Are you interested in applying to be a YWR at the upcoming convention? Is there someone you wish to encourage to be a YWR? Then click here to download an application form. Are you uncertain regarding the selection guidelines? Then click here. Each Zone may sponsor a YWR at the District Convention. The District will waive the registration fee for YWRs; the Zone will pick up the other related expenses. Applications are due March 15, 2010. Copies should be mailed to Renae Korenchan, 2213 South Home Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402. If you have questions, please contact Renae Korenchan, Young Women Committee Chair, at 708-788-3240 or renaekorenchan@sbcglobal.net.
It’s been over a week since the devastating earthquake struck Haiti and Lutheran World Relief has been working with partners on the ground to ensure that the people of Haiti get access to food, water and shelter.Many of you have asked what you can do to help. We all know LWML women like to be involved “hands on” and LWR is providing us with such an opportunity. There is a desperate need for health kits and quilts. Just this week, along with partners at Church World Service, LWR sent a shipment of health kits and layettes to Haiti. That shipment depleted their stock of health kits and many more will be needed to fulfill needs in the coming weeks and months.
Will you help with the need for health kits and quilts? LWR wants to bring relief and comfort to the people of Haiti, but they also need to continue to fulfill requests from around the world. Click here to read how your zone and society can help.
Mary Kuenzel, 34th Biennial English District LWML Convention Chair
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
Deuteronomy 15:11 NIV
During planning for the upcoming 34th Biennial English District LWML Convention to be hosted by the Greater Detroit Zone LWML, a decision about what type of ingathering to sponsor was required. Discussion about local service agencies in need ensued and focused on two organizations within the inner city of Detroit. The decline of the auto industry continues to be severely felt in Michigan and opportunities for human care abound.One agency which ministers to those who are hurting, homeless and in various stages of desperate need had recently made a plea for used towels. The need was so great that each donated towel had to be torn into four equal parts to increase distribution. Even then, the amount was insufficient. Have you, as an adult, ever tried to dry off with one quarter of a towel? Have you ever been thankful to have one quarter of a towel to dry off with after washing yourself? This need, for something we take for granted, filled our hearts. Yet the flow of conversation resulted in us deciding that asking convention attendees to bring towels the long distance would not be a feasible option given current airline baggage restrictions.
Sarah Reinstadtler, English District LWML Vice President of Human Care from Pittsburgh, had been involved in the above discussion via telephone. Sarah could not forget the urgent need for towels. She quickly made this need known to the ladies of her society, zone and anyone willing to listen. With the help of many willing servants, new and gently used towels were gathered to fill a mini-van and were then driven from Pittsburgh to Detroit, from the rolling hills of Pennsylvania to an inner city in Michigan. Look to the hills, God reigns!
Through the caring generosity of His people, two agencies would benefit. Greater Detroit Zone Lutheran Women in Mission delivered the towels to Lutheran City Ministries on the edge of the inner city. They used some for their after school program then routed the towels to the faith-based organization who had issued the initial appeal. At least for a while, they would no longer need to tear towels into four pieces. The towels were, undoubtedly, viewed as a blessing by those who received them.
People in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and its surrounding area made a difference in Detroit, Michigan by responding with the love of Jesus across the miles. There are many challenges when a district is non-geographic, but when we put our faith into action, God will empower us with the Holy Spirit and bless our effort. We can be openhanded toward our brother even when he is in need at a distance. We just have to fortify ourselves with God's Word and stretch our arms a little further to make the connection.
Shirley Holle, Shelby Kampert, Jurene Slaughter, and Cherie Voorhees returned from a week of service with Native Americans in Neah Bay, Washington. Hear about this inspiring outreach event at the upcoming convention in Romulus.
Pat Gilde, our V-P of Gospel Outreach, has made a video and uploaded it on YouTube.com. It is a wonderful promotion of LWML including important contact information and an overview of the district and national web sites. Click here to view it.
DON'T FORGET...
