LWML Sunday — “For Us and With Us"

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

LWML Sunday is often observed on the first Sunday in October. Did you celebrate LWML and the blessings God has bestowed upon it in worship this week? If yes, thank you! If no, please consider asking your pastor if LWML Sunday may be incorporated into an upcoming worship service. There are a multitude of resources available including a children’s message, PowerPoint template, and even a sermon that your pastor may use.

“For Us and With Us,” based on Romans 8:31–39, is the theme for LWML Sunday 2022. In this epistle, Paul tells us we each face challenges and circumstances greater than our own strength. However, we are more than conquerors through Christ, who loves us, for He is for us and with us! LWML Sunday reminds us of this victory, which is already ours through Baptism, so we might live each day confidently trusting in Christ.

Brenda Piester

Recording Secretary
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Two-Way Communication

A new school year has started and I am excitedly planning lessons that I hope will have a positive impact on student learning. However, students will not be the only ones learning. I glean much from the students when I truly listen during our conversations and carefully read their responses on assignments and surveys. Because communication is not one-directional, I am a better teacher when I tweak lessons based on what I learn about the students’ needs and interests.

Similarly, I want to ensure that prayer time is not one directional communication with me just rattling off all my concerns and desires. I grow in my faith and better understand Christ’s love for me as I read Scripture and pray Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! (Psalm 143:10).

This month’s featured devotion at www.lwml.org/program-helps is “Waiting.” Take time to read it and find many verses of Scripture communicating comfort to you even as you cry out to Him in prayer.

Tiffany Harkins

Christian Resource Editors Committee
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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In God's Word

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

A first line of a popular Sunday School song is “The B-I-B-L-E yes that’s the book for me!” One of the core values of the LWML is “In God’s Word.” It is important to be in the Word of God for it works to strengthen our faith.

Perhaps you have been asked to lead a Bible study and that has your knees knocking. LWML has many resources that can assist you in preparing to lead a Bible study. Look on our website and you will see that many of the Bible study resources include a leader’s guide. Simply click here and search through all our doctrinal-reviewed Bible study resources. Studying with others can be very uplifting. May God bless the time you spend in His Word.

Arlene Naasz

Meeting Manager
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Thank You for Sharing the Treasures of Your Hearts!

For the last two weeks, the LWML Board of Directors have shared with you the treasures of their hearts. We hope you have enjoyed these stories and we hope you have shared those people and things that fill your hearts. We celebrated LWML’s Giving Tuesday — September to Remember — September 13th and want to thank you all for your love of God and your generous hearts toward His people. Including a $10,000 matching gift, donations totaling $46,851 were given to His glory!

The Holy Spirit touched your hearts — and you responded with your gifts. By God’s grace and through His Word, you know all earthly treasures fade away, but the treasures in heaven will last forever.

Thank you and thank God for all His blessings!

LWML Board of Directors

give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38).

Treasures of My Heart

The treasures of my heart — my husband, children, and grandchildren — fill my life with joy and laughter. I want the very best for my family, and the best — the vital element — is Jesus. I thank God that He is the foundation of our lives, because even as children of the heavenly Father, we experience worry and distress. With the Lord by our side, we can endure the storms of life.

As Lutheran women and men, we want all people to know their Savior. Through a donation, given towards the LWML Mission Goal, the Gospel will be shared around the world. I thank God for the opportunity to support and pray for our mission grants. And I thank God for your giving hearts! Please share the treasures of your heart with me, and I will be honored to include them in my prayers.

Held by HIS Word, Inspired to share HIS Gospel, and Surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie Larson, LWML President

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:20–21).

Debbie Larson

President
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Give to the Mission Goal TODAY,
on GivingTuesday

Life’s Challenges Become Treasured Moments

Last September was definitely a September to remember. The medical report read. “Positive for cancer!” I went numb. “Why me?”

A friend shared the Bible account from John 9 where the blind man was healed. The disciples asked, “who sinned…that he was born blind” Jesus answered … “that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:2–3).

Jesus’ own words “that the works of God might be displayed in him” changed my whole attitude. How could my cancer display God’s works? When treatments were going well, cancer gave me an opportunity to witness to God’s healing love. When the going got tough, His promise of heaven through Jesus’ death and resurrection gave me peace.

Was cancer fun? No! But the reality of Jesus as my personal Savior, Lord, and Friend is genuine. My cancer journey was a treasure where I had the unique opportunity to let God’s works shine.

I will donate on September 13 in thanksgiving for God’s love and care, and for the support of LWML sisters.

Shine On!

Susan Brunkow

Vice President of Christian Life
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022

Treasures of My Heart: Our First Responders

As the events of 9/11 unfolded before the world’s eyes 21 years ago, little did I know that I would not only move to New York, but also would become active in our town’s volunteer fire department. As such, I have been brought into the culture of emergency services, and in particular, the remembrances of 9/11 each year.

It is a blessing to be a small part of the fellowship and service to which these men and women have devoted themselves. The selfless sacrifice of the brave emergency personnel who lost their lives on 9/11 is carried on through the brothers and sisters still serving today. When community members are in terrible circumstances, first responders step in and help, often at great sacrifice to themselves.

These brothers and sisters are a treasure to me and to the communities they serve, and are another way that God cares for His children through the vocations of others. Please pray for them as they serve, and consider a gift during this September to Remember campaign in thanksgiving to God for the treasure of these first responders.

Rev. Brian Noack

Senior Pastoral Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022