Women On a Mission. Events and Deadlines. Minnesota South District Spring, Next WOM Deadline: April 15, 2014

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1 Women On a Mission Minnesota South District Spring, 2014 Inside This Issue Mission Grants Page 2 Wild Website Wonders Page 2 Spring Rallies Page 3 Pastor s Greetings Page 4 Servant Resources Page 4 You Are Invited to the 25th Biennial Lutheran Women s Missionary League Minnesota South District Convention June 20-22, 2014 Best Western Plus, North Mankato, MN Theme: ER (Everlasting Rescue) Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (ESV) Registration Information and Forms can be found beginning on page 7. Events and Deadlines April 22, 2014 District Board of Directors Meeting, Good Shepherd, North Mankato April 25, 2014 Mite Deadline for the biennium June 19, 2014 District Board of Directors Meeting, Best Western Plus, North Mankato June 20-22, 2014 District Convention, Best Western Plus, North Mankato August 15, 2014 National Mission Grants Deadline for 2015 Convention August 16, 2014: District Board of Directors Meeting, Good Shepherd, North Mankato October 4 & 11: Inspirational Women s Leadership Conference, Mankato This issue of the WOM was printed in March, 2014 President s Greetings Page 5 Mite Minute Page 6 Parliamentary Pause Page 6 Memorials Page 6 Convention Registration Pages 7-10 Young Women Reps. Pages Christian Life Page 12 Human Care Page 13 Mites Pages Board of Directors Page 16 Next WOM Deadline: April 15, 2014 $33, in mites collected this quarter! Submit articles for the Women On a Mission to: comm@mnslwml.org

2 PAGE 2 MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT WOMEN ON A MISSION SPRING, 2014 ISSUE PRINTED: MARCH, Gospel Outreach Name of Grant Beginning Balance Previously Paid Paid This Quarter Paid to Date Unpaid Balance Dwelling Place $10, $7, $1, $8, $1, Full-Time Professional Church Worker Students Financial Aid Concordia Seminary, Fort Wayne, Food & Clothing Co-op Scholarships for Lutheran High Schools in the MN South District $50, $32, $8, $40, $9, $10, $8, $1, $9, $ $50, $34, $8, $42, $7, Audio Bible Study - LBM $4, $3, $ $3, $80.00 Mission Central, Iowa $20, $20, $0.00 $20, $0.00 Lutheran Indian Ministries $15, $10, $1, $12, $2, China Town Diner, Camp Omega $10, $10, $0.00 $10, $0.00 Trinity/HOPE, Haiti $5, $3, $ $4, $ Special Education Services Lutheran Schools $7, $4, $1, $6, $1, Summer Bridge to Success $8, $5, $1, $7, $1, Hmong Pastor, St. Paul (partial) $1, $ $ $ $ Total Mission Grants Projects $191, $141, $25, $166, $24, National LWML $63, $43, $8, $51, $12, Total Mites $255, $184, $33, $218, $36, Are you a Thrivent Financial member? Do you have THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS to distribute? Please consider donating your Thrivent Choice Dollars to LUTHERAN WOMEN S MISSIONARY LEAGUE MN SOUTH DISTRICT. All the money received goes to our Mite (Mission Grant) Goal. If you have any questions, contact Darlene Fretham, Editor: Assistant Editor: Circulation Manager: The WOMEN ON A MISSION (WOM) Is published four times a year by the LWML Minnesota South District, an auxiliary organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Joann Rosenfeld Diane Frauendienst Carolyn Wagner Is our website not WILD enough for you? Is it missing something WONDERFUL that should be there? We would REALLY like your suggestions! With an average of 1,000 visitors each quarter (464 of them this quarter were new visitors - had not visited our website previously) - our website is an important part of the ministry of the LWML MN South District! Please let us know what we are missing! Send an with suggestions, news and/or website additions to webmaster@lwml.org! Let s make our WILD WEBSITE even more WONDERFUL!

3 PAGE 3 MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT WOMEN ON A MISSION SPRING, 2014 ISSUE PRINTED: MARCH, 2014 Spring Rallies For updates and more information, please see the website at under the Events tab. Conference/Zone Date/Time Location Speaker/Theme Capital Conference NE Suburban Zone April 25 9:00 am St. John Lutheran, Elk River Rev. Yia Yang, Hmong Ministry St. Paul Metro Zone April 12 9:00 am Eastern Heights Lutheran Church, St. Paul Andrea Herman, Guinea West Africa Crow River Conference Arlington Zone April 26 9:00 am Immanuel Lutheran, Gaylord Camp Omega Litchfield Zone April 30 8:30 am Ramada, Mall of America Building Up The Body of Christ Mankato Zone April 12 9:00 am St. John s Lutheran, Good Thunder To Be Announced McLeod Zone April 22 7:00 pm Immanuel Lutheran, Brownton Rev. Jack Baumgarn, Victory Over Satan Lyndale Conference St. Croix River Zone May 3 8:30 am South Shore Trinity Lutheran, White Bear Lake SE Suburban Zone April 5 9:00 am Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Rosemount Bea Haagenson, Helping Hands That Heal Global Health Ministries Feed My Starving Children Minneapolis Conference Minneapolis Metro Zone April 26 9:00 am St. Peter s Lutheran, Edina Kurtis Smith, DCO Trinity First Mission Center NW Suburban Zone April 5 9:00 am Eternal Hope Lutheran Church, Brooklyn Park Richard Dorn, God is the Potter, we are the clay SW Suburban Zone April 26 9:00 am Cross View Lutheran, Edina Dr. Fungchatou Lo, Missionary in Indonesia & Cambodia Minnetonka Conference Lake Minnetonka Zone April 22 7:00 pm Zion Lutheran, Hopkins To Be Announced North Carver Zone April 21 7:00 pm Zion Lutheran, Mayer Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford, Africa Mission Trip South Carver Zone April 21 7:00 pm Zion Lutheran, Mayer Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford, Africa Mission Trip Owatonna Conference Austin Zone April 5 9:00 am Immanuel Lutheran Church, Racine Kalia and Faith Lo Faribault Zone April 26 9:00 am Grace Lutheran, Dodge Center To Be Announced Waseca Zone April 26 9:00 am Danville To Be Announced Southwest Conference Blue Earth Zone April 15 6:00 pm Trinity Lutheran, Elmore Rev. Tom Park, Hmong Ministry Pipestone Zone April 26 9:00 am Trinity Lutheran, Slayton Current Issues in the Chuch, Pipestone Circuit Pastors Sherburn Zone May 3 9:00 am Our Redeemer Lutheran, Jackson Rev. Peter Kufahl, Youth Mission Trips Worthington Zone April 12 8:30 am Bethel Lutheran, Round Lake Paul Soulek, Ministry Through Music Whitewater Conference Lake Pepin Zone April 5 9:00 am Bethany Lutheran, Lake City Rev. Paul Haugen, POBLO Rochester Zone April 26 8:30 am Redeemer Lutheran, Rochester Shirley Severson, Medical Mission to Nicaragua Winona Zone April 5 9:00 am Messiah Lutheran, LaCrescent Crystal Crowley, Mission to Madagascar

