From the Mountains come Sounds of Joy!  Isaiah 55:12 is the foundation of our theme “From the Mountains Come Sounds of Joy!” You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. You are invited to attend the 33rd Biennial South Wisconsin District LWML Convention on June 18 & 19, 2010 at the Wyndham Milwaukee Airport & Convention Center. This is your chance to embrace the motto of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and Serve the Lord with gladness! This convention is for all ladies who are interested in advancing God’s kingdom through mission work. These two days will be filled with worship, servant opportunities, singing, Bible study, opportunities to grow your faith intentionally and share your faith enthusiastically, and even a mission walk through the Bible. Mike Tanney, seminary student and former missionary, will be our Keynote speaker. Cynthia Khan from POBLO (People of the Book Lutheran Outreach) will share her experiences of working with ethnic ministries. Also, voting delegates at the convention have important business to complete: mission grants will be selected, a pastoral counselor will be chosen, and several district officers will be elected. This is your opportunity to see the LWML in action.

Register now!

 District Mites Update.  

District goal for the 2008-2010 biennium:  $195,000. 

Needed per month: $195,000.00 divided by 24 Months = $8,125.00

Needed to date: $8,125.00 times 19 months = $154,375.00

Used toward mite goal: Mites, Memorials/Celebrations, Selle Interest

Shortage to date: ($5,902.15)

Needed per month for the next 4 months: $9,600.54

Two Society Activity Ideas.  Are you looking for an activity that your zone or society could do as a field trip or servant event? Here are two ideas that are happening in the Milwaukee area. Both are happening in the former Pilgrim Lutheran School building, now known as our Ministry Center. 

Good News - a pick-up stop has been added in Platteville. 

Bus Trip to Mission Central! Thirty-two people have signed up for the bus trip to Mission Central in Iowa; however there is still room for you!  We will travel on Thursday, April 29 to Denison, Iowa, where we will stay at the Super 8 Motel.  An extended breakfast including cereal, waffles, juice, etc. each morning will be included.

On Friday, April 30, we will spend most of the day at Mission Central.  Missionary Gary will give us the grand tour.  He indicates that they will have a special day for us and they will have some real surprises for us!  He will do his best to schedule a Missionary Family to visit with us and says we will be so surprised at what they will have for us.  They will also provide us with a big "farm meal" at noon at no charge to us. It will be a day everyone will long, long, long remember.

On Saturday, May 1, we will visit the Orphan Grain Train headquarters in Norfolk, Nebraska. They will have a special servant event planned for us. 

Pick-ups are scheduled for Sheboygan, Milwaukee, Madison and Platteville.

Sunday, May 2, will begin with an 8:30 a.m. worship service in the barn at Mission Central after which we will head for home. 

Dress is CASUAL for all events. We will schedule some fun things for the bus intermingled with rest stops and lunch breaks.

Registration forms are available through the Mission Trips page, left. Seating is limited and registrations are due APRIL 1.

You may not be accustomed to visiting You Tube, but try following this link.  LCMS WM has compiled videos of first-hand accounts of how our church and others are reaching out in Haiti.

LCMS World Mission Videos

LWML GRANT GIVEN TO LIGHT OF CHRIST CHINESE LUTHERAN MISSION.  The Missouri District of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod began the Light of Christ Chinese Lutheran mission program in 2000. Because of the large Asian population living in Olivette (St. Louis County), Missouri, and adjoining communities, the Light of Christ Chinese Mission has been established in the facilities of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Olivette. The primary focus of the mission is to reach, teach, and baptize those who do not know Jesus as their Savior.

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) voted at the Portland LWML Convention in June 2009 to grant $75,000 to help support the work of Rev. Dr. Paul Shaw and the Light of Christ Chinese Lutheran Mission as they reach out to Asian community. The LWML rejoices that the full amount of this grant has been paid.

LWML President Janice Wendorf and LWML Public Relations Director Edie Norris, were privileged to worship at the Light of Christ Mission on Sunday, January 31, 2010. During the visit to the mission, there was the opportunity to tour the facility and observe many of the classes offered. After worship and a time of fellowship, President Wendorf shared, “Rev. Paul and Becky Shaw have worked tirelessly in sharing the gospel with the Asian community in the greater St. Louis area. The LWML is pleased to partner with them as they continue this essential work. The importance of the funding of this LWML grant is reaffirmed by the knowledge that many who come to the mission for only a short time while in the United States, will return to China and tell others about their Savior. Many will stay and carry on the work of spreading the Good News in their community.”

Light of Christ serves over 140 people on a typical Sunday. Dozens more are served through parenting and citizenship classes, health fairs, and other bridges to the Chinese community. Sunday church services are conducted in the Mandarin Chinese language with an English translator for young children and for English-speaking people who attend.

The Winter 2010 Issue of Christian Life Newsletter is available for download in Publications.  Included is information and registration form for District Convention, an article on motivating and encouraging others, and more!

Linda Christensen, VP of Human Care and Grants, reports that she has been in contact with a representative of Trinity/Hope Church in Haiti.  The schools will be back running again as of Monday, February 1st.  Praise God. The school we are supporting with Grant #9  is First Lutheran in Les Cayes (le Ki) . It was not damaged and the government is allowing the children back to school on February 1. Our help cannot come at a better time. God certainly knows what He is doing.

Three Mission Grants Funded.  As the 2008-2010 biennium nears the end, we report that Mission Grants 7, 8, and 9 have been fully funded. It is awesome how the Lord uses these mites of our South Wisconsin District to work in so many ways to share the Good News.

Grant #7 – Bibles for Inner City Milwaukee Outreach - $5,000. This grant will enable the members of Mission of Christ Lutheran Church to purchase Bibles and Christian literature to distribute to 1000 children and families in this diverse ethnic population located in the inner city of Milwaukee.

Grant #8 – Cistern for Lutheran Church, Chiquimula, Guatemala - $1,098. This grant will be used to construct a cistern to provide clean fresh water for the church, under construction, and the parsonage. The water supply is not stable, often only available during the night. About 70 children are being served in pre-school and after school programs in this small rural church. Rev. Tiburcio Giron and his wife Carmelina have been ministering to the people of Chiquimula for about 8 years, working with the poorest of the poor, holding services mainly in their rented home. The congregation has been saving for many years to build the church now under construction.

Grant #9 – Trinity/Hope Hot Lunch for Haitian Schools - $5,000. The goal of this grant is to more adequately meet the physical needs of the hungry children in our Hatian Lutheran Schools. It is hoped that they will be healthier, have more energy and be more receptive to the Word of the Lord, by receiving a daily hot lunch in the school setting. By demonstrating this physical, caring concern for these children, it is hoped that this will be one way of witnessing and sharing the love of Christ. We pray that this is a way for the Holy Spirit to work on the hearts of the people to discredit the Voodoo teaching that God is unapproachable and non-responsive to Haitans. In the wake of the recent trauma with earthquakes, this is quite timely.

POWER-FILLED JOYFUL WITNESS, the 2010 Spring Rally Bible Study, is available now for download in Publications. 

Sheboygan County Chaplaincy Ministry.  If you haven't seen the Chaplaincy DVD at your church or you don't know exactly what this ministry is all about, Pastor Tom would be very happy to come, visit and talk with you.

"Beautiful Feet" is the theme of the 2010 LWML Prayer Service authored by Reverend Philip Esala.  The theme is based on one of the 2009 Portland LWML Convention verses — 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!" Isaiah 52:7

The 2010 LWML Prayer Service is available as a free download from the LWML Website at www.lwml.org

The Prayer Service was created to reinforce the objectives from the LWML 2009 Portland Convention:

• Worship God the Maker of all things,
• Trust in the Lord who daily meets your needs,
• Declare God’s peace and provision through tangible acts of mercy and grace, and
• Share the Good News of Jesus in everyday situations.

