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9-6-2021 September to Remember article

September to Remember


My Shining Light — Kaja Gade


Kaja

I was four years old when I met Kaja Gade — my first Sunday school teacher. She gently “corralled” a rambunctious class of eight boys and two girls, patiently and quietly teaching us songs like “Jesus Loves Me” and “The B-I-B-L-E”. She kept us focused and always shared the Gospel.

Kaja was the first adult I met who wasn’t a family member and she always made me feel like we were part of God’s family. She showed compassion and love, and taught me how to pray, be thankful, and to serve others. She showed me how to be a light for Christ.

Kaja taught Sunday school for 55 years. I am grateful for her servant heart and willingness to share her faith. She touched many lives and , after 98 years of life here on earth, Kaja is now at home with her Savior, Jesus.

Honor someone who shared the light of Christ with you by donating to the mission of LWML on September 14!

Karla Koehler

9-5-2021 September to Remember article

September to Remember


A Faithful Teacher and Encourager

Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches (Galatians 6:6).


There was a nervousness in me when, as a 6th grader, I began my time in confirmation at church. Mrs. Hafer taught the basics of the faith and the meaning of grace. My nervousness quickly evaporated into ease as she patiently taught our class. At the end of the year, Mrs. Hafer pulled me aside and encouraged me to look for a sign that God might be calling me into ministry, because that might be God’s plan. I mentally laughed it off at the time, having other dreams, but that conversation stayed with me. Her encouragement kept open the possibility of pastoral ministry, and this year, I began my 17th year serving the saints of God in Christ’s Church. Her encouragement continues as she sends messages to support me along the path she helped send me upon.

Thank you, Amanda Hafer, for your faithfulness in teaching God’s children, and for your encouragement to me and many others. You truly shine the light of Christ and have been a blessing to me and to the Church!

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9-4-2021 September to Remember article

September to Remember


Lighting up the Whole Sky

The number of people who have been “shining lights” in my life light up the whole sky! They provided light to me by encouraging, challenging, and prompting me; they poked and pushed me. All were used by the Spirit to bring me to a reasonable level of spiritual maturity.

There are those who truly stand out above others, some common to all believers, such as parents, pastors, and friends. My list also includes seminary professors and local pastoral associates. My dad, although not outspoken, was a shining light through his enduring and continuing faithfulness to me. Several pastors encouraged me to enter the seminary.

But my dear Judy tops them all. As my wife, she never waivers, always encourages, and, when needed, gently corrects. I cannot be more pleased and thankful.

Now, more recently, the many outstanding LWML leaders I’ve come to know are in a league of their own, routinely encouraging me to develop a closer oneness with the Savior.

I am exceedingly thankful for these many shining lights in my life!

Pastor Gary Piepkorn

9-3-2021 September to Remember article

September to Remember


Let Your Light Shine

“Let your light so shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

knitted hats

Certain people light up a room just by being there. The women and men in our church quilting group are prime examples. They come willing, eager to make quilts, plastic sleeping mats, and diapers. One member sews bears for agencies in our community and to give as a remembrance to those who have lost a loved one. An honorary member of our group, Millie, age 100 in October, made quilts and crocheted baby blankets and hats until her eyesight failed. She motivates the rest of us to let our lights shine to others.

Working together, we accomplish more than when we’re apart. Every time we gather, we have a time for sharing concerns and prayer requests. Remembering the less fortunate and doing things to help ease their burden is an example of glorifying God with your time and abilities.

How do you use the talents God gave you to remember and serve others?

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9-2-2021 September to Remember article

September to Remember


“First Responder” — A Shining Light

My shining light is a man with a kind word and a prayer asking God to bless His people. He’s a “first responder,” but not the kind you hear about on the news. This man responds with prayer — which should always be our first response.

He serves others daily by visiting with people, counseling and consoling them, and laughing or crying with them. His life is a life of service. He’s been there for me and many others; he listens and prays for you and with you.


Pastor Mitchel Schuessler

When the LWML “I am the Heart of LWML” Task Force first met, we began by looking to Scripture. This shining light quoted Matthew 6:21: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Our treasure is Christ, our heart is with Him, and we show His love by serving others. That describes this man of God; he shines his light in service to the women and men of the LWML and to his congregation.

Thank you, Pastor Mitch Schuessler, for being a shining light for the LWML!

