Shine! 2026
Jesus tells us in Matthew 5: 16, “…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
The LCMS Northern Illinois District will be shining a spotlight on service from April 10-19, 2026. Throughout the District, groups of 2 or more people are asked to give witness to the love of Jesus through acts of service to their neighbors and communities. Simply join with some people from your church, school, small group, ministry group, family, etc., and serve together in a project of your own choosing.
Imagine seeing our people in specially designed t-shirts all throughout the District during the Shine! event serving and SHINING His light!
How is God calling you to serve your neighbors and SHINE His light?
Shine! Tool Kit – Download these resources for Shine!
40 Ways to Shine! (Ideas for acts of service.)
Download Shine! logo no dates (PNG format)
Shine!Bulletin Insert
Shine! Bible Study
As we get ready for our NID Shine! Servant Event, April 10-19, 2026, we turn to our Lord’s Word for guidance, equipping, and blessing. The Shine! Bible study is commended for your use as an individual, small group, or congregational study for the weeks surrounding the Shine! event. Visit the Bible study webpage at nidlcms.org/shine-bible-study.
Share your photos!
After your project, upload your Shine! photos at this secure link. Make certain you have the appropriate permissions so that we may share them on social media and in publications.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Shine! taking place?
Shine! takes place April 10-19, 2026. Decide how much time your project will take and pick a day to serve.
Who can participate in Shine!?
There is no age requirement. Everyone from toddlers to seniors is welcome to participate.
How many people need to be in a group to participate?
A group can be as small as two people and as large as the group wants to be.
What kinds of servant projects are allowed?
There are so many ways that your group can serve right in your own community! Possible projects include: cleaning, carpentry, quilting, cooking, packing, weeding, collecting donations, yardwork, writing cards. Think of unique opportunities to serve in a way that’s tailored to your gifts, your community, and your congregational needs.
40 Ways to Shine! (Ideas for acts of service.)
We ask that you pray for the upcoming event and that you prayerfully consider a financial gift to help support this event. Healthy (and usually more happy) churches, schools, organizations, and individuals are engaged with their community in the name of Jesus. Shine! has been one of the most exciting things we’ve done together in ministry!
How do I register my group?
Shine! Registration Form
Take a few minutes to give us some basic information about you, and share the t-shirt sizes your group will need for when you serve. There are a limited number of t-shirts available this year. To help us accommodate everyone who is participating, please order only the number of t-shirts that you will need and not what you hope you will use. T-shirts are provided at NO COST to you, but to keep costs down you must pick up your group's shirts from one of the ministries listed below during the specified times. Once this year’s projects are over, please hang on to the shirts so you can wear them again in future Shine! service events. Order by Monday, March 16, 2026 for pick-up at the ministry of your choice on Friday, March 27, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) or Saturday, March 28, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – noon) - see details below.
This initiative supports our pillar on WITNESS: Encouraging personal witnessing, congregational engagement with their community, support of our NID partnerships and missions, and sharing in a world mission field together. The LCMS Northern Illinois District encourages you to partner with us in Advancing His Kingdom, faithfully serving the Gospel of Jesus Christ and sharing it in our community and the world. You make a difference!
WITNESS: Encouraging personal witnessing, congregational engagement with their community, support of our NID partnerships and missions, and sharing in a world mission field together.