Leaders in Mission by Linda Bailey During its 60-plus years the LWML has encouraged women to develop and use their God-given leadership talents and skills. Read about some of these women who serve the Lord with gladness in leadership roles. Stuffed Animals Lead the Way! They're bears, bunnies and lambs made by the women of LWML Concordia Circle of Grace in Caldwell, ID. Kathy Bohlken shares, We took the lead and contacted missionary wives Rita Nickel and Sue Pfiel directly to see if they could use the 63 stuffed animals that were being sewn during the winter. These missionary families in Kyrgyzstan, Russia are happy to have toys to share the love of Jesus with children in hospitals, orphanages and rural areas. This group is on the leading edge with a direct "Idaho to Russia" connection. Local hospitals might use stuffed animals. Before you begin a project, check to make sure your efforts are needed. Hilda Maderer Retire? Not Yet! When it comes to committed servant leaders the LWML is abundantly blessed. Hilda Maderer, who celebrated her 100th birthday on December 2, 2004, is a member of the Dorcas Society of Redeemer in Austin, TX. Her dedication to serving the Lord was honored with an open house. Another longtime leader is Helen Wellsandt of Zion LWML in Chappell, NE. She has been a member for over 60 years. Helen has served in every local office and as zone president. One of Helen's favorite projects is making quilt tops and liners for the other women to assemble. In 2004 she made more than 80! Helen Wellsandt St. Paul's Ladies Aid in New Melle, MO honored three members of 50 years or longer. Each was presented with a gold LWML membership pin. Elsie Schroeder (center in photo) has been a member of LWML for 56 years; Carol Diederich and Esther Schwede have served the Lord with gladness for 50 years. "He Leads Me" Bracelet I was very pleasantly surprised when I received a unique gift from my sister-a 23rd Psalm bracelet, writes Emalyn Fritzler, Good Shepherd in Cape Girardeau, MO. A member of LWML for 59 years, Emalyn is always looking for ways to share the love of the Lord. She presented the idea of making these bracelets to her society as a fund-raiser to help with new kitchen equipment. The bracelet is made of silver and colored beads, symbolizing each portion of the 23rd Psalm. Emalyn adds, I don't know who came up with the idea, but we have been blessed with this project and every time I look at my own bracelet, I think of how good our Lord is to us and how He shepherds us every day. The Lord is my shepherd. (white bead) I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. (green) He leads me beside quiet waters (blue): he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness (clear) for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (black), I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Your rod and your staff (brown), they comfort me. You prepare a table (brown) before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil (yellow); my cup (purple) overflows. Surely goodness and love (pink) will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord (gold) forever. Ladies Aid/LWML of St. Paul, Richland Hills, Texas A Second Century The first 100 years of service was celebrated by the Ladies Aid/LWML of St. Paul, Richland Hills, TX. Joan Burzlaff writes, The Ladies' Aid had its beginning on June 8, 1905. Their purpose was "to help and to aid the local congregation in various ways and means." A variety of projects have been accomplished from purchasing an altar and altar Bible for the church (the very first one) to serving fellowship dinners, hosting banquets in Ft. Worth hotels, quilting and volunteering at the Lutheran Braille Center. Joan sums up this way, They used their talents and gifts to serve others faithfully with the strength God provided so that in all things-windows, organ, quilts, mites and missions, dollars and dinners-God may be praised through Jesus Christ. We are looking forward to our second century with joy and eagerness, with prayer and hope in the Lord! NEWS REQUEST Summer 2006-Changing Chapters, Deadline: January 1, 2006 You, our readers, provide articles and ideas for this section. Please take a few moments to write something that shares your group's perspective on various life changes. Consider these questions: How do you welcome and assimilate new members into your group/congregation? What activities or services does your group/congregation provide to support retired people? Does your congregation provide specific support groups for grief, divorce, new moms, etc? What does your group/congregation do to include blended families? Photos are appreciated, but we cannot guarantee return. Send your news to: Shari Miller 3827 Chokecherry East Helena, MT 59635-3404