Shining Lights, Like Christmas Lights Throughout the Year

Celebrating the “shining lights” in our lives, the LWML Board of Directors (BOD) was asked to share a “shining light” — someone who shares Jesus’ love through service to others. Were you inspired by their stories? Now it is my turn and I’m challenged to pick just one so I will share several, like a string of Christmas lights shining all year long!

Dottie Sincebaugh was the LWML North Dakota District President when I became involved with LWML. At the first BOD meeting, she invited me to join her for ice cream! She answered all my questions and made me feel so welcome. Dottie is a true servant leader, sharing Christ with everyone she meets.

Rev. Todd Smelser, now in heaven with Jesus, was a quiet man but boldly shared his faith. I loved his Bible studies and still refer to them. He encouraged me to allow my name to be considered for the office of district president.

I was privileged to meet Diane Kane and Becky Meggers when we joined Faith Lutheran Church in Woodland Park, Colorado four years ago. They both serve the church and their community, and although busy, they always make time to welcome visitors and make them feel like they belong.

Have you had a “shining light” in your life who reflects the love of Christ? Share your story. Consider donating to the LWML Mission Goal. The LWML legacy of sharing Christ and His mercy will continue around the world!

Debbie Larson

President
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

Small Acts

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Moving and making friends in a new congregation is tough! That’s when Jenny became my “shining light.”

The day we joined our new church, many people said “welcome,” but Jenny’s greeting included an invitation to the church picnic; “It will be a good place to meet people.” Could she see how we were missing our old friends and longing to build relationships in our new church home?

The next Sunday, Jenny gave a small wave on the way to her pew. I said a little prayer of thanks for that small gesture of friendship.

When I stepped out of my comfort zone and showed up at their LWML meeting, there was Jenny! After introductions, she escorted me to the refreshment area, asking about my favorite soda so they would have it next time.

Jenny truly reflects the love of Jesus in her small acts — acts that aren’t so small to those who receive her kindness.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, … show kindness and mercy to one another,” (Zechariah 7:9).

Susan Brunkow

Vice President of Christian Life
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

A Day to Remember: 9/11

Most of us vividly remember September 11, 2001. We are not able to recall by name each of those who served that day — first responders rescuing victims, co-workers helping others, or strangers praying for strangers. On that day twenty years ago, there were multitudes who let their light shine brightly, thus glorifying our Father.

I especially remember firefighters on this day. My father, a teacher by profession, was a volunteer firefighter from 1958 until his passing in 2019. In both his professional and volunteer lives, he was an inspiration to many. He instilled in my siblings and me an attitude of serving. Today I remember my dad and all the firefighters who have served as “Shining Lights.”

For this LWML September-to-Remember, consider donating to the LWML Mission Goal in honor of someone who was a “Shining Light” in your life.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

To God be the Glory!

Kathy Pavelock

Vice President of Communication
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

Shining God’s Light in New Ways

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Pastor Mark during a livestreamed devotion

Two men have been “shining lights” to me this past year and I am privileged to share how their service reflected God’s love. Pastor Mark and Pastor Tim serve Mountain View Lutheran in Apache Junction, Arizona. Both are admired for the warm, personal relationships they develop with parishioners. However, when COVID arrived, they needed to find new ways of letting God’s light shine through their service.

They offered Sunday school via Zoom, and a lot of in-depth learning took place over this new platform!

They utilized Facebook to share daily Gospel devotions. Pastor Mark is an early riser; his message was available on my phone in the morning. Pastor Tim delivered his devotion live each afternoon. Twice a day I was given an opportunity to grow in the Lord!

Now that we are worshiping in the sanctuary again, we look back with grateful hearts on the extent to which our pastors were willing to continue “shining the light of Jesus’ love!”

Karen Morrison

Vice President of Gospel Outreach
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

Shining Light: My Sunday School Teacher

I met Miss Emily when I was seven years old and living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Miss Emily was my Sunday school teacher who made Bible stories come to life! Memorizing Scripture was a given. She even made sure we had a ride to attend Sunday school each week, even after we left the neighborhood.

I was nine when my family and I moved to Seattle, Washington. Since I had attended Sunday school before, my parents gave their okay when a schoolmate invited me to attend Sunday school at her Lutheran church. The rest is history!

I have kept in touch with Miss Emily all these years through written letters; she shares her faith, tells me her news, and offers encouragement. The latest tidbit was her confidence in Jesus Christ as her Savior when doctors found a plum-size tumor in her brain. She had no fear and only asked God to use her for His service. (By the way, she’s recovered nicely!)

What a shining light!

Marie Chow

Vice President of Organizational Resources
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

Firstfruits

I caught her one morning with her head bowed, standing in front of her dresser, praying. She placed something in an envelope and went about her day.

She was providing housing for me during my deaconess internship. A humble, faith-filled servant of God of meager means, she was a loving mother, grandmother, volunteer, and active member of the church.

I couldn’t get the picture of her praying out of my mind, so I just had to ask what she was doing. Her response was, “Giving thanks to God for all He has given me. I was filling my offering envelopes so I could pay my bills. First setting aside a portion of what God has blessed me with helps me prioritize things.”

It was an important message I needed to learn. Her firstfruits giving has been an example for me these forty-plus years. Garnette was, and still is, a shining light in my life. Who has been that shining light for you? Consider remembering that person with a special gift to the LWML during our September to Remember campaign.

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce (Proverbs 3:9).

Deaconess Betty Knapp

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

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

Check! It’s Finished!

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

As a new church plant, we had the opportunity to begin an LWML group. What shall we name it? We decided on WinGS — Women in God’s Service.

Does a family need a funeral meal? “Check.” Should cards be mailed or a prayer shawl delivered to a shut in? “Done!” Shall we collect for the food bank? “I’ll bring boxes.” Who is on this month’s altar committee? “It’s finished.” Who has snacks for the midweek service? “Already signed up!”

At each turn and every situation, this WinGS group inspires me. They lift each other up. They encourage others. They are welcoming. They are enthusiastic. They “let their lights shine” through their kindness, service, and care for others. Oh, that we could all be like them as they give wholeheartedly, reflecting God’s love to their church and community!

God’s blessings as you let your light shine!

Brenda Piester

Recording Secretary
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021