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Mobile Convention Logo

Last week the convention logo for our 2019, 38th Biennial Convention in Mobile, Alabama was sent out in a news release. In case you missed it, here is some of what was in the news release.

The convention logo for the 38th Biennial Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Convention was created by LWML Graphics Team Chairman Stephanie Kollbaum of Pocatello, Idaho. The theme for the convention is: “In Praise to the LORD!” The logo and the convention theme are based on the Scripture verses, Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations       (1 Chronicles 16:23–24a).

To declare His glory among the nations is the heart of who we are as Lutheran Women in Mission. Guided by the Holy Spirit and God’s marvelous works, we will be equipped in 2019 at Mobile, Alabama to tell of His salvation from day to day. The cross and the heart mark the work of Christ Jesus to all the earth and lead us in praise to the Lord.

The LWML Convention will be Thursday, June 20–Sunday, June 23, 2019, at the Mobile Convention Center in Mobile, Alabama.

The goal statement of the convention is: Led by God’s power, we praise and proclaim the Lord among all the nations. Convention attendees will have opportunity to sing and rejoice in celebration of God’s Word through worship and Bible study. They will go forth in His joy, declaring His glory to all, and telling of His salvation for all.

We will celebrate how Christ is bringing the nations to us here at home in our church body and how we are enabling missionaries to take the Gospel message of Christ out to the nations through our work in LWML.

Graphic artists are great, aren’t they? You can give them your ideas and thoughts and they can create images that capture and represent those ideas in a picture. I’m sure you can put some of your own interpretation into this logo. I hope it will lead you to consider how God’s love surrounds the world and how He lovingly cares for all people. We are privileged to share the work of letting all the world know about His love.

Patti

 

For up-to-date convention information, see future issues of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly or visit www.lwml.org/2019-convention

LWML Convention

Young Woman Representatives

2017 Convention LogoWe were privileged to welcome 81 Young Woman Representatives to the Albuquerque Convention. I’d like to share a message written by one of those young women following her return from convention. Lisa Rhonemus attended her second LWML convention (her first was when she was 12 in Tampa, Florida). She cites the joy her grandmother had working in LWML and attending conventions as motivation for attending.
Enjoy!
Patti

My sisters in Christ, I was extremely blessed to be able to represent our district as one of the Young Woman Representatives (YWRs) at the National LWML Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was there that I got to serve the Lord with gladness alongside other young women from across the country as we collected and sorted the plethora of ingathering items. I got to hear the testimonies of former and current LWML grant recipients and hear how our “Mighty Mites” have helped build schools, provide tutoring to at-risk kids, provide for the physical and spiritual needs of refugees in Lebanon, train pastors, and oh so much more. More importantly, I got to watch as we voted to fund 22 national mission grants which will impact so many lives during the next biennium.

As I have returned to the real world and reflected on my experience; I was surprised by how long it took me to really adjust and grasp what we have done for 75 years and what we do as an organization. I think there are others who struggle with explaining who we are and what we have done as well. In the same way that the Church is made up of people who have been touched by the love of Jesus, the women of the LWML have been touched as well. As Lutheran Women in Mission we are active in the Mission of the Church in reaching the lost and the erring.

By ourselves we are women who deal with the ups and downs of our various situations and try to make a difference in the world. By ourselves we deal with grief and heartbreak while trying to pull up those who have woes much greater. By ourselves we donate a few dollars each month, maybe just two pennies. By ourselves we can cook a meal, give a hug, teach a child, and make a blanket. By ourselves we might be a hand, or a foot, or an eye, accomplishing one task alone. But together?

Together we are Lutheran Women in Mission. Together we can walk to the ends of the world, seeing the needs of God’s people, and reach out with a loving hand (or hug). Together we can raise $1,582,250 for mission grants and together we can change the world by spreading the love of Christ. Together, by the guiding of the Spirit and with God’s grace, we can serve Jesus Christ above all. Together we are the LWML.