4 PAGE 4 MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT WOMEN ON A MISSION SPRING, 2014 ISSUE PRINTED: MARCH, 2014 "EVERLASTING RESCUE" The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18 (ESV) By the time you read this, I hope that we can see some signs of spring. As I write this, it is the end of January and I truly believe that we have endured enough winter to PROVE that we are hearty Minnesotans! Enough already! I m going to plant some tomato seeds spring is bound to happen it always has! The past year has been one of extreme weather and whenever the weather gets tough, whether it is winter or summer, people need to be rescued. Bad weather brings a call to action. The power goes out and people, especially those who might be ill or elderly, need to be rescued and taken where it is warm in winter or where there is air conditioning in the summer. Homeless people are welcomed into shelters that are already full so they do not freeze to death when the winter weather gets fierce. Motorists stranded in winter storms are hauled to motels or armories and their stuck vehicles left behind until the roads are passable. When bad weather is approaching or threatening, we want to make sure that we have the necessities on hand bread, milk, eggs, water and prescription drugs so we can wait out the storm. All these are types of rescue and they might be actions that save a life. The theme of this year s convention comes from Paul s letter to Timothy. Timothy was a young pastor. Paul was his friend, mentor and teacher. Timothy had traveled with Paul for some of his journeys and then had been left behind to be the pastor of the church in Ephesus. Paul s letters to Timothy and Titus are called the Pastoral Epistles because they are really a training course for learning pastors. The words of our theme come just before the final closing greetings that Paul writes to Timothy. The words come at the end of a section of miscellaneous instructions that Paul has for this young pastor. Paul is speaking of his own rescue, but he is also encouraging Timothy in his task to take that rescue to the people in Ephesus. Spring will come and winter weather rescues will be forgotten. Summer will come and different weather emergencies will happen, but the rescue that we need from our sins is ongoing. As long as we are breathing, we are sinning, but our gracious and loving Savior has come to us to rescue us from those sins. Timothy was to preach the Word and bring words of comfort and rescue to his world. Still, today, we need to hear the Word and let the Holy Spirit work that rescue in our hearts. Our Savior wants to rescue us and bring us to His heavenly kingdom. As you make plans and look forward to this year s convention, give thanks to God for the rescue that we have in Jesus. His is an EVERLASTING RESCUE. Pastor Dale Kohrs, Pastor Counselor First Timers Luncheon Those attending their first LWML Convention this summer should sign up for the First Timers Luncheon. District Vice-Presidents will take you through the ins and outs of the LWML. Come learn about our amazing Mites and a different kind of Purple Pride. You might even win a door prize. Space is limited so make sure you sign up for the luncheon on the Convention registration form. Questions regarding the First Timers Luncheon can be directed to Joy Anderson at or servantresourcesvp@mnslwml.org. Vice President of Servant Resources Joy Anderson REMINDER: This year for the convention there will not be bags handed out to everyone. Each person will need to bring their own bag. If you don t have a bag, why not get the LWML Purple Tote. The cost is $9.00. The item number in the LWML store at is

5 PAGE 5 MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT WOMEN ON A MISSION SPRING, 2014 ISSUE PRINTED: MARCH, 2014 What Time is It? Looking at the question, What time is it?, do you look at your watch, your stage in life, what has happened to you today? Or do you think of other people and what they are doing? Is it time to get a report in, a report back from the doctor, make plans for the next vacation, to change the oil in the car, or whatever else comes to mind for you? We all look at those things differently. Just as we are getting ready to celebrate the season of Lent, we can also think What time is it? God sent His Son at just the right time. Have you looked at the history of the time when Jesus came to the earth as a human being? He was born in Bethlehem. Why? God s timing. A census was taken which the earthly rulers set up but which fulfilled the prophesy where Jesus was to be born. The Romans were in charge, roads were built, territories were expanded. Even the cruelty of crucifixion took place under the Romans. Again, What time is it? It was God s time to fulfill what had been prophesied many years before that in scripture. Because of the roads that were built the disciples/apostles were able to go to all the world and spread the Gospel. This happened across Asia, Europe, and Africa as the world was known at the time. There was also basically only one language. God s timing is perfect in your life too. Even when it doesn t appear that way, remember you are His child and He is there with you. You might wonder where is God in your life right now. Remember He might be working behind the scenes for just the right time to accomplish what needs to be done. You might be one of the next officers of our LWML Minnesota South on the district, zone, or society level. You might be a Sunday School or Bible study leader. You might be the prayer warrior. Wherever God puts you, you can answer What time is it? With the answer, it is God s time in my life to serve Him as stated in Romans 12:11, Be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Or as is said in LWML, it is the time to Serve the Lord with Gladness. Blessings to each of you as you examine the Question, What time is it? All the while discovering how God is working in your life through good times and sometimes not such good times. But He is always there with you. Darleen A. Harens LWML MNS District President Layette Kits Layette kits include: Diaper(s) - cloth or disposable, please include pins if including cloth diapers Baby wipes Pacifier - new Bottle - new Sleeper Onesie (1-piece underwear) Receiving Blanket Blanket No baby powder or lotions can be in the layette kit (due to Customs restrictions). Clothing and blankets can be new or gently used. Secure all items together in a 2 gallon zip-lock bag. Layette kits will be distributed by the Orphan Grain Train, Inc. You may pack them in apple boxes and take them to an Orphan Grain Train distribution site (see page 13) or bring them to the convention in June. Be sure to get accurate counts of all layettes taken to the Orphan Grain Train to Jan Pfeiffer, Vice President of Human Care. Her contact information is on the back page of the WOM.

6 PAGE 6 MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT WOMEN ON A MISSION SPRING, 2014 ISSUE PRINTED: MARCH, District Convention Offerings The following offerings will be collected at the district convention: 1. Mission Goal G.U.P.P.Y. (God s Unique People Praising Yahweh) 3. Mercy Ministry, Dominican Republic 4. Concordia University Food Shelf, St. Paul JOYFUL RESPONSE You can now donate your LWML mites electronically! Joyful Response is a free electronic mite giving opportunity for individuals and societies of the LWML. You can transfer your personal or society s mites directly from your bank or LCEF Steward Account safely and conveniently. If you are interested in this giving opportunity, fill out the Joyful Response form and send it to Darlene Fretham. If you would like a form, please let her know. PARLIAMENTARY PAUSE Old Business The term old business gives no indication whether we finished that business or not. Referring to it as unfinished business makes it clear that the business was started but not yet finished. So what? you ask. Remember the agenda is in order of priority. If a group started business at the previous meeting and didn t finish it, that business should have a higher priority than something completely new or a new spin on an old subject. Myrna Behrens, Parliamentarian MITE MINUTE We are coming around that last curve in our race to the goal. Many runners put it in high gear (sprint) to get to the finish line. We just finished the 7 th quarter and we need $36, to meet our Mission Grant goal of $255,000. That is $12,256 a month for three months. Let s start sprinting now! Our year ends on April 30, but plan to have your mite money to me by April 25 so that it can be included in this biennium. Send all donations to Darlene Fretham, 209 West Central Street, Springfield, MN Will you be walking for Mites at the convention this year? The Gospel Outreach Mission Pledge Walk will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2014 beginning at 6:30 a.m. Start collecting your pledges now! Memorials Received November, January, 2014 Margaret Ruesch Eunice Kazemba Gladys Heetland Hazel Soleta Joyce Heffele Grace Berdahl (2) Edna Harens Virginia Fischer Darlene Johnson (2) Pastor Glen Korb Donald Tradup Lorraine Fahumann Elaine Black Esther Sell Wally Ruschke Merton Laack Ella Borchardt Jan Ehn Mary Hiett Betty Velzke Marilyn Palmer Delores Sommers Jean Behlke Delilah Burkhartzmeyer Mavis Nienow Arlene Brekke Elsie Schulz Carmen Klatt (4) Juanita Palmer Kay Boyum Orlien Jurgens Rod VanLoon Nilva Welke Katherine Speer Louise Paron George Schrupp Albert Ciffra Lawrence Schulz Susan Winters Agnes Brandt I have envelopes for the LWML MN South District Memorials. Please contact me if you would like some. Darlene Fretham, Financial Secretary

7 LWML MN South 25 th Biennial Convention June 20-22, 2014 READ THIS FIRST! Registration is by mail only. DELEGATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE is May 1, Registration opens March 1, 2014 and must be postmarked by May 10, (Registrations received prior to March 1 will not be processed until that date). Late registration fee $ Registration Confirmation will be by return mail, unless confirmation is specifically requested and an address is included on the registration form. Pastors attending Saturday only may register by mail or as walk-ins. Fee is $35.00 (includes lunch). Pastors attending full time may register by mail using the registration form. The same convention registration form is used by all attendees as indicated on the front of delegate/guest registration form. Indicate on form whether you are a guest or delegate. Choose among several meal options. Individual meals or a full package of 4 meals (three plus banquet) are available. CONVENTION SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES: Friday, June 20 Saturday, June 21 Sunday, June 22 Christian Life Day Choir Rehearsal Opening Worship Service Convention Sessions Banquet & Entertainment Mission Pledge Walk Convention Sessions Closing Worship Service 8:45 A.M. 3:30 P.M. 4:00 P.M. 7:30 P.M. 8:15 A.M. 4:30 P.M. 6:30 8:00 P.M. 6:30 7:30 A.M. 8:45 11:00 A.M. 11:00 12:00 P.M. CONVENTION REGISTRATION: Make a copy of both sides of your registration form (for your records) before mailing. Send registration form, check or money order (payable to LWML Minnesota South), and a selfaddressed stamped envelope to: Shelah Burandt, 1340 Waconia Pkwy. S. Waconia, MN Questions or concerns may be directed to: Carol Hubert, , carolhubert@live.com or Shelah Burandt , sjburandt@gmail.com LODGING INFORMATION is found on page 2 of this document. Page 1

8 LWML MN South 25th Biennial Convention June 20-22, 2014 LODGING INFORMATION: ALL LODGING RESERVATIONS ARE TO BE MADE DIRECTLY WITH THE HO- TEL OF YOUR CHOICE. Special convention rates are available from three hotels*. The Best Western Plus is the location of the Convention. The other two hotels are within a short driving distance of the Best Western. The Best Western has a large free parking lot. All the hotels have swimming pools, elevators and restaurants on site. The Mankato City Center Hotel offers a complimentary City-Side continental breakfast. The Hilton Garden Inn does not have a complimentary breakfast. The Best Western offers a complimentary hot breakfast. DEADLILNE FOR THE SPECIAL CONVENTION RATES IS MAY 10, BE SURE TO MENTION THE LWML MINNESOTA SOUTH DIS- TRICT CONVENTION WHEN RESERVING A ROOM. Parking: All the hotels have free parking. There is no overnight parking in city ramps; you must park in the hotel parking ramp. *BEST WESTERN PLUS *MANKATO CITY CENTER HOTEL 1111 RANGE STREET 101 EAST MAIN STREET NORTH MANKATO, MN MANKATO, MN PHONE: (507) PHONE: (507) OR Special Convention Rate: Special Convention Rate: $ tax per night for a standard room $ tax per night for a standard room Hotel Parking Lot Hotel Parking Ramp Access: When registering, ask for a parking token at the front desk to avoid a parking fee. *HILTON GARDEN INN 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA MANKATO, MN PHONE: (507) Special Convention Rate: $ tax per night for a standard room. Hotel Parking Ramp Access: Your room key provides access. Page 2

9 CONVENTION REGISTRATION LWML MN South 25th Biennial Convention Guest or Delegate Form June 20-22, 2014 BEST WESTERN PLUS 1111 Range Street, North Mankato Please Print: * * * Please complete both sides of this registration form * * * Name: Conference: Address: Zone: City: Church Name: State: Zip Code: Church City: Phone: ( ) Society Name: Age: 35 and under over 65 I am attending the convention as (check all that apply): Delegate (you must indicate alternate s name and address below) Alternate s first and last name Alternate s address Guest First time attending For Young Women Representatives Only Pastor Candidate I am sponsored by my Zone District Board Member Zone Counselor I am sponsored by my Society Past District President Past YWR I am not sponsored by Zone or Society Pre-Convention Christian Life Day Friday, June 20, 2014, 8:45 A.M. 3:30 P.M. Convention officially begins at 7:30 P.M. Friday with the Opening Worship Service Registration Options and Fees but would like to participate in activities Christian Life Day and Convention Registration (postmarked on or before May 10, 2014) $ Christian Life Day Only Registration (postmarked on or before May 10, 2014) $ Convention Only Registration (postmarked on or before May 10, 2014) $ Meal Options: (select A or B) A. Christian Life Day and Convention Meal Package (3 meals plus Banquet) $ B. Individual Meals: Lunch Friday $ Lunch Saturday $ Dinner Friday $ Banquet Saturday Night (registered convention attendee) $ Individual Saturday evening banquet tickets (non-registered guest) Total $ Mission Pledge Walk Sunday Morning (6:30-7:30 A.M.) (includes convention T-Shirt, circle size) S M L XL 2X $ T-Shirt Only (circle size) S M L XL 2X $ Late Registration Fee (postmarked after May 10, 2014) $ Pastor Registration Saturday only (includes lunch with Rev. Dr. Dean Nadasdy) $ Check or money order payable to LWML Minnesota South Total $ Page 1

10 IF YOU HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS, PLEASE NOTE THEM BELOW: I am hearing impaired and will require the services of an interpreter. I will require sight-saver printed material. I have other special medical needs: Please specify: CHOIR: I wish to sing in the Convention Choir, rehearsal on Friday, 4:00-5:30 P.M. Music will not be sent out prior to convention. SATURDAY LUNCHEONS (included in the Meal Option you chose) SELECT ONE: I wish to attend the Christian Life Luncheon. I wish to attend the First Time Attendees Luncheon. I wish to attend the Pastors Luncheon (pastors only). I wish to attend the The Hats We Wear in LWML Luncheon. (A hat, bonnet, or cap is required for attendance.) I wish to attend the Young Women Representatives Luncheon. PERMISSION RELEASE: I hereby consent to participation in interviews, use of quotes, and photographs, movies or video tapes taken of myself at the convention. I also grant to the LWML MN SO. DIST. the right to edit, use, and reuse said products for non-profit purposes including use in print, the Internet, and all other forms of media. I also hereby release the LWML MN SO. DIST. and its agents from all claims, demands, and liabilities in connection with the above. Date: Signature of Convention attendee: Address: CHRISTIAN LIFE DAY ACTIVITIES (FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 ) 8:30 A.M. REGISTRATION 8:45-9:00 A.M. SINGING 9:00-11:45 A.M. OPENING DEVOTION AND BIBLE STUDY 11:45 A.M. - 12:45 P.M. LUNCH 1:00-3:30 P.M. BIBLE STUDY AND CLOSING DEVOTION Questions or concerns regarding registration may be directed to: Carol Hubert , carolhubert@live.com or Shelah Burandt , sjburandt@gmail.com IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO REMEMBER: DELEGATES must attend ALL convention voting sessions on Saturday and Sunday. DELEGATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 1, Guest registration MUST be postmarked on or before May 10, 2014 to avoid a Late Registration Fee. NO REFUNDS will be issued unless notified by or letter, postmarked by June 19, 2014 explaining the extenuating circumstances preventing you from attending. A $15.00 processing fee will be retained. BEFORE MAILING PLEASE CHECK THAT YOU HAVE ENCLOSED THE FOLLOWING: 1. Completed registration form on both sides (make a copy for your records) 2. Remittance (check or money order) payable to LWML Minnesota South 3. Self-addressed stamped envelope MAIL REGISTRATION TO: Shelah Burandt 1340 Waconia Pkwy. So. Waconia, MN Page 2

11 PAGE 11 MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT WOMEN ON A MISSION SPRING, 2014 ISSUE PRINTED: MARCH, 2014 Young Women Representative News New friendships. Generations of faithful mothers and daughters. Spiritual growth. Peace. Joy. Fun! These were the themes running through Shirley Senart s and Sarah Culbert s reflections on their 2013 National Convention YWR experience. The themes feel familiar, don t they?! New LWML friends! Mothers and grandmothers who like Lois and Eunice are God s instruments teaching the faith to the next generation! Spiritual growth through Bible study! Peace in knowing God is in control! Shout for joy over our salvation (Psalm 20:5)! And fun? Whose skin doesn t shiver when thousands of LWML children of our Lord sing, dance, fund missions and commune together! That s a good time in my book! Yes, I know how Sarah and Shirley felt at the 2013 National Convention in Pittsburgh and I bet you know that feeling too! And even when the feeling is gone, the Truth remains. LWML remains firmly committed to the truth of God s Word, the needs of His people and serving the Lord with gladness both on the mountaintops and in the valleys. I am pleased to report that our Zone Presidents have selected Zone YWRs to attend our 2014 District Convention, Everlasting Rescue. I need YOUR help to ensure these Zone YWRs have the same positive experience at our district convention that Shirley and Sarah had at the national convention. Before the convention, please find out from your Zone President who your YWR is. Pray for her. Get to know her. Listen to her. In general, make her feel welcome in our LWML and at the convention! While our YWR ministry is certainly filled with that wonderful feeling and experience of the convention mountaintop, we are also focused on the truth which remains when the convention is over and the feelings are gone. Reconnect with your Zone YWR after the convention. Relive the convention mountaintop with her but then focus on the truth you both have in common. The truth is that you and the YWR are both sinners whose salvation has been secured by grace through faith in Jesus death and resurrection! And in joyful response to this truth you and the YWR are now equipped by the Holy Spirit to serve the Lord with gladness! Focusing on the truth you and your YWR have in common joy in your salvation, a mission response and serving the Lord with gladness is what will create a lasting bond between these YWRs and our LWML. Mary Kay Mages, Co-Chair, Committee on Young Women Representatives REMEMBER: An individual society can sponsor a YWR too! If your society sponsors a YWR, the young woman s name, contact information and a photo must be submitted to Committee on Young Women Co-Chairs Mary Kay Mages and May Lee prior to May 1, Sarah Culbert s Thank You Attending the LWML National Convention in the summer was a pure blessing for me as I was able to attend an event that brings thousands of sisters (and brothers) together in Christ. This feeling is something that can only be explained as pure joy. At the convention I was able to fully let all my fears and worries disappear and thrive in the knowledge that God has a plan for me. I was able to find peace in knowing that everything will happen in God s time, not mine. This is something that I knew but finally started to see fall into place at the convention. I want to thank Miriam Carter for nominating me to be the YWR, all of her encouragement along the way, and her friendship. I would also like to thank my church, St. Stephanus, and district for selecting me. I would like to thank May Lee and Mary Kay Mages for all of their kindness, friendship, and fun gifts. I would like to thank them as well as Darleen Harens for the final selection of myself and Shirley Senart. I am thankful for Shirley as my other YWR half! It would not have been the same with any other person. Thank you to my family who has been my biggest support system blood related and not! Thank you to the LWML who is an inspiring and wonderful organization! Thank you, God, for all the wonderful blessings You have given me and for the illuminating gift of Your Son.