 Divided into four parts, the Prayer Service includes readings, prayer time, recommended songs, and suggestions for advanced preparations that will enhance the worship of those attending the service.

The Reverend Philip Esala authored this service to provide encouragement to spend time in prayer, look for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with people in local communities in everyday situations, and to proclaim the peace only Christ provides as He brings us salvation through Him.

Reverend Esala serves as Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Kettering, Ohio. He attended Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, while working as attorney for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Foundation and as Assistant States Attorney in Illinois. Pastor Phil and his wife Deb are blessed to be the parents of four children.

Other archived Prayer Services are also available at www.lwml.org

Are you responsible for ordering the Quarterly for your society?  Orders are due March 21.  You may use the order form available in Publications.  Your subscription covers all of these publications:  Quarterly; Mission Lamp and Christian Life News.  Consider ordering a few extra subscriptions so that you can make a few Quarterlies available to the women of your congregation. 

From The Mountains Come Sounds of Joy!  LWML ladies from all corners of the South Wisconsin District will assemble at the 33rd biennial convention on June 18 & 19, 2010. All activities will be centered around our theme, “From the Mountains Come Sounds of Joy!” and will focus on Isaiah 55:12, "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."

The convention will be held at the Wyndham Milwaukee Airport. Mike Tanney, LCMS Seminary Student with missionary experience, will be our featured speaker. Cynthia Khan from POBLO, People of the Book Lutheran Outreach will relate her experiences of mission work with ethnic ministries in the US.

There is significant business for the voting delegates to attend to those two days. They will decide which mission grants to support, select several ladies who will act as new vice presidents, and choose a pastor to serve as counselor. However, everyone who attends the 2010 convention will have the opportunity to participate in servant events, worship, enjoy fellowship, listen to speakers, view exhibits, and add their voices to the “Sounds of Joy” made by so many people gathered to praise our Lord. Most importantly, participants will learn more about what LWML does and how we can each contribute our time and talents to achieve the goals of LWML.

 
Look in these places for more 2010 LWML Convention Information:

• Mission Lamp
• Christian Life Newsletter
• Your LWML Society

Financial assistance is available for women wishing to attend District events, in the form of TLC (The Love of Christ) scholarships.  The deadline to apply for a scholarship to the District Convention being held June 18 and 19th is March 31.  Follow the link for more information.

Female Churchworker Scholarships Available.  Utilizing the proceeds from its Female Churchworker Scholarship Fund, the SWD LWML each year gives several scholarships to women who are enrolled at LCMS colleges and universities and studying to become full-time churchworkers (teachers, DCEs, deaconesses or lay ministers - any position available through the LCMS Board of Assignments).  Applications must be postmarked by April 30 for the 2010-2011 school year. 

LWML GIVEN “PARTNERS’ AWARD."  The Lutheran Women‘s Missionary League (LWML) was presented the "Ablaze! Partners‘ Award" by LCMS World Mission on November 18, 2009, at their annual Mission Partners Banquet. The award is annually given to a national or international partner of LCMS World Mission that demonstrates a heart for reaching the lost with the Gospel by pursuing in an exemplary way the goals of Ablaze! in its daily ministry activities. LWML President Janice Wendorf accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

 
In his presentation of the award, Scott Snow, National Director of Outreach for LCMS World Mission, said the following: "This year‘s [2009] Ablaze! Partners‘ Award is given to a partner organization whose members throughout the years have worked and saved and set aside a 'little here and a little there,' contributing mightily and generously so that millions and millions of dollars could support the work of Gospel outreach in their own communities and neighborhoods, in this country and in countries all across the globe. Not only have these women of faith given financially – but they have given themselves individually to plant 'mustard seeds‘ of faith through their everyday witness in their everyday lives. The Lutheran Women‘s Missionary League is an organization whose very name is synonymous with Gospel outreach!

 
LWML President Wendorf shares: "What an honor it was for me to represent LWML and to receive this prestigious award on behalf of all Lutheran Women in Mission who have been part of LWML over the years! This award is a powerful witness to the impact of the LWML throughout the church. It was a special privilege and joy to be joined in accepting this award by former LWML presidents Betty Duda, Gloria Edwards, Virginia Von Seggern and Linda Reiser. To God alone be the glory and praise!"

Praise the Lord - Grant #6 has been paid!  Shown in the photograph below is Joyce Buehrens, Mission Grants chairman, presenting our check to Dr. Don W. Johnson, the executive director of LAMP.  Grant #6 was $20,000 to recruit Alaska native church workers for LAMP-USA.

Did you know that our SWD LCMS is sponsoring a Dominican Republic mission?  You may recall the 4-page article on Danelle Putnam's work there featured in the fall Quarterly.  Danelle was also one of the mission speakers at the national convention in Portland.  A link to the Dominican Republic Mission Field Update newsletter is now available on our Links page.  In addition to current and archived issues of the newsleter, there is also a Faith in the Dominican Republic blog.  We hope to make it easier for you to follow this mission project by adding the Link to our site. 

We now have a link to the Woman to Woman Website, which is part of Lutheran Hour Ministries, on our Links page. You will find a variety of information. There are articles by Phyllis Wallace on different issues. Guest writers tackle difficult topics, like parenting and family issues. Enjoy information on health and wellness, recipes and free cards to send. She also has a book of the month club. Here you can find a book and the discussion questions to go with it. The book for this month is “The Christmas Sweater.” Enjoy this gift of God to us.

News Release:  New medium-sized Mite Box is now available. 

Parish Nurses/LWMLers Dorothy and Judy are mentioned in the latest issue of Parish Nurse Newsletter.  Enjoy the newsletter and scroll down to page 5 to the "Cruising with the LMWL" article. 

Camo Quilts - the need continues. Barb Kaun, Human Care Chairman, shares the following personal request from Basra, Iraq. Your help is needed!

Date: Sat, Nov 28, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Subject: Quilt Request

Good morning, I am an Operations NCO for the 84th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion (EOD) based out of Fort Riley, Kansas currently deployed to COB Basra, Iraq. One of my roommates was sent the best package just the other day. The CAMO QUILT PROJECT brochure was included with the quilt and I read it all. Unfortunately I was unable to go to the website as it is blocked from our government computers due to bandwidth constraints. I do plan on going to our MWR tent in attempts to connect to your website. I would like to request 33 quilts and will gladly have an electronic check sent to the Franklin Legion Post 387 if you would respond with the shipping cost. This will be a wonderful warm gift during this holiday season keeping the Soldiers warm at night with a handmade quilt.

Thank you for your extreme generosity and selfless contributions of time and money. The Soldiers are very grateful and are so happy that we are not forgotten while serving overseas.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jason J. Johnson
COB Basra, IRAQ

Camo Quilt Project Information

Register today!  Last minute registrations by women of all ages are still welcomed for the Young Women's Retreat at The Lodge at Geneva Ridge in Lake Geneva.  The retreat is nearing . . . Friday evening, February 5, through Saturday afternoon, February 6, under the theme "Living a Chocolate Life."  Deb Burma will lead us in a breakout session entitled, "Holding Hands" which will explore how we hold the hands of others in our walk of faith.  This year's Bible verse is 1 Peter 5:10, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 

Please note that there was an error in the registrar's address in the original registration form.  It has been corrected in the registration form now online.

