2017 LWML Convention News!

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Volume 41 Issue 4 Winter 2016 News from the LWML Montana District www.mtdistrictlwml.org 2017 LWML Convention News! Have You Made Your New Year Resolutions?

The goal statement for the convention is: Empowered by the Holy Spirit, through Word and Sacrament, I will proclaim Jesus Christ above all. Please consider volunteering to help with the convention.

1 Volume 41 Issue 4 Winter 2016 News from the LWML Montana District LWML Convention News! Have You Made Your New Year Resolutions? Here is a resolution tailor-made just for you! Resolve to be a volunteer at the 37th Biennial LWML Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 22-25, The goal statement for the convention is: Empowered by the Holy Spirit, through Word and Sacrament, I will proclaim Jesus Christ above all. Please consider volunteering to help with the convention. Take advantage of a registration discount for serving at least two 4-hour shifts. Download and fill out the Call for Workers form at Send your form in as soon as possible to receive your assignment and a discount coupon before you register. (A packet with a special registration form will be mailed to you; please do not use the form included in the Quarterly). Download and fill out the Convention Logo Polo Shirt order form at Share both forms with the women and men you know who are attending. For up-to-date convention information, see the current issue of the Lutheran Woman s Quarterly or visit the LWML website at Servant Activities Opportunities and Delegate Favors Supplies for some of the servant activities at the LWML Convention are provided by the hosting districts. The Montana District is asked to provide untied quilts, fleece for blankets, dark colored bath towels, backpacks, and crayons. Vice President of Christian Life Sonja Reeves will be our contact person at deaconesssonja@gmail.com for keeping track of the items that are completed. Zone Presidents, please get her the information on what is collected. Send all your items with a District Board member (Zone President) to the Board meeting in Helena on February 17. Volunteers are also needed to embroider LWML on purple bandanas, crochet or knit dishcloths and scrubbies, and fill hot air balloon favors. Can you help? Contact Archivist-Historian Marjorie O Rourke at mjorourke9@gmail.com if your group can help in any way. Zone Presidents, please get her the information about what is being done in your zones. She will keep us updated on what is needed.

Counselor s Corner by Rev. Kyle Whaley, Junior Counselor One summer, when I was about 9 or 10, my family and I went to the fair. This was in Billings, Montana, at the fairgrounds.

I remember the instructions my father gave me and my siblings at the truck in the grassy meadow that was the parking lot.

Now I did not plan to get separated from my family, but the fair was filled with sights and sounds and many a wonderful thing.

I had seen them in movies, seen pictures of them in books, but I had never seen one up close. I wanted to ride the horses on the merry-go-round. I didn t notice my family had moved on without me.

The message was about a lost boy. I thought, some poor kid got lost, isn t that typical.

I bet he was the best horse too! Curiously, my parents were angry with me. I was fine. I was not in any distress, but my parents were very anxious. How could I have done something like this to them?

