Mission Lamp. Kindness, Humility, and Prayer SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS! May 2018

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Mission Lamp South Wisconsin District SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS! Kindness, Humility, and Prayer What connection do these titles present?

Recently, during my devotion time, I was confronted by Matthew 6 which warned about giving with public display. Be careful!

If you do that, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to those who are poor, don t announce that you are giving.

A week prior I was blessed by presenting $100,000 to Bethesda Lutheran Communities, funding from an LWML grant.

Life is full of the devil s handiwork, concern about health issues, crumbling relationships, or towering financial concerns.

Admittedly, we need God. In our daily lives we experience trials and temptations that cause us worry.

In our humanness, following secular marketing, we try to drum up enthusiasm for our causes, making public pleas for assistance, or creating

As we give quietly and generously, we reflect who He is and God receives the thanksgiving only He deserves (v. 11).

1 Mission Lamp South Wisconsin District SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS! Kindness, Humility, and Prayer What connection do these titles present? Are you ever confused by Scripture, and how we are to apply it in our daily lives? Recently, during my devotion time, I was confronted by Matthew 6 which warned about giving with public display. Be careful! When you do something good, don t do it in front of others so that they will see you. If you do that, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to those who are poor, don t announce that you are giving. This is something I knew about, and tried to practice in my personal life, but this time the reading cut into me. A week prior I was blessed by presenting $100,000 to Bethesda Lutheran Communities, funding from an LWML grant. Then, I was approached about presenting $16,000 for SW District grant #8 at an April rally. Life is full of the devil s handiwork, concern about health issues, crumbling relationships, or towering financial concerns. He tries to keep us in despair, or, in our pride, places us on the edge of a cliff ready to fall to our own destruction. Admittedly, we need God. In our daily lives we experience trials and temptations that cause us worry. Even mature Christians at times have feet of clay. In our humanness, following secular marketing, we try to drum up enthusiasm for our causes, making public pleas for assistance, or creating promotions using articles containing photos and descriptions of mission needs. In our weakness we forget to take it to the Lord in prayer. Today s personal devotion written by Monica Brand in Our Daily Bread, contained this thought, giving should never be about us. We give only because of what our generous God has so lavishly given us (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). As we give quietly and generously, we reflect who He is and God receives the thanksgiving only He deserves (v. 11). As we near the end of this biennium, and realize that promised funding for mission grants has fallen behind OUR projected timetable, please pray with me. Most Holy God, In Your omniscience You know the desires of our hearts. Desires to equip missionaries with needed funding to share the Gospel message in this area and around the world. Forgive us when we doubt that the Holy Spirit will move, prompting us to return to You a portion of the provisions we receive for the purpose of fulfilling our grant promises. We humbly ask that You accept our mite offerings, that You alone might be glorified. We pray this in the name of Your Risen Son, Christ Jesus. Amen May

2 NOW IS THE TIME to plan for a FALL MISSION FAIR 1. Gather like-minded, mission minded friends/pray Have them over for coffee/tea 2. Pick a focus for your mission event/pray Consult with your pastor for his ideas 3. Pick a date/pray Check your church s calendar for Mission Sunday or use LWML Sunday 4. Develop a time line/pray Publicity, gathering information (literature, speaker?), delegate 5. Prepare over the summer/pray Line up supplies, make job assignments 6. After event/pray Extend appropriate thanks to all planners, participants and give God the glory for having educated and inspired members of your congregation I invite you to use LWML resources (by contacting me) OR consider someone who has gone on a mission trip OR consider a local mission your church supports OR check LCMS for National and International mission news OR check with the SWD Mission Office OR Lutheran Bible Translators for info. These are only suggestions. I would be interested in hearing what you came up with. LuAnn Roman, Missionary Outreach/Mission Education lwmllr@yahoo.com Do you have trouble getting to your church s LWML society meeting? No time - busy family life, work hours and/or have mobility issues? An E-Society may be the answer! E-Societies have the same purpose as traditional society meetings serving the Lord with gladness, providing opportunities for spiritual growth, mission service and outreach, gathering mites and fellowship with your sisters in Christ. The new E-Society would apply directly to their local LWML district for membership, organize, structure, and govern themselves in a manner that meets the needs of the group just like traditional societies. The difference: You meet face to face as a group once a year and during planned activities. During the annual meeting the group elects officers, determines a budget, plans activities/projects, covers costs for Quarterlies and projects, and donates to the mite goal. During the rest of the year, you meet monthly at times and places convenient to you since everything (Bible studies, devotions, prayer requests, committee/society reports, business matters, etc.) is sent to and from your . What a new and exciting venture for those who have trouble attending society meetings and still fulfill the purpose of the LWML helping women of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod find avenues to use their God-given talents as they joyfully share the Good News of Jesus Christ with people near and far. Interested in forming a new E-Society? Contact me for more information. Claudia Fairfield LWML SWD Corresponding Secretary correspondingsecretar.lwml.swd@gmail.com 2

