Treasure your brothers and sisters.

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? (James 2:15-16)

Do you have an assortment of clothing sizes stored up for years in hope that you will fit into them again? What about the sofa and drapes from 1995 boxed up in the basement that you are saving for your grandchild’s first apartment? If you are like me, you probably won’t fit in a size 10 again. Our grandchildren may have different taste in furniture and politely decline the offer.  Moths and mice could destroy the items before you have the chance to give them away.

There are people in need that could benefit from those items right now. The time is NOW to give your old usable items to your brothers and sisters in need.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6: 19-20a)

Kaye Dumas Wolff

Vice President of Special Focus Ministries
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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We Need Each Other

As a Lutheran woman I need my sisters and brothers in Christ. They are a blessing from God. I cherish their encouragement and how they hold me accountable as a follower of Jesus. Who encourages you in your faith? Who holds you accountable to His Word?

In today’s world individualism is highly prized. Our Father did create each of us as unique individuals, but He also gathers us into the fellowship of believers (1 Corinthians 12:27.) Take time this week to gather together with those in your church, encouraging and strengthening each other in the faith.

Looking for a Bible study group? Start one of your own or just ask someone to join you for a cup of coffee and a short devotion. Find easy to use Bible studies and devotions on this website. Find acceptance and confidence together with other believers.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-21.)

Dear Lord, thank you for my church family. Amen.

Debbie Larson

Vice President of Organizational Resources
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Share Christ's Love with Those in Need

Autumn is here and it’s a time when many begin their holiday shopping. Thanksgiving is next month and soon after comes Christmas, a time when so many families gather and share their love for each other through simple gift giving.

There are many people in America and around the world who lack many of the basic necessities for living and they also need spiritual uplifting. It is not a time for us to lament the sad condition of the world but a time to be proactive and stand up for those in need.

You can easily spearhead a collection in your church and community for those those in need. It is made easier by the LWML Toolkit Kit resource at:

https://unite-production.s3.amazonaws.com/tenants/lwml/attachments/40764/2015-toolkits.pdf

Use these lists of collections as a guide to tailor-make kits for people you wish to help. Pray for the people in need, ask God to bless the work, and go “Serve the Lord with gladness.”

Shelley Moeller

Vice President of Gospel Outreach
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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LWML Sunday

Serve the Lord with gladness (Psalm 100:2).

LWML Sunday. A time set aside each year to celebrate the mission and vision of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and her focus on nurturing faith in Christ, making our mission meaningful, and sharing encouragement.

As we approach the 75^th Anniversary of LWML, thoughts turn to the history of LWML Sunday. From Women IN God’s Service, WINGS, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Taege, Marlys (1991), here are some fun facts!

• 1967, July 18-20; 12^th Biennial convention, Washington D.C. – First Sunday in October designated as LWML Sunday. Eula Hankel, President.
• 1968 – “Serve the Lord with Gladness” brochure produced as part of LWML Sunday materials. Evelyn Hartman, President.
• 1975 – First children’s activity page offered with LWML Sunday materials. Helen Morris, President.

May our service to our heavenly Father be one of joy! 

Nancy Bogenhagen

Vice President of Communication
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Equipping the Saints (that’s you!)

Paul writes in Ephesians 4:11-12, And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

I, personally, would add writers, editors, reviewers, and organizers to that list! The Christian Resources Editors Committee, working with many writers, has provided two years of doctrinally-reviewed resources for your meetings, Bible studies, and events. They are grouped in monthly themes and include devotions, Bible studies, ice breakers, mission project ideas, and sketches.

The Time is NOW to check it out! The reSOURCEs for Planning Programs is available as a free download. Save it to your computer and print the pages you want to use, when you want to use them. Or you can order a print copy that is already 3-hole punched to fit in a binder. May these resources equip you for building up the body of Christ!

Eden Keefe

Vice President of Christian Life
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Autumn Changes

This week we officially transition between summer and winter. Fall: the season where we relish cooling temperatures and vibrant colors displayed on changing leaves.

God’s Word reminds us our lives here on earth are temporary, but God and His Word endure forever: for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever” (1 Peter 1:24-25).

The changing seasons of the calendar year or in our circumstances of life can’t shake the promise of God and His love. Take hope in the salvation message of Christ: For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

Carol von Soosten

Public Relations Director
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Going Around in Circles

Being from Texas, I have had very little experience with roundabouts. If you don’t pay attention, you could drive around in circles forever. I am used to stop signs and stop lights. Speaking of roundabouts, the Devil loves them. No, not the traffic kind, but the endless repetitiveness of our pet sins.

Paul, under inspiration, wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). God has already defeated the Devil. He sent His beloved Son to live, die, and rise again for you! Of course, He will give you an escape route from temptation.

Next time you are sitting at a stop sign, a stop light, or entering a roundabout; STOP a second and thank God that He is with you during each temptation you face.

Cheryl Mattil

Strategic Plan Facilitator
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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