eNews Issue #353 — October 19, 2021

Click here to download the printable PDF of eNews 353.

LWML Meets in St. Louis, Missouri

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) Board of Directors, LWML Convention Programming Committee, and all committees will be meeting this week in St. Louis, Missouri. This will be the first in person meeting and training session for the new members of the 14 departmental committees and task forces. 

The LWML Interdepartmental Meeting will be held from Wednesday evening through Saturday noon. Attendees will participate in Bible study and worship, receive training on topics such as doctrinal review, the approval process for resources, and have the opportunity to meet and work with other committee or task force members and those serving on the national level. 

The LWML Board of Directors asks that all prayer warriors keep everyone in their prayers for safe travel and prayers for plans and resources that proclaim Christ, support missions, equip women, and serve others.

Rev. Dr. David Bernthal Receives His Crown of Glory

The Rev. Dr. David Bernthal, Juliette, Georgia, was received into the arms of His Savior on October 7, 2021. Rev. Bernthal served God and the LWML as a national LWML pastoral counselor from 1999–2003, under then LWML President Virginia Von Seggern. 

Fall 1999 Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly photo of new officers:
Helen Bice, Vice President of Human Care; Linda Reiser, Vice President of Servant Resources; Virginia Von Seggern, President; Janet Miller, Treasurer; Karol Selle, Vice President of Communication; Rev. David Bernthal, Pastoral Counselor

Pastor Bernthal served for over 56 years in the LCMS, both as a Lutheran school teacher and a pastor. His ministry in the LCMS Florida-Georgia District began in 1966 as a teacher. In 1971, after his Seminary education at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, he held pastorates throughout Florida and Georgia. He was beloved by the seven congregations he served full-time and the several congregations he served as interim pastor.

He is survived by his wife, Paulette, children, and grandchildren. Please keep his family in your prayers as they mourn his death and celebrate his life. Condolences may be sent to: 

Paulette Bernthal 
104 Lovett's Ridge Road
Juliette, GA 31046-3952

Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or School in Perry, Georgia, or the LWML Florida-Georgia District. Please send donations to: 

Chris Jennison, Financial Secretary
LWML FL-GA District
114 Fairlane Circle
Sanford, FL 32773

Check Out the LWML Mailbox Member Program!

The LWML Convention, summer vacations, and Labor Day are all in the rearview mirror for 2021. Fall activities are in full swing but Covid continues to affect whether groups feel comfortable meeting in person. Are there women who may want to be active in LWML, but are not able to attend meetings or gatherings? 

The Growth and Development Committee has updated a wonderful resource called the Mailbox Member Program. This program allows all women to participate in LWML with activities that might include a devotion, Bible study, service project, and Gifts from the Heart suggestions that can be sent to women, giving them opportunities to grow in their faith, put that faith into action, serving God by serving others. To learn more, visit lwml.org and look for “Group Resources” under the “Service” tab.

LWML 1942-2022 — What’s Your 80?

In thanksgiving for 80 years of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, each member, local group, zone, or district is encouraged to reflect God’s love by blessing others with 80 something. One idea may be a local group bringing 80 cans of food to a food pantry or, for a district, $80 or $800 given in extra mite donations. Get creative and have fun! Be sure to take a photo of your activities. LWML is planning to show a montage of your “80 something” ideas and gifts at the 2023 LWML Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) — Lutheran Women in Mission — is an official auxiliary of  The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Since 1942, Lutheran Women in Mission have joyfully proclaimed Christ, supported missions, and equipped women to honor God by serving others

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