News and Publications

Crossing to a New Place: Evangelism in Congregations

Where is God sending your congregation? What storms will you navigate to get there? As you head out, do you see Jesus in your boat with you? “Crossing to a New Place” is the name of the second annual Metropolitan Chicago Synod Evangelism in Congregations Workshop, to be offered 9:00-noon on September 25, 2010, at Faith Lutheran Church, 41 N. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, and again 9:00-noon on October 30, 2010, at Zion Lutheran Church, 1700 S. 69th Ave., Tinley Park, IL 60477. This motivational and “hands-on” workshop will be led by the Rev. Dr. Richard Bliese, president and professor of mission at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota.  There is no cost for this event, but we ask that you please register.

More information and registration available here.

Sixth Annual Youth Worker Networking Breakfast

The sixth annual networking breakfast for youth workers in synod congregations will take place on Saturday, September 18, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lutheran Center (Churchwide Office), 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631.

In addition to time for networking, there will be a presentation by the Rev. Dr. Nathan Frambach, Associate Professor of Youth, Culture, and Mission, Wartburg Theological Seminary, who will present and discuss recent trends in ministry with young people based on the most recent findings of the National Study of Youth and Religion. Visit http://www.youthandreligion.org to get more information about the most important, current, and relevant research available for youth ministry. Our time together will also provide inspiration for all who are committed to equipping youth with the tools they need to grow in faith.

Please RSVP by September 12, 2010, to youthministry@mcselca.org. There is no cost for attending this event, and all youth workers from congregations within the synod are invited to attend.

Online Registration for Professional Leaders Conference Available

This year’s Professional Leaders Conference, “Ancient Gifts for Modern Faith” (open to all rostered leaders in the synod) will be held at a new location, George Williams College of Aurora University, Williams Bay, Wisconsin, 53191 on September 20-22, 2010. The speakers will be John L. Bell of the Iona Community and the Rev. Dr. Nancy Cocks, Senior Minister, St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.

Online registration and complete information are available here.

Upcoming Mission Interpreters Orientation

Passionate about mission? Chances are that there is at least one person in every congregation in our synod who can answer “yes” to that question. Those people are encouraged to be Mission Interpreters.

There is a Mission Interpreter orientation coming up on October 9, 2010.

To learn more about this exciting volunteer ministry and to register for one of the orientations click here (registration on right-hand side of page), or contact the Mission Interpreter Coordinator for our synod, Mary Anderson at MaryTheMIC@aol.com or 847-381-9213.

Turnaround Synod Initiative

The Turnaround Synod Initiative is an attempt to challenge, inspire, encourage, and equip declining congregations of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod to grow and thrive.

The goal of the Turnaround Synod Initiative is that 50% of the congregations in the Metropolitan Chicago Synod that are currently experiencing decline will be seeing an upward trend in worship attendance by mid-2013. This means that we will move from having two of every three congregations declining to two of three growing in average worship attendance.

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