National Lutheran Schools Week will ‘make a joyful noise’

By Caitlin Magness

National Lutheran Schools Week (NLSW) — an annual event celebrating and thanking God for Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) schools — will take place Jan. 25–31, 2026. With nearly 1,800 preschools, elementary schools and high schools across the country serving more than 160,000 students, the LCMS has no shortage of blessings to celebrate.

Fittingly for such a joyous occasion, the theme of this NLSW is “Let’s Make a Joyful Noise!”, drawn from Psalm 98:4 (“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!”).

“Making this joyful noise is about having forgiven hearts filled with God’s goodness,” writes LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison in a proclamation inaugurating the –event. “Lutheran education is built upon Christ and His Gospel, and we are confident in the knowledge that through His Word, Jesus is present in every classroom. … We use this celebration to renew our gratitude, reignite our mission and remind us of the joy we have in Jesus.”

The official NLSW 2026 Resource Manual provides worship materials for each day of the week, including hymn suggestions, prayers and devotions for both students and teachers. Each devotion explores the theme of “Joyful Noise” in a different context such as worship, service or community.

The manual also contains ideas for ways that schools can celebrate NLSW — such as service projects and spirit week themes — and suggestions for promoting the event.

In an introductory letter to the Resource Manual, Director of LCMS School Ministry Dr. Alan Freeman reflects on the theme of the week: “This week is a cherished opportunity for us to come together as a community of believers across the nation and around the world to celebrate the joy and purpose found in Lutheran education. Our theme, drawn from Psalm 98:4, is a powerful and vibrant call to action.

“This week, our students will explore how to make joyful noise in creation, worship, service, community and in Christ alone. They will see that joyful noise is not simply about loud sound, it is about hearts aligned with God’s goodness and mouths eager to proclaim His grace.”

The resources for NLSW 2026 can be viewed and downloaded for free at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek. For more information about LCMS schools, visit lcms.org/schools.

Posted Dec. 18, 2025