2018 LWML SWD CONVENTION Breakout Session Speakers Jennifer Huecker, Vice-President of Christian Life for LWML Vice President Jennifer Huecker is from the Missouri District.

Serving through her local society, zone, district, and national LWML in various offices and committees, has and continues to be a wonderful gift from God.

It is the privilege of the Christian Life Department to provide materials to engage and equip women to grow in their Christian faith as they are encouraged to reach out to others with the Good News

Notice how this is phrased Church Workers AND the LWML, not Church Workers OR the LWML.

3 2018 LWML SWD CONVENTION Breakout Session Speakers Jennifer Huecker, Vice-President of Christian Life for LWML Vice President Jennifer Huecker is from the Missouri District. It was mother-in- law, Della Huecker, who introduced her to service in the Lutheran Women s Missionary League shortly after she and her husband David married. Serving through her local society, zone, district, and national LWML in various offices and committees, has and continues to be a wonderful gift from God. This has been possible only through His guidance and the support of many women involved in dedicating their time and sincere commitment to reaching others with God s Word. It is the privilege of the Christian Life Department to provide materials to engage and equip women to grow in their Christian faith as they are encouraged to reach out to others with the Good News that Jesus Christ is their Savior. Jennifer will be leading a Breakout Session on Friday of convention, entitled Church Workers and the LWML. Notice how this is phrased Church Workers AND the LWML, not Church Workers OR the LWML. We want to encourage those called in vocations of serving the Lord to understand how LWML can work with them in growing the kingdom of God. Think about inviting your pastor or a teacher to convention so they can attend this informative breakout session. If they can t attend, make sure you do, so you can report back about the session! Hannah Lull Hannah Lull is a fun, bright, authentic woman who loves the LORD and loves people! She is a sophomore at CUW, studying to become a Director of Family Life with a minor in Missions. She has been on 15 mission trips including St. Louis, Milwaukee, Mexico, Hawaii, and India. She is passionate about walking with people as they become more involved with outreach, in the community and around the world, desperately wanting others to grow closer to Jesus. Hannah will be speaking twice in our convention s breakout sessions-on Friday the topic will be Every Day Missions and on Saturday Hannah will be joining our Young Women Representatives who attended the National LWML Convention in Albuquerque to speak on the topic Youth on a Mission. Both of these sessions will be terrific to attend to hear from the next generation of LWML! Rev. Ryan McDermott Rev. Ryan and Emily McDermott serve the Lord through The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) as career missionaries in West and Central Africa, based in Togo, working in deaf ministry. In this role, Ryan works with partner churches throughout the region to recognize and develop opportunities to reach the deaf with the Gospel. He also identifies and trains leaders, both pastors and laypeople, for working in deaf ministry Pastor McDermott will be the convention s keynote speaker on Saturday along with being a breakout session speaker in the afternoon. His sharing of his and his family s life as missionaries in Africa will inform and inspire. Through Pastor s visit we will truly witness the theme of our convention from Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, Your God reigns! If you d like to be part of our LWML SWD prayer chain, please send your address to Joyce Kaestner at joycelk4011@att.net 3

Three to Go Looking Back LWML SWD Convention June 25, 2016. The convention delegates just voted to make a commitment to support eleven mission organizations in 2016-2018.

just around the corner and we still have three more promises to keep from the 2016 convention. Concordia Seminary St.