Lisa Rhonemus

Pictured, Young Woman Representatives at the 37th Biennial LWML Convention in Albuquerque

LWML Convention

A shout-out to senior LWML sisters from a convention-goer

I met several women in their 80’s and 90’s at the LWML 37th Biennial Convention last week in Albuquerque. Apparently, they are appreciated by others as much as they are appreciated by me! Serving in many different ways, big and small, they are saluted in this Facebook posting by Liz Russell of Kuna, Idaho. Enjoy!

Little Old Lutheran Ladies: some timid and proper, some out-spoken and opinionated, most of them grandmothers, many of them widows. This is what used to be the extent of what came to mind when I thought of this particular demographic. I ought to be familiar with the subject, as the church I attend has many in its congregation. After attending a bi-annual convention for an organization made up mostly of little old Lutheran women, I’ve been reflecting on the true identity of these exceptional women:
1. The many Sunday school teachers I had as a child that gave me a solid foundation for my faith.
2. The 80-year old woman from my church that sends me a card on every holiday and has remembered my birthday every year I’ve been alive.
3. The various ladies that lean over in the pew just a bit when I go up to communion to see which ridiculous pair of shoes I’m wearing that week. “I was hoping you were wearing my favorite pair – those heels with the polka dots!”
4. The 90 year old woman that really isn’t supposed to be driving, but made a trip from Meridian to the farm almost in New Plymouth by herself to visit my Mom after Dad died. “I wasn’t sure I remembered how to get there, but I passed the old Cloverleaf restaurant and figured I was heading in the right direction, so I just kept driving!” Mom said she opened the door and couldn’t have been more surprised to see her standing there.
5. The ladies in their pant suits or jacket/skirt combinations that love and compliment my crazy outfits instead of expressing disapproval.
6. The many widows of our congregation that make a special effort to check in with my Mom every week, and never shied away from the hard conversations and progressive bad news from her the past years.
7. The committee of women that provided and organized countless funeral dinners for families of the church with my Mom, free of charge.
8. The group of Lutheran women that formed a women’s missionary league during World War II, a time when being charitable and spreading the gospel surely seemed of little importance to many.
9. That same group of Lutheran women who still give millions of dollars every two years to support many mission projects throughout the world.
10. The women who traveled to Albuquerque, NM this past week, despite many of them being poor in health, limited in their mobility, or facing tragedy and heartbreak in their home lives, to give yet more of their time to this group. I attended this convention, largely due to the suggestion of my sister. I was running through all the reasons I should be at home in Idaho instead of where I was when the event was starting. As the days progressed, I got the same lovely compliments and encouragement in my faith, but this time from Little Old Lutheran Ladies from all over the world.
These women are to be admired and respected, not pitied or dismissed. I’ve realized through family discussion that my grandmother on my Mom’s side (that I never met) fit this bill. I am watching as my Mom and her sisters become them. What an honor it would be to be one day included in the Little Old Lutheran Ladies Club.

What a blessing to hear stories like this. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Joyfully serving with you,
Patti

LWML Convention

LWML Convention Is Close!

Bags are packed, cats are scheduled at the kennel, meeting agendas are printed off, clothes are clean — guess I’m ready to go to convention in Albuquerque. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you there! It’s so nice that today’s media offers you the chance to watch the convention happenings on your computer at home, either live or recorded for later. I hope those of you who can’t attend will watch and perhaps plan to attend in person when we go to Mobile, Alabama in 2019!

Convention is mainly to accomplish the business of the organization. Over the years we have added many events to enhance the convention experience for those attending. At convention our activities reflect the objects of our organization — mission inspiration, mission service, mission education and gathering of funds for mission grants.

There are three women who have been at the head of planning for this convention. Lois Anderson, LWML Treasurer 2011-2015, from the LWML Utah-Idaho District, is the Host Committee Chairman. Nancy Bogenhagen, Vice President of Communication, from the LWML South Dakota District is the Convention Programming Committee Chairman. Marguerite Christman, from the LWML Oklahoma District is the Convention Manager. These women have worked tirelessly over the past two years to bring this convention into being. Much appreciation goes out to them.

As of Friday, June 16, our registration total was 3,427. There are 83 Young Woman Representatives attending this convention. The Mission Pledge Walk has 1,106 registered to participate. The choir has 252 singers signed up. We will have five Mission in Action speakers telling about their ministries, 66 exhibitors in the Above All Exhibit Hall and programs for children attending with their parents.

This convention is dedicated to proclaiming Jesus Christ above all. Our prayer is that after attending, either in person or through the media, LWML women will be renewed in enthusiasm to do just that!
Gotta run print off my airplane ticket and see if I got “TSA Precheck”! See you soon!

Love, Patti
2017 Convention Logo

 

 

 

 

 

More LWML convention news can be found here www.lwml.org/2017-convention

LWML Convention

Unity

Our LWML—Lutheran Women in Mission convention this next week is a celebration of many things. First and foremost a celebration of Jesus Christ who is above all. Secondly, we are celebrating 75 years as an organization of women in the LCMS. And with that celebration there runs a common theme: Unity.

Lutheran Women in Mission are united in many things and in many ways. Maybe you can add more than I will mention here:
United in the Christian faith … Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
United in our worship of the one true God.
United in service to all people.
United in study of Holy Scripture.
United in sisterhood and women’s fellowship.
United in missionary efforts.
United in moving our organization and its work forward into the future.

All of these things which unite us will be happening at convention in Albuquerque June 22-25. Please join us there or via Livestream from your home or workplace as we unite to proclaim Jesus Christ Above All.

In him [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth (Ephesians 1:7-10).

United in purpose with you!
Patti

LWML Convention

Gifts From the Heart

Tomorrow my LWML group will be boxing up 93 quilts to take to the Albuquerque Convention! Sunday we prayed in church for the recipients of these quilts with all our members. They are one of the Gifts From the Heart donations brought to convention by convention goers. I’m not sure historically, when LWML conventions first started having people bring items to convention for distribution to local and national agencies. If someone knows, please write to me. I do know that like our mite offerings, where an individual’s small but Spirit-led contribution is added with those of others to bring about a tremendous offering, so, too, these gifts will combine for a huge “gift” at the convention center!

Organizations receiving our shared material blessings are Albuquerque Christian Children, a privately funded foster care that emphasizes Christianity; Care Net, a pro-life group working with unplanned pregnancies; Lutheran World Relief (LWR), a Lutheran organization focusing on international disaster relief and sustainable development; and Ysleta Lutheran Mission, providing ministry and human care in the El Paso/Juarez border area.

Our quilts will go on one of two trucks that LWR is bringing. Other items such as new baby kits, school kits, health kits, sheet sets, children’s underwear and, of course, gift cards will make a definite impact in caring for God’s children in need in the immediate Albuquerque area and worldwide. This is so much a part of the heart of LWML! Women who identify needs and work to fulfill those needs. They take to heart the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40, “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”

Buses, cars, suitcases and purses will be carrying Gifts From the Heart—an apt name for gifts given with heartfelt gratitude for the blessings received from our gracious God. If you’d like to add yours, find someone going to convention and send it along with them!

What to bring or send? Click here http://books.cph.org/lwml-gifts-from-the-heart

Gotta run get my gift cards purchased!
Love, Patti

Pictured is Patti and baled quilts at LWR warehouse. 35 quilts per bale.

LWML Convention

LWML Makeover Part II

Last week we talked about LWML receiving a makeover and compared it to a popular TV show called, “What Not to Wear”. After receiving a new “look”, the person with the new look often commented on how much more self-confident they felt. They frequently said that they felt better and had a happier outlook on life and themselves.

LWML is set to reveal a visual makeover at our 75th Anniversary Convention in Albuquerque this June 22-25, 2017. To back it up we look forward to providing more and better ways to enable women in the LCMS to use their God-given gifts in service to their Lord and the world. With resources, education and leadership help, just like the people who receive a makeover, we will have tools to go forward with confidence.

This new look will reflect the confidence we have in God’s continued blessings going forward for the next 75 years. His makeover of us through Jesus Christ is the basis for our confidence. Because of what Jesus has done for us we are moved by the Spirit to want others, who do not know Him as Savior, to be “made over” by Him as well. That is why LWML—Lutheran Women in Mission works to make people aware of those missions and support them financially through our mission offerings.

I pray your work in LWML and your association with your sisters in our wonderful organization will encourage you to face the future with confidence and joy! I’ll leave you with words from one of my favorite hymns:

Jesus lives! For me He died, Hence will I, to Jesus living, Pure in heart and act abide,
Praise to Him and glory giving. All I need God will dispense; This shall be my confidence. LSB 490

Here’s a look at some of our NEW resources. You can find them at www.lwml.org/store :
Dear Mother Book Cover
Text Messages from God coverTogether Is Better cover

LWML Convention

LWML Makeover

I used to love watching the show, “What Not to Wear”! The premise of that show was for people to nominate someone to receive a total makeover – clothing, hair, and makeup. Whether that was an honor for the person selected or not is debatable. That person would receive a gift card to go shopping in New York City after receiving ideas from hosts Stacy and Clinton on what style or “look” she should go for. She would then come back with a completely new wardrobe. Following the shopping trip she would get a totally new hairdo and makeup. Et voila’! She returns home to a party where she excitedly reveals her new look to the friends who nominated her in the first place.

Our LWML organization is about to undergo a makeover. Just like the show, the change has been recommended through friends of LWML, surveys and strategic planning. And just like the show, LWML will receive a new look. In place of Stacy and Clinton we have had James and Audra from Husbandman agency helping with the makeover. Now, after receiving their help, along with input from others, we are ready to reveal the new look!

Our party for the reveal will be our 75th Anniversary Convention in Albuquerque on June 22-25, 2017. We hope you will be part of the party and celebrate with all your sisters in LWML our new look! Along with the new look we will be celebrating the One who has made us new through His sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. The One whose name is above all names — Jesus Christ. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).

2017 Convention Logo

LWML Convention

In Memory Of…

LWML Conventions bring remembrances of all the sisters we have enjoyed knowing and working with in our years of service as Lutheran Women in Mission. That is especially true during this 75th Anniversary Convention June 22-25 in Albuquerque. Our second offering at convention will be for our LWML Endowment Fund. We have used funds from this endowment in the past for leadership training events and planning meetings which bring women from across the United States together for face-to-face engagement, encouragement, and equipping. Wouldn’t it be great if we could build the fund to take more operating expenses from it and thereby channel more money to the mission grants?

LWML has been blessed to receive some wonderful donations and beautiful notes included with these offerings.  I want to share some of these with you and encourage you to share with your daughters, granddaughters, nieces and young women friends. We ask God to help us continue the legacy of LWML with those sisters coming after us!

In Celebration of… being part of this great organization locally, and also in all parts where the LWML shares God’s love; for God’s blessings of a successful liver transplant given to a daughter-in-law; for blessings of children and grandchildren; for being part of the LWML for 53 years; for the wonderful women who serve in leadership positions; of the joy of being active in LWML and in fellowship with other Sisters in Christ sharing the same mission – to help spread the Gospel message.

In Honor of… Elise Saeger Troester who was present at the original organizational meeting in Chicago and the encouragement she gave us young women.

In Memory of… Christian mothers, aunts and grandmothers; of past LWML President, Betty Duda; of faithful friends now with Jesus.

I hope you will participate in the legacy of the LWML by sharing your remembrances along with your offerings.

One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness (Psalm 145:4-6).

In joyful service,

Patti