eNews Issue #292 — May 27, 2020

Click here to download the printable PDF of eNews 292.

District Convention Prayers

Please join together in prayer for our Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) sisters in Christ from the South Dakota District who were scheduled to gather in convention this week but, due to COVID-19, they have canceled this event. Ballots have been sent to voting delegates, they will be tallied, and reported to the voting body on June 9. An installation of officers is planned via Zoom conferencing on June 14.

Lord, we ask that You be with all these LWML members as they adjust to the disappointment of missing time together in Bible study and servant activities with fellow sisters from their district at this time. Lord, hear our prayers.

Let us also say a prayer of thanksgiving for Lisa Asmus as she completes her four years of service as LWML South Dakota District President. 

Serving Joyfully,
President Debbie

LWML Receives Thank You Cards from Seminary Students

Many thank you notes have arrived at the St. Louis office from seminary students (vicarage and internship candidates) from St. Louis, Missouri, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. The cards express appreciation by the students for the gifts and support received during the LWML hosted seminary dinner on March 9 in St. Louis. The celebration in Fort Wayne had to be canceled due to the Coronavirus. The gifts and notes of encouragement were mailed to those seminary students. Everyone received a gift bag full of LWML items and a $25 Concordia Publishing House gift card.

Below are a few excerpts from those the letters:

“I praise God for all the work your organization does to share the love of Jesus with others. Blessings as you continue to serve our Lord.” — Bob Etheridge

“I am forever grateful for the LWML due to the faithful support while here at the seminary and for their work within the churches when I was a member. My mother and sister enjoyed the years that they served (my sister still serves).” — Mark De Young

“I am very grateful for all you do to advance the mission of the Church, and I look forward to many years of working with you.” — Patrick Baldwin

“What a blessing your organization is to us seminary students. Your prayers, your gifts, your love — all these bestowed upon us without expecting anything in return. From the goodness of your hearts, you grace us with these good things. We thank our Lord and Savior for this graciousness through the LWML.” — Aaron Schultz

LWML President Debbie Larson responded, saying, “These thank you notes are a wonderful affirmation of the hearts of our seminary students. It is an honor to accept their gratitude and to continue to pray for and support these future church workers. I thank God for their commitment and their love of Christ.” 

LWML Heart to Heart District Leader Connections

The Heart to Heart (H2H) Committee has made it a priority this biennium to connect with Heart to Heart District Leaders (H2H DL) who were trained in 2015, 2017, and 2019 prior to the LWML conventions. Each committee member is communicating with a set of leaders, establishing links between the national committee and district leaders. The committee hopes that by establishing relationships, offering assistance, and listening to the needs of these important district servants, they can work together to enrich the program in each district. In these communications, they are asking questions that will assist the committee as they prepare for the Heart to Heart District Leaders training at the 2021 LWML 39th Biennial Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Overflowing Abundance Numbers Grow 

Donna Snow’s weekly live online LWML Facebook Bible study, Overflowing Abundance, continues to draw people. As many as 763 people have joined during the study. The number has grown to 5,000 views total on Facebook, in addition to those who watch the recorded study on the LWML website. Donna appears in person on Tuesday evenings at 8 p.m. Central Daylight Time at facebook.com/TheLWML. Prayer requests are encouraged in the comments, with a commitment by Donna, LWML President Debbie Larson, and the LWML Pastoral Counselors to pray for them. In the past week, a large number of prayer requests concerned loneliness. LWML women are encouraged to participate in service projects of contacting church members — especially those who live alone — with a phone call, email, or card. It may be God’s answer to some of those prayers.

LWML On the Go Podcasts

The Task Filled Life series of LWML Podcasts continues with six new sessions on “Hope.”

Future sessions will be:

May 27: The God of All Hope 
June 3: Hope in God’s Beautiful Planning
June 10: Hope in Changing Lifestyles
June 17: Hope When Old and Gray
June 24: Hope in His Righteousness
July 1: Hope of Eternal Life 

Podcasts are a radio show on the internet that is recorded for listening whenever you want. It is the perfect companion while doing chores or making your car ride more interesting. Learn more about LWML podcasts here.

Teatime via Zoom

The women from Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Hackettstown (LWML New Jersey District), held a virtual tea via Zoom on Saturday, May 23, 2020. It was a joyful reunion since this was the first time the women had seen each other in two months. The tea began with a prayer led by Chikako Drawbaugh, and a poem called “Tea and Tenderness,” read by Co-president Joyce Kennedy. Co-president Juanita Providoshin asked the members to continue their mite giving through the district website.

During the Zoom tea, the women discussed projects they have accomplished like learning new ways to cook, gardening, sewing masks, staying connected by phone with friends and family, and homeschooling. One member shared her and her husband’s experience as frontline health care workers. The group rejoiced in learning about milestone anniversaries, Zoom family birthday parties, a retirement, and most of all, that a long-time LWML member was on the mend from the virus.

Central to all, and at the top of everyone’s list, was praying. Each was thankful for the electronic opportunities to see and be a part of virtual worship services, midweek prayer time, and the live LWML Bible Study, Overflowing Abundance, led by Donna Snow. The teatime ended in prayer and thanksgiving for the opportunity to be together once again. 

If your LWML group has enjoyed an innovative get together for service or fellowship, please share those experiences with LWML Public Relations Director Susan Donnelly.

Lutheran Women in Mission — The Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) is an official auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Since 1942, the LWML has focused on affirming each woman's relationship with Christ, encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries, and to support global missions.

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.

Prior issues of LWML eNews are available on the LWML website.
Questions or comments about eNews? Contact the Public Relations Director here.

LWML Office
801 Seminary Place, Ste. L010
St. Louis, MO 63105
800-252-5965
www.lwml.org