More information

Camo Quilts will be featured on Public TV’s Sewing with Nancy.  Project coordinate/inventor, Linda Wieck, was Nancy’s guest during the “Nancy’s Corner” segment of the show.  Linda gave a brief history of how this project grew with the power of prayer and the generosity of volunteers.  Nancy Zieman, host/producer of Sewing with Nancy stated, “My hope is that after our viewers see this segment, their hearts will be opened to donate to this worthwhile project.”

The Camo Quilt Project was videotaped as part of the “Nancy’s Corner” segment, the part of the show where Nancy features inspirational stories of how quilting ad sewing enthusiasts can make a difference in the lives of others.

Please check with your PBS TV station, the Camo Quilt segment is part of show #2316, Appliqué Know-How, Part 3.
 

Linda Wieck with host Nancy Zieman

Submitted by Mary Lou Thur

LWML PARLIAMENTARIAN ELECTED MAYOR.  Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Parliamentarian Barbara Volk has been elected mayor of Hendersonville, North Carolina with a 66% vote against two opponents. Barbara has a long history with the LWML, most recently serving on national LWML as Recording Secretary and Planner. As LWML Parliamentarian, Ms. Volk also assists the LWML Structure Committee with their body of work.
Mayor-Elect Volk shares the following: “I had many people working with me and helping me and a great number of them were from my church family. I thank God for them and their support in money, volunteer time, and prayers.”

 
“The city of Hendersonville is getting a fine Christian woman as mayor,” LWML President Janice Wendorf states. “May God’s love shine through her in this avenue of public service!”

 
Congratulations are extended to Barbara Volk, a faithful Lutheran Woman in Mission. May God bless her endeavors to His glory and to the benefit of Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Recent Flooding Brings Response from LWML and Orphan Grain Train. 

LWMLer Meets LAMP Pilots.  Submitted by Leitha Kraus.  For the last two summers I’ve been a volunteer at the EAA Air Venture in Oshkosh, WI helping out in the Hospitality Pavilion.  While I don’t have a big interest in aircraft, and they’d never let me near the flight line, I figured I could be pretty good at making lemonade and handing out cookies.  It’s a lot of fun and I’ve met so many wonderful people from all over the world.  At AirVenture 2009 I met two L.A.M.P. pilots.  During our conversations I mentioned to them I was an LWMLer and familiar with the mission of L.A.M.P.  Pilot, Dan Treakel from Fairbanks, Alaska, is an active missionary staff pilot and is well aware of LWML support to L.A.M.P.  Dan has the words “Jesus Saves” painted on the bottom of his plane for all to see as he flies overhead.  I thought this was a unique way of witnessing for our Lord.  Retired L.A.M.P. pilot, Rev. Bill Kronen, told me that he was very familiar with LWML and had first hand knowledge of what our support means to L.A.M.P.  He had actually flown a plane that LWML helped provide through mites.  Rev. Kronen is from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada.  Rev. Kronen was also a seminary classmate of Rev. Ronald Meier of Oshkosh who just happens to be the father of my pastor, Rev. Mark Meier of Emmaus Lutheran Church in Poy Sippi, WI.  Small world isn’t it!  Both pilots expressed gratitude and thanks to LWML for their support.

Leitha and Retired L.A.M.P. pilot, Rev. Bill Kronen

L.A.M.P. Pilot Dan Treakel's Plane

The lead article in the current issue of Impressions is written by our very own SWD YWR Jennifer Koch.  Available now in Publications.

LWML CHRISTMAS CARD AND DESIGNER WIN RECOGNITION. 

Heart 2 Heart Sisters Banner at Convention, Portland, by Susan Vang

I would like to share the banner from our National Convention with you. This is the banner from the Heart to Heart Booth in Portland. The theme of the banner is, “ALL NATIONS UNDER GOD” (Matthew 28:18-20). “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And, surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.”

The people (Psalm 96:3) “Declare His Glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all people.” (Colossians 3:23). “Therefore, as God’s chosen people holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” We were born into different races, have different cultures and came from different countries. God created each of us unique with different color of skins and hair as the people in this banner. But we are all God’s chosen people. Through faith in Jesus, God forgave all our sins and we are His precious and loving children. God wants us to have compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience to the world.

The hands –God created each of us to have two hands so we can use our hands to do work for Him. We use our hands to cook, clean, work, drive, feed ourselves, and to help other people. We also use our hands to clap and raise up in joy when we sing songs to praise our God.

Purple Heart – we gave thanks to all the LWML societies for their friendship in loving hearts for their faithful support of the Districts and the missionaries all around the world. A special thanks to the National LWML for the Heart to Heart Program to help ethnic women across the countries to have fellowship and to experience the ministry of LWML. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.

Red heart – (Acts 22:15) “You will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.” It is the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ; He died on the cross so our sins can be forgiven. We love Jesus by sharing His love to others so that they too can be saved from their sins and have eternal life in heaven.

Golden cross – (John 3:16) “For God so love the world that He gave His one and only Son to die for the world.” The golden cross reminds us of Jesus’ beating by the Roman soldiers. They crucified Him on the cross for all of our sins. The cross also reminds us that Jesus is present with us every day.

The banner was designed by the South Wisconsin Heart to Heart Sisters Susan Vang, Joy Ikanih and Sarah Adetiba.

LWML National Heart to Heart Sisters - Portland
By Susan Vang

I was delighted to see many women of diverse cultures and backgrounds attended the National LWML Convention in Portland, Oregon this year. These women were Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, Mexican, Hmong, Native American, African, Pakistanian, and others. Every woman has a great story to share about their conversion into the Christian faith and about their challenges and obstacles of assimilating into the American society and culture. However, everyone was happy to be living in this country. Some of the women indicated that their families came to America to look for better education and life opportunities for themselves and their children, while other families came to America because of persecution of their Christian faith and still others came to America because of wars. Everyone has different reasons for coming to America, and yet the Lord loves everyone equally and He wants everyone to serve Him and to be His witnesses to the end of the age. I enjoyed listening to the different languages as they sang songs and praises to the Lord.

Their stories were encouraging and strengthening to my faith. Some of these women were brought up in non-Christian homes and going to Churches were not easy at first. Some said that they learned about the Gospel from their Christian friends who also invited them to Bible classes.

Some of the women are pastors’ wives. Their husbands serve their indigenous people. They are usually active in the ministry by helping with the women of the congregation in areas of singing, fellowshipping and teaching the women or children. The women said they were blessed by the Lord to be part of the Heart to Heart Program and they appreciated the opportunity to attend the LWML National Convention this year.

Many ethnic women did not know about the Heart to Heart Program and had not attended the convention before. This year these women have heard many wonderful things about the mission work of the LWML to bring home to help with their congregations. Everyone spoke highly of the LWML. Hopefully, these women will encourage and involve more women in their congregations to form LWML societies to support the mission work of their congregation, District and around the world. It is very important for women to share their faith with other women so that they can come to faith in Christ. I want to thank the LWML for the Heart to Heart Program and for promoting women of diverse cultures in the LCMS to involve with the mission of LWML. May God’s love continue to be made known through the LWML.

Living a Chocolate Life - Feb. 5 & 6, 2010
Come join your sisters in Christ as Deb Burma shares how we can savor the rich indulgences of God’s Grace in our lives. Women of all ages are welcome - from ages 12 to 112. Bring a newcomer and you both receive a $5 discount off your registration.

A Request from our National President, Jan Wendorf. 

Many of you may already be aware of the survey on LCMS women’s ministry that is being distributed by Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM). Many of our congregations and pastors have been contacted and asked to distribute the information about the survey to women in their churches. You may see things in church bulletins and newsletters.

The Executive Committee discussed this opportunity to explore possibilities with LHM at our August 2009 meeting. The decision was made to proceed with the first stage of surveying the needs and expectations. One of our guiding principles was our LWML Mission Statement which reads,

“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.”

Try as we might, we all know that there are some congregations and women who will not participate in LWML in any form; by partnering with LHM on this survey we are hoping to reach some of these churches and women and thereby gain valuable information for our planning.

At this point we are only committed to this stage of research and discovery. No LWML money has been spent on this project and none will be spent without approval from the Board of Directors. It is our intention to be able to share the results of the survey at the February 2010 Board of Directors meeting.

We hope to gain a broad sampling. Please help to communicate this to your ladies and encourage their participation.

If you would like to participate, you can go to www.lhm.org/research/women/default.htm

Enlist Today!  All Hands on Deck!  What a blessing many LWML groups have been to our soldiers by using their time and talents to help create many Camo Quilts for distribution to outgoing troops. But now, more than ever, the need is great. If you have volunteered in the past for this project please come to their aid again.

PowerPak, a collection of 19 distinct 8-½" x 11" mission grant descriptions, each with pictures and prayer, is available for download.  These mission grants were adopted at our 2009 Portland convention. Use to encourage national mission grant support and participation. Place on fellowhip hall bulletin boards, use for society meetings, create themes for school bulletin boards and in Sunday School displays; use during personal prayer time and devotions.

Individual membership is available to women in LCMS congregations with or without a group affiliated with LWML. The membership is designed for women who have an interest in the mission and ministry of the LWML organization, but cannot, for a variety of reasons, attend society meetings.  Qualifications include being a communicant member in an LCMS congregation, being willing to support the mission and ministry of the LWML and have a desire to participate in LWML activities. The Individual Membership Form, available in Publications, needs to be submitted to the District Corresponding Secretary.

Hello! My name is Carol Busse and I am the SWD LWML Leadership Development Chairperson. I state this with much humility for I am learning about this position and am praying that I can be of some help to you. Included in these pages are some helps for your societies, valuable websites, and District information. If I can be of any further help to you, please feel free to contact me.

OUTREACH! - a message from Barb Kaun.  Now that the suitcases have been unpacked from the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League 2009 convention in Portland, the pictures of your new-found Sisters-in-Christ have been downloaded to your computers, and you prepare to give reports to your Zones, don’t forget to emphasize our purpose from ages past - - OUTREACH!

Summer issue of Christian Life News is available for download in Publications.  "Kick Start Your Outreach," by Barb Kaun, "Friends," by Pastor Totsky, "Personal Highlights from Portland" and more -- it's all there. 

LWML Sunday Materials Available to Download On-line.  October is traditionally the month when churches across the country celebrate the work of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Orders for LWML Sunday materials are still being received for shipment at the LWML Office.

The LWML Web site, www.lwml.org, now has several of the items that were included in the LWML Sunday packets available to download. These packets were sent to each LWML society several weeks ago. The order form may be downloaded, completed and sent to the LWML office by fax or mail, or scanned to send by e-mail. Orders may also be placed by phone.

The on-line materials that are available for free download include the 2009 convention sermon crafted by Dr. Warren Schumacher, President of the Northwest District LCMS from 1994-2009, that has been adapted for use in the congregation. There is also a Power Point presentation for use with the sermon. With a click of the mouse the copyright information for the service may now be accessed.

Suggestions for ways to observe LWML Sunday, the banner design, and the children’s message are available also for free downloading. Items to enhance the celebration are listed on the order form as well. To ensure delivery for October events, orders should be received by September 1, 2009.

Have you been waiting and praying for your opportunity to be a "go-er?" MOST Ministries is organizing a SWD-LWML trip to Costa Rica January 15-23, 2010 and they have room for you! The focus of the mission trip will be to teach English as a second language ("ESL"). There is no "teaching" experience necessary, however. The lessons are taught by speaking English to people who are learning the language. The holy scriptures are used as lesson materials.

There will be opportunities to lead craft activities or sporting activities in addition to leading the ESL classes.

There is only room for 12 of us on the trip, so investigate this opportunity and sign up soon! The deadline is October 15, 2009. For more information, e-mail Bonnie Grossenbach. Information from MOST Ministries regarding this trip available here. Flyer regarding future LWML Mission Trips.

Hark, the voice of Jesus crying, "Who will go and work today?" Fields are white and harvest waiting; who will bear the sheaves away?

Free to Serve.  Rev. Totsky's Bible Study for Fall Rally, Free to Serve, is available now in Publications! 

Lutheran Hispanics thank the LWML for Convention Offering.  LCMS Pacific Southwest District President Larry Stoterau expressed a warm thank you to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League for the gift of over $23,000 to the Lutheran Hispanic Lay Training Program during the third National Convention of Lutheran Hispanics in Orlando, Florida. The funds were gathered in the second offering of the LWML Convention which was held in Portland last month.

In greeting the 225 attendees and some of their children, LWML President Janice Wendorf cited the Mission Statement of the LWML, which is “… to assist each woman of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in affirming her relationship to the Triune God so that she is enabled to use her gifts in ministry to the world.” Lutheran Women in Mission continues to provide resources to their Hispanic sisters – beginning with the first translation of LWML materials in 1982. Leaguers were urged to invite Spanish-speaking friends to the convention in1995 as all business sessions were offered simultaneously in Spanish and English, and since the Spring 2004 issue, the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly has published a Spanish translation of one Bible study in each issue. President Wendorf shared that Bible studies from past issues are archived and accessible through the LWML Web site, www.lwml.org, where additional Spanish resources also are available to order on-line or through the LWML catalog.

President Wendorf stated that in 2001 the LWML recognized the need for the organization to reflect the diversity in the church and began a long term investment by developing the Heart to Heart Sisters program. Since the first program was offered at the 2003 LWML Convention, more than 100 ethnic women have participated, about one-third of whom are Hispanic.

“We celebrate the leadership of these talented women. Indeed we have much to learn from each other. More than 12 of the Heart to Heart Sisters have been appointed to committees to serve on the national level of the LWML,” affirmed President Wendorf. Inviting those gathered, the LWML President shared the vision and plans for the LWML through a workshop held on Thursday afternoon at the convention.

There are more than 44.7 million Hispanics in the United States, but only about 10,000 are members of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Hispanic ministries, acknowledging its unity in the LCMS through its convention theme – One Mission, One Message, One People— joins with others in seeking God’s grace to work toward adding to those numbers.

This comes from Judy Paulson, our VP of Servant Resources: 

Greetings to all SWD LWML ladies and pastors!

Are we rested up yet?? And back down from the mountain-top?? Maybe?

Some of you heard Diane's report at the caucus meeting in Portland saying that we're doing fairly well with having people consent to serve as nominees at our convention next year. We have willing candidates for Financial Secretary, VP Gospel Outreach, and Recording Secretary (only 1). However, we have none for VP Servant Resources and Pastoral Counselor.

The purpose of this memo is to ask each of you to seriously review in your mind the people in your part of the district. If you can think of someone who might be well suited to any of the offices (we would like to have several to choose from), please send a note to Diane Pielsnik, Nominating Committee Chairman. She will definitely need to have a name and address; if you can, include a telephone number or e-mail as that will be helpful in the future.

Remember:

• It isn't necessary for you to talk with the person before you send in his/her name. The purpose of the first contact from the committee is to send out job descriptions for the position, the EC and the BOD with a request for the person to consider becoming a candidate.
• It isn't necessary for you to evaluate whether or not the person has the time to do the job. That can be placed in the Lord's hands as people pray about accepting a nomination or pray about voting for nominees.
• It isn't even necessary for you to assess the person's skill level; 'God will equip the called'. (And then there's that prayer thing and that having lots of people to choose from thing and that voting thing!) But if you know someone with particular skills, please let us know about him/her. And if you're not sure, still let us know. Nominees fill out a form listing experiences and skills, and those forms give us lots of information.
• It IS necessary for you to let the committee know about people who reside in your area of the district...I believe many people who are willing workers have just never been asked.

