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2019 Interdepartmental Meeting — Inspired to Share HIS Story

The women of LWML expressed appreciation to their national counselors at the Interdepartmental meeting. Pictured are Pastor Mitchel Schuessler, LWML President Debbie Larson and Pastor Brian Noack.

Over 60 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) leaders from across the country convened in St. Louis, Missouri, October 23-26, 2019, for an interdepartmental meeting (ID) under the theme Inspired to Share HIS Story, based on 2 Timothy 3:16–17. All committees, teams, and the Official Publication Staff of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly set goals, objectives, and action plans for the 2019-2021 biennium. LWML President Debbie Larson encouraged all attendees to share God’s Story by using and developing resources and programs for the LWML. She reminded all participants to center their lives on Christ, glorifying HIS name and sharing HIS Gospel.

Michelle Jenks, Strategic Plan Facilitator, led the newly formed committees at ID with a review of the LWML Procedures Manual and the Committee Purpose Statements. The committees familiarized themselves with the LWML Primary Focus and LWML Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives. With those in mind they created committee goals and objectives, brainstormed ideas for new and revitalized programs and resources, and developed detailed plans for creating those resources. Thank you, Michelle for your leadership!

Offerings for mites poured in during the LWML interdepartmental meeting with a friendly competition between the LWML Board of Directors and the departmental committees. Total mite donations of $2,269.55 and round-up-for-mites on LWML store sales of $165.88 came to a grand total in donations of $2,425.43. To God be the Glory!

Of course, for every good program there is an equally good Purple-Mercial (or two). Some of the famous actors modeling LWML products included Pastor Mitch and Arlene Naasz as two famous chefs cooking up an LWML casserole with all of the new LWML kitchen products including measuring cups and spoons, potholders, spatulas and aprons.

The Heart of CHRIST in Us

As Lutheran Women in Mission, we are held by HIS Word, inspired to share HIS Gospel, and surrounded by HIS Grace.

This is the message LWML President Debbie Larson shared with leaders of LWML in St. Louis in late October. President Larson said, “My prayer is that every woman of the LCMS purposefully centers her life on Christ. My hope is that we always remember we are HIS!” She thanked graphic artist Amy Gill and Bev England for taking her rough sketch and developing the logo pictured here. President Larson continued with this explanation of the logo:

We are HELD by God’s Word. Through His Word we are assured of His promises and we gain a better understanding of how to live to His glory. Through Scripture, Jesus declares, “I am the Word …”

We are INSPIRED to share HIS Gospel. Because we are assured of His promises, we are inspired to share His Gospel message with the world. LWML accomplishes this, by the grace of God, through mission education, inspiration, service, and giving.

We are SURROUNDED by HIS Grace. As Christians go about their daily lives they often trip and fall. As God’s children, His grace and mercy cover us and we live in the joy of knowing we are forgiven.

President Debbie states, “Let the Holy Spirit fill you and Christ will remain at the heart of all you do.”

Current and Past LWML Presidents Meet

Back, left to right: Linda Reiser (2003-2007), Debbie Larson (2019-2023), Kay Kreklau (2011-2015), Ida Mall (1991-1995), Front left to right: Patti Ross (2015-2019), Virginia Von Seggern (1999-2003), Jan Wendorf (2007-2011), Gloria Edwards (1995-1999).

Seven past LWML Presidents met with current President Debbie Larson in St. Louis, October 31 and November 1, 2019, to encourage, challenge, and counsel her regarding the responsibilities and opportunities of the Office of the LWML President. Sandy Thompson facilitated the meeting, the sixth of its kind. The Presidents enjoyed time at the LWML Office and attending Chapel at the Seminary.