12 PAGE 12 MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT WOMEN ON A MISSION SPRING, 2014 ISSUE PRINTED: MARCH, 2014 Shirley Senart s Thank You Reflecting on my involvement with LWML makes me want to thank a number of people. I would begin by thanking my grandmother. She was the one that told me, If you ever get invited to be in LWML, do it because it is a great organization. Shortly after that my Society asked me to be the Young Woman Representative for our Society and Zone at the District Convention. I felt honored that my Society and Zone would choose me to represent them, so I am extremely grateful and thankful that they saw me as a representative. I have to say the District Convention was amazing and inspired me to want to become an active member in LWML. I have to say thank you to my Society, Trinity Guild, and Zone, St. Croix, for being supportive and encouraging me in LWML, especially Joanne Lundgren, Barb Balfanz, Celeste Gifford, Bonnie Moyer and Paulette Genz. I also want to thank my zone president, Mary Torno, for her ability to include and teach me about LWML. She has helped me understand the history of LWML in the local area. Next, I have to thank Darleen Harens, our District President, for her inspiration which has granted me a desire to continue to grow within LWML. It has been a pleasure getting to know her and having her share her passion and knowledge of LWML with me. Last, I want to thank my mother for her support and help to be a part of the LWML as a District and Zone Young Woman Representative. Without my mother s help and support I would not have been able to truly enjoy and cherish the experiences I had as a Young Woman Representative. In addition to my mother s help, it allowed me to bring my daughter to join in on the activities and celebration of the National LWML Convention, which inspired her and has her saying she is going to become a Young Woman Representative someday, so I am extremely grateful and thankful to my mother. I wish all young women would have the opportunity to be a part of an LWML convention, because the spiritual growth that occurs is unspeakable. I thank God that I have had the amazing opportunities within LWML and pray that my journey with LWML will continue. SPECIAL INVITATION The District Christian Life Committee would like to invite you to come and participate in Christian Life Day as well as our District LWML Convention June at Best Western Plus motel, North Mankato. Our Christian Life Day theme is: PREPARE INSPIRE NOURISH GO. The day provides for 4 challenging Bible Studies and individual interaction time. The Bible Studies will enhance your desire to continue to Serve The Lord With Gladness with confidence and zeal. How Exciting! We will have Joyful Praise times to just sing with such joy and gladness. LWML women have a gift to Sing Praises unto Our Lord with much enthusiasm and warmth. How fun! We will be reunited with old and dear friends we have gathered over the years. We will be welcoming and getting to know new friends, especially our Young Women Representatives as they are our future LWML leaders. If laughter is good for the soul your soul will be so enriched and renewed. Our LWML WOMEN love to laugh and have fun together. What an opportunity!! We are all sisters in Christ, different ages, different talent and gifts, different personalities BUT we are all one in Christ. We all want to continue to learn, edify and be encouraged in our faith together as LWML sisters and continue to serve the Lord with gladness in fervent gratitude for His undying love for us. There is a saying: I want my investments to pay off. Ladies, this investment in Christian Life Day and our District LWML Convention will pay you FAITH dividends until our Lord gives you your Crown of Life. See you all June 20-22, 2014!! Vice President of Christian Life Joan Proehl

13 PAGE 13 MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT WOMEN ON A MISSION SPRING, 2014 ISSUE PRINTED: MARCH, 2014 Smiles for Infants and Little Girls LWML District Convention Ingathering As I am writing this article for the WOM, the wind chill is 40! However, I am thinking warm thoughts for the infants who will benefit from our layettes and the girls who will benefit from our pillowcase dresses. If you call the distribution centers in Rochester, Fairmont, St. Paul, or Mayer in advance, the dresses and layettes can be dropped off and will be packed in apple boxes. Or perhaps one could pick up some boxes, pack the dresses and layettes, and return the boxes to the distribution center. If this is not a workable situation, you may bring the boxes to the convention although please make this a last resort. HINT: If your zone wishes to help out in another way, perhaps completed dresses and/or layettes could be packed in apple boxes at your winter retreat or at your spring rally. PLEASE, we need an accurate count of the dresses and layettes. Give that number to Jan Pfeiffer either at the convention or her with that number at clet.pfeiffer@charter.net. Thank you! Following is the contact information for packing and distribution of the pillow case dresses and the layettes. John Henke (Rochester) Would prefer to have donations boxed in apple boxes, but can receive some unboxed items. People may drop off their donations between 7 am and 8 am each Wednesday morning, or they may also bring their items to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rochester. They will have a gathering spot for collections. If in need of another option, please give John a call. Home phone: Cell phone: Arno Norman (Fairmont) Please call ahead before you bring donations. Prefers that you pack in apple boxes. He has some boxes available. Home phone: Cell phone: Louie Honebrink (Mayer) Please call ahead and he will give you directions on boxing items and when and where to drop off items. He currently still has boxes. Home phone: Cell phone: Bill Rogers (Eastern Heights/St. Paul) Prefers to have items boxed. Call him to arrange for drop off times. Home phone: Cell phone: FINALLY, I understand that the Orphan Grain Train does not have a truck for us to use at the convention to transport to Rochester the gifts collected at the convention. If you know of anyone who can help us out, please contact me. Serving the Lord with Gladness, Jan Pfeiffer, Vice President for Human Care St. John s LWML Sherburn Hosts Annual Guest Day St. John s LWML at Sherburn hosts an Annual Guest Day each December. They have been doing this for more than 30 years! The invited guests this past year were from all the Sherburn area churches with 150 women and men attending. Vikki and Kim of Detroit Lakes, MN, presented the program, sharing their message in word and song. They told the Christmas story of Christ and how we should not pack him away with the Christmas decorations. It was very beautifully done with love and the love of Jesus from their hearts. Dessert and coffee were served in the fellowship hall after the presentation, all in all a very meaningful afternoon.