Thanks for giving this some serious thought and prayer. I know the people we need are out there. Help us find them.

 
Send names to Diane Pielsnik or use the Nomination Form.  Nominations will be accepted through December 1, 2009.

Serving the Lord with Gladness,
Judy Paulson
Vice President - Servant Resources
Ps. 150

Check out our Human Care Ministry page for ideas that your Zone or Society can use to spread the love of Christ to those in need.  The latest addition is information regarding collecting unused greeting and note cards for use by women inmates at Taycheedah. 

LWML President Addresses 7th LWML-Canada Convention.  President Janice Wendorf brought greetings from the LWML to the over 200 assembled at the seventh Convention of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada on Saturday morning, July 10, 2009 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, as they celebrated 16 years since forming the organization in Edmonton in June of 1993.  

Relating a dinner conversation with one of the women on Thursday evening about LWML – Canada and LWML being sisters, Jan noted that sisters share clothes: “My sister’s closet becomes my closet too” and commented that she has been “raiding the closet” and making notes on ideas the LWML might also find useful.

The LWML President gave an overview to the convention on three successful programs of the LWML: Young Women Representatives offers an introduction to the LWML on the national level; Heart to Heart Sisters intentionally teams LWML with LCMS women of different cultures and ethnicity; and the teen initiative, Friends into Serving Him. Each of these programs offers encouragement to these specific groups of women and insight into the work of the LWML.

Sharing her vision for the LWML, President Wendorf related three aspects which are tied together: Women who are in the Word – studying God’s Word on a regular basis; Women who are nurtured by the Word – reading God’s Word daily to find His direction and guidance for their lives; Women who are Walking with the Lord – allowing God’s Word to work in them, to change them as it applies to their daily lives.

During their four day convention the Canada women worshipped together, elected officers, enjoyed great fellowship and approved a Mission Grants Goal for the 2009-2012 Triennium in the amount of $125,000, an increase of $25,000 from the previous goal. Judy Grande was re-elected President for the next Triennium.

Using the acronym STAR, President Wendorf concluded that we are Sisters Teamed together Active in prayer and service Redeemed by His love; because of what God has done for us in Christ Jesus, we “get” to “Shine like Stars.

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) is the official women’s auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For over 65 years, the LWML has focused on affirming each woman’s relationship with Christ, encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries and to support global missions.

Carolyn Blum has returned from her MOST mission trip to Kyrgyzstan and thanks everyone who contributed prayers and materials.  Follow the link below to read about the trip and view the faces of the people she ministered to.  Carolyn would be happy to speak at your zone rally or society meeting. 

Lutheran Women Adopt $1.825 Million Mission Goal

PORTLAND, OR — Delegates to the 33rd Biennial Convention of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) adopted a $1.825 million mission goal for the 2009–11 biennium. It is the largest in the organization’s 67-year history and will fund a record 19 mission grants.

Young Women’s Retreat Feb. 5-6, 2010 in Lake Geneva.  Theme: Living a Chocolate Life. 

 Featured Speaker: Deb Burma will share how we can savor the rich
indulgences of God’s Grace in our lives.

Each of us have had those days when it feels like nothing can go wrong. We
wake up happy, get everything done we had planned, make that perfect meal,
get that clean bill of health from the doctor, and have that great
conversation with a friend.

But what about the rest of our days that aren’t quite as wonderful nor
filled with sweet memories? Each of us needs to be reminded of God’s
Grace and presence in our life, especially when we are suffering through
those dark days. God does work to the good of those who love Him and He
will restore you and make you strong.

Come and enjoy some wonderful fellowship with your sisters in Christ and
return home with the sweet awareness of God’s Grace in your life.
All ages are welcome to the Young Women’s Retreat. Come one, come all
and savor God’s rich Grace in your life!

The deadline for mailing your application for a scholarship to attend this year's Fall Retreat is June 30th, and the deadline will be strictly enforced.  For more information, please see the TLC Fund Scholarships page. 

SWD Grant #5 has been paid!  Pictured below is President Jan Dankwardt presenting the check to Janice Ruge, from the Braille project at Workshop 100 in Sheboygan.  Grant #5 is $6,000 to supply God's word by means of 1,714 plus volumes of Braille absolutely free.

Clerical Shirts Needed. There is a need for clerical shirts for 13 LCMS ordained pastors now leading the flock of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Haiti. The average income for a Haitian is $400.00 per year. Pastors often are not paid and struggle to feed their own families. All schools in Haiti charge tuition, whether it is public or private school. Many of the pastors struggle just to have their children receive an education.

Clerical shirts in black, white, and gray with neck sizes of 15, 15 1/2, 16, 16 1/2, 17 and 17 1/2 are being collected for shipping to these men of God struggling to spread the gospel in Haiti. The shirts will be sent to Haiti with short term mission teams traveling there from many LCMS congregations from Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and New York. What a gift we can give these servants of the Lord by collecting new or slightly used clerical shirts for them.  Please contact Human Care chair Barb Kaun to arrange donations.

Camo Quilt Project Needs Our Help!  The ladies of the Camo Quilt Project advise that they have over 200 quilts to make for overseas service men and women before July 1 and they need our help!  Do you have a few hours to donate?  If you don't sew, there is also a need for people who can press bindings and pin quilts.  What an honor to be able to provide this simple comfort to those serving our country overseas.   More information

Financial Assistance Now Available to Attend District LWML Events! With the principal base of $25,000 having been reached in our SWD LWML’s “The Love of Christ” (TLC) Fund, we are now able to begin distributing the interest, in the form of scholarships, to SWD LCMS women who may otherwise not be able to afford attendance at retreats and district conventions.

Printer Cartridge/Cell Phone Recycling Changes/Updates. Thank you to everyone for saving and collecting your empty printer cartridges, cell phones, pagers, PDA's, I-Pods, MP3 Players, Digital Cameras, DVD Video games, portable DVD players, laptop computers, etc. To date we have received $2,330.38 to assist with District Administrative expenses.

The recycling company has just informed us of some changes and reminders:

• Be sure to include the cords and accessories with laptops, I-Pods, MP3 players, digital cameras, DVD Video games & portable players, and PDA's
• New Item accepted:   GPS systems (w/cords and accessories) are now being accepted for recycling
• *Important* Be SURE to ship as many cartridges as possible in the box you ship—AT LEAST 12-14! The more in one box, the more economical it is for shipping!
• Make sure ALL cartridges are in a plastic baggie to prevent leakage!
• Always pack as tightly as possible with newspaper to add extra tightness to fill in the empty spaces.

NOT accepted:

• Toner bottles, toner tubes, fax film, and printer ribbons
• Epson printer cartridges
• Remanufactured or refilled cartridges. Send only the virgin cartridges. The company realizes that it is not always apparent if a cartridge has been remanufactured. Look at the box to see if it notes that it is remanufactured. Several companies refill cartridges—if that is noted somewhere on the cartridge, it is not accepted for recycling. However, if you don't know for sure or question whether it has been remanufactured or refilled, always send it just to be on the safe side.

Linda Ault
SWD LWML Financial Task Force Chairman

For more information, visit the Recycling Program page. 

Welcome to the ladies of our newest SWD LWML Society - St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Union Grove.  Pictured below is SWD LWML President Jan Dankwardt presenting the charter to the group at their zone rally held on May 5 at Good Shepherd, East Troy.  Thanks to Betty Rose and Trish Regula who were instrumental in the formation of this Society.  We look forward to serving Christ with these new LWML sisters. 

