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Convention Central Issue #9
LWML eNews Issue #186 – June 30, 2016

Ten LWML Districts Met in Convention June 23–26, 2016

LWML Iowa West District

Camp Okoboji in Milford, Iowa, was the site for the LWML Iowa West District Convention. Officiating over the first convention in her term, LWML District President Ann Carrick welcomed over 300 attendees with the theme, "Generations of Grace," based on Psalm 100:5. The 70th Anniversary of LWML in Iowa West was celebrated as 15 Young Woman Representatives (YWRs) recognized women from different decades. Three convention offerings, a 70th Anniversary thank offering for their district endowment, a special offering in support of Mission Central in Mapleton, Iowa, a pledge walk, and an auction gathered more than $26,000 for district mites and special funds.

LWML Wyoming District

LWML Wyoming District President Danyne Six presided over her first convention in Chadron, Nebraska. With 101 assembled around the theme, “Lord of the Harvest,” convention activities included Bible study, mission speakers, district business, and Jan Struck providing humorous interruptions throughout the convention and during a Friday night picnic in the park.

LWML North Wisconsin District

The LWML North Wisconsin District met in convention under the theme “God Gives Growth,” based on Isaiah 58:11b. Over 330 men and women joined together in Eau Claire, Wisconsin as President Mary Harrington led delegates in adopting nine mission grants for the new biennium. We rejoice with their 65 first timers and 11 YWRs serving the Lord with gladness.

LWML South Wisconsin District

The women of the LWML South Wisconsin District assembled around the theme “Rooted and Established in Christ’s Love,” based on Ephesians 3:17–19. Held in Madison, Wisconsin, President Judy Paulson led the final convention of her term with 289 in attendance, including 11 YWRs and 12 Heart to Heart Sisters. Mites in action speaker, Judy Schultz, from Lutheran Special School and Education Services, shared highlights from her ministry which serves 300 special needs students in a Lutheran school setting. Delegates selected 11 new mission grants and elected Barbara Kaun as the new District President.

LWML Indiana District

"Who’s Your Lord," from Matthew 15:15–16, served as the convention theme as LWML Indiana District President Emily Rogers welcomed 376 enthusiastic attendees, including ten YWRs, in Bloomington, Indiana. Gary Thies, as the inspirational speaker, shared his passion for supporting missionaries to the world through Mission Central in Mapleton, Iowa, and challenged grandparents to be missionaries to their grandchildren. “Before your days on earth are ended, tell them about Jesus and that you want them to be in heaven with you.”

LWML Minnesota South District

Margaret Hesemann opened her first convention as LWML Minnesota South District President in Mankato, Minnesota, under the theme, "The Living Word," from 2 Timothy 3:16–17. Seven enthusiastic zone YWRs, two district YWRs, and two leaders received encouragement from Past District Presidents at their young women’s luncheon. Almost 370 attendees heard Rev. Scott Gustafson, proclaimer for the closing worship service, use his military experience in sharing the Gospel message. “Don’t lose sight of where your home is. You are deployed here. You shouldn’t feel comfortable. If you are, get into God’s Word.”

LWML North Dakota District

The women of the LWML North Dakota District gathered around the theme, "Rejoice in God’s Bounty," from Jeremiah 31:12b–14. President Paulette Huber finished her term in Jamestown, North Dakota. Over 160 attendees, including seven YWRs, gathered for worship, prayer, Bible study, and elected Valerie Biberdorf as new District President. In her keynote address Past LWML President Kay Kreklau (2011–2015) shared observations from her trips to the Dominican Republic, Philippines, and Eurasia, “Each opportunity offers insight on how lives are changed by God’s grace through your mites.”

LWML Ohio District

LWML Ohio District President Ann Marie Bollas presided over her final convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. The theme, "It Only Takes a Spark," from Luke 24:32, focused 287 attendees, including seven YWRs, during worship, prayer, Bible study, and activities. Delegates elected Jeanne Schimmelmann as the new District President and increased their mission grant total. A moving keynote presentation by Tim Hetzner from Lutheran Church Charities and Comfort Dog, Rosie, helped bring visible meaning to the type of work supported by the women of the LWML.

LWML Pacific Southwest District

LWML Pacific Southwest District President Karen Duprey completed her term in Orange, California, with the theme, "Yesterday, Today, and Forever," based on Hebrews 13:8. Convention activities were enjoyed by 315 attendees who also celebrated their district’s 70th Anniversary. Rev. Dr. Larry Stoterau encouraged everyone to get outside their church walls and into the community, not for increasing membership, but as Jesus did in caring for people. Delegates selected 16 new mission grants and elected Bonnie Karch from Las Vegas, Nevada as their new President.

LWML Texas District

The women of the LWML Texas District assembled around the theme “I am the vine; you are the branches,” based on John 15:5. Held in Lubbock, Texas, President Lois Teinert led the final convention of her term with over 500 in attendance, including 12 YWRs and 107 first timers. Keynote speaker, Cindy Steinbeck, encouraged attendees to share their stories. “We are grafted into Christ; we have died and risen with Him into life. The world is dying to hear your story. Whatever you love, tell your story.” At the close of the convention, President Teinert passed the gavel to newly elected LWML District President Debbie Curry.

Are you ready to focus on Jesus Christ Above All at the 2017 Convention?

Keynote speaker Ida Mall often says, “If it doesn’t have anything to do with your salvation (or someone else’s salvation), don’t worry about it.” Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Past President Ida Mall, who served from 1991–1995 and continues to serve and mentor the women of the LWML, says she looks “to actively seek opportunities to share my faith in Jesus with others” and makes that focus her personal mission statement. Her philosophy makes her well suited to share thoughts with those attending the 2017 Convention where the focus will be on “Jesus Christ Above All.”

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