LWML Convention

The Texas District LWML Convention was held in Austin, TX June 18-20. There were around 680 spirit led women and men in attendance nearly every day.

I want to thank everyone for the blessing of attending this convention. As a woman growing up in the Lutheran church I have always looked up to the women of the LWML. Therefore, I felt very honored to attend a gathering such as this with so many women like those of St. John’s Lutheran Church that truly know what it means to “Serve the Lord with Gladness”! I strongly encourage each of our LWML members to attend at least one if not every district convention. It is a tremendously spirit filled and uplifting experience.

Below you will find a “brief” synopsis of the conventions activities.

Convention Theme–Melody of God’s Love
Convention called to order by LWML President Kathy Lowman–604 members present, 221 Voting Members
Greetings from Texas District LCMS President Ken Hennings. Focused on no matter where we are or what the circumstance our lives are to sing the love of Jesus. Stated that by 2040 the populations of Dallas and Houston will double in size. They all need God’s Love Song through Jesus Christ.
Bible Study by LWML District Counselor John Davis, Jr. Ps.96:1-2a He stated that “Everyone has a great voice! However not everyone has a good ear.” We are to sing to the Lord with our lives because He is Great, the Lord Rules, and He comes to Judge. When we sing to the Lord with our lives, our song should be a New Song with each new circumstance; we are to sing with all creation because all creation has a song to sing to Him; we are to praise Him. There is a difference between thanking and praising God. God is our MVG (Most Valuable God).
In the treasury LWML treasurer reported for 2010-2012 a working budget of $328,280 with $185,187 available for Mission Grants
Prayer before Balloting for Mission Grants
1. Scholarships for Seminarians Texas District $50,000
2. Guiding God’s Little Lambs–Lutheran Social Services of the South Care for Abused Children $20,000
3. Concordia University Texas–DCE Scholarships $24,000
4. Lutheran Braille Workers Inc.–Texas $26,800
5. Let the Little Children Come–Bible Stories for India and Sri Lanka Lutheran Heritage Foundation $19,000
6. Family Shield Counter-Cult Education Project $10,000
7. Women in Outdoor Ministry LOMT-Camp Lone Star–salaries for females serving as camp counselors $8,000
8. Short-Term Mission Team Financial Assistance–provide one half the cost of a short-term mission trip up to $1,500 per person per trip during 2010- 2012 biennium $9,000
9. Braille Portals of Prayer $4,000
10. LINC, Houston–Center for Hispanic Studies–train and equip Hispanic Leaders to become ordained LCMS pastors and deaconesses $14,387.50
Lunch and reconvene with updated Credentials Report for Officer and Committee Member Balloting–637 LWML members present with 225 Voting Members

