eNews Issue #297 — July 7, 2020

Click here to download the printable PDF of eNews 297.

LWML District Convention Prayers

Please join together in prayer for our Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) sisters in Christ from the Michigan district as they gather together for a virtual convention this weekend.  

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 to Your glory.

Let us say a prayer of thanksgiving for Susan Gruber as she comes to the end of her four years of service as district president.  

Lord hear our prayers.

Serving joyfully,
President Debbie

Mite Offerings During the Pandemic

During the first half of the 2019-2021 biennium, supporters of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) gave graciously “In Praise to the Lord” (the 2019 LWML convention theme). As of May 30, 2020, offerings of $1,245,103.37 were received with $854,896.63 remaining to meet the LWML mission goal of $2.1 million by March 31, 2021. Thank you, and glory be to God! 

With the cancellations of group activities, zone gatherings, and district conventions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LWML anticipated a possible decline in mite offerings and donations. They have dropped from $91,139 in February to $58,367 in May. 

By the grace of God, the LWML will continue making a difference in the lives of many who are touched by our mission grants. LWML members and supporters are encouraged to give regular donations. Check with your group or district for ways to give. Mite donations can also be made directly to LWML here or mailed to LWML, 801 Seminary Place, Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Thank you for sharing your blessings with others. 

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:10–11). 

LWML Kansas District Holds Virtual Convention

The LWML Kansas District was scheduled to hold their district convention on April 17–19, 2020, with the theme “Be Thou My Vision,” based on Hebrews 12:2 (NRSV): looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. They rescheduled their convention to a one-day virtual event on Saturday, June 27. After the ballots were counted, the district elected Kim Burdett of Olathe, Kansas, as the new LWML Kansas District President, and Rev. Michael Schmidt of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Manhattan, Kansas, as the new pastoral counselor. Highlights from the convention included a Bible study led by Rev. Jay Hobson, a report from the YWRs about their experiences at the LWML convention in Mobile, and the adoption of eight new mission grants. 

LWML North Wisconsin District Convention Livestreamed

On Saturday, June 27, 2020, the women and men of the LWML North Wisconsin District gathered for their 38th biennial district convention. The one-day Livestream convention was broadcast from Peace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. “Jesus Be My Vision,” based on 2 Corinthians 5:7: For we walk by faith, not by sight, was the theme celebrated by all those in attendance. Rev. Larry Yaw, with Senior Pastoral Counselor Rev. Jonathan Wessel serving as proclaimer, led the opening divine worship. A highlight of the convention was song leader Wendysue Fluegge, who is always full of smiles and cheer. The business of the convention, under the direction LWML North Wisconsin District President Becky Haltaufderheid, included voting on bylaw changes, approving 11 new mission grants totaling $110,000, and the election of Junior Pastoral Counselor Rev. Larry Yaw from St. John Lutheran Church in Pulaski, Wisconsin.

LWML South Wisconsin District Convention Goes Virtual

The LWML South Wisconsin District was still able to hold its 38th biennial convention on its original date of June 20, 2020. The convention looked a bit different since it was held virtually, but attendees were excited to carry out the theme, “Our Vision in Christ is 20/20,” based on Galatians 2:20a: I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. The district welcomed Cinda Poppe of Highland, Wisconsin, as the new district president, and Rev. Matthew Gehrke of Trinity Lutheran Church, Dells, Wisconsin, as their pastoral counselor. Katie Schuermann, the keynote speaker for the convention, recorded her message which was enjoyed by all. A special Heart to Heart Sisters video was presented by Mai Nhia Kruse, illustrating how to “Welcome Heart to Heart to Your Group/Society and District Events.” The voting body approved 13 new mission grants totaling $205,000. 

LWML Iowa East District Will Hold a Celebration in the Fall

The LWML Iowa East District convention planned for June 12–13, 2020 was canceled. With God’s guidance, LWML District President Margaret Kistler, and the board of directors, decided Saturday, September 12, 2020, will be a day of celebration. “Under His Wings,” based on Psalm 91:4-6: He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday, will still serve as the theme for the celebration at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca in Solon. Although the Iowa East District did not meet in person, voting for mission grants and officers, took place with paper ballots. They selected 14 new mission grants, totaling $105,000, and a new Jr. Pastoral Counselor Rev. Chris Roepka of Concordia Lutheran Church. The women and men of the Iowa East District look forward to their day of celebration in September.

LWML Minnesota South District Votes Electronically

“Tell Everyone What He Has Done”, based on Isaiah 12:5: Sing praises to the Lord; He has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth, was the theme for the LWML Minnesota South District Convention on June 19–20, 2020. As with other districts, the Minnesota South District decided to cancel its convention. But the excitement was still evident as 300 votes were cast both electronically and by paper. The number of votes cast was up by almost 100 from the last few conventions. An LWML member commented that she enjoyed being able to participate in the convention and cast her vote without worrying about hearing what was being said. LWML District President Deb Vinkemeier announced the voting results of the 15 new mission grants and two new Pastoral Counselors Rev. Rob Jarvis of Buffalo, Minnesota, and Rev. Adam Hengst of Chanhassen, Minnesota. The Minnesota South District is planning to hold a one-day celebration event in October.

LWML Wyoming District Holds One-Day Virtual Convention

LWML Wyoming District President Barbara Schaer and the board decided to cancel their convention planned for September 18–20 in Rock Spring, Wyoming. A one-day virtual convention was held in its place on Saturday, June 20, 2020. The convention was opened under the theme, “Share the Hope of Christ as Lord,” based on 1 Peter 3:15: but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. Through the virtual convention, participants were able to take part in a Bible study led by Senior Pastor Counselor Rev. Marvin Temme based on this scripture. Attendees were also able to see four presentations from Mites in Action Speakers: Rev. James Coretto of Orphan Grain Train, Rev. Dan and Donna Mullholland from the seminary in Sierra Leone, Rev. Gregory and Rachel Sonnenschein of the Wind River Reservation, and Rev. Tim Schnare of the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. All voting for the convention was done electronically and from those votes, 11 new mission grants were adopted and Rev. Norman A. Wacker of Sundance, Wyoming was elected as the new Jr. Pastoral Counselor.

Mission Grant #7 Funding Update

Mite donations for the 2019-2021 Mission Grant #7, “Restoring Hope for Detroit Children and Families — Camp Restore, Detroit,” have enabled restoration work to begin. A disbursement of $50,000 will be used by local workers to replace the rafters and roofs on two houses. The abandoned houses will be used as community outreach centers. Prayers are requested for the health and safety of the volunteer and professional construction workers and church ministry leaders. Read more about this mission grant here.

Daily Devotions in American Sign Language (ASL)

Daily devotional resources for our deaf sisters in Christ are available on the Higher Things website. “ASL Reflections” provides a daily devotional message for anyone who communicates using American Sign Language (ASL). Hearing sisters interested in learning or improving their ASL skills are encouraged to access these devotions for an uplifting message of encouragement as they become more proficient in using ASL. When you click on a specific devotion, you will also have the option to download it, share it, or subscribe and have other devotions emailed to you daily. To view these devotions, click here.

September to Remember

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