Gina Franke, middle school teacher and the Chairman of the newly developed Teen LWML -Teens in Christ's Service Task Force, shares the following "letter from God" with her eighth grade girls as they prepare for high school. The message spans all generations! A Letter from God My child, What a surprise - a letter for you from Me! I just wanted to take a moment to tell you what you mean to Me. After all, I've known you for quite some time (since before you were even born!), and I keep up with your every thought and action every day of your life. You see, I created you. I created you to be unique to be special to be like no one else - ever! You are My most precious creation. I am with you all the time. I take you in My arms when you are sad. I lead the angels in song when you celebrate an accomplishment. I give you forgiveness for Jesus' sake when you make a mistake. I love you. I want the best for you. You belong to Me. I share you with your family and friends, but when it comes down to it, you wear My baptismal mark. The mark that says no matter where you go or what you do, you are My representative. People see Me in you and through you, even when you don't want them to. I appreciate you being My light. You are an important part of My work. As I bring this letter to a close, don't forget I am thinking of you always. There is always room for you in My house. When you feel alone and rejected, when you feel happy and joyous, when you feel confused and ashamed, come home. Come home to Me in My Word, and let me hold you in My arms and touch you with My love. You will always be important to Me and worth every moment I have spent and will spend with you throughout the course of your life. I love you more than words can express. God Teen LWML Debuts in Wisconsin Teen LWML is up and coming in the South Wisconsin District! The first meeting of the Neenah-Menasha chapter was held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Menasha, WI, where Deb Kinne, Teen LWML Chairman for her district, is a member. Several young women - many of them new to LWML - helped Deb host the teen event! Deb plans to spark interest by assisting other congregations to form their own Teen LWML groups. Teen Talk Dear Teen LWML Girl: Q: Why should I be a part of LWML? I thought that was for my mom and grandma. A: LWML is an organization of women that come together for Bible study and for support of mission work - both at home and around the world. While it is true many moms and grandmas are part of this organization, it is a wonderful organization for ALL women. Teen LWML - the new branch of LWML designed just for teens - offers you a place where you can support each other through the problems and joys in your life, as well as the chance to study God's Word and learn of its meaning for your life. You will have opportunities to volunteer with local mission work, support mission work around the world with offerings (mites), and make a difference as a teen in Christ's service. Q: My parents expect me to participate in church activities, even if I have other plans with my friends. How do I explain to my friends that church comes first? A: Letting your friends know that your faith life and church activities come first? Hey, what a great way to witness to God's place in your life! By encouraging you to participate in church activities, your parents are setting a tremendous example and showing you the greatest love - God's love for you. These activities are giving you building blocks that will carry through the rest of your life. As far as explaining to your friends, there is no explanation necessary other than, "I have youth group/choir/Teen LWML." Then add, "Would you like to come along and then we can do something else after?" or "Maybe I can catch up with you and we can hang out after I'm done." Any questions for Teen Talk? E-mail us at readersrespond@lwml.org Do you have ideas you want to share? Do you know what LWML teen groups are doing in your district? Please write us and send original or electronic photos to: Gina Franke 104 Fourth Avenue Smithville, TX 78957 readersrespond@lwml.org