Teaching Children as Christ Taught Us -- $12,000 To assist three low-income families with tuition to enroll their special needs children in the Lutheran Special School & Education Services (LSSES)

community. Looking Ahead LWML SWD Convention June 23, 2018. The convention delegates will vote on which mission organizations to support in 2018 2020. A list of all the requests are posted on the www.

We pray that Jesus would touch our hearts and minds, so we use our resources according to His will.

connected. So if you haven't already, "LIKE" us on Facebook and stay informed on the latest LWML SWD news and events. The Heart to Heart event was held on Saturday, 3/17/18 at Brookfield Lutheran.

4 Three to Go Looking Back LWML SWD Convention June 25, The convention delegates just voted to make a commitment to support eleven mission organizations in In thankfulness for our many blessings, especially our salvation because of the sacrifice of our loving Savior, LWML SWD has fulfilled eight of these promises but we must not forget, June 23, 2018 is just around the corner and we still have three more promises to keep from the 2016 convention. Concordia Seminary St. Louis Food Bank -- $15,000 To provide healthy food, household items, personal care and baby items for the over 200 seminarians and families who shop at the Food Bank. Teaching Children as Christ Taught Us -- $12,000 To assist three low-income families with tuition to enroll their special needs children in the Lutheran Special School & Education Services (LSSES) CLET Togo, Africa Seminary Dorms -- $1,600 Funds will be used to construct one dorm for Seminary students and families to provide a safer environment and to allow for a cohesive CLET student community. Looking Ahead LWML SWD Convention June 23, The convention delegates will vote on which mission organizations to support in A list of all the requests are posted on the website under Events Conventions. Each LWML SWD member should study this list and, if you are not a convention delegate, give your delegate input concerning your choices. We pray that Jesus would touch our hearts and minds, so we use our resources according to His will. Marge Frank Mission Grant Committee Chairman Our Facebook page is a great way for us to share ideas with you and each other, remind you of upcoming events, share pictures, ask questions and stay connected. So if you haven't already, "LIKE" us on Facebook and stay informed on the latest LWML SWD news and events. The Heart to Heart event was held on Saturday, 3/17/18 at Brookfield Lutheran. There were eight ethnic pastors who participated in the service in various languages. The program which followed included several ethnic dancing groups, testimonies, information on different countries, a yo-yo demonstration, singing, music, and lots of fun! Many booths were set up for displays of different ethnic groups. The food was diverse, abundant, and very tasty. We are so thankful for close to 200 people who attended and participated in the event. We celebrated our differences but also celebrated being forgiven children of the same loving God! Thank you to Mai Nhai Thao and her planning committee for their work in organizing the event! Kristen Kolell PLEASE SHARE THE! The Mission Lamp is your news within the South Wisconsin District of the LWML. Please make copies of this to share in your society and church. You may also download a copy from lwml-swd.org. LWML STORE NEWS If anyone would like to order anything from the LWML store please contact your zone president for info or else Diane Kamrath, store manager, at dkamrath22@gmail. com or call her at All orders need to be to her by May 10th and can be picked up at the convention. They also need to be paid for before they are ordered, and a 1% shipping charge should be added to the total when sending your check to Diane. Ladies can go to the LWML website and look at what is available to order, then call Diane with your order. For help call Diane at the above number. Thank you! 4

He is Risen! He is risen indeed! ALLELUIA! I would like to share with you some quotes from a book titled, Women in Mission, published in 1967 by CPH, written by Ruth Fritz Meyer.

234) As you may guess this book was written at the end of the first 25 years of the LWML. This past year the LWML celebrated the 75th anniversary, and how ironic these same words ring true today.

It would be presumptuous on our part to try to predict what course the LWML will take in the years ahead. (pg. 234) Fifty years ago, the same questions were being asked as you have before you today.

as well as the spiritual needs of all sorts and conditions of men everywhere.

