2009 Convention Manual Digital Copy

33rd Biennial Convention of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Oregon Convention Center Portland, Oregon June 25-28, 2009

Welcome to Portland! We are delighted to welcome you to the 33rd Biennial Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) Convention. With a first-rate program planned and prepared by the 2009 LWML Convention Programming Committee and hosted by the members of the 2009 Convention Host Committee from LWML districts that include Oregon, Utah-Idaho, and Washington-Alaska, you are in for an authen- tic and exciting experience in the Northwest. You will experience inspirational worship and singing, uplifting Bible study sessions, motivational mission speakers, opportunities to meet new people and renew old friendships, plus fellowship at meal times, informative exhibits, and numerous other convention “extras” in this unique City of Roses. We are sure you will enjoy this convention as we “Look to the Hills … God Reigns.” This convention manual provides most of the details you will need for your convention experience and will serve as a concise summary of the 2007-2009 biennium. Some have called this manual our LWML yearbook—you may want to save it for future reference. You will find other valuable items in your convention tote bag, including the first issue of the convention daily newspaper, The Hilltop Proclaimer, the convention space locator, and many items to review regarding LWML resources and products. Be sure to visit the exhibits, where you will find many other informational resources. Need help or have a question? • The LWML Information Booth is located on the first floor in the Pre-Function A area to answer any questions that you may have. • The Message Center will be nearby for you to post a note if you need/want to contact someone. Again, welcome! We are glad you are here. The members of the LWML Convention Programming Committee and 2009 Convention Host Committee

1 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon contents

Convention Highlights Inside Front Cover Reports of Standing Committees Welcome 1 Christian Life Committee 65 Convention Information 3 Christian Resources Editors 66 Convention Personalities 5 Media and Marketing Committee 67 Convention Rules 8 Official Publication Staff 68 Program 9 Gospel Outreach Committee 69 Bible Study Day One 15 Mission Advocacy and Grants Committee 70 Bible Study Day Two 17 Human Care Committee 71 Proposed Bylaws Amendments 19 HOPE Committee 72 Candidates for Office 22 Leader Development Committee 73 Candidate Voting Tally 30 Structure Committee 74 Proposed Mission Grants 31 Special Committees and Task Forces Mission Grant Resolutions 33 Mustard Seeds Task Force 75 Grant Selection Tally 42 Friends Into Serving Him® (Teen LWML) 76 Progress Report on Mission Grants 43 Web Site Task Force 77 Word of Thanks 45 Bible Study Task Force 78 Reports of Elected Officers Convention Site Committee 78 President 46 LWML Assembly of Leaders 79 Vice President of Christian Life 50 Mission-Ministry Vision Consultants 80 Vice President of Communication 51 Nominating Committee 81 Vice President of Gospel Outreach 52 Planned Giving Counselor 81 Vice President of Human Care 53 Endowment Committee 82 Vice President of Servant Resources 54 Convention Host Committee 83 Recording Secretary 55 Treasurer 56 Executive Committee 84 Senior Counselor 57 Class of 2010 District Presidents 85 Junior Counselor 57 Class of 2012 District Presidents 85 New Member Societies 86 Reports of Appointed Officers Presidents of the LWML 87 Meeting Manager 58 LWML by District in Convention 88 Planner 59 Songs 89 Public Relations Director 60 Acknowledgments 94 Business Administrator 61 Statistical Reports Inside Back Cover Reports of Special Appointed Personnel Convention Logo, Goal Statement, Back Cover Contracts Administrator 62 Objectives and LWML Convention Manager 62 Mission Statement Archivist-Historian 63 Archivist-Historian Emeritus 63 Parliamentarian 64

2 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon convention information

Announcements Exhibits and Displays (Evergreen Park) information desk Only announcements of an emergency nature A variety of exhibits, including many hands- will be made during meetings. Other announce- on activities, are located in the Exhibit Halls Located in the Oregon ments may be posted at the Message Center. A-1 and B of the Oregon Convention Center. Convention Center, The Message Center is located near the LWML Included are displays sponsored by LWML (Pre-Function A). A message Information Booth on the street level in the Or- committees, featuring new LWML products board will be available to post egon Convention Center (Pre-Function A). and resources, as well as the banners and dis- and check messages here. plays from each district. The banners will be Blood Donations displayed after the morning session on Friday Donations are available by pre-registration only. until 2 p.m. Saturday. If you are scheduled to be a blood donor, please go to Hall A of the Oregon Convention Center at the time of your donation on Thursday. Evergreen Park Exhibit Hall Child Care Will Be Open As Follows: Child Care and Youth Activities (Camp Hood), Thursday, June 25, 2009 available by pre-registration only, are located 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. in Rooms F-149, F-150, F-151, F-152 of the Or- egon Convention Center. Friday, June 26, 2009 Convention Charms and Tie Tac Pins 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. If you pre-ordered these on your convention registration form, you may pick them up at the Saturday, June 27, 2009 table in the registration area (Pre-Function C) 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. of the Oregon Convention Center. 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Convention Polo Shirts You may purchase a convention logo shirt (if supplies are available) at the table in the reg- Gifts from the Heart Items istration area (Pre-Function C) of the Oregon These may be brought to the collection and Convention Center. packing area in Rooms B-118-119 when you reg- Delegates ister. Please bring all items by noon Friday, June All voting delegates must sign in at the del- 26, so they can be distributed to local agencies. egate desk in the registration area. Identification District Photos Your badge is your admission to all meetings A schedule of times that photos will be taken and all convention events. Please complete the has been given to the district presidents and reverse side of your convention badge with will also appear in the daily convention news- your appropriate medical information. paper, The Hilltop Proclaimer. District photos Information Desk will be taken in Hall A on the street level of the Located in the Oregon Convention Center, Oregon Convention Center. (Pre-Function A). A message board will be Emergencies available to post and check messages here. Contact an usher or hostess in case of accident Lost and Found & Wheelchairs or illness while at the Oregon Convention Cen- Lost and found and wheelchair rental (with prior ter. The First Aid room, located in Pre-Function arrangements) are located in Room C-125 & C-126, A, will be open during the hours of convention street level of the Oregon Convention Center. meetings and activities. LWML Store The LWML Store is located in the Evergreen Park Exhibit Hall.

3 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon convention information

Meals Registration Catered meals, for those who purchased the Confirmation of registration and general infor- Friday box lunch and dinner and the Saturday mation has been mailed. Badges and conven- dinner, will be served in Rose City Rendez- tion materials will be picked up at the regis- vous, located in the Portland Ballroom on the tration area located in Pre-Function C, street upper level of the Oregon Convention Center. level, Oregon Convention Center. Concessions will be open beginning Wednes- day in the Oregon Convention Center. Mission Pledge Walk and Exercise Registration will be open as follows: The Mission in Motion Walk will begin at 6:30 Wednesday, June 24, 2009 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, at two locations 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. — the Holladay Park near the DoubleTree Thursday, June 25, 2009 Hotel and the South Park Blocks Park near the 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Hilton Hotel. Plan to begin your walk prior to 7:30 a.m. The Mission in Motion Exercise will Friday, June 26, 2009 begin at the Oregon Convention Center, Hall 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. A, at 7 a.m., Saturday, June 27. Check-in at the table in the registration area in the Oregon Saturday, June 27, 2009 Convention Center to pick up your shirt and 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. leave your pledge sheet and money donations after you have registered for the convention. Group Photos: District and YWR Seating Please follow the instructions of the ushers at all These will be taken in Hall A according to the times. Special seating areas are designated for schedule prepared by the PR Director. These presenters and their families, special guests, and were available to order on the registration physically and hearing impaired attendees. form and will be mailed to you following convention. If you would like to order the Servant Activities photos at convention, come to the registration Servant Connections are on Thursday, June 25, area during regular operating hours. You may in Hall A of the Oregon Convention Center. NOT order during the photo sessions in Hall A. Session times are 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., 11 a.m. – 1 Portland Convention DVD p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. These activities are available by pre-registration only. Please turn Each full registrant will receive a DVD mailed in your release form and receive your memen- to their home address following the conven- to at the check-in table marked Servant Con- tion. It will contain convention highlights and nections in the registration area of the Oregon the mission grant program for the 2009-2011 Convention Center. biennium. There is no charge for it. Additional copies may be ordered for $7.00 through the Transportation LWML Store. There will be no shuttle buses between the Prayer Chapel (Grace Place) hotels and the convention center. Use the MAX light rail Red or Blue Lines from the Hilton to A room for those who wish to have some quiet the Oregon Convention Center and use the moments of prayer will be open at all times, Red Line from the DoubleTree to the conven- except during worship services and evening tion center. Use the Red Line (marked airport) programs. It is located in Room A-109 on the for return trip to the airport. The hotels and street level, Oregon Convention Center. Pastors convention center are within the “fareless are available for comfort and/or consultation as square” and require no ticket. Fare back to the needed. Speak to an usher or go to the Prayer airport is $2.35 and $0.95 for “honored citi- Chapel if you wish to speak with a pastor. zens” 65 and older.

4 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon convention personalities

Rev. Dr. Warren Schumacher|Worship Leader Rev. Dr. Warren Schumacher, President of the Northwest District LCMS, is the There are different worship designer and proclaimer for the Thursday evening opening Com- kinds of gifts, munion service. Dr. Schumacher was born in Buckley, Illinois, where he was baptized, confirmed, and ordained at St. John Lutheran Church. His vicarage but the same Spirit. was spent in Bellingham, Washington, where he was involved with planting a new mission and campus ministry. He has served parishes in Michigan, Wash- There are different ington, and Oregon. He was elected District President in 1994. His leadership, kinds of service, among other things, has included beginning an authorized lay ministry in Alaska and southern Idaho. His ability to envision, verbalize, prioritize, and implement “Acts of but the same Lord. the Apostles” mission and ministry is one more way that God has of saying “Yes” and opening There are different doors in the Northwest District. kinds of working, Rev. Carl Gnewuch|Worship Leader but the same God Rev. Carl Gnewuch, Senior Pastoral Counselor for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, will be the proclaimer for the Sunday worship service. works all of He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, in 1991 and has served St. Michael Lutheran Church, Wayne, Michigan, and Risen Christ them in all men. Lutheran Church, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He is presently serving as  the administrative pastor of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Birmingham, 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6 Michigan. He served on the Mission Society Board and was instrumental in the formation of People of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO); produced The Minaret (POBLO’s newsletter); is active in youth ministry; and has been a volunteer for Habi- tat for Humanity, Helping Hand, Mobile Meals, and Community Kitchen. Dr. Mary Hilgendorf |Bible Study Leader Dr. Mary Hilgendorf is the immediate past Director of the Women’s Leadership Institute and Professor of Education at Concordia University Wisconsin. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Concordia University at Seward, Nebraska, and received a Ph.D. in Educational Foundations from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Prior to accepting the call to Concordia in 1992, Mary taught in Lutheran schools in Arkansas, Florida, and Wisconsin. In 2002 she was voted Faculty Laureate by her faculty colleagues at Concordia. Mary continues to teach undergraduate teacher education courses and serves as Chair of the Elementary/Middle Education Departments and Director of Lutheran Teacher Placement. She is a frequent speaker at women’s conferences and educational seminars. Dina C. Vendetti|Song Leader Dina C. Vendetti, a former YWR, returns as our convention song leader. She was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where she attended Lutheran schools. Dina graduated from Concordia College at Bronxville, New York, with a degree in music and elementary education. In 1994 she received a master’s of education degree from Towson University in Baltimore and is presently enrolled in the doctoral program at Wilmington College. Dina resides in Dover, Delaware, where she serves as Principal of St. John Lutheran School. She has 24 years of experience in Lutheran schools, and is active in her congregation, directing the choir and handbells and as Praise Team keyboardist and vocal- ist. Making music is a real passion of hers! In her community she is a member of the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. She serves as a member of the Southeastern District LCMS Board of Directors.

5 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon convention personalities

Ruth N. Koch|Keynote Speaker So it is with you. Ruth N. Koch is a mental health educator and National Certified Counselor. Since you are eager Trained in both social work and counseling, she specializes in conflict management, grief education, and everyday mental health issues that impact personal to have spiritual and family relations. For over 35 years Ruth has conducted workshops and classes for mental health professionals, church workers, and their families, parents, gifts, try to excel caregivers, and others. An author, speaker, and consultant, Ruth is the author in gifts that of Prepare to Serve!, Now You’re Talking, and Taking Control: Saying Yes to Healthy Personal Boundaries. She has co-authored materials for Lutheran Special Education build up the church. and Stephen Ministries. She is a regular contributor to the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly and to A New  Song: Planted by Streams of Water, a women’s Bible study published by Concordia Publishing House. 1 Corinthians 14:12 Heidi Floyd|Inspirational Speaker Heidi Floyd is the Development Ambassador for the Vera Bradley Founda- tion for Breast Cancer. Having lost her mother to breast cancer, she was eager to work for a company devoted to breast cancer research. With a passion for sharing her story and faith walk with women, she reminds them of the presence of the everlasting arms of the heavenly Father who will lift them up in the midst of storms of life and comfort them with His peace. Heidi’s husband, Stuart, is pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Warsaw, Indiana. They have four children who keep them busy—and happy—all the time. Jan Struck|Humorous Interrupter Jan Struck, who hails from Appleton, Wisconsin, is blessed with the speaking ministry, Struck with Laughter, and has been a presenter, retreat leader, and Christian humorist for 30-plus years. Her strong Christian background led her to Valparaiso University, where she received a degree in theater. She has had the joy of sharing her faith from California to New England, North Dakota to Florida, and in Canada. She says, “My job is not merely to entertain but my goal has always been to help convention participants reflect on the happenings at the convention, and, through that, recognize their role as God’s missionaries in their home, church, and community.” She does this by developing a character that the attendees can relate to and makes them laugh. She wants people to remember what they learn with joy! Steve Henderson|LWML Mites in Action Steve Henderson is Assistant to the President of the Northwest District LCMS and Director of LAP (Leadership Advancement Process — a mission grant recipient during the 2005-2007 biennium), a program that prepares Licensed Dea- cons and Lay Assistants for ministries throughout the Northwest District. Steve became involved in cross-cultural service through a partnership between the LCMS and the English Language Institute in China and served in Heilongjiang Province, China, and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, as Assistant Mongolian Director. He also served as country representative for the LCMS World Mission projects in North Vietnam and Chairman of the Religion Department at Concordia International School in Shanghai. Steve is a Director of Christian Outreach (DCO) and Licensed Deacon with prior experience in the private not-for-profit sector and with state and local governments. Vicar David Sternbeck|LWML Mites in Action Vicar David Sternbeck is from the Ehattesat Band of the Nu-cha-nulth Nation located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Dave ministers to several Native American tribes on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State with his base of operations located in Neah Bay at the Makah Lutheran Church (a mission grant recipient during the 1983-1985 biennium). He is in his final year of ministry training through Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and the EIIT Program (Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology) anticipating course completion in 2009. Upon ordination, he will continue to serve his people on the Olympic Peninsula. 6 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon convention personalities

Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Zehnder |MISSION PRESENTER Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Zehnder, Executive Director of LCMS World Mission, The King will reply, previously served as an appointed advisory member to the Board for Mission ‘I tell you the truth, Services. He is a graduate of Saint John’s Academy and College in Winfield, Kansas, and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He received an hon- whatever you did orary Doctor of Laws (L.L.D.) degree from Concordia College – New York, Bronxville, New York. After graduation in 1961, Dr. Zehnder served as a mis- for one of the least sionary for the Japan Lutheran Church until 1970. He returned to the states of these brothers of and served parishes in Columbus, Georgia, and Stuart, Florida. Dr. Zehnder was an LWML Pastoral Counselor from 1977-1981. He served as president of the Florida-Georgia mine, you did for me.’ District from 1987-1997, after which he returned to the parish ministry in Williamsburg, Virginia.  Since repositioning from full-time parish ministry in 2001, Dr. Zehnder has served in interim Matthew 25:40 situations in Arkansas, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Michelle Hoeppner |MISSIONARY Michelle Hoeppner serves the LCMS as the facilitator for Human Care, a part of the Asia Management Team since July 2005. Michelle began her work for LCMS World Mission in June 2002 as a full-time education and humanitarian aid worker engaged in social ministry in rural China. She moved to Hong Kong in December 2005 where she has been able to assume a more regional role with LCMS World Mission. Michelle attended Woodburn Lutheran School, Woodburn, Indiana, and Hong Kong International School during high school. She graduated Cum Laude from Wittenberg University in 1998 with a double major in East Asian Studies and Spanish. She attended the Elliott School of Foreign Af- fairs at George Washington University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Arts degree in International Development Studies. Danelle Putnam |MISSIONARY Danelle Putnam serves the Lord in the Dominican Republic as a developmental disabilities outreach missionary. She is a part of the first-time placement of LCMS missionary personnel in the Dominican Republic. Danelle’s work includes reaching out in various ways to people with developmental disabilities and their families who care for them. She also reaches out, sharing the message of salvation through Jesus and providing them with opportunities to continue to study God’s Word. She graduated from Linfield College in Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a minor in Latin American Studies. Prior to her work in the Do- minican Republic, Danelle spent six years serving with LCMS World Mission in Panama, organizing Sunday school and evangelism programs with special emphasis on women and children. Pride of Portland Chorus |entertainment (photo on page 14) Pride of Portland Chorus is a member of Sweet Adelines International and has consistently won Make music to the its regional competitions and placed in the top 10 at international competitions. The 125-plus chorus membership consists of residents from both Oregon and Washington, ranging in age LORD with the harp, from 14-year-old students to 80-plus retirees all sharing a love of a cappella harmony in the bar- with the harp and the bershop style. Its repertoire spans traditional “golden oldies,” jazz, blues, patriotic, gospel, and Broadway show tunes. Ryan Heller has been directing the Pride of Portland Chorus since 2003. sound of singing. |  Lauren Randall entertainment Psalm 98:5 Lauren Randall is currently studying music at Everett Community College. She graduated from Snohomish High School in 2008, and moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Her future plans are to transfer to Belmont University to receive a degree in songwriting, get married, and pursue a career in music.

7 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon convention rules

1. Credentials Bylaws Article IV a. The Registration Chairman shall report to the Recording Secretary, directly after the Conventions and Representation opening ceremonies, the number of delegates registered as present with proper credentials and the Recording Secretary shall make supplementary reports to the convention Section 2 when required as a result of a change in the registration rolls. The voting assembly of the convention shall be: b. A member registered as an alternate may be transferred from alternate status to delegate at any time during the continuance of business meetings by presenting the request a. one (1) certified delegate to the Recording Secretary. Upon clearance, the Registration Chairman shall make the from each zone having ten official adjustments to the voting rolls and the newly certified delegate shall retain the (10) or fewer units and one (1) position through the remainder of the convention. certified delegate for each additional ten (10) units or major c. Delegates must wear the identification badges issued by the registration committee for fraction thereof, as of January 1 seating in the delegate section. preceding the convention; 2. Seating b. voting members of the Board a. Delegates shall be seated together in sections reserved for them. of Directors; b. Delegates are requested to be in their seats five minutes before the time set for the open- c. past presidents of the LWML ing of meetings. who are currently members of LWML. 3. Conduct of Business a. The President shall appoint a committee of three members to approve the convention Section 3 minutes. A member of the voting assembly shall vote in one (1) capacity only. b. Only registered delegates and other voting members of the convention may introduce Proxy votes are prohibited. business, debate, and vote. c. A motion offered from the floor must be presented to the secretary in writing, signed by Section 4 the maker. d. In the event neither the del- d. Speakers from the floor must use one of the microphones, and give name and title or egate nor the alternate is able district in order to be recognized. to serve, a member of the same zone may serve as delegate e. Discussion is limited to two (2) minutes for each speaker. No one may speak more than upon certification in writing twice on a question unless consent is granted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates. by her LWML district president f. Voting by electronic ballot is authorized. and presentation to the LWML Recording Secretary. 4. Communications a. All communications for officers and members of the assembly shall be delivered by pages. Section 5 b. At the chair’s discretion only urgent announcements will be made from the dais. Others A majority of the registered voting will be posted at the Message Center. assembly shall constitute a quorum. c. No convention discussion or decision may be released for publicity purposes unless first approved by the President and the Public Relations Director. d. No literature may be distributed in the convention rooms or assembly hall without permission of the Executive Committee. e. All cell phones are to be turned off or turned to vibrate.

