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Connecting Tips During COVID-19

A printable PDF can be found at the end of this article.

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A Time for Everything — Ecclesiastes 3:1–8
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
            a time to be born, and a time to die; 
            a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 
            a time to kill, and a time to heal;
            a time to break down, and a time to build up;
            a time to weep, and a time to laugh; 
            a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
            a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
            a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
            a time to seek, and a time to lose; 
            a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
            a time to tear, and a time to sew; 
            a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
            a time to love, and a time to hate; 
            a time for war, and a time for peace.

Do these verses from Ecclesiastes describe the year 2020? With a COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, economic fluctuations, job uncertainty or upheaval in working conditions, changes in education, and disruption of church and religious activities, the world is indeed in tumultuous times!

What are we — Lutheran Women in Mission — to do? How do we stay connected to each other in fellowship, remain connected to His Word, and continue to connect to others through service? 

We carry on! 

How do we accomplish that when there are national, state, or local restrictions on gathering?

We get creative! 

Following are ideas to assist you and your LWML groups to not only survive, but to thrive, in these challenging times.

THE BASICS — MEETINGS/GATHERINGS MAY LOOK DIFFERENT 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24–25).

  • Adapt when meeting in person. Consider these options:
    • Shorten the time of the meeting.
    • Use more tables and spread out in your space to follow your local recommended guidelines.
    • Wear masks as local guidelines indicate and at the comfort level of the attendees.
    • Skip the roll call.
    • Email or mail the minutes and the treasurer’s report prior to the meeting.
    • Allow officers to make business decisions so more time is spent in connecting to each other and His Word.
    • Meet in the church parking lot or on the lawn while enjoying God’s creation.
    • Meet at a park and bring your own chair or blanket.
    • Make other changes based on your local practices.
    • Respect the comfort level of those who choose to not meet in person.
  • Meet electronically rather than in person. There are many online video/audio options available. If you are unfamiliar with these, ask your pastor or someone in your congregation how to set them up. Chances are good that they have held worship services or met electronically in recent months and can answer your questions. Do not be intimidated to try this! You may be surprised at how easy it is! Consider using:
  • Use both options as the technology is available. For example, those who are able to do so may meet in person, and others may attend the meeting electronically.
  • Continue sharing the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly and meeting items. This may need to be done by mail. Encourage members to subscribe to the eQuarterly if they wish.

HELD BY GOD’S WORD: KEEP FAITH FIRST

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41–42).

  • Continue group Bible study and/or begin a new study. Consider these options:
    • Meet electronically through any of the options mentioned above.
    • Use a closed Facebook group, which participants may join by invitation: (Instructions)
      • Maintains privacy of discussion comments;
      • Secures names and circumstances of individuals being prayed for; and
      • Can be accessed at any time by anyone in the group.
    • Download and access the same LWML resource(s) so that all can listen to or read the same resource for discussion.
  • Continue group devotions. Consider these options:
  • Continue praying as a group. Consider these options:


INSPIRED TO SHARE HIS GOSPEL: CONTINUE TO COLLECT MITE OFFERINGS

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).

  • Share mission grant information in bulletins, church social media, newsletters and so on, so your congregation can learn more about the grants the mite offerings are funding. Have individual Mite Boxes available for those in your congregation to take home and fill. Set the medium Mite Box in a visible location at church so individuals may drop off their mite offerings.
  • With permission from your congregation, place the LWML Mite Box near where Sunday offerings are collected.
  • Drive-thru: Set a window of time for individuals to drive to church to drop off their mite offerings. They never need to leave their car, as someone will be there ready to take the mite offerings through the car window.
  • Curbside or Porch Pickup: For homebound individuals or in the months you do not meet in person, offer to drive to your group members’ homes to pick up their mite offerings.
  • Sunday School Challenge: Incentivize the Sunday School in collecting mite offerings by providing children’s Mite Boxes and recognize the class that collects the most. Motivate the children through discussing the mission grants – especially those related to children – and how people are reached with the Gospel message.
  • Silly Challenge: Set a mite offering goal and, if it is reached, announce that something silly will happen, like your women’s group will wear funny hats to church, your pastor will shave his head, the LWML group will bake a dozen cookies for each church family, or your youth director will dye his/her hair purple.
  • Mission Walk: Set a time to walk individually or with your group. Give a Mite Box offering to support your walk.
    • Walk the streets of your neighborhood or church, praying for each person and home.
    • Pray for specific needs if you know them, or just pray for God’s truth and blessings for each person.
    • You do not need to carry a Bible, pray out loud, or tell everyone what you are doing. Just quietly pray as you walk.
  • Promote collecting mite offerings through use of the Mite Challenge Calendar.
  • Bites for Mites: Take orders for items cooked/baked/canned by your group (buckets of chili, frozen casseroles, cinnamon rolls, cookies, pies, jams/jellies, etc.), and use proceeds for mite offerings. Offer curbside pickup at church for the orders. Add a Mustard Seed Devotion to each order.
  • Bazaar or Craft Sale: Have an online auction of handmade items that you would typically sell at a church bazaar or craft sale. Items may be delivered or picked up curbside at your church. Tuck a Mustard Seed Devotion in with the order.


