Lutheran Women in Mission, what does this mean?

Lutheran Women in Mission, what does this mean? Sounds like a good Lutheran catechetical question to me. The answers are as diverse as the women in the LWML.

Our mission reaches far beyond all the busy tasks of being in an organization. Individually and collectively we offer ourselves to do the work of the Lord in our homes, congregations, communities, and worldwide. Our mite offerings help to supply the needs to mission grant recipients who then share the Gospel with others. Participation in many ministries is not only financial. It involves our prayerful support of their efforts to bring Christ to people worldwide. We are part of the team.

The LWML Mission Grants committee has provided on the website at lwml.org/mission-grants stories, devotions, prayers, bulletin information, and Facebook postings for the current 19 mission grants. We encourage you to use them as a way of getting to know your fellow teammates in the mission field. Connect directly with the recipients by going to their websites for more specific information about their ministry and possible ways to personally engage in their outreach.

“May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:11-12).

Sally Handrick

Mission Grants Committee Chairman 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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It’s a Race!

I am not a runner. That’s why I can relate to the cartoon that reads “I don’t run. And if you do see me running, you’d better run too, because something is probably chasing me.” That is so true!

And yet, here I am, running a race. Hebrews 12:1 says in part “… and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us …”

So, it’s pretty obvious that I am going to need the right equipment and lots of encouragement! One great resource is the Mustard Seed set written by DCE Amanda Stacy, The Race of Faith. She compares a runner's activities with living the Christian faith. Even non-runners (like me!) find meaningful applications for life in Christ. Will you join me in this race?

You can sign up to receive daily Mustard Seed devotions via email. Click here.

Eden Keefe

Vice President of Christian Life
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Then and Now

75th Anniversary Committee

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...a time to plant...a time to speak...a time to build. So says Ecclesiastes 3, and so it was for the women of the Missouri Synod in the late 1920s. They planted seeds... Now it was time to increase the yield by sharing, by cooperating, by expanding. Spontaneously, almost simultaneously in scattered locations throughout the continent, women's societies began building linkages with others that were committed to the Lord's service."

These words from WINGS* by Marlys Taege show the joy and determination of women who encouraged the establishment of what would become the Lutheran Women's Missionary League in 1942. Women today are still connected to these visionaries as they, too, engage in serving Christ through the LWML.

LWML TURNS 75 IN 2017!

Start planning now, encourage your friends and come enjoy the Diamond Dazzle Celebration at the LWML 37th Biennial Convention, June 22-25, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah Albuquerque, New Mexico (updated March 2016)! 

*Copyright©1991 Lutheran Women's Missionary League

Edie Norris

75th Anniversary Committee Chairman 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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M&M's® in LWML

I’ve always liked M&M's® candies.  It doesn’t matter what color, size, plain, mint, peanut, almond, peanut butter, or crunchy.  I like them all!  How about you?

New LWML M&M's® now available for purchase!

Thinking about M&M's® got me thinking about the LWML and all the M&M's® incorporated within our framework. For example, there’s mission ministry, messages, mites, music, meetings, mentors, and magnificent relationships to name a few.

As you grab another handful of M&M's®, think about our LWML.

• Mission Ministry – Mites with a goal of $2,000,000.
• Meaningful meetings and motivational Bible studies chaired by our mentors.
• Messages sent through Media.
• Making Music - we sing unto the Lord. Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! (Psalm 95:1) for the many M&M's® we have in LWML.

So, let’s put on our purple and gold team uniforms, and with team spirit enjoy some M&M's®. Serve the Lord with gladness!

Marilyn Schroeder

Treasurer
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Lutheran Friends of the Deaf Honors LWML

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League has been selected as the winner of 2016 Lutheran Friends of the Deaf John of Beverley Award.

This award is presented only when a nominee is deemed to have made a significant meritorious contribution to mission and ministry to the Deaf consistent with the ideals of the founders. The nomination committee has determined LWML has met their criteria. It is very rare that an organization is honored.

The Lutheran Friends of the Deaf was founded in 1947 by a small group of clergy and lay people who committed themselves to helping deaf individuals both physically and spiritually. Their Mill Neck Manor School on Long Island, New York, was dedicated September 23, 1951. In their first newsletter it was noted that LWML Atlantic District and LWML English District had adopted the school as a mission grant. A more recent grant from LWML was a grant for Bible Story Books in Sign Language and Written Text funded during the 2013-2015 biennium.

During a recent visit, President and CEO, Michael Killian, his wife, Susan, and Deaconess Tiffany Manor presented the letter announcing the award which will be formally presented in Milwaukee following the LCMS Convention. They brought samples of these amazing books made possible by your mite offerings and other financial gifts.

Lutheran Friends of the Deaf recognizes opportunity to share the Gospel with the deaf who are 92% unchurched. They are active domestically and internationally. The school in Mill Neck has expanded its ministry and education opportunities to include children affected by autism and other special needs such as Down’s Syndrome. Services and outreach have expanded to include adult job placement, mobile audiology units, “hearing ear” dogs and assisting our returning veterans with service-related hearing problems.

Lutheran Women in Mission continue to engage in ministry, and to encourage and equip God’s people through their support of missions. LWML women are invited to visit the school when they are in the area. Please take a moment to “enjoy” this award and praise God for His Goodness!

For more information on Lutheran Friends of the Deaf and Millneck School, visit their website at www.millneck.org.

Patti Ross

President
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Stop, Look, Listen 

When Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, he took Peter, James, and John with him. While Jesus was praying, the three disciples saw his face begin to shine brightly, his clothes turn dazzling white, and Moses and Elijah talking with him.

Then Peter jumped in, ready with an action plan. He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5).

How about you? Are you ever so busy with your own activities and plans that you miss hearing Jesus’ voice?

As you head into February and are engaged making plans or registering for LWML District Conventions, encourage each other to stop and listen for God’s words, guiding focus back to Him. He will equip you for joyful service.

For more prompts on listening to the Lord’s voice, consider Hear My Voice, O Lord Devotions on the Psalms

Carol von Soosten

Public Relations Director
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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