5. Photographs a. It is requested that no photos be taken during worship services and other devotional periods. b. Since the LWML will be taking pictures and videotaping gathering proceedings and activities, your registration for this event gives the LWML permission to use your image and comments in educational, informational, and promotional materials in a variety of media, including electronic media.

8 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon convention program

2009 LWML Convention  June 25-28, 2009 Portland, Oregon Look To The Hills...God Reigns

9 a.m.–3 p.m...... Servant Connections Thursday, June 25, 2009 10 a.m.–6 p.m...... Evergreen Park Exhibits Open  3 p.m.–4 p.m...... Delegate Orientation/Introduction of Candidates 4 p.m.–6 p.m...... District Caucuses

6:45 p.m...... Pre-service music by Columbia Brass 7 p.m...... Convention Opening & First Meeting Opening of Convention...... Janice Wendorf, President Lighting of the Convention Candle...... Kristine A. Wendorf Daughter-in-law of LWML President The LWML Processional Cross...... Daniel Wendorf, son of the President LWML Banner...... Krista L. Wendorf, daughter-in-law of the President Banners of the Host LWML Districts...... Cynthia Behrens, President, Oregon District Melody Rosenwinkel, President, Utah-Idaho District Convention Offering #1 Elaine Nelson, President, Washington-Alaska District LWML 2009-2011 Mission Goal LWML Executive Committee Procession As per the standing rules of the Celebration Service with Communion LWML Bylaws, which state Ecclesiastical Procession that the offering received at the convention Communion Proclaimer...... Rev. Dr. Warren Schumacher, President service shall be designated Northwest District LCMS 1994-2009 as a contribution to the mission goal of the LWML. Convention Offering #1...... 2009-2011 LWML Mission Goal Recession...... LCMS Clergy and LWML Executive Committee

8 a.m.–5 p.m...... Camp Hood Child Care/Youth Activities Opens Friday, June 26, 2009 8 a.m. Singing...... Dina Vendetti  Principal, St. John Lutheran School, Dover, Delaware 8:15 a.m...... Second Meeting LWML Banner...... Janice Wendorf, President Banner Procession...... LWML District Presidents & Young Woman Representatives Presentation of Colors...... Oregon Air National Guard Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

9 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon convention program

Friday, June 26, 2009 The Star Spangled Banner...... District Presidents serving from 2006‒2010  O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, Maureen Consiglio, Atlantic What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming? Brenda Isaac, Carolinas Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight, Joan Kelly, Chesapeake O’er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming? Darlene Byrns, Eastern And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Connie Johnson, English Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there. Bea Daily, Gulf States O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave Ruth Thomas, Indiana O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave? Mabel Schmidt, Iowa District East Marilyn Schroeder, Iowa District West Nancy Kohrs, Minnesota South Janice Rose, Missouri Monique Wolske, Nebraska District North Susan Donnelly, New Jersey Dottie Neumann, North Wisconsin Sherrie Smith, Northern Illinois Susan Weimer, Rocky Mountain Brenda Schoenbeck, Southern Illinois Melody Rosenwinkel, Utah-Idaho Elaine Nelson, Washington-Alaska Gerry Neeriemer, Wyoming Sandra Haugner, California-Nevada-Hawaii Call to Order...... Janice Wendorf, President Opening Prayer...... Marilyn Stuckwisch, Chairman Christian Resources Editors Welcome...... Cynthia Behrens, President voting body Oregon District LWML Board of Directors Greetings...... Rev. Dr. Warren Schumacher, President voting: ______Northwest District LCMS 1994-2009 Past Presidents Welcome to Portland...... The Royal Rosarians voting: ______Portland, Oregon Delegates voting: ______Bible Study...... Dr. Mary Hilgendorf Introduced by Vivian Ernst, Vice President of Christian Life Total Voting: ______Electronic Voting Review...... Barbara Volk, Parliamentarian Non voting body

Appointed Personnel & Credentials Report...... Kay Kreklau, Recording Secretary Committee Members______Proposed Convention Rules...... Barbara Volk, Parliamentarian Other Registrants ______Presentation of Proposed Agenda...... Kay Kreklau, Recording Secretary Grand Total: ______Appointment of Minutes Review Committee Singing Amendments to the Bylaws...... Carol Schmidt, Chairman Structure Committee Prayer ...... Deaconess Betty Knapp, Chairman Mustard Seeds Task Force Electronic Voting—Bylaw Amendments Singing Report of the Treasurer...... Helen Miller, Treasurer

10 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon convention program

Financial Report...... Harold T. Bohlmann, CPA Friday, June 26, 2009 LWML Financial Consultant  Mission Goal 2009-2011...... Helen Miller, Treasurer Prayer...... Melissa Salomón, Chairman Gospel Outreach Committee Electronic Voting—Mission Goal Mites in Action Speaker...... Steve Henderson, Director Leadership Advancement Process (LAP) Introduced by Pat Reichert, Meeting Manager LWML “Gifts of Love”...... Pat Bilow LWML Gift Planning Counselor Greetings...... Mick Onnen, President International Lutheran Laymen’s League Greetings...... Judith Grande, President LWML Canada Announcements...... Julia Riess, Chairman Host Committee Closing Prayer...... Norine Stumpf voting body LWML Business Administrator Board of Directors Lunch Recess voting: ______Exhibits Open 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Past Presidents 2 p.m. Singing...... Dina Vendetti voting: ______Song Leader Delegates voting: ______2:15 p.m...... Third Meeting Total Voting: ______Opening Prayer...... Nancy Bogenhagen, Chairman Web Site Task Force Non voting body Keynote Address...... Ruth Koch Appointed Personnel & Introduced by Sandy Hardies, Vice President of Communication Committee Members______Mission Grants Presentation...... Janis McDaniels Other Registrants ______Vice President of Gospel Outreach Grand Total: ______Credentials Report...... Kay Kreklau, Recording Secretary Prayer...... Elaine Perry, Chairman Convention Offering #2 Mission Advocacy and Grants Committee The Lutheran Hispanic Electronic Voting—Mission Grants Lay Training Program Singing The Lutheran Hispanic Lay Training Program will Announcement of 2017 LWML Convention Site...... Pat Reichert, Meeting Manager establish study centers in Chairman, Convention Site Committee strategic areas throughout the Pacific Southwest District using Convention Offering #2...... Lutheran Hispanic Lay Training Program professionally trained church Pacific Southwest District workers to mentor and enable Announcements...... Julia Riess, Chairman Hispanic laity to serve their Host Committee congregations and the Hispanic community at large.

11 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon convention program

Friday, June 26, 2009 Closing Prayer...... Rae Ann Spitzenberger, Chairman  Media and Marketing Committee Dinner Recess Exhibits Open 5 p.m.–7 p.m. 7:30 p.m...... Fourth Meeting An Inspirational Evening with Heidi Floyd Musical Interludes by Lauren Randall Introduced by Jan Rueter, Convention Manager

Saturday, June 27, 2009 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m...... “Mission in Motion” Mission Walk/Exercise  8 a.m. – 5 p.m...... Camp Hood Child Care/Youth Activities Open 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m...... Exhibits Open 9:15 a.m. Singing...... Dina Vendetti Song Leader 9:30 a.m...... Fifth Meeting Opening Prayer...... Peggi Lawrence Archivist-Historian LWML Banner...... Naomi Wendorf, President’s Page Procession...... Past LWML Presidents Mission Flag Presentation...... Young Woman Representatives Heart to Heart Sisters Camp Hood Kids Pledge to the Cross...... Led by Past LWML Presidents I pledge allegiance to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the faith for which it stands, one Savior, eternal, with grace and mercy for all. So help me God. The League Pledge...... Led by Past LWML Presidents In fervent gratitude for the Savior’s dying love and His blood-bought gift of redemption, we dedicate ourselves to Him with all that we are and have; and in obedience to His call for workers in the harvest fields, we pledge Him our willing service wherever and whenever He has need of us. We consecrate to our Savior, our hands to work for Him, our feet to go on His errands, our voice to sing His praises, our lips to proclaim His redeeming love, our silver and our gold to extend His kingdom, our will to do His will, and every power of our life to the great task of bringing the lost and the erring into eternal fellowship with Him. Amen. “Lutheran Women One and All” (page 92)...... Dina Vendetti Convention Offering #3 Song Leader Alaska Mission for Christ Bible Study #2...... Dr. Mary Hilgendorf To enable Alaska Mission Singing for Christ to pay for transportation of its Report of the President...... Janice Wendorf workers to the ministry Introduced by Eloise Kuhlmann, Vice President of Servant Resources fields of Alaska. Convention Offering #3...... Alaska Mission for Christ

12 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon convention program

Greetings...... Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, President Saturday, June 27, 2009 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod  Report of the Nominating Committee...... Judy Lessmann Nominating Committee Member Introduction of Candidates Announcements...... Julia Riess, Chairman Host Committee Closing Prayer...... Ruth Ann Johnson Contracts Administrator Lunch Recess Exhibits Open 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

“A Closer Look” Special Interest Luncheons

2 p.m. Singing...... Dina Vendetti Song Leader 2:15 p.m...... Sixth Meeting Opening Prayer...... Katy Gifford, Chairman Friends Into Serving Him® : Teen LWML Task Force Mission Address...... Rev. Dr. Thomas Zehnder, Executive Director voting body LCMS World Mission Board of Directors Introduced by Janis McDaniels, Vice President of Gospel Outreach voting: ______Special Missionary Guests...... Michelle Hoeppner and Danelle Putnam Past Presidents Singing voting: ______Delegates voting: ______Credentials Report...... Kay Kreklau, Recording Secretary Total Voting: ______Prayer...... Barbara Virus, Chairman Leader Development Committee Non voting body Electronic Voting—Officers Appointed Personnel & Installation of Nominating Committee 2009‒2011...... Rev. Michael Mattil Committee Members______LWML Junior Pastoral Counselor Other Registrants ______Singing Grand Total: ______Invitation to 2011 LWML Convention, Peoria, Illinois, June 23‒26...... Pam Spilker, Chairman 2011 Host Committee Recognition of Portland Host Districts...... Julia Riess, Chairman Host Committee Announcements...... Julia Riess, Chairman Host Committee Closing Prayer...... Nancy Graf Peters, Editor-in-Chief Official Publication Staff

13 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon convention program

Dinner Recess 7:30 p.m...... Seventh Meeting

Entertainment: Pride of Portland Chorus

Sunday, June 28, 2009 8:45 a.m. Singing...... Dina Vendetti  Song Leader 9 a.m...... Eighth Meeting Opening Prayer...... Pat Funk, Chairman Convention Offering #4 HOPE Committee Worship Service LWML Endowment Fund Proclaimer...... Rev. Carl Gnewuch Unrestricted dividends and LWML Senior Pastoral Counselor interest earned on investments are set aside for Gifts from the Heart Dedication...... Sheila Lutz, Chairman LWML ministries and leader- Human Care Committee ship training, upon Board Installation of Officers...... Rev. Michael Mattil of Directors majority approval LWML Junior Pastoral Counselor at the January LWML Board of Directors meeting. Convention Offering #4...... LWML Endowment Fund Mites in Action Speaker...... Vicar David Sternbeck voting body Makah Lutheran Church, Neah Bay, Washington Introduced by Peggy Turnipseed, Public Relations Director Board of Directors voting: ______Final Credentials Report...... Kay Kreklau, Recording Secretary Past Presidents voting: ______Introduction of Executive Committee...... Janice Wendorf, President Delegates Introduction of Special Appointed Personnel and LWML Committees...Janice Wendorf, President voting: ______Recognition of Young Woman Representatives...... Janice Wendorf, President Total Voting: ______Recognition of Heart to Heart Participants...... Janice Wendorf, President Non voting body Announcements...... Julia Riess, Chairman Host Committee Appointed Personnel & Committee Members______Closing Remarks...... Janice Wendorf, President Other Registrants ______Adjournment...... Janice Wendorf, President Convention Highlights Grand Total: ______

14 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon bible study Day one - A study of Psalm 121 and The book of ruth

“I Lift Up My Eyes to the Hills” | Naomi’s Pilgrimage Introduction: Psalm 121 Let’s read Psalm 121 as a dialogue. Women over the age of 60 years will read the first line, and women under the age of 60 years will read the second line and so on. Psalm 121 is an inspired Hebrew prayer and/ or I lift up my eyes to the hills The LORD watches over you ‒ musical poem. While the where does my help come from? the LORD is your shade at your right hand; specific author and date for this psalm are unknown, it My help comes from the LORD, the sun will not harm you by day, is described as a pilgrimage the Maker of heaven and earth. nor the moon by night. song to Jerusalem that might He will not let your foot slip ‒ The LORD will keep you from all harm ‒ have been sung as a dialogue he who watches over you will not slumber; he will watch over your life; between individuals in a caravan. It stands as a pilgrim- indeed, he who watches over Israel the LORD will watch over your coming and going age song for believers today will neither slumber nor sleep. both now and forevermore. as we continue our pilgrimage through life until we reach our heavenly home. This psalm Naomi’s Pilgrimage: The Book of Ruth consists of synonymous paral- A. The Setting: Naomi’s pilgrimage from Moab to the Hills of Bethlehem (Ruth 1:1-7) lelism in which the second line B. The Characters: Naomi, Orpah, Ruth, Boaz (Ruth 1:8-22; Ruth 2:1-4) reinforces the first line. Notice C. Naomi’s Story: the repetition of key terms 1. Heartbreak: Ruth 1:8-22 “The Lord” and “Watch Over.” Climb into Naomi’s heart. What do you see there? List the losses that Naomi is experienc- ing. Think of all the ways you might describe Naomi based on these scriptural passages and your own experiences as a woman. ______

2. Hardship: Ruth 2:2-3; Ruth 2:17-23 Climb into Naomi’s heart. What do you see there? What hardships did she and Ruth experience in Bethlehem? Think of all the ways you might describe Naomi based on these scriptural passages and your own experiences as a woman. ______

3. Humiliation: Ruth 3:1-5; Ruth 3:16-18 Climb into Naomi’s heart. What do you see there? Think of the advice that she gives to Ruth. What humiliation might she feel as she suggests Ruth’s visit to Boaz at the threshing floor? ______

4. Help: Ruth 1:16-17; Ruth 3:5 Climb into Ruth’s heart. What do you see there? Naomi told her at least three times to aban- don her and go back to Moab. Why did Ruth follow Naomi’s lead and advice? ______

5. Hope: Ruth 4:13-17 Climb into Naomi’s heart. What do you see there? Think of all the ways you might describe Naomi based on these scriptural passages and your own experiences as a woman. ______15 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon bible study Day one - A study of Psalm 121 and The book of ruth

D. Application: Most importantly, 1. As you “lift up your eyes to the hills,” what help do you need from the Lord today? How “there is a green hill can your Christian community support you? ______far away” that holds ______great meaning for us 2. Naomi and Ruth were independent women in cultures that offered limited support. What as Christians. It is the hill challenges confront independent women today? How do our Christian communities meet of Calvary where Jesus the needs of widows and single women? was crucified for our sin. ______

3. The story of Naomi and Ruth describes in detail the mentoring relationship of an older woman and a younger woman. What women in your life served as Christian mentors for you — intentionally or unintentionally?______a. For older women: Are you intentionally or unintentionally mentoring a younger woman? What are the most important lessons that you have to share?______b. For younger women: Have you intentionally or unintentionally sought an older woman to be a mentor for you? What are some questions that you might have for a wiser, more experienced woman? ______

4. As you “lift up your eyes to the hills,” what help does your community need? How can you be an instrument of the Lord to help watch over others?______

E. Final Thoughts: These verses and stories come from the Old Testament where the Israelites, God’s chosen people, waited for the Messiah. As Naomi looked to the hills of Bethlehem, she had no idea that the Messiah eventually would come from Ruth’s descendents. These are the same hills where Jesus, our Savior, was born. Hills were important locations during Jesus’ ministry. It was on a hill where Jesus resisted Satan’s temptation. (Matt. 4:8-10) It was on a hill where Jesus revealed Himself in the transfigu- ration. (Mark 9:2-13) It was from a hill where Jesus gave His Sermon on the Mount. (Matt. 5-7) Most importantly, “there is a green hill far away” that holds great meaning for us as Chris- tians. It is the hill of Calvary where Jesus was crucified for our sin. This is not the end of the story. After Jesus’ resurrection, He took His disciples to a hill in Gali- lee. There He gave His Great Commission, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20). F. Closing: Again, read Psalm 121 as a dialogue. Naomi (women over 60 years) will read the first line, and Ruth (women under 60 years) will read the second line.

16 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon bible study Day TWO - A Study of Isaiah 52:7 and Judges 4 & 5

“Our God Reigns” | Deborah’s Song Introduction: Isaiah 52:7 Let’s read Isaiah 52:7 as a dialogue. Women over the age of 60 years will read the first line, and women under the age of 60 years will read the second line and so on. We will all say the last line together. Isaiah 52:7 is a reference to messengers who ran from the How beautiful on the mountains scene of a battle to bring news are the feet of those who bring good news, of the outcome to a waiting who proclaim peace, leader and people. Here Isaiah who bring good tidings, is referring to Israel’s return who proclaim salvation, from exile and a deliverance who say to Zion, that prefigures Christ’s deliver- ‘Your God reigns!’ ance from sin. The return of God’s people to Jerusalem emphasizes His sovereign rule Deborah’s Song: Judges 4 & 5 over the world and will A. The Setting: Due to Israel’s acts of evil, the Lord allowed their northern lands to be taken by be evident to all at the the Canaanites. For 20 years, Israel remained incapable of united action against this Canaan- second coming of Christ. ite threat from the north. The setting moves from the Palm of Deborah in the hill country of Ephraim to Mount Tabor and the scene of battle. B. The Characters: Israelites: Canaanites: Deborah – Prophetess, Wife, Judge, Warrior, Poetess Jabin – King of Canaan Barak – Commander of Israel’s army Sisera – Commander of Canaan’s army Jael – An ally and wife of Heber, the Kenite Sisera’s Mother

C. Deborah’s Story: 1. Responsibility: Judges 4:4-5 Climb into Deborah’s heart. What do you see there? What important roles did Deborah hold in Israel? Think of all the ways that you might describe Deborah based on these scriptural passages and your own experiences as a woman. ______Praise: Judges 5:1-9 2. Resolve: Judges 4:6-9; Judges 4:14 Exhortation: Climb into Deborah’s heart. What do you see there? Think of all the ways you might de- Judges 5:10-11a scribe Deborah’s thoughts and feelings based on these scriptural passages and your own experiences as a woman. People’s Appeal: ______Judges 5:11b-12 ______Gathering of Warriors: 3. Risk: Judges 4:11-13; Judges 4:17-24 Judges 5:13-18 Climb into Jael’s heart. What do you see there? Think of all the ways you might describe Jael The Battle: based on these scriptural passages and your own experiences as a woman. Judges 5:19-23 ______Jael’s Contribution: ______Judges 5:24-27 4. Reflection: The Song of Deborah (Judges 5) The Conclusion: Climb into Deborah’s heart. What do you see there? Think of all the ways you might de- Judges 5:28-31 scribe Deborah based on this song and your own experiences as a woman. ______

17 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon bible study Day two - A Study of Isaiah 52:7 and Judges 4 & 5

5. Respect: Judges 5:7-9; Judges 5:28-30 Climb into Deborah’s heart. She calls herself “a mother of Israel.” Contrast this with her description of Sisera’s mother. Think of all the ways that you might describe “the heart of a mother” based on these scriptural passages and your own experiences as a woman. ______

D. Application: 1. Responsibility: Deborah was an important woman who carried great responsibility in a time when women did not often govern over men. In today’s culture, women often hold positions of influence. What can Deborah’s story share with women of influence today? How can our Christian communities today accept and encourage women of influence? ______

2. Resolve: As you consider the words, “our God reigns,” what “battles” are waging around or within you? How will you resolve these battles? Deborah waged war under God’s direction. Are there times that women today must wage war in order to achieve peace? ______

3. Risk: The stories of Deborah and Jael describe in detail risks that these women took for the salvation of God’s people. What risks are you willing to take for the Lord’s service? ______4. Reflection: Deborah’s song is Deborah’s reflection of all that had happened under her rule. How objective was she in her reflections? Reflect on your own life. What would your song Israel served the Lord. be? How has “God reigned” in your life?______Israel fell into sin ______(usually idolatry). 5. Respect: Deborah’s song includes references to motherhood. In today’s culture, what Israel was enslaved. “battles” must mothers wage?______Israel cried out to the Lord. ______God raised up a judge. E. Final Thoughts: After the victory over Sisera’s army, Deborah continued to rule Israel, a land that would experience rest from war and captivity for 40 years. When Deborah’s reign ended, Israel was delivered. Israel fell into an old pattern referred to as the “Cycle of Judges.” Throughout the cycle of judges, kings, and prophets, God continued to reign whether Israel recognized it or not. However, God had an even greater plan for our deliverance, and the An- gel Gabriel shared God’s plan with Mary. Gabriel said, “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:31-33). In today’s world, Christians continue to fall into a cycle of sin, repentance, and forgiveness, but it is through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection that we are forgiven. Jesus reigns! F. Closing: Again, let’s read Isaiah 52:7 as a dialogue. Women over the age of 60 years will read the first line, and women under the age of 60 years will read the second line and so on. We will all say the last line together.

