LUTHERAN WOMEN S MISSIONARY LEAGUE MISSOURI DISTRICT August and November 2015 Inside this issue: Christie s Corner 1 Jefferson City Zone 2 Faith Ladies Aid in St. Robert Immanuel in 3 Lockwood When I was a child, my mother taught me several games using my hands. Maybe some of you were taught the same games, such as; patty-cake, Here is the Church, hand jive, Miss Mary Mack, Rock Paper Scissors. All of these games need to be played with 2 hands, sometimes more. Two-Handed Evangelism is our newsletter topic. We are not playing hand games as we try to meet both spiritual (one hand) and physical (second hand) needs of people. The question is how do we do this and can we do one without the other? Church Work Study Grants Good Shepherd in Carthage Missouri Mission Grants update 2016 District Convention Registration 4 5 6 8-10 Jesus got the attention of the Samaritan woman at the well, when He told her He could give her water and she would thirst no more. Now, to her thinking, that would be wonderful, no more daily trips to the well. That was a chore for her. Jesus was concerned about her spiritual well-being. How about the man who was beaten, robbed and left to die on the side of the road? If the Good Samaritan had just said, Be of good cheer. God loves you! The hurt man would not have heard him at all. He had many physical needs at the time. Mission Statement of the LWML The mission of the Lutheran Women s Missionary League is to assist each woman of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in affirming her relationship with the Triune God so that she is enabled to use her gifts in ministry to the people of the world. When people are aching because of being tired, hungry or hurting, Two- Handed Evangelism can be used. On one hand, we reach out to help, feed and take care of their needs. As they rest, are fed and hurts attended, we have the opportunity to open the other hand to share God s Word of love and forgiveness. When listening to a recent sermon, the pastor said, People will care what you know, when they know that you care. I think that s the truth behind Two -Handed Evangelism, you need both hands. Through our actions, people can be touched by God s love, both physically and spiritually. They can feel it, taste it, be surrounded by it. Hands working together. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Christie Steffens, Missouri District President
Jefferson City Zone August and November 2015 The Jefferson City Zone hosted a day retreat on August 8th, at Faith Lutheran church in Jefferson City. The theme was Sister to Sister, a program Diane Knutson created, all about strengthening relationships within the Zone. Sixty-nine registered and 65 were in attendance. The ingathering was school supplies that were given to the local Samaritan Center. They looked at the words teamwork, communication, sisterhood, sharing, and encourage. There was a game for the first four words, after which Pastor Morris did a Bible study on each word. The girls worked in teams to finish each game. After lunch, a young man from Christ the King sang for them. They then looked at the word encourage by watching a dvd, and having Pastor Morris again share a Bible study. Faith Ladies Aid and Thrivent Financial Help Local Women s Shelter The Ladies Aid Society at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Robert, MO hosted a special fundraising lunch for the benefit of their local Genesis House, a women's shelter, in Waynesville, MO. A special grant from Thrivent Financial assisted in providing both food and personal items for the women and children in this shelter. Over 170 new hygiene & clothing items were donated along with free-will offerings of $315 for these women and children to use. Faith congregation members enjoyed a delicious ham and potluck noontime meal after their Worship Service on Sunday, September 27, 2015. 2
August and November 2015 Immanuel LWML in Lockwood, Missouri was established in 1949 and currently has 42 members which actively attend one of four LWML Circles. Thanks to these active women who continue to make a difference in their community. They distribute prayer shawls to the sick and shut-in. They host Bingo at the local nursing home, mail out care packages to members attending college and those serving in the military. This past year, the organization sponsored a St. Louis Seminary student and donated towards future missionary work in Belize. Along with serving funeral meals, the Lockwood LWML also holds an annual appreciation supper for the local volunteer firemen and their families. Donations are given yearly to JYF/LYF to assist in camp expenses and to a local backpack food program for school children. The Dorcas Circle meets once a week for all-day quilting. They sew and tie blankets, quilts, coverlets, lap robe quilts, and other items for their local nursing home and for those in need. 3
LWML Church Worker Study Grants Church Worker s Study Grants help students who want to be a church worker. These grants financially help those who want to become Pastors, Deaconess, Directors of Christian Education, Directors of Parish Music, Directors of Lay Ministry, Directors of Family Life, Directors of Christian Outreach, Early Childhood teachers, Elementary Education teachers, Middle School teachers and Secondary Education teachers. To receive a CWSG from the LWML, MO District, students must be a full time student at a Concordia University or Seminary. For the current 2015-2016 school year, the LWML, Missouri District was able to give 30 CWSG; 7 to Seminary students and 23 to Church Workers. The MO District mission goal includes $55,000, which is $27,500 per year, just for CWSG. Through your mite giving, we were able to give a total of $27,500 in grants for this school year. We are asked all the time, How do you pick the students for grants? Our CWSG committee meets to review all applications. Along with the application each student is asked to write an essay. We also review financial need, grades, and reference letters. After the CWSG committee agrees on a recommendation, we present them to the LWML MO District President, the VP of Gospel Outreach and the Senior Pastoral Counselor for approval. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis The new application for next school year, 2016-2017 is now available on-line at www.missourilwml.org. The instructions and application are under FORMS ; then look under Scholarships and Grants. If you know of anyone who is going into church work, please let them know where to find this information. The deadline for this next school year is April 15 th, 2016. Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne There are two additional funds set up within the LWML, MO District, separate from the MO District Mission Goal, to support CWSG. We have a Church Worker s Study Grant Fund and a Seminary Fund. You may donate gifts to these funds at any time. Please send your gifts to your Zone treasurer or send directly to Carol Riedel, the MO District Financial Secretary. If you send to Carol, please put in the memo box what zone you are from and to what fund you want to put your gifts in, the CSWG Fund or the Seminary Fund. Please take time to pray not only for the students who received grants from us but pray for all students studying to be church workers. They are the future of our Church. Crystal Lueckenhoff, CWSG Chairman Karen Bernsen, Committee Member Joanna McDowell, Committee Member 4
August and November 2015 Good Shepherd LWML of Carthage, Missouri hosted their annual Ladies Night Out for women of the congregation in October. The theme for the evening was I Am Made of Clay based on Isaiah 64:8 But now O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. The group met at Precious Moments dining room and enjoyed a meal followed by a demonstration by a local potter who explained how God shapes us into vessels so that He can use us according to His design. The potter gave each lady in attendance a piece of pottery that had not turned out as she had envisioned, explaining that it still has a purpose just as each of us has a purpose. The Executive Board of the Lutheran Women s Missionary League Missouri District is trying something different for the 24th Biennial Convention June 3-5, 2016 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Online Voting Online voting will allow for quick results and more time being available for speakers or other activities. If you want to try out the new voting process before registering, request a demo election ballot by emailing lwmlelection@gmail.com. 5
2014-2016 Mission Grants August and November 2015 Grant Amount Amount Mission Grant request amount granted Paid as of 8/28/15 1. Concordia Seminary Food Bank, St. Louis, MO $8,000 $8,000 $8,000 2. Here Am I, Send Me Is. 6:8, St. Paul Lutheran High, Concordia, MO $18,100 $18,100 $9,050 3. Financial Assistance for Concordia Theological Seminary, Food and Clothing, Ft. Wayne, IN $8,000 $8,000 $4,000 4. Lutheran Mission Partnership of Southeast Missouri, Doniphan, MO $12,000 $12,000 $3,000 5. Reaching Rahab Outreach Ministry to At-Risk Young Women in Kenya $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 6. Weekend Food Backpack program, St. Clair, MO $4,500 $4,500 $4,500 7. Ship Humanitarian Aid Supplies to Latvia through Orphan Grain Train, St. Louis, MO $6,500 $6,500 $6,500 8. Raising UP Children In Kansas City to Know Jesus, Kansas City, MO $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 9. Rural & Small Town Mission Worker-Priest Retreat, LCMS Office of Nat. Missions, Concordia, MO $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 10. LifeBridge Lutheran Mission, Columbia, MO $15,000 $15,000 $7,000 11. Lutheran Urban Mission Agency (LUMA) Van, Kansas City, MO $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 12. International Grad Students Support, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO $20,000 $20,000 $15,000 13. St. Paul Lutheran High School Tuition Assistance, Farmington, MO $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 14. Reaching Out in Konobo Language to African Immigrants in Kansas City, MO $7,860 $3,900 $3,900 TOTAL $141,960 $138,000 $103,450 (75%) www.missourilwml.org Women In Mission Theme and Deadline February Issue Theme: The Power of God s Word Deadline: January 25 No need to limit submissions to theme Email articles and pictures to: missouri.lwml.news@gmail.com mail to: Linda Dunn, 3908 Forest, Kansas City, MO 64110 6