14 PAGE 14 MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT WOMEN ON A MISSION SPRING, 2014 ISSUE PRINTED: MARCH, 2014 Mites at Work The Dwelling Place, thanks to your generous support, the Dwelling Place has moved to their bigger and safer location! Words of thanks from a few of the women and their families: I feel confident and uplifted again! It is very helpful to have staff available to listen, support and encourage me. The Dwelling Place has been a true blessing, I feel closer to God! After coming to The Dwelling Place, I got my relationship back with Jesus! I am learning how to be a better parent. The classes & staff are a huge help! All Praise to God! Student Financial Aid Full-time Professional Church Workers, helps future Pastors, DCE s and other full-time professional church worker. Sincere thanks from the staff of MNS District on behalf of the many students we have helped. Our support has helped many young people who are training for full-time church careers. Thankyou from MNS District in making education more affordable! Concordia Theological Seminary (Food & Clothing Co-op) at Fort Wayne, IN, from Rev. Thomas Zimmerman, Dean of Students - through your gift, the Lord bestows support on those He is preparing to serve His people in Word and Sacrament ministries throughout the world. Thanks be to God that He would bless His Church through you. Your direct support to our Co-op helps us prepare pastors, deaconesses, and missionaries who will proclaim the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in all the world. Financial Assistance to MNS District Lutheran High Schools, Gratitude is a common theme in our daily Christian walk. Gratitude, that there are Lutheran High Schools in Minnesota where students can learn of a Creator who loves them so much that He would send His one and only Son to die for them, rise from the grave, and guarantee salvation for all who believe. Gratitude, that with the grant money received we are able to help families whose work depends on the economy including those families who depend on income from carpentry (which dropped off significantly with the economy) and in-home daycares (where due to job reductions, the need to have daycare diminished). These are the types of families you are helping with tuition through this grant. This financial assistance helps the next generation of Christian leaders. Your faithfulness to our cause and your generosity of financial resources, encouragement, and prayer will help our schools lead kids to a very happy ending - not just on graduation day, but on judgment day! Audio Bible Study Lutheran Blind Mission, from Rev. Dr. Phil Pledger, President of LBM/LBW Thank you all for your prayers and generous support. You have blessed many people with vision impairment. Through you many will one day see Jesus! May God richly bless you all. Mission Central Support of Missionaries Worldwide, from Gary Thies, Director This is the 20 th year now and what a blessing to see that this year we had nearly 100 missionaries from around the world come and stay at Mission Central. We fed 56 groups of people and nearly 5000 visitors came to tour this past year. We had the most blessed year in supporting our dear missionaries, with the total being greater than in any other year! We are humbled by God s power & blessing! Our new Ministry Center has been such a blessing for thousands that come here; one day we had four bus loads with about 250 people! We are so proud of our 65 volunteers here who receive no pay so that your gift can go directly to the missionaries and their projects! Thank you for what you have done. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. Hebrews 12:2. Lutheran Indian Ministries, Rev. Sternbeck says, It was an honor to be invited as a guest speaker to the Tanacross Wellness gathering put on by the Tanana Chiefs Conference. I was invited to speak on Friday and then give the message at Saint Timothy s on Sunday. Medical professionals covered subjects like diabetes, heart health, nutrition, addiction recovery and more. Mental health professionals discussed suicide and post-traumatic stress. Elders talked to their people about traditional diet and traditional medicines. It always amazes me that Indigenous people allow the secular and the church to work together. The fact that this Native Corporation would allow me to be a part of their wellness program is a very good work. On Sunday I spoke of these things: to recover their tradition because their ancestors knew that in

15 PAGE 15 MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT WOMEN ON A MISSION SPRING, 2014 ISSUE PRINTED: MARCH, 2014 the mystery of Christ s presence found in Holy Baptism and the mystery of Christ s presence in the Lord s Supper is the mystery of the Gospel message of forgiveness. The mystery of finding Jesus where two or more are gathered is where they will experience healing through God s Word, that your sins are forgiven. At the end of the message, a lovely Athabascan woman said, I have respect for the things spoken here today. It was a good work as the Lord revealed Himself to these beautiful people in this beautiful community. Thank you for making that possible through your compassionate gifts. Equipment Upgrade to China Town Diner (Camp Omega), the ministry of Camp Omega would not be possible without your support! The China Town Minnesota restaurant at the Minnesota State Fair, is run by two teams of 8 10 volunteers every day of the fair. All proceeds from the fair go to the Camp Omega For the Children Campership Fund. This fund is set aside to help families in need send their children to summer camp. Various camp activities include: swimming and sports, archery, Bible study, canoeing, and arts and crafts. Camp Omega: Summer fun that changes lives! Trinity/HOPE (Haiti), Do you love me? Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17 (NIV). The question Jesus asked Peter two thousand years ago still resonates with His followers today. And where could His urging to provide be more applicable than with the children in Haiti? They are physically and spiritually hungry; our response changes that. By sharing the Word and some of the blessings God has given us, the hunger pangs go away, the ability to learn increases and HOPE in God replaces the darkness of voodoo. The excitement for Jesus as the children learn more is contagious! Thank you for having said yes to the question He asks and obeying His urging to love, care for and feed His children. Special Education Services in Lutheran Schools, In 1873, the first seeds for Lutheran Special Education Ministries were planted when an orphanage was established in Detroit, Michigan. This founding marked the birth of a proud heritage: bringing the joy of Jesus to children in need. Moving forward, in 1984 in-school programs were expanded outside Michigan into Illinois. In 1998, 125 years was celebrated of God s grace and blessings. As we touch the past, we remember how God has sustained us for 139 years. As we embrace the future, we walk in faithful confidence that our God will continue to care for this ministry, as we care for His children. In 1999, LSEM expanded its in-school programs to Minnesota. In 1975, 50 students were being served. Today, the need for outreach services has spread far beyond the Detroit area, and serves thousands of students annually. Moving forward continuing to carry on the mission wherever God leads us. Community Outreach through Summer Bridge to Success (Minneapolis), Summer Bridge to Success is an exciting program designed to provide academic enrichment in a Christ-centered environment over the summer. Your generosity and thoughtfulness is such a wonder to witness and we are blessed because of it. Through God s gifts to this program, we are able to ensure that no family will be turned away from hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ because of an inability to pay. This program is so much more than just summer school; it is a highly anticipated part of the year for many of our students and an amazing outreach tool to our community. We are incredibly thankful for you and pray that God will continue to bless and keep you and we ask that you would also pray for us during this summer adventure. (Carrie Butcher, Program Director.) A Hmong Pastor in Frogtown Neighborhood (St. Paul), St. Stephanus Lutheran Church; Pastor Yia Vang enjoys sharing the Gospel with people house to house, recruiting men for the ministry, planting ministries, encouraging and equipping the members in these ministries to serve the Lord. The Lord has blessed nine Hmong ministries in Wisconsin, where Pastor Vang shared the Gospel with the Hmong community before coming to St. Paul. Pastor Vang desires to share the Gospel with many Hmong families and bring them to be part of God s family at St. Stephanus. He is working together with existing Hmong ministries to expand the LCMS Hmong ministry in the Minnesota South District throughout the Twin Cities. Our Mites at Work, with God become Mighty Mites at Work for God s Kingdom! Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 Debi Ylitalo, Vice President of Gospel Outreach

