eNews Issue #296 — June 23, 2020

Click here to download the printable PDF of eNews 296.

LWML District Convention Prayers

Please join in prayer for our Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) sisters in Christ from the Kansas and North Wisconsin districts as they gather together for virtual conventions this weekend. We also pray for the Minnesota North, Nebraska North, Oregon, and North Dakota districts who were to meet this weekend, but will be voting at a later date.

We pray for our sisters in Christ who are unable to meet together in person for their district conventions. May they have future opportunities for fellowship and find encouragement and inspiration through Bible study and devotions. We thank You for the talented women and men You have provided as candidates, and we ask that You be with all delegates, that they choose their new officers and mission grants wisely.

Let us say a prayer of thanksgiving for Brenda Piester (Kansas), Marilyn Hiltel (Minnesota North), Valerie Biberdorf (North Dakota), and Carmen Nagel (Oregon) as they come to the end of their four years of service as district presidents. Let us also remember in prayer Lisa Stirtz (Nebraska North) and Becky Haltaufderheid (North Wisconsin) as they chair their first conventions as LWML district presidents.

Lord hear our prayers.

Serving joyfully,
President Debbie

LWML Texas District Convention

Members of the LWML Texas District celebrated their 41st biennial convention, led by LWML District President Debbie Curry, during a livestream mini-convention on June 20, 2020, that registered over 1,700 hits on the internet. Attendees enjoyed Bible studies led by Deb Burma, Rev. Mike Newman, Rev. John Heckmann, and Rev. Mark Moldenhauer based on the theme of “Christ is Our Anchor.” Featured mission speaker, Don Hoehne, from RioMAC, urged all members to reconnect to the body of Christ. RioMAC is a non-profit organization that assists the Rio Grande Valley’s border mission ministries become increasingly self-sustaining. Frances Molitor, Anderson, Texas, was elected as the new LWML District President, and Rev. David Bass, Hosanna Lutheran Church, Kerville, Texas, was elected the new junior pastoral counselor. A mission goal of $377,500 was adopted.

LWML Iowa West District Convention

Women and men of the LWML Iowa West District originally planned to gather at Camp Okoboji in Milford, Iowa, June 18-20, 2020, to celebrate the theme, “Open the Eyes of My Heart O Lord,” based on Ephesians 1:18-19a: having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe. A one–day, virtual mini-convention was held Friday, June 19, 2020. Jane Morris, Clarinda, Iowa, led her first convention. Rev. Kyle McBee, Atlantic, Iowa, was elected as the new junior pastoral counselor. Speakers included Rev. B. Keith Haney, who presented a message on the Good Samaritan, and Rev. Mitchel Schuessler, who led the Bible study. A mission goal of $214,200 was adopted, along with 13 mission grants. 

Mite Goal Progress as of May 31, 2020

Mite Update

As of May 31, 2020, donations towards the LWML mite goal reached $1,245,103.37 with $854,896.63 to go. Most of our districts did not meet in person for their conventions, spring rallies, or retreats. This has affected both the districts’ mission goals and the national mission goal. Please remember to thank God for your many blessings every day by giving back. Remember, “the LWML is 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” (LWML Vision Statement).

Amazon Smile

Many of you shopped on Amazon over the last several months due to the pandemic. If you shop on Amazon frequently, you know about Amazon Smile, that it donates a percentage of your order total to the LWML if you designate LWML as your charity. It’s easy: Go to https://smile.amazon.com/ to log in to your Amazon account. Select your charity by clicking on “Your Account” in the upper right corner of the site. Thanks to all of you using Amazon Smile, users have generated $1,429.05 so far this biennium.

Mite Calendar

Your task on our monthly mite calendar for June 23 is to “pray for a widower or someone who has lost their father. Share your prayer with him/her. Donate 5¢.” Use the monthly mite calendar to stay focused. Download the mite calendars for both June and July here.

Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly Features

To stay connected with others and with God's Word, consider gathering in–person or virtually, using one of the new Bible studies offered in the Summer issue of the Lutheran Woman's Quarterly. "Thy Word," written by Shari Miller, is available in both English and Spanish. LWML Junior Pastoral Counselor Rev. Brian Noack wrote "Held by HIS Word in Uncertain Times" and Staci Geiger (featured on the cover with her son, Daniel) shared "Anchored in God's Word." Leader guides are available to download and print here.

Lexington Convention Shirts Available Now

The LWML Convention may be a year away, but you can get in the spirit now. The dates are June 24-27, 2021, and the theme is “Running the Race … Looking to Jesus.” A great way to promote the convention is by wearing the new convention shirt. Pictured here are LWML President Debbie Larson and her husband, Scott, wearing the bright red convention polo shirt. You can order yours today by clicking on this link. 

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.

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