“Look to the Hills – Our God Reigns” 
Portland, 2009
We did “Look to the Hills,” when we arrived in Portland and each time we got on the elevator, we looked to see if Mt. Hood was visible. One day it was so clear that we were even able to see Mt. St. Helens. But the hills (really mountains) of Oregon were not the only hill top experience we had. “Our God Reigned” in the convention center and in our hearts as well.
What excitement to get together on Thursday for our caucus and have a chance for everyone to catch up. The Young Woman Reps were introduced at our caucus and given their special YWR pins. We had 11 first timers at this convention.
The opening worship was great as we had a chance to spend time in worship and praise and then to share in the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper with over 3,000 others. The Rev. Dr. Warren Schumacher was the proclaimer.
The personal highlight came for me on Friday morning when I was given the honor of carrying our banner in the procession that started the convention. Vicki and Jennifer walked with me as we represented the South Wisconsin District to the delegates and guests of the convention.
Every aspect of the convention was meaningful and special as we had the bond of a common faith and also our love for missions.
Dr. Mary Hilgendorf from Concordia University Wisconsin was the Bible study leader. We learned about two women, Naomi and Deborah and about the different lives God called them to. She did an excellent job of encouraging us to be leaders in our churches.
The balloting for officers and for grants was really interesting for this first time delegate as we used new voting machines (with no cords).
One of the speakers who spoke to the hearts of many was Heidi Floyd. She shared her experiences with breast cancer with us in a poignant and yet humorous way. What a great experience to hear her.
We heard from others as well, Ruth Koch, gave our keynote address and we also heard two Mites in Action Speakers, Steve Henderson & Vicar David Sternbeck.
Danelle Putnam spoke about her work as a developmental disabilities outreach missionary in the Dominican Republic. Michelle Hoeppner, another missionary speaker serves the LCMS as the facilitator for Human Care, a part of the Asia Management Team.
We were delighted that Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Zehnder was able to be at the convention and update us on LCMS World missions.
Of course seeing old friends and finding new ones was one of the joys that we all participated in.
Many of our ladies volunteered to write about their experiences and we have begun to put their articles on our website. Please be sure to check them out. You will also find a link that will take you right to the National Site for more information on the new grants that were chosen as well as our new officers. There are lots of photos from the convention in the photo gallery, be sure to look at them also.
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to represent you at the National Convention in Portland. I had a great time and look forward to Peoria in 2011. Please start thinking about attending that convention. It is very close and convenient for us.
We thank and praise God for safe travel and for blessing us with a mountaintop experience.
Jan Dankwardt, President
South Wisconsin District
Convention reports:
“Look to the Hills – Our God Reigns”
Portland, 2009
We did “Look to the Hills,” when we arrived in Portland and each time we got on the elevator, we looked to see if Mt. Hood was visible. One day it was so clear that we were even able to see Mt. St. Helens. But the hills (really mountains) of Oregon were not the only hill top experience we had. “Our God Reigned” in the convention center and in our hearts as well.
What excitement to get together on Thursday for our caucus and have a chance for everyone to catch up. The Young Woman Reps were introduced at our caucus and given their special YWR pins. We had 11 first timers at this convention.
The opening worship was great as we had a chance to spend time in worship and praise and then to share in the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper with over 3,000 others. The Rev. Dr. Warren Schumacher was the proclaimer.
The personal highlight came for me on Friday morning when I was given the honor of carrying our banner in the procession that started the convention. Vicki and Jennifer walked with me as we represented the South Wisconsin District to the delegates and guests of the convention.
Every aspect of the convention was meaningful and special as we had the bond of a common faith and also our love for missions.
Dr. Mary Hilgendorf from Concordia University Wisconsin was the Bible study leader. We learned about two women, Naomi and Deborah and about the different lives God called them to. She did an excellent job of encouraging us to be leaders in our churches.
The balloting for officers and for grants was really interesting for this first time delegate as we used new voting machines (with no cords).
One of the speakers who spoke to the hearts of many was Heidi Floyd. She shared her experiences with breast cancer with us in a poignant and yet humorous way. What a great experience to hear her.
We heard from others as well, Ruth Koch, gave our keynote address and we also heard two Mites in Action Speakers, Steve Henderson & Vicar David Sternbeck.
Danelle Putnam spoke about her work as a developmental disabilities outreach missionary in the Dominican Republic. Michelle Hoeppner, another missionary speaker serves the LCMS as the facilitator for Human Care, a part of the Asia Management Team.
We were delighted that Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Zehnder was able to be at the convention and update us on LCMS World missions.
Of course seeing old friends and finding new ones was one of the joys that we all participated in.
Many of our ladies volunteered to write about their experiences and we have begun to put their articles on our website. Please be sure to check them out. You will also find a link that will take you right to the National Site for more information on the new grants that were chosen as well as our new officers. There are lots of photos from the convention in the photo gallery, be sure to look at them also.
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to represent you at the National Convention in Portland. I had a great time and look forward to Peoria in 2011. Please start thinking about attending that convention. It is very close and convenient for us.
We thank and praise God for safe travel and for blessing us with a mountaintop experience.
Jan Dankwardt, President
South Wisconsin District
Convention reports: