Good News. LWML Indiana District Convention Indiana District. In this issue. July 2012

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1 Indiana District July 2012 Good News A Heart for Giving Pat Bilow LWML Gift Planner A Heart to Serve Lois Anderson LWML Treasurer Speak Your Peace Sharla Fritz CPH Author LWML Indiana District Convention 2012 Joyful Bells Kristine Stout Women in Islam Cynthia Khan POBLO Would You Like a Peace? Melanie Wilson Keynote Speaker In this issue President s Page 2 Counselor s Corner 3 Mission Grants 4 Convention Offerings 4 Christian Life 5 Human Care 5 Christian Outreach 6 Leader Development 6 Scholarship, Structure 7 Mission Trips 8 LWML Consultant 8 Heart to Heart Sisters 9 Young Woman Representative 9 Zone News, Officers 10 LWML 2013 Convention 11 LWML Indiana Conventions 12

2 President s Page Margie Wickert GO NOW IN GOD S PEACE What a JOY to be in Evansville, at our Lutheran Women s Missionary League Indiana District 24 th Biennial Convention with the theme A Heart at Peace, where we were encouraged to: know God s peace be at peace Margie Margie share God s peace and Wickert lead in peace. Vanessa Wickert Wickert Pastor Jeff Geisler and Pastor Phil Bloch led us in Bible studies titled Finding Peace with God and Go Now in Peace. We selected a mission goal of $120,000 to be shared by 12 mission grants recipients. We heard uplifting and inspiring messages during our convention sessions and Havens of Peace interest sessions. These interest sessions were led by Lois Anderson, Melanie Wilson, Pat Bilow, Debby Suchyta, Sharla Fritz, Leslie Haines, Cynthia Khan, Pat Nuffer and our SRD committees. What a privilege to have so many sisters in Christ from outside our district join us! The Lord blessed our ingathering of items for Hope Central and The Lord s Warehouse. The Lord blessed three convention offerings with a total of $5, These funds will provide clean water and God s Living Water for those in El Rincon, Guatemala, support for Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Indiana, and support for St. Paul s Lutheran Chinese Mission in Evansville. A variety of displays expanded our vision for mission and ministry. The biennium started at the post-convention Executive Committee meeting. Elected officers (see page ten) transitioned into their newly elected offices. On July 27-28, 2012, elected and appointed officers will be meeting at Camp Lakeview in Seymour, Indiana, for the Officers Training and Planning Meeting. Zone presidents will join us on Saturday for the Board of Directors Meeting. Please add these upcoming events to your calendar: October 19-21, 2012 November 9-17, 2012 April 26-27, 2013 June 27-30, 2013 Inspiration 2012 St. Louis, Missouri LWML Indiana District Mission Trip to Nicaragua LWML Indiana District Retreat Abe Martin Lodge, Nashville, Indiana LWML convention Quenched by the Water Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Continue to remember our LWML Indiana District, zones, societies, LWML Indiana District Mission Grant recipients in your prayers. We work together to build our relationship with Jesus by being in His Word daily, praying and then reaching out to share His love with others. May God s PEACE always be yours. Kristin Potempa Human Care Session President s Reception 2 David Wickert President s Page

3 Convention Memories Counselor s Corner Pastor Philip Bloch Cushion of the Sea Several years ago a submarine was being tested and had to remain submerged for many hours. When it returned to the harbor, the captain was asked, "How did the terrible storm last night affect you?" The officer looked at him in surprise and exclaimed, "Storm? We didn't even know there was one!" The sub had been so far beneath the surface that it had reached the area known to sailors as "the cushion of the sea." Christian peace is like that. It is not disengaging with life but in the depth of life cushioned by the spiritual fruit of peace. I am not sure we get to the point of not knowing there is a storm, but certainly we know God s protection and peace in it. It was good to join in convention around the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, and to receive His deep and abiding peace in Word and Sacrament. May the cushion of Christ s peace through faith sustain and lift you above the waves and storms and give you a peace that this world can never give! Knowing that peace, let us go forth boldly to share His peace with others! Banner Procession Christian Life Committee Greg Walts LLL Displays The wit of JoAnne Furniss Leah Schneider Song Leader Mitey Mites Walkers 3

4 Mission Grants Miriam Neumann LWML Indiana District Mission Grants Biennium - $120,000 At the LWML district convention held June 22-24, 2012, in Evansville, Indiana, the following grant proposals were adopted for the Biennium. They total $120,000. According to records, which date back to 1992, only two totals have been higher than this. We praise and thank God, that He has blessed us and made it possible to have this money to help spread the Gospel and to aid people in need. Lutheran Military Veterans and Families Ministries $12,000 Orphan Grain Train $12,000 Worship for Shut-ins $12,000 Concordia Theological Seminary Food Co-op Ft. Wayne $12,000 SEED program for Lutherwood $ 6,585 Lutheran Blind Mission Audio Bible Study $ 4,000 Gospel Outreach to Disabled People $12,000 University Lutheran Church and Student Center $12,000 Hands of Mercy $10,000 Bible Women; Women Mentoring Women $12,000 Concordia Seminary Food Bank, St. Louis $10,000 Gloria Dei Mission Preschool (partial grant) $ 5,415 Total $120,000 Resolution Concerning the American Bible Society. Miriam Neumann At the 2010 LWML district convention, an LWML sister approached me concerning our automatic gift of $1,000 to the American Bible Society. Therefore, I did some research to find out how this custom started. I found that it began when Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky formed the Central District. In 1963, this district was divided into the Ohio and Indiana Districts. The LWML Indiana District chose to continue sending money to the American Bible Society. In 1976, the amount was raised to from $500 to $1,000. However, since that time, new criteria for placing grant proposals on the ballot were established. Two of these criteria are that the project must be in the Indiana District unless it is to help a missionary who is based in Indiana and it must go to a LCMS supported organization or Recognized Service Organization that may be supported by more than one Lutheran Synod. There are several others as well, but the ABS does not meet any of these criteria. Therefore, a resolution was brought before the delegates by the Mission Grant Committee to discontinue our donation to the American Bible Society. The delegates voted to support this resolution. Thus, we no longer include this organization on our ballot. Convention Offerings #1 $ Living Water for El Rincon This will help purchase water filters to purify the water and make it safe for drinking for a village in Guatemala that is made up of tin and bamboo shanties located along a toxic river. Most people walk to the river to get water for drinking, bathing and washing clothes. Not only physical water but also The Living Water Jesus Christ will be shared with the people in this village. #2 $ Indiana Lutheran Outdoor Ministries To help with improvements at Camp Lakeview-Seymour and Camp Lutherhaven-Albion, as they continue to provide Christ-centered activities for children and adults. #3 $ St. Paul s Lutheran Chinese Mission-Evansville, Indiana Rev. Michael Paul is reaching out to Chinese immigrants in Evansville. This group of believers has been growing, and they held their first communion service as congregation. This offering will help to assist Pastor Paul in his ministry to the Chinese. 4 Convention Attendees

