National Lutheran Schools Week 2023: ‘Making Disciples for Life’

(LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) will observe National Lutheran Schools Week (NLSW) Jan. 22–28 under the theme “Making Disciples for Life.”

The theme comes from Matthew 28:

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (18–20).

The theme, which is the current triennial emphasis of the LCMS, also served as the theme of the 2022–2023 edition of Chapel Talks for Lutheran Schools.

NLSW provides more than 1,800 LCMS preschools, elementary schools and high schools with an opportunity to celebrate the blessings of Lutheran schools and to proclaim God’s work in their schools and communities. To facilitate the upcoming NLSW observance, LCMS School Ministry has developed a variety of resources:

A resource manual with a welcome letter from the director of LCMS School Ministry, a presidential proclamation from LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, and worship and devotional materials for each day of NLSW;

A reproducible, downloadable bulletin insert;

Posters to aid in celebrating NLSW; and

Other resources such as graphics, slides and this year’s NLSW hymns. There is a hymn for younger children (“Once, a Long, Long Time Ago,” sung to the tune of “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb”) and older children (“To His Disciples, Jesus Said,” sung to the tune of “All Glory Be to God on High”). Both hymns were written by Jeffrey E. Burkart.

During NLSW, daily chapel at the LCMS International Center (IC) will feature visiting musical ensembles from several Lutheran schools in the greater St. Louis area. Listen to the chapel services live on Worldwide KFUO, or watch the livestreams on the Synod’s Facebook page. IC chapel takes place daily at 10 a.m. Central time.

Find out more about NLSW at:

lcms.org/schools

lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek

Posted Jan. 4, 2023