It’s January, which means for most of our schools across the District, these dark winter days will enjoy some excitement, fellowship, and fun with National Lutheran Schools Week! Running from January 21–27, 2024, this year’s theme is “Connected”. Based on John 15:1-5, the whole week, students will learn how they are connected to Christ, who is “the vine” and by being connected with Him, there is eternal life and spiritual fruit. There will also be a strong emphasis on the Trinitarian connections with Christ, how the Father sends the Son as a sacrifice for our sins and the Holy Spirit connects us to the Father and the Son through Baptism and the Word.

Educators have been working hard to prepare days full of festivities. To help celebrate the week, the Synod office has many resources available. Not only do they supply the theme of the week, but each day has a related subtheme with daily devotions, prayers, and talking points. Additionally, there are two main hymns that have been crafted for this week: “Jesus is God’s Living Vine” and “In Christ, We are Forever Grafted” with text by Jeffrey E. Burkart. Follow along at your congregation or homes by accessing these resources on the Synod’s website at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek