AboutDebbie, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission, LWML Convention

Hope in the Midst of Heartbreak

This last week was a difficult one as news of a tragic death caused shock and helplessness. When someone you love is hurting you want to make it better. Many times, you simply can’t. When there is nothing I can do to ease the pain, I go to the only One who can provide hope, comfort, and peace.

When someone we love is suffering, the world often asks why. I ask why! Why does God allow such pain? I think the simple answer is we just don’t know. What we do know is that Jesus said there would be suffering in this world. He also said He has overcome the world. (John 16:33).

Many times, there seems to be no answer for why tragedy happens, at least no answers that we find satisfactory. We live in a broken world, filled with sin. Suffering and death are part of this world. What wonderful assurance we have that Jesus has overcome the world. Jesus conquered sin, death, and the power of the devil and, as His redeemed children, we live in victory with Him.

As a Christian, I still mourn when someone I love dies or when someone I love experiences a tragedy, but I know that this is not the end of the story. This world is not my home. I hope, when I spend time with those that have recently lost loved ones, when sorrow and pain overflow, that I can share the hope I have in Jesus. This hope is for all those who believe Jesus is their Savior.

I also hope that I never wait for tragedy to share the message of the Gospel. Indeed, tragedy will strike all of us at some point in our lives. Let’s boldly and confidently share Jesus now. It’s true that sometimes we just don’t know what to say. If that happens, I will call upon the Holy Spirit to give me the words and also trust that sometimes my presence may be exactly what a hurting friend needs, even without words.

Many good things happened this week. The LWML Board of Directors has decided that we will be “Running the Race … Looking to Jesus” in-person in Lexington, Kentucky, June 24–27 2021. Plans to move forward, trusting that this is God’s will, give me much to do and it is exciting to see events beginning to take place, even as we remain mindful of all safety protocols. As I make plans to attend a funeral, I’m reminded of the importance of sharing hope, especially
in the midst of heartbreak.

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
Debbie

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Engage, Encourage, Equip and Enjoy!

That’s been my theme over the past four years while serving you as LWML President. As you read this I am already in Mobile for our convention this week. Monday in Mobile, the Convention Planning Committee meets in the morning. In the afternoon, the Executive Committee will meet to review the Strategic Plan goals and objectives and then start their pre-convention meeting. Tuesday afternoon the rest of the Board of Directors comes in and the board meeting starts. Wednesday, the Board meeting continues and registration opens and the exhibit hall is set up with 70 exhibitors. Thursday convention begins in earnest!

Amidst all the hustle and bustle will be some times of difficult good by’s by the outgoing board members who have been together for four years — four years of changes, challenges, questions, answers, highs, lows, discouragement, encouragement, learning, discerning, diplomacy, tolerance, togetherness, appreciation. The list goes on and on. When we talk about LWML sisterhood, it is SO evident in the emotional bonding that takes place as we work together.

We have worked in order to serve Jesus. We are sinners, being perfect is not a job requirement in LWML. Our imperfections many times served to God’s Glory as He worked through imperfect women to achieve His purposes. We thank all our LWML sisters for their patience, flexibility, love, and encouragement over the past four years which you have given to us. It has been a privilege to serve LWML and Jesus.

I especially want to recognize and thank these outgoing LWML leaders who I’ve worked so closely with.

Michelle Zollinger, PR Director; Leslie Jaseph, Meeting Manager; Carol von Soosten, Strategic Plan Facilitator; Debbie Larson, VP of Organizational Resources; Kaye Wolff, VP Special Focus Ministries; Marilyn Schroeder, Treasurer; Rev. Robert Mundahl, Senior Pastoral Counselor.

Please continue to engage the women of our church in mission opportunities and the Word. Remember to encourage women, church workers, and missionaries. Equip yourselves with knowledge of missions and the Word of God. Enjoy your work for the Lord and let it put a smile on your face and in your heart.