18 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Proposed Amendments to LWML Bylaws If proposed amendments are adopted, the LWML Structure Committee requests permission to re-number and re-letter sections to account for deletions and insertions and make any necessary spelling and typographical corrections.

Article V: Officers PROPOSED AMENDMENT: IF ADOPTED WILL READ: and Elections c. Strike “turn over” and insert “transfer” c. The retiring Treasurer shall, within sixty (60) Section 2 days following the election, turn over trans- Rationale: to improve word usage. fer to her successor all materials pertaining to the office. All other retiring officers shall, within thirty (30) days following the election, turn over transfer to their successors all material pertaining to their offices.

Article VI: Duties PROPOSED AMENDMENT: IF ADOPTED WILL READ: of Officers g. Strike “send” and insert “provide” g. send provide a résumé of Executive Com- Section 1 mittee meetings to members of the Board of Rationale: to provide flexibility Directors, including cost and source of fund- in communicating Executive ing for new programs; Committee meeting summaries to the Board of Directors.

Section 8 Insert new f. “report to the Executive Commit- f. report to the Executive Committee and the Rationale: to conform tee and the Board of Directors” Board of Directors; to present practice.

Article VII: PROPOSED AMENDMENT: IF ADOPTED WILL READ: Nominations e. Insert “(see Article XII, Section 2)” e. submit two (2) candidates for Pastoral Coun- Section 2 selor from the nominees selected by the Rationale: to clarify present Board of Directors (see Article XII, Section 2); practice with a cross reference.

Article VIII: PROPOSED AMENDMENT: IF ADOPTED WILL READ: Appointed Officers f. Insert “the Executive Committee and” and f. report to each regular meeting of the Execu- Section 1 strike “and to the convention” tive Committee and the Board of Directors Rationale: to conform and to the convention; to present practice. Add new g. “report to the convention” g. report to the convention.

Article IX: Special PROPOSED AMENDMENT: IF ADOPTED WILL READ: Appointed Personnel Add new e. “report to the Board of Directors e. report to the Board of Directors and to the Section 1 and to the convention” convention. Rationale: to conform to present practice.

Section 3 b. Strike “report to the Board of Directors as b. report to the Board of Directors as requested requested by the President” by the President.

Section 4 c. Strike “report to the Board of Directors as c. report to the Board of Directors as requested requested by the President” by the President.

19 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Proposed Amendments to LWML Bylaws

Article X: PROPOSED AMENDMENT: IF ADOPTED WILL READ: Board of Directors d. Strike “Act”; insert “Law”; strike “*”, “or”, d. In case of emergency (as defined in the Section 2 “**”; and insert “or by electronic messaging” Missouri Nonprofit CorporationAct Law),* Rationale: to permit action may be taken by mail, or by tele- flexibility and efficiency in phone,** or by electronic messaging. communication in an emergency.

Footnotes to Section 2d. Strike “*An emergency exists if a quorum of *An emergency exists if a quorum of the the corporation’s directors cannot readily be corporation’s directors cannot readily be as- assembled because of some catastrophic event. sembled because of some catastrophic event. **Missouri law permits a board of directors to **Missouri law permits a board of directors to act other than in person only (i) by unanimous act other than in person only (i) by unanimous written consent or (ii) by telephonic means by written consent or (ii) by telephonic means by which all participants can hear each other.” which all participants can hear each other.

Section 4 f. Strike “determine the place of the convention f. determine the place of the convention when Rationale: to update a duty of the when such selection has not been made at a such selection has not been made at a con- Board of Directors to be consistent convention” vention; with bylaw amendment approved Insert “select convention site” f. select convention site; at 2007 LWML convention.

Article XI: PROPOSED AMENDMENT: IF ADOPTED WILL READ: Executive Committee j. Strike “appointments” and insert “members” j. approve appointed officers, committee Section 3 appointments members, and special Rationale: to clarify. appointed personnel;

Article XIII: PROPOSED AMENDMENT: IF ADOPTED WILL READ: Departments and b. Strike “Advocacy and” b. The standing committees may include Standing Committees Christian Life, Christian Resources Editors, Section 1 Media and Marketing, Official Publication Rationale: to make the committee Staff, Gospel Outreach, MissionAdvocacy name less cumbersome. and Grants, Human Care, Helping Organi- zations Participate Effectively (hereinafter referred to as the HOPE Committee), Leader Development, and Structure. The President shall assign a Pastoral Counselor to each committee.

Rationale: to add the Information b. Insert “Information Technology b. The standing committees may include Technology Committee as a standing Committee” Christian Life, Christian Resources Edi- committee under the Department tors, Information Technology, Media and of Communication to give Marketing, Official Publication Staff, Gospel committee status to the Web Site Outreach, Mission Grants, Human Care, Task Force and broaden the scope Helping Organizations Participate Effective- of this committee’s consideration. ly (hereinafter referred to as the HOPE Com- mittee), Leader Development, and Structure. The President shall assign a Pastoral Coun- selor to each committee.

20 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Proposed Amendments to LWML Bylaws

Article XIII: PROPOSED AMENDMENT: IF ADOPTED WILL READ: Departments and d. Insert “Exceptions may be made at the dis- d. Standing committee members shall serve Standing Committees cretion of the Executive Committee if special a term of two (2) years or until their suc- Section 1 (cont) expertise is required” cessors are appointed, and shall be eligible Rationale: to permit standing committee for one (1) reappointment. Exceptions may members with particular expertise to be made at the discretion of the Executive serve more than two (2) two-year terms. Committee if special expertise is required.

Section 3 Insert “Information Technology Committee” The Communication Department may include Rationale: to be the Information Technology Committee, the complete and consistent. Media and Marketing Committee, and the Official Publication Staff. The Vice President of Communication shall be coordinator of the department.

Insert new a. “The Information Technology a. The Information Technology Committee, con- Committee, consisting of three (3) or more sisting of three (3) or more members, shall: members, shall: (1) encourage use of the LWML Web site; (1) encourage use of the LWML Web site; (2) maintain the LWML Web site; (2) maintain the LWML Web site; (3) assist with other technical needs of the (3) assist with other technical needs of the organization; organization; (4) have its chairman report to each regular (4) have its chairman report to each regular meeting of the Board of Directors and to the meeting of the Board of Directors and to the convention. convention.”

Section 4 Strike “Advocacy and” The Gospel Outreach Department may include Rationale: to be the Gospel Outreach Committee and the Mis- complete and consistent. sion Advocacy and Grants Committee. The Vice President of Gospel Outreach shall be coordinator of the department.

Article XVII: Mission Grants PROPOSED AMENDMENT: IF ADOPTED WILL READ: Section 2 b. Strike “Advocacy and” b. After consultation with LCMS officers, the Rationale: to be consistent. Mission Advocacy and Grants Committee shall select the mission grant proposals to appear on the convention ballot subsequent to approval by the Executive Committee.

Article XXII: PROPOSED AMENDMENT: IF ADOPTED WILL READ: Parliamentary Authority Strike “and Standing Rules, guidelines,” The rules contained in the current edition of Section 2 Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall gov- Rationale: to improve, ern the proceedings of the LWML in all cases with accuracy, the wording. to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the LWML Bylaws, and Standing Rules, guidelines, applicable law, or Christian principles.

21 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon candidates for office

VP of Christian Life | Pat Funk, Little Rock, Arkansas (Mid-South District) Local – President, Vice President, Membership Chairman, coordinator of community projects with Dorcas House and Dress for Success. Zone – Leader Development Chairman, 2nd Vice President, Nominating Committee, Member Development Committee. District – Media and Marketing Chairman. LWML – MMV Consultant, HOPE Committee Chairman, LWML Board of Directors, Human Care Committee. Church – Board of Evangelism Chairman, Board of Stewardship, weekly Bible study leader, Al- tar Guild, Assimilation Committee, vacation Bible school, Sunday school, District Congregational Services Support Team. Community – Arkansas Children’s Hospital — crocheted hats for cancer patients and therapy balls for surgery patients, Basket of Hope — delivered baskets to seriously ill children in local hospitals, Lutheran High School volunteer, Southwestern Bell Pioneers volunteer. Pat earned a B.A. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and an M.A. in Family Life Ministry from Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska. She retired in 1999 from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and currently serves Grace Lutheran Church in Little Rock as their church secretary. Vision Statement – As women of the LWML we seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to affirm women of all ages and ethnic groups in their relationship with their Lord and Savior, and to empower them to use their gifts as they carry out the mission of the LWML and the church to proclaim Jesus Christ to all people.

VP of Christian Life | Patti Ross, Tulsa, Oklahoma (Oklahoma District) Local – Gospel Outreach, President, Secretary. Zone – President, Secretary/Treasurer, delegate to national convention. District – Public Relations Director, President, Mission Service Chairman. LWML – Board of Directors, Leader Development Committee. Church – Pastoral Call Committee, BOD Camp Lutherhoma, Building Fund Campaign Chair- man, Board of Directors, Outreach Committee Chairman. Community – Assistance League of Tulsa, Family Advisory Counsel of St. Francis Pediatric Hos- pital, Project Get Together. Patti earned a B.S.N. from the University of Oklahoma. She has worked as a registered nurse in Virginia, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Patti currently describes herself as a volunteer RN. Vision Statement – My vision is that the LWML helps every woman in the LCMS realize her unique part in the body of Christ as we celebrate the unity and diversity of that body. Through the sisterhood and mission of the LWML she is given opportunities for spiritual growth, mission support and works of care and compassion to help spread the saving word of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

22 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon candidates for office

VP of Communication | Linda Arnold, Woodridge, Illinois (Northern Illinois District) Local – President, Treasurer, convention delegate. Zone – ESP Consultant, speaker. District – President, Vice President of Human Care, Christian Life Committee, speaker, mission team leader, initiated district publication insert for the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly. LWML – Nominating Committee Chairman, Board of Directors, Assembly of Leaders, Leader- ship for Tomorrow, Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly contributor. Church – Stephen Ministry leader, small group leader coach, retreat leader, mission team leader, servant event coordinator. Community – Cooperative Food Pantry, Community Resource Network, PADS homeless ministry. Linda earned a B.S.N. from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. She has completed parish nurse and lay ministry certification from Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon. She is currently pursuing an M.S.N. Nurse Educator at Northern Illinois University. Linda is called to serve at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lisle, Illinois, as the Director of Care Ministries. Vision Statement – The Lutheran Women in Mission- LWML is uniquely placed within our congregations, zones, districts, synod, and world for God’s purposes. Our God has demonstrated strategic planning in His redemptive plan so that we, too, can follow His model. Just as God’s single focus is a restored relationship with all of His creation, the LWML must also pursue that same focus. I believe that LWML at all levels must continually evaluate its plans to ensure that it is tracking with God’s plan of redemption. We must be able to entertain ideas that are new and innovative if they will serve God’s plan. We have been blessed with an explosion of communication technology that was unimaginable to the women who founded the LWML. I believe that God has great plans to utilize that technology and that the Lutheran Women in Mission- LWML must strategically plan to be the best tool possible in the hands of our amazing God.

VP of Communication | Carolyn Blum, Hartford, Wisconsin (South Wisconsin District) Local – LWML convention delegate, speaker, officers’ mentor. Zone – Public Relations Chairman, event speaker. District – President, Executive Committee and Board of Directors member, led two planning meetings, Renewal Committee Chairman, Planner, convention and retreat PR chairman, ethnic event speaker, district publications writer, Endowment Fund Task Force. LWML – Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly News Editor, Board of Directors, MMV Consultant, Dis- trict President’s Sharing Seminar Coordinator, HOPE Committee publication “Been There/Done That” contributor, Assembly of Leaders. Church – Parish Media Team Coordinator, District LCMS Volunteer Coordinator, choir, Evan- gelism Board, Prayer Tree Coordinator, district LCMS convention delegate, newsletter editor, Latvia and Puerto Rico mission trips, Ablaze! seminar speaker, event planner, teacher. Community – Regional Coordinator for Lutheran Hour “Living for Tomorrow,” Wisconsin Lutherans for Life Secretary, Milwaukee Lutheran Radio Choir, University Lake School Parents Board President, Caring Friends, Milwaukee Lutheran HS Guild Historian. Carolyn earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (Personnel Management) degree from the Uni- versity of Wisconsin, Whitewater, and currently participates in Concordia University’s Bible Certifica- tion series. Formerly employed as an administrative assistant, she is currently a full-time volunteer. Vision Statement – My vision for the LWML is that it continues to grow by God’s grace and be composed of vibrant, servant-hearted women of all ages and backgrounds. Through prayer and Bible study, women realize that God desires all people to be saved and that we, as Lutheran Women in Mission, have the awesome privilege and responsibility to communicate God’s love through mission support and personal witnessing. I see women focusing their God-given gifts and talents to serve Him and each other, energetically encouraging sisters and brothers in Christ with contagious joy. Through the power of God that is at work within us, He is able to do im- measurably more than we could ever ask or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20) 23 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon candidates for office

VP of Gospel Outreach | Anita Beyersdorf, Hemlock, Michigan (Michigan District) Local – President, co-chair Women in Mission, Christian Growth Chairman, zone representative. Zone – President, Secretary, Mission Service Chairman. District – President, Vice President of Organizational Resources, Nominating Committee Chair- man, Planner, Board of Directors. LWML – Board of Directors, MMV Consultant, Mission Advocacy and Grants Committee. Church – Parliamentarian for voters’ assembly, Altar Guild, Sunday school teacher and coordinator/superintendent, Constitution Revision Committee, vacation Bible school teacher and superintendent. Community – Blood donor, judge for county fair, 4-H sewing instructor, Crop Walk for Hunger. Anita earned a B.S. in Education from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, and an M.S.- A.B.T. in Counseling from Central Michigan University. She is a retired teacher and youth director. Vision Statement – The vision I have for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League is that women of many and various cultural, age, and economic groups are meeting to study God’s Word and working together to glorify God and share His love, and above all, His truth in Jesus Christ with the people of their worlds until all nations know the Lord as Savior.

VP of Gospel Outreach | Marilyn McClure, Tucson, Arizona (English District) Local – President, Secretary. Zone – Vice President for Mission Education. District – President, Vice President of Mission Education, Vice President of Servant Resources, Nominating Committee member and chairman, Parliamentarian, convention co-chairman. LWML – Board of Directors, Spanish materials editor, Nominating Committee, MMV Consul- tant, Gospel Outreach Committee member and chairman, Heart to Heart Sisters Task Force Chairman, Sister to Sister Task Force member and chairman, Public Relations Committee. Church – School Board member, choir, Call Committee, Congregational Needs Assessment Com- mittee, Sunday school teacher, LCMS English District Board of Directors, Board of Parish Educa- tion chairman, vacation Bible school teacher. Community – March of Dimes volunteer, Leadership Team and Principal’s Designee for Hol- linger Elementary School, Structured English Immersion and Bilingual facilitator for school district, American Heart Association volunteer. Marilyn earned a B.A. in Education from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois, an M.A. in Bilingual Education from the University of Arizona in Tucson. She has taught in Cali- fornia, Missouri, Guatemala, and Arizona. Marilyn was a missionary wife in Guatemala for 16 years. She currently describes herself as a retired bilingual teacher. Vision Statement – That the LWML fulfill its mission statement by diligently gathering LWML Mites, assisting people throughout the world to grow in their faith, and being an organization where women of all ages and ethnicities develop their leadership skills as they work to carry out the mission of proclaiming the saving love of Jesus Christ to all people.

24 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon candidates for office

Recording Secretary | Judy Carlson, Paola, Kansas (Kansas District) Local – President, Vice President, Secretary, Christian Growth Chairman, Mission Service Chairman. Zone – Mission Service Chairman, ESP training, Nominating Committee, Board of Directors. District – President, Vice President of Caring Service, Mission Tour chairman, Mission Service Committee member and chairman, Bylaws Committee. LWML – Board of Directors, Structure Committee, Kansas City Convention Host Committee ‒ Tote chairman. Church – LCMS Kansas District Fan into Flame Steering Committee, Ablaze! Steering Committee, adult Bible class leader, LifeLight leader, church organist, pianist, choir member, Sunday school and vacation Bible school teacher, Mission Fair Committee chairman. Community – Retired teacher’s organization, community book club, community hospital auxiliary, teacher’s service organization. Judy earned a B.S. in Education from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. She used that degree to teach in Nebraska, then in Kansas until retiring in 2004. Vision Statement – The LWML will continue to be a strong organization as it nurtures, moti- vates and prepares women of the LCMS through Bible study, prayer and encouragement. With God’s blessing, each woman will be enabled to grow in her personal relationship with Christ, in mission work and in service to others.

Recording Secretary | Peggy Wunschel, Ida Grove, Iowa (Iowa District West) Local – President. Zone – President, Treasurer. District – ESP coordinator, Treasurer, Bible study leader. LWML – Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly Bible Study Editor, Gospel Outreach Committee, Sister to Sister Program. Church – Bible study leader, vacation Bible school and Sunday school teacher, mission board secretary, education board chairman, youth devotion leader, LYF sponsor. Community – Hospital auxiliary, athletic and music boosters, Cub Scout leader, Ragbrai volunteer. Peggy completed high school in Ida Grove, Iowa. She earned a diploma from IASBO Academy and later completed requirements for licensure as a real estate agent. Peggy retired after 23 years as business manager for her school district. She currently enjoys a career in real estate sales. In addition, Peggy and her husband own a car and motorcycle dealership. Vision Statement – LWML sisters across the nation are fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission to go, tell, and teach the Gospel … and in so doing are personally touching the lives of those God has put in their path, by mentoring their sisters in Christ and sharing the love of Jesus in their homes, communities, and foreign lands.

