LCMS Northern Illinois District

10/30/2026

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK OF: November 2, 2026: Bountiful Father, as we set aside time to focus on and give thanks for Your abundant blessings, open our eyes to be grateful every day. May that gratitude overflow into our interactions with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

10/28/2026

Meet the Missionary: Rev. Jason Groth in Belize!

What does sharing the Gospel look like in Belize?

Meet Rev. Jason Groth, who serves through the Belize Mission Society, a ministry partner of the LCMS Northern Illinois District. Through Bible studies, children's ministry, catechesis, and personal relationships, he shares the love of Christ with the people of Belize.

We're excited to highlight this ministry as part of our 2026–2027 Hearts for Jesus initiative, “Gospel on the Go.”

Watch the video to meet Rev. Groth, learn more about his ministry, and discover how God is at work in Belize.

10/27/2026

This fall, pastors from across the LCMS Northern Illinois District gathered for three Regional Pastoral Conferences—opportunities to step away from the demands of daily ministry and come together for fellowship, encouragement, learning, and spiritual renewal.

These gatherings provided valuable time for our pastors to strengthen relationships, share experiences, engage in meaningful conversations, and encourage one another in their shared calling to proclaim the Gospel and faithfully serve God's people.

We give thanks to God for our pastors, their dedication to Word and Sacrament ministry, and the opportunity to gather as brothers in Christ.

Please join us in praying for our pastors as they continue to serve their congregations, families, and communities with the living hope found in Jesus Christ.

10/26/2026

WEEKLY DEVOTION: Contempt or Humility by Rev. Kris Whitby, LCMS Northern Illinois

“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and treated others with contempt.” Luke 18:9

Do you know when I’m most tempted to consider myself righteous by my own power or deeds? For me, it’s not merely when I look at my good works. It’s when I look at my self-believed righteousness in comparison to my view of someone else. Certainly, I’ve done more good in God’s eyes than some murderer or drug dealer, which makes me feel a little righteous about myself. Certainly, my works done “for God’s glory” are more significant in God’s eyes than those of a five-year-old child, right? When I hand-pick with whom to compare myself, I’m tempted both to see myself as righteous and to start to treat others with contempt. Contempt is the feeling that a person is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn.

That’s the common thread found in the two episodes in Luke 18:9-17. The Pharisee in Jesus’ parable thought himself righteous as he contemptuously compared himself to the tax collector in the story. The disciples contemptuously rebuked the people who were bringing little children to Jesus, thinking there were more important people for Him to bless, perhaps even themselves. How ironic that we sinners might consider ourselves righteous even when we find ourselves treating those for whom Christ died so poorly. God have mercy! And He does!

There is another common thread in these two episodes: humility. The tax collector in Jesus’ story and children do not think of themselves highly, or believe they are owed something by God because their works are better than others. They seek our Lord’s love and mercy on account of Him. Those are the ones who go home blessed and justified because Jesus is gracious. He demonstrates it by His cross and empty tomb. His grace justifies us and molds in us a high regard for those He loves…sinners like you and me!

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

10/23/2026

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK OF October 26, 2026

10/19/2026

Weekly Devotion: Precious Gift by Rev. Erik Gauss, Cross Lutheran Church, Yorkville

I remember in high school I had to carry an uncooked egg around for a week. I was supposed to treat it like it was a human infant. I had to create a transport device that was safe, but also realistic for a human child to be in. I had to take this thing to band rehearsal, sports practice, and theater set construction after school. I had to keep it near me and carry it, along with all my books throughout the school day. I needed to make it “clothes” and change those clothes/diapers regularly. It was fun at first, but that soon wore off, and it became a burden.

For children born into a faithful family, the gift of faith is similar to a birthright. Your parents teach, guide and model the faith. When you wander, they call you back. Faith is a blessing at first, and the joy of knowing and loving Jesus fills and heals a soul wounded through the trials and uncertainty of the world.

But as the world continues to beckon, does your faith ever feel like a burden?

Faith is not fragile like a raw egg. At the same time though, it needs to be tended to, nourished, and fed. It doesn’t need protection from the outside world, but it does need to be cherished by its “owner.” When we get tired of the rules of faith, burdened by the expectations, bored by the familiarity, or neglectful of its longevity, we risk being enticed by the world, or worse, having our faith die.