5 Living on the Edge Jesus said, "Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without our Heavenly Father knowing about it. As for you, even the hairs on your head are all counted. So, don't be afraid for you are worth more than many sparrows". Matthew 10: Recently, I was once again drawn to this verse. A pastor had posed the question that if God is so tenaciously present in the seemingly insignificant things, how can we not remember that He is with us, all the time? Especially as we hang on out there living on the edge! This past year, I have felt the need to be with my parents in Detroit. When Dad called in a panic after Mom fell, I simply packed up and went. And so would you. God is good... all the time. Indeed, there has been miraculous healing and strengthening; hopeful steps are made. Then we backslide because we are fragile and our timing is flawed. My dear husband has tried to hold things together in Fort Wayne; bills have continued to come in; things have broken, I am not working although I am working harder than I have in my life; and we simply and incessantly continue to pray. Lord, can we get a glimpse of your plan? Lord, shall we go, shall we stay? Lord, can you hear me? Then, it happens. My eyes are opened. I am allowed to 'see'. Friends are in contact about the reality of what is going on in their lives; real tragic news comes from another part of the family; the pastor digs into just the right place in God's Word; and all of a sudden, I am not so much on the edge at all and certainly not there alone. It is a season, a time; and first and foremost, our God is ever present, everywhere! He has even placed not one, but several sparrow families right outside my kitchen window; they are all doing just fine... with absolutely no help from me. What an incredible privilege I am given to be able to listen and hold up in prayer so many others as we hang out there together! The very best though, is then, to see the prayers answered, and know that no matter what, we are outrageously loved, loved, loved by the One that knows all and is very much in control. Always! So, come on, join us. We'll share, we'll pray, you will feel loved and you will never be alone. You will come back from the edge in time. "And for everything on earth, there is a time, and there is a season. Ecclesiastes 3: 1. Christian Life Linda Harlow Share God s Peace Convention Ingathering for Hope Central and The Lord s Warehouse 705 pairs of socks 580 pair of underwear 51 packages of diapers 96 packages of wipes 12 shirts 17 onesies 51 packages Depends 103 packages of sanitary napkins 85 miscellaneous items $300 gift cards $110 cash donations Serve the Lord with Gladness. Psalm 100:2 Servant Events 27 cancer pads made by 17 ladies Many stamps trimmed and sorted by 31 ladies 40 birthday bags made and assembled by 16 people 100 lap quilts and fleece blankets were tied 3 boxes of centerpieces were made 75 towels of grace were assembled for Orphan Grain Train 45 hygiene kits were bagged Human Care is now called Mission Servants at the national level. Gene Wint Orphan Grain Train Human Care Vicky 5

6 Christian Outreach Pat Potratz CAMEOS OF PEACE Lost she s lost! The despairing mother whose daughter is gone how does she find peace? Cancer the death sentence How can she BE so calm and at peace? A dearly loved father dies How can his daughter be at peace with that? Marcia Huffman, Michele Yamanaka Peace is not found it is given by our Lord, -- by the knowledge that He will guard the lost daughter; He will strengthen the sick one and welcome her to His heavenly home; He has welcomed the dearly loved father. Where does this knowledge come from? From Christ Himself: I have told you these things, so that in ME you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 In God s Word we are given peace! Lead in Peace We all have our share of chaos in our lives. Mine lately has been graduation, open houses, planning an open house, and travel. Sometimes I feel as though I am on a runaway train with no ability to stop or control events. How many of you have been in the same situations or had these same feelings? Our theme for this year s convention, A Heart at Peace, is where I begin my day every day, as a day without the Word of God and His message to me is often confused, harried, and difficult. Each day before we begin our jobs, family responsibilities and other duties, we should find our heart of peace in His Word. Then the days will be filled with confidence to tackle any challenge, courage to endure the tough times, and strength to fulfill all the responsibilities life brings. Diane Emrich, Sarah Rippy, Peg Brettin, Mary Nichols A heart at peace gives life to the body Proverbs 14:30a Blessings on all of you! Do not forget to check the LWML website for the Leader Help resources that are available. Leader Development Sarah Rippy 6