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.... let us encourage one another. Hebrews 10:24, 25 The English District LWML has two Mission-Ministry Vision consultants available to assist your society or zone. MMV consultants are professionally trained to guide, support, and provide resources to women for Christ-centered decision making and implementing processes. Consultants also help women in creating and enhancing sensitive, relevant, and appealing mission outreach in their communities. Our MMV consultants can:
- clarify your purpose
- generate increased enthusiasm
- explore possible organizational structures for your group
- define and develop local leaders
- provide resources for planning effective and spiritually motivated programs
- supply guidance in engaging more women in meaningful ministry
- reveal ways to create interest for young women's involvement
- offer direction when you are facing change and/or new opportunities
- sharpen your focus in strategically planning for the future
Are you interested in learning more about how an MMV consultant can help revitalize or expand your LWML? Then contact one of them today....
Deaconess Sylvia Johnson, MMV Consultant 5222 S. Menard Drive New Berlin, WI 53151 414-529-4758 sylvialwml@wi.rr.com Marilyn McClure, MMV Consultant 2012 E. Monte Vista Tucson, AZ 85719 520-881-2252 mcclurelwml@gmail.com
A REMINDER TO USE GOODSEARCH Instead of "Googling" the next time you need a search engine, go to "GoodSearch" at http://www.goodsearch.com. Under the question "Who do you Goodsearch for?”, type "LWML" in the box and hit "verify". The words "Lutheran Women's Missionary League--LWML--National (St. Louis, MO)" will appear. Then go up to the search box and type in whatever information you need. The next time you go to the site, LWML will automatically appear as your charity of choice. Each time a search is initiated, an estimated 1 cent is given to LWML. This sounds like a small amount, but multiple searches by many people add up. For example, if 1,000 women searched twice a day, LWML could possibly raise $7,000 a year. Much like mites add up to produce significant results, so can GoodSearch generate money for missions. Since its inception, GoodSearchers have raised approximately $5,000 for LWML mission grants. It's even possible to add GoodSearch to your Internet browser's toolbar. Follow directions on the site to install. Tell your friends and happy searching.
PRESIDENT
June was the month of conventions. I was delighted to be given the opportunity to represent the English District LWML at the English District LCMS convention in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. I shared news of our current mission grants and invited those in attendance to visit our booth and web sites to learn more about the LWML. At the end of my presentation, our English District Bishop/President, Rev. Dave Stechholz, put a mite box on the podium and made a contribution to show his support of the LWML's mission work through mites. The box was then passed around the convention hall and we received donations in the amount of $217.19 which were applied to our third mission grant. I am very grateful for the support we receive from our congregations in the English district as we strive to create mission awareness through our mite giving and service to others.
The national LWML Convention in Portland was a wonderful experience. Many of you have shared highlights and photos. The English District was well represented. It was my privilege along with our Young Woman Representative, Michelle Shuten, to carry the English District banner in the opening procession. Georgiana Jackson of Michigan has designed and created our banner for the last several conventions. It was gorgeous! There is a picture of the banner and Michelle leading off this web page.
The English District LWML has many outstanding leaders serving our Lord at the local, zone, district, and national levels. Some of our English District Sisters in Christ who played a key role at the convention included:
- Deaconess Sylvia Johnson, Vice President Human Care 2007-2011, was very involved in the programming for the Portland convention including the organization of the Gifts of the Heart ingathering.
- Marilyn McClure was elected to serve as Vice President Gospel Outreach for 2009-2013. Marilyn has served previously at the national level as chair of the Heart to Heart Sisters Committee.
- Deaconess Cheryl Naumann attended as a delegate from the Pittsburgh Zone and was present to autograph her new book, In the Footsteps of Phoebe: A Complete History of the Deaconess Movement in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (Concordia Publishing House).
I have requested prayers and financial support for mite goals in the past and here I am requesting those again! For the past 67 years, the LWML has stepped out in faith, setting goals and trusting God to move the hearts of His people to give generously to support the proclaiming of the Gospel to all nations. We have only about eight months to go in our current district biennium. We have just paid our third mission grant and have three more grants that we have pledged to support with finances and prayer. Now, more than ever, these grant recipients need our help. Let us boldly and confidently serve as Lutheran Women in Mission with generous mites and fervent petitions to the glory of God.