New LWML Officers and Committee Members for 2010-2012
Vice-President of Christian Life–Dianne Higgins–St. Paul, Ft. Worth–Trinity Zone
Vice-President of Communication–Rosanne Capdeville–Zion, Walburg–Capital Zone
Vice-President of Gospel Outreach–Debbie Curry–Redeemer, Nacogdoches–
East Texas Zone
Recording Secretary–Beth Lauterbach–Prince of Peace, Amarillo–Panhandle Zone
Treasurer–Ann Bamsch–Holy Cross, Warda–Post Oak Zone
Nominating Committee
Dorothy Hunger (Chairperson)–Our Savior, Rockwall–Texas Star Zone
Beth Franke–St. Paul, Bishop–Coastal Bend Zone
Kathy Schkade–St. Paul, Wichita Falls–Red River Zone
Pastoral Counselor–Rev. Michael Hafer–Holy Cross, College Station– Bluebonnet Zone
Keynote Speaker Linda Reiser–Past LWML President 2003-2007. She stated that each of has our own music or song (individual gifts). We all blend like a beautiful orchestra playing the music of God’s Love. God is the composer and God is the Conductor. The World needs to hear our song , the song of God’s great love for us.
Report of National LWML–Jan Wendorf National LWML President
2011 LWML National Convention–Peoria, ILL June 23-26
Theme–Being With Jesus-Living on the Edge–Acts 4:13b & 20
Goal Statement–Empowered by being with Jesus I courageously speak of him and live a life transformed by His Love
Faith Talk– Interactive materials offered by LWML to its sisters and their congregations to learn outreach techniques to use in everyday situations
LWML Sunday 2010 materials to arrive this summer, written by Jan’s husband and son Rev. Ken Wendorf and Rev. Nathan Wendorf
LWML Plan for 2009-2011
Growing in the Lord–Intentional study of God’s word will be encouraged by developing various Bible study course and devotional materials for women of all ages
Embracing our Diversity–Seek ways for sisters of every age, class, culture, and ethnic group to participate in the mission of LWML
Sharing the Heart and Identity of LWML–Equip and enable members to share with others the vision and mission of the LWML locally and globally (use technology)
+ LWML E-news at www.lwml.org
+ Mustard Seeds subscription online now www.lwml.org
Gifts of Love–provides professional gift giving services to women of LWML at no cost so you may touch future generations with Christ’s love
Good Search–Internet search engine. Each time you use it a donation can be made to the LWML at no cost to you. Simply go to www.goodsearch.com Select Lutheran Women’s Missionary League as the charity you wish to support. Approximately $.01 is donated for each search. To date more than $12,000 has been donated.

The next convention Prayer and Balloting for 2014 Texas LWML Convention to be in Frisco Texas.  Friday’s Meeting adjourned
Friday evening Celebration Worship with over 650 women and men attending an inspirational communion service With Pastor Robert Preece speaking.
Saturday Session began with 683 members present with 227 Voting Members
Greetings from LCMS President Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick and wife Terry. They reiterated that someone out there needs our Savior’s loving touch. President Kieschnick stated the LCMS National Convention will be held in Houston this July. The theme will be “One People–Forgiven” He wants all to pray (1) Satan stays far, far away from the convention, (2) Delegates are able to discern Fact from Fiction, (3) God’s Spirit moves among the delegates as they experience the convention.
Bible Study–Rev David Symm, Texas District Pastoral Counselor Ps. 96:2-3 Our message is the message of God’s love to a dying world. The “old song” I s “Do-Re-ME-ME-ME” God’s power is our power to shush the old song and replace it with the new song of God’s love and care for all people.
Short-Term Mission Team Reports given from teams to Macau China, Detroit Michigan, and Slovakia. Teams consisted of 3-5 LWML members choosing to “sing their song” as they served peoples needs in the above areas. Next year we are challenged to send two more Short-Term Mission teams into the world. For more information contact Debbie Curry: missions@lwmltxdist.org
Enrichment Sessions 1 & 2
Session 1–Lutheran Hour Ministries–Men’s Network. If you are looking for a website loaded with rock solid Christian content, go to Men’s Network at www.lhmmen.com. You’ll find relevant Bible studies, a lively Forum and Blog, How-to instructions for everything from hosting a fish fry to starting a men’s Bible study or group–and national, local, and regional events to get your men involved. Right now they are sponsoring a fishing tournament open until August 1. Check it out guys!

Session 2–Catalyst-Lutheran Hour Ministries–Did you know there are 9 great resources for you from Lutheran Hour Ministries besides the Lutheran Hour? They are just a click away on the radio or the web. Here are a few that might interest you:

• Men’s Network www.lhmmen.org
• Woman to Woman www.womantowomanradio.com
• Para el Camino-the Lutheran Hour in Spanish www.paraelcamino.com
• Lutheran Hour Daily Devotions by Ken Klaus, speaker of the Lutheran Hour www.lhm.org/dailydevotions.asp
• JCPlayZone.com Playtime with a purpose. A children’s Web site with games, crafts, coloring pages, and much more–but with a Christian perspective www.jcplayzone.com