7 Scholarship Barb Smith Congratulations and God s Blessings to the Scholarship Recipients Name and Home Congregation Major Year University/Seminary Helen Hartman Recipient: Ethan Spira, Peace, Ft. Wayne pastor junior Concordia, Wisconsin Scholarship Recipients: Caleb Akers, Redeemer, Kokomo DCE freshman Concordia, Chicago Emily German, St. Paul, Chesterton DPM first year Seminary, Ft. Wayne Adam Koch, Peace, Ft. Wayne teacher freshman Concordia, Michigan Katrina Kozisek, Emmanuel, Seymour DCE sophomore Concordia, Chicago Jacob Moore, Concordia, Ft. Wayne pastor freshman Concordia, Michigan Amy Powell, Zion, Decatur teacher senior Concordia, Chicago Hannah Schaefer, Faith, Bloomington teacher junior Concordia, Chicago Tobias Schmidt, Redeemer, West Lafayettepastor first year Seminary, St. Louis Kayla Sombke, Zion, New Palestine teacher freshman Concordia, Nebraska Emily Spelde, Calvary, Indianapolis deaconess second year Seminary, Ft. Wayne Malinda Standerfer, Zion, New Palestine DCE freshman Concordia, Nebraska Jason Taber, Holy Cross, Indianapolis pastor second year Seminary, St. Louis Lydia Temme, Lake George, Fremont teacher senior Concordia, Wisconsin Jennifer Tinkey, St. Paul, Bremen teacher senior Concordia, Chicago Brittany Wolff, Concordia, Ft. Wayne teacher senior Concordia, Chicago Brooke Zarick, Emmanuel, Seymour teacher freshman Concordia, Nebraska DCE - Director of Christian Education DPM - Director of Parish Music Jennifer Tinkey and Kayla Sombke, Barb Smith Indiana District Mission Statement The mission of the LWML Indiana District is to assist each woman of the Indiana District LWML in strengthening her relationship with the Triune God so she is enabled to use her gifts in mission and service to the people of the world. WHY DO WE NEED BYLAWS? All organizations need a written agreement as to how the group will function. When they are first written, we tend to think that this document will serve us for many years. Any thought of revising our bylaws intimidates us. But they should be changed if they are outdated and no longer reflect the group s practices. It is a good idea to appoint a committee to review the bylaws at least every four years. Check the date, how are you doing? If you need help contact me for a sample guideline. LeAnn Leffel Structure LeAnn Leffel 7

8 Mission Trips Alice Farley MISSION TRIP TO NICARAGUA The Indiana District is getting a team together to go to Nicaragua November 9-17, There is still room if you would like to join the team as it prepares to share the message of God s peace to the women of Nicaragua through Bible study and other activities. The team will also be doing a VBS activity with the children that come with their mothers. The cost of the trip will be approximately $2300 which Debby Suchyta includes transportation, meals, and housing. Debby Suchyta Most Ministries will be the team leader from MOST Ministries. If you were at the convention, you will know what a blessing it is to go into the mission field and share Christ s love and the gospel with those who are hungering to hear of the hope we have in Christ Jesus. If you are interested in going, please contact Alice Farley at dbfarley4222@sbcglobal.net or We are at the stage where we need to begin preparing for the trip so please let me know by July 15. Got Plans? We do! At the recent LWML convention in Evansville, A Heart at Peace, women who attended the Building Better Programs break out session worked together to create programs for the coming year. Here are their ideas: Fall: Christmas: Crockpot Cook-off using Harvest Decorations Food for Body/Soul and invite societies in zone Ice Breaker with groups previewing activities for women in the church Potluck in the homes LWML Prayer Service for the congregation Reformation Festival for the congregation with period clothing and re-enactments. November: Soup suppers Antique Road Show, using a local antique dealer to give estimates Provide a turkey dinner for preschool families or food bank Emily Rogers Nativity Walk Kristine Stout-bell player Spring: Spa Day using providers in the community Renewal Tea--invite spa or Mary Kay consultant to do facials Tea tables decorated by individual hostesses with personal items Mother-Daughter: Mother-Daughter Tea Mothers/Daughters of the Bible dressing in costumes Miss/Mrs. Banquet Adopt a Daughter or Mother Banquet Follow these Building Blocks and you can Build Better Programs too. Begin with prayer Define your purpose for the program Make a plan, prepare for the event Present your program Create a post event evaluation. When you follow these building blocks, you will have a Heart at Peace. Philippians 4:6-7 says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus. LWML Consultant Emily Rogers. 8