Bernice Steffens, Greta Martin, Karol Voigt, Jan Dankwardt, Trish Regula and Jan Bohac.

Give This Brochure to Women in Your Church.  A new brochure that serves as a great PR piece for our District LWML is now available for you to download from the brochures section of our Publications page. You may want to give it to a friend, relative, pastor, or anyone who would like to know more about our terrific auxiliary for Lutheran Women in Mission.

You might think of it as a 'one-on-one' encouragement, with facts to pique their interest. It also could be put in the tract rack at your church or on a display table on LWML Sunday.

It could be handed out at a society meeting, zone board meeting or zone rally, with the suggestion that each person invite a non-LWML person to your next event. You can give them the brochure so they can take it home and learn about the LWML before they
come.

The brochure is to be printed on both sides of the paper and then folded into thirds.

LOOK! Look at the many blessings God showers on you daily. Now’s the time to prepare to be showered with His love (and possibly a few drops of rain) at the LWML convention in Portland, June 25-28, 2009. The theme, “Look to the Hills…God Reigns,” is based on our two theme verses:

Monthly Mites Status.  Our Financial Secretary reports total gifts for missions at the close of August of $11,940.96.  Now that our Societies are meeting again and Fall Zone Rallies will be held, we pray that our shortage will be made up quickly!   

First-Ever Ethnic “Folk Fair” coming your way September 27!  Good Food, Good Fun, Good Fellowship! 

Monthly Mites Status. 

At the close of the 2006-2008 biennium, gifts for mission grants totaled $195,732.83!  
  

Received to date:
Mites	$187,760.68
Memorials/Celebrations	4,380.00
Selle Interest	$3,592.15
Total	$195,732.83

Overage for the biennium:  $5,732.83

Convention voted to give overage to the International Friendship Center grant up to the amount requested of $20,000.00.  With the overage, the IFC total comes to $19,572.83.

Three special presenters will take part at the 2008 SWD LWML Convention, Friday, June 27th at the Olympia Resort in Oconomowoc. Pastor Jeff Corder, Reverend Chris Ikanih and Reverend Pedro Lopez will all speak as part of the Mission Medley Program. For more information on the Friday program and other convention activities, check the Convention page.

Change Lives Through SWD LWML 2008 Mission Walk.  Walk with fellow LWMLers at Convention on Saturday morning June 28th. Or if you prefer, walk on your own with the Lord at home before the convention. All pledges you collect will support the new biennium mission grants. Follow link below.

Go, Gather and Glorify!  Celebrate another two years of serving the Lord with gladness as we reflect on Isaiah 6:8: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

Christ -- Our Compass Through Change.  Come to the Fall Retreat and learn how to rely on the eternal things that need to become our compass during life’s changes.  Last year the hotel filled and registration closed early -- don't miss out!

If you have not yet registered for the 2008 SWD LWML Convention being held in Oconomowoc in June,  read on for new, important information regarding available overnight accommodations for Friday evening.

Young Woman Reps Sought for the 2009 National LWML Convention in Portland.  Follow the "complete article" or "read more" link for more information. 

News from the March issue of the LWML e-news!  LWML President Jan Wendorf, from our own South Wisconsin District, will be riding in the Rose Parade, January 2009.  Congratulations, Jan!

Wanted!  Young Women Reps to Register for 2008 SWD LWML Convention!

It's time to order the Quarterly for your society! 

Recycling Program is up and running again!  Is there a need?  Imagine the potentially hazardous waste generated in the U.S. from Americans replacing their cell phones every 18 months.  Read on!

Schedule of all 27 Spring Zone Rallies.   

Plan to Attend!

 Upcoming South Wisconsin District
LWML Events!

Mark your calendars for Christian fellowship, spiritual uplifts, personal growth and service.

 2010 Young Women's Retreat- February 5 & 6, 2010; The Lodge at Geneva Ridge, Lake Geneva. 

2010 SWD Convention - From the Mountains Come Sounds of Joy!  June 18 and 19, 2010; Wyndham Milwaukee Airport & Convention Center. 

Zone Rallies

_________________________________________

Host Family Needed for Seminary Student Nicholas Salifu for Christmas Break! 
Do you remember the video entitled "Salifu's Harvest"?  Were you at the LWML convention in Fort Worth, TX in 1987?  If so, do you remember the showing of that video and the surprise visit of Nicholas Salifu at the conclusion of the video!?  Nicholas Salifu is now at the seminary in St. Louis studying for the ministry. He would very much like to have a place to stay for the Christmas break and perhaps speak to some congregations, groups and if possible, preach.  His break is from Dec. 21 through Jan. 7. He states that if a place is found to host him, he would contact a student as close to that area as possible and ride to Wisconsin with him and also return with that student.  If you would like to have the opportunity to host Nicholas, please contact Linda Ault (click on personnel and send an email her) as quickly as possible--time is of the essence.  She will then give you Nicholas' contact information so you can coordinate the particulars of the visit.  What an honor awaits the family who will host Nicholas!

Were you a "Sender?"  Read a report and view pictures from the recent eyeglass mission trip to Puerto Rico! 

Reflections of National LWML President, Jan Wendorf, on the 2007 SWD Fall Retreat. 

Check the Photo Gallery for pictures from the Fall Retreat!  (Click on "Complete Article ..." or "Read More..." below.)

Eyeglass Clinics Completed; 1891 Pairs of Glasses Distributed!

      All 24 members of the two SWD LWML Eyeglass Mission Teams are well and happy after 4-1/2 days of clinics in Puerto Rico during which they distributed 1,891 pairs of glasses and shared the love of Christ with 1,541 people. Because MOST Ministries does not bring bifocals on such trips, some people need both distance and reading glasses.

      In addition, the teams gave away hundreds and hundreds of sunglasses to adults and children. As the teams arrived at the two clinic locations each day, they began with prayer in a circle and then opened the door to a long, long line of people waiting. They also closed each day with prayer. Some Puerto Ricans asked the Leaguers, "Why are you here?' They always replied, "To share the love of Jesus!"  They felt blessed to be able to witness to so many people

      Although team members are joyful about their experience, they are tired due to the heat (96^o in the daytime and 85^o at night). Friday will be a time for rest and relaxation; a few have chosen to visit San Juan for the day. Then they'll fly home to Wisconsin - and they'll be available to speak to groups about the trip.

      All team members are returning with dozens of unforgettable experiences. One of the men in the group described this as "an awesome life-changing experience." The memories include:

       1)  A 92-year-old woman with eyes so bad that she could barely see. After her glasses were fitted and she discovered she could read again, her face just glowed!  Then a team member gave her a small Spanish Bible. Immediately the elderly woman wanted to read the 23rd Psalm. The team member offered to help the woman find it, but she refused to give up the Bible until the interpretor made it clear that it would be given back to her. The team member will never forget the woman's joy as she then began to read that favorite passage after being unable to read fine print for so long.

      2) A boy who had an accident at school and therefore had no sight in one eye. He just beamed when he received glasses that enabled him to see well with his good eye. 

      3)  A nine-year-old who was translating for her grandmother was wearing a bracelet with a cross on it. When the team member asked the child if she believed in Jesus, the child replied, "Yes, I  believe in God, and He's my real father." The team member responded, "He's my father too, so what does that make us?" The child answered, "Sisters!" and they enjoyed a warm hug. 

Teams Sing at Service; Clinics begin Monday 

In a phone call from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Sunday evening (Nov. 3), LWML District President Carolyn Blum reported that all is going well. (Her cell phone works there!)