For LWML’s September-to-Remember campaign on September 14, consider donating to the LWML Mission Goal in honor of someone who is a “Shining Light” in your life.

Susan Donnelly

9-1-2021 September to Remember article

September to Remember


Shining Light: My Neighbor and LWML Friend

When we moved to Nebraska for my husband’s first call, we had two small children and were far way from our families. We met a wonderful woman named Norma who welcomed us with open arms, encouraged us, and made us honorary members of her family. She treated our sons as her own grandchildren and invited us to many special dinners, including holiday dinners.

This was not an unusual occurrence. Norma has a heart for service. She provides meals for members of the community dealing with illness or loneliness. An avid gardener, she shares her produce with neighbors, church members, the food pantry, and anyone in need.

Norma invited me to become a member of her LWML family. She belonged to LWML because she wanted to be in the Word and reach out to those who needed to hear of the love of Christ. She taught me where mite offerings went and what it means to live out your faith in day-to-day acts of service as a child of God.

Norma is a shining light and a true servant of God!

Michelle Jenks

8-30-2021 Prayer

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Please join me in saying this prayer, written by LWML Senior Counselor Rev. Brian Noack.

Prayer for Our Nation and World
August 30, 2021

Almighty and Everlasting God, in Your Son You have assured us that You are with us always (Matthew 28:20), that You hold all the might of man, and that You have us engraved on the palms of Your gracious hand (Isaiah 49:16a). In this time of calamity around the world and in our own land, we ask Your eyes to turn in favor toward us and grant us Your protection, Your healing, and Your peace.

Give safety to all who find themselves in harms way in the face of natural disasters from wind or water, drought or fire, especially those impacted by the fires in the West and the hurricane that is affecting the Gulf region. Assist those who have evacuated in finding a place of refuge. Give courage to relief workers, firefighters, emergency management personnel, and all who render aid to Your people in their time of need. Where necessary, provide resources for the care and restoration of life and property, as well as opportunities to bear witness to Your mercy and faithfulness to us.

Be with all who are impacted by the events currently happening in Afghanistan. Protect our armed forces personnel as they carry out their duties in bringing our citizens and others to safety. Be with the Church in that region as they seek to maintain a faithful witness in the face of obvious evil. Thwart the plans of those who seek to bring violence, destruction, and death to the innocent, and turn their hearts to Your ways. Listen to the cries of Your people and be their rock and their refuge. Grant Your comfort to the families of those who have lost loved ones during this time, especially to the families of the Marines and soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice. May the victory of our Savior over death and the grave bring peace to sorrowing hearts.

We pray also, Lord, that You would guide the leaders of our nation and our world to work for peace. Give them wisdom to make decisions that align with Your will and purpose to care for and protect the citizens in their charge. May they be reminded that all authority comes from You, and by Your Spirit, let them seek Your direction as they lead and govern.

Holy Lord, while there is much to be concerned with as we look around our world, we also know that even the midst of our trials and struggles, You are still working Your good among us. We thank You for all the ways You continue to care for our daily needs through the hands and feet and voices of those whose vocation allows us to have our daily bread from Your hand. 

We praise You that, even in the face of challenging times, Your Word still sounds forth so that many hear Your saving Gospel, and by Your grace, turn and live in You. Bless our missionaries as they serve, and give them joy in their vocation as Your witnesses. Sustain Your Church, here and abroad, that we may live faithfully in this world and place all our hope on You. 

In our own Church, we ask You to be with The Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger who begins his service to You as president of Concordia Seminary. May his efforts continue to raise up servants for the Church who proclaim Christ crucified and risen to the world. Bless this new school year for our Lutheran elementary and high schools, our colleges and universities, our seminaries, and all who teach and learn in these places. May they see the beauty of the world You have made, be strengthened and encouraged and their faith, and equipped for lives of service to You and their neighbor in the world.

Most especially, dear Lord, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who by His death has overcome sin, and by His resurrection has brought life and light to this world, who by Baptism has made us heirs of Your kingdom eternally. Give us faith that leans wholly upon Your promises, and renew our hope and our strength as we face the challenges of this life until we are home and at peace, with You, for all eternity; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

What a privilege to go before our Lord in prayer! Thank you for being prayer warriors who trust in His will for His children.

God in heaven, hear our prayers.

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