Life
Life Ministry
Welcome to the CID Life web page! As a layperson myself, I want you to know that this page aims to engage directly with the lay members of our churches in central Illinois. We want to provide an effective resource where you can easily obtain answers to your questions about all manner of Life Issues, and where you can find help in any particular area.
Countless challenges face the Church today. Christians must take a stand against the growing evil in our society that promotes the culture of death — yes, laypeople too. God has put us in this moment and in this place for such a time as this. It is indeed an honor for us to serve Him in this way.
It is particularly important that we embark on this journey under the protection of prayer, guided by God’s Word, acting out our faith in Christian love. If we do, He will surely bless our efforts. He is faithful. We know that victory ultimately belongs to the Lord. All glory be to Him alone!
– Dave Ward, CID Life Coordinator
Illinois March for Life
March 21, 2023
For many, the day began with a Matins service commemorating Joseph, Guardian of our Lord, at Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Springfield. In his sermon, CID President Michael Mohr applied the example of Joseph to us and our responsibilities to care for child and mother as the hands and feet of Christ, the Lord Who died for us and rose again. Click here to read President Mohr's sermon. The host congregation’s pastor, Rev. Paul Hemenway, served as liturgist. Scripture lessons were read by Southern Illinois District President Timothy Scharr, Northern Illinois District Vice-President Cory Estby, and Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod President Matthew Harrison.
About 280 people attended Matins. They ate light lunches from Subway after the service while they awaited the noon pro-life rally in front of the capitol. CID President Mohr and LCMS President Harrison were among the speakers there. Click here to read President Mohr's speech. You may watch the Matins service below or visit https://youtube.com/live/y7xbuochzKg.
Following the rally, the March for Life stepped off at about 1:15. The crowd was estimated at 3,000 - 4,000 attendees. It took just over half an hour for participants to complete a counter-clockwise circuit around the capitol complex. A few pro-abortion protesters had positioned themselves outside the state library building, across the street from Trinity Lutheran Church, but there was no breach in civility. In fact, some of the pro-abortion protesters accepted the gift of lunch extended by Trinity congregation’s gracious LWML ladies.
A video of the rally can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=6108111419275432
Issues, etc. conducted several interviews from Trinity on the day of the Illinois March for Life. The audio recordings can be accessed on demand.
A Prayer for Wednesday’s Child
A Prayer for Wednesday's Child is available in business card size to print and carry with you or hand out. If you would like an actual printed card or cards, contact Ken Schurb at the District office at kschurb@cidlcms.org.
Printable A Prayer for Wednesday's Child card (pdf)
Million Dollar Life Match
Starting in 2022, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) will offer $1 million in matching grants. These funds will help the Synod’s member congregations to support various local pro-life efforts, both big and small.
The people of the LCMS love children and families. Through many acts of mercy in their communities, we demonstrate this love. The $1 million match will mobilize still more love in action.
For more information, go to https://www.lcms.org/serve/grants/life-grant
Links
LCMS DISTRICTS IN ILLINOIS
- CID website Christian Citizenship page
- Northern Illinois District Life Task Force
- Southern Illinois District Advocates for Life
NATIONAL LCMS
LUTHERANS FOR LIFE
OTHER
Dave Ward
CID Life Coordinator
lifecoordinator@cidlcms.org
From Dave Ward
Dave's insights on Christian life.
"15-Week Abortion Ban: A Pro-Life Perspective on the Unintended Consequences"
Illinois March for Life Devotional Guide
For a copy of the devotional guide distributed at the Matins service prior to the 2023 Illinois March for Life, click here.