The August Teachers’ Retreat to be held at Concordia University, Seward, on August 9, will focus on the high calling of Lutheran teachers and the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of those teachers.

In Luke 24:32 we read, “Were not our hearts burning within us . . . ?” Some of the disciples spoke those words as they discussed their encounter with the living Christ on the Emmaus road after the resurrection. Our theme for the day, “Lutheran Teachers ABLAZE! – Igniting the Fire Within” captures the spirit of those “burning heart” disciples.

Teachers with hearts on fire have a gift to share with the precious children God places at their feet in the classroom. The gift they share is the message of the Gift God gave to all humankind at the first Christmas, and the gift that Jesus gave as He lived on this earth, died as a payment for the sins of all, rose from the dead showing His power over death, and finally ascended into heaven to prepare a place for His followers. 

Teachers share this gift by the power of the Holy Spirit God poured out on His people on Pentecost. That Spirit ignites the precious gift of faith in the hearts of those who hear the same Word of God that is spoken daily in the classrooms of Lutheran Schools by Lutheran Teachers.

I would ask you to share the information on this retreat with your teaching staff and encourage them to plan to attend. If you wish to print the attached brochure to share with your staff, please note you will need to insert 11 x 14 inch paper in your printer or shrink the page to fit on letter-sized paper. Each principal or director is asked to register all staff who are attending at one time, similar to the registration practices in the past, using the attached registration form or online registration. The registration deadline is August 3.

The Nebraska District is pleased to be able to offer online registration for the first time for this event. The online registration form may be accessed by the link on the right.

Once on the site, click the “Sign Up Now” button and enter one registrant. Click the “next” button to confirm your entry, then add the registration to your cart. Once there, you will have the option of adding another registration. Continue this process until your entire staff is added. You may then check out once and make one payment with your Visa or Master Card. Questions on online registration may be directed to Nichole Hetz at the District Office. Questions regarding the Teachers’ Retreat itself may be directed to Kathy Melton at the District Office.