SURROUNDED BY HIS GRACE: FOCUS ON MISSION SERVICE

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others (Matthew 5:14–16a).

As you look at service projects, be sure to check the donation needs and guidelines of the receiving organization and how things need to be packaged. Consider outside funding/grants to supplement your project.

  • Kits: Mission service can still happen during times when social distancing is in place. Items for your service project can be collected and put into kits so individuals can work on them at home and return the completed projects to church or offer a drive-thru collection time.
  • Use your creativity at home to bless others through coloring pages, notecards, and bookmarks. When completed, these can be mailed to nursing homes, to homebound members, or to missionaries around the world.
  • Drive-thru baby shower: Set a time and date to collect diapers and wipes for a local organization.
  • Work with a neighboring group or zone on a service challenge. (Examples: Hold a contest to see who collects the most canned goods for the local food bank, who assembles the most kits, who makes the most cards of encouragement to send to others, etc.)
  • Christmas in July (or any month): Contact a local residential care facility about needs that residents may have. Collect the items and deliver to the facility for them to distribute to those in need.
  • Care packages for college students: Show love for your college-age members with care packages. Consider giving them:
  • Pastor/church worker appreciation: Show appreciation for all the extra work they have done to adapt ministry during these times of social distancing.

OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT 

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them (Matthew 18:20).

  • Hold an outdoor game night. Consider making it an intergenerational event.
  • Host an event while practicing social distancing where everyone brings their favorite beverage to enjoy while writing cards and notes of encouragement. Be creative in naming the event such as:
    • Thirsty & Thankful
    • Sipping & Serving
    • Coffee (or Cola) & Crafting
  • Start a Christian book club. Connect via any of the ways listed on the previous pages.
  • Gather around a campfire or a fire pit for evening devotions/vespers. This works well while social distancing. Encourage and pray for those in the group and those unable to participate.
  • Connect with LWML sisters while baking together using Zoom or other social media. The host chooses a recipe and sends everyone the ingredients list in advance. On the day of the bake, the host will organize the Zoom meeting and demonstrate the method for making the recipe, while the group bakes and chats.
  • Connect in God’s Creation: Check out local Lutheran or Christian camps for outdoor group meetings, social gatherings, retreats, and recreation.

We know you and your groups are creative, so please share what you have been doing. 
Watch for further updates and more information in LWML eNews. 
Please contact the Vice President of Organizational Resources here.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, 
to the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2:42).

View printable PDF of this article, Connecting Tips During COVID-19

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Posted on September 11, 2020 2:30 PM by System Administrator

How to Be a “Pillar” in Your Group

A printable PDF can be found at the end of this article.

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:11 NIV). 

A pillar is an object used to support a structure. Saint Peter is often called a pillar of the church. He gives us great advice in the previous passage to help us define how we, too, can be pillars. In organizations such as the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, “pillars” are members who are servant leaders and who set an example for others to follow. Strong groups need strong leaders, and strong leaders need strong members. Here are some ways to help build up the LWML group and support the work God has given it to do: 

Be in the Word. God’s Word is our strength. Servants need to be nourished by the Word in order to be strong. Being in the Word as a group and as an individual will strengthen your bond as sisters in Christ. 

Be in prayer as you plan. Don’t be too busy to do what is most important. Praying is a bit like blogging. With blogging, we pour our hearts out in our online entries. We then hope someone will read the entry, and we may look to see if anyone has offered feedback. With prayer, we don't need to wonder if anyone is listening; we know God always hears us. He offers direction and guidance in His Word to inspire us with ways to address our problems, and He delights when we share our joys with Him! 

Connect. People forget 80 percent of what they hear, usually within hours of hearing it, but emotional context helps them remember. Find ways to connect personally with others. Ask questions and identify areas of common interest. Share stories to connect with other women. 

Collaborate. Your sisters in Christ are an excellent support system. Ask for their opinions and listen to what they say. Incorporate their input into your decision making. Work on inclusion; resist exclusion. 