The teams worshipped in a bilingual service this morning at Prince of Peace, the sponsoring congregation. Hymns were sung, verse by verse in Spanish and then in English. DCE Michael Tanney, the missionary in charge of the congregation, preached on 1 John 3:1-3. At the close of the service, the teams sang, "Jesus, Send Us on Your Mission." This hymn was written especially for the 2007 national LWML convention by Pastor Dean Nadasdy.

The church has a nice building. The basement (intended for a parochial school that so far has not materialized) houses a government-funded Head Start program. The teachers are excited to be in this fine location. The rent from the program is paying off the building loan. The church will do chapel services for the school and Christian parenting programs for the families.

Monday, Nov. 4, the Eyeglass Clinics begin. One team will be on duty from 8 a.m. to about 4 p.m. The other will serve in a different location from 2 p.m. through 8 p.m. Members of the local congregation will also be on hand to help witness and welcome those who come for eyeglasses, making this venture a true partnership of reaching out with God's love.

Because the teams must supply most of their own meals, they went to Sam's Club to get some groceries. The store was as crowded as department stores are in Wisconsin at Christmas. Lines were very long, so they did not purchase ice cream or ice cubes, fearing the items would melt before they got out of the store. They would have liked some though because it's very hot in Puerto Rico right now. Continue to keep them in your prayers.

Teams Arrive in Puerto Rico, Safely but a Bit Late
We started the Eyeglass clinics today after getting into our sleeping accommodations last night at 3 a.m. The plane was two hours late and the van reservations didn't turn out as they expected.

We handed out many glasses today, including children's sun glasses. And, we witnessed about Jesus!

It's very hot here, but we had no effects from the hurricane. Praise God!

Everyone is well and sends their greetings - and many, many thanks for the prayers and for sending so many eyeglasses....we have 4,600 pair with us here!

God's blessings to all,

Carolyn Blum (on behalf of the Eyeglass teams)

Remember to Pray for the Goers!  Twenty-eight people from SWD are leaving this week - Nov. 2 - to spread the love of Christ in Puerto Rico. Pray for their safety, their families at home and for the people whose lives they will touch for Christ. May the harvest be plentiful!

Contact Information for Ruth Krueger, VP of Mission Grants and Human Care. 

It has come to my attention that some of you may have been attempting, unsuccessfully, to reach Ruth Krueger, our VP of Mission Grants and Human Care, via phone and email. With the postmark deadline (October 31) only a week away for submitting grants to her for the 2008-2010 biennium, you may have questions for her.

Ruth is in the process of having several surgeries on her ear; the next one is scheduled for Friday. Side effects from this type of surgery are dizziness, tiredness, and 'not feeling well' in general. She has been and is, therefore, unable to respond to email as that involves walking downstairs, which she is unable to do. She does, however, try to respond, as she is able, to phone messages. She IS receiving snail mail at her Twin Lakes address and has received several grants already. Please continue to send the grants to her!

If you need to reach Ruth, the best way is to call her; leave a message if necessary. Please do not send email to her during this time. Alternatively, you may contact our SWD LWML Mission Grants Committee Chairman, Joyce Buehrens, at bjbueh@juno.com or 262-886-4187. I will also be happy to field any questions you may have.

Please keep Ruth in your prayers. It's frustrating for her to be slowed down like this! She's looking forward to receiving all your grant proposals so we as a district will be able to support many of them with our mites.

Again, continue to send your grant proposals to Ruth at her Twin Lakes address, but contact her only via phone. Alternatively, you may also contact Joyce Buehrens or myself via phone or email if you have questions. Thanks for your patience and understanding and for faithfully serving the Lord through the LWML.

Carolyn Blum, President
South Wisconsin LWML

Retreat Is Full! Registration Closed!

     Chairman Nancy Schwalenberg reports that the Fall Retreat Oct. 26-27 at Wintergreen Resort in Wisconsin Dells is full to overflowing! All available space is filled in the ballroom for the sessions, and the hotel is setting up extra tables and chairs for us. All the sleeping rooms are sold out.

     Because of this "overage," registration has been closed, and even some walk-in may need to be turned away. (This reminds me of the situation in Sioux Falls, where registrations for the national convention were closed this year because they were full too.)

     While this does pose logistical issues for the retreat committee, what a JOYOUS 'problem' to have--you might say it is an 'overage' of JOY!!  The committee is working diligently to accommodate everyone; however, some may need to be turned away, due to the hotel having a maximum number of people they can accommodate in the meeting rooms. The committee asks for your understanding and patience! Extra materials have been printed. 

     Just like in Sioux Falls, we can look upon this as an opportunity to witness to the hotel staff--to show our love and patience with each other and with them. Christian love in action!

     I, personally, am looking forward to this retreat where we will celebrate the closeness (both literally and figuratively!) of our LWML sisterhood, and where we will also celebrate mission outreach. I feel the overwhelming response to this retreat is indicative of the interest our women have in spreading the Gospel. All praise to HIM for giving us this opportunity!

                                  --Carolyn Blum

Puerto Rico Mission Trip "Goers" Receive Training. 

An orientation meeting for the 28 people (the "Goers") traveling to Puerto Rico with the South Wisconsin District LWML's MOST Ministries team was held at Living Word Lutheran Church in Jackson on Saturday, August 18.

LCMS Mission Counselor
To Speak at Fall Retreat
    Gary Thies of St. Louis, who serves as Mission Development Counselor for the LCMS, will speak on "The Master Calls for You" Friday evening and Saturday, Oct. 26 and 27, at Wintergreen Resort, Wisconsin Dells.
        A highlight Friday evening will be a birthday party, focussing on 60 years of memories and missions for the SW LWML. Each attendee will receive a booklet of memories.
        The retreat emphasis is based on Matthew 9:37 and 38 - "Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"

       And, a special treat is planned - our new national LWML president, Jan Wendorf of Grafton, will be present, and attendees will have an opportunity to meet, greet and hear her.

        Bible Study Leader for the retreat will be Rev. David Totsky, District LWML Junior Counselor. His study will focus on “Missions: Past, Present and Future.” 

        A registration form may be found in the Fall Retreat brochure on this website's Publications page or in the Mission Lamp. Register today!
        Check-in will open Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. with the program starting at 7 p.m. There will be no Friday dinner, allowing participants to choose a restaurant of their choice. Many are located near the resort. 
         Friday evening fellowship -  Following the Friday evening birthday celebration, the women may enjoy fellowship, visit the displays or swim in the resort pool.
         Food! -  Saturday morning a breakfast buffet will be served from 6:30 - 8 a.m. It will include cereals, seasonal fresh fruit, french toast with spiced apples, scrambled eggs, sausage links, baked ham, au gratin potatoes, freshly baked pastries, toast, coffee, tea and orange juice. The cost is $9.

        Lunch will be served at 12 noon. There will be two choices, each costing $9:
        --Roast sirloin of beef au jus, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables du jour and fresh baked rolls.
        --Baked chicken breast with mushroom wine sauce, rice pilaf with vegetable du jour and fresh baked rolls.
Both choices will be served with a garden salad, choice of dressing, fruit cup and coffee, tea, soda or milk. 
        Saturday sessions -  For those arriving on Saturday, registration will open at 7:30 a.m., as will the exhibits. The morning session will begin at 8:30 a.m.       

Bring Ingathering Items for Madison IFC
      With 4,000 international students on the campus of UW-Madison, the International Friendship Center meets an important mission function. To make students feel welcome, the Center can always use drip coffee, flavored teas, styrofoam cups (8 oz.) and hot chocolate mix.
      So, those attending the Fall Retreat are asked to bring any of the above for the ingathering. For international students, the Center offers traditional and contemporary worship services, Bible studies, a home-cooked meal, choir and instrumental groups, social events, active service opportunities, a study area and rec room, and the opportunity to talk one on one with Pastor Mark Schumm about any personal problems.

