The New Year is just days away. As 2022 comes to a close, take time to reflect on the events of this past year — memories made, events celebrated, times of sorrow or joy — giving praise to the Lord for the blessings of this past year!

Have you ever taken time to recall how you became involved in LWML?  Recently at the Assembly of Leaders (AOL) training, I attended the session What’s Your “Why?” and had an opportunity to reflect on just what brought me to be a part of this wonderful organization called LWML. During that session, we shared our “Why” stories. By doing this, we discovered areas and ways to improve and grow while also gathering new ideas for the future.  

Take some time to share the What’s Your “Why?” Reflection Tool handout at an upcoming group meeting or event. It can be found at www.lwml.org/aol. Looking back and reflecting can help encourage other sisters in Christ to participate in LWML as we move forward into 2023.

Sherry Burger, President
LWML Nebraska South District
2020–2024

Blessed to be Older

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, (Titus 2:3–4).

“I want to be like you when I grow up!” I was in my early thirties at the time, and Louise was my grandmother’s age. She had already lost two of her children, one in infancy and one in early adulthood. I knew her personally when she lost the third of her five children. 

Yet, despite her losses, Louise was faithful in prayer, Bible study, and service to her Lord. Now that I am an “older woman,” I pray that younger women will find me to be that faithful.

Mentoring between women of all ages does not need to be formal. Wonderful ideas for casual mentoring can be found at lwml.org. Type either “older women” or “younger women” in the search bar for ideas on how to reach out to women in your church. Building relationships with them is the first step!

A very blessed “older” woman, 

Laura Strattman, President
LWML Central Illinois District

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Compassion

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28–29).

Recently, I attended a leadership conference for work. One of the speakers was a clinical psychologist. He shared with us that after Covid-19, over 40 percent of the population had been diagnosed with a mental health crisis! Prior to Covid-19, the percentage was in the teens. He closed his session saying the Gospel is the way to healing. Amen!

As Lutheran Women in Mission, we can share the hope that comes through faith in Jesus, our Savior. Listening, speaking encouraging words, and praying are ways to show Jesus’ love and compassion to all His children.

Pam Wiederkehr, President
LWML Oklahoma District

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Comfort and Hope

Recently I was honored to meet the team of Lutheran Church Charities K9 Comfort Dogs that was deployed to the condo collapse in Surfside, Florida. It touched my heart to hear the stories they told of those in such desperate need of comfort. We are in the midst of trying times and all around us are people in need of comfort.

How can we as Lutheran Women in Mission share and focus on the comfort our loving God so richly gives?  

The LWML website has wonderful resources to help us share comfort and hope. There is a retreat/workshop called “God’s Quilt of Comfort: Wrapping up in the Psalms” and lots of devotions and Bible Studies on comfort and hope.  The LWML App is a great resource as well.  

Sometimes sharing comfort can be as simple as sending a card with a Mustard Seed Devotion tucked inside. Try the one called “Begin with God…He gives comfort.” 

He does give us comfort every day!

Gayle Caruso, President
LWML Florida-Georgia District

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We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13a).

Our elected LWML Pastoral Counselors are great blessings! These men enthusiastically give their time and talents to lead us in God’s Word and wisdom as together we serve the Lord. Pastoral Counselors help plan programs and help make sure what is presented proclaims Christ. When challenges arise, they guide us according to God’s Word and will.

Show your appreciation for these servants of the Word with the LWML Tool Kit: Ideas for Pastor Support and Involvement. This kit, found under the “Service” tab and “Church Workers in Mission” at www.lwml.org, contains many ideas to encourage LWML Pastoral Counselors as well as pastors on the local LWML level. These creative suggestions can be used any time of the year. Remember pastors in your prayers, thanking God for their faithful service. 

Diane Grebing, President
Southern Illinois District
 

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And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God (Acts 3:8). 

Running — that’s something I haven’t done for years. And being part of a race? Well, that’s out of the question! Yet in just a week, Lutheran women from across the country will be “Running the Race … Looking to Jesus” as they gather with gladness in Lexington.

Prayers have been offered, and countless hours have been spent in preparation for this event. While we may not actually be “running” to Lexington, as the opening worship begins, many will be mentally walking and leaping and praising God for this opportunity and blessing. 

Unable to attend convention in person? Join us online to worship, hear the mission speakers, praise the Lord in song, and look to Jesus with Lutheran Women from around the country. Encourage others to watch and praise along with you! Go to www.lwml.org/2021-convention and join in prayer for a safe and joyful convention as we praise the Lord together!

Joy in Jesus,
Sherry Burger, President
LWML Nebraska South District
 

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When I was a girl, my aunt gave me the opportunity to volunteer at a summer program for deaf students. It made an impact on me. I learned signing basics and taught them to my dad. We still say “I love you!” — in sign language!

Have you ever tried to follow along with the interpreter at an LWML convention? Or maybe you have always wanted to learn a new language? Here is your opportunity! Why not try your “hands” at learning sign language?

The LWML recently launched a new outreach to the Deaf community: www.lwml.org/deaf-ministry. The primary focus is to educate, encourage, and connect members of the LWML with our Deaf and Hard of Hearing sisters so that we may welcome them as participants at all LWML events. 

One of my favorite resources for this ministry on the LWML website is www.asldeafined.com. Just enter a word like “Jesus” or “Bible” in the search box, and a short video will pop up showing you how to sign that word.

Happy Sign-ing!

MaryBeth Heikkinen, President
LWML Michigan District

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