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December 27, 2018

Stories
Hops and Hymns - Bringing Worship to our Community

On December 16th, the East Central conference hosted their 4th Hops and Hymns event of the year at Riggs Beer Company in Urbana. It was a night full of holiday hymns and was standing room only for most of the night. Over the last 6 months, this has become an event that not only the congregations can get excited about, but our community and local establishments are eager to participate as well.

We work to keep the event pretty simple. Most of the musicians are clergy, but they emphasize that they are not a band. They don't rehearse beforehand and are simply there to lead music. Many times they even drop out to let the room sing a capella. The hymns are also chosen by the audience. They are given booklets with selections from the ELW.

Read on / Watch the News Story

Peoria, IL - Salem Lutheran Church's Sunday School Christmas Program






Sunday School children offered the message of "Jesus Comes Home". The creche continues to bring the message of Christmas where we can see it, up close and personal. And the message of Christmas, in a very real sense, is exactly what these figures depict, and where they depict it, right where we live: Jesus Comes Home!

Do you have photos from your church's Christmas program? We'd love to see them!

Events
Introduction to the Old Testament
Registration Deadline, Jan. 4

All are invited to participate as we discuss reading the Bible as Lutherans in the 21st Century. Topics include Sarah & Abraham, Ten Commandments, Kings, Prophets, Suffering, and Lament.

Learn More

LOMC Youth Leaders Retreat
Registration Deadline, Jan. 21


Practice being “still” with God as we engage in Bible study & worship. We will discuss how LOMC can improve your partnerships with youth in regards to faith formation, and invite new ideas of programming available for all ages. We will enjoy fellowship and networking with fellow colleagues as well as go on a surprise field trip!

Learn More

Resources

2018 Annual Report Cover

The 2018 Annual Report Cover is available for congregations in print form or download.  

The downloads are available on our synod webpage as a four-page spread or four individual pages.

You may also order hard copies through the ELCA Distribution Center or through ECIS at 800-638-3522 after January 2, 2019. For congregations ordering 100 copies or less, there is discount shipping for orders placed through ECIS. 

Download Now

Updates
Misssion Support Intent Forms

Congregations, please remember to submit your Mission Support Intent Form. Just as fall pledges are helpful for congregations to set a budget, your mission support intentions provide not just the Central/Southern Illinois Synod, but the ELCA Churchwide in planning for mission and ministry. Your congregation's generosity in both ELCA and local benevolence bring God's work and hope to people near and far, and we thank you for your ministry and the ministry we share! If you did not receive this mailing, please contact Glenna Senters in the synod office.

Want your events and announcements in this email?
Submit by Sunday 1/6.

 
Central Southern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
524 South Fifth Street
Springfield IL 62701
Phone: 217.753.7915
Toll Free: 844.330.2747
Fax: 217.753.7976
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Copyright © 2018 Central/Southern Illinois Synod, All rights reserved.


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