 Attention all SWD Sioux Falls Convention Attendees!

Our South Wisconsin District caucus will be held Thursday evening, June 21
(immediately after the worship service), in the first-floor meeting room (the
"Riverfront" room) at the Country Inn and Suites Hotel (the 'bus hotel'),
200 E. 8th Street, about 3 miles southeast of the convention center.  (The
district  busses, only  for those who are riding the bus from Wisconsin to
Sioux Falls, will leave the convention center immediately after the worship
service, and the caucus will begin as soon as the busses arrive, probably
about 9:30 p.m.)   I realize it will be late and we'll all be tired, but
this is really the only time we are able to have our caucus.  I anticipate
that the caucus will take 30-45 minutes AT MOST!

This caucus is for ALL district attendees, not just delegates, so
invite your SWD friends and relatives to come, too.  Often there are last
minute announcements and information that we need to convey to everyone,
plus this is a good way to meet all the South Wisconsin attendees.  You'll
get to meet our Young Women reps, Paula Duveneck and Cindi Gill, have an
opportunity to ask questions and to share your experiences with each other.
Mia Brondyke, the Visit Milwaukee (convention bureau) rep who has worked
with us to prepare the Milwaukee 2015 national convention bid, will be our
guest and will have information to share with you.

I plan to take group pictures at the caucus, but you may like to
bring your own cameras, too.  There will be no professional group pictures
taken this year at the convention center, due to limited space for it, so
this will be basically the only time we'll have to get group pictures.

Yes, it is true...REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED FOR CONVENTION!
The facility has been maxed out.  President Linda Riser regrets that no more
registrations can be accepted, but we rejoice with her that this is the
largest attendance since the Minneapolis convention in 1999!  I don't have
any specific number of registrants, but I was told in February that the
facility would hold about 4,600 LWMLers.

President Linda writes this, concerning the Thursday evening worship
service:  "It will be full and then some! We have overflow seating planned
for 800 with a large screen (similar to what you would be using in the
arena) and communion stations. You will easily see and feel part of the
worship experience no matter where you are seated that evening! We have
always welcomed the local churches in the proximity of the convention site
to worship with us on Thursday evening and we feel that is an important
witness, not only to the community but for people to participate in an LWML
Worship experience. We also hope such a crowd is a witness to Jesus Christ
for the community of Sioux Falls and those working in the convention center
and arena. We will open the doors of the arena at 6:00 PM on Thursday
evening for women/men who have nametags as registered guests of the
convention. At 6:30 PM the arena will be open to all guests coming for the
Worship Service.

One IMPORTANT NOTE to mention-there will not and CANNOT be saving of
seats. If you plan to sit together, come together. If you plan to be with
guests who are not registered for convention, but just attending the Opening
Worship Service, I would suggest you go directly to the overflow area. It
will NOT be allowed to have someone come early and try to save a group of
seats-it just will not work in this setting. Please help us the best you can
by moving to the center of the rows, filling in every seat and letting
ushers know where space is still available!"

        This convention will be very exciting and full of mission updates,
fellowship and praise!  Please join me in prayer for safe travel for all
attendees and that God will work through us, His servants, to further His
Kingdom through our participation, and that all we do is to His glory.
ROCK! Rest on Christ the KING!!!!

        Thanks so much for helping to spread the news.  I have no list of
all SWD convention attendees, so am relying on you to help get this
information out!  Hope to see you in Sioux Falls!
  
Blessings,

Carolyn Blum, President
South Wisconsin LWML

MEMORY BOOK FORM - Deadline September 8, 2007.

This year, we in the South Wisconsin District are celebrating 60 years of service in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. To give everyone an opportunity to express their joy at being a part of this awesome organization, we are going to put together a booklet of your memories.

Below you will find some questions that may help spark some thoughts about the LWML. Read through the questions and then in 100 words or less, share one or more of these memories with us. Send them to Nancy Schwalenberg at g4bg06@peoplepc.com or 1907 E. Rusk Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207, by September 8, 2007. They will be printed in a booklet that will be given to all that attend the 2007 LWML Fall Retreat in Wisconsin Dells.

 If you are unable to attend the retreat, there will be additional booklets for sale at the Christian Life table. The cost will be $1.50. I am sure all of us have a memory, funny, tender or a life altering experience that we could tell, so be sure to send them in NOW.

1. When was the first LWML retreat, convention or meeting that you attended?
2. What was your favorite retreat site and why?
3. Who was your favorite speaker and why?
4. The funniest thing that ever happened to you at an event?
5. The most meaningful Bible study you participated in?
6. The most memorable experience at a retreat?
7. The person you met at an LWML function that had the most lasting effect on your life?
8. How did you find out about the LWML?

These questions are only meant to help get the brain juices flowing. Use them as a guide and then send in your most treasured memory for the booklet, so we can all enjoy them. Don’t wait until the last minute to send in your thoughts, as space is limited. Remember: 100 words or less by September 8, 2007. You may sign your name or keep it anonymous.

Sioux Falls Hotel Set;
All SWD Attendees
Welcome at Caucus
    For the Sioux Falls convention in June, our bus riders received their first choice hotel...the Country Inn & Suites! This hotel was our first choice for many reasons: it's in a seemingly quiet neighborhood, close to the quaint 'old town' area and serves a free continental breakfast each morning. 
    If you are going to the convention and would like to stay in the same hotel, do sign up soon, as the remaining rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. All the registration materials are available on the national LWML website at www.lwml.org and in the winter Quarterly (the large-sized one).
    It's a One-Day Drive!
    Sioux Falls is an easy drive from Wisconsin - make it a family vacation and sightsee along the way. A national convention is always so inspiring - too good to miss!
    If you are at the convention, whether you are a delegate or not, you are welcome to attend the SWD caucus Thursday evening, June 21, at 9:30 p.m. (after the convention's opening worship service). It will be in the Riverfront meeting room of the Country Inn & Suites Hotel., 200 E. 8th St., Sioux Falls.
    Bring Your Cameras
    This is your opportunity to gather as a group, hear announcements and updates, reconnect with friends, meet our delegates, our ethnic women, special guests and our young women reps. 
    Bring your camera - this might be the only time we will be together to take a group picture! There will be no formal district pictures taken this year, due to space limitations at the convention center....so if anyone wants to take a picture of the group at our caucus, bring your camera. This may be the only time the SWD people are together as a group!


For the latest district news, see the Leaders' Info page of this website!
________________________________________________

Please use the form below to submit nominations for any of these offices. Those of you who have day-to-day contact with leaders in your societies and zones know of godly women with talents to fill these positions, but they may not come to the attention of the committee without your input. Your nomination may be anonymous if you wish.

Upon receipt of your nomination, the committee will send a letter informing the individual of the nomination and outlining the duties of the office in question. Forms asking for personal information, along with an agreement to serve if elected, will also be included.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SWD LWML Nomination Form

I nominate _________________________________ as a

candidate for the office of ___________________________.

Contact information:

Address, including city and zip_________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Phone ________________________________________

Email_________________________________________________

Present LWML position, if any ___________________________________________

Your name (optional) __________________________________________________

Please send your nomination by Dec. 1 to Chairman Judy Paulson, N8098 McHugh Rd., Hilbert, WI 54129; Phone 920-989-1777; or e-mail her at judykay1@ix.netcom.com. Also serving on the committee are Ruth Mueller, Gloria Christian, Linda Christensen and Corrine Hendrikson.