Let’s Get Moving!
Monday, August 31, 2026 – Sunday, September 27, 2026
We’re inviting everyone in the LCMS Northern Illinois District to get moving!
God designed all bodies to move, and we’re celebrating His gift of movement with an invigorating 4-week challenge.
The Challenge:
All you have to do is move your body for 10 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Any physical activity for 10 minutes. If it gets you moving, it counts! No gym required, no special equipment – just move! Anyone in the Northern Illinois District can participate; all ages and abilities are welcome.
Here’s how it works:
- Move your body for 10 minutes a day, 5 days of the week
- Submit a quick online check-in form by Sunday night to be entered into a weekly gift card drawing
- Do it again the following week!
Why move more?
Steward well & glorify God: Let’s take care of the amazing body God has created with movement in mind. Moving according to His design glorifies Him!
Recharge your energy: Movement breaks throughout your day breaks up slumps and helps you feel more energized.
Long-term benefits: You can lower your risk of health issues across your lifespan simply by sitting less and moving more.
Healthy habits: When you’re intentional about daily movement, it becomes a habit with a big impact!
Build community: Get moving with your brothers and sisters across the NID, within your own congregation and school, or with your family and friends
Earn wellness incentives: Some insurance plans offer wellness incentive programs that reward you for daily activity. You report your movement to earn incentives. Check out this document (link to incentive program blog) to help you discover if your insurance company has benefits like this; remember, if you have Concordia Health Plans, you likely have something like this through Vitality!
Want to promote this challenge in your congregation or ministry?
Download the Let’s Get Moving Toolkit. You’ll find everything you need to help get the word out in the ways you communicate, including:
- PowerPoint slide for announcements
- weekly bulletin blurbs
- social media posts
- weekly email template
- weekly reminder text script
Also included are additional ideas and materials to help make this movement challenge even more impactful for your community and context.
The 4 weeks of the challenge
Week One: – August 31, 2026 – September. 6 ,2026 (form submission deadline September 6, 2026 at 8:00 p.m.)
Week Two: September 7, 2026 – September 13, 2026 (form submission deadline September 13, 2026 at 8:00 p.m.)
Week Three: September 14, 2026 – September 20, 2026 (form submission deadline September 20, 2026 at 8:00 p.m.)
Week Four: September 21, 2026 – September 27, 2026 (form submission deadline September 27, 2026 at 8:00 p.m.)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can participate?
Anyone aged 0 – 199 who is connected to a ministry, congregation, school, or mission within the LCMS Northern Illinois District.
What counts as movement?
If it gets you moving, it counts!
Here are some ideas to get you started: walking, stretching, chair exercises, physical therapy movements, household chores, dancing, swimming, gardening, running, yard work, playing tag, standing breaks, biking, strength training, belly breathing, walking the dog, anything that gets you moving!
Does it have to be 5 days in a row?
No! Any 5 days of the week count.
Does it have to be 10 minutes in a row?
Ideally, 10 minutes in a row is easier to track and gives your body a strong dose of consistent movement. However, it can be 10 minutes accumulated throughout your day intentionally moving instead of being sedentary.
Does moving more really make a difference?
Yes! Research shows that inactivity can lead to health concerns. Moving 10 minutes a day adds up to making a difference. Want to learn more? Check out this article: connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/minutes-of-movement
How many times can I submit a form?
You can submit one form each week.
What if I can’t submit a form online? Are there other ways to let you know I’ve done it?
You can email Brandy at brandy.mccoid@nidlcms.org and share the following information – your name, confirmation that you’ve completed the challenge for the week, what you did to move, and your contact information, including your church.
You can also call the LCMS Northern Illinois District offices to report that you’ve completed the week’s challenge. The phone number is 708-449-3020.
How does the gift card drawing work?
Everyone who has completed the form by Sunday, 8:00 p.m. each week will be entered into a gift card drawing. Two winners will be chosen each week.
How many times can I win?
You win every time you move 😊 You can win a gift card as many times as your name is randomly chosen. You have up to four chances to win (one for each week of the challenge).
When will you announce the winners?
Remember, everyone who moves is already a winner! But gift card winners will be announced Mondays of each week.
How will you use my email address?
We use your email address ONLY to contact you if your name is drawn. We will not contact you without your consent.