Giving Tuesday
Thank you for supporting missions that by the grace of God will share Jesus' love at home and around the world!
Thanks to everyone who participated in our 2018 Giving Tuesday challenge! You are making a difference in a changing world! Because of you, approximately $48,505.02 was given for mission work on Giving Tuesday! This means LWML met the matching amount of $20,000 made possible by two generous donations—totaling $68,505.02, the amount given to the 2017–2019 LWML Mission Grants.
LWML Junior Pastoral Counselor Rev. Mitch Schuessler leads us in prayer:
Lord, thank You for moving in the hearts and lives of the donors who on this Giving Tuesday, gave $68,505.02 to the mites which go to support the mission projects of the LWML. Truly this is a blessing that could only come from You as You moved people to respond in this way. May we use these gifts for the good of others, that they may hear the good news of salvation, the news that the Light has come into this world to bring hope and salvation. Lord, truly You are a good and gracious God, who hears the cry of Your people and makes possible the ability to carry out the mission and ministry of the Church as the LWML works to support this mission and ministry. To You be all glory and praise. Amen.
2017–2019 LWML MISSION GRANT #20 - $36,500
Prison and Jail Ministry Synod-wide Conference in 2018
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 as well as networking with one another for best practices and support of each other in a very difficult mission and ministry. A number of LCMS districts are already doing, or are starting up a Prison and Jail Ministry, and a Synod-wide conference will allow these to continue and expand as changes and new developments continue in the federal and state criminal justice systems. By your mite offerings, mission grant funds helped pay for the expenses involved in hosting the conference.
The LWML Office recently received the following email message:
Dear Friends,
I remembered how the LWML helped me prepare for pastoral ministry 28 years ago. As I prepare to lead both a congregation and inmates to remember LWML Sunday tomorrow, I sketched a list of what God has done through the help of the LWML:
- Served four congregations as called pastor.
- Served four vacancies.
- Founded three congregations within federal prisons.
- Delivered 1600 sermons.
- Led 850 Bible studies.
- Introduced Lutheran liturgy and hymnody in seven federal prisons.
- Witnessed during hundreds of death notifications.
- Assisted in the conversion of staff and inmates.
- Prevented numerous suicides of staff and inmates.
- Lead incarcerated husbands and fathers in Bible study.
- Trained others to expand that ministry by adding new classes aimed at faith-based re-entry, especially marital helps.
Were it not for the LWML, these things would not have happened or would have been significantly reduced. Truly, Mite Boxes and committed hearts are powerfully used by the Lord.
Thank you,
Rev. Russell Helbig, Supervisory Chaplain
Administrative U.S. Penitentiary, Thomson, IL
2019 LWML Convention
Information and registration materials are in the winter issue of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly.
To receive a copy, visit www.lwml.org/lutheran-womans-quarterly.
LWML Convention housing reservations open January 2, 2019.
LWML Convention early discounted registration opens February 1, 2019.
Come to the LWML Convention early on Wednesday, June 19 to the picturesque Magnolia Grove – Crossings Golf Course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and join Past LWML Presidents Linda Reiser and Gloria Edwards, both avid golfers, for a fun morning of golf and fellowship in supporting missions.
The fifth biennial “Tee Up 4 Mites” golf outing is a great opportunity to play a round of golf on this prestigious course, to have a fun day of recreation and fellowship, and to make our LWML mission visible in the community as we raise funds for our mission goal. Golf club rentals are available with prior reservations. All net proceeds will be given to mites for the 2019–2021 Mission Goal.
To learn more about additional 2019 LWML Convention details, visit www.lwml.org/2019-convention.
Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF)
2018 Fall Leadership Conference
LWML President Patti Ross and LWML Treasurer Marilyn Schroeder participated in the LCEF Fall Leadership Conference, November 16–18 in San Diego, Calif., based on Mark 10:43–44 and under the theme, Lead Boldly!, the third and final focus of the themes, Live Boldly! And Love Boldly! Nearly 700 leaders from the LCMS, church and school administrators, teachers, missionaries, pastors, LCEF delegates, volunteers, and staff members were in attendance for the conference which events included making “Blessing Bags” for U.S. Navy sailors, enjoying Bible studies, worshipping together at the Divine Service, listening to speakers, and participating in the LCEF Annual Meeting.
2021 LWML Convention Host Committee Chairman Announced
The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League happily announces the Host Committee Chairman for the 2021 LWML Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. Ruth Thomas of Columbus, Indiana, LWML Indiana District, has accepted the appointment. Ruth says that when she was asked to consider this position, she looked for confirmation. It was given to her in Isaiah 41:10, fear not, for I am with you; be not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Ruth, a former LWML Indiana District President and avid mission worker, has attended 12 LWML conventions over the years. Ruth says, “I attended my very first international LWML convention in 1971 when the LWML Indiana District hosted the convention in Louisville. As a young woman, I served one day as a hostess. I was so impressed and in awe of the speakers and ladies who could stand before thousands of people! My next convention was in Laramie, WY. Now I understood how the mission of our church was served by women through word and action, locally and worldwide. I was hooked!” Ruth has traveled extensively on mission trips to Africa, Latin America, Alaska, American Indian reservations, and with Laborers for Christ. She also worked disaster relief in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Houston.
The 2021 LWML Convention in Lexington is being hosted by three LWML districts — LWML Indiana, LWML Michigan, and LWML Ohio. Welcome aboard, Ruth!
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