5 He is Risen! He is risen indeed! ALLELUIA! I would like to share with you some quotes from a book titled, Women in Mission, published in 1967 by CPH, written by Ruth Fritz Meyer. It is fitting to pause as the first quarter century of the Lutheran Women s Missionary League s history comes to a close and to acknowledge with humility the tremendous blessings which the Lord has bestowed on this organization. At the same time lost opportunities, the lack of consecration, an unwillingness to sacrifice, which at times hampered the progress of the Lord s work in one way or another, cannot be overlooked. (pg. 234) As you may guess this book was written at the end of the first 25 years of the LWML. This past year the LWML celebrated the 75th anniversary, and how ironic these same words ring true today. These words remind us of the same sinful nature that we all share, and what Christ died for. The past is gone the future lies before us. It would be presumptuous on our part to try to predict what course the LWML will take in the years ahead. (pg. 234) Fifty years ago, the same questions were being asked as you have before you today. We are at a time in our church when pastoral leadership is getting thin, and I ask you to take a moment and think about the support the LWML-SWD can give to the endeavor of helping young men become pastors for the future. If the LWML is to continue to fulfill its mission in the 20thcentury space age, it, too, will challenge each one of its members to become personally involved in a Christian concern for the physical as well as the spiritual needs of all sorts and conditions of men everywhere. If this concept of the term Mission is maintained, then the members of the LWML will continue to be what their counterparts have been throughout all ages women on a mission Christ s mission to the whole man, to the whole society, in the world. (pg.235) The ladies of the LWML have accomplished many things in the name of the Lord, and I know that you will in the future. I have been blessed with my time as your counselor and I want to thank you for your support and prayers for the last 4 years. We have traveled many miles together with the mission of the LWML-SWD, and I encourage all of you to look at that mission as you come to the convention this summer. God bless all of you. Rev. Dale Blanchard Senior Counselor LWML-SWD Mission Lamp Mite Report Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Since my last Mission Lamp article in February, we were able to pay Grant # 7 at the Spring BOD Meeting. We also recently were able to pay Grant #8. Now we are working on Grant # 9 which is $15, for the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Food Bank. We need $13, per month in the months of April, May, and June to meet our Mite Goal. I pray you continue to pray for the grant recipients and continue to send your mites, so we can reach our mite goal before convention. To God Be The Glory! Diane Kamrath, Financial Secretary Please join us for an afternoon of PAINTING, BIBLE STUDY, & TRIVIA Three dates available: Come to one or come to all! It s guaranteed to be a blast! No craftiness or craft knowledge needed! All painting supplies will be provided! The event is FREE! No aprons will be provided, so please dress accordingly. All ages welcome and encouraged to come, but please know there will be no babysitting available. ***All events will begin at 12:30pm, with registration from 12:00-12:30pm. Please arrive accordingly*** Dates are as follows: July 28, 2018: Hope Lutheran - Fond du Lac 260 Vincent St, Fond du Lac, WI August 11, 2018: Divine Savior-Hartford 3200 Co Rd K, Hartford, WI August 18, 2018: Good Shepherd Tomah 1221 LaGrange Ave, Tomah, WI Please register by 7/15/2018. Registration form can be printed from We hope to see each and every one of you at one of these events! If you have any questions, please contact: Kati Meyerhofer: katidot@gmail.com 5

2018 LWML SWD FALL RETREAT September 20 22 Hilton Garden Inn 1355 W.

Items to bring: cereal, instant oatmeal, granola and protein bars, boxed meals, peanut butter and jelly Personal products needed: pads, tampons, panty liners, and incontinence products Bible Study:

Douglas Peters Servant Events: Projects to aid, honor, and encourage our Veterans and Active Military Members Additional Happenings: Thursday evening pizza party with devotions at 7pm.