2 Counselor s Corner by Rev. Kyle Whaley, Junior Counselor One summer, when I was about 9 or 10, my family and I went to the fair. This was in Billings, Montana, at the fairgrounds. The fair was a great gathering of horses and cows and pigs, and there were a few carnival rides too. I remember the instructions my father gave me and my siblings at the truck in the grassy meadow that was the parking lot. He told us that if we were to be separated from each other we should come back to the truck and wait for them to come to us. Now I did not plan to get separated from my family, but the fair was filled with sights and sounds and many a wonderful thing. As we weaved in and out of the milling crowds, one ride in particular caught my eye and that was the merry-go-round. I had seen them in movies, seen pictures of them in books, but I had never seen one up close. I wanted to ride the horses on the merry-go-round. I didn t notice my family had moved on without me. Just as I was about to mount a great white horse and ride off into the sunset over and over again, an announcement came over the loudspeakers high up on a pole in the center of the fairgrounds. The message was about a lost boy. I thought, some poor kid got lost, isn t that typical. The description of the lost boy seemed to match my description and one of the ride operators pointed at me and said, That s you! Isn t it? Drat! I was so close to riding that wooden steed. I bet he was the best horse too! Curiously, my parents were angry with me. I was fine. I was not in any distress, but my parents were very anxious. How could I have done something like this to them? they asked. Mary and Joseph had left Jesus behind and three days later, they found Him again sitting in the temple courts listening to the teachers and asking them questions. Mary and Joseph were upset with Jesus, Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you. You see? Parents are the same everywhere. Jesus responded, Why were you searching for Me? Didn t you know I had to be in my Father s house? But they didn t understand what He was saying to them. (See Luke 2:41-52.) Christ is with us in our lives. He made us His own when we were baptized in His name. When He died on the cross and rose again in victory over death, He gave us eternal life. Now Christ lives in me and He lives in you. Jesus question is a good one, Why are you searching for me? We do not have to search for Him; He lives in us! He lives in us through our Baptism. He lives in us through the bread and wine which is His body and blood. He lives in us through the Word of the Holy Scriptures. Jesus never leaves us. Jesus second question is more appropriate for us today; Didn t you know I had to be in my Father s house? This is a good question. Without Christ in our lives we have no home, no resting place. It is only through Jesus that we are accepted as children in God s family. Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters. Know that this world is not our final resting place. Know that this world is not our home. Through Christ Jesus, we have a place in our Father s house where we are loved, fed, and comforted. Jesus Christ makes us holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. Come to God s house and be refreshed in mind and Spirit. Be comforted and renewed in hope. We know that we have to be in our Father s house. We know that with Christ in us, we now live to the glory of God. Where do we belong? With God in His house. Rev. Whaley Montana Missive is published quarterly by the Lutheran Women s Missionary League, MONTANA District. Periodicals Postage Paid at Great Falls, Montana. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Montana Missive, Brook Gerard, Editor, 256 Ulm Vaughn Road, Great Falls, MT

District President Shari Miller Now greet the swiftly changing year With joy and penitence sincere. Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace Another year of grace.

We rejoice that our Savior Jesus lived a perfect life, suffered, died, and rose again from the dead.

We rejoice because our loving God gives us His Holy Spirit and opportunities to be His ambassadors and proclaim the Good News of salvation to those around us who need to hear.

Rejoice! With thanks embrace another year of grace. As we look with reflection on the years past, we look with anticipation to the years ahead. What does the new year of grace hold for you?

3 District President Shari Miller Now greet the swiftly changing year With joy and penitence sincere. Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace Another year of grace. (LSB 896:1) The words of this hymn encourage us to rejoice and praise God for another year of grace. We rejoice that our Savior Jesus lived a perfect life, suffered, died, and rose again from the dead. We rejoice because He fulfilled God s plan of salvation and that those who believe in Jesus are forgiven sinners and have the hope of eternal life as we live our lives in service to our Lord. We rejoice because our loving God gives us His Holy Spirit and opportunities to be His ambassadors and proclaim the Good News of salvation to those around us who need to hear. We rejoice because Jesus Christ is above all (Philippians 2:9). The hymn continues: His love abundant far exceeds the volume of a whole year s needs. Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace another year of grace. As we look with reflection on the years past, we look with anticipation to the years ahead. What does the new year of grace hold for you? Are you anticipating getting together with your family and friends for family celebrations? Do you look forward to the family reunion with sisters and brothers in Christ at the LWML Convention in Albuquerque? Can you expect some disappointments or perhaps even failures? Are you planning a once-in-a-lifetime vacation? Everyone has an expectation for the future, it seems! The sure promise of the future that we can cling to is summed up in the promise of Jesus in Matthew 28:20b: And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Our hymn continues: With Him as Lord to lead our way in want and in prosperity, what need we fear in earth or space in this new year of grace! The LWML is celebrating 75 years of God s grace during the LWML Convention in Albuquerque. The LWML Montana District is also celebrating 75 years of blessings in 2017 and during our district convention in Missoula in God has been with us THEN in the past and will continue to be with us NOW and into the future with His grace, mercy, guidance, and blessings. Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace another year of grace. The LWML Montana District has been given opportunities for service. You can read about some of them throughout this newsletter. In the NOW and into the future, we are sisters in Christ as we continue to study God s Word; give our mites for grants that support the spread of the Gospel to those who need to hear about Jesus and His love; and participate in service opportunities in our churches, our zones, and for the LWML Convention. We look confidently to the future as the Lord gives us another year of grace. God, Father, Son, and Spirit, hear! To all our pleas incline Your ear; Upon our lives rich blessing trace In this new year of grace. (LSB 896:7) In Christ s joyful service, The following can be found on the 75th Anniversary Page on the LWML website at Then and Now Your Thoughts Since you ve become active in the LWML, what growth have you seen? What will be the look of the LWML in the year 2030? In 2050? You can post your memories and dreams directly to Facebook by using the link on the Web page. Don't have Facebook? Call or the LWML Office with your insights lwml@lwml.org

Christian Life by Sonja Reeves, Vice President of Christian Life Mission/missionary opportunities present themselves all around us, every day.

assist with funeral receptions. Last fall a very special missionary opportunity was brought to my attention. I was overjoyed because of the specifics. Let me explain.

Our mission there has taken many forms over the years, but the main mission is to an orphanage there and the surrounding neighborhoods. God has greatly blessed this mission in amazing ways.

Kids Kingdom Imuris is a bustling orphanage with 20-30 kids, and it is our hope, with the Lord s help, to create that same safe, Christ-centered home for the children of Benjamin Hill that are in

area, especially the widows and single mothers, I got goosebumps. I thought of the LWML Montana District women!

A mission of mercy, if you will! I would love to talk with any of you that might have an interest in joining me and other women in mission!

4 Christian Life by Sonja Reeves, Vice President of Christian Life Mission/missionary opportunities present themselves all around us, every day. As God s servants in the LWML we know how true that is; whether it is Lutheran World Relief, mites for missions, or more close to home: being the hands and feet of Christ to a grieving family as we assist with funeral receptions. Last fall a very special missionary opportunity was brought to my attention. I was overjoyed because of the specifics. Let me explain. For over 10 years my home congregation (First Lutheran Missoula), has been sending groups of our members to a town just south of the border by the name of Imuris, Sonora, Mexico. Our mission there has taken many forms over the years, but the main mission is to an orphanage there and the surrounding neighborhoods. God has greatly blessed this mission in amazing ways. We have begun work with the directors of the orphanage, Pastor Arturo and his wife Lilia, to emulate what they began in Imuris in a town about an hour south named Benjamin Hill! Kids Kingdom Imuris is a bustling orphanage with kids, and it is our hope, with the Lord s help, to create that same safe, Christ-centered home for the children of Benjamin Hill that are in need. So, when our Pastor returned from a trip with a request from Arturo for a group of women to possibly make a trip down to try and capture Arturo and Lilia s heart for the people that live in the area, especially the widows and single mothers, I got goosebumps. I thought of the LWML Montana District women! This mission trip has been planned for April 20-27, 2017, and our focus will be to work with Arturo and Lilia to help those in need of assistance doing chores, shopping, small household repairs, etc. A mission of mercy, if you will! I would love to talk with any of you that might have an interest in joining me and other women in mission! In other Christian Life news we have an estimated collection of 766 boxes of crayons, 671 towels, 157 backpacks, 38 quilt tops, and 35 fleece blankets. That leaves us with 484 crayons, 79 towels, and 155 backpacks left to wrangle up! First Lutheran in Missoula is using a Thrivent Action Card to buy fabric for backpacks so that number will go down a bit. Keep the updates coming and I will be in touch regarding shipping! NOTE: Arrange to have your collected items given to a Board Member or Zone President to be transported to the Board meeting to be held in Helena on February 17. Thanks! God bless you, ladies! Sonja Human Care by Deborah Knudsen, Vice President of Human Care Please mark your calendars and be ready for the Lutheran World Relief Drive to be held on May 13, 2017! Our pick up points will be First Lutheran in Missoula, Holy Trinity Lutheran in Belgrade, Mount Olive Lutheran in Billings, and Our Savior Lutheran in Glendive. More details will be shared closer to the date. Thanks in advance for your service to the Lord! Deborah

Gospel Outreach Committee by Kathy Scott, Vice President of Gospel Outreach Little things mean a lot as the saying goes.

We were finishing our refreshment time when I announced I had a Christmas gift for them. A new Mite Box! Boy, did they get excited.

The new Mite Boxes are a work of art as well as inspirational. (They are free from Concordia Publishing House, but you will have to pay postage.

One of our current national recipients is Phil's Friends. His group sends Cancer Care Packages of encouragement and prayers.

5 Gospel Outreach Committee by Kathy Scott, Vice President of Gospel Outreach Little things mean a lot as the saying goes. At our December society meeting we had just finished packing cheer bags for our members that are unable to attend worship. We were finishing our refreshment time when I announced I had a Christmas gift for them. A new Mite Box! Boy, did they get excited. These are the commemorative boxes celebrating our 75th LWML anniversary! I heard stories about how many had had to tape their old boxes together! Many wanted to take an extra for a friend or relative. The new Mite Boxes are a work of art as well as inspirational. (They are free from Concordia Publishing House, but you will have to pay postage.) Does your congregation offer Mite Boxes to all members? Maybe your zone president would order a bunch to have at your celebratory rally this spring! Our mites are mighty! One of our current national recipients is Phil's Friends. His group sends Cancer Care Packages of encouragement and prayers. They try to visit patients at the hospital; letting them know they are not alone and that God loves them. Phil feels Lutheran Women in Mission are great examples to others. May this exciting new year bring you continued blessings of peace, hope, love, joy, and strength in Christ! (See Acts 20:24.) Kathy Young Women by Billye Roseleip, Young Woman Co-Chairman Happy New Year! Here we are at the beginning of another New Year. The Lord has blessed us with another year of His grace. What the year holds, we do not know, but we know that He will guide and protect us as we go about doing those things that He has prepared for us to do. The LWML Montana District has been given the task of working on this year s LWML Convention in Albuquerque. There are opportunities to volunteer in many capacities. We are excited for the Young Woman Representatives from Montana that will be attending this convention. Congratulations to these two young women, Stephanie Edgar and Nellie Gordish. They will be seen at the convention throughout their time in Albuquerque. If you are there, be sure to greet them and introduce yourself. If you don t meet them at the convention, you have the opportunity to meet them at the LWML Montana District Convention in It is not too early to invite the young women in your congregation to the next LWML Montana District Convention, to one of your meetings, or to an activity that you do. That invitation may be all one young woman may need. Rosanne Larson and I are excited to see what is in store for the New Year. We are blessed with a Savior who has given His all for us. He is the One who remains faithful in all things. He has given us a new beginning. Thanks be to God. Blessings as we press on toward the goal! Billye

Nominating Committee by Christine Wallace, Nominating Committee Chairman Happy New Year 2017! It is amazing to me how these years fly by!

We will elect the following women at the LWML Montana District Convention in Missoula, Spring 2018: Vice President of Human Care Vice President of Servant Resources Treasurer Recording Secretary

It is also available online at www.mtdistrictlwml.org. It has job descriptions for these offices. We need you on the LWML District Board.

See the article on the front of this issue, check out our website, or get information from your zone and society presidents or any of the District officers listed on the back page of your Missive.

Seminary students received $1,000 each and undergraduate students in our Concordia University system received $500 each. Gideon Pullmann Ft. Wayne Seminary Ministry St.

6 Nominating Committee by Christine Wallace, Nominating Committee Chairman Happy New Year 2017! It is amazing to me how these years fly by! Next year, at this time, we will be setting up nominations for District officers. We will elect the following women at the LWML Montana District Convention in Missoula, Spring 2018: Vice President of Human Care Vice President of Servant Resources Treasurer Recording Secretary Nominating Committee Chairman (two-year term) Junior Pastoral Counselor (names only) The LWML Montana Manual is available from your zone or society president, and any of the District Board members. It is also available online at It has job descriptions for these offices. We need you on the LWML District Board. Please check out these positions and pray about how you might be able to serve. At this time workers are still needed for the LWML Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 22-25, See the article on the front of this issue, check out our website, or get information from your zone and society presidents or any of the District officers listed on the back page of your Missive. Happy to serve! Christine Scholarship Committee by Edee Anderson, Scholarship Committee Chairman Scholarships were sent for 2016 to the following students. Seminary students received $1,000 each and undergraduate students in our Concordia University system received $500 each. Gideon Pullmann Ft. Wayne Seminary Ministry St. John, Laurel second year Marcus Williams Ft. Wayne Seminary Ministry Messiah, Missoula last year Carl Wendorff Ft. Wayne Seminary Ministry St. John, Sidney second year Angelika Paul Concordia Wisconsin Sec. Ed. Trinity, Great Falls third year (Social Studies) Liz King Concordia Nebraska Sec. Ed. Trinity, Billings final year (History, Spanish) Application deadline for the 2017 LWML Montana District Scholarships is September 30, If you know of a student in one of the LCMS schools and planning a career in full time church work, send them an application. The application can be found on the LWML Montana District website, or contact Edee Anderson to have an application mailed or ed to them. Edee

LWML 75th Anniversary Trivia Test your knowledge of the LWML! 1.

The sinking of the Titanic 2. In 1930, what Synod auxiliary offered a startup loan of $1,000 to the LCMS women? a. The Lutheran Hour b. The Tea Pot Choir c. Lutheran Layman s League 3.

By January 1943, the first issue of the Lutheran Woman s Quarterly was off the press all copies. a. 10,000 b. 25,000 c. 60,000 5. Why was the convention of 1955 canceled in New Orleans? a. No pets allowed b.

Hong Kong, China 7. When was the first LWML Sunday event held in church services throughout the LCMS? a. October 1, 1975 b. October 1, 1967 c. October 1, 1955 8.

7 LWML 75th Anniversary Trivia Test your knowledge of the LWML! 1. What was one reason stated by LCMS Synod advisors in 1930 as to why they believed it was an inopportune time for LCMS women to organize? a. Prohibition b. Great Depression c. The sinking of the Titanic 2. In 1930, what Synod auxiliary offered a startup loan of $1,000 to the LCMS women? a. The Lutheran Hour b. The Tea Pot Choir c. Lutheran Layman s League 3. How many advisory pastors were appointed by LCMS President John W. Behnken at the League planning and organizational meeting July 7 8, 1942? a. 5 b. 7 c. Too many to count 4. By January 1943, the first issue of the Lutheran Woman s Quarterly was off the press all copies. a. 10,000 b. 25,000 c. 60, Why was the convention of 1955 canceled in New Orleans? a. No pets allowed b. Hotel segregation rules c. Lack of air conditioning 6. Where was the first LWML convention outside U.S borders held in 1959? a. Toronto, Ontario, Canada b. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil c. Hong Kong, China 7. When was the first LWML Sunday event held in church services throughout the LCMS? a. October 1, 1975 b. October 1, 1967 c. October 1, In 1965, which LWML President joined the procession at the dedication of the new Rosa J. Young Women s Hall on the campus of Selma Academy and College (now known as Concordia College Alabama)? a. President Emma Hoppe b. President Eula Hankel c. President Evelyn Hartman 9. In 2003, a proposed mission grant of $50,000 entitled Heart to Heart Sisters (H2H) Cross Cultural Gathering for 2005 was adopted. Its purpose was to: a. Create material in several languages b. Provide scholarships for greater numbers of ethnic women to attend the 2005 Convention c. Fund a task force of ethnic women to carry out strategies to enhance the ministry and leadership of ethnic women of the LCMS during the biennium d. All of the above 10., who donated her last two copper coins to the temple treasury, was commended by Christ because she gave all she had (Mark 12: 41 44). a. The Poor Widow b. Prophet s Widow c. Bathsheba 1.b 2.c 3.a 4.c 5.b 6.a 7.b 8.b 9.d 10.a TRIVIA ANSWERS: What is going on in LWML? is the place to visit for the latest news and updates. The home page contains seasonal devotional articles, updates on our district mission grants, and a calendar of upcoming events. The convention page has all the forms needed for the upcoming convention. There is even a link that takes you directly to the LWML website ( where you can find out even more about the resources that LWML has to offer, as well as the most up-to-date convention information. The LWML Montana District website is truly the one-stop place to go!

LWML Montana District Directory PRESIDENT: Shari Miller (Larry) 3827 Chokecherry, East Helena, MT 59635 (406) 227.5207 (h), (406) 459.7888 (c) shari.lwml@gmail.