9 YWR Jenny Parkos Young Woman Representative Wow!! What an amazing time we had at the 2012 Indiana LWML District Convention. The theme "A Heart at Peace" was such a spiritual pick me up!! This year we had 12 YWR's from all over the district. What an awesome group of ladies! It was neat to see their enthusiasm and excitement as they learned what the LWML was all about. I had several ladies already ask me about the 2013 LWML Convention in Pittsburgh! This is so awesome to see the work of the Lord working through these ladies! May we bless these ladies as they use their talents to serve the Lord. May God always give you a "Heart at Peace" and may you always "Serve the Lord with Gladness!! Angela Lukens, Betty Cook, Jenny Parkos Becky Thibodeau, April Freeman God s Great Adventure Why is the LWML involved with ladies from Asian, African, and Hispanic cultures? to motivate, equip, and ensure the opportunities for women of diverse ethnic groups to serve the church and witness to the world. Our vision includes hosting opportunities for ethnic women leaders to learn about and participate in the life and work of the LWML, the official service organization of all women of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. This is accomplished through the Heart to Heart Sisters Program... In our nation today, more than 20% of our people are of Hispanic origin and 15% or so are of Asian origin and there is a significant influx of Africans as well. By the year 2050, people of the Caucasian race will make up less than 50% of our population. For the LWML to continue its vital mission work, it will need to draw on MORE than the traditional women members of our congregations. When this is accomplished, God willing, we are in a small way experiencing what we will taste in heaven as recorded in Rev 7:9-10(ESV): After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm Ah Mu, Irene Paul, Elizabeth Shwe, Sha Wah, Taylor Htoo Aung, Yin Lim, Karen Blank branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! I praise and thank God that He has given us the great privilege of being a small part in one of His great adventures. May God richly bless you with a heart residing in His peace. Heart to Heart Sisters Karen Blank 9

10 Zone News Gary Zone LWML celebrated its 70th anniversary on May 19 with a spring rally at the Wittenberg Lutheran Village. The zone s first meeting was held in Crown Point in In 1942, this group received a letter of admittance to LWML Hammond Zone. In 1946, a letter of reassignment created the Gary Zone. Gary Zone currently has nine societies. Along with the meeting, the zone celebrated with a communion service, enjoyed a delicious meal and toured the new building. Among our guests was Margaret Wickert, LWML Indiana District President, who talked about the Indiana Convention. Pastor Cory Wielert, Chaplain at Wittenberg, conducted the communion service; he is our counselor for the Gary Zone. Trinity, Hobart hosted the Spring Rally. A special banner depicting our 70 years was unveiled and will be presented at the LWML Indiana Convention. Special pens were given to all that attended, proudly displaying "Gary Zone LWML-70 years. The remaining pens will be given out on LWML Sunday to all the women. Lois Borchelt, President, Trinity, Hobart President Margie Wickert, (home); (cell) Margaret.Wickert@franciscanalliance.org, gmwickert@seidata.com Vice President - Spiritual Resource Department Penny Letterman, , pennyndon@insightbb.com Vice President - Mission Grants *Becky Thibodeau, , becky.thibodeau@trinityindy.org Vice President-Conventions and Communications *Peg Brettn, , pjbrettin@yahoo.com Recording Secretary *Jill Pruss, , tpruss@seidata.com Financial Secretary Deb Sorokin, , Debgl1@aol.com Treasurer *Iris Wittman, , iris@psci.net Counselor Rev. Phil Bloch, , pbloch@immanuelseymour.com *Rev. Bill Mueller, , billm@deeplyrootedtogrow.org Appointed Officers Christian Life Chairman Caroline Kindsvatter, , cskindsvatter@msn.com Christian Outreach Chairman Michele Yamanaka, , yamanakam@cs.com Human Care Chairman Vicky Geisler, , MrsVickyG@aol.com Leader Development Chairman Sarah Rippy, , rippyd@mchsi.com Ruth Armel Scholarship Chairman Jill Pruss, , tpruss@seidata.com Structure Chairman LeAnn Leffel, , davisleann@sbcglobal.net Indiana District LWML Officers 10 Young Woman Representative Chairman Jenny Parkos, , GPAJRP@aol.com Archivist-Historian Shirley Gut, , slcp@att.net Circulation Manager Beverly Racine, , JSBRacine@aol.com Crisis Management Coordinator pending Editor Betty Bardonner, , bbardonner@comcast.net Meeting Manager Tiffany O Day, , tiffanyn1982@yahoo.com Parliamentarian Edith Mossner, , edith.mossner@indy.net Public Relations Director Dolly Jenkins, , jenkinsfamily09@insightbb.com Roster Coordinator Ruth Everson, , rudysfirst@aol.com Webservant Pending Nominating Chairman Sue Pflughoeft, , pflughoeft6266@netnitco.net Retreat Chairman Becky Thibodeau, , becky.thibodeau@trinityindy.org Mission Trip Coordinator Alice Farley, , dbfarley4222@sbcglobal.net LWMLConsultant Emily Rogers, , RogersRabbits@aol.com Scholarship Chairman Barb Smith, , bjsmith8305@yahoo.com Heart to Heart Sister District Leader Karen Blank, karen.blank@southwestlutheran.org *newly elected