25 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon candidates for office

Pastoral Counselor | Rev. Earl Steffens, Tifton, Georgia (Florida-Georgia District) Ministry—Peace Lutheran Church, Tifton, Georgia, 1980 – present; Zion Lutheran Church and St. John’s Lutheran Church, Avon and Tyndall, South Dakota, 1976–1980; Bethany Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 1974–1976; St. Michael Lutheran Church (vicar), Ft. Myers, Florida, 1972–1973. Education – 2006 Clinical Pastoral Education Unit, Phoebe Putney Hospital, Albany Georgia; 1994 Post Master’s Certificate in Marriage and Family, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Geor- gia; 1974 M. Div., Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, Illinois; 1970–1974 Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri; 1968–1970 B.A. Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, Indiana. LWML Counselor – Yankton, South Dakota Zone, two years; Tallahassee, Florida Zone, nine years; Florida-Georgia District, four years. Synod/District Activities – secretary/treasurer Region 1 Pastoral Conference, Florida-Georgia District; vice-president Florida-Georgia District Pastor’s Conference, four years; Florida-Georgia Ministerial Interview committee, three years; Georgia Ministerial Interview committee, nine years, chairman, six years; Tallahassee circuit counselor, Florida-Georgia District, twelve years; District Outreach Council, Florida-Georgia District, six years; pastoral advisor Lutheran Lay- men’s League, Florida-Georgia District, two years. Community Service – Avon, South Dakota Ministerial Alliance; Avon, South Dakota Lion’s Club; Tiftarea Ministerial Association: various offices; Kiwanis Club, Tifton: various offices and awards; Board of Directors Big Brothers/Big Sisters, three years; Board of Directors United Way of Tifton, three years; Meals-on-Wheels, 12 years; Hospice of the Tiftarea chaplain, eight years; Adjunct Professor (World Religions), Abraham Baldwin College, Tifton, Georgia, three years; High School band parent, four years; High School drama parent, two years; Tift County Recre- ational sport coach, eleven years; Board of Directors Tifton YMCA, two years. Vision Statement – The eyes of the members of the LWML are always focused upon the cross of Jesus, with LWML Mites collected and sent to missions and ministries near and far, each LWMLer proclaims her society as a place of mission and she a missionary.

Pastoral Counselor | Rev. Kristopher Whitby, Arlington Heights, Illinois (Northern Illinois District) Ministry – St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, Mt. Prospect, Illinois, 2003 – present. Education – Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, M. Div. 1996; Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois, B.A. in psychology. LWML Counselor – zone counselor 2004 – present; Northern Illinois District 2005-present; Florida-Georgia District, 1999 – 2002. Synod/District Activities – Youth Ministry Board, Florida-Georgia District; Groups Ablaze! Implementation team, Northern Illinois District; annual mission team to Ysleta Lutheran Mis- sion, El Paso, Texas; annual mission team to Gulf region for hurricane recovery. Community Service – Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida, Board of Directors; Associa- tion of Retired Intelligence Officers of Northeast Florida Chaplain; “Faith Talks” weekly radio news program host, Jacksonville, Florida; Lions Club, Mt. Prospect, Illinois. Vision Statement – I look forward to a bright future for LWML where Jesus’ Gospel goes out into His world through us. By faithful support of Christ-centered missions and our own joy- ful, intentional witness, may we always glorify Christ. God willing, I will do my best to serve LWML to reach that vision.

26 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon candidates for office

Nominating Committee | Dianne Diekmann, Yankton, South Dakota (South Dakota District) Local – All offices of circle and society. Zone – Vice President, Treasurer. District – President, Vice President, Gospel Outreach, Nominating Committee Chairman, Secretary, Host Committee for Rapid City and Sioux Falls conventions, co-chair district convention, co-chair district retreat, retreat presenter, special gifts fund committee, 60th anniversary chairman. LWML – Board of Directors, Assembly of Leaders, Leadership for Tomorrow. Church – 125th anniversary committee, variety of music ministries, secretary, church council secretary, hymnal review committee, worship committee, education committee, Sunday school and vacation Bible school teacher, music leader, mission team to the Dominican Republic. Community – Society of Human Resource Management member, area concert association Board of Directors, community music presentations and theater, supported youth group, music, sports, Boy Scouts, booster clubs related to sons’ activities. Dianne earned a B.S. of Education from Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska and has completed some graduate courses at the University of South Dakota. She is a former Lutheran school teacher and is currently employed as a human resources assistant. Vision Statement – The LWML will reach out to all women of the LCMS with love and joy; encouraging them to use their gifts in service, to recognize the opportunities that LWML offers for spiritual growth, personal growth, and for service together in mission. Above all, the LWML will always focus on proclaiming the Word and sharing Jesus’ love, through our mission grants.

Nominating Committee | Elaine Nelson, Kent, Washington (Washington-Alaska District) Local – Leader. Zone – President, Zone Representative. District – President, Financial Secretary, Christian Growth Chairman, Board of Directors. LWML – Board of Directors, Leader Development Committee, Meeting Manager. Church – Director of women’s ministries, church council member, handbell choir member, Bible study leader, Sunday school teacher, organist. Community – Secretary of Homeowners Association, community Bible study small group leader. Elaine holds a B.S. in Education from Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska. She has also studied accounting and leadership. She taught middle school and high school math and worked in planned giving and managing volunteers for the American Bible Society. She describes herself, currently, as a housewife and full-time volunteer. Vision Statement – My vision is Spirit-filled women reaching out to those nearby and those far away with the Good News of Jesus, giving of themselves to mentor and encourage others and giving gifts to meet spiritual and physical needs, always putting others above self.

Nominating Committee | Jessica Sauer, Bronx, New York (Atlantic District) Local – Hearts & Hands President, Friends Into Serving Him® supervisor. Zone – President, newsletter editor. District – Young Woman’s Advocate, retreat planning committee. LWML – Young Woman’s Representative in Tampa. Church – Sunday school teacher, reader, Thrivent, N.Y. Metro Board Communications. Jessica earned a B.A. from Concordia University, St. Paul. She has used her gifts to teach in Lutheran schools and is currently a homemaker. Vision Statement – I believe that the LWML is a vital and vibrant organization in our church body. It is a gathering place for women to be spiritually renewed and a sending place for women to enter the harvest fields both near and far. 27 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon candidates for office

Nominating Committee | JoAnn Bradley, Blythe, California (Pacific Southwest District) Local – President, Vice President. Zone – President, Secretary, Vice President, Mission Education. District – President, Nominating Committee alternate. LWML – Board of Directors. Church – children’s talk presenter, vacation Bible school teacher and music leader, Sunday school superintendent, youth leader, spiritual gift trainer, Thrivent congregation coordinator. Community – science fair judge, sober grad committee, quilt guild. JoAnn earned an A.A. in Early Childhood Education from Fullerton College and a master’s certificate in Early Childhood Education from North Orange County Community College. She taught kindergarten and preschool for over 30 years and currently is self-employed in clothing alterations. Vision Statement – LWML is being in prayer, Bible study, and mission. Each woman is given so much by following these three components. I pray that each member will be led to discover her gifts and to know what areas will best benefit her use of these gifts. Sharing in this discovery and helping each woman affirm her gifts are the highest service to our Lord and Savior.

Nominating Committee | Lois Ford, Eustis, Florida (Florida-Georgia District) Local – Secretary, Christian Growth Chairman. Zone – Mission Service Chairman, President, Vice President of Spiritual Growth. District – President, Vice President of Spiritual Growth, Public Relations Chairman, Member- ship Chairman. LWML – Board of Directors. Church – Orchestra, choir, handbell music ministries, vacation Bible school director, school ac- creditation committee, district advisory council on church worker recruitment, district scholarship committee, mission trip to Camp Restore in New Orleans, Louisiana. Community – Relay for Life, county Audubon Society board member. Lois earned a B.A. from Concordia College—New York, Bronxville, New York She currently teaches third grade at Faith Lutheran School in Eustis, Florida. Vision Statement – My vision is that our diverse group of women is firmly grounded in the Word and Sacraments, which encourages and equips us to enthusiastically share the Good News of Jesus Christ and that they are effectively reaching out in service in their churches, their communities, and the world.

Nominating Committee | Pam Kercher, Billings, Montana (Montana District) Local – President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer. Zone – President, Vice President, Vice President of Gospel Outreach. District – President, Board of Directors, Vice President of Gospel Outreach, Missive Editor, Young Woman Representative Chairman. LWML – Board of Directors. Church – Preschool vacation Bible school coordinator, Sunday school teacher, board of preschool education/day care, board of publicity, board of fellowship, parish planning board, vacation Bible school director. Community – Cancer Center Auxiliary, Billings Association for the Education of Young Children. Pam earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Montana State University. She is the owner/director of Step by Step Preschool in Billings, Montana. Vision Statement – The LWML will continue to be a grounding spot in God’s Word for the women of today as they are faced with the challenges of the world. We will continue to offer mission-minded tools to equip each of us to use our God-given talents to be mentors for the young women that are the future of the LWML. 28 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon candidates for office

Nominating Committee | Janet Miller, McGregor, Minnesota (Minnesota North District) Local – President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer. Zone – President. District – Archivist-Historian, Treasurer, Regional Vice President. LWML – Treasurer. Church – Organist, Sunday school teacher, released-time teacher, historian, treasurer. Community – County Historical Society, local school board, city clerk treasurer. Janet earned a diploma from the Graduate School of Banking. After a lengthy career as a banker with the State Bank of McGregor, she is now retired. Vision Statement – My vision for the LWML is to make the Good News of salvation real to all women, but particularly the women of the LCMS, and empowering them to use their gifts and talents to serve our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Nominating Committee | Melody Rosenwinkel, Irwin, Idaho (Utah-Idaho District) Local – Bible study leader, President, Vice-President, Christian Growth Chairman, Special Events Chairman. Zone – President, Retreat Chairman, Christian Growth Chairman. District – President, Board of Directors, Women’s Conference & Retreat Chairman, Vice Presi- dent of Mission Projects, convention committee. LWML – Board of Directors, Mission Advocacy and Grants Committee Chairman, Mission Proj- ects Committee. Church – Choir, retreat leader, Bible study leader, Prayer Team Coordinator, youth leader, Mis- sion Fair Chairman, day school committee. Community – Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator, BSF International Leadership, 4th of July Float Parade Chairman, remodeled shelters & ingatherings. Melody earned a diploma from Eastern Idaho Technical College. She owns and manages a business. Vision Statement – For the women to be walking closely with their Lord and sharing Him with word and action in their lives as they share the Gospel around the world with their monetary gifts and helping hands. For the women to reflect God’s light in everything they do and say.

Nominating Committee | Marcia Wittenburg, Baker, Louisiana (Louisiana-Mississippi District) Local – President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Christian Growth Chairman. Zone – President, Vice President. District – Nominating Committee, President, Member Development Chairman, Convention Host Committee Chairman, First Vice President. LWML – MMV Consultant, Board of Directors, Leadership for Tomorrow, Assembly of Leaders. Church – Church Growth & Development Committee, Connections Ministry, youth leader. Community – Girl Scout Assistant Troop Leader. Marcia earned a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering from Purdue University. She is currently employed as an Environmental Scientist for data management. Vision Statement – I see LCMS women of all ages and varied cultures embracing LWML as the group where they can grow in God’s Word together in a nurturing and supporting environment. That spiritual growth leads women to actively participate in LWML as their avenue for God- pleasing service and Gospel outreach — an organization where they are using their gifts and being equipped for mission and ministry both to their neighbors and the world.

29 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon candidates for office - voting tally

VP of Christian Life Votes cast______Votes ______Invalid ______Whatever you do, necessary for election ballots Pat Funk Votes received______work at it with all your heart, as Patti Ross Votes received______working for the Lord, not for men, VP of Communication Votes cast______Votes ______Invalid ______necessary for election ballots since you know that Linda Arnold Votes received______you will receive an Carolyn Blum Votes received______inheritance from the Lord as a VP of Gospel Outreach Votes cast______Votes ______Invalid ______reward. It is the necessary for election ballots Anita Beyersdorf Votes received______Lord Christ you are serving. Marilyn McClure Votes received______ Colossians 3:23-24 Recording Secretary Votes cast______Votes ______Invalid ______necessary for election ballots Judy Carlson Votes received______Peggy Wunschel Votes received______

Pastoral Counselor Votes cast______Votes ______Invalid ______necessary for election ballots Rev. Earl Steffens Votes received______Rev. Kristopher Whitby Votes received______

Nominating Committee Votes cast______Votes ______Invalid ______plurality ranking ballots JoAnn Bradley Votes received______Dianne Diekmann Votes received______Lois Ford Votes received______Pam Kercher Votes received______Janet Miller Votes received______Elaine Nelson Votes received______

Melody Rosenwinkel Votes received______

Jessica Sauer Votes received______

Marcia Wittenburg Votes received______

30 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon 2009 proposed Mission grants

Invalid ______1. Humanitarian Aid Opens Mission Field in North Korea------$100,000 ballots To begin new mission work in North Korea so that LCMS World Mission can share Delegates will be the love of Christ with thousands of North Koreans, both physically and spiritually. voting for eight (8) 2. Earthquake Relief Aid and Church Plants in Peru------$100,000 To help LCMS World Mission reach out with God’s love in the forgotten grants. Grant requests earthquake-stricken part of Peru through humanitarian aid and church planting. receiving the most Invalid ______3. Local Christians Trained for Human Care Ministry in Asia------$100,000 votes (plurality) will ballots To train local church leaders and start a new ministry in Asia, through maternal and child health training for women. be funded, until 4. Human Care and Pastoral Ministries Developed in Latvia and Lithuania------$87,500 the approved mission To support Lutherans in Latvia and Lithuania as they reach out to post-communist goal is reached. society through humanitarian projects and mission outreach. Invalid ______5. Deaconess Training in Latin America------$100,000 ballots To provide scholarships, Christian resources, and knowledgeable professors to train deaconesses in Latin America for service to God and His church. 6. Kyrgyzstan Locals Trained for Evangelism------$100,000 To equip local leaders to bring the Gospel message to the people of Kyrgyzstan, most being Muslim, bringing God’s peace and comfort to a country still struggling Invalid ______after gaining independence from the Soviet Union. ballots 7. 10 Chapels, Transportation, and Pastoral Training in Tanzania------$88,000 To purchase 10 chapel roofs, motorcycles for pastors, bicycles for evangelists, and prepare five men for pastoral ministry in Tanzania. 8. Humanitarian Aid Opens the Mission Field in Vietnam------$100,000 To show Christ’s love for the people of Vietnam, through English classes and Invalid ______humanitarian projects. ballots 9. Humanitarian Care Outreach in Kazakhstan------$90,000 To bring hope to the hopeless through a transitional home for orphans, blind and deaf outreach, encouraging Lutherans, and sharing the Gospel through English classes in Kazakhstan. 10. The Hope Center for Refugees and Immigrants – Ohio------$90,000 Invalid ______To help “The Hope Center for Refugees and Immigrants” bring glory to God ballots through resettlement programs and ministry, and help renew the ministries of many Lutheran congregations in Ohio. 11. Missionary Director for Lutheran Inter-City Network Coalition (LINC) – Baltimore------$85,000 To provide three years’ funding of the program costs and to partially fund a LINC- Baltimore Missionary Director to serve the urban mission field of Baltimore, Maryland 12. Ethnic Ministry Support in the Northeast U.S.------$90,000 To reach out with the Gospel message in the Northeast as missionaries, districts, and congregations seek to serve God in their communities. 13. The Carpenter’s Hands – Youth Refurbish Homes in Florida------$26,000 To purchase tools and a used cargo van to enable the youth and their advisors of Grace Lutheran Church to refurbish homes in St. Petersburg, Florida. 14. Defray the Cost of Shipping Quilts by Lutheran World Relief------$80,000 To deliver more than 100,000 Lutheran-made quilts as tools of God’s service, into the lives of those in need around the world. 15. Spiritual Retreats for Outreach Training – Cambodia------$30,000 To help support the teaching and training of Cambodian people through retreats, seminars, and workshops. 31 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon 2009 proposed Mission grants

16. Light of Christ Chinese Lutheran Mission – St. Louis------$75,000 To enable Light of Christ Mission to continue sharing the Good News of God’s love with the Asian people in Olivette in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. 17. Lutheran Braille Workers Provide English Braille Bibles – Africa------$100,000 To produce 13,700 volumes, at $7.50 each, of either the International Children’s Bible, English Grade 1, or the New International Version Bible, English Grade 2 for advanced readers so blind persons will come to faith through God’s Word and become ablaze in winning souls for Christ on their continent. 18. Lutheran Latino Ministries Outreach Support – Oregon------$40,000 To support Lutheran Latino Ministries’ circuit rider ministry in Oregon. 19. Digitize Classes for Specific Ministry Pastor Program – Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne------$36,000 To purchase five work stations for the Specific Ministry Pastor Program, and one digitizing station for the library to make materials available electronically world wide to teach and assist pastors, students, missionaries, and seminaries in going “into all the world.” 20. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Food Bank Relocation------$50,000 To fund the relocation of Concordia Seminary’s Food Bank to an improved and more efficient space within the Commons in Wartburg and Koburg Halls, with funds being matched by The Charles E. Benidt Foundation for related expenses. 21. International Student Ministry Provides Bibles and Christ-Oriented Resources------$30,000 To provide Bibles and Christ-oriented resources for international students and their families, so many more may read of Jesus Christ and the saving Gospel message. 22. Native Leadership Scholarships for Students Enrolled in Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT)------$100,000 To provide five scholarships and ministry stipends to cover part of the expenses for the Native men and women currently enrolled in the EIIT program. 23. Mission Support to Disabled Children – Dominican Republic------$50,000 To assist funding body and soul care for disabled children in the Dominican Republic. 24. LCMS Prison Ministry Provides Devotional Materials------$50,000 To provide 5,000 copies of Lutheran devotional materials to reach U.S. prison inmates desiring to know their Lord and Savior. 25. Body and Soul Care for Children in India------$50,000 To provide residential education and caring for the needs of downtrodden children at the Missouri Evangelical Lutheran India Mission School, body and soul caring programs for school drop-outs, and India Evangelical Lutheran Church tsunami rehabilitation for women and children. 26. Lutheran Blind Mission Gospel Tract CD and Outreach Events------$80,000 To fund the preparation and duplication of a culturally-based, blind-friendly Gospel tract on compact disk, and help fund regional outreach conferences and seminars for their blind directors and sighted volunteers. 27. The Bridge Hispanic Outreach Ministry – North Carolina------$50,000 To help initiate the service and outreach activities of the Bridge Hispanic Mission in Catawba County, North Carolina. 28. Psalm 69:14 Project – Emergency Disaster Aid in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana------$50,000 To provide emergency aid to impoverished and needy persons affected by natural and other disasters, with aid taking the form of one-time hardship grants, averaging $300, for shelter, medicine, and other urgent and critical needs not being met by any other resources.

32 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon 2009 proposed Mission grant Resolutions

1. Humanitarian Aid Opens career, long-term and short-term missionaries Mission Field in North Korea------$100,000 to continue to provide humanitarian aid, train WHEREAS, Mark 6:34 and 37 says, “When Jesus and identify local church leaders, and plant new … saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, churches; therefore be it because they were like sheep without a shepherd RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- … He [said] ‘You give them something to eat,’” sionary League in convention vote the sum of and in Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “I tell you the $100,000 to reach out with God’s love in the for- truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these gotten earthquake-stricken part of Peru through brothers of mine, you did for me”; and humanitarian aid and church planting. WHEREAS, In the 1990s, North Korea experi- 3. Local Christians Trained for enced recurrent natural and economic disasters Human Care Ministry in Asia------$100,000 that led to a three-year famine in which an un- WHEREAS, Matthew 25:40 says, “The King will told number of people died; and reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for WHEREAS, The United States was the largest one of the least of these brothers of mine, you foreign aid donor to North Korea through the did for me’”; and United Nations World Food Program in 1999, WHEREAS, In Asian countries, one of the best but U.S. shipment of aid halted in 2005; and ways to share the new and abundant life in WHEREAS, LCMS World Mission has been Jesus Christ with those who do not know Him is invited to work with four villages and their col- through education combined with action; and lective farms, reaching a population of 15,000 WHEREAS, LCMS World Mission, together with people (including 4,000 children); and our partner churches and Concordia Welfare and WHEREAS, LCMS World Mission will work Education Foundation (CWEF), will reach out through humanitarian projects to develop with necessary maternal and health training in relationships in North Korea that will allow for the poorest parts of India, Cambodia, the Philip- long-term work so more people can experience pines and Thailand; and the love of Christ; therefore be it WHEREAS, The LCMS has a strong history of RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- education here in the United States and contin- sionary League in convention vote the sum of ues to use that strength to reach out to people $100,000 to begin new work in North Korea so with God’s love in Word and deed; and LCMS World Mission can share the love of Christ WHEREAS, LCMS World Mission works to build with thousands of North Koreans, both physically the capacity of national church leaders and lay and spiritually. leadership to carry out ministry in their countries, 2. Earthquake Relief Aid increasing the opportunity for Gospel touches in and Church Plants in Peru------$100,000 their communities and increasing the likelihood WHEREAS, On August 14, 2007, many towns of continuing relationships between the church and cities south of Lima, Peru, were devastated and its surrounding community; therefore be it by an 8.0-magnitude earthquake; and RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- WHEREAS, The towns of Lucumo and Luna- sionary League in convention vote the sum of huaná are farther from Lima and were largely $100,000 to train local church leaders and start a overlooked by governmental aid and other relief new ministry in Asia through maternal and child agencies; and health training for women. WHEREAS, LCMS missionaries Rev. Jorge and 4. Human Care and Pastoral Ministries Olga Groh were in Lucumo and Lunahuaná two Developed in Latvia and Lithuania---- $87,500 weeks after the earthquake to hand out Bibles WHEREAS, Acts 11:19-20 says, “Now those who had and relief supplies; and been scattered by the persecution in connection with WHEREAS, The local government has given Stephen traveled … telling the message only to Jews. their approval to continue humanitarian work Some of them, however … began to speak to Greeks there, and the short-term missionaries to date also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. have always shared God’s love with the local The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number people as they served; and of people believed and turned to the Lord”; and WHEREAS, The Evangelical Lutheran Church- WHEREAS, Latvia and Lithuania have suffered Peru will partner with LCMS World Mission persecution, particularly religious persecution, under the Nazis and the Soviet Union; and 33 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon 2009 proposed Mission grant Resolutions

WHEREAS, Lutherans remained in both coun- Union in 1991, recent years have seen political tries, but were unable to teach their faith to turmoil and a reduction of both political and others; and religious freedoms; and WHEREAS, LCMS World Mission has been work- WHEREAS, LCMS World Mission and its part- ing with both churches, especially since they gained ners have worked in Kyrgyzstan to bring the Gos- independence, and sent Rev. Mark and Rose Krause pel message to its people since 1998, and within to serve alongside the national churches; and three years, a national church was established and WHEREAS, Lutherans in Latvia and Lithuania registered with the government; and are growing and want to reach out even more by WHEREAS, The first Kyrgyz pastor was or- offering temporary housing for abused women, dained in 2004, and national church leaders youth outreach training, women’s ministry, and continue to take leadership and ownership of the pastoral leadership training; therefore be it Kyrgyz church; and RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- WHEREAS, LCMS World Mission continues to sionary League in convention vote the sum reach out to the people of Kyrgyzstan through of $90,000 to support Lutherans in Latvia and city congregations, mission congregations, and Lithuania as they reach out to post-communist preaching stations; therefore be it society through humanitarian projects and mis- RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- sion outreach. sionary League in convention vote the sum of 5. Deaconess Training in $100,000 to equip local leaders to bring the Gos- Latin America------$100,000 pel message to the people of Kyrgyzstan, most of whom are Muslim, bringing God’s peace and WHEREAS, Matthew 25:40 says, “the King will comfort to a country still struggling after gaining reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for independence from the Soviet Union. one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’”; and 7. 10 Chapels, Transportation, and WHEREAS, National churches throughout Latin Pastoral Training in Tanzania------$88,000 America are Ablaze! and want to reach out to WHEREAS, Romans 10:14-15 says, “How, then, more and more people in their countries and can they call on the one they have not heard? And around the world; and how can they hear without someone preaching to WHEREAS, LCMS missionaries Rev. Jorge and them? And how can they preach unless they are Olga Groh work with the national churches to sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet support theological education for lay leaders and of those who bring good news.’”; and full-time church workers; and WHEREAS, Tanzania is one of the poorest coun- WHEREAS, National churches in Panama, tries in the world, with an average income of Venezuela, Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina are only $210 US per year; and training deaconesses for recognized service in WHEREAS, In spite of many war refugees from the church and in society, reaching out to those neighboring countries, poverty and dealing with with physical and spiritual needs; and HIV/AIDS, the church in Tanzania is growing WHEREAS, Latin American countries have exponentially; and long been associated with the Roman Catholic WHEREAS, LCMS World Mission missionaries Church, but many people are Catholic by cul- work closely with the national church leaders to ture, not by faith; therefore be it reach out to the Sukuma tribe, a tribe of 8 million, RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- 94 percent of whom are not Christian; and sionary League in convention vote the sum WHEREAS, The national churches need chapel of $100,000 to provide scholarships, Christian roofs to shelter people from rain and heat, motor- resources and knowledgeable professors to train cycles and bicycles so pastors and evangelists can deaconesses in Latin America to serve God and travel to more villages with the Gospel message, His church through outreach to His people. and more pastors to reach out to a mostly un- reached people group; therefore be it 6. Kyrgyzstan Locals Trained for Evangelism------$100,000 RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- sionary League in convention vote the sum of WHEREAS, Kyrgyzstan is a poor, but naturally $88,000 to purchase 10 chapel roofs, motorcycles beautiful country in central Asia whose popula- for pastors, bicycles for evangelists and prepare tion is 75 percent Muslim; and five men for pastoral ministry in Tanzania. WHEREAS, In spite of a promising beginning as a new nation after independence from the Soviet 34 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon 2009 proposed Mission grant Resolutions

8. Humanitarian Aid Opens the of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you Mission Field in Vietnam------$100,000 were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” WHEREAS, Vietnam has 79 language groups, but Leviticus 19:34); and Vietnamese is the common language, and English WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri is becoming a preferred second language; and Synod (LCMS) has lost baptized members in its WHEREAS, Vietnam, a communist country usu- urban congregations; new people groups, includ- ally closed to religious organizations, welcomes the ing immigrants and refugees, are being brought by support of LCMS World Mission personnel; and God to the United States in record numbers; and WHEREAS, LCMS World Mission personnel WHEREAS, God has established Building Hope reach out to the people of Vietnam through edu- in the City (BHITC), an urban and cross-cultural cation and humanitarian projects; and mission organization in Cleveland, Akron, and Cincinnati, already blessing it with initial suc- WHEREAS, LCMS World Mission personnel cess, especially among Arabic immigrants and work closely with the Vietnam National Institute African refugees; and of Nutrition to decrease malnutrition in rural children; and WHEREAS, Northeast Ohio — a region with a strong supporting LCMS presence — will con- WHEREAS, LCMS World Mission personnel tinue to be cities of choice for resettling refugees teach better farming, fishing, and nutrition to the and immigrants, but support is now needed for rural Vietnamese, so more than 99 percent of the BHITC and its partnering congregations to launch people know God’s love in action; therefore be it a multi-site The Hope Center for Refugees and RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mission- Immigrants that offers resettlement programs to ary League in convention vote the sum of $100,000 all immigrants and refugees through the ministry to show Christ’s love for the people of Vietnam of Lutheran volunteers and helps connect these through English classes and humanitarian projects. people to the Word of God; therefore be it 9. Humanitarian Care RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mission- Outreach in Kazakhstan------$90,000 ary League in convention vote the sum of $90,000 WHEREAS, Matthew 25:40 says, “The King will so The Hope Center for Refugees and Immigrants reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for may bring glory to God and help renew the min- one of the least of these brothers of mine, you istries of many Lutheran congregations in Ohio. did for me.’”; and 11. Missionary Director for Lutheran Inter-City WHEREAS, Kazakhstan’s government gained inde- Network Coalition (LINC)-Baltimore--- $85,000 pendence in 1991 and is still learning how to govern, WHEREAS, Christ in His Holy Word calls us manage resources, and secure its borders; and to the mission field to share the Good News of WHEREAS, Thousands of mentally and physi- salvation; and cally disabled people currently have no access to WHEREAS, Urban areas within the United the Gospel message; and States constitute a significant mission field, WHEREAS, Lutheran business people want to including the great variety of ethnic groups and know English, and long-term missionaries can communities waiting to hear the saving Word build relationships through English classes to of the Gospel represented within the Baltimore, lead people to the saving Gospel; therefore be it Maryland, area; and RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mission- WHEREAS, LCMS congregations have individu- ary League in convention vote the sum of $90,000 ally sought a Gospel outreach to various groups to bring hope to the hopeless through a transi- within Baltimore for over a century; and tional home for orphans, blind, and deaf outreach, WHEREAS, LCMS congregations in Baltimore encouraging Lutherans and sharing the Gospel have organized the Lutheran Inter-City Network through English classes in Kazakhstan. Coalition (LINC-Baltimore) to address these 10. The Hope Center for Refugees needs through the overseeing and financial sup- and Immigrants – Ohio------$90,000 port of a dedicated urban missionary serving as WHEREAS, The Great Commission of our Lord Je- LINC – Baltimore Missionary Director; and sus Christ is “to make disciples of all nations” and WHEREAS, The Southeastern District of The Lu- also calls His people to welcome foreigners and theran Church—Missouri Synod (SED-LCMS) has strangers in our midst freely with Christian love named LINC-Baltimore a new Ablaze! ministry, (“The alien living with you must be treated as one approved the position of LINC-Baltimore Mis- 35 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon 2009 proposed Mission grant Resolutions

sionary Director and will partially fund the posi- WHEREAS, The youth and advisors at Grace tion, allowing time for LINC-Baltimore to become Lutheran Church in St Petersburg have the gifts, self-supporting; therefore be it talents, and hearts to serve; therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- sionary League in convention vote the sum sionary League in convention vote the sum of of $85,000 to provide three years’ funding of $26,000 to purchase tools and a used cargo van to program costs and to partially fund a LINC-Bal- enable the youth and advisors of Grace Lutheran timore Missionary Director to serve the urban Church to refurbish homes in St. Petersburg. mission field of Baltimore, Maryland. 14. Defray the Cost of Shipping 12. Ethnic Ministry Support Quilts by Lutheran World Relief------$80,000 in the Northeast U.S------$90,000 WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus Christ was born WHEREAS, 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a poor, died poor, and is seen in the faces of the chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, poor today; and a people belonging to God, that you may declare WHEREAS, God, our Creator and Sustainer, our the praises of him who called you out of dark- Savior and Friend, has given us minds to imagine, ness into his wonderful light.”; and hands to create and hearts to love; and WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri WHEREAS, The Lord has filled us with a desire Synod (LCMS) is declining in both membership to feed the hungry, give water to those who and worship attendance of members, while the thirst, and clothe those with nothing; and population of the United States is increasing; and WHEREAS, In James 1:27 we read, “Religion WHEREAS, The United States is becoming that is pure and undefiled before God, the more diverse in both ethnic groups and belief Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows systems; and in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained WHEREAS, The Ablaze! initiative encourages by the world.”; and LCMS members to share the message of salva- WHEREAS, For more than 65 years the Lutheran tion through the death and resurrection of Jesus Women’s Missionary League and Lutheran World Christ with the people they meet; and Relief have worked in partnership in Christian WHEREAS, The Northeast region of the United love to provide for the needs of people around the States already has missionaries and urban mission world with handmade quilts, layettes, and school, developers in place to reach out cross-culturally to health, and sewing kits; and ethnic groups represented there; and WHEREAS, Ordinary items such as quilts, pen- WHEREAS, Much of the outreach is focused on cils, soap, needles, and thread become extraordi- work with immigrants and their families, reach- nary, offering new hope and dignity for families ing out to provide valuable social ministry and around the world; and a connection to an eternal future with Christ; WHEREAS, Those most vulnerable — the sick, therefore be it elderly, orphaned, and widowed — are given the RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mission- first priority in receiving these gifts; and ary League in convention vote the sum of $90,000 to WHEREAS, The intensity of humanitarian needs reach out with the Gospel message in the Northeast increases worldwide, and the requests from as missionaries, districts, and congregations seek to Lutheran World Relief partner organizations for serve God in their communities. quilts, layettes, kits, and soap have also been on 13. The Carpenter’s Hand – Youth the rise; and Refurbish Homes in Florida------$26,000 WHEREAS, Due to rising fuel prices, the cost of WHEREAS, Jesus said, “In the same way, faith by it- shipping quilts and kits to communities in need self, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.”; and is dramatically increasing; therefore be it WHEREAS, Jesus also said, “I tell you the truth, RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mission- whatever you did for one of the least of these ary League in convention vote the sum of $80,000 brothers of mine, you did for me.”; and to deliver more than 100,000 Lutheran-made WHEREAS, There is an extremely high rate quilts as tools of God’s service, bringing love into of unemployment, and a large population of the lives of those in need around the world. elderly in the St. Petersburg, Florida area; and

36 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon 2009 proposed Mission grant Resolutions

15. Spiritual Retreats for Outreach homeland, a country where they are not allowed Training – Cambodia------$30,000 to proclaim the Gospel; and WHEREAS, Cambodia is a relatively new mis- WHEREAS, There is a need to access external sion field for The Lutheran Church—Missouri resources of funding until the mission can become Synod; and self-supporting through the donations of its mem- WHEREAS, Less than two percent of the Cambo- bership and that of Immanuel Lutheran Church, dian people are Christians; and the sponsoring church; therefore be it WHEREAS, LCMS World Mission is supporting a RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- missionary couple in Cambodia to provide leader- sionary League in convention vote the sum of ship training and education to the local people; and $75,000 to enable Light of Christ Mission to continue sharing the Good News of God’s love WHEREAS, Retreats, seminars and workshops with the Asian people in Olivette in the St. Louis for children, Sunday school teachers, families, Metropolitan Area. women, and lay congregation members are effective methods of training for ministry to grass 17. Lutheran Braille Workers Provide roots people; and English Braille Bibles – Africa------$100,000 WHEREAS, Mission teams from the United WHEREAS, Lutheran Braille Workers currently States that have gone to Cambodia have discov- has the International Children’s Bible in Grade 1 ered that such gatherings require total funding English Braille for blind children, and the New for those attending; and International Bible in Grade 2 English Braille for more advanced Braille readers; and WHEREAS, The goal is to continue such training increasingly implemented by nationals; and WHEREAS, Many blind persons in Africa are taught to read English Braille, and the request WHEREAS, These new Christians are eager to for English Bibles rises; and learn how to share and tell others about Christ Jesus and His love and peace for them in a country WHEREAS, 48 percent of the population of Africa that has suffered horrific losses and is still recover- lives in poverty, with many blind persons falling ing from the Pol Pot era; therefore be it into that category with no way to receive Bibles except through Lutheran Blind Workers, the RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- largest faith-based producer of free biblical and sionary League in convention vote the sum of Christ-centered Braille material in the world; and $30,000 to help support the teaching and training of Cambodian people. WHEREAS, Lutheran Braille Workers has a 5,000 plus volunteer work force to produce the Bibles, 16. Light of Christ Chinese but remains dependent upon gifts and grants to Lutheran Mission – St. Louis------$75,000 offer free Bibles to blind persons upon request; and WHEREAS, While many doors are closing WHEREAS, Synod’s Ablaze! effort has a goal of on our foreign missionaries, God has brought winning souls for Christ, and Lutheran Braille people to us from foreign lands, right to our very Workers, an LCMS Recognized Service Organiza- doorsteps, so we can share the Good News of tion, is committed to that same goal; and salvation with them; and WHEREAS, Schools for the blind in Africa, WHEREAS, There are over 40,000 Chinese and such as St. Oda School, Kenya; Lutheran School, other Asian people living and working in the St. Malawa; Gospel School, Nigeria; Illemi Second- Louis Metropolitan Area with a large concentra- ary School, Tanzania; Kabele School, Zambia; tion of them living in the vicinity of Olivette; and Jushinga Philea Polytee, Zimbabwe, to name a WHEREAS, Light of Christ Mission has been few, request English Braille for their students; established to reach out to these people, many therefore be it who came from a Communist and/or Buddhist RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- background and have not heard the Gospel of Je- sionary League in convention vote the sum of sus Christ. Weekly services are held in the Man- $100,000 to produce 13,700 volumes, at $7.50 darin language. Bible studies, ESL and parenting each, of either the International Children’s Bible, classes, youth and other fellowship activities are English Grade 1, or the New International Version also made available; and Bible, English Grade 2 for advanced readers so WHEREAS, Many of these people will ulti- blind persons will come to faith through God’s mately return to their native country serving as Word and become ablaze in winning souls for lay missionaries to spread the Gospel in their Christ on their continent. 37 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon 2009 proposed Mission grant Resolutions

