By Linda Murdock
Last July I had the privilege of traveling to the 36th Biennial Michigan District LWML (Lutheran Women in Mission) convention with several of my St. Luke LWML sisters-in-Christ: Beth DeMeritt, Kaleigh Bone, Carol Koch, Cecilia Knox, and Linda Strausbaugh. Together we enjoyed a mountain-top experience at Boyne Mountain Resort in northern Michigan from July 29-31. If you’ve ever been to Boyne, you know that this is “God’s Country” and we enjoyed blue skies and warm weather throughout our stay.
More important than the weather, the convention was filled to the brim with colorful worship, keynote speakers, Bible study, food, servant events, entertainment, and networking opportunities among women who “serve the Lord with gladness” throughout the year in their respective congregations. The convention theme, “Chosen to Bear Lasting Fruit” made us all aware of our blessings and the importance of being a blessing to others!
As our chartering congregation, St. Luke donors helped to scholarship two LWML Board members to attend this convention. It was a “first” for each of them and an opportunity to learn more about their role in the organization and to understand the importance of LWML mite offerings.
In addition, your mite box offerings helped to fund thirteen mission grants that were approved for support at the convention, including a grant for Women of the Pearl and MOST Ministries! A mission grant goal was set at $235,000 for 2016-18.
So thank you St. Luke Lutheran Church! We are delighted to partner with you in your endeavor to join Jesus on His mission, whether in a foreign country or right in our own neighborhood. Your LWML is looking forward to emphasizing worship, discipleship, and generous giving in the coming year through programs and projects that make a difference in the lives of others and enable more people to hear the Good News!
If you missed the LWML convention and would like to hear more exciting news about what happened at Boyne Mountain this summer, please come to a “Mini-Convention” at the home of Cecilia Knox; 8515 Glendale, Ypsilanti on Saturday, October 1 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. We will have brunch, sing, pray, and hear from our delegates and other special guests, including Deb Suchyta, Team Administrator at MOST Ministries, who will provide an update on “trafficking in persons.” Please RSVP to Linda Murdock by September 30.
The Ann Arbor Zone Rally will be held on Saturday, October 29 from 9 a.m. at Haab’s Restaurant; 18 W. Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti. Guest speaker will be Casey Salminen, speaking on Colossians 1:17, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” $15 per person from several entree selections. Free will offering for Zone expenses. Contact Kristin Myher to make a reservation.
