It is LWML District Convention Time
LWML New England District and LWML Oklahoma District began the District Convention Season of 2018. Here are their recaps and highlights:
LWML New England District
Laughter, hugs, and excitement filled the convention center at the Holiday Inn, Enfield, Conn., as 90 LWML brothers and sisters gathered to attend their 45th Anniversary New England District Convention, April 13–14, 2018. LWML New England District President Barbara Jean Lis presided over her first convention, “God’s Jewels,” based on Malachi 3:17, And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels. One Young Woman Representative (YWR) from Connecticut was a shining jewel as well as four women from the Lutheran Young Adult Corp who became honorary YWRs at the convention. Delegates adopted 12 New England District Mission Grants that totaled $45,500. LWML Vice President of Special Focus Ministries Kaye Wolff represented the LWML Executive Committee by bringing greetings to the assembly and presenting two sessions on the topic, Embracing the Gifts of Multicultural and Young Women. Kaye commented that with the attendees’ reliance on the Lord to provide, they stepped out in faith and approved a mission goal of $70,000 which included district and national mission grants.
LWML Oklahoma District
The Hilton Garden Inn, Lawton, Okla., was bustling with joy and excitement as 213 servants gathered in celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the LWML Oklahoma District, April 13–14, 2018. LWML Oklahoma District President Dianna Just presided over her first convention and welcomed all to this special celebration. The theme of this convention was, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” based on Lamentations 3:22–23, The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The business of the district included voting for 20 mission grants which totaled $104,600; and voting for Vice President of Christian Life, Vice President of Gospel Outreach, Vice President of Communication, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Pastoral Counselor. The objectives of the attendees to this convention were to: † Celebrate His mercy † Receive strength today † Hope for tomorrow. Cindy Steinbeck was an engaging Bible Study Leader; Rev. Dr. Brent Smith was a captivating Mission Speaker; and Past LWML Presidents Linda Reiser and Virginia Von Seggern were the very well received “duet” Keynote Speakers. LWML President Patti Ross, representing the LWML and playing herself in the 2019 LWML Convention sketch, stated, “It was a thrill for me, an Oklahoma girl to be addressing you as national LWML President on the 90th Anniversary of the FIRST district to organize as the LWML!”
Gospel Outreach has a brand-new web page
The new page lwml.org/gospel-outreach combines Gospel Outreach (Sharing God’s Word) and Mission Service (Demonstrating Jesus’ Love). The link to Gospel Outreach Resources has been updated with several new resources. The Gospel Outreach Committee encourages everyone to check back frequently for updates and for new features.
Celebrate Heart to Heart Sisters at the LWML Convention Mobile, Ala. June 20–23, 2019
Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of His salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations (1 Chronicles 16:23–24a).
The Heart to Heart Sisters program has been a blessing and introduced the LWML to many multicultural women of the church. This biennium we are making the Heart to Heart Sisters program available at the district level. This gives women an opportunity to learn about the LWML mission and work closer to the local level; fostering relationships for multicultural women within the LWML. The Heart to Heart Sisters Committee is working on providing programming for the districts that will help women connect to the LWML with support and mentorship. Meet visionary LWML women through the retelling of their leadership by faith in developing a LCMS women’s organization to serve all of God’s people. To learn more about the Heart to Heart Sisters program visit lwml.org/heart-to-heart sisters. Visit lwml.org/2019-convention for updated information about the 38th Biennial LWML Convention in Mobile, Ala.
Your Mite offerings have made a difference by fully funding the 2017–2019 LWML Mission Grant #20 — Prison and Jail Ministry Synod-wide Conference in 2018–$36,500
Christ in His Holy Word has charged us to reach out to those in prison. We read in Matthew 25:36, ‘I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.,’ and we are told in Hebrews 13:3a, Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them.
One of the largest needs in prison and jail ministry is not only the offering of Word and sacrament ministry to those incarcerated, but also in assisting the person when he or she returns to the community. The Prison and Jail Ministry Conference enables over 200 lay and clergy participants from 30 of our LCMS districts to learn about the importance of prison and jail ministry. Read more here: lwml.org/2017-2019-mission-grant-20.
Through your mite offerings, a check was recently presented to representatives of the Prison and Jail Ministry.
Pictured here from left to right at Zion Lutheran Church, Pinckneyville, Ill.:
Rev. David Kollmeyer, Pastor at Zion and Associate Coordinator of the LCMS Southern Illinois District Prison Ministry; Mr. Jeffrey Fick, LCMS Southern Illinois District Schools and General Executive; LWML Southern Illinois District Past President Helen Mayer; and Rev. James Rivett, LCMS Southern Illinois District Head Coordinator of Prison Ministry.
The LWML is the leading group for LCMS women where each woman is welcomed and encouraged to use her unique God-given gifts as she supports global missions and serves the Lord with gladness.
Questions or comment about eNews? Email pr@lwml.org