Brainstorm new ideas. Discuss different ways you can serve the Lord with gladness in your congregation that doesn’t involve traditional activities such as serving food. Make a list of every idea and choose two to implement this year. 

Put yourself out there. Go out of your way to greet a sister you haven't talked to in a while. Never ignore someone because you think she ignored you first; she probably never even noticed you were there because she was trying to remember if the oven has been turned off. Do something kind for a sister in Christ with no expectation of anything in return. Your positive, genuine efforts will have a lasting impact. And that's the way it starts — once you begin to reach out to others, they may try it too, because they see it's safe and enjoyable. 

Do the right thing because it's the right thing to do. Demonstrate integrity and stand up to inappropriate comments or decisions. Often all it takes is one brave soul to ask a sensible question, “Do we all really believe this is the right thing to do … is this what God would have us do?” Then more people will feel strong enough to say that they, too, don't agree. That one brave soul can be anyone. With God’s help, it can be you. 

Be Confident in God. He equips those He calls!

Click here to sign up for our leadership newsletter.

View printable PDF of this article, How to Be a “Pillar” in Your Group 

 

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Posted on February 11, 2020 1:01 PM by System Administrator

Time for a “Clean Sweep?”

A printable PDF can be found at the end of this article.

How does your Lutheran Women in Mission group balance the old and the new? What do you save and what do you toss? Are there boxes of table decorations and files lurking around that haven’t been used in years, but you’re keeping them “just in case” you need them? Maybe you need a “Clean Sweep” party!

The “what to save and what to toss” issue also affects our events and meetings. The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League struggles with removing outdated practices and ideas to make room for new ones. Not all traditions need to be dropped, of course, but we need to ask hard questions about saving only that which is really beneficial to our mission so we can move forward in our service to the Lord. 

What works for one group may not work for another, as the gifts and talents of the women differ. Congregations vary by size, rural and urban needs, culture, and demographics. Therefore, there is no one solution for growth that will satisfy every group. 

We need to continue exploring, believing, and trusting that what we have in the LWML is a gift God wishes for us to share with others. The work that we do through our local groups in service to our Lord and according to His will is valued and blessed by God.

Look at the focus of your group: 

Are you in God’s Word regularly? He is the power: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NIV). 

Are you sharing your talents and resources with those in need? He is the refresher: whoever refreshes others will be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25b NIV). 

Are you displaying Jesus as the purpose of your group? It is in Him that we should put our trust: and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord (Proverbs 16:20b NIV). 

A tribute to the late Alma Kern in the Spring 2012 issue of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly includes a quote that she wrote for the magazine in 1968: “Women no longer need the women’s society of the church as a social outlet.” Alma goes on to say that we do, however, have something very valuable to offer to today’s women that is still true today: “We’ve got Good News! Jesus has given us the ‘pearl of great price.’ Let’s display it as a jeweler would — in the most attractive way possible. Let’s tell it with excitement, enthusiasm, and variety.” 

Have you searched for new materials? Free resources for local groups, missions, young women, leaders, Heart to Heart Sisters, and others are downloadable at www.lwml.org. Check out the full range of products and resources at the LWML store at www.lwml.org/store by phone at (800) 325-3040.

What a rich heritage we have and what a wonderful future God is giving to us! Place your trust in Him and point all your work to His glory. God will continue to bless and grow His kingdom through you.

View printable PDF of this article, Time for a “Clean Sweep?”

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Posted on February 11, 2020 12:54 PM by System Administrator

The Power of “Un-”

A printable PDF can be found at the end of this article.

Un- … just two little letters until they are added to the beginning of a word, but then un- changes everything. With un-, “clear” becomes “unclear.” What was “spoken” is now “unspoken.” “Met” is now “unmet,” and “realistic” is transformed to “unrealistic.” When we then add unclear, unspoken, unmet, and unrealistic to describe our expectations of ourselves or our sisters in Christ, this becomes a recipe for “unhappiness.” 

Expectations are often based on past experience or values and are anticipated with excitement. When we work together to serve God, we bring our expectations into the group. Often, everyone involved has their own idea of what should happen, but this is not necessarily what does happen. Because we are sinners and therefore imperfect, unclear and unspoken expectations can surface if we make assumptions that everyone agrees with us. Unfortunately, we do not always communicate expectations to our sisters. We assume they think like us, often because they have not shared their ideas. 

To confuse the situation further, some groups have “unwritten rules” which may not have been communicated to new participants: 

We’ve always done it this way; 

You should want to be part of this activity; 

It is someone else’s turn; 

You should be able to figure this out; 

If we say it is important, it is; and 

You should care about this. 

