Jesus — Our Better Friend

“But I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you” (John 15:15b–16a).

My best friend and I have known each other for decades. We laugh together, cry together, try to solve problems together, listen to each other, and pray for one another.

We all have an even better friend — Jesus. A litany on “Our Best Friend, Jesus” is on pages 325–326 in the current LWML Planner. The 2025–2027 planner is easy to download — go to the LWML webpage and search for “Planner” or use this link: Seek, Pray, Serve. Within the planner are many wonderful resources, many written by Lutheran Women in Mission friends.

While we appreciate our earthly friends, what a joy and comfort to know we have an even better friend in Jesus.

Arlene Naasz

Vice President of Organizational Resources
Lutheran Women in Mission

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What is Interdepartmental??

Interdepartmental (ID) is held in October following an LWML convention. New LWML committee assignments were determined by the LWML President and the Board of Directors. These assignments were made after much prayer by both the potential committee members and the Board, as God-given gifts are offered and accepted.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit … and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone (1 Corinthians 12:4, 6).

The preparations are well underway for an uplifting and productive meeting. Committees will be developing their plans and learning how they contribute to the ministry and mission of the LWML, with the goal of integrating our LWML mission statement into each program they propose.

Please keep Interdepartmental and Board of Directors Meetings in your prayers for the week of October 22. Perhaps next time, you would pray about and complete the Personnel Resource Profile (PRP) of your God-given gifts for short-term or committee assignments.

Nila Rodriguez

Treasurer
Lutheran Women in Mission

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God’s Plan

I definitely like to be organized, so I make a list of tasks to accomplish. Of course, I am a “check-off the list” kind of person and feel good when I have finished the list!

Recently, my devotional readings have centered on being in tune with God’s plan and His timing.

The Greek words for time: Chronos and Kairos help us understand our time.

This is Chronos time: tasks — digging a hole and digging ourselves out. Chronos time is the time of our own agendas … making our to-do lists and setting our minds on doing them with no interruptions.

Kairos is about rhythm — about God's time, God's timing, God's timetable. The gentle rolling hills of God's time. God's time — a rhythm of His setting. It is God's rhythm of life. God's agenda.

The devotion, God’s Plan for One Ordinary Woman, reminds us of following God’s plan that leads to a full life.

Karol Selle

Vice President of Special Focus Ministries
Lutheran Women in Mission

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Care for Widows

In the past month I attended two funerals for men in our congregation and mourned with their widows. I noticed how many other widows we have in our congregation. So many of my friends are experiencing widowhood now. What can I do to encourage and support them? In the LWML SHOP we have two devotional books for widows: Life After … Devotions for Widows and Life Continues on … Devotions for Widows. These devotions were written by widows for widows and are wonderful resources for widows and the people who care for them. They make great gifts and are good resources for pastors and caregivers.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:4).

Debbie Yocky

Public Relations Director
Lutheran Women in Mission

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Breathe Scripture

I have a sticker on my computer keyboard that simply says, “Breathe.”

It reminds me to pause and take a breath – a deep breath. Focus. Is this a moment that I need to thank God? Ask for His guidance? Cry out for help?

I often go to the Psalms to help me take a deep breath as I read Scripture and then allow myself to exhale as I’m reminded of His comfort, peace, and forgiveness. There are a number of NEW resources in the Seek, Pray, Serve two-year planner. Maybe you’d like to use the devotion, “The Psalms – Finding God’s Words of Comfort” for an upcoming meeting – or just for your personal devotion time. It is found on page 294. Click the link above to download the Planner so you have it handy this biennium.

Eden Keefe

President, 2023–2027
Lutheran Women in Mission

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Some Cool Time in the Word

In many parts of the country, September has brought cooler temperatures, especially in the early hours of the day and in the evening. A nice cup of hot chocolate or hot tea or flavored coffee delights you as you spend time in the Word and in prayer with our Lord.

Take time to look at the LWML resources, such as Mustard Seeds, that can direct your thoughts to the Creator of these wonderful fall moments. Think about your neighbors and friends and family, and share not just time, but also one of these devotions.

You can read the daily Mustard Seed online or sign up to receive one each day in your email at lwml.org/mustard-seed-devotions.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Dianna Just

Recording Secretary
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Serve the Lord

Fall has always been my favorite time of the year. God provides such beauty in the changing colors. I love the cooler temperatures. I must admit, I love routine and the schedules fall brings as well — back to school, sports calendars, organized church activities, and just plain old structure after the unscheduled days of summer.

As you begin to think about your fall planning, I encourage you to view the Mission Service Activities on the Gospel Outreach page. This page has some wonderful resources that bring service, mission, and God’s Word together. Last biennium, I had the privilege to serve as the chairman of the Gospel Outreach Committee. We spent some time reviewing the existing Mission Service activities and updating them to make them more current and relevant.

Whether you are planning for your women’s group, a child's activity, or a family night, you will find some great ideas using the resources. How blessed it is to be able to serve together with your church community!

Serve the Lord with gladness! (Psalm 100:2).

Anne Hartman

Vice President of Gospel Outreach
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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