life of others by their prayers and witness for life.  Print flyer

Prayer Vigil Kick-Off Event
Join the 2016 40 Days for Life Aurora Kick-off Event, Saturday, September 24, 9-10:30 a.m. at 3051 E. New York St., Aurora. You will be able to sign up that morning to pray during the 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil, September 28 to November 6, 2016. Print flyer

Please bring a friend and spread the word.  Questions, contact Ricki Giersch at rlg83161@sbcglobal.net or 630-514-2058 or visit 40daysforlife.com.

Do you know someone you would like to encourage toward becoming a pastor or deaconess?  One way is to tell them about the Prayerfully Consider Visit which takes place at Concordia Theological Seminary,
6600 N Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, October 13-15. There is no charge for this event and all on-campus housing and meals are included.  For additional information go to ctsfw.edu/PCV.

Please use in your church bulletin

'Spirit of Life' Sets Fall Concerts
Spirit of Life has been singing a message of hope, peace and love for more than 25 years in northern Illinois. It was started by Lutherans and has grown to include people from many churches. The fall concert theme of "Let There Be Peace On Earth" will recognize veterans, and the audience is invited to donate new, basic household and personal hygiene items for Veterans Exiting Homelessness. Concerts are free. Lutheran churches hosting Spirit of Life this fall are below. Find a list of all concert sites at NIDnews.org.

• Saturday, October 15: Chapel at the Lutheran Home, 800 W. Oakton, Arlington Heights, 6:30 p.m.
• Sunday, October 23: Zion Lutheran Church, 412 Jackson Street, Marengo, 4:30 p.m.
• Sunday, November 27: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 195 Nesler Road, Elgin, 4:30 p.m. (a benefit for the Veterans Exiting Homelessness Beds for Vets program)

"End of Life in Light of the Resurrection" Workshop
The NID Life Task Force is hosting a workshop that addresses what death means in our society and how we as Christians can respond from Scripture to our culture's view. $10 at the door. Reserve your spot by calling Deaconess Kris Blackwell at 630-234-1491.  Print flyer  Locations/dates are:

• Saturday, November 5,  9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 West Olive Street, Arlington Heights
• Saturday, November 12, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Immanuel Lutheran Church, 10731 W. La Porte Road, Mokena

This one-day training event, for clergy, teachers, and other professional church workers, to be held Saturday, November 5, 9 a.m to 5 p.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1225 E. 2nd Street, Belvidere, will provide an overview of domestic violence and child abuse, highlight helpful resources, and provide tools for identifying, understanding and intervening in situations involving abuse. To register, email  Lani Walter or call 815-544-8058. Print brochure

Seminary Holds Visitation Events for Prospective Students
Those in high school, college or considering a second career are invited
 to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis for a variety of on-campus visitation opportunities for prospective students for the 2016-17 academic year. For dates, information and to register, visit csl.edu/admissions/visit-us.

Save the dates for the Fall Pastors Conferences. Speakers and updates on registration have been added to ni.lcms.org/notice/pastor-conferences webpage.

• South Region: September 26-28, 2016, at Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center, Utica, Illinois. Speakers are Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier and Rev. Robert Geaschel. Registration is now available.
• East Region: October 4-5, 2016, at the DeKoven Conference Center, Racine, Wisconsin. Speaker is Rev. John Fiene. Registration is now available.
• North and West Regions: October 11-12, 2016, at Lake Lawn Resort, Delavan, Wisconsin. Speaker is Rev. Matt Popovits. Registration not yet available.

Part-time Preschool Aide, Darien
St. John Lutheran Early Learning Center, 7214 South Cass Avenue, Darien, has an aide position open for the upcoming academic year, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to assist in both the three-year-old and four-year-old programs. Email Dr. Nancy Chibe at elc@sjlcdarien.org or call 630-324-6582. Print information

Early Childhood Teacher, Hinsdale
Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center, 204 S. Grant Street, Hinsdale (located near downtown Hinsdale), is looking for a DCFS qualified early childhood teacher interested in working with young children and their families. This is a wonderful opportunity to become involved in Lutheran education and sharing your faith. The position requires excellent relationship, communication, organizational skills and working knowledge of social media. This is a part-time position Monday-Friday.  Duties are mainly as an administrative assistant with some classroom teaching required.  Zion ECEC serves children ages 2-6 years old. Email resume to pfarrell@zionhinsdale.org.

Quick Tips: Recording a Video
It's time to hit the Record button. And yes, this is often the hardest part of the process. Here are some quick tips:

• Record each sentence separately. You can easily edit everything in your software later, and it's much easier to get one line right at a time, rather than five.
• Don't try to make it perfect. It's okay if you stumble over a word, or have other imperfections in your videos. People relate more to imperfection than to perfection.
• Talk into the camera as though you're in love with the person on the other side. This is a great antidote to the anxiety you feel when you record your first video. Even though this approach can feel odd in the beginning, it can give your video a fun and spontaneous energy.