Friday: free day (until 3pm) for relaxing, shopping or area attractions, servant event opens at 3pm, dinner on your own, speakers and program begin at 6:45, ice cream sundae bar following the

6 2018 LWML SWD FALL RETREAT September Hilton Garden Inn 1355 W. 20 th Avenue Oshkosh, WI Offering Recipient: LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces Ingathering: Local area food pantries including: Trinity Lutheran, Menasha and The Lutheran Food Pantry, Oshkosh Items to bring: cereal, instant oatmeal, granola and protein bars, boxed meals, peanut butter and jelly Personal products needed: pads, tampons, panty liners, and incontinence products Bible Study: Pastoral Counselor, Rev. M. Douglas Peters Servant Events: Projects to aid, honor, and encourage our Veterans and Active Military Members Additional Happenings: Thursday evening pizza party with devotions at 7pm. Hotel check-in begins at 3pm. Friday: free day (until 3pm) for relaxing, shopping or area attractions, servant event opens at 3pm, dinner on your own, speakers and program begin at 6:45, ice cream sundae bar following the program, paper airplane contest, pool open 24 hours, uplifting music, exhibitors, mission and ministry updates, and developing friendships-new and old. Keynote Speaker: Jan Struck Life has its ups and downs. Jan will help us celebrate the incredible love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ, with laughter, gratitude and joy. Missionary Pilot Speakers: Jonathan and Carrie Federwitz Working with Wycliffe and Lutheran Bible Translators through aviation in Papua New Guinea since Registration fee $65. Info, links, reg. form and TLC Scholarship application For room reservations call the Hilton Garden Inn directly at or reserve through our link at lwml-swd.org under the events tab. August 26th is the deadline for room reservations to receive the LWML discounted rate of $99 per night plus tax for single/double occupancy, add $10 for each additional person in the room. To encourage attendance by our Deaf LWML sisters, a grant to assist in costs for Deaf Interpreters has been applied for through Mill Neck Foundation for Deaf Ministry. 6

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Barb Kaun lwml.swd.pres@gmail.com VP, Organizational Resources Ann Nehring vporgresources.lwml.swd@gmail.

com Mark your calendars and plan to attend the 2019 WINTER GETAWAY!

7 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Barb Kaun VP, Organizational Resources Ann Nehring VP, Gospel Outreach/Christian Life Diane Meyer VP, Special Focus Ministries/Mission Grants Kristen Kolell Mark your calendars and plan to attend the 2019 WINTER GETAWAY! Date: February 1 & 2, 2019 Where: Wintergreen Resort & Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI Join us for a time of Bible study, mission focus, prayer and praise, servant events and great fellowship. UPCOMING EVENTS VP, Communication Ruth Weckwerth ruth.lwml@gmail.com Recording Secretary Ruth Mueller ram53213@sbcglobal.net Corresponding Secretary Claudia Fairfield correspondingsecretar.lwml.swd@gmail.com Financial Secretary (receives funds) Diane Kamrath dkamrath22@gmail.com Treasurer (pays bills) Kris Hebel treasurer.lwml.swd@gmail.com Senior Counselor Rev. Dale Blanchard pastorblanchardlcms@gmail.com Junior Counselor Rev. Douglas Peters jr.counselor.lwml.swd@gmail.com May 10: Bookstore Orders Due to Diane Kamrath June 22-23: District Convention Milwaukee Marriott West in Waukesha July 28: Young Women s Event at Hope Lutheran, Fond du Lac Aug. 1: TLC Scholarship deadline for Fall Retreat Aug. 11: Young Women s Event at Divine Savior, Hartford Aug. 18: Young Women s Event at Good Shepherd, Tomah Sept : 2018 Fall Retreat, Hilton Garden Inn, Oshkosh Want to share your news? What do you find uplifting or inspiring as you serve the Lord? Is there something you would like your fellow LWMLers to know? The Mission Lamp is a great way to share photos, ideas, and upcoming events! The deadline for the next issue is July 15, Holly Anderson, Mission Lamp Editor holkanders@gmail.com 7

Mission Lamp WHO? ME? LEADERSHIP? SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS! November 2018

Mission Lamp WHO? ME? LEADERSHIP? SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS! November 2018 Mission Lamp South Wisconsin District SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS! November 2018 WHO? ME? LEADERSHIP? Recently a pastor used Numbers 11: 14-16 to begin the lesson for the day. My ears perked up because