Love, Patti

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them Ephesians 2:8-10.

Serve the Lord with Gladness!

AboutPatti, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission, LWML Convention

Have Quilt, Will Travel!

I’m going to bring my butterfly quilt to convention and hang it up by the LWML Magnolia Market store in the Exhibit Hall. I hope you will come by and see it. It’s quite remarkable.

This beautiful quilt was designed and the top constructed by then LWML Nebraska North District President Crystal Miller. It was then machine quilted with the butterfly stitching. Crystal worked on this quilt on and off for two years. The inspiration was from a painting and the Butterfly E’s that LWML I have  used as my personal logo.

The quilt was presented to me by the LWML District Presidents who served in 2014-2018. All the DPs from the 40 districts serving at the time contributed four cotton fabric fat quarters each. Some of each fabric was used. All forty DPs at the time also signed it.

There are around 400 butterflies if you include those in the quilting stitches. Rev. Mundahl and Rev. Schuessler undertook the challenge of counting them. Look closely to see the new LWML logo and the 2017 Albuquerque LWML Convention logo quilted into the corners.

Look for Crystal here at the LWML Growth and Development Committee exhibit booth. I know you will want to tell her how beautiful it is.

When I look at it I think of all the beautiful women I have known while serving as LWML President. That part of the job I will miss very much! I hope we can stay in touch after this convention concludes my time as President.

Love, Patti

P.S. I’m bringing my own pillow, too!

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It’s That Wonderful Time of the Year!

It’s that wonderful time of the year that we gather with relatives and friends to view and celebrate accomplishments. So far I have been to one band concert, one dance recital, one piano recital, received graduation invitations from four people and have a wedding in Dallas next weekend.

I know many of you have double or quadruple that number of events. What a blessing! In our technical world it still means a lot to go in person and support people. It may be a little inconvenient for you to make the effort but you need to be there. You never know how that might be remembered in the future or appreciated in the present. It’s also a great time to remind those with whom you are celebrating that God has blessed them with special gifts and will give them opportunities to use those gifts in service to His people. They are special! You are special!

It’s also a wonderful time of our LWML year as we get ready to have our LWML convention in Mobile, Alabama. The Host Committee is made up of intrepid volunteers from the three hosting districts, LWML Gulf States, LWML Louisiana-Mississippi and LWML Florida-Georgia. It takes about 500 volunteers to put on the convention doing pre-convention, convention, and post-convention work on everything from airport greeters to banquet seating ushers. We met via Zoom meeting this past Saturday for a Host Committee leaders’ last meeting before convention for 3.5 hours.

These hard-working, dedicated LWML volunteers will want you to come and view and celebrate their accomplishments at the Mobile Convention June 20-23. Your presence will mean a lot to them and will encourage them in their LWML mission work long after convention is over. They are special! You are special as a delegate, a YWR, a Heart to Heart Sister, a first-timer, an exhibitor, a mission speaker, or a general registrant.

I had an Erma Bombeck quote on my frig while raising my kids. “Being a mother means you have to show up”. Could we also say, “Being an LWML woman in mission means you have to show up”?

Enjoy all your celebrations and come celebrate the works of the Lord in Mobile as we meet “In Praise to the LORD!”

Love, Patti

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A Little History Quiz

At the two Vicar, Deaconess Intern, and Fourth Year seminary events that LWML hosted I told them that the LWML groups at the congregations they were going to were waiting for them. Waiting to welcome them and their families, waiting to learn from them, waiting to include them in LWML happenings, waiting to partner with them, and waiting to love and support them. Those of you getting one of these fresh-out-of-seminary church workers, don’t let me down! Be there for them!

I love history. I come by it genetically from my father who was a history professor at Oklahoma State University after getting his PhD. From University of Nebraska (I throw that in for Linda Reiser and Virginia Von Seggern). Here are some interesting notes about national LWML conventions. By the way, come to Mobile and experience and also, help make history!

