Six LWML District Conventions held April 27–29, 2018.
Here are their recaps and highlights:
LWML California-Nevada-Hawaii District
Zone Presidents and Young Woman Representatives prepare for banner processional.
The Doubletree Hotel, Fremont/Newark, Calif., was the location of the LWML California-Nevada-Hawaii (CNH) District convention. The hotel marquee invited 211 attendees to join their LWML sisters in convention, April 27–29. The theme, “Rejoice, Pray … Be at Peace” is enumerated in the theme verse, Philippians 4:6–7, do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Reverend Tom Zelt, Prince of Peace, Fremont, Calif., led the uplifting opening worship service. Keynote Speaker and Bible Study Leader was Don Wharton. Dave and Barb Anderson were the Music Leaders. The Servant Events involved many helping hands putting together items to be given to: TriCity Volunteers Food Bank and Thrift Store providing emergency grocery assistance to almost 6,000 families every month; George Mark Children’s House that focuses on quality of life and continuity of care for children with illnesses that modern healthcare cannot yet cure or for those who have chronic medical conditions; and Prince of Peace congregation’s pantry with a purpose which assembles Snack Packs for the homeless in the Fremont area through partnering with Compassion Network. Lynette Campbell, President of the LWML CNH District, led the business meeting that included the selection of 16 Mission Grants totaling $100,274, the approval of bylaws, and the election of officers. The newly elected President is Martha Dubke. LWML was represented by Vice President of Organizational Resources Debbie Larson, who remarked that she enjoyed visiting with the women of all ages and cultures, as well as worshiping with the wonderful men and women of the LWML CNH District. Debbie was inspired by CNH LCMS District President Rev. Dr. Robert Newton’s “mite challenge” address.
LWML Central Illinois District
Acts 1:8 reads, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth is the verse that led to the theme “Look up, Look in, Look out.” The convention began Friday afternoon, April 27 at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, Ill. with “off campus” servant event activities that included tying quilts for Orphan Grain Train, marking Bibles for the lost, cutting diapers for layettes, trimming stamps for mites, and making “home sweet home” bags. A meal and opening church service followed these activities. The 73rd Annual LWML Convention held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bloomington, Ill., began Saturday morning, April 28, and was hosted by the Bloomington Zone.
LWML Central Illinois District President Shelia Lutz
Gary Thies from Mission Central was the Keynote Speaker. Central Illinois District President Sheila Lutz presided over the business meeting that included the election of officers, updating bylaws, and approving five Mission Grants totaling $71,250 for the next biennium. Representing the LWML was LWML Recording Secretary Ginger Starrett, who commented, “The opening worship service at Christ Lutheran church was glorious as 300 men and women joined together to hear the word of God and lift their voices to sing beautiful praises.”
LWML English District
LWML Treasurer Marilyn Schroeder and LWML English District Past President Jan Simmons
Excitement emanated from the Crowne Plaza Grand Rapids-Airport Hotel in Grand Rapids, Mich., as 95 men and women from the LWML English District gathered in convention, April 27–29, 2018. Adding to the excitement were the smiles and hugs given by the ladies the host zone, Western Michigan Zone. “Jesus is in Control”, read the banner noting the convention theme and verse, And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church (Ephesians 1:22). The Festival Service was celebrated at Epiphany Lutheran Church, Dorr, Mich. Festival Preacher was Bishop Rev. Dr. Jameson Hardy and Bible Study Leader was “HIP” Rev. Dr. Dien Ashley Taylor. Mission Speakers included Rich Bearup of Friendship House Ministries, missionary to the Dominican Republic Deaconess Rachel Jaseph, and Rev. Hesham Shehab from Salem Christian Fellowship-LCMS mission to the Muslims in Illinois. Items for 100 Chemotherapy bags were gathered and assembled for cancer patients. Other Servant Activities included, making 261 MOST Ministries witness bracelets and volunteering at a Women at Risk shelter. LWML English District President Jan Simmons officiated over the business of the convention which included the selection of seven Mission Grants totaling $13,500, the election of officers and Pastoral Counselor for the next biennium. The newly elected LWML English District President is Darlene Keca. LWML Treasurer Marilyn Schroeder represented the LWML and commented that everyone enjoyed this special time to be in the Word together.
LWML Gulf States District
Lucinda Mosley and LWML President Patti Ross
The “Women in Purple” from the LWML Gulf States District converged upon the Hilton Perimeter Park Hotel in Birmingham, Ala., April 27–29, 2018. Delightful smiles and hugs abounded as hostesses from the Women of Vision Zone greeted attendees to the convention. Signs of the theme and verse for this convention, “Reign in My Heart”, based on Col. 3:15, 17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts … and whatever you do … do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him, were featured throughout the convention center. LWML Gulf States District President, Judy Lessmann, presided over the business of the district. The voting body selected Mission Grants that totaled $60,000 and elected officers. Gwen Marshall was elected to serve as President for the next biennium. Patti Ross, LWML President, served as LWML representative and commented that she was encouraged by the enthusiastic report given by LWML Gulf States Young Woman Representative (YWR) Lydia Landes about her experience at the 2017 LWML Convention in Albuquerque. Lydia also served as song leader and accompanist at the LWML Gulf States Convention. There was excitement among the women for being one of the host districts for the Mobile convention in 2019!