How many of us say, “I don’t need church this week” in favor of something more urgent in our schedule? What threshold will matter enough to sacrifice feeding our soul, pouring into the community, and strengthening the foundations which our life, marriages, and character are built upon?

Consider the often slow and unsuspecting way the devil works. It starts as a Sunday here, a devotion there, a prayer here, and a moral failure there. We sacrifice the ways of Jesus for the comforts of the world on a daily basis, often without regard for the impact, and claim a confident assurance that “next time” we will be all in.

If your faith is ensnared with weeds or even weakened from poor nourishment, hear this truth: it’s never too late!

Our God is the giver of all things, and Jesus is the only One with perfect faith. He perfects our faith through forgiveness and the nourishment of His body and His blood. We are so blessed!

Make this weekend your “next time” to come and receive God’s gifts at church. Come and be present for others to find joy seeing you again. Invite that person you’ve been meaning to ask. It’s your birthright, and God wants you to have it in full! Don’t let our own familiarity or the idea that we can do it “next time” give away this precious and powerful blessing.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

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.

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10/16/2026

Prayer for the week of October 19, 2026:

10/15/2026

Our October 15, 2026 NID Newsletter is here!

There's much to celebrate and explore across the LCMS Northern Illinois District! In this edition, we highlight Hispanic ministry celebrations, hear from Rev. Matt Dubensky as he invites us to take a deeper look at our financial wellness, and share opportunities for connection and collaboration through an upcoming networking meeting for communicators and admissions directors.

Stay informed, encouraged, and connected as we continue advancing His Kingdom together!

Read the October 15 newsletter at https://conta.cc/4ygHG96

Email from LCMS Northern Illinois District Filled with living hope in Christ, Confessing, Praising, and Advancing His Kingdom. LCMS Northern Illinois District Email Newsletter : October 15, 2026 Pleas

10/14/2026

NIDnews.org was recently able to have a conversation with Brandy McCoid, the LCMS Northern Illinois District Wellness Officer. She shared a bit a of a recap on the District’s Let’s Get Moving Challenge, the LCMS Wellness Wheel, and future plans for other events and activities centered on wellness and sponsored by the District.

Read more at https://nidnews.org/october-2026-ministry-theme-wellness-recap/

Learn more about what happened with the Let's Get Moving Challenge and the future of Wellness in our District!

10/12/2026

WEEKLY DEVOTION: Far More Significant by Rev. Ethan Boester, St. James Lutheran Church, Chicago

If you’ve ever flown on a plane, you’ve been told to “put your own mask on first.” And while this is an important instruction for flights, the saying has become a metaphor for life, similar to the idea that you “can’t pour from an empty cup.” And there is truth in recognizing that we are tired, exhausted, and sometimes need to care for ourselves. But there is a point when caring for ourselves becomes “me first.” When our own wants, comfort, and interests become more important than the people God has placed around us. Into that way of thinking, Paul speaks a very different word: “In humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4) Christian love says, “You first.”

But this kind of love does not come naturally to us. We disagree, we grumble, and we find ourselves wanting our way. So where do we find the strength to love others this way? We find it in Jesus. Jesus is the Bridegroom who gave Himself for His bride, the Church. He did not put Himself first. He put you first. He gave His life for your salvation, forgave your sins, and loved you even when your love was hesitant, conditional, and focused on yourself. His love is far more significant than anything we could produce on our own. He died so that you would live; He forgives so that you would have salvation; He loved, so that you would love.

This does not mean pretending we are never tired or that our own needs do not matter. After all, Paul says to look “not only” to your own interests. Your cup does need to be filled when empty, though it isn’t you who fills it. It is Christ who poured out forgiveness on the cross, not just filling your cup, but making it overflow. And while it doesn’t mean ignoring your needs, it does mean that our exhaustion cannot become permission to stop loving our neighbor. When we fail – and we will – we do not simply try harder to become people who never fail. We return to Christ, whose forgiveness fills our empty cups. He put you first when you had put yourself first. He forgave you and gave Himself for you. And so, as His gathered people, we confess to one another, we ask for forgiveness, and most importantly, we forgive. Just as He has forgiven us.

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