18. Lutheran Latino Ministries WHEREAS, CTS is actively working with semi- Outreach Support – Oregon------$40,000 naries in Papua New Guinea, Sweden, South WHEREAS, Christ has commanded His follow- Africa, and Novosibirsk in Russia; and pastors, ers to make disciples of all nations; and deaconesses, missionaries, and students around the world who need more theological materials WHEREAS, the nations are increasingly com- to enhance their ministries; and ing to the United States through immigration of longer-term work and study periods; and WHEREAS, The CTS Walther Library staff have WHEREAS, Latinos have become the nation’s digitized approximately 3,600 items from theo- largest and fastest growing minority; and logical books and articles that are now available through the Internet to assist them in their min- WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri istries. CTS needs to continue to teach students Synod is still searching for effective strategies for and support missions, ministries, and seminaries bringing the Gospel to this large population; and throughout the world by making materials and WHEREAS, Lutheran Latino Ministries, located classes available over the Internet to assist in in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, surrounded by their calling; and large concentrations of Latino populations, has WHEREAS, CTS’ digitizing equipment is becom- developed an effective circuit rider ministry pro- ing antiquated, is beginning to fail, is sometimes gram for reaching Latino people, a program that difficult to read, and new equipment is needed for can serve as a model for other locations; and the SMP program; therefore be it WHEREAS, Lutheran Latino Ministries has RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mission- established an aggressive program for funding ary League in convention vote the sum of $36,000 the program, but will require additional money to purchase five work stations for the SMP pro- for several years to be able to fully support the gram, and one digitizing station for the library to ministry; and make materials available electronically world-wide WHEREAS, The Oregon District LWML has ap- to teach and assist pastors, students, missionaries, proved the grant application; therefore be it and seminaries in going “into all the world.” RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- 20. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, sionary League in convention vote the sum of Food Bank Relocation------$50,000 $40,000 to support Lutheran Latino Ministries’ circuit rider ministry in Oregon. WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus instructs God’s faithful to “go into all the world, baptizing them in 19. Digitize Classes for Specific Ministry the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Pastor Program – Concordia Theological Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey all that I have Seminary, Fort Wayne------$36,000 commanded you” (Matthew 28), and St. Paul asks WHEREAS, In Matthew 28:19 Christ commands us the question, “how can they hear without some- to go and teach all nations, and in Mark 16:15 He one preaching to them, and how can they preach commands us to “Go into all the world and preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:14-15); and the Good News to all nations”; and WHEREAS, Concordia Seminary serves church WHEREAS, Concordia Theological Seminary and world by forming pastors, deaconesses, (CTS) exists to form servants in Jesus Christ who missionaries, teachers, scholars, and leaders for teach the faithful, reach the lost, and care for all; full-time ministry serving both the saved and the who are serving our Lord in Haiti, Latvia, Ethiopia, lost, and is now engaged in a bold effort de- Canada, Russia, India, the Sudan, Hawaii, Panama, signed to lay a strong foundation for the future Guatemala, Lithuania, and nearly every continent through a five-year $77 million campaign called, throughout the world; and “How Will they Hear?”; and WHEREAS, In July 2007 The Lutheran Church— WHEREAS, The campaign, now in its pub- Missouri Synod in convention adopted Resolution lic phase and through its “Place” component 5-10 to establish the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) encourages special gifts to help renovate select program as an alternate path to serving congrega- structures on the seminary’s campus; and tions in a specified kind of ministry so that profes- WHEREAS, As a measure of support for the sors at both seminaries must now create classes in “Place” plan, the Charles E. Benidt Foundation has an innovative format for the SMP program to be generously committed to match gifts and grants re- used by students all over the world; and stricted for these projects up to a total of $3 million and will, when $3 million has been given or com- 38 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon 2009 proposed Mission grant Resolutions mitted, provide a bonus grant of $1 million; and (ISM, Inc.) is an LCMS mission society with an WHEREAS, The planned “Place” renovations Ablaze! focus working with LCMS World Mis- will greatly improve the quality of life and the sion and Lutheran Campus Mission Association overall seminary experience for students and to enable, assist, and fund volunteer ministries their families, while reducing the seminary’s an- among international students; therefore be it nual operating expenses and thus the pressure to RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mission- increase tuition rates; and ary League in convention vote the sum of $30,000 WHEREAS, Concordia’s Food Bank plays an to International Student Ministry, Inc. for Bibles indispensable role in helping students and their and Christ-centered resources for international stu- families maintain control over personal expenses dents and their families, so many more may read of while attending the seminary; and Jesus Christ and the saving Gospel message. WHEREAS, Relocating the seminary’s Food 22. Native Leadership Scholarships for Bank to a newly renovated space within the Students Enrolled in Ethnic Immigrant Commons in Wartburg and Koburg Halls has Institute of Theology (EIIT)------$100,000 been identified by President Dr. Dale Meyer as WHEREAS, St. Paul writes in Romans 10:14-15, an urgent capital need to support the mission of “How, then, can they call on the one they have Concordia Seminary; and not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard ... And how WHEREAS, A strong and vibrant seminary that can they preach unless they are sent? As it is supports its students sends strong, capable, and written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who compassionate graduates out into church and bring good news!’”; and world to proclaim Jesus Christ, including many who will serve in the central role of Word and WHEREAS, The Lutheran Association of Mission- Sacrament ministry; therefore be it aries and Pilots U.S., through its ministry among American Indian, Native Alaskan and First Nations RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mission- people, both proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ ary League in convention vote the sum of $50,000 to and also seeks to equip, empower, and send native fund the relocation of Concordia Seminary’s Food people to bring the Good News to their own; and Bank to an improved and more efficient space with- WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri in the Commons in Wartburg and Koburg Halls, to Synod has established the Ethnic Immigrant be matched with an equal amount by The Charles E. Institute of Theology (EIIT) through Concordia Benidt Foundation for related expenses. Seminary in St. Louis to provide the training for 21. International Student full-time ministry through a Pastoral Ministry Ministry Provides Bibles and Track leading to ordination and a Deaconess Christ-Oriented Resources------$30,000 Track leading to full-time service as a Lutheran WHEREAS, In His Great Commission Jesus Deaconess; and charged us to reach out to all nations; and WHEREAS, The EIIT program requires not only intensive study, but also active participation in WHEREAS, 89 international ministries are ethnic ministry; and presently serving students who are studying at campuses in the United States and the Lord is WHEREAS, Scholarships and ministry stipends are continuing to open doors for even greater minis- essential for most, if not all, native men and women try among internationals; and who sense God’s call to ministry, to be equipped and empowered to pursue that calling; and WHEREAS, International students learn about WHEREAS, The Holy Spirit has already led five Jesus and His love better when they read it in native men to enroll in the Pastoral Ministry their natives languages; and Track, two of whom are now in their vicarage WHEREAS, International students often bring their year, and one native woman to enroll in the Dea- families with them to the U.S. and these children coness Track; therefore be it are very enthusiastic about learning English; and RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- WHEREAS, Many of these LCMS ministries are sionary League in convention vote the sum of staffed by volunteers, and there is limited or no $100,000 to the Lutheran Association of Mission- current funding available to purchase children’s aries and Pilots U.S. to provide five scholarships Bibles or Bibles in the languages of international and ministry stipends to cover part of the ex- students; and penses for the Native men and woman currently enrolled in the EIIT program. WHEREAS, International Student Ministry, Inc.

39 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon 2009 proposed Mission grant Resolutions

23. Mission Support to Disabled Children – 25. Body and Soul Care for Dominican Republic------$50,000 Children in India------$50, 000 WHEREAS, Jesus Christ, the Great Physician, WHEREAS, LCMS World Relief and Human Care addressed the needs of both body and soul as He has worked closely with the India Evangelical ministered among us; and Lutheran Church (IELC) on many projects and WHEREAS, The Church as the body of Christ is desires to engage the LWML in the works of mercy called to continue this ministry to body and soul as a partner in missions and ministry; and in the name of our Lord; and WHEREAS, Luther gives us stirring descriptions WHEREAS, In the Dominican Republic, people of the church as a mercy place, and of its Gospel- with developmental disabilities and their fami- driven motivation to be merciful, the Reformer lies are in desperate need of this care and the often speaks of Christ’s incarnation and sacrificial hope that accompanies it; and death as our motivation to be merciful to the needy (including non-believers); and WHEREAS, A wonderful partnership between Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. and WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri LCMS World Mission is poised to address this Synod’s mercy arm, LCMS World Relief and Hu- need; and man Care reaches out in Christ’s name to those in need worldwide. Rendering love to the neighbor WHEREAS, The congregation of St. Michael’s and the needy is in large measure the content of the in Ft. Myers, Florida, stands ready to assist and priesthood of the baptized; therefore be it pray for this partnership; and RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- WHEREAS, LCMS World Relief and Human Care sionary League in convention vote the sum of exists to enable the church to reach out in mercy $50,000 for providing residential education and and care for body and soul ministry; therefore be it caring for the needs of downtrodden children at RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mission- the Missouri Evangelical Lutheran India Mis- ary League in convention vote the sum of $50,000 sion School, body and soul caring programs for to assist in funding body and soul care for disabled school drop-outs and IELC Tsunami Rehabilita- children in the Dominican Republic. tion for women and children. 24. LCMS Prison Ministry Provides 26. Lutheran Blind Mission Gospel Devotional Materials------$50,000 Tract CD and Outreach Events------$80,000 WHEREAS, Hebrews 13:3 states, “Remember WHEREAS, In today’s world there are more than those in prison as if you were their fellow pris- 55 million blind people, many of them children, oners, and those who are mistreated as if you and most of them have never heard that Jesus yourselves were suffering.”; and loves them; and WHEREAS, LCMS Prison Ministry, a ministry WHEREAS, Lutheran Blind Mission is a partner component of LCMS World Relief and Human of LCMS World Mission and the Ablaze! program Care (WR-HC), has provided resources for the which seeks to reach 100 million people with the LCMS congregations, districts, and individuals Gospel by 2017; and to be involved in prison ministry; and WHEREAS, Those who lose their sight struggle WHEREAS, Successful training programs for prison with isolation, despair, and identity issues; and ministry have been conducted by WR-HC; and WHEREAS, Materials have been developed WHEREAS, A Gospel tract in the CD format has for prison ministry that have been helpful, but never been designed and produced to reach, congregations and volunteers have asked for ad- help, and encourage blind and visually-impaired ditional and new materials, encouraging WR-HC people; and to produce these; and WHEREAS, Lutheran Blind Mission has estab- WHEREAS, It is the intent of LCMS Prison lished 58 plus outreach centers and has been add- Ministry to provide new resources to enhance the ing approximately 10 new centers each year; and church’s mission outreach to those whose lives WHEREAS, These outreach centers reach out to have been affected by incarceration; therefore be it isolated blind and visually-impaired people to RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- demonstrate the love of God; and sionary League in convention vote the sum of WHEREAS, Since many of the directors and assis- $50,000 to provide 5,000 copies of Lutheran tant directors have never had the opportunity to devotional materials to reach U.S. prison inmates meet together and discuss how and what they are desiring to know their Lord and Savior. doing in each of their centers, they would greatly 40 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon 2009 proposed Mission grant Resolutions benefit from dialoging among themselves. They 28. Psalm 69:14 Project – Emergency would be able to hear about the joys and frustra- Disaster Aid in Texas, Oklahoma, tions that they have each encountered and be able and Louisiana------$50,000 to learn from one another. The end result would WHEREAS, Persons affected by natural disasters be that they are able to more effectively deal with such as flood, tornados, hurricanes and other those who they serve; therefore be it crises need comfort and strength; and RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mission- WHEREAS, Whoever is mired in poverty, sickness ary League in convention vote the sum of $80,000 or disadvantages due to such disasters; and what- to Lutheran Blind Mission to fund the preparation ever deep waters of affliction, whatever floods of and duplication of a culturally-based, blind- trouble seem ready to overwhelm us, let us perse- friendly Gospel tract on compact disk, and help vere in prayer to our Lord to save us; and fund regional outreach conferences and seminars WHEREAS, Lutheran Social Services of the for their blind directors and sighted volunteers. South works with Lutheran churches and other 27. The Bridge Hispanic Outreach partners across the South Central United States Ministry – North Carolina------$50,000 to provide disaster response, recovery, and long- WHEREAS, God has commissioned His church to term rebuilding; and make disciples of all nations and now provided the WHEREAS, Lutheran Social Services of the South opportunity to do so among the Hispanic commu- is presently reaching out to Lutherans and others nity of Catawba County in North Carolina; and who lost their homes to Hurricanes Dolly, Gustav, WHEREAS, The LCMS Southeastern District has and Ike, despite its pooled resources which have identified mission development among the His- dwindled from $25 million for the 2005 storms to panic community of this region as an important about $250,000 for current and future disasters, priority; and including Hurricane Ike; and WHEREAS, St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, in ful- WHEREAS, Support for future disasters and filling its mission of Connecting All to Christ, has crises must be replenished to ensure that disaster called and recently installed a bilingual, bicultural victims have access to emergency aid when no pastor as Associate Pastor for Mission Develop- other resources exist; and ment with the specific task of developing a Hispan- WHEREAS, Lutheran Social Services of the ic outreach and church planting endeavor; and South and its affiliated ministry, Lutheran Social WHEREAS, Local Lutheran Church—Missouri Services Disaster Response, is the one official lo- Synod churches are committed to supporting cal affiliate for Lutheran Disaster Response in the this mission as it develops; and targeted multistate region of Texas, Oklahoma, WHEREAS, During his mission-track vicarage, and Louisiana, and works in coordination with Pastor Brandon Martin demonstrated the poten- Lutheran churches and leaders; therefore be it tial for a healthy outreach and church planting RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- effort; and sionary League in convention vote the sum WHEREAS, A strong and healthy mission initia- of $50,000 to Lutheran Social Services for the tive at this strategic time and location would provision of emergency aid to impoverished provide direction and inspiration for the South- and needy persons affected by natural and other eastern District and our synod to multiply its disasters, with aid taking the form of one-time Hispanic outreach efforts; and hardship grants, averaging $300, for shelter, WHEREAS, The need remains for the financial medicine, and other urgent and critical need not support to initiate the planned service and out- being met by any other resources. reach activities (mission projects); and WHEREAS, St. Stephen’s and Pastor Brandon seek a partnership with the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League in order to share with them the joy of celebrating God’s mission to seek and save the lost; therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Lutheran Women’s Mis- sionary League in convention vote the sum of $50,000 to help initiate the service and outreach activities of the Bridge Hispanic Mission. 41 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon 2009 convention Mission grant selection tally

Delegates will be voting for eight grants. Grant requests receiving the most votes (plurality) will be funded, until the approved mission goal is reached.

votes plurality received ranking

1. ______1. Humanitarian Aid Opens Mission Field in North Korea - $100,000 2. ______2. earthquake Relief Aid and Church Plants in Peru - $100,000 As he looked up, 3. ______3. Local Christians Trained for Human Care Ministry in Asia - $100,000 Jesus saw the rich 4. ______4. Human Care and Pastoral Ministries Developed in Latvia and Luthuania - $87,500 putting their gifts 5. ______5. deaconess Training in Latin America - $100,000 into the temple treasury. He also 6. ______6. Kyrgyzstan Locals Trained for Evangelism - $100,000 saw a poor widow 7. ______7. 10 Chapels, Transportation, and Pastoral Training in Tanzania - $88,000 put in two very 8. ______8. Humanitarian Aid Opens Mission Field in Vietnam - $100,000 small copper coins. 9. ______9. Humanitarian Care Outreach in Kazakhstan - $90,000 ”I tell you the truth,” 10. ______10. the Hope Center for Refugees and Immigrants – Ohio - $90,000 he said, “this poor widow has put 11. ______11. Missionary Director for Lutheran Inter-City Network Coalition (LINC) - Baltimore- $85,000 in more than all 12. ______12. ethnic Ministry Support in the Northeast U.S. - $90,000 the others. All 13. ______13. the Carpenter’s Hands – Youth Refurbish Homes in Florida - $26,000 these people gave 14. ______14. defray Costs of Shipping Quilts by Lutheran World Relief - $80,000 their gifts out of 15. ______15. Spiritual Retreats for Outreach Training – Cambodia – 30,000 their wealth; but 16. ______16. Light of Christ Chinese Lutheran Mission – St. Louis - $75,000 she out of her poverty put in all 17. ______17. Lutheran Braille Workers Provide English Braille Bibles – Africa - $100,000 she had to live on.” 18. ______18. Lutheran Latino Ministries Outreach Support – Oregon $40,000  19. ______19. digitize Classes for Specific Ministry Pastor Program (SMP) Luke 21: 1-4 Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne - $36,000 20. ______20. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Food Bank Relocation - $50,000 21. ______21. international Student Ministry Provides Bibles and Christ-Oriented Resources - $30,000 22. ______22. native Leadership Scholarships for Students Enrolled in Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT) - $100,000 23. ______23. Mission Support to Disabled Children – Dominican Republic - $50,000 24. ______24. LCMS Prison Ministry Provides Devotional Materials – $50,000 25. ______25. Body and Soul Care for Children in India – $50,000 26. ______26. Lutheran Blind Mission Gospel Tract CD and Outreach Events - $80,000 27. ______27. the Bridge Hispanic Outreach Ministry – North Carolina - $50,000 28. ______28. Psalm 69:14 Project – Emergency Disaster Aid in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana - $50,000 42 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Mission grant progress report

Ablaze! Implementation in North America ------$100,000 - Completed Training programs and materials are being developed for the involvement of Synod’s wide variety Mission Grants 2005-2007 of membership in order to reach the North American Ablaze! goal of 50 million people by 2017. paid during the Responding to HIV/AIDS Among Congregations in Kenya ------$51,000 - Completed 2007-2009 biennium This grant is helping to support, through LCMS World Relief and Human Care, the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of people affected by and living with HIV/AIDS, providing training for caregivers and guardians of orphans, educational materials and counseling through established Lutheran congregations. CAME – Reaching Asian Immigrants------$50,000 - Completed Asian missionaries and evangelists are being identified, recruited and trained through the Center for Asian Mission and Evangelism (CAME) to reach out with the Gospel to the 97 percent of unchurched Asians in North America through this grant. Lutheran Teachers in Sierra Leone------$84,000 - Completed This grant will help meet the urgent need for teachers, and help with scholarship assistance and construction and repair of Lutheran schools in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. Deaf Lay and Clergy Training – Concordia Seminary, St. Louis------$50,000 - Paid: $25,000 *Balance: $25,000 Mission Grants 2007-2009 To continue the training of deaf pastors and lay leaders through the Deaf Institute of Theology at *funds not requested Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Portable Medical Clinics for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sudan------$70,000 - Completed as of March 31, 2009 To provide the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sudan with two portable medical clinics, to be retrofitted and stocked by volunteer teams, and staffed with volunteer medical mission teams to serve the people in Baguga and Malakal. Building Ten Churches in India------$100,000 -*Balance: $100,000 To help LCMS World Mission work in partnership with the India Evangelical Lutheran Church, purchase land, and provide start-up funding for 10 churches in India. Female Missionary to Muslim Maninka in Guinea------$100,000 - Completed To develop the work of a female missionary who will touch the lives of Maninka Muslim women, who cannot have conversations with men who are not their husbands or close relatives, by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Lutheran Bible Translators’ Transportation------$60,000 - Completed To help Lutheran Bible Translators provide safe and reliable means of transportation for its missionaries as they bring God’s Word to people in the languages that reach their hearts. Eight New Lutheran Blind Mission Outreach Centers------$40,000 - Completed To help open eight new outreach centers for the blind and visually-impaired throughout the United States, and provide training for the new outreach center directors. Muslim Outreach and Education – Bangladesh------$75,000 - Completed To construct a school building in Beniarchar, Bangladesh, to educate Christian youth in rural areas, opening the door for equality in education and sharing the Gospel with Christian converts and their families. Circuit Rider for Rural Northwest South Dakota------$65,000 - Paid: $13,100 *Balance: $51,900 To establish a circuit rider ministry to reach isolated families in northwest South Dakota, which will give them the opportunity for worship and Bible study in their homes on a regular basis. Inner-City Children’s Ministry – Minneapolis/St. Paul------$50,000 - Completed To help Partners in Mission minister to and embrace the children of inner-city Minneapolis and St. Paul by bringing them to God through providing the LCMS congregations in their neighbor- hoods with the necessary resources. 43 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Mission grant progress report

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick Female Missionary to Africa for Human Relief Development------$100,000 - Completed or in prison and go to visit To help support the work of a female missionary who will touch the lives of hurting Africans through human relief development and ultimate healing through Jesus. you?’ “The King will HOPE Christian Family Counseling Center – St. Petersburg, Russia------$36,000 - Completed reply, ‘I tell you the truth, To help the HOPE Center, St. Petersburg, Russia, in its ministry through pro-life support and whatever you did for one counseling, pregnancy testing, computer job skills training and Bible study. of the least of these broth- Expand Mission Work in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, and Ethiopia------$104,500 - Completed To help develop and support Mission Training Centers to train teachers, evangelists, and pastors ers, you did for me.’ “ in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, and Ethiopia.  Matthew 25:37-40 Lutheran Campus Ministry at Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, Kansas----$95,000 - Completed To implement a culturally-relevant outreach program for the Haskell students which includes Bible study, Christian workshops, and recruitment for professional church work. KFUO Radio Internet Streaming------$50,000 - Completed To help provide the additional expansion of bandwidth needed for Internet streaming of live and archived programming and Bible studies on the LCMS radio stations KFUO AM and FM. Isaiah 49 Program, Preparing for Service in Child Welfare, Concordia University – Texas ------$80,000 - Paid: $18,400 - *Balance: 61,600 To help fund the Isaiah 49 Program which will create opportunities for students across the Con- cordia University System to receive educational, spiritual and vocational training, and internship experiences as they prepare for service to children in public agencies including those affiliated with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Outreach Ministry to the Homeless and Addicted – Detroit------$49,000 - Paid: $39,000 - *Balance: $10,000 To assist Lutheran City Ministries in its outreach to the homeless and addicted, the unemployed and the poor, the mentally challenged, and otherwise forgotten people of southwest Detroit, Michigan, by providing clothing, shelter, and food, and sharing the Gospel. St. Matthew’s “El Comedor Popular” Soup Kitchen – Chicago------$33,000 - Completed To help fund St. Matthew’s “El Comedor Popular” Soup Kitchen to feed the homeless, unemployed, seniors, and children of Chicago’s Pilsen community. Reaching Across Cultures Through Urban Children – Ohio------$32,500 - Completed To help Building Hope in the City and its partnering congregations operate eight “Urban Family Centers” offering evangelism activities for children, tutoring programs for youth and adults, and Gospel outreach ministry to Arab and African immigrants.