Lunch break and reconvene
Mission speaker–Vicar Stephen Heimer from San Palo Lutheran Church, El Paso–Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care–Vicar Heimer expressed how this mission helps fill the physical and spiritual needs of those living along the US/Mexican border. Thousands of sisters and brothers are dying because of drugs and violence a stones throw from the church. They have also established a music ministry to reach out to the many children and young adults that need a “NEW song to sing” Mariachi San Pablo is a volunteer service group that proclaims the saving gospel of Jesus Christ through music. It is 12 members strong. More information is available at www.ylm.org or contact Erin at service@ylm.org
Enrichment Sessions 3 & 4
Session 3–Jan Wendorf shared several methods for intentional individual Bible study. You see, God’s Word is His Love Song to you! We need to hear it every day. We need to make a DATE with Him.
Decide to do it. Are you going to spend time in the Lord or not? Apply the principles 1) Place, 2) Time, 3) A clean Bible helps, 4) Method–She recommended three different methods

• Today’s Light Bible from CPH with available corresponding subscription booklets
• Journaling the best thing you read under the days date and Scripture reference,
• P.R.A.Y.ing God’s Word–After journaling the date and Bible Reference read the text then write down what you “P”raise God for in the text, what you “R”epent of in the text, what you “A”sk of God concerning the text, and finally ask the Lord to help you “Y”eild to His will concerning the passage in your life.

Take the Time and enjoy your Time with Him. Grow in your relationship with Him!

Session 4–Equipping to Share (Everyday Evangelism) through Lutheran Hour Ministries- -Sarah Guldalian. Mission moments occur in the three following ways: a brief moment, In a crisis, and in long term relationships We need to be mindful of these opportunities and use them to “sing our song of God’s love” with family and friends. With family and friends it is important to:

• Keep their trust (confidentiality),
• Love unconditionally,
• Have fun with them,
• Operate in faith not fear. Never let fear guide you. God has promised us a Spirit of power, love, and sound mind.
• Earn the privilege to speak (be still and listen),
• Pray for more witnesses in their life.
• Never assume their answer will be “no” to an invitation to join you in a worship activity.
• Always be supportive in practical ways and point to Christ.

This was an excellent introduction to witnessing to others. More courses are offered through Lutheran Hour Ministries www.lhm.org/equipping
Adjournment for the day
Banquet and Entertainment–Mariachi San Pablo–While we dined on a delicious enchilada dinner the Mariachi San Pablo walked around the dining floor serenading us in the mariachi style. Following the meal they continued their serenade and tremendous witness on stage. They even had us dancing around our tables! Ole! Mariachi San Pablo!
Sunday session of the convention was called to order with 683 members present with 227 Voting Members present
Opening Devotion was lead by Zone Young Woman Representatives ages 18 to 30 or so. The devotion asked the question “How can young women be involved in serving the Lord in our congregations?” We need to think outside the box to get them involved. 19 YWR’s were present.
Presentation by the Teens ages 12-17 years old. Eleven were in attendance and enjoyed tours of Austin sites, Bible studies, craft projects, helping in the Human Care area, and making new friends. Next year we are challenged to double the teen and YWR attendance
Invitation to the following Conventions:
2011 LWML Convention in Peoria, IL–Being With Jesus-Living on the Edge –June 23-26
2012 Texas District LWML Convention in Bryan-College Station at the Hilton Hotel — June 29-July 1
Installation of New Officers and Committee Members and Recognition of all out going officers Recognition of Hostess Committee and Workers.
Closing Worship was lead by Rev. David Symm, District Pastoral Counselor. He used the Epistle Lesson from Ephesians 5:15-21 for the basis of the sermon. We are to walk carefully being wise and using our time in the best way, because the days we are living in are evil. We are not to be foolish but try to understand God’s will. We are to be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs singing and making melody with every inch of our being giving thanks to God for what he has done for us out of love. We have the most beautiful music to sing in the world– the Melody of God’s Love! So Sing It Sister, Sing It!!