LCMS Northern Illinois District

06/15/2026

WEEKLY DEVOTION: Jesus Came for Sinners by Rev. Keith Richard, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Belvidere

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. Matthew 9:10

Can you picture the scene above? We may not be able to picture exactly what it looks like because of cultural differences, but we do know who is there. Jesus, the disciples, and “many tax collectors and sinners” are all there sharing a meal together. It must have been a large home to fit all those people (maybe it was Matthew’s house). Sharing a meal with someone was a big deal back then. The Pharisees couldn’t understand how Jesus (a Jewish Rabbi) could allow Himself to be connected to “sinners”.

The Jewish religious leaders would have never allowed themselves to be connected to “sinners” because it would have made them unclean. Their entire religious system was rooted in the Mosaic Law which included all the sacrifices, cleansing rituals, and prayers that had been given to them by God and had been practiced for centuries. Doing these things made them “right” with God. Don’t make the Pharisees out to be horrifically evil here; they might have just been completely confused.

If we keep reading in the text Jesus tells them that He has come for sinners. He tells them to go and learn what the words mean, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” All the sacrifices of the Old Testament were put in place to point God’s people ahead to the sacrifice that would make them right with God. Jesus, the Lamb of God, did not connect Himself with sinners to condone sin. He connected Himself with sinners to take their sin away. It is not your sacrifice that makes you right with God. It is the sacrifice of Jesus, His precious blood, and His glorious resurrection that separates you from your sin and connects you to God! Jesus hates my sin, but Jesus loves me dearly! He hates your sin, but He loves you dearly!

Weekly prayers and devotions are available at https://nidlcms.org/devotions-and-prayers.

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuild. If you are an ordained minister or a commissioned worker in the LCMS Northern Illinois District and would like to submit a devotion, you may contact Sue Green.

Weekly devotion

06/12/2026

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK OF June 15, 2026:

06/11/2026

June 2026 Ministry Theme: Answering the Call – “Whom Shall I Send?”

Each year, new graduates from our two Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod seminaries complete their advanced studies toward pastoral ministry. They have answered a call from the Lord—moving away home and family, perhaps leaving a career. Each of them definitely experiencing a shift to their life’s path. Now, having finished those studies, they anticipate another change—moving into congregational life and a new community and beginning to shepherd those they have been called to serve.

The LCMS Northern Illinois District has been blessed to learn we will be welcoming three pastoral candidates to our District, two from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri and one from Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

Read more at https://nidnews.org/june-2026-ministry-theme-answering-the-call-whom-shall-i-send/

06/09/2026

What does it look like when lay leaders from across Northern Illinois come together to grow, learn, and serve?

Join LCMS Northern Illinois District President Rev. Dr. Allan Buss as he personally invites you to the 2026 Lay Leadership Summit!

📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026
📍 Walther Christian Academy, Melrose Park, IL

This year's summit will bring together lay leaders from congregations across the District for worship, encouragement, practical learning, and fellowship. Whether you serve on a church council, ministry team, board, school committee, or in another leadership role, you'll find valuable insights and resources to strengthen your service in Christ's kingdom.

Featuring keynote presenter Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing and a wide variety of workshops designed to equip and encourage lay leaders.

Watch President Buss's invitation and make plans to join us!

Registration and information is available at https://www.nidlcms.org/lay-leadership-summit/

06/08/2026

WEEKLY DEVOTION: Spiritual Rhythms by Rev. David Seabaugh, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Elmhurst

I eat every day. Usually, I eat at the same time every day. My body enjoys the rhythm of eating and benefits from that regularity. I brush my teeth twice a day as a part of my morning and evening routines. I go to sleep and wake up at regular times. Rhythms like these help us to integrate important things into our lives that must be repeated in order to be effective. What happens if I just do these every once in a while? I end up hungry, tired and with rotten teeth! Rhythms make a difference.

However, not all rhythms are made equal. Some of the rhythms we get into are not so healthy. Many addictions, whether it’s a substance, a habit, or a screen, start out as occasional indulgences, but escalate into regular rhythms. Even good things like sports and other social activities can keep us from other healthy practices. It’s all about finding a healthy balance. That’s why establishing our positive rhythms is so important. God has us wired for routine. We should take care to settle into the positive ones!

Our positive rhythms correspond with three basic needs: physical, relational, and spiritual. I’ve just told you about some physical rhythms. We create rhythms around relationships too. I call my mother every Friday. I have regular one-on-ones and staff meetings to keep us connected as a team. If I miss one of those connections, I feel the distance build. The rhythm makes a difference.

What about spiritual rhythms? They are just as important as physical and relational ones. God designed us with a need to know Him, ourselves, and our purpose. This knowledge comes through regular connections with God and His people. Let me recommend a few practices to keep you spiritually connected.

Worship Every Week
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)
After creating the world, God created the spiritual rhythm of sabbath. We stop every seven days to rest, reflect on God’s work, receive His gifts, connect with His people and recharge. Come to worship, even if you don’t feel like it. And if you are homebound, traveling, or unable to gather in person, join in online worship. Your soul needs it. Make it a rhythm. You won’t regret it.

