I spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday attending the LWML Gulf States District Convention in Birmingham, Alabama. This is one of the most enjoyable things I do as an LWML President. I get to attend several of our district conventions that meet between April and October.

Outgoing District President, Judy Lessmann, chaired the convention. Judy and I go way back. She and I were on the LWML Board of Directors as presidents of our districts and our time overlapped during two of those years. She was president 2002-2006 and I was president of LWML Oklahoma 2004-2008. We then served together during my time as Vice President of Christian Life. She served on our Christian Resource Editors committee and our Christian Life Committee. It was great to be at her district convention. I got to meet her two granddaughters who served as pages during convention!

Their theme was “Reign in My Heart” from Colossians 3:15, 17. By the end of convention we were all rejoicing that the peace of Christ reigns in our hearts.

This district is one of the hosting districts for the Mobile convention next summer, June 20-23, 2019. They are excited and are starting to work on their parts of convention. They are looking forward to showing us all some great southern hospitality. Start saving and planning now so you can attend!

They elected a new LWML District President. Gwen Marshall is from Mobile. She has already been a key helper when we have had questions about Mobile. She will be there to welcome us all. In May the Convention Programming Committee and the Executive Committee of LWML will be meeting in Mobile to get the lay of the land and make some connections with the convention center.

It’s hard to believe it’s the month of May already! My goodness, where does the time go! I hope you are not as far behind in getting things ready for summer as I am! I have a sign in my office that says, “The sooner you fall behind, the more time you have to catch up.”

Vice President Kaye Wolff, Junior Counselor Rev. Mitchel Schuessler and I get to attend the Multiethnic Symposium at Concordia Seminary St. Louis this week. I’m really looking forward to it.

Please attend your district convention and spend some time with women who love mission outreach! It’s very encouraging!

Patti