LWML > News > e-News > Issue 40

This month as we hear about more district conventions, let us use our "Together in Prayer Every Monday at Noon" to celebrate the birth of our nation and the freedom we enjoy to gather in these conventions. Let us remember ... Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12a (NIV).

Gracious Lord,

Thank You for the priceless blessings of liberty that I enjoy because of the men and women that came before me in this country. Teach me to treasure my freedom and not jeopardize these liberties by my actions. Bless this nation founded under Your godly principles. Give our leaders wisdom like Solomon that only You can give.

Thank You that You are in control of our nation and our world. Nothing slips by Your watchful caring eyes. Help us always to look to You in our cities, states, nation and the world.

Freedom always has a price. Let me never forget that my freedom from sin was purchased at the expense of Jesus' life. Grant each of us continued freedom and peace that the Gospel may continue to be spread and that all may know true freedom - freedom from sin and death. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

FRIENDS INTO SERVING HIM

"Friends Into Serving Him" is for young women who want to grow in their faith and share the love of our God with others through service activities. The format is such that teens learn to run their own meetings, plan their own activities and develop ideas to carry out their plans. This is all done under the guidance of young women mentors.

The Teen LWML concept was introduced at the LWML National Convention in Florida.  Since then, a task force has developed the program and various materials for use by those who are interested in starting a "Friends Into Serving Him" program in their area. Items that are now, or will be soon, available include informational postcards and brochures, sweatshirt hoodies with the Friends Into Serving Him logo, an Italian charm, a journal, a hobo bag (a smaller sized backpack) a designated Web site and a designated section in the Lutheran Woman's Quarterly magazine.  

CONVENTION CENTRAL

June was an exciting month packed full of district conventions across the nation. Here's a sampling of what happened:

Central Illinois District: Under the theme "The Son Still Shines," District President Karen Ruhlig welcomed 402 attendees, including 11 YWRs. The LWML resource area had giveaways, drawings and even a fashion show!

Eastern: The district set a new and higher mission goal and enjoyed Rev. Tim and Rita Nickel, missionaries from Kyrgyzstan, as speakers, A group of 220 learned to "Let the Blessings Flow . to us and through us." Claire Carlson pinned new DP Darlene Byrns.

Indiana: Outgoing President Marge Gruber had 65 first timers out of the 374 in attendance! A mission pledge walk inspired 55 walkers to gather funds for mites as they enjoyed God's outdoor creation. We welcome Ruth Thomas as the new DP.

Iowa District West: President Kathryn Sprecher welcomed 368 attendees and 17 YWRs. Gospel Outreach Committee member Melissa Salomon and LCMS Mission Developer Gary Thies were enthusiastic speakers! Marilyn Schroeder is the new DP.

Mid-South: Based on the theme "Renew, Rejoice, Reach Out" Mid -South convention goers met in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. President Martha Bergeron presided over her first convention. The Passion Play in Eureka Springs was a highlight for many attendees.

Minnesota North: This group from Minnesota actually met in Grand Forks, N.D., under the theme "JOY - Jesus Overflowing In You." District President Laurain Jurchen joyfully chaired her first convention.

Minnesota South: Meeting in St. Peter, Minn., convention attendees celebrated the theme "S.O.S. - Seek our Savior, Share our Savior, Serve our Savior." DP Gloria Kenow chaired her final convention, passing the gavel to Nancy Kohrs.

Missouri: Jennifer Huecker chaired her final convention of 685 attendees, including 75 first-timers. Wonderful servant activities, a Mission Fair and Gifts from the Heart for Orphan Grain Train were highlights. We welcome new President Janice Rose.

Nebraska North: Pat Neujahr led a convention with great mission speakers and YWR involvement. Dr. Jeffery Burkhart, Rev. Bob Scudieri (North American Missions) and Gary Thies spoke. The 290 attendees and 22 YWRs welcomed new DP Monique Wolske.

North Dakota: President Debbie Larson led a wonderful convention with 29 first-timers, 13 YWRs and 195 in attendance. Rev. Robert Roegner (LCMS World Mission) shared missionary stories and Jan Struck (what can we say, but laugh) entertained.

North Wisconsin: President Joyce Voss led 418 attendees, including 17 YWRs. They enjoyed mission speakers Susan Vang, who started the first Hmong LWML society, and Rev. Kue Ly, a part-time mission pastor. We welcome new DP Kim Zastrow.

Ohio: DP Elfrieda Spencer welcomed 21 teens along with 339 attendees. The LWML Resource area was always busy, Gifts from the Heart were in abundance, and the enthusiasm of the YWRs who went to the Tampa convention was contagious!

Oregon/Washington-Alaska: A bi-district convention, possibly a first for LWML, was held in Portland with the theme, "Jubilee - Christ is Proclaimed." The combined convention was held in anticipation of the 2009 LWML Convention in Portland.

Pacific Southwest: JoAnn Bradley chaired her first convention with more than 500 attend and 16 YWRs under the theme "Celebrate! Grow in Grace!" Marilyn McClure was the keynote speaker, sharing her family's experience as missionaries in Guatemala.

Rocky Mountain: DP Mary Marten celebrated the convention with 305 attendees, including 70 first-timers, 13 YWRs and 13 pastors. All of the past district presidents were in attendance and two past district counselors! We welcome new DP Susan Weimer.

South Wisconsin: District President Carolyn Blum chaired her first convention under the theme "Live Joyfully-Celebrate Diversity." 440 guests were welcomed including 71 first timers and 26 YWRs. Dr. Jotham Johann Jhang spoke about CAME ministries.

Texas: DP Dorothy Hunger welcomed over 600 attendees with 25 zone YWRs and 57 first-timers! They must have been great witnesses at the hotel, as a security guard said, "We have conventions here all the time, but I've never seen this much joy."

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The 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.

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