And as always...remember to be together in prayer at noon every Monday.
TREASURER
Zones are asked to remit mite money to the treasurer once every quarter at a minimum. In other words, mites can be sent in more often if your societies are meeting monthly and sending you mites more frequently. Also, any special collections from LWML Sunday or Mission Sundays can be forwarded at any time along with gifts to the leadership fund or for memorials. Letters for Lutheran Woman's Quarterly and ACCENT subscriptions will be mailed in January 2010 with orders and payment due March 15th.
SECRETARY
Zones and societies are asked to send updated contact information whenever changes occur. This helps to insure that district mailings are routed to the correct individual and disseminated at the local level in a timely fashion. If you receive a mailing in error, please forward the envelope to the correct person and notify the secretary of her name and address. Also, remember that mite boxes are available from the secretary, not the treasurer.
BYLAWS & MEMBER DEVELOPMENT
Did you ever wonder why we have bylaws? The internal rules of the English District LWML are embodied in the bylaws. Bylaws are drafted by a committee at the beginning of an organization's existence. The committee needs to take great care with the language and to be realistic in forseeing changes in the organization as it continues. After the committee has completed its work, it reports to the assembly; and the assembly, after debate and possible amendment, adopts the bylaws by a main motion. The bylaws should not contain trivial matters or temporary provisions; they are meant to provide the most basic regulations, understandable by the typical member, and important enough that they will not need to be changed often. It is the practice of the English District LWML to review its bylaws each biennium and to make sure they reflect changes made at the national level of the organization. Click here to read or download our current bylaws.
CHRISTIAN LIFE COMMITTEE
Are you a Hope Dealer? Do you regularly write notes of hope to others who are in desperate need of it? Are you offering encouragement to your friends and family? Have you taken time to thank your Pastor for his sacrificial service? We have the hope that Easter gives us. We know the joy it brings. Let us give hope to others by sharing the joy. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit...Romans 15:13
HUMAN CARE COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Human Care Committee is to sensitize women toward those who are hurting or in need and enable them to compassionately reach out with knowledgeable, Biblical and hands-on caring assistance and comfort. For self, human care includes healthy lifestyle choices for the body, lifelong learning for the mind, and meditation and prayer for the spirit. For others, human care translates into an awareness of need, personal involvement, and servant opportunities.
The Human Care Committee has three basic responsibilities:
- to keep a record of missionaries of the English District and to befriend them and other missionaries supported by the Lutheran Women in Mission of our district.
- to advise Lutheran Women in Mission throughout the district of possible human care projects.
- to assist with an in-gathering at the Biennial Convention.
Do not hesitate to contact Sarah Reinstadtler at srein8@verizon.net if you have any needs or ideas for human care activities, including how to support our missionaries and their families. Also, please forward the ministry description and contact information of any missionaries being supported by your LWML or congregation with whom we might communicate. HUMAN CARE IS GOD IN ACTION THROUGH YOU!
GOSPEL OUTREACH COMMITTEEVisit the Mission Grants page of this web site to read about the six grants being supported during the 2008-2010 biennium. As of November 21, 2009, we have have paid four mission grants of the 2008-2010 biennium.
