Unique and United
That describes the 40 districts of LWML—Lutheran Women in Mission! This is the year of district conventions. As of July 22 following the LWML Michigan District convention which attracted 543 people in Port Huron, Michigan, attendance at the 33 conventions comes to a total of 8238!
With the final seven conventions happening in August and September all 40 districts will have met and not one of those conventions will have been the same. They are each one unique. Each one had a unique theme, different Bible studies, different ingatherings, service events, and mission speakers. The mission grants chosen for funding include grants that are relevant to that particular district.
Isn’t it amazing that although each LWML district has unique characteristics and activities, they are all united under the LWML umbrella. Our vision statement for LWML is that we are 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. We work in our districts (seminary scholarships, food banks) and combine strength to work at national (NOLA 4H New Orleans, prison and jail ministry) and international levels (mass media in Egypt, Ugandan school buildings) impacting lives far beyond our individual capacity to do so.
Why do we do this? Because of God’s love for us! He showed His love for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, accomplishing eternal life for us. In response, we focus always on Him. He invites us to serve Him and others in our work either in our unique districts or our united national organization. We are compelled to tell others that they, too, are unique to God. That they too, can share this faith that unites us all. As Christians we are each unique and all united in the one, true faith.
I pray that you learn about the mission grants, spiritual inspiration, and fellowship opportunities that are unique to your LWML district and support them. I also hope you acquaint yourself with the resources available from LWML and the grants that your districts united to choose to fund at our convention in Albuquerque.
There is so much we can do — Unique but United!
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:4).
