LWML e-News #34 LWML: Together in Prayer Welcome to the January edition of LWML e-News. As we begin this new year, we are reminded the Lord has said, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6 In response to this command, LWML President Linda Reiser has introduced T.I.P. (Together in Prayer) and has encouraged "every member of the LWML team to pray for our missions, our missionaries, zone and district leaders, the activities of your LWML, and for district and national mission grants." President Linda has asked that we join "Together in Prayer" every Monday at noon. Please set this time aside to pray with your sisters in Christ. To further support this focus on prayer, the Christian Life Committee has provided us with a prayer you may use. Dear Lord, You are the God of time. Thank You for this gift of a new year. I know You hold all of my tomorrows in Your hands. Help me not to fear and worry about the future so that it robs me of today's joy and peace. Keep my eyes focused on You and what You did for me on Calvary instead of the circumstances around me. Forgive me of all my sins as I begin each new day living for You having been cleansed by Your precious blood. Guide my footsteps as I hold Your hand. Show me the path You want me to take in this new year. May all I am and do be to Your glory to bring people into Your kingdom. Strengthen my faith as You keep me in your grace. In Jesus' precious and holy Name. Amen PRESIDENT LINDA A GUEST ON KFUO, ST. LOUIS "Serving the Lord with Gladness" was the theme of a radio broadcast featuring LWML President Linda Reiser and the Missouri District's Vice President of Gospel Outreach Theresa Wehmeyer. Kay Meyer with Family Shield Ministries conducted the interview on KFUO, St. Louis. President Linda explained that the focus of LWML in all its 63+ years has been on missions and grants to missionaries to help spread the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Emphasizing the Mite Box, she said that in response to God's love, the organization has gathered more than $80 million distributed in 43 countries. The combined district and national mite goal this biennium has been set at more than $8 million. Listeners heard that the hearts of LWML women go beyond the Mite Box. Lutheran Women in Mission have made thousands of quilts that have been distributed around the world through Lutheran World Relief. These quilts are used as room dividers, bed covers and even clothing in many countries. President Linda mentioned that many of our women are also involved in altar care, food pantries, Meals on Wheels, pregnancy centers and many other areas of service in their local congregations and communities. Another opportunity with which LWML women were able to help this year was response to Hurricane Katrina. Connecting with efforts through LCMS World Relief and Orphan Grain Train, they assembled health kits for babies, children, women and men. President Linda said the exact number of kits made and distributed is not known, but she feels certain it exceeds 80,000 kits. WE NEED YOU Did your LWML or congregational group hold a terrific Advent, Epiphany or Christmas event this past year? Were any devotions, sketches or Bible studies written specifically for your event? If so, we need YOU to submit your writings to the Christian Resources Editors Committee at: depcl@lwml.org These manuscripts go through an editing process that includes LCMS doctrinal review and may be included in the new LWML Catalog. Please remember we need you! 2006: THE YEAR OF DISTRICT CONVENTIONS Preparations are under way for the 2006 district conventions. Beginning in April with the Kansas District, each of the 40 districts will meet in convention for fellowship with other sisters in Christ, as well as inspiration through Bible studies, worship services and guest speakers. With a focus on enhancing missions and outreach for every Lutheran Woman in Mission, each district will select mission grants for the next two years. Half of the districts will elect new presidents. No matter where you live in the United States, you can plan to be a part of one of these inspirational and unforgettable events. Visit www.lwml.org/news/index_news.html for more information. PRAYER SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE "Let There Be Light!" is the theme of the 2006 LWML Prayer Service, which is available for downloading from the LWML Web site at www.lwml.org/prayer_service_2006/index.html Based on the three articles of the Nicene Creed, this is a service of reflection on the light of God. The prayer service is designed not only for a pre-Lent LWML event or spring prayer service, but also for any time of the year. THE LUTHERAN WOMEN'S MISSIONARY LEAGUE The Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML), with a membership of over 250,000, is the official women's auxiliary of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The LWML focuses on affirming each woman in her relationship with Christ to enable her to be in ministry among the people of the world. For over 60 years the LWML has been encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries and to financially support global mission. The first issues of LWML e-News are available as text documents; click here: http://www.lwml.org/e_news.html. To subscribe, click the link below and follow instructions to add your email to the LWML subscription list under "Mission and Ministry." "Full Text Version" will include LWML graphics and logo. 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