Please remember that our work is not over when we have reached our English District LWML mission goal. Our mission support is an ongoing process which begins in our societies, continues through the Zone and District, and culminates at the national level. At its recent convention in Portland, Oregon, the national LWML adopted a mission goal of $1,825,000 for the 2009-2011 biennium of which $1,334,982 will go toward missions. This is an increase of $125,000 over the previous goal. This new goal is the largest in the organization's 67-year history and will fund a record 19 mission grants. For updates on the national LWML mission grants go to http://www.lwml.org/missions/lutheran-women-in-mission-mission-grants.htm
COMMITTEE ON YOUNG WOMENAre you interested in applying to be a YWR at the upcoming convention? Is there someone you wish to encourage to be a YWR? Then click here to download an application form. Are you uncertain regarding the selection guidelines? Then click here. Each Zone may sponsor a YWR at the District Convention. The District will waive the registration fee for YWRs; the Zone will pick up the other related expenses. Applications are due March 15, 2010. Copies should be mailed to Renae Korenchan, 2213 South Home Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402. If you have questions, please contact Renae Korenchan, Young Women Committee Chair, at 708-788-3240 or renaekorenchan@sbcglobal.net.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
How many of us have grown to adulthood believing we are not intelligent, experienced, or wise enough to give our opinion and share our insight? We passively wait for leaders to solve every problem. Be aware that each of us has something to offer--a personal wisdom different from anyone else's. And we can never know what influence we might have unless we speak up in the spirit of Christian love. May God give you the courage to share what He has revealed to you. We have many leadership opportunities in the English District LWML and we encourage you to prayerfully consider serving as an officer or on a committee. Nominations for the English District LWML positions of President, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President of Gospel Outreach, and the Nominating Committee are needed. The job descriptions for these positions are found in your copy of the by-laws or by clicking here. Please prayerfully consider this request and discern if God is calling you to serve or someone who might nominate. Details regarding nominations can be found here. Click here to download the nomination form which is due to Pat McGuire at 1530 Riverside Drive, Trenton, NJ 08618 or patmc1530@comcast.net by December 1, 2009. The Nominating Committee will start making phone calls the week of November 9, 2009 to solicit nominees so the slate can be completed. Questions? Contact Nominating Committee Chair, Pat McGuire, at patmc1530@comcast.net. God does equip those He calls! Here I am Lord...Is it I, Lord?..I have heard you calling in the night...I will go, Lord, if you lead me...I will hold your people in my heart.
EQUALIZATION
Each zone and society in the English District LWML is responsible for sending delegates to its biennial convention which is held in even-numbered years. Your zone sends one delegate and your society is entitled to send two delegates. The district has an Equalization Fund that helps pay transportation expenses for delegates. The equalization fee is currently $160 per delegate. When your zone and society pay the $160 equalization fee per delegate, the delegate's transportation expense or a portion thereof is reimbursed from the Equalization Fund. This includes those who travel by car, plane, bus, or train. Those who live close to the convention site and have minimal transportation expenses need to pay the $160, per delegate, to help defer the cost of those far away. That's what makes it EQUAL!
Your delegates are the voice of your society. We understand that travel costs are rising all the time and can possibly deter representation from some societies. Equalization can help change that--the more who participate in equalization, the more in attendance. And for a district that is non-geographic, this approach is fair and smart! However, we must ALL participate for the Equalization Fund to work properly. Plan now to raise money for equalization for your society.
Equalization for the upcoming 34th Biennial English District LWML Convention in Romulus, MI is due no later than April 1, 2010. Click here to download the information and remittance form.Questions? Contact Equalization Chair, Cheryl Gruenwald, at dcgruen@iserv.net.
ACCENT
Our newsletter, ACCENT on Lutheran Women's Missionary League - English District, is published three times a year. Societies and zones are encouraged to send current news and photos. Submission deadlines are October1st, February 1st, and June 1st. The mailing will occur one month later. Annual subscriptions are $3.00. ACCENT can also be received via e-mail . You may read it online or download it by clicking on the ACCENT link. The editor is Cherie Voorhees, 1305 Lower Ferry Road, Trenton, NJ 08618. Contributions may also be faxed to 609-896-0341 or sent as an attachment to voorhees@rider.edu
PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Your feedback regarding our web site is most appreciated. Web sites are works in progress just like us...PBPWMGIFWMY...please be patient with me, God isn't finished with me yet! Your Webservant at admin@englishdistrictlwml.org looks forward to receiving your comments and contributions for the Zone News & Views page. May all our public relations be they our interactions with people or our website glorify God!
March 1, 2010: Convention Delegate & Alternate List due
March 15, 2010: YWR Applications due
April 1, 2010: Equalization Payments due
April 23-25, 2010: 34th Biennial English District LWML Convention; Romulus, Michigan
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