The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour recently met for its March meeting at Lutheran Community Home in Seymour.
President Lois Byrkett greeted the members and guests.
Jan Behrens led the opening devotion, “Important Connections.” She told the members present that in our day and age, we can get connected to others by cellphones, emails, Facebook and the internet. In Jesus’ day, it was different. Most of the times, connecting with others was face to face.
Behrens said if we feel unloved and disconnected from others, we should go to God’s Word in the Bible and hear God’s gracious promises. Then reach out and touch someone who rarely gets visitors and needs to connect with someone who cares. Pray and ask God who He wants you to connect with. These are important connections.
Janis Mundt read the secretary’s report, and it was approved. The treasurer’s report, given by Sharon Klakamp, also was accepted.
Byrkett reported LWML Indiana District President Penny Letterman was at Immanuel on Feb. 19 and presented a check for $5,000 to the church for the expansion of its child care ministry.
This grant was awarded to Immanuel at the LWML District Convention in June 2016 in Bloomington and will assist in serving more children and families with Christ-centered child care. At this service, appreciation was expressed for all of the mite boxes that it takes to support the work of the LWML.
A report also was given by Byrkett on the Zone Prayer Service in February at St. Paul Lutheran Church at Wegan. The theme for the service was from Psalm 145: “One generation shall commend Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts.” This was appropriate since the LWML is celebrating 75 years of commending Christ from one generation to another.
Behrens said the Immanuel LWML mission project for March is for Lutheran Work Relief. LWML will be collecting money to purchase goats for families in Gnagna, a province of Africa. She said a hearty goat can survive in parts of the world where food supply is needed by providing milk and income.
The new mission project for April will be for Immanuel Lutheran Child Care Ministry. Items that will be needed will be announced at the next meeting.
Upcoming events announced were the LWML Spring Retreat on March 31 and April 1 at the Farmstead Inn and Conference Center in Shipshewana. The theme for this retreat is “Courage” from Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Elaine Bickell will be the speaker and Bible study leader.
The LWML 37th Biennial Convention will be June 22 through 25 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The theme is “Jesus Christ Above All” from Philippians 2:9: “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name.”
Adrene Wunder led the devotion “A Revealing Conversation” for the mite box collection. Wunder talked about the $25,000 LWML national grant for the month of March. The grant was given to help Lutheran Mercy Youth Corps initiative. She said the Lord has blessed the United States with a generation of young adults willing and ready to share the Gospel through mercy projects.
Byrkett closed the meeting with prayer.
Rosalie Grabinski served refreshments to those attending, including Behrens, Pauline Bloch, Byrkett, Beulah Clark, Helen Goecker, Hulda Goecker, Grabinski, Joyce Hackman, Klakamp, Marcia Mildenburger, Mundt, Mae Ellen Schneider, Mary Schneider, Carolyn Shoemaker, Melba Stuckwisch, Esther Sundell, Doris Voss, Pat Weasner and Wunder.
The next meeting will be at 2 p.m. May 2 at Lutheran Community Home.