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LWML Missouri District Convention June 3-5, 2016 Cape Girardeau, Missouri Registration Information and Instructions www.missourilwml.org, Click on 2016 District Convention Instructions for Completing Registration Form: 1. You will experience a number of changes in registering for this convention; therefore, we advise you to carefully read ALL instructions. If you have any questions contact the Convention Registrar, Pat Petzoldt at patspub70@gmail.com or by calling her home at 573-824-5912 or her cell at 573-517-1567 or seek the help of your society or zone president. 2. The Registration Form can be filled out manually or downloaded from the www.missourilwml.org website and be filled out electronically by using the TAB key to move from response to response. Be sure to check and/or circle responses when asked. 3. Registration opens on February 1, 2016. 4. After completing the Registration Form, make a copy for your records before mailing your completed Registration Form, your payment and self-addressed stamped envelope to registrar, Pat Petzoldt. It is important that you include all information requested. Incomplete forms will be returned thus delaying your registration process. After May 27 please register in person at the convention. 5. Online voting for mission grants is new for this convention. A flier is provided on the website and through your zone president on the procedures. More information will be provided with your registration confirmation. Further questions regarding this can be directed to Ashley Kassel by emailing lwmlelection@gmail.com. 6. Pay special attention to the deadlines, especially those pertaining to the online voting. Notice that all voting members Registration Forms must be postmarked by April 18. 7. The district tries its best to keep convention costs to a minimum and continually struggles to stay afloat. Space is available by No. 9 on the Registration Form to voluntarily contribute to the convention fund. Thanks for helping. Housing and Restaurants: Following are recommendations on motels not far from the Osage Center in Cape Girardeau. You are responsible for calling for reservations for housing on your own. A block of rooms have been reserved at only the following five motels: Prices do not include taxes. Block prices are good at any of these motels until May 2, 2016. Auburn Place, complimentary breakfast, 3265 William St., 573-651-4486 (2.5 miles away)... $99 Drury Suites, complimentary breakfast & supper, 3303 Campster Dr., 573-339-9500 (3 miles away)... $145 Pear Tree West, complimentary breakfast, 103 Cape West Parkway, 573-651-3000 (3 miles away)... $95 Pear Tree Medical Center, complimentary breakfast, 3248 William St., 573-334-3000 (2.5 miles away)... $110 Drury Inn & Suites, complimentary breakfast & supper, 225 Weiss Roadside Park, Jackson, MO, 573-243-9200 (8.5 miles away)... From $110-130 Other Motels Close--2.5 to 3 Miles Away, complimentary breakfast: Holiday Inn Express (573-334-4491), Comfort Suites (In Jackson 573-204-0014.), Call for pricing. Other Motel Close--about.8 miles away, complimentary breakfast: Super 8 Motel (573-339-0808.). Call for pricing. Other Motel Close--about 3.25 miles away, no breakfast but full kitchenettes in each room: Candlewood Suites (573-334-6868). Call for pricing. Ample time (approximately 2 hours) will be provided in the convention schedule for you to eat at area restaurants if you so please. A list of restaurants close by the Osage Center will be included with your registration confirmation. If you choose to eat at the Osage Center, refer to the Registration Form and select options available. Only Saturday lunch and dinner are offered as options at the Osage Center. Mission Walk: Be one of the convention attendees to exercise and support mission grants by participating in the Mission Pledge Walk. The walk will be held on Saturday morning, June 4 between 6:30 and 7:30 on either the indoor track in the air-conditioned Osage Center Fitness Room or on an outdoor fitness trail near the Osage Center. Only registered walkers 8
will be allowed on the indoor track. You may also register as a virtual walker. All registered walkers will receive a God s Love: The Bridge Connecting the Generations back pack featuring historic Old Appleton Bridge. A pledge form and complete information will be sent to you upon receipt of your registration. Pledge forms will also be available on the www.missourilwml.org website. You may also register for the Mission Walk at the convention. First Ever Opportunity: Missouri District LWML societies may participate in the Mission Pledge Walk in their local communities. What a great opportunity for each society to give all generations, babies to great grandparents, a fun day of recreation and fellowship, and more importantly to make our LWML mission visible in the community as we raise funds for our 2016-2018 Mission Goal. More information will also be