Letting Your Light Shine!

In April of 2021, the Missouri District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod wanted to rally its congregations, schools and ministries to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their given communities, sharing His love and telling of His Good News! The result, they created the district-wide servant event entitled “SHINE!.” It was based on Christ’s command in Matthew 5:16 that His disciple’s light shine before others that they may see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven.

That year, some 5,000+ participated in their first district-wide servant event. The following year, more than 8,000 participated, and they decided to invite other districts to join their efforts for 2023. The Northern Illinois District was on their invitation list and we gladly accepted the invitation, seeking to engage our own brothers and sisters in Christ to create their own local servant event opportunity, don the district “SHINE!” t-shirts, and bring the joy of Christ’s Gospel to their community!

As we make ready for the first NID SHINE! Servant Event, April 14 – 23, 2023, 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. In the Scriptures, Jesus clearly demonstrated in word and deed that He is indeed “The Light of the World.” [John 9:5] In this four-session study, we will look at how Jesus showed forth the light of the Gospel in His earthly ministry as He taught and equipped His followers to also “let their light shine.” May the Spirit use this study to ready us to shine the love of Christ in our lives to our neighbors and communities, all to the glory of our Father in heaven!

In Christ,

Rev. Kristopher Whitby,

Assistant to the President, Mission and Ministry

LCMS Northern Illinois District