October always brings Pastor Appreciation Month to my mind. When we celebrated 80 years of LWML in 2022, I pondered how many pastoral counselors — national, district, or zone — have served. It must be an astounding number! Let us praise God for sending those who teach and guide us through His Word!

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:14-15).

All pastors are special, but LWML Counselors are extra special! Let’s be sure they know how much they are appreciated, not just in October, but year-round. Check out this Mission Servant Activity for ideas.

Candy Habich
LWML Mid-South District President

For many years, the LWML Eastern District used to gather in September at a camp on the shores of Lake Erie, affectionately known as "a place in the Son.” We would get together there to "joyfully proclaim Christ, support missions, and equip women to honor God by serving others." 

The camp closed and we were heartbroken. The theme for 2021 was “Can Do with Jesus” from Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Finding a new location was difficult. We had lots of questions, but no answers. Where would we go? Can we locate something similar? Will there be anyone in attendance? We were worried, but God was with us. He said as much in Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Yes, as Lutheran Women ‘on a’ Mission, we did discover a “new place in the Son,” where we could carry on the work of God. 

“God has plans for you as well, as we trust Him.”

Dee E. Grzyb
LWML Eastern District President

As I read our Goal Statement for the 2023 LWML Convention, “As His children, we celebrate the Lord of the nations,” the word celebrate grabbed my attention. Who doesn’t love a celebration! An opportunity to celebrate OUR LORD will be in Milwaukee, June 22–25.

There will be many ways to celebrate at the convention. Worship services with thousands of LWML members and friends, opportunities to hear from missionaries sharing their passion and celebrating their work, networking and celebrating with LWML members from across the nation, participating with other women in servant events, and celebrating with entertainment!

Many of you have attended conventions in the past. Many of you have friends and fellow LWML members who have never attended a convention. Now is the time to encourage them to register for the 40th Biennial LWML Convention and book their accommodations. 

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man (Psalm 33:12-13).

Gayle Thanepohn, President
LWML Northern Illinois District 

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses (Proverbs 10:12).

Eighty years ago, Vesta Stoudt supported the war effort working at an ordnance plant in Illinois. She packed and inspected ammunition boxes and realized that the boxes secured by waterproof wax were extremely difficult for soldiers to open while under fire. She worked up a diagram, outlined the problem, and sent her solution to President Roosevelt.  Her invention of duct tape continues to cover many offenses. 

About the same time, women met at a Lutheran Church in Illinois, and formally established the LWML. They wanted a coordinated, national effort for LCMS women that would equip and encourage them to cover people with the love of Jesus.

In June, join thousands of women and men at the LWML Convention in Milwaukee as they are covered with Christ’s love and Celebrate the Lord of the Nations.

And, you can pack up your Gifts from the Heart donations with duct tape. 

In Christ Alone, 

Christine Maconachy, President
LWML Chesapeake District 

The New Year is just days away. As 2022 comes to a close, take time to reflect on the events of this past year — memories made, events celebrated, times of sorrow or joy — giving praise to the Lord for the blessings of this past year!

Have you ever taken time to recall how you became involved in LWML?  Recently at the Assembly of Leaders (AOL) training, I attended the session What’s Your “Why?” and had an opportunity to reflect on just what brought me to be a part of this wonderful organization called LWML. During that session, we shared our “Why” stories. By doing this, we discovered areas and ways to improve and grow while also gathering new ideas for the future.  

Take some time to share the What’s Your “Why?” Reflection Tool handout at an upcoming group meeting or event. It can be found at www.lwml.org/aol. Looking back and reflecting can help encourage other sisters in Christ to participate in LWML as we move forward into 2023.

Sherry Burger, President
LWML Nebraska South District
2020–2024

Blessed to be Older

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, (Titus 2:3–4).

“I want to be like you when I grow up!” I was in my early thirties at the time, and Louise was my grandmother’s age. She had already lost two of her children, one in infancy and one in early adulthood. I knew her personally when she lost the third of her five children. 

Yet, despite her losses, Louise was faithful in prayer, Bible study, and service to her Lord. Now that I am an “older woman,” I pray that younger women will find me to be that faithful.

Mentoring between women of all ages does not need to be formal. Wonderful ideas for casual mentoring can be found at lwml.org. Type either “older women” or “younger women” in the search bar for ideas on how to reach out to women in your church. Building relationships with them is the first step!

A very blessed “older” woman, 

Laura Strattman, President
LWML Central Illinois District

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Compassion

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28–29).

Recently, I attended a leadership conference for work. One of the speakers was a clinical psychologist. He shared with us that after Covid-19, over 40 percent of the population had been diagnosed with a mental health crisis! Prior to Covid-19, the percentage was in the teens. He closed his session saying the Gospel is the way to healing. Amen!

As Lutheran Women in Mission, we can share the hope that comes through faith in Jesus, our Savior. Listening, speaking encouraging words, and praying are ways to show Jesus’ love and compassion to all His children.

Pam Wiederkehr, President
LWML Oklahoma District

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