available on the www.missourilwml.org website. Ingathering: Recommendations for the Ingathering are as follows: 1. Immanuel Lutheran Food Pantry, Perryville canned meats, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, crackers and dried beans 2. LFCS, Pregnancy/Parenting Program, Cape Girardeau diapers (size NB to Size 5,) baby wipes, new bottles and nipples, onesies and/or sleepers (size NB to 18 mos.); LFCS Older Adult Services adult men/women disposable underwear for incontinence, disposable bed pads, nutritional meal replacement shakes (like Ensure, Boost.) Mission Fair: A Mission Fair will be held as in the past. Attendees are invited to donate handmade craft items to be sold at the fair. Any type of craft is acceptable except for items that can be immediately consumed on the convention property such as baked goods. This Mission Fair will also offer a Silent Auction. All proceeds will go towards our 2016-2018 Mission Goal. Please have the items priced and brought to the designated area on Friday the earlier the better, preferably by 6:00 p.m. Pick them up by 6:00 p.m. on Saturday unless you wish them to be donated to another worthy cause. For more information go to the Missouri District website at www.missourilwml.org. Convention Polo Shirts: The convention polo shirts offered on the Registration Form are purple 100% polyester collared V-neck polos with the convention logo placed on the front, upper left. Convention Guest Personalities: Keynote Speaker: Past LWML President, Linda Reiser Mission Speaker: Gary Thies, Mission Counselor for Mission Central Saturday Night Entertainment: Lutheran Talent What Does This Mean? Tyson Wunderlich will be the M.C. and director for a variety show. Tours: No official tours will be conducted. Information about sites to see will be included with your registration confirmation. Many Other New and Different Things at This Convention Past Zone Convention Banners, Pink Basket Challenge, Coffee Cake and much more. 9
Lutheran Women s Missionary League Missouri District 24 th Biennial Convention June 3-5, 2016 Registration Form Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matt. 28:20b REGISTRATION BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 1, 2016 Before completing this, carefully read Registration Information and Instructions PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY OR TYPE ELECTRONICALLY USING TAB KEY TO ADVANCE Osage Center 1625 N. Kingshighway Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Last Name: First Name: M.I.: Address: City: State: Zip: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Email: LWML Zone: Congregation Name: Congregation City: ON THE FOLLOWING, PLEASE CHECK ONLY ONE CATEGORY; CIRCLE ONE WHEN REQUESTED:? Voting Member (Registration Deadline April 18) Circle One: (Delegate, District BOD Elected Officer, District BOD Appointed Officer, Zone President, Past District Pres.)? Alternate Delegate (Registration Deadline April 18)? Non-voting Circle One: (LWML Member or Guest)? YWR (Young Women s Representative)? Circle One: District Counselor, Zone Counselor or Clergy? Invited Dignitaries (Speakers, etc.) REGISTRATION DETAILS: Online voting is new at this convention. See Registration Information and Instructions for further details.? Check if you plan to vote Online at home. If you do this, it must be done from May 21-27 ONLY!!? Check if you plan to vote Online (with help if necessary) at the Convention. 1. Voting members and alternates Registration postmarked on or before April 18... $70.00... 1. $ 2. Registration for all others on or before May 2... $70.00... 2. $ 3. LATE Registration postmarked AFTER May 2... $85.00... 3. $ 4. All Clergy or Vendor... No Charge... 4. No Charge 5. Meal Charges (Must Pay In Advance) a. Saturday Boxed Lunch (Circle One) Ham & Swiss or Chicken Salad... $13.00... 5a. $ b. Saturday Banquet. Buffet style with two choices of meat... $28.00... 5b. $ 6. Convention Polo Shirts (Circle Size) S, M L, XL ($16) 2 XL ($18) 3XL ($20)... $16, $18 or $20.. 6. $ 7. Mission Walk 6:30-7:30 A.M. Saturday Walk Virtual Participant... $10... 7. $ 8. Convention Jewelry: Circle One or Both (Pin, Charm)... $4.00 each... 8. $ 9. Voluntary Contribution (See Registration Information & Instructions, No. 7)... 10. $ TOTAL REMITTANCE... $ Checks payable to: LWML 2016 District Convention Fund Convention Choir Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope? Check if you will be singing in the Mail payment, registration form and self-addressed, stamped envelope to: convention choir. Music and information Pat Petzoldt, Registrar will be sent to you after registering. Please 293 Lakewood Dr. wear a pastel top and black skirt or pants Frohna, MO 63748 Email: patspub70@gmail.com when performing. Choose One Voice Phone: 573-824-5912 or Cell: 573-517-1567 Soprano I, Soprano II, Alto (Circle One) Absolutely no refunds after May 13 All registrations will be acknowledged via USPS mail Registrations will not be processed until payment is made Overpayments of $2.00 or less will be donated to the convention fund Special Needs? Hearing Impaired? Handicap Seating? Food Allergies, List: 10