These rules may be rooted in guilt and tradition instead of a desire to serve. They contribute to power struggles, manipulation, and resistance to change. In other words, if rules aren’t shared, you can be kept from making changes that will make the group “uncomfortable.” Soon the group is “unclear” of its purpose in their service to God. Newcomers to the group are coerced into leadership positions for which they are "unprepared.” They may feel “unwelcome” as their efforts are critiqued, and possibly criticized, by others. 

How can we combat the power of un- in our relationships and expectations? Consider the following: 

Welcome — 
Invite all women to attend activities, even if they haven’t been able to come in the past. Eagerly greet newcomers, introduce them to others in attendance, and thank them for coming to the event. As they join others in the activity and respond to all that God has given them through faith in Jesus, they can more easily feel a part of the group as they contribute to the kingdom. 

Clear — 
Each group has its own set of unwritten rules and rituals. When these are not shared with newcomers, misunderstandings can occur and feelings get hurt. When we recognize past experiences that affect our perceptions, we are free to state our expectations and be “clear” about what we can contribute for the benefit of the group. 

Comfortable — 
Encourage without pressure. Let each redeemed child of God, through prayer and the study of God’s Word, along with the encouragement of fellow believers, decide what they want to share and where they can serve. Then mentor and help them. 

Prepared — 
Through the use of Personal Development resources* found on the LWML website, women can discover their spiritual gifts as well as their God-given talents and abilities. With those in mind, help women find opportunities to serve others as Christ has served them by using these gifts, talents, and abilities. 

When women are invited and feel part of a group where they are valued and wanted, they will overflow with joy and will want to serve the Lord with you when given an opportunity. Strive to eliminate un- from your vocabulary as you connect with other women in mission to Serve the Lord with gladness (Psalm 100:2a).

*Resources:

Bible Studies: www.lwml.org/long-bible-studies
Scroll down the page for: 
Gifts Chosen For You — Spiritual Gifts Bible Study
Bible Studies for Leaders: Christian Leaders Bible Study, Gifted for Service, Mentoring Bible Studies

Personal Development webpage: www.lwml.org/posts/leadership/personal-development

Volunteers in Christ’s Ministry webpage: www.lwml.org/posts/leadership/volunteers-in-christs-ministry

View printable PDF of this article, The Power of “Un-”

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Posted on February 11, 2020 12:33 PM by System Administrator

Quarrel? Or Collaborate?

A printable PDF can be found at the end of this article.

St. Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 12 how the body is composed of many parts, but yet it functions as one body. He goes on to say, in verse 26, If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 

Isn’t that a beautiful picture of who we are as the redeemed children of God, members of the body of Christ, caring for one another? What is equally as beautiful is the knowledge that our Heavenly Father always has a grasp on the dynamics of how we as women communicate, both when we are frustrated or have a problem that needs to be handled and when things are proceeding smoothly. Sadly, our sinful nature always wants its way, and we forget that following this nature leads to a negative result and suffering in the body of Christ. What a blessing it is when we — in response to all that our Savior has done for us through His perfect life, death, and glorious resurrection — can say: Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:4–5).

Have you ever heard a sister in Christ say that even if she can’t control those around her, she can try to control how she responds to them? It is true. While conflict occurs whether we want it or not, we don’t have to make it worse. Here are five possible ways to respond to conflict that can help the process instead of hinder it. Be in prayer as you tackle your conflict and work towards a solution. 

1. Postpone – 

It is at times good to just let things go or put them off until later. It is alright for the body of Christ to pause and look at what lies before it as they consider the Christ-like way to respond. In a heated discussion, it is okay to say that you can’t talk about this now and you need time to pray about it or do some research, especially if a problem might resolve itself. A deep breath, some time in God’s Word, and a good night’s sleep will often change a person’s perspective on the immediacy or urgency of an action. Whatever you do, for the good of the group, make sure the situation is resolved in a Christ-like way and not just swept under the carpet where it can fester and grow into a bigger issue. 

2. Accommodate – 

Sometimes it is appropriate to let the other party have their way. Maintaining harmony needs to be a priority in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. It is alright to give in when it is not a spiritual matter. It might actually be a good idea. God values unity and harmony. How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1 NIV). Maybe you don’t really need to have scalloped potatoes at your next zone event … it is just a thought. 