11 LWML Convention 2013 We would like you to prayerfully consider attending the 35th Biennial LWML Convention Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania June 27-30, 2013 Theme: Quenched! by the Water Scripture verse: [Jesus said:] but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14 Convention Goal Statement: Quenched by Christ s redeeming grace, I am empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a wellspring of the Father s love. Convention Objectives Convention attendees will: Glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Drink deeply from His Word Share His overflowing love Take time to complete the bus survey below and return it to President Margie by September 1, 2012 Help Us Plan for Pittsburgh In planning for the LWML Convention in Pittsburgh we would like to know how many of you would be interested in taking bus transportation to Pittsburgh. We have been told the unions in Pittsburgh are extremely strong so parking will be expensive no matter where you are including the hotels (possibly $27 a day to park even if you are staying there.) We are working on putting together a bus, or two, that will cover several stops throughout the state. However, we need to know if there are enough ladies interested to pursue this further. Below is the information. Please complete the form if you are interested. THERE IS NO OBLIGATION AT THIS POINT. Busses will make stops at the following cities if there are enough interested people: Ft. Wayne Indianapolis South Bend Evansville Hammond/Gary Lexington, Kentucky Lafayette This trip will be a straight through trip with no overnight stay. Estimated cost: Between $150 -$200 per person. This is bus transportation only. Please note this cost is not definite. There could be a new fuel charge, which might cause the cost to be more. It will also depend on the number of ladies who are interested. ******************************************************************************* If interested complete this form and return to President Margie by September 1, Name Phone ( ) Address City State Zip Code Address Check the city you would most likely come from: Ft. Wayne South Bend Hammond/Gary Lafayette Indianapolis Evansville Lexington, Kentucky 11

12 More Convention Memories LWML Indiana District Convention th Biennial Convention LWML Indiana District Four Points by Sheraton West Lafayette, Indiana Logansport, Kokomo, and Kankakee Valley Zones enthusiastically issue an invitation to the 2014 LWML Indiana District Convention. June 20 22, 2014 Zone Secretaries From Shirley Gut, Archivist-Historian... event minutes to Shirley Gut. Bulletins are probably best sent by mail. Only one fourth of the zones have reported spring rallies. President May Leslie Haines Mercy Anokwute A Special Guest Past District Presidents Elise Koenemann, Emily Rogers, Bonnie Hazen, Marge Gruber, Ruth Thomas Elected Officers at close of 2012 convention Pastor Phil Bloch, Becky Thibodeau, Pastor Bill Mueller, Jill Pruss, Margie Wickert, Deb Sorokin, Peg Brettin, Iris Wittman 12