16 President Counselors ZONE PRESIDENTS Darleen Harens Ph Rev. Russell Allan Reed Ph (home) Capitol Conference NE Suburban: Marilyn Akerman PAGE 16 MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT WOMEN Ph ON A (church) MISSION SPRING, 2014 ISSUE presnesuburbanz@mnslwml.org PRINTED: MARCH, 2014 Ph (cell) St. Paul Metro: Beth Schuster pastoralcounselor@mnslwml.org presstpaulmetroz@mnslwml.org Vice President of Christian Life Joan Proehl Ph christianlifevp@mnslwml.org Vice President of Communication Ruth Badciong Ph communicationvp@mnslwml.org Vice President of Gospel Outreach Debi Ylitalo Ph gospeloutreachvp@mnslwml.org Vice President of Human Care Janice Pfeiffer Ph humancarevp@mnslwml.org Vice President of Servant Resources Joy Anderson Ph servantresourcesvp@mnslwml.org Recording Secretary Joyce Lanie Ph recordingsec@mnslwml.org Financial Secretary & Equalization Darlene Fretham 209 W. Central St., Springfield, MN Ph financialsec@mnslwml.org equalization@mnslwml.org Treasurer & Memorials & Bequests Marilyn Coleman Ph treasurer@mnslwml.org memorials@mnslwml.org Chairman of the Nominating Committee Carol Zemke Ph nominations@mnslwml.org Nominating Committee Members: Beveryly Gorr, Caroline Witt, Eunice Bremer, Doreen Hoffman Parliamentarian Myrna Behrens Ph parliamentarian@mnslwml.org Archivist-Historian Lois Marquardt Ph archivist-historian@mnslwml.org Quarterly Manager Barbara Fellersen Ph quarterlymanager@mnslwml.org Rev. Dale Kohrs Ph (church) pastoralcounselor@mnslwml.org Rev. Lowell Sorenson Ph (church) pastoralcounselor@mnslwml.org Rev. Robert Mundahl Ph (church) pastoralcounselor@mnslwml.org Meeting Managers Joan Luedtke Ph meetingmanager@mnslwml.org Margaret Hesemann Ph meetingmanager@mnslwml.org LWML Store Manager Juliene Klaustermeier Ph lwmlstoremanager@mnslwml.org Transportation Coordinator Debra Vinkemeier Ph transportationcoordinator@mnslwml.org Webmaster Wendy Greiner Ph webmaster@mnslwml.org Committee on Young Women Mary Kay Mages Ph COYW@mnslwml.org May Lee Ph COYW@mnslwml.org WOM Editor Joann Rosenfeld Phone: editor@mnslwml.org WOM Circulation Manager Carolyn Wagner Phone: circulationmanager@mnslwml.org Heart to Heart Representative Shing Vang Phone: heart2heartsisters@mnslwml.org Crow River Conference Arlington: Vivian Grisham presarlingtonz@mnslwml.org Litchfield: Joanne Jarvis preslitchfieldz@mnslwml.org Mankato: Kay Stewart presmankatoz@mnslwml.org McLeod: Maureen Krumrey presmcleodz@mnslwml.org Lyndale Conference St. Croix River: Mary Torno presstcroixriverz@mnslwml.org SE Suburban: Mary Mulfinger presesuburbanz@mnslwml.org Minneapolis Conference Minneapolis Metro: Bea Haagenson presminneapolismetroz@mnslwml.org NW Suburban: Julie Hollister presnwsuburbanz@mnslwml.org SW Suburban: Pamela Hunter presswsuburbanz@mnslwml.org Minnetonka Conference Lake Minnetonka: Carmen Melendez preslakeminnetonkaz@mnslwml.org North Carver: Majel Wendorf presnocarverz@mnslwml.org South Carver: Juliene Klaustermeier presscarverz@mnslwml.org Owatonna Conference Austin: Chyeral Stohlmann presaustinz@mnslwml.org Faribault: Gloria Kenow presfaribaultz@mnslwml.org Waseca: Judie Waters preswasecaz@mnslwml.org Southwest Conference Blue Earth: Kay Groth presblueearthz@mnslwml.org Pipestone: Patti Pierson prespipestonez@mnslwml.org Sherburn: Karen Brolsma pressherburnz@mnslwml.org Worthington: Myleen Swanson presworthingtonz@mnslwml.org Whitewater Conference Lake Pepin: Doreen Hoffman preslakepepinz@mnslwml.org Rochester: Sandy Weiden presrochesterz@mnslwml.org Winona: Michelle Prigge preswinonaz@mnslwml.org