Mission Facilitator Mike Zimmer, LCMS Northern Illinois District, 2301 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL 60162 
Phone 708-223-3112  Email: Judy Wolf  Website: ni.lcms.org 
Events and Resources for Schools and Educators in Northern Illinois
March 2, 2017
How Badly Do You Want To Win?
"Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?" John 18:11 ESV
Whether a fan of the Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks or your school's sports teams, winning sure makes a season go better. Banners hang in gyms with their victorious exploits for all to see. Isn't it interesting what some will do to win? Whether it is professionals taking PEDs or coaches who yell or demean their players to get the best out of them, sometimes winning becomes more important than doing the right thing.

As Christ was challenged in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of a soldier. In the threat of losing, Peter chose fight, not flight. Christ responds by telling Peter to put it away and trust God. Christ knew that the events ahead were part of God's plan. How are you at trusting God's plan when fear and danger lurk?

While we daily say the Lord's Prayer, do we really want God's will to be done over ours? Even when that board member who rarely comes to church wants to change the attendance policy? Or when the teacher who never shows up for devotions and challenges you in faculty meetings asks you for a favor? Or when that parent who is never happy calls for the third time this week?

Christ's example is one we can never completely live up to. That's why He had to come to die for our selfish, sinful attitudes. Our sins of putting our desires over God's put Christ on that Cross. But the real victory was the one that brought us eternal peace and TRUE victory. Let's hang that banner of Christ Victorious and pray for the Spirit to live in hope and trust that God's kingdom come.

God's peace,
Mike Zimmer, Mission Facilitator for Schools

Discussion Questions
  1. Why are competitive juices part of the human condition even beyond sports?
  2. How might the non-Christian view our sometimes sinful competitive behaviors that play out in the church?
  3. How can you fly the banner of Christ victorious the next time you are challenged?
For use in staff meetings,  print devotion and discussion questions.
CONFERENCES, MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Early Childhood Network Meeting
March dates focusing on the Creative Arts are:
  • East Region: Thursday, March 16 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 260 N Northwest Hwy, Park Ridge
  • West Region: Thursday, March 23 Mt. Olive Lutheran Church,
    2001 N Alpine Road, Rockford
For more information about these or other NID Early Childhood opportunities contact Julie Klopke,  or Melissa Smith or Aimee Walsh.   Print brochure for further details about times and who to contact to reserve your space for a light supper. Check out more resources at the NID Early Childhood network blog, www.preschooldirectors.blogspot.com.
Is There a Potential School Leader on Your Faculty?
The Northern Illinois District is partnering with five other district to host a future leaders training for new or potential principals June 28-30 at Concordia University Ann Arbor. Print flyer for more information about. Contact Mike Zimmer to nominate someone.
Save The Date 2017 Teachers Conference
The District Teachers Conference for 2017-18 will be held at NIU De Kalb on Friday, October 6, 2017 from 8:30-4:00 p.m. Details on registration to follow in early 2017.
Teach Writing Skills and Hope for Life
Download the 2017 Lutherans for Life essay contest protocols. A great way to help Lutheran school students learn how to articulate their faith on life matters. Entries should be sent to the Illinois State LFL Federation by April 1, 2017. Print contest rules     Print contest rubic
Leadership Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Register now for this webinar featuring Brian Becker hosted by LEA on Thursday, March 16, at 7 p.m. (CST). You may register at attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1770278972427064834.

Explore leadership lessons learned in the ministry trenches. Discover how to become a more effective, authentic team leader; identify traits to strengthen your ability to lead; discover why you're getting the results you are; learn to make behavioral changes that stick; and find ways to unwrap potential in your colleagues. This webinar is one of the LEA membership benefits. Guests may participate for a $40.00 fee.
ADMINISTRATION
What Is Your IT?  
Principal Bruce Rudi, St Peter Arlington Heights, recently helped lead a workshop for NID Church/School leaders on Team Unity in Mission. He recommended using the book IT by author Craig Groeschel as a powerful resource to bring staff together. A good summer read for your staff?  Check it out at christianbook.com.
Would You Like to Know 150 LCMS Lawyers?
Check out this video from the Lutheran Legal League

What About That New Lead Testing Law?
Print fact sheet on the new law impacting lead testing requirements in your school's drinking water.

ICNS Members Get Discount on Lead Tests
The Illinois Coalition for Non Public Schools (ICNS) is negotiating with water lead testing companies for a discount rate. If you are not yet a member of ICNS, visit their website and join and begin taking advantage of this discount.
Current Legal Gender Issues and Your policies
Ed Bower from Immanuel, Crystal Lake recently shared a copy of a set of policies he picked up at the POLS Conference on current changes in personnel policies. Print sample
Have You Sent in Your School Support Fund Check?
This fund helps offset the increasing costs of services provided by the District especially in the areas of accreditation and curriculum. Any fees collected in these areas helps to supplement a small portion of those services. Please consider supporting the Office of School ministry of the NID.  For more information, print form
Report Staff Retirements
Email to report any staff retirements occurring at the end of the 2016-17 school year. Please let us know if you would prefer we not publish any names.





Going to Need a New Teacher?
Populate the CMIF System
Whether you are looking to hire staff for next year OR looking for a Call yourself, the new Commissioned Minister Information Form (CMIF) system needs updated forms.
Any Rostered ministers can complete their CMIF for by contacting Rosters and Statistics at 888-843-5267 or email [email protected]
FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE
2017 Summer Internships
An internship at Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) in St. Louis will give you practical experience in an environment that is intellectually challenging and rewarding. You will gain valuable on-the-job experience and develop your professional skills. All materials need to be submitted by April 12, 2017. For more information and to apply, visit lcef.org/internships.

LCEF District E-Newsletter
Get all of the latest LCEF news and information. Subscribe to the LCEF e-newsletter.   
 
For Information on LCEF contact Vanda Toner at 708-223-3117 or [email protected]facebook.com/lcef.nid    March 2017 Rates 
Prayer Guide:  January - March 2017

Church Workers:
  
Update Your Contact Information All rostered and non-rostered church workers are asked to please update their NID contact information when there is a change of email, address, phone, etc., or if new in the district.
 
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