3. Compromise – 

This is the best choice if you need a quick decision. Prolonged conflict is always emotional and distracting, and detrimental to the body of Christ, so compromise if you need to move past the problem to get on with the important work that our Heavenly Father places before us. For example, in choosing a servant activity for your next meeting, maybe you can come to a consensus to bring diapers and wipes for the crisis pregnancy center instead of one or the other. 

4. Encourage – 

This type of response, especially when you need to make an unpopular decision for the good of the group, should be used instead of forcing compliance which may be met with resistance. Instead of forcing others to agree with you, listening and encouraging would be the way to go as you lead people to a particular decision for the good of the group. The words of Hebrews 10:24–25 come into play here: And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. As you encourage and influence, be sure you are not overbearing or doing it for selfish reasons. Consider this: Encourage someone new to choose the tablecloths for the mission festival. Then understand that it’s not a crisis if the type of tablecloth chosen is not the one you would have picked.  

5. Collaborate – 

Sometimes you can’t just vote to solve a problem. It’s important to collaborate and cooperate with each other. In Acts 6, the Church ran into a situation where the Greeks said the Hebrews were discriminating against their widows in food distribution. This required an out-of-the-box solution where the apostles called a meeting and, with God’s help, they collaborated with those involved to find a solution that was satisfying to everyone. Often this approach is the only one that will truly resolve a problem because both parties are committed to the solution and are satisfied that they have been treated fairly. This involves listening, talking, and working together to find the best solution. St. Paul prays, in 1 Corinthians 12:25, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. This is what collaboration is all about — working together for the good of the group. Collaboration takes time, so be patient. 

Serving the Lord with gladness will probably involve making hard decisions, especially when we step out of our comfort zones and invite others to share the fellowship we have as Lutheran Women in Mission. The key to using any of these techniques is remembering that even in difficult situations, we are all sisters in Christ. Every obstacle is an opportunity to show Christ’s love to our fellow Christians and to offer the kindness and love that He has shown to us, to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1b–3).

for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

View printable PDF of this article, Quarrel? Or Collaborate?

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Posted on February 11, 2020 12:08 PM by System Administrator

Connecting in Our Technological World

A printable PDF can be found at the end of this article.

In our world of Facebook, Twitter, Skype, email, and all of its technological advancements, there are some things that only a human can give: a hug, a pat on the back, a touch of the hand, and the simple act of being engaged with one another face-to-face. Paul sets a good example when he wrote about the apostles accepting him and  Barnabas as fellow missionaries in Galatians 2:9: … they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me …

In many ways, technology keeps us apart. Instead of picking up the phone and calling one another, it is just easier to send someone a text. Coffee time formerly spent with a friend is now becoming a volley of back-and-forth texts. Texting is a wonderful tool when a meeting is canceled or someone is late, but personal thoughts are received better face-to-face. 

Decades ago, women met in churches as a social group. They wanted to get together to share their friendship in person. They also used this time for service by making quilts, sharing mission emphasis, and cooking dinners for the needy. 

Loneliness is an issue facing many women today. Do you know women who work full-time outside the home, plus have children to feed, educate, and care for? How many of these women are single mothers trying to do it all alone? Are there older women in your neighborhood or community whose children and other family members live out-of-state? In a room full of people — at work or even in church — loneliness can still haunt people. Let’s get together and share our celebrations, as well as our cares! 

You’ve heard the rallying cry: “less meeting and more meaning!” This is certainly true. But that does not mean we should forego gathering together. Whether you call it a meeting, an assembly, or a gathering, they are all opportunities to fellowship together in God’s Word. Perhaps invite women to a “no-stress” event with no minutes and no correspondence, simply studying God’s Word and sharing. (Yes, you can have a gathering and “just” study God’s Word!) To ensure even more fellowship, plan it as an appetizer or dessert night, sharing recipes to break the ice. Schedule a sing-along event; Psalm 149:1b says, Sing … his praise in the assembly of the godly! Talk to one another face-to-face, touch a heart with a simple touch of the hand. Take a night off once in a while from your day-to-day schedule and enjoy time with your sisters in Christ. Call and offer a ride to someone who may not want to come alone.

In this technologically-driven world, we forego hours of much-needed face-to-face interaction by staring at a screen for hours and hours each day, losing touch with each other, forgetting the necessity of fellowship. Paul encourages us: Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:23-25).

God blesses us with the gift of technology to use as a communication tool in today’s world, but let us strive to connect in person as well.

View printable PDF of this article, Connecting in Our Technological World

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Posted on February 11, 2020 12:02 PM by System Administrator

LWML Tea Party video

Even very young women know LWML is not a secret club! Check out what these two young women have to say at their own tea party.

Posted on January 03, 2017 2:04 PM by System Administrator

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