44 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon a word of thanks for faithful service

In fervent gratitude for the Savior’s dying love and His blood-bought gift of redemption we dedicate ourselves to Him with all that we are and have; and in obedience to His call for workers in the harvest fields we pledge Him our willing service wherever and whenever He has need of us... So begin the words of the LWML Pledge written by Rev. Harry Fricke and adopted by LWML and ap- pearing in the LWML Handbook in 1956. These words are spoken by thousands of women who joyfully serve the Lord with gladness, giving of their time, talents and treasures to extend His kingdom and share the message of saving faith in Jesus Christ. We are truly blessed! The following servant leaders of LWML have been obedient to His call and are now completing four years of service as elected officers of LWML. We thank God for each one and for the commitment shown to the organization as they have served as volunteer executives.

Vice President of Christian Life Vivian Ernst Vice President of Communication Sandy Hardies Recording Secretary Kay Kreklau Vice President of Gospel Outreach Janis McDaniels Pastoral Counselor Rev. Carl Gnewuch

Appreciation and thanks to those who have completed a two-year appointment in the following offices: Meeting Manager Pat Reichert Planner Karen Soeken Public Relations Director Peggy Turnipseed

We are very thankful for the years of faithful service of Convention Manager Jan Rueter, who is retiring from this position at the close of this convention. Jan was appointed in 2001. On behalf of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, sincere thanks to each elected officer, pastoral counselor, appointed officer, special appointed personnel, committee member, task force member and all who have so faithfully served. God has richly blessed our organization with His people who have chosen to serve through LWML. May God continue to bless and equip you for service wherever and whenever He has need of you. To Him be the glory!

Serving Him and His with you,

Janice M. Wendorf, President Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

45 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Elected Officer Reports-report of the president

President | Janice wendorf In the midst of the turbulent times in which we currently live, the LWML of today is a vibrant, mission-focused organization that embraces and celebrates all women of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. We thank God for His faithfulness to and through LWML for over 65 years and continue to Serve the Lord with Gladness. The activities of the LWML and its Presi- dent as they relate to the primary targets for the 2007-2009 biennium are summarized in the following report. As an elected officer, the general activities of the office were performed as required: Responded to all correspondence, e-mails, phone calls and faxes; wrote thank you notes and letters for gifts to LWML; reviewed and approved materials and publications; signed vouchers and contracts; prepared official calls and agendas for Executive Committee and Board of Directors; presided over meetings of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Trust God from the Christ-Centered Living Partnering for Diversity bottom of your heart;  Daily intentional reading of the Bible us-  Signed vouchers for mission grants coming NKJV version, following Today’s Light pleting our commitments for 2005-2007 don’t try to figure out periodical; biennium; everything on your own.  Shared many prayer requests with LWML  Signed vouchers for 2007-2009 biennium Listen for God’s voice friends via e-mail; mission grants as funds were requested and  Wrote President’s Page for each issue of available; in everything you do, Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly;  Received many Personnel Forms for pos- everywhere you go.  Regular contributor to the www.lwml. sible service on the national level of LWML;  He’s the one who will org home page approximately every four Thanked God for the diversity represented weeks; in our 2007-2009 committee personnel; keep you on track.  Worshiped and studied the Bible at many  Encouraged Friends Into Serving Him®  LWML district conventions and LCMS events; groups at congregations where I visited; Proverbs 3:5-6, (The Message)  Appointed LWML personnel on the Ex-  Visited Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. ecutive Committee, national committee Wayne, Indiana; toured the campus, includ- chairmen and members; called each of the ing the Food and Clothing Co-op; chairmen personally; sent letters to each  Made major donor visits with Pat Bilow, committee member. LWML Gifts of Love Planned Giving Telling the Good News Counselor;  Visited three grant recipients for 2007-2009  Given many opportunities to share the biennium: Lutheran Campus Ministry at LWML story and mission; Haskell Indian Nations University (#13);  Served on the Ablaze! Steering Committee; KFUO Radio Internet Streaming (#14);  Celebrated LWML Sunday in many loca- Reaching Across Cultures Through Urban tions with God’s people; Children (#18);  Given the opportunity to share the LWML  Presented “The LWML of Today” to the story in a brief video clip for use on LWML LCMS Board of Directors, August 22, 2008; Sunday;  Weekly interviews/devotional thoughts on  Prepared two special Christmas develop- KFUO at 8:05 a.m. on Mondays; available ment letters (November 2007 and 2008) em- via Internet streaming; link available on phasizing the difference that LWML grants www.lwml.org. make in spreading the Gospel;  Participated as a Petal Pusher for Lutheran Laymen’s League; sharing God’s love in Je- sus with those who watched the Rose Bowl Parade, January 1, 2009;  Shared personal faith with hotel personnel while traveling. 46 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Elected Officer Reports-report of the president

Building up Our Sisters in Christ  Evaluated, promoted and coordinated all activities of LWML, impacting the primary  Wrote letters of welcome for new societies targets and mission statement; to LWML;  Recommended resolutions to the Board of  Encouraged district presidents in their lead- Directors for their approval; ership roles;  Developed goals and objectives for Interde-  Assigned LWML representatives to all dis- partmental meetings, Assembly of Leaders trict conventions; and 2009 LWML Convention;  Prepared and recorded video greetings for  Reviewed, developed and recommended LWML Report to the Districts 2008; primary targets for 2009-2011 biennium;  Wrote personal notes to each of the 40  Approved bylaws amendments for presen- LWML district presidents prior to their tation to the voting body at this convention; conventions;  Approved proposed mission grants for the  Sent letters to the 19 new district presi- convention ballot; dents; scheduled phone calls with each of them discussing their goals, joys and  Arranged insurance coverage; challenges as they began their presidency;  Supervised the program of work and bud- prayed with them; get for this biennium;  President to President sessions at each of  Accepted many assignments in addition to the Board of Directors meetings; the responsibilities of their positions.  Met with the district presidents for two sessions at Assembly of Leaders; Board of Directors  Sent Christmas cards to all LWML person-  Held three meetings: February 2008 in St. nel, many LCMS officials and friends of the Louis, Missouri; January 2009 in Portland, LWML 2007 and 2008; Oregon; June 2009 in Portland;  Chaired a one day meeting/training of all  Participated in workshops, President to district presidents prior to the January 2009 President and presentations to the board; Board of Directors meeting;  Transacted the business of the organization  The President represented LWML as listed. between conventions; Other meetings attended by the Execu-  Chose six nominees for Pastoral Counselor tive Committee members are listed in their which were submitted to the Nominating reports. Committee to select two for the convention ballot; Executive Committee  Considered recommendations and resolutions;  Held eight meetings;  Approved recommendations and resolutions  Was attended by 15 people: the eight elected for presentation to the convention body; officers, two Pastoral Counselors, Meeting  Approved mite mission goal work program; Manager, Planner, Public Relations Director, LWML Business Administrator, and liaison  Chose recipients for the convention offerings; to the office of the President of the LCMS;  Considered and approved bylaw amend-  All members participated in and/or pre- ments to the convention; pared Bible studies, worship services, devo-  Considered and approved any changes in tions and prayers; mission grant plans after the recipients have  Assisted with appointing personnel to been selected in convention; LWML committees; approved appointments;  Approved and supported Assembly of  Administered the business of LWML Leaders in October 2008; between regular meetings of the Board of  Assisted with development and approval of Directors; primary targets for the 2009-2011 biennium.  Presented to the Board of Directors for approval all programs requiring financial support from the districts; 47 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Elected Officer Reports-report of the president

Representing the LWML  February 1, 2008 – LWML Planned Giving A Word of Thanks Council meeting (Gifts of Love), St. Louis, MO 2007  February 1-3, 2008 – LWML Board of Direc- from the President  June 24, 2007 – Post–convention LWML Ex- tors meeting, St. Louis, MO Thank you for electing ecutive Committee Meeting, Sioux Falls, SD  February 25-28, 2008 – LWML Council of me to serve as the 16th  July 2-3, 2007 – Transition meeting with Past Past Presidents, Cocoa Beach, FL LWML President Linda Reiser, Dubuque, IA President of the Luther-  February 29-March 3, 2008 – Association of  July 10-13, 2007 – Board for Mission Services an Women’s Missionary Lutheran Development Executives annual meeting, Houston, TX conference, Chicago, IL League. Your cards, let-  July 13-15, 2007 – Missionary Alumni Re-  March 3-4, 2008 – Ablaze! Steering Commit- ters and e-mails contain- union, Houston, TX tee meeting, Arlington Heights, IL ing words of encourage-  July 14-19, 2007 – LCMS Convention, Hous-  March 29, 2008 – Lutheran Association of ment and prayer support ton, TX Missionaries and Pilots Convention; honor- for this position are very  July 26-29, 2007– International Lutheran ing Dr. Betty Duda on retirement from their much appreciated. Laymen’s League Convention, Duluth, MN board, Brookfield, WI  August 8-12, 2007 – LWML Executive Com-  As I traveled throughout April 2-4, 2008 – LWML Convention Pro- mittee meeting, St. Louis, MO gramming Committee, Portland, OR the United States this past  September 5-6, 2007 – Board for Mission  April 4-6, 2008– LWML Executive Commit- biennium, I have seen how Services meeting, St. Louis, MO tee, Portland, OR the Lord has woven to-  September 5-7, 2007 – LCMS President’s  April 11-13, 2008 – Kansas District LWML gether women of all ages, Summit, St. Louis, MO Convention, Topeka, KS ethnicities, cultures and  October 6, 2007 – LWML Reception Concor-  April 14, 2008 – Visit to Grant #10 Lutheran every walk of life to carry dia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN Campus Ministry at Haskell Indian Nations out His purpose for the  October 7, 2007 – Greetings on LWML Sun- University, Lawrence, KS LWML. In order to do this day, Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church,  April 14-17, 2008 – Board for Mission Ser- Ft. Wayne, IN He has called each one of vices, St. Louis, MO  October 14-16, 2007 – LWML Convention us to be Lutheran Women  April 25-27, 2008 – California-Nevada-Hawaii Programming Committee, St. Louis, MO District LWML Convention, Bakersfield, CA in Mission who are in the  October 16-21, 2007 – LWML Executive Com-  May 2-4, 2008 – SELC District LWML Con- Word; of the Word; walk- mittee meeting, St. Louis, MO vention, Parma, OH ing with the Lord.  October 18-21, 2007 – LWML Interdepart-  May 5, 2008 – Visit to Grant #18 Reaching mental meeting, St. Louis, MO Across Cultures Through Children, Cleve-  October 26-27, 2007 – South Wisconsin Dis- land, OH trict LWML Fall Retreat, Wisconsin Dells, WI  May 16-18, 2008 – Oregon District LWML  November 10, 2007 – Host Committee meet- Convention, Medford, OR ing #1, Portland, OR  June 5-8, 2008 – Pacific Southwest District  November 13-14, 2007 – Board for Mission LWML Convention, Las Vegas, NV Services meeting, Dallas, TX  June 8-10, 2008 – Minnesota North District  November 14-16, 2007 – Mission Partners LWML Convention, Duluth, MN meeting, Dallas, TX  June 16-18, 2008 – North Wisconsin District  November 16, 2007 – LCMS Foundation An- LWML Convention, Eau Claire, WI nual Meeting, Dallas, TX  June 20-22, 2008 – Minnesota South District  November 16-19, 2007 – LCEF Fall Confer- LWML Convention, Rochester, MN ence, Dallas, TX  June 27-28, 2008 – South Wisconsin District  November 30-December 2, 2007 – Lutheran Women’s Cooperating Council Committee, LWML Convention, Oconomowoc, WI Minneapolis, MN  July 23-27, 2008 – International Lutheran Laymen’s League Convention, Lexington, KY 2008  August 18-20, 2008 – Commission on Theol-  January 28-30, 2008 – LWML Convention Pro- ogy and Church Relations, St. Louis, MO gramming Committee meeting, St. Louis, MO  August 20, 2008 – LWML Planned Giving  January 30-February 3, 2008 – LWML Execu- Council (Gifts of Love), St. Louis, MO tive Committee meeting, St. Louis, MO  August 22, 2008 – Presentation of LWML of To- 48 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Elected Officer Reports-report of the president

day to LCMS Board of Directors, St. Louis, MO 2009  August 25-26, 2008 – Donor visits with Pat  January 5-7, 2009 – LWML Grant Selection Bilow, LWML Planned Giving Counselor, meeting, St. Louis, MO Cleveland, OH  January 7, 2009 – Meeting with CPH person-  September 8-11, 2008 – Board for Mission nel, St. Charles, MO Services, Chicago, IL  January 8, 2009 – Chapel service at Lutheran  September 19-20, 2008 – Carolinas District Hour Ministries headquarters; meeting with LWML Convention, Greensboro, SC Phyllis Wallace, St. Louis, MO  September 25-28, 2008 – Florida-Georgia  January 9, 2009 – visit at KFUO; live inter- District LWML Convention, Orlando, FL view and guest co-host morning show, St.  October 4, 2008 – LWML Reception Concor- Louis, MO dia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN  January 25-27, 2009 – LWML Convention  October 6-9, 2008 – Pastoral Leadership Programming Committee, Portland, OR Institute Governance and Executive Training,  January 27-31, 2009 – LWML Executive Com- St. Charles, IL mittee, Portland, OR  October 18, 2008 – LWML Reception, Con-  January 29-30, 2009 – LWML District Presi- cordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO dents training, Portland, OR  October 19, 2008 – Greetings for LWML  January 30-31, 2009 – LWML Board of Direc- Sunday at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, tors meeting, Portland, OR Brentwood, MO  January 31, 2009 – Host Committee Board  October 19-21, 2008 – LWML Convention of Directors dinner; worship service Zion Programming Committee, St. Louis, MO Lutheran Church, Portland, OR  October 21-26, 2008 – LWML Executive Com-  February 1, 2009 – Host Committee meeting, mittee, St. Louis, MO Portland, OR  October 23-26, 2008 – LWML Interdepart-  February 6-7, 2009 – South Wisconsin Dis- mental meeting, St. Louis, MO trict LWML Young Women’s Retreat, Fond  October 24-26, 2008 – LWML Assembly of du Lac, WI Leaders, St. Louis, MO  February 21, 2009 – Funeral service for Ruth  October 27, 2008 – Visit to Grant #14 KFUO Utech, one of my LWML mentors, Oshkosh, WI Radio Internet Streaming, St. Louis, MO  March 7, 2009 – Many Nations, One God,  October 27-29, 2008 – Roundtable discussion South Wisconsin District LWML Heart to on LCMS Women’s Ministries, St. Louis, MO Heart Sisters, Milwaukee, WI  November 2, 2008 – LWML Sunday (and bap-  March 17-19, 2009 – LWML Convention Pro- tism of granddaughter Lydia Marie Wendorf) gramming Committee, Denver, CO at St. John Lutheran Church, Dublin, OH  March 29, 2009 – KFUO 85th Anniversary  November 3, 2008 – Donor visits with Pat celebration, St. Louis, MO Bilow, LWML Gift Planning Counselor, Co-  March 31-April 1, 2009 – Ablaze! Steering lumbus and Cincinnati, OH Committee, St. Louis, MO  November 17-19, 2008 – Board for Mission  April 13-16, 2009 – Pastoral Leadership Services, Palm Springs, CA Institute Governance and Executive Training,  November 19-21, 2008 – Mission Partners, Dallas, TX Palm Springs, CA  June 22-23, 2009 – LWML Executive Commit-  November 21, 2008 – LCMS Foundation an- tee, Portland, OR nual meeting, Palm Springs, CA  June 23-25, 2009 – LWML Board of Directors,  November 21-23, 2008 – LCEF Fall Confer- Portland, OR ence, Palm Springs, CA  June 25-28, 2009 – 33rd Biennial Convention  December 27, 2008 -January 2, 2009 – Tourna- LWML Convention, Portland, OR ment of Roses Parade, Lutheran Hour Float  June 28, 2009 – LWML Executive Committee rider, Pasadena, CA 2009-2011, meeting #1, Portland, OR

49 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Elected Officer Reports

Vice President of Christian Life | Vivian Ernst Serving as LWML Vice President of Christian Life during the past four years truly has been a joy and an honor. The Lord has blessed the work of the Christian Life Department as the members have provided women with a variety of resources to help them grow in their faith as they apply the Word of God to their lives. As an elected officer, I attended all meetings of the Executive Committee; attended all meetings of the Board of Directors; attended two Interdepartmental meetings; attended Assembly of Lead- ers in 2008; and performed general activities of the office including responding to all correspondence, e-mails, and telephone calls. As Coordinator of the Christian Life Department, I supervised the work of the department committees and task forces; reviewed all department materials for e-News and LWML Web site; proofread and edited materials and products; and signed vouchers as required. The activities of this Vice President as they relate to the primary targets are summarized below: I can do all things through Christ who Christ-Centered Living Building Up Our Sisters in Christ strengthens me.  Worshipped regularly and continued study  Communicated regularly with committee  of God’s Word using Today’s Light devo- and task force chairmen regarding products tions; and programs of the biennium; Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)  Prayed for leaders and members of the  Wrote articles for the Impressions newsletter LWML as informed and requested. and for the LWML Web site home page; Telling the Good News  Continued to serve as Mission-Ministry Vision Consultant in Iowa District West,  Prepared devotions and led prayers as as- which included sharing the MMV program signed for meetings; with interested societies and individuals,  Served as LWML national representative for and participating at the Iowa District West Gulf States, Utah-Idaho, Nebraska North, LWML Convention; Texas and Chesapeake LWML district con-  Served as interest session speaker and ventions; leader at district conventions as requested.  Worked with the authors of Prayer Service 2009 and Prayer Service 2010. Special Assignments  Served as 2009 Convention Programming Partnering for Diversity Committee secretary and meeting manager;  Compiled evaluations from Sioux Falls  Served on Development Committee, Gover- convention attendees; nance Committee and LWML Ablaze! Faith  Participated in interactive activities with Talk Task Force; Young Woman Representatives at district  Served on Crisis Management Team and conventions as requested; Minutes Review for Executive Committee  Encouraged translation of current Mustard as requested; Seeds into Spanish;  Proofread additional materials as requested;  Served as lay member on the Iowa District  Coordinated the convention exhibitor West LCMS Board of Directors. details, including sending notices via e-mail to potential exhibitors, preparing exhibitor pages for posting on the LWML Web site, communicating with and registering exhibitors, and assigning spaces for all outside and in-house exhibits and tables.

