Special Convention March 11, 2017
A district Board of Director's resolution for Circuit Realignment will come to voting delegates for approval in a special district convention on March 11. Included here are the materials needed. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the opening devotion begins at 9:30 a.m. The convention is expected to conclude no later than noon. Coffee will be served upon arrival, but no lunch is provided. The half-day convention is open to delegates and guests. No advance registration is required.

View here or download for printing:
Resolution for Circuit Realignment
Region summary: 4-page PDF with maps; Interactive online maps (click on icon for church information)  North, West, East, South
Tentative Schedule
Standing Rules - Revised 1/11/2017
List of Certified Voting Delegates
Directions to Concordia University Chicago
Any questions related to the convention should be directed via email to Ronda Wilmot in the district president's office or by calling 708-223-3101 or toll-free at 708-888-LCMS(5267), ext. 3101.

Hope Brunch
Come together to celebrate the hope that Phil's Friends brings to those affected by cancer by sharing the love of Jesus, Saturday, March 18, at Medinah Banquets, 550 Shriners Drive, Addison, 9:30 a.m. to noon. The event will feature a buffet style brunch, testimonies from those whom Phil's Friends has served, and an address from Founder and Executive Director Phil Zielke. An opportunity to support the mission of Phil's Friends will also be provided. For information and to register visit philsfriends.org/event/hope-brunch-2

CTSFW Events
Check out the upcoming events offered by Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW), 6600 N. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana.  For additional information concerning all events, please go to ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2100

Christ Academy Confirmation Retreat
This retreat, held March 17 to 19, is open to students who are currently receiving confirmation instruction from their pastor. The theme is "The Lord's Supper: Where Heaven and Earth Converge." Retreat Fee of $110 per person, includes on-campus housing and meals. To register, email  Retreats@ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2204.

Prayerfully Consider Campus Visit
This event, held March 30 to April 1, allows men and women, and their families, to explore the pastoral and diakonal formation happening at Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW), Fort Wayne, and provides a time for contemplation on the vocations of pastor and deaconess. There is no fee for this event. On-campus meals and housing are provided free of charge. For additional information go to ctsfw.edu/PCV, email Admission@ctsfw.edu or phone 800-481-2155.

Summer Events for Future Deaconesses
Phoebe Academy-High School, June 18-25, provides an opportunity for high school women to learn about the vocation of deaconess in the church from a theological perspective. The schedule for the event and the registration form can be found at ctsfw.edu/PAHS. Email PhoebeAcademy@ctsfw.edu or phone 800-481-2155.

Adopt-A-VA
Military Outreach USA reports that the Adopt-A-VA program is now underway. This is the ideal program where houses of worship, organizations, civic groups and businesses can develop community relationships and serve local Veterans in partnership with their local VA facility. Learn more about Adopt-A-VA by visiting militaryoutreachusa.org/adopt-a-va-facility. The LCMS Northern Illinois District is a Military Caring Organization.

Measure and Analyze
If your congregation is using social media, you need to measure your efforts and analyze the results. Over 40% of businesses and organizations (like churches) don't track their social media ROI at all, so they have no idea whether or not anything they're doing is working. If you don't want to fall under that umbrella, start tracking your social media activity right now. Some of the metrics that you want to look for include:

• Reach and engagement for Facebook
• Impressions, visits and mentions on Twitter
• Views and actions on Google+
• Impressions, clicks and interactions on LinkedIn
• Impressions and engagement on Pinterest
• Likes, comments and mentions on Instagram

You should track these metrics on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis so you know when and if you need to make changes to your social media strategy.