2009 Highlights

Coalition Members Gather for Lutheran Day 2009 in Springfield
On May 6, 2009, a coalition of Lutheran-affiliated social service, health care and advocacy groups and about 200 Lutherans from around the state gathered in Springfield for the sixth annual Lutheran Day.

Since 2004, Lutheran Day has provided Lutherans from across Illinois the opportunity to build relationships with public officials and each other, as well as demonstrate Lutherans’ involvement in their communities as citizens and as leaders of charitable organizations meeting human needs.

Participants attended an issues briefing and advocacy training at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield, a prayer service and meetings with their legislators. In the afternoon, the Paul Simon Courage in Public Service Award was presented to Gov. Pat Quinn. The award was created in 2004 to recognize Illinois public officials who demonstrate a commitment to just, compassionate and responsible public policy

“We were very honored to present the Paul Simon Courage in Public Service Award to our governor for his courageous stand for increasing taxes to be able to care for people in need across our state,” says the Rev. Denver Bitner, president of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI). “The governor seemed very moved to accept the award named in honor of a Lutheran legislator who led the way for those in our community to stand up for the most vulnerable of our citizens.”

In addition, four state legislators were honored as Legislative Champions for Social Services in Illinois for their leadership, hard work and dedication in representing their constituents and advocating on behalf of the state’s most vulnerable residents. They were: Rep. Elizabeth Coulson (R-Glenview), Sen. Carole Pankau (R-Bloomingdale), Rep. Kathleen Ryg (D-Vernon Hills) and Sen. Donne Trotter (D-Chicago, 17th District).



Lutheran Day Sponsoring organizations included: