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9/18/2020 Prayer

A Prayer for our Nation

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have promised to uphold us by your strong arm, to provide for our needs of body and soul, and to sustain us through this life until you see fit to bring us to Yourself. There is much unrest and uncertainty in our world at this time, and so we ask You to come to our aid, to provide Your protection, to grant healing, and to bring peace to Your people. Where we have sinned and gone our own way, turn us again to You in repentance, forgive us our sins, and draw us back to Your divine presence.

Hear us on behalf of all whose lives have been affected by the ravages of wind and water and fire. Where there has been a loss of property, give restoration, and where there has been a loss of life, give comfort by the power of Christ’s resurrection. Watch over and sustain the rescue and relief workers who experience danger of peril themselves, and may they be encouraged in their labors. 

As we draw closer to our national elections, we humbly ask You to raise up good and honest leaders who will protect the most vulnerable among us and work for the good of the citizens of this land. Help us to live as good citizens, and good stewards, of all You have blessed us with, seeking to love our neighbor just as we have been loved by Christ. Where there is disagreement and conflict among us, supply us with your peace and heal our divisions so that we may come to better understand one another.

Be with us, Lord, as we continue to wage war against this pandemic. Give strength to all those whose work calls them to care for the infected among us including doctors, nurses, and all health care workers. Heal the sick, and give to them the encouragement they need from Your Word to see them through to health and vigor. Give wisdom to all who are working to find a vaccine for this virus, and in Your time, open up opportunities to bring an end to the fear that plagues so many.

Bless our families, Lord, in these days. Keep us on the firm foundation of Christ, and guide us by Your Word and Spirit to do all that You desire. Continue to strengthen all Christians, and the congregations to which they belong, that our witness to the world in these days would be bold, compassionate, and comforting. Provide for those who cry out to You in distress, especially those who are unemployed or underemployed. Use us to provide for all who are need and least among us.

In circumstance, remind us that when we are uneasy about life, that You are there and will give us all things needful; when we are lonely or afraid, make Yourself known to us by Your grace; and when uncertainty is found at every turn, teach us again that You have ordered all of our days and that, in Christ, our future is always certain with You. You have promised us that nothing shall separate us from You, so help us to rest in this comforting truth, teach us to number our days, and grant us to live always in the hope and certainty of the resurrection of the body and life everlasting in Your kingdom.

To you, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be all the glory, now and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

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9/15/2020 Weekly article

Thanks to "My Favorite"

September to Remember

God has led and equipped me through incredible women and men for my current position as LWML President. Just like Lays potato chips, I can’t pick just one!

In 2002, my son married a spunky girl named Eileen, and I invited her to join me for her first LWML retreat. As I escorted her around the room, I would say, “I can’t wait for you to meet Marlene (or Lilly, or JoAnn, or Dottie, or Pastor, etc.) because they’re my favorite.” Eileen stopped me half way around the room and said, “They can’t all be your favorite!” But they were all my favorites. Each one encouraged me in different ways.

I watched these mentors act out their faith, participate in servant events, and encourage younger women. They respected and recognized those who now needed assistance. Because I have been mentored and loved, I hope to pass on the blessings and a feeling of belonging to those new to our LWML family.

Thank you for giving to the Lord through LWML!

Debbie Larson

9/14/2020 Weekly article

Thanks to Marguerite

September to Remember

“No” is a difficult word to say to my mentor. If you know her, you will agree when I tell you her name: Marguerite Christman. As long as I've served in LWML, Marguerite has been there.

Marguerite mentors by example. Her service in, and enthusiasm for, LWML is contagious. From her church’s LWML group to national conventions, her love of the Lord shows in her love of studying His Word and her tireless support for missions.

She mentors by modeling service. Marguerite has encouraged and urged me, strongly at times, to take on responsibilities I would not have undertaken, always with the assurance that God would provide the ability and the blessing. She is there to help or to be a sounding board for ideas.

She mentors with love and concern. We tease her that she knows, or is related to, everyone in the LCMS! But her love is personal, and you are fortunate if you are like me and receive her cards and notes of encouragement, late night phone calls, and lunches out.

I celebrate not being able to say "no" to Marguerite Christman!

Patti Ross

9/13/2020 Weekly article

Thanks to Marlene

September to Remember

Marlene Brandenburg influenced and encouraged my involvement in LWML. Her support helped lead me to say “yes” to serving as the LWML North Dakota District President and later as LWML President.

I was Marlene’s district recording secretary when she was the LWML North Dakota District President. This was a blessing as well as an adventure! She loved everyone unconditionally, giving “real” hugs that made you realize how loved you were, and was quick to remind you about the love of Jesus. She influenced me to be in prayer and to trust God with every aspect of my life; she was an encourager and a teacher. Marlene set an example of how to make a difference in the world.

Marlene traveled extensively to mission fields in Latvia, Russia, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Mexico. She loved to share how God was working in the mission fields and encouraged everyone to support our missionaries through prayer and mites.

In 2017, Marlene went to be with our Lord. I am told that in the hours before her death, she spoke the Apostles Creed, knowing she would soon meet her Lord. In life and in death she lived her faith. I thank God for her friendship!

Kay Kreklau

9/12/2020 Weekly article

Thanks to Ruth

September to Remember

Ruth Utech influenced and encouraged my involvement in LWML. Her excitement about LWML nudged me to learn more about the organization and attend a national convention.

In the summer of 1981 when we lived in Ohio, our family was traveling in Wisconsin. One of our stops was at the home of my husband’s Aunt Ruth. She had just returned from serving on the host committee for the LWML convention held in Milwaukee. To say she was excited would be putting it mildly! Her enthusiasm over the speakers, the mission grants, and the fellowship was contagious. So much so, that when I saw the 1983 convention was to be held in Detroit, just a few hours’ drive from where I lived, I decided to go and see what this organization was all about. So began my experiences with the LWML.

May each of us share the things that we have seen and heard in LWML and encourage women to come and see what it’s all about!

Janice Wendorf

9/11/2020 Weekly article

Thanks to a Past District President

September to Remember

A past LWML Nebraska South District president (along with other mentors) influenced my involvement in LWML. Observing her lead a convention was the inspiration God used to nudge me into leadership positions in my congregation and as a zone president. The support also encouraged me to allow my name to be submitted for national LWML president.

At that convention, I saw women expressing laughter, joy, hugs, fellowship, purpose, and celebrating what God had done through mites, and continued to do as they selected new grants through faith. Every woman was able to use her God-given gifts. It was an “aha” moment: God surrounded me with women who loved the Lord, loved missions, and had hearts to serve and to help.

The blessings of that “aha” moment which led to my saying “yes” to serving include:

  • Hearing thanks from missionaries for our prayers and loving support;
  • Listening to Synod leaders say how the LWML is a tremendous blessing to the Church;
  • Recalling convention scenes of faithful women gathering to praise God and serve in love for missions; and
  • Rejoicing with Heart to Heart Sisters and Young Woman Representatives; their participation make us stronger and better.

Linda Reiser

9/10/2020 Weekly article

Thanks to Helen … and many others!

September to Remember

Several people, including my mother and my mother-in-law, influenced and encouraged my early involvement in LWML. Their support led me in 1979 to say “yes” to LWML President Helen Gienapp to serve as coordinator for the 1981 LWML convention in Milwaukee. I was a hostess at that 1979 Omaha convention, where Helen had been the coordinator and also was elected to serve as the LWML President.

Helen was a wonderful teacher, expecting perfection and respect. She listened to new ideas, gave advice when asked, and set an example for others. We were close friends until the day she met Jesus. Other past LWML presidents, too, have mentored me.

Women from younger generations, like our Young Woman Representatives, have also been my mentors. They ask a lot of questions that sometimes are difficult to answer! It’s fun to learn alongside them as I determine the answers.

Blessings received:

  • Being involved daily in God’s Word;
  • Meeting a great variety of people, including the president of the LCMS and LWML women in the smallest churches;
  • Learning to direct and delegate responsibilities; and
  • Realizing that I am always someone’s president, no matter how many years ago it’s been.

Virginia Von Seggern

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