LWML Louisiana-Mississippi (LA-MS) District
Kaye Wolff and the young women of LA-MS
Joy and laughter emanated from the lobby of the Wyndham Hotel in Lafayette, La., as 100 members of the LWML LA-MS District gathered April 27–29, 2018 to celebrate “Jesus Christ Above All,” Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name (Philippians 2:9). “Pack a Purse” was the order of Friday afternoon.
Attendees had an opportunity to craft cross necklaces, embroider on a handkerchief or help tto package the handmade gifts and place them in 300 packed purses, filled with personal care items, a Mustard Seed Devotion, and a personal encouraging note from the giver. The recipients of these Gifts from the Heart were women and teenage girls of Acadiana Outreach Center of Lafayette. A communion worship service opened the convention. Following the service, attendees were invited to attend the President’s Reception, hosted by LWML LA-MS District President Anita Granger to meet and greet the current Board of Directors and all nominees. Saturday, April 28, was filled with Bible Study, the business meeting, voting on eight Mission Grant proposals totaling $27,500, voting on new officers and a Pastoral Counselor, taking pictures of zones, break-out sessions, and a festive banquet feast and “Holy Ghost Party.” The convention concluded on Sunday with the installation of officers and the closing worship service. LWML representative Vice President of Special Focus Ministries Kaye Wolff, was in attendance and commented, “The Time is Now!” in response to a 24-year-old past YWR being elected as the new LWML LA-MS District Treasurer.
LWML Utah-Idaho District
LWML VP of Christian Life Jennifer Huecker with District Past President Linda Larson and Bible study leader Jan Brunette.
Grace Lutheran High School, Pocatello, Idaho was the location of the LWML Utah-Idaho District Convention, April 27–29, 2018. “Clothed in the Joy of the Lord!” was the theme from Psalm 30:11–12 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever! The convention began with the opening worship service with Communion. The attendees rejoiced in quality time with their LWML sisters in Christ, renewing friendships as they participated in a Mission Walk, Servant Events, an Ingathering, mission speakers, book reviews, and Bible studies led by Jan Brunette. Participants listened attentively as Linda Larson, LWML Utah-Idaho District President, presided over the business of the district, including acceptance of six mission grant proposals amounting to $28,000 and election of officers. Lois Anderson was elected President of the Utah-Idaho District for the next biennium. Representing the LWML, Jennifer Huecker LWML Vice President of Christian Life, was in attendance and commented, “The LWML Utah-Idaho District Convention was a beautiful experience and it was a joy to be at this convention.”
Your Mites in Action
Pictured: Back (standing): Connie Nelson, Sylvia Johnson, Wendy Staus, Carolyn Blum, Ruth Mueller, Coralie Pierson, Bonnie Lindemann, Carol Wickmann, Karen Vogel, Lauren Beale, Barb Kaun. Front (chairs and kneeling): Kristen Kolell, Tim Young Eagle, Jan Wendorf, Sandy Krainz.
Mission Grant #18- Restoration Programs for Native Hawaiians
Think about taking your Mite Box offerings and surrounding them with prayers in support of a current grant recipient.
Next picture yourself as part of a group who gathered their Mite Box offerings and together with many other offerings, you are presenting a check to the recipient of the grant.
Now picture yourself at the location where the work of the grant is happening. Picture how excited the local people are to receive the mission grant funds so they are better able to reach out with the Gospel message.
YOU make these mission grant projects a reality when your Mite Box offerings make the trip from your hand all the way to the grant recipient!
Pictured left to right are: Pastor Phil Beyer, Good Shepherd, Honolulu, Hawaii; Martha Dubke; Pastor Matthew Hilpert, St. Mark, Kaneohe, Hawaii; Pastor Lloyd Willweber, Kailua; Pastor Milton Fricke, Kahului, Maui; Sharon Willweber, Kailua; Pastor Lester Seto, Waikola, Hawaii; Pastor Mark Zeir, Hilo, Hawaii, LWML California-Nevada-Hawaii Zone 11 Pastoral Counselor; and Vicar Clarence DeLude, working with the Lutheran Indian Ministries on the island of Oahu.
There is tremendous need to successfully engage the Kanaka, native Hawaiian, people in the Christian faith and to provide the support and assistance that Kanaka people need in order to begin to overcome the serious social issues that plague them. Missionaries must first embrace the Kanaka culture and this mission grant will help. Your Mite Box offerings will complete this grant.
Take a look at the first photo and picture yourself with this group of women who were able to present a check to Tim Young Eagle from Lutheran Indian Ministries for partial payment of this grant.
Now see the happy faces in the second photo of the local group in Hawaii supporting the work of this grant.
Praise to the Lord for your help in reaching out with the Gospel to native Hawaiians in need!
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