8 LWML Montana District Directory PRESIDENT: Shari Miller (Larry) 3827 Chokecherry, East Helena, MT (406) (h), (406) (c) VICE PRESIDENT OF CHRISTIAN LIFE: Sonja Reeves (Ma:) 5751 Fox Trail, Florence, MT (406) VICE PRESIDENT OF GOSPEL OUTREACH: Kathleen Sco: Ma: Lane, Ronan, MT (406) VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN CARE: Deborah Knudsen 2480 Broadway #7C, Helena, MT (406) VICE PRESIDENT OF SERVANT RESOURCES: Pam Kercher (Paul), 530 Pyramid, Billings, MT (406) (h), (406) (c) (406) fax RECORDING SECRETARY: Bridget Michel (Jerry) 708 Dearborn, Helena, MT (406) TREASURER: Ruth Denning (Garry) th Street S, Great Falls, MT (406) (h), (406) fax NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Chrisne Wallace (Steve) 613 Overlook Way, Missoula, MT (406) SENIOR PASTORAL COUNSELOR: Rev. Rolf Preus (Dort) 214 Lincoln Ave South, Sidney, MT (406) (office) JUNIOR PASTORAL COUNSELOR: Rev. Kyle Whaley nd St W, Polson, MT (406) As a reminder I would like each of you and/or your groups to consider the following questions and if you get a chance, share the answer with me for publishing in future issues. Who inspired/inspires your journey in LWML? Why? Share a brief history of your society and a tradition. Share a favorite memory of LWML in action. I would like to highlight each society/zone at some point in time, so please send me a brief description of your society/zone. Thanks so much! ~ Brook ~ CENTRAL ZONE PRESIDENT: Valerie Marn (Mitchell), th Avenue NE, Great Falls, MT (406) (h), (406) (c) mvmarn@bresnan.net DIVIDE ZONE PRESIDENT: Marjorie O Rourke, 2480 E Broadway #11D, Helena, MT (406) mjorourke9@gmail.com EASTERN ZONE PRESIDENT: Vacant FLATHEAD ZONE PRESIDENT: Kathleen Sco: Ma: Lane, Ronan, MT (406) kms@ronan.net SOUTHERN ZONE PRESIDENT: Shirley Zeller 18 31st St W, Billings, MT (406) shirleyzell@icloud.com WESTERN ZONE PRESIDENT: Dorothy Rummel 108 Daly Avenue, Hamilton, MT (406) (h), (406) (c) dmrummel@hotmail.com *ARCHIVIST /HISTORIAN: Marjorie O Rourke 2480 E Broadway #11D, Helena, MT (406) mjorourke9@gmail.com *CORRESPONDING SECRETARY: Janice Wi: (Bill), PO Box 1185, Ennis, MT (406) bjinmt@3rivers.net *FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Barb Kohs (Lyle), PO Box 837, Hamilton, MT (406) kohsz23@gmail.com *MISSIVE EDITOR: Brook Gerard (Jason), 256 Ulm Vaughn Rd., Great Falls, MT (406) (c) bgerardmt@gmail.com *SCHOLARSHIP CHAIRMAN: Edee Anderson (Jim), 310 Washington Street, Deer Lodge, MT (406) edeeanderson@hotmail.com *STRUCTURE CHAIRMAN/PARLIAMENTARIAN: Myrt White, 1144 Matador Ave, Billings, MT (406) rowdymyrt@hotmail.com *WEB COORDINATOR: Stephanie Edgar (Aaron) 501 S 44th St W Apt 2304, Billings, MT (314) kumbawa#a@gmail.com *YOUNG WOMAN CO -CHAIRMEN: Rosanne Larson (Raymond) PO Box 430, Stevensville, MT (406) rosanneinmt@yahoo.com Billye Roseleip (Jerry), 129 Eastside Road, Deer Lodge, MT (406) mtkeepers@gmail.com *Appointed Officers

2017 LWML Convention News!

News from the Montana District LWML Vol 41 Issue 3 Fall 2016 www.mtdistrictlwml.org 2017 LWML Convention News! Make a commitment! Take the leap of faith! Decide to attend the 37 th Biennial Convention