Have you ever experienced THAT moment in a large venue — a music concert or a sporting event, perhaps — when you realized that you are part of something so much bigger than yourself?

It happens to me at national LWML conventions, especially when the Young Woman Representatives and Heart to Heart Sisters carry in the flags of the countries that have received mission grants through the 75 years of LWML. The visual impact is amazing, but what those flags represent is overwhelming!

Together, God uses us to build up His kingdom and kingdom workers. He uses us to bring the Gospel. He uses us — individually — to be part of something oh-so-much bigger than ourselves. In Albuquerque as we celebrate the 75^th anniversary of LWML, flags of 71 countries will be part of that progression. Thanks be to God!

Eden Keefe

Vice President of Christian Life
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Luke 24: 5–7
And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”

If you read the Gospel of Luke concerning the resurrection of our Lord you will find a point of transition. The women journeyed to the tomb with the understanding that they were going to complete what was left undone. The spices were for the anointing of Jesus because He had died.

That morning, things didn’t seem right. The stone was rolled away and there was no body of Jesus. Perplexed is probably a mild word to reflect what was going on in their minds. It was the message they were given that changed everything; “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” Not being in the tomb is one thing; being risen is completely another. The reality of our lives changes with one simple: but. A change, a transition, a reflection of new truth. Death no longer has power over us because of this victory by Jesus the Christ.

We express it still today with a historic proclamation: Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed.  Alleluia!  May God’s grace bring you joy today and always!

Rev. Robert Mundahl

Junior Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Holy Week waits in relative silence on Saturday. The tomb has been sealed, the guards stand watch, the disciples likely hide in confusion, fear, and devastation. And the Savior lies lifeless, having surrendered all to save his people from their sins.

Holy Saturday. A pause. A space between Good Friday and Easter. A full tomb and, except for the guard, an empty garden. Still. Silent.

Now 2,000 years later … oftentimes, this Holy Saturday is just another day of preparation for Easter Sunday. The youth group needs to get ready for the Easter breakfast. The altar guild is busy arranging lilies and preparing the altar. Grocery stores are filled. Eggs are dyed. We are occupied with busy anticipation. We have moved on from Good Friday. So, what is the rest of the story?

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:56–57)

We know the rest of the story. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

 

 

Rev. Dr. Robert Roegner

Senior Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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“When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss And pour contempt on all my pride” (LSB 425:1). There can be no doubt — Christ had it all. He is the Prince of Glory. Our Savior also gave it all. Isaiah 53 tells us He was stricken, smitten, afflicted, pierced, crushed, punished, led like a Lamb to the slaughter, cut off from the land of the living, and assigned a grave with the wicked. And Jesus delivers it all! The absolution declares it. The baptismal font seals it. The Holy Communion table celebrates it. This is the “good” in Good Friday! When these great truths strike our hearts, we cannot help but sing, “Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a tribute far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all!” (LSB 425:4).

 

 

Rev. Dr. Robert Roegner

Senior Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Thursday: The night on which Jesus was betrayed. The night on which the King served and washed His own with water and Word. The night on which the Lamb of God shared with His disciples the very body and blood that gives them life. As we gather together on this night, we remember Him. We remember the One who loves, who serves, who forgives, and who calls us to do the same. Gathered in the name and remembrance of Jesus on this Holy Thursday, may He ready our hearts to receive what is His alone to give … “Take, eat; this is my body … Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26b and 27b-28) ESV 

 

 

Rev. Dr. Robert Roegner

Senior Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Lots to think about as you make plans for the LWML Biennial Convention, June 22–25, 2017, in Albuquerque, NM. Some things to contemplate:

• Train, plane, car, or maybe district bus?
• Sign up for a pre/post convention tour?
• Make hotel reservation
• Order a convention shirt
• Tee Up for Mites and/or Mission in Motion Walk?
• Shop for Gifts from the Heart
• Servant Events, Noon Gatherings, etc.
• What to wear, especially to the Saturday night "Diamond Dazzle"

Information on all this and more are available in the convention insert of the Winter issue of the Lutheran Woman's Quarterly or online at www.lwml.org/2017-convention

Another important item to consider is your gift to the LWML 75th Anniversary Thank Offering for the Endowment that will help continue the legacy of LWML. Donations may be made online at www.lwml.org/donate-endowment-fund, or mailed to the LWML office at 3558 S. Jefferson Ave., St Louis MO 63118. Please note the donation as LWML 75th Anniversary Thank Offering.

Edie Norris

75th Anniversary Committee Chairman 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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  across the United States have united in the common desire to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. As of March 31, 2017, our Mission Goal for 2015–2017 has been met! Praise God for His faithfulness and the determination of faithful women to raise over $2 million for mission grants! A final total will be released next week after all contributions with a postmark of March 31 have been totaled. Many thanks to all who shared their blessings with others through LWML mission grants.

Please take a moment to thank our Lord with words from our Lutheran Service Book.

Thank the Lord and sing His praise; Tell everyone what He has done.
Let everyone who seeks the Lord rejoice and proudly bear His name.
He recalls His promises and leads His people forth in joy with shouts of thanksgiving.
Alleluia, alleluia.

Serving with Gladness!
Patti

Patti Ross

President
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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