eNews Issue #334 — May 11, 2021
Click here to download the printable PDF of eNews 334.
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
2021 Convention
Lexington, Kentucky
June 24–27
Opening Worship — Together, Face to Face
Rev. Robert Mundahl, 2015-2019 LWML Pastoral Counselor
The daily Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) Mustard Seed Devotion sent out this past Friday was entitled “Face to Face Moments.” The third paragraph begins: “The apostle John realized the importance of talking in person. He hoped to meet fellow believers face to face, so that our joy may be complete (2 John 1:12b). Nothing compares to the joy of personal fellowships.” After a year of virtual meetings, the LWML is meeting “face to face” in Lexington, Kentucky, June 24–27, 2021.
A highlight of the convention, the opening worship service, will be held on Thursday, June 24, at 7 p.m. with proclaimer Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier, LCMS Michigan District President, who is looking forward to celebrating the gracious, loving, all-merciful God we have! Remembering the convention Scripture, 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), we look forward to his message of hope and joy.
Convention Keynote to be LWML Past President Linda Reiser
LWML Past President Linda Reiser will be the keynote speaker at the 39th Biennial LWML Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. Speaking on Friday afternoon, Linda, who served from 2003–2007, will share her faith, joy, and experiences as an LWML Past President. She led the 2005 Convention in Tampa, Florida, under the theme, "Live Joyfully as Salt and Light" and the 2007 Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with the theme, "ROCK! Rest On Christ the King."
In her spare time, Linda plays golf and is a big supporter of the Tee Up 4 Mites Golf Outing at national LWML conventions. The golf tournament is the first convention event to raise funds for the new Mission Goal at each LWML convention. Studying God’s Word is her favorite activity. Reading His Word allows Him to shape her and use her for His purposes. Linda believes God has called each of us for a purpose, and she prays that women find that purpose by serving as Lutheran Women in Mission.
New Bible Study Available: “Living in the Days of Noah — Today”
Do you look out the window to the world through TV, the internet, or social media and wonder what has happened to the world? Change the channel from a riot and you find a search for a criminal or a natural disaster. There is nowhere to turn that does not seem to reflect a fallen world.
The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart (Genesis 6:5–6).
How sobering. We can be assured that the sinfulness of the world grieves God even more than it grieves us. What is a Christian to do when surrounded by a fallen sinful world? How do we fight evil and discover the joy God meant for us? The LWML Bible study, Living in the Days of Noah – Today by Terri Bentley, helps us see that we can weather the storm of our current culture by rising above it.
This very relevant Bible study is a sneak preview of what will be available in the 2021–2023 Faith Building Help for Groups packet available at the Lexington Convention. Formerly known as the ReSource Planner, this packet includes original Bible studies, devotions, sketches, and even some new songs for use in your LWML group or personal devotions. But you don’t need to wait for Lexington to enjoy Living in the Days of Noah – Today. It is available now as a free download at lwml.org. Look for more coming this summer in the 2021–2023 Faith Building Help for Groups.
"Text Messages from God, Volume 2" Available Now!
Teenagers have questions — God's Word has answers! Today's teens are dealing with so much. This devotional packet covers topics teens deal with daily: such as anxiety and disappointment, love and gratitude, and so much more.
"Text Messages from God, Volume 2" is a collection of 30 short devotions designed to look like a texting conversation between your teen and God. Each reply from God is taken directly from Scripture, so not only do teens hear messages straight from God's Word, they also see how God has provided direction and guidance for everyday challenges in the pages of the Bible.
This devotional is written with middle and high school youth in mind. It would make a great confirmation, graduation, birthday, or Baptism birthday gift! Give the amazing youth in your life the gift of help and hope from God's Word with "Text Messages from God, Volume 2"! Order this new teen-focused devotion packet here.
Janis McDaniels Receives Aeterna Moliri Award
On Saturday, May 1, 2021, LWML servant leader Janis McDaniels received the Aeterna Moliri (Builders for Eternity) Award from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, the university’s president, called Janis “a tireless worker in God’s kingdom all her life.”
Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, President, Concordia St. Paul and Janis McDaniels
Janis has been deeply involved in LWML over the past 28 years, from her local congregations to serving as the national Vice President of Gospel Outreach. She was also the first African American president of the LWML Carolinas District. In 2018, the LCMS Southeastern District awarded her the Servant of Christ Award. Janis has been a long-time leader in Black ministry, advocating fearlessly for support of Black LCMS clergy and church members. She currently serves on The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board for National Mission, elected to her first term in 2019. Congratulations, Janis!
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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