Before convention bags
  1. There have been two LWML conventions held in Canada. When and where were they held?
  2. What convention attraction made its first appearance at the Charlotte, NC, 1997 convention?
  3. When was the first Biennial Convention?
  4. Mobile is one of four cities who have hosted more than one convention. (Mobile 1973). What other cities have hosted more than one convention?
  5. What convention had the highest attendance? What year?
  6. Have we ever had to cancel a convention?
  7. Is your delegate’s vote important?
  8. What part of convention is always rated the highest on evaluation forms?

Answers below:

There were several “firsts” at Mobile in 1973.

  • The first time a Native American addressed the convention.
  • Five district brought the first 8 youth representatives to convention.
  • Women led the convention Bible study for the first time: Pauline Groerich, Minte Brohm and Carrie Wright, who by the way, was the first black woman to address an LWML convention.
  • A Mission Goal of $500,000 was adopted.
1973 Mobile Convention Manual

I had lunch with our Archivist-Historian, Caroline Honeycutt, last week and she has a great “then and now” exhibit you will want to visit in the Jubilee Junction Exhibit Hall in Mobile! Come and join with your brothers and sisters, “In Praise to the LORD!”

Love, Patti

Answers:

  1. 1959 – 8th Biennial – Toronto, Ontario, Canada “Labor With More Love” and 1993 — 25th Biennial – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada “One in Spirit-One in Purpose.
  2. Humorous Interrupter – At the “Hold up the Light” convention, Linda Reiser portrayed “Sparky”.
  3. 1943 – 1st Biennial – Ft. Wayne, Indiana “Serve the Lord with Gladness”. (1942 Chicago was organizing convention).
  4. Portland, Oregon (1953, 2009); Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1961, 2013); Cleveland, Ohio (1949, 1991).
  5. Ames, Iowa, 1985. Registration: 8,023.
  6. Yes. 1945 was not held due to wartime conditions. 1955, New Orleans, Louisiana, was canceled when LWML heard that our black delegates would not be allowed to stay in the convention hotel. A “delegates only” convention was convened in Denver in 1956. The schedule was resumed with Minneapolis in 1957.
  7. Yes! I was elected VP of Christian Life in Portland by only 9 votes and in Albuquerque, officer voting saw differences of 4 and 7 votes in two of the offices.
  8. Thursday evening Opening Worship.
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More Bible Study! Yes!


LWML Executive Committee members are eager to welcome you to the
Mobile Convention Center, June 20-23, 2019!

One thing comes up on evaluations for all conventions whether it’s a district or national LWML convention or zone events and that’s, “Need more time for Bible study”. I know a lot of districts have Christian Life conferences or retreats. I hope yours does! We have a new women’s day retreat called, “Let’s Grab Our Shoes and Go!”

At our convention in Mobile this June, if you get up early, you can choose from eight Bible studies happening between 6:45-7:45 on Friday and Saturday mornings at the convention center before convention starts. Four each morning. The Saturday one conflicts with the Mission Walk but we know not everyone can do the Walk so why not go study God’s Word? Or you can walk really early or fast and make it to one. Here’s the list of what’s being offered. Thanks to these Bible study leaders who are volunteering their time and sharing their knowledge to lead these studies.

Yes, I know that it will still show up on the evaluations but it’s a great sign that LWML women LOVE to study God’s Word—our mission inspiration!—we never get enough!

Friday, June 21, 2019

  1. An LWML Bible Study, led by Terri Bentley from the new retreat, “Let’s Grab Our Shoes and Go”.
  2. A Spanish-language LWML Bible Study, led by Deaconess Marta Luna.
  3. A CPH-sponsored Bible Study, led by Christina Hergenrader entitled “Create Olive Branches in Your Family Tree”.
  4. An LWML Bible Study, led by Karol Selle entitled “A Missionary? Me?”. 

