Back to School Days

Children around the country are heading back to school and beginning another year of learning and growing. Getting ready for those first days of school means gathering school supplies, buying new clothes (or at least “new to you” hand-me-downs from older siblings), and getting excited about their new teacher.

For teachers, the anticipation of a new school year begins with room preparation, lesson plans, and learning the names of each student.

As teachers begin this new year of teaching and guiding students, take the time to celebrate and support them by preparing a Teacher Tool Kit. Gather the items for these Tool Kits and distribute them to teachers from your congregation to help stock their classrooms with much needed supplies. Include a handwritten note of encouragement and pray for all teachers as they prepare their students to have a successful year of growth and development.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).

Deaconess Betty Knapp

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

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Encouragement

The beginning of a new school year often signals the beginning of fall activities in our churches as well. This includes Bible studies, confirmation classes, and fall LWML activities.

What a great opportunity to invite a new member of the congregation to a new or existing Bible study, provide a confirmation teen with an encouraging note, or look at a new time or way to conduct LWML activities. You can find a multitude of ways to invite a woman in your congregation to become involved with LWML by reading “Inviting Women to Become Involved.” There are so many ways for women to be involved in proclaiming Christ, supporting mission, and serving others.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Michelle Jenks

Strategic Plan Facilitator
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Wanderers

Is that what you would call the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the desert? My husband and I are seasonal wanderers in our RV: winters in Arizona and summers on the road seeing the sights. Sometimes things don’t go according to the plans I made. I? Yes, I need to make a route and a plan, but I also need to be open to God’s plan for our time.

This summer we had a hiccup along the way and are now house hopping among family. After a failed attempt to be home last Christmas, this is a joy-filled respite. I lift my thanks to God, who saw that my ‘family’ tank was running low, but now it will be overflowing.

Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us (Psalm 40:5a NIV).

God was in the details with the Israelites, and He is in the details of our lives each day.

Take a moment to ponder this Mustard Seed Devotion.

Karen Morrison

Vice President of Gospel Outreach
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Start off the Fall with a Creative Event!

Serve the LORD with gladness! (Psalm 100:2a).

Summer is nearly over and most of you took a break from getting together for LWML. It is time to plan for the year with LWML events. What should you do?

If you are looking for new ideas or themes for your meeting or event, look no further. Check out LWML Creative Events on the LWML website where you can get ideas to make that first meeting or event special.

You can also look at Faith Building Help for Groups for themes to use through the year that include resources such as Bible studies, devotions, songs, and sketches. For ideas on servant activities, you can look at the Mission Service Activities webpage, also found here on the LWML website. You can have your year planned out with resources right at your fingertips.

Have fun at your get-togethers and enjoy your planned events!

Marie Chow

Vice President of Organizational Resources
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Looking to Him

Ever feel like life is overwhelming? Our lives are full of responsibilities, challenges, deadlines, and items on our to-do lists. Many times when life has become overwhelming, I am tempted to stop leaning on Jesus and begin focusing on all those other things. Soon I realize, I need to return my focus to Him by spending time in God’s Word and in prayer.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). He promises to direct our paths and that His mercy endures forever. Those promises help me remember that my earthly life may seem overwhelming but God is always with me and I can always lean on Him.

If you find yourself overwhelmed, you may find this devotion a helpful reminder to trust the Lord: “When You Feel Overwhelmed.”

Karla Koehler

Treasurer
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Comfort and Hope

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16–17).

An 18-year-old 4-H member died in a vehicle accident. A friend’s 41-year-old son died of an accidental drug overdose. A relative’s 47-year-old daughter died from pancreatic cancer. A church member’s 48-year-old brother died unexpectedly from a stroke. My 91-year-old mother died this month from complications of her advanced age.

What do these deaths have in common? All were baptized, forgiven, redeemed children of the heavenly Father. We have assurance they rest in eternal life — forever praising Him, their beautiful Savior!

The LWML store has wonderful resources to uplift others in these situations. “Comfort and Hope” (pocketsize devotional booklet) and “Comfort from the Psalms” (Mustard Seeds) are beautiful, easy ways to share God’s Word and messages of His peace, comfort, and hope to those who are grieving.

Comforted! My hope is in Him!

Brenda Piester

Recording Secretary
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Staying Connected wherever you are!

After having “staycations” for the past couple of years, this Summer many of us are traveling to see God’s Creation, friends, and/or relatives. Thanks be to God, that we can attend our district conventions in person!

Whether we are at home or away, it’s comforting to know that Jesus is our Guide. He is always with us wherever we go and whatever we do. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

LWML can help you stay connected to the Word wherever you are through the LWML App and social media. Check your LWML App every day to find Bible readings, daily devotions, Podcasts, and many other resources. Learn more about all the LWML online resources at https://www.lwml.org/online.

Kathy Pavelock

Vice President of Communication
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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