By Linda Murdock
This article is intended to provide basic information about a wonderful women’s ministry that exists at St. Luke Lutheran Church. We asked some pertinent questions about LWML, which is the recipient of our quarterly mission offering.
What is the Driving Force Behind LWML?
As Lutheran Christian women, we have a lot to be thankful for! We enjoy loving, trusting relationships with one another at church because we have the love of Jesus in common.
In response to His love, we have the opportunity and responsibility to reach out to the needs of all people, both near and far away.
How Can Lutheran Women Reach Out?
There is an organization in the LCMS that is dedicated to “serving the Lord with gladness.” It has been called the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) for over 70 years, but is now simply referred to as LWML or Lutheran Women In Mission.
If you are a Lutheran woman, you belong to the LWML and can enjoy the benefits of being In the Word, Of the Word, and Walking with our Lord! There is no application process, membership fee, or dues. LWML provides women with the resources to grow in faith and to serve when and where the Lord directs them.
What is LWML’s Mission?
The mission of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League is to assist each woman of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in affirming her relationship with the Triune God so that she is enabled to use her gifts in ministry to the people of the world.
Every woman has been blessed with different spiritual gifts and LWML lets women utlilize their gifts during Bible studies, retreats, conventions, training, witnessing, and outreach events. We start by sharing our faith with one another through testimony, worship, and prayer.
Women grow in self-confidence by serving others as mentors, listeners, encouragers, and leaders. LWML women are servant leaders in many areas of ministry and strive to excel in that role.
What Makes LWML Different than Women’s Ministry?
Outreach! LWML has a decided focus on ministry to the people of the world. It teaches women to be mission-minded and to give generously. It teaches women to step out in faith, witness to their neighbor, and bear one another’s burdens through missional living.
LWML is for women with a “mission heart” and a passion for serving. Through multiple serving events such as short-term mission trips, women find their “sweet spot” in ministry, both as Senders and Goers.
How Does LWML Appeal to Women in All Ages, Stages, Cultures, and Careers?
LWML attracts busy women who know how to get things done! They are professional, proactive, and purpose-driven. These attributes apply to women at any age and stage of life.
LWML is an intergenerational organization that encourages fellowship among young and older women within their church and among churches in the surrounding community. Young Women Representatives are in the forefront of change within LWML and have a zeal for hands-on involvement both at home and abroad.
There is also a program for teens called Friends Into Serving Him (FISH) that can be incorporated into youth ministry at any local church. The “Heart to Heart Sisters” program builds international friendships among LWML members from many countries around the world. Some of the most unique LWML groups can be found on college campuses and in senior living facilities.
How Does LWML Keep Its Members “In the Loop?”
The theme in 2015-2017 is “The Time Is Now!” Although times have changed, the women of the LWML know that Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:17 will never change. The Great Commission is a command to communicate both face to face, in print, and through social media.
That means LWML can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and its own website (lwml.org). The website is loaded with free downloadable resources for local group meetings, rallies, and events, including skits, crafts, and refreshing Big Ideas that appeal to women in new ways.
Subscriptions to e-mail devotions and updates in various forms are available from LWML. They provide a message from God’s Word, timely tips, insight, and wisdom.
The Lutheran Women’s Quarterly is available in print or online. It provides articles devotions, Bible studies, and a look into the lives of missionaries and women who serve the Lord.
The recent LWML convention in Des Moines, Iowa was live streamed, and convention highlights have been shared via online newsletters, slide shows, and You Tube videos.
How Does LWML Make a Difference in Christ’s Kingdom?
LWML members are continually nourishing themselves spiritually so that they can step out in faith and meet the needs of others. It is a process that depends on a burning desire to reach out and share the Gospel in their homes, neighborhood, and local communities as well as on the world stage.
The beauty of LWML is the fact that it focuses on the continual growth of God’s resources in order to fund more mission grants every biennium (two years). The goal for 2015-2017 is $2 million to fund grants to ministries such as refugee camps in Lebanon, Mission Opportunities Short Term (MOST), and Women of the Pearl.
Short-term mission trips have proven to make a lasting impact in the lives of those who receive the Good News because they become the best ambassadors of the Gospel! The future of the LWML is exciting to think about. LWML women are determined to go and make disciples of all nations through witness and baptism.
How Does LWML Raise Funds to Support Mission Grants?
For many years, LWML women have collected pennies, nickels, dimes, and dollars (“mites”) in small mite boxes, accompanied by a prayer that God would use the funds to spread His Word. There are mite boxes available for adults and children, who love to bring their coins when they learn about the Widow’s Mite in Sunday School or Children’s Church.
Offerings of over 100 million dollars have funded LWML district and national mission grants all over the world since 1942. In recent years LWML has funded projects in Detroit, Pontiac, and Flint, Michigan.
How Does LWML Promote Itself in the Local Church?
Every year the LWML celebrates its ministry on LWML Sunday. This observance can take many forms as either a full-fledged worship service or a recognition before, during, or after worship. On LWML Sunday, pastors, laymen, and women literally wear their hearts on their sleeves!
Purple and gold are the official colors of LWML because they signify royalty, value, and integrity. We’re in good company with Hallmark, Yahoo, Curves, and Cadbury! We are daughters of the King and as such are prepared to give a reason for the hope we have in Christ.
What is the LWML “Call to Action?”
There’s so much more to tell about LWML, so please feel free to participate as God leads you. Check it out, open your eyes to the possibilities for service, spiritual growth, warm fellowship, and the opportunity to personally support mission work … all on your schedule and with your special gifts and talents.
What does the Lord have in mind for you to make a difference in the mission field around you or overseas? Are you ready to venture out in a new arena to reach those who are hungry for you to share God’s love?
LWML will help you to gain confidence so that the light of Christ shines through you and no challenge or call to service is insurmountable.
You are invited to participate in the contagious joy that comes from participating in LWML. You are invited to pick up a mite box and fill it regularly! Please contribute generously to our Quarterly Mission Offering on or before September 30, 2015.
What’s Happening in LWML this Fall?
Here is a schedule of LWML coming events at St. Luke Lutheran Church:
- Saturday, September 26 – Operation Care Package Michigan will collect donated items in support of deployed troops and wounded warriors at the home of Beth DeMeritt from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Go to www.ocpmi.com for a list of ideas.
- Sunday, September 27 – LWML Sunday at St. Luke Lutheran Church (wear purple!).
- Wednesday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m. – “The Importance of a Nativity Set in the Home” at SL-AA.
LWML is the recipient of our Quarterly Mission Offerings at St. Luke. You can make donation by clicking here.
