Click here to download the printable PDF of eNews 274.
2021 LWML Convention Theme Announced!
“It is my pleasure to announce the theme of the 39th Biennial Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) Convention in Lexington, Kentucky,” stated Marie Chow, LWML Vice President of Organizational Resource and 2019-2021 Convention Programming Committee Chairman, as she described the theme of the upcoming convention.
“Running the Race … Looking to Jesus”
This theme is based on Scripture verses from the book of Hebrews: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).
The convention logo was designed by LWML Graphics Team Member Cheryl Rackov of Dickinson, North Dakota. She incorporated the shape of the last letter of the Greek alphabet, Omega, and refers to this Scripture passage: “I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13).
The symbol is shaped like a horseshoe, which is appropriate, as horses are a large part of the Kentucky culture. Ancient Greeks awarded horseshoe-shaped laurel wreaths to victors of competitions. In our logo, the laurel wreath symbolizes our victory in Christ. The banner was a method of announcing an official proclamation. Our banner proclaims that we are “Running the Race ... Looking to Jesus.”
The goal statement of the convention is “Looking to Jesus, we run the race set before us and proclaim the joy of the Lord.” Convention attendees will focus on Jesus through God’s Word and Sacrament, joyfully celebrate our salvation with song and prayer, and serve our neighbors through witness and mission. Put June 24 through June 27, 2021, on your calendar! For up-to-date convention information, see future issues of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly.
Mark Your Calendar for Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Make a Difference in a Changing World!
Double your impact! Thanks to two generous donors, this year all Giving Tuesday donations will be matched, up to $20,000. A donation link for Giving Tuesday will be live here on Tuesday, Dec 3. Mark your calendars and bless others through LWML Mission giving!
What is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday, observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, takes the focus off the commercialism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and instead, celebrates giving back. Our goal is to use Giving Tuesday to spread the Gospel message by collecting money and raising awareness for LWML Mission Grants, which share the love of Jesus throughout all nations.
You are being offered a wonderful opportunity to reach others with the saving Word of Jesus through our LWML Mission Grants. Each member of the LWML Board of Directors wrote a personal message about one of our mission grants. Look for these on the website beginning November 19, 2019.
December 2019-2021 Mission Grant No. 5
God’s Word Changes Everything - Lutheran Bible Translators
Martin Luther wrote, “I wish that this book alone, in all languages, would live in the hands, eyes, ears, and hearts of all people.” When people have God’s Word, it changes their lives in ways they couldn’t imagine. Lutheran Bible Translators is training people from churches in Ethiopia and Tanzania to translate the Bible into their own languages as a part of seminary training. This will be a four-year project with 15 trainees working each year. The $95,000 from this mission grant will be used to equip pastors and lay leaders in the translation of God’s Word in the numerous local dialects for the benefit of Tanzanian and Ethiopian people in their everyday worship. You, too, can change people’s lives through the work of Lutheran Bible Translators as they train pastors to translate and bring the saving message of Jesus to their congregations. See how here.
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) Mission Goal Report
Mite Goal for the 2019-2021 Biennium: $2,100,000
Total Mites received to date: $576,321.04
Total Mites needed to reach our goal: $1,523,678.96
Use your Mite Challenge Calendar during November and December to help support our LWML Mission Goal. You can download a copy of the calendars here.
Continue to fill your Mite Boxes and/or donate your gifts online at lwml.org/donate-online.
Remembering Paula Schlueter Ross
Paula Schlueter Ross, former managing editor of Reporter, the official newspaper of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, went to be with Jesus on November 13, 2019, after a valiant battle with cancer. She loved reporting on the events and missions of the LWML. LWML President Debbie Larson remarked, “We thank God for Paula’s service. Her love for the Lord shined through the many articles she wrote for us. We pray that her family and friends are comforted by the knowledge that she is now with Jesus.” Read more about Paula here.
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