Explore God’s Word
“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Create a routine of digging into the Bible. Many find a morning devotion works best. You could attend a Bible study, listen to a podcast, or read through a book of the Bible. You could even go cover to cover! Find the daily or weekly rhythm that works for you and nourishes your soul.

Prayer Time
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil 4:6)
Take time every day to stop and pray. Meal times are great for thanking God for His provision. Gathering your household for prayer at the end of the day is a precious routine. You can pray during your daily commute or keep a prayer journal. Do what works for you.

I eat every day to keep my body healthy and strong. Through my spiritual rhythms, I am nourished and guided by God’s truth and love. I honestly don’t know what I would do without them. I challenge you to treat your spiritual rhythms like you do eating, brushing your teeth, or calling your mom!

Weekly prayers and devotions are available at https://nidlcms.org/devotions-and-prayers.

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuild. If you are an ordained minister or a commissioned worker in the LCMS Northern Illinois District and would like to submit a devotion, you may contact Sue Green.

06/05/2026

This week, the LCMS Northern Illinois District staff hit the road for a day of fellowship, learning, and encouragement with our brothers and sisters at the Minnesota South District of the LCMS.

Our time together began in God's Word and prayer, followed by observation of their weekly staff meeting. We then shared insights into each district's strategic directions, ministry priorities, opportunities, and challenges as we seek to serve congregations, schools, church workers, and leaders faithfully.

One of the highlights of the day was connecting with our counterparts in similar ministry roles, exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and encouraging one another in our work. We also discussed ways we can continue building one another up and strengthening our partnership in service to Christ and His Church.

We are grateful for the warm hospitality of the LCMS Minnesota South District staff and for the opportunity to learn from one another. Together, we are reminded that we are co-workers in God's Kingdom, united in the Gospel and strengthened through mutual encouragement.

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

06/05/2026

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK OF June 8, 2026:

06/02/2026

Early Bird Registration is now available for the 2026 Lay Leadership Summit!

Plus check out the positions available in our June 1, 2026 Email Newsletter at https://conta.cc/4v6dImP

06/01/2026

June Communications Theme: As Christ continues to build and strengthen His Church, He graciously raises up servants to proclaim His Word and care for His people. Through the ministry preparation of our seminaries, new pastors, vicars, and deaconesses are equipped for lives of faithful service in congregations and ministries across The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. We rejoice with those receiving assignments to serve within the LCMS Northern Illinois District and give thanks for God’s continued provision of church workers. As they begin these new chapters of ministry, we pray the Lord would bless their service as they help build up the body of Christ.

06/01/2026

WEEKLY DEVOTION: Living Stones by Rev. Kris Whitby, LCMS Northern Illinois District

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. I Peter 2:4-5

I’ve heard it said that if you want people to do great things, don’t tell them about the great thing you expect them to do. Rather, tell them who they are at their best and the great thing will follow. I’m not sure that’s always the case, but the Apostle Peter in I Peter 2:2-10 certainly tells us who we are at our best. He says that we are, “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his [God’s] own possession.” [I Peter 2:9a] With these grand ways of describing us, he goes on to say that we are these things for a great purpose, “that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [I Peter 2:9b] What honors our Lord bestows on us in this verse! What a great thing to proclaim His excellencies as our Redeemer, Savior, Friend, and Lord!

Yet, for our focus in this devotion, I’m drawn to how Peter compares us in verse 4-5. He says we’re like “living stones” who are being built into a “spiritual house.” Stones doesn’t sound like such a noble description. You don’t expect stones to do great things. Likewise, besides keeping the weather out, it may not seem like houses do great things either. Yet, as we inwardly digest what Peter is saying here, it is a lavish gift!

In these verses, Peter first tells us who Jesus is. He is a living stone. Stones aren’t alive. Neither are people who have been crucified. Yet, Jesus is alive! A good stone can serve as a foundation for a building. Who we are, at our best, is solely built on who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Jesus is rejected by men; by our sinful nature we do not believe in Jesus Christ or come to Him. Yet Jesus in His Father’s sight is also chosen and precious.

As Peter tells us who Jesus is as a living stone, he then tells us that we are like living stones! How am I, how are you, as a sinner described with the same terms as our Lord Jesus? Our Lord graciously covers us in Himself in the waters of Holy Baptism where we receive a new identity. The Temple in Jerusalem was the place where God said He would cause His Name to dwell [Deut. 12:5]. He’d be where His Name is, with His redeeming grace. Now, His Name is on us, and we are built into His House, His Temple, where by His same grace, we offer spiritual sacrifices, declaring His excellencies, telling the nations of His blood-bought gift of eternal life for us…for all!

Weekly prayers and devotions are available at https://nidlcms.org/devotions-and-prayers.

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuild. If you are an ordained minister or a commissioned worker in the LCMS Northern Illinois District and would like to submit a devotion, you may contact Sue Green.