Saturday, June 22, 2019

  1. Bible study led by author/speaker Donna Pyle, “Perseverance: A Prayer Battle Plan”.
  2. A Bible Study led by the LCMS Black Ministries Director, Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray
  3. Ministry to the Armed Forces Bible study by Chaplain Craig Muehler.
  4. A CPH-sponsored Bible Study, led by Deb Burma entitled “JOY! -Philippians, the Letter of Joy”. 

Hoping to see you in Mobile! Patti

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)


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Looking Ahead Toward Convention

We have a convention every two years as prescribed in our LWML Bylaws. We meet to conduct business by our delegates who represent our membership from our 40 districts. Over the years it has grown into much more than that. We now enjoy servant events, tours around the convention city area, entertainment, mission speakers, worship services, and exhibits. You can learn a lot at convention.

This June 20-23 in Mobile, Alabama we are going to have a couple special recognition opportunities. We need your help getting the word out. LWML would like to honor our overseas missionaries, those currently serving and those who have served in the past, and give them an opportunity to visit with old friends and be recognized for their service. A Friday night reception will be held for overseas missionaries. There will be a table in the registration area for them to sign up for the reception and to receive a special recognition ribbon for their name badge so that they can be recognized by convention goers.

The other special group we would like to recognize is our LWML women active duty and veteran military. As I traveled to different district conventions I found we had quite a number of LWML women who had served in the military or were currently serving. We’d like to hear from them and are asking them to check in at a special table near the registration area at convention and receive a special ribbon for their convention badge.

We need your help to spread the word that we are looking for these people attending the convention and that we have special sign up tables for them to find when they register. Thanks for your help!

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).

Love, Patti

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LWML Working for you!

Last week was a week of meetings in St. Louis for the LWML. The district archivist-historians met with LWML Archivist-Historian Caroline Honeycutt and worked at Concordia Historical Institute as well as learning more about preserving their district’s history.

The Convention Programming Committee met to firm up more plans for the LWML convention coming up in Mobile, AL, June 20-23, 2019. We have great speakers, worship leaders, Bible study leaders, and activities to make it a great experience for anyone attending.

Then the Executive Committee came in for their meeting and were followed by the entire Board of Directors and advisory personnel for the Board of Directors’ meeting. They passed along the grants to be considered for funding at the convention, selected convention offering recipients, approved bylaw amendments to be brought to the delegates, and had a fun “mite challenge” that raised $27,000 for the mission grants. These women are committed—Time, Talent and Treasure!

Group photograph of the LWML executive committee and the LWML district presidents at the International Center of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, in St. Louis. LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

We also took time out to tour the LCMS International Center and met with LCMS President Matthew Harrison on the importance of the work of LWML in the larger church picture. Also, showing their appreciation by talking about specific missions helped were Office of International Missions head, Rev. Dan McMiller and Office of National Missions head, Rev. Robert Zagore.

Ministry to the Armed Forces, Chaplain Steven Hokana also thanked the group for the grant they received. Deaconess Ministries head, Grace Rao, stopped by the meeting to express her thanks and inform board members of how their contributions were being put to work.

Mary Hamilton, Grants Manager, Mission Advancement for LCMS commented, “Our staff, too, cherishes the personal connection with the LWML. The heart-warming passion for mission the ladies have is inspirational. Their prayers for our missionaries provide encouragement and renews their hearts and minds.”

In spite of the cold, blustery weather we received a very warm welcome from President Dale Meyer as he welcomed the Board members to Concordia Seminary campus with a “welcome home, LWML!” as we toured the new LWML offices and the campus. Some of the district presidents had arranged to meet the seminary students they support.

All told, it was a great week! Engage, Encourage, Equip and Enjoy! We did it all, thanks be to God and to Him be the glory for the opportunity to work together with all His talented, gifted, and called servants in LWML, in our church body, and in the mission fields!

Love, Patti

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