50 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Elected Officer Reports

Vice President of Communication | Sandy Hardies As Vice President of Communication, it has been my privilege to serve God and you in the LWML. I have learned so much and have been able to share that learning with you. I have also had the opportunity to meet and to serve with wonderful brothers and sisters in the Lord. As an elected officer, I attended all the called meetings of the Executive Committee (8) and Board of Directors (3), two Interdepartmental meetings; monitored the activities of the Media and Marketing Committee, the Official Publication Staff, and the Web Site Task Force; supervised the webmaster and monitored the quality of the LWML Web site; responded to communications by e-mail and telephone; completed assignments and tasks as assigned by the President. Specific activities as they related to the primary targets:

Christ-Centered Living Telling the Good News   Worshipped regularly; prayed for family, Handled Web page updates for Web Site Taste and see that friends and LWML family; Task Force to place on LWML Web site;  Have committed to devotions and Bible  Proofed issues of Cyber Scoop for Committees the Lord is good; readings using Today’s Light; and Cyber Scoop for Webmasters; blessed is the man who  Prepared prayers and devotions for meet-  Gathered information and proofed e-News ings as requested; for distribution through the LWML server; takes refuge in him.  Led monthly home Bible study group and  Proofed all Quarterly editions prior to  occasionally Wednesday and Sunday morn- publication; Psalm 34:8 ing Bible studies;  Maintained the LWML directory of elected  Served as chairman of our mini-retreat at and appointed officers, committee members Chapel of the Lakes. and Board of Directors; Partnering for Diversity  Worked with the PR Director on the news releases and Quarterly writing Etc and Prod-  Met with Young Woman Representatives uct Depot pages; and some teens at the Oklahoma, South  Represented the LWML at the Oklahoma, Dakota, Ohio, and Northern Illinois District Atlantic, South Dakota, Ohio, and Northern LWML Conventions; Illinois District Conventions;  Worked with many people while leading  Presented interest sessions at the Atlantic, MOST mission teams to Nicaragua, Hondu- South Dakota, and Ohio District Conventions; ras, Cambodia, and Kyrgyzstan;  Managed the Communication Room for  Wrote article for Impressions. LWML Convention 2009; Building Up Our Sisters in Christ  Serve on the Board of Regents, Concordia  Wrote and helped put together the National University, Ann Arbor; Report to the 2008 district conventions;  Serve as Chairman of the Board of Steward-  Supported and encouraged the leadership of ship at my church. the Chairman of Media and Marketing, the Special Assignments new Web Site Task Force and the Editor-in- Chief of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly;  Represented the LWML at the 2007 National Youth Gathering in Orlando  Continue to serve as a Mission-Ministry Vision Consultant;  Chairman of the Governance Committee  Worked with national church leaders and  Visioning Committee member missionaries in Nicaragua, Honduras, Cam-  Development Committee member bodia, and Kyrgyzstan;  Attended Michigan District Board meetings.

51 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Elected Officer Reports

Vice President of Gospel Outreach | Janis McDaniels It has been both a privilege and joy to serve as the coordinator for the Gospel Outreach Depart- ment of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League this past biennium, as well as the last four years. Through this office, I have been given the opportunity to meet and work with many mission-minded and talented women. This was truly a blessing. I have also been blessed to grow in faith and knowledge as I carried out the duties of this office. As an elected officer, I attended all meetings of the Executive Committee; attended all meetings of the Board of Directors; attended two Interdepartmental Meetings. As the Coordinator of the Gospel Outreach Department, I supervised work of the department committees; reviewed all department materials for the LWML Web site; reviewed all department products for publication; general duties of this office were performed as required, including responding to correspondence, e-mails, faxes, and telephone calls. The activities of this vice president as they relate to the primary targets include the following: The Lord has made his salvation known Christ-Centered Living Partnering for Diversity   and revealed his Prepared devotions for meetings as Attended the Association of Lutheran De- requested; velopment Executives (ALDE) Conference, righteousness to  Served as interest session leader at district February 28‒March 3, 2008, Chicago, Illinois; the nations. conventions as requested;  Represented the LWML at five conventions   Serve as devotion leader for my home – New Jersey, Eastern, Rocky Mountain, Michigan, and Nebraska South; Psalm 98:2 society.  Met with Young Woman Representatives at Telling the Good News district conventions;  Served on Minutes Review Committee for  Represented LWML at the Black Ministry Executive Committee as requested; Family Convocation, July 31‒August 3, 2009;  Disbursed grant monies as requested;  Attended meetings of the LCMS Advisory  Supplied information about current grants Group for National Missions, 2007‒2009. to the Quarterly; Building Up Our Sisters in Christ  Answered inquiries about mission grant proposals;  Served on the planning committee and attended the 2008 Assembly of Leaders;  Processed 85 grant proposals;  Serve as MMV Consultant for the Carolinas  Invited and hosted The Lutheran Church— District; Missouri Synod executives at the grant selection meeting;  Serve as Carolinas District Zone Liaison.  Chaired the grant selection meeting and notified submitters of the results;  Presented the proposed mission grants ballot to the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors;  Prepared the mission grants ballot for presentation at the convention;  Served as chairman of the Development Committee.

52 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Elected Officer Reports

Vice President of Human Care | Deaconess Sylvia Johnson What a true joy and privilege it has been to serve the Lord and you, the Lutheran Women’s Mis- sionary League, as Vice President of Human Care this past biennium! Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I have been blessed to team with the members of the Executive Committee, the Human Care Committee and the Friends Into Serving Him® Task Force in mission and ministry. I look forward to being part of the Lord’s work within the LWML during the next biennium. As an elected officer, I attended all of the called meetings of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. I also attended two Interdepartmental meetings and Assembly of Leaders. As Coordinator of the Human Care Department, I supervised the work of the department committees and proofread and edited materials and products for publication. General activities of the office were performed including responding to correspondence, e-mails, phone calls, faxes, and signing vouchers as required. Activities of this vice president as they relate to the primary targets include: “For I know the plans Christ-Centered Living Telling the Good News I have for you”  Prepared devotions and prayers for meet-  Finalized Gifts from the Heart for the 2009 declares the Lord, ings as requested; Portland convention;  Served as interest session leader and speak-  Wrote articles for LWML Web site home “plans to prosper you er at district conventions as requested; page; and not harm you,   Prayed for members of the LWML as in- Represented the LWML at three district con- plans to give you formed and requested; ventions—New England, Central Illinois,  Joined together with rest of Executive Com- and Iowa West—and prepared necessary hope and a future.” mittee in personal daily devotions in Today’s presentations;  Light Bible;  Worked with the LWML Office and Orphan Jeremiah 29:11  Co-led small group Bible study with my Grain Train in response to requests follow- husband on bi-weekly basis; ing floods in Midwest, summer 2008;  Participated in Together in Prayer Monday  Wrote article and compiled pictures for at noon. Web page highlighting disaster relief after Midwest floods; Partnering for Diversity  Attended and spoke at two LWML recep-  Worked with Friends into Serving Him®: tions for fourth-year students and spouses Teen LWML on “she, me, and He” event in at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. Portland; Building Up Our Sisters in Christ  Sponsored a family from inner-city Luther- an School in Milwaukee;  Communicated with committee chairmen regarding Assembly of Leaders;  Met with and spoke to YWRs at Central Illinois District Convention;  Continued working as a Mission-Minis- try Vision Consultant within the English  Represented the LWML at the Women’s District. Leadership Institute Roundtable Discussion;  Attended LCMS World Relief and Human Special Assignments Care Disaster Relief Conference.  Chairman, Convention Programming Committee  Member, Development Committee  Member, Visioning Committee

53 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Elected Officer Reports

Vice President of Servant Resources | Eloise Kuhlmann The Servant Resources Department assists societies in developing viable groups, encourages and equips women in leadership roles, and examines and evaluates bylaws. It is a privilege and joy to serve the women of the LWML and our Lord through this office. This opportunity has been a blessing and continues to encourage me to joyfully live for Christ and serve Him. We do this in the LWML in response to God’s amazing love for us and our desire to share the love of the Lord who reigns! As an elected officer, I attended all meetings of the Executive Committee; attended all meetings of the Board of Directors; attended two Interdepartmental meetings. As Coordinator of the Servant Resources Department, I supervised work of the department committees; reviewed all department materials for e-News, LWML Web site and Quarterly publications; reviewed proposed 2009 LWML Bylaw amendments; reviewed and updated 2007 edition of the Leaders Manual and forwarded to LWML Web site. “Have I not commanded The activities of this vice president as they relate to the primary targets are summarized below: you? Be strong and Christ-Centered Living BUILDING UP OUR SISTERS IN CHRIST courageous. Do not be  Participated in Bible study;  Served on Minutes Review and Crisis terrified, do not be dis-  Prepared devotions and prayers for meet- Management for Executive Committee as requested; couraged for the ings as requested.  Served as LWML representative for the fol- Lord your God will Telling the Good News lowing district conventions: Louisiana-Mis- be with you  Served as interest session leader and speak- sissippi, Missouri, Indiana, and Southern er at district conventions as requested; Illinois; wherever you go.”  Wrote articles for department publications  Reviewed and proofed the updated Struc-  and Web site home page. ture Committee, Individual Membership, Joshua 1:9 and Friends into Serving Him® Guidelines Partnering for Diversity booklet;  Communicated with committee chairmen  Reviewed and proofed The TEAM Leader, regarding programs of the biennium; e-mail newsletter sent via the Internet to  Communicated with committee chairmen district Leader/Member Development coun- regarding convention luncheon/exhibit terparts; plans;  Reviewed and proofed Impressions, e-mail  Assisted HOPE Committee with the revi- newsletter sent via the Internet to district sion of the MMV application forms; Young Woman Representatives.  Represented LWML at the Lutheran Educa- Special Assignments tion Association, April 24–26, 2008, in Min-  Chairman, LWML Assembly of Leaders 2008 neapolis, Minnesota;  Member, Finance Committee  Represented the LWML at the meeting of the LCMS Board for Mission Services, April  Member, Visioning Committee 15–17, 2009, in St. Louis, Missouri.

54 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Elected Officer Reports

Recording Secretary | Kay Kreklau What a blessing it has been to serve as Recording Secretary for the Lutheran Women’s Mis- sionary League. God continues to work in the lives of His people, gifting them with talents and opportunities to serve Him. I pray each of you will take the opportunity to serve our Lord where ever and whenever He has need of you. To God be the Glory! “Look to the Hills ... God Reigns!” As an elected officer, I attended and prepared minutes for eight meetings of the Executive Com- mittee, three meetings of the Board of Directors, and the 2009 convention; updated and printed the Executive Committee Operating Policies and the Board of Directors Standing Policies; compiled and edited the convention manual for layout; received and processed certifications of all delegates, Board of Directors, LWML committees, district counselors and Young Woman Rep- resentatives for the 2009 LWML convention; served as chairman of two Interdepartmental (ID) meetings; served as chairman of the Planned Giving Council Committee; served on the Assem- bly of Leaders, Finance, and Governance Committees of the EC; presented prayers and devotions at meetings as assigned; represented the LWML at the Mid-South District LWML Convention; Do not be anxious represented the LWML at the Washington-Alaska District LWML Convention; general activities of this office were performed as required, including responding to/filing correspondence, faxes, about anything, but e-mail, and telephone calls. in everything, by The activities of this officer as they relate to the primary targets are summarized below: prayer and petition, Christ-Centered Living Building Up Our Sisters in Christ with thanksgiving,   Participated in Bible study; Trained as a Mission-Ministry Vision present your  Prayed for members of the LWML as in- Consultant; prepared and presented MMV formed and requested; sessions; requests to God.   Personal Bible study using Today’s Light;  Serving on North Dakota District Zone Task Force; Philippians 4:6  Participated in Together in Prayer each Monday at noon.  Prayed for members of the Executive Com- mittee and Board of Directors. Telling the Good News  Thanks to the members of the Minutes  Leading Bible study; Review Committees of the Executive Com- mittee, the Board of Directors and conven-  Being intentional in sharing my faith with tion 2009, for their assistance in assuring extended family and co-workers. the accuracy of the minutes of all meetings. Partnering for Diversity A special thank you to my family for their help and love.  Met with Young Woman Representatives at the Washington-Alaska District Convention;  Serving as a member of the North Dakota LCMS Board of Directors.

55 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Elected Officer Reports

Treasurer | Helen Miller What a privilege it has been for me to serve as the Treasurer of the Lutheran Women’s Mission- ary League this past biennium. It has been an awesome task, one that I could not have accomplished without the encouragement and assistance of my sisters in Christ, and most of all God Himself. Thank you for the opportunity to serve in this way. During this biennium, my activities have included:

 Attendance at all called meetings of the Ex-  Reviewed Financial Consultant reports; ecutive Committee and Board of Directors;  Prepared mite reports for President and Interdepartmental meetings and Assembly e-News; of Leaders 2008;  Prepared district invoicing for insurance  Acknowledgement of all bequests and premiums and travel equalization for LWML special gifts; representatives to district conventions; I can do all things  Preparation of reports for all Executive  Served as Chairman of the 2009 Convention through Christ who Committee and Board of Director meetings; Offering Committee;  Served as Chairman of the Finance Com- strengthens me.  Assistance to Convention Host Committee mittee, meeting with the accountant and Treasurer;  preparation of budgets; Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)  Prepared devotions and prayers for meet-  Monitored biennium budget; ings as requested;  Reviewed and monitored deposits of orga-  Prayed for members and leaders of the nization accounts; LWML as informed and requested;  Monitored organization investments;  Continued in the daily study of God’s Word.

56 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon PASTORAL COUNSELOR Reports

Senior Pastoral Counselor | Rev. Carl Gnewuch Grace and peace to all who have gathered in Portland to Look to the Hills where our God reigns! We are truly blessed to meet in this place, where sky and mountain meet, to join heaven and earth in praise to our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are also privileged at this convention to celebrate the work of the Lord through the LWML. As my term as LWML Pastoral Counselor draws near to completion, I am grateful and humbled to consider how the Lord has delivered His Word through me — and in spite of me! God is good! My small part in the work of the LWML, taken up together with the work of those I have come to regard as close friends, has through the Spirit produced a “mitey” bounty for our Synod, our missionaries, our churches, and the Kingdom of God. God has been so good to us, to work in us to save us, and then to work in us to save more. As we Look to the Hills at this convention we will see Jesus — and together sing, smile and cry, laugh, hug and shout, Our God Reigns! God is good! I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.  1 Corinthians 1:4

Junior Pastoral Counselor | REV. Michael Mattil I attended the National Youth Gathering in Orlando less than a month after my election to serve as your Pastoral Counselor. While there, I ran into LCMS First Vice President William Diekel- mann, whom I have known for about 25 years. He congratulated me on my election and said, “Mike, you’ve got the best job in Synod.” I didn’t argue with him then, nor would I now. It has been a joy and a blessing for me to be able to serve this organization. Looking back, the range and variety of activities in which I have been privileged to be involved is astounding. In addition to attending the meetings of the Executive Committee and Board of Di- rectors, I have prepared and led worship services and Bible studies, offered counsel as requested, provided doctrinal review for publications and products, worked with committees to which I was assigned, and prayed for and with many of my sisters in Christ. In all of this, I have been encouraged by the quality of character and commitment to ministry of the women who make up the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Whatever you do, Thank you for allowing me to serve the Lord with you. work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  Colossians 3:23-24

57 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon appointed Officer Reports

Meeting Manager | Pat Reichert The LWML Meeting Manager plans and coordinates travel, lodging, catering, and meeting support for all LWML events held during the biennium. It has been a joy to serve our Lord in this way for the past two years. I have been blessed to meet and serve with many faithful Christian men and women. General activities of the office were performed as required, including responding to and filing correspondence, faxes, e-mail, and telephone calls.

Christ-Centered Living Building Up our Sisters in Christ (cont.)  Daily Today’s Light Bible study;  Council of Past Presidents meeting in Coco  Serve as Chairman of Lydia Circle in my Beach, Florida; congregation;  Planned Giving Council meeting in St. Be still, and know that I  Serve on LWML Board of Directors in my Louis, Missouri; congregation.  Nominating Committee meeting in St. am God; I will be exalted Louis, Missouri; Partnering for Diversity among the nations, I will  Assembly of Leaders in St. Louis, Missouri;  Attended Lutheran Laymen’s League Con-  Two Interdepartmental meetings in St. be exalted in the earth. vention, Lexington, Kentucky, July 2008; Louis, Missouri;   Attended Central Illinois District LWML  Convention Site Committee meeting in St. Psalm 46:10 Convention, Springfield, Illinois, June 2009; Louis, Missouri;  Attended local, zone and district LWML  Mission Grant Selection Committee meeting events; in St. Louis, Missouri;  Serve as South Dakota Mission-Ministry  Worked with The Lutheran Church—Mis- Vision Consultant. souri Synod Meeting Planner; Telling the Good News  Reviewed, approved, and forwarded to ac-  Presented Executive Committee, Interde- countant bills for payment of all meetings; partmental and Board of Directors devo-  Prepared new LWML Representative tions as assigned; Guidelines for District Presidents;  Co-teach 3-year-old Sunday school class.  Chaired Convention Site Committee; Building Up our Sisters in Christ  Served as a member of the 2007 Interdepart- mental Committee;  Arranged travel, lodging, catering and  Served as a member of the 2008 Assembly meeting support for: of Leaders Committee;  Eight Executive Committee meetings in St.  Sent and managed Acknowledgment/Re- Louis, Missouri, and Portland, Oregon; lease forms for all meetings;  Three Board of Directors meetings in St.  Presented information for district presi- Louis, Missouri, and Portland, Oregon; dents during president’s forum, January  Six Convention Program Committee 2009; meetings in St. Louis, Missouri; Portland,  Initiated planning for 2009 and 2010 meeting. Oregon; and Denver, Colorado;

58 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon appointed Officer Reports

Planner | Karen Soeken Serving as Planner for the LWML during 2007‒2009 has been a joy, an honor and a blessing. I thank God for giving me this opportunity and for the dedicated women and men I have had the pleasure of working with throughout these two years. General activities of the office were performed as required. Revised program/product forms in consultation with President and LWML Business Administrator and met with ad hoc committee to revise procedures for product development.

Christ-Centered Living Building Up our Sisters in Christ (cont.)  Presented prayers and devotions at meet-  Assisted the President in preparation of the ings as assigned; Two-Year Plan;  Daily Bible study using Today’s Light;  Reviewed issues of The TEAM Leader; Teach me Your way,  Together in Prayer Monday at noon;  Prepared listing of LWML personnel, MMV  Reviewed Walking with the Lord CD and Consultants, YWRs, and Heart to Heart Sis- O Lord. 2009 and 2010 Prayer Services. ters by district for use at district conventions;   Reviewed and provided input for surveys Psalm 86:11 Telling the Good News to evaluate the Mission-Ministry Vision  Reviewed mission grant prayers for 2007‒ program; 2009;  Represented LWML at the English District  Reviewed grant proposal guidelines for LWML and Iowa District East LWML Con- 2009‒2011; ventions;  Reviewed mission grant story, devotion and  Chaired Visioning Committee and led mission calendar for October 2007 through visioning process for Targets and Goals for May 2009; 2009‒2011;  Prepared evaluation survey for 2009 LWML Partnering for Diversity convention.  Reviewed issues of Impressions; Meetings  Reviewed material for Gospel Outreach Web site page and WebTip;  Executive Committee, 8/07, St. Louis, Mis- souri; 4/08, Portland, Oregon; and 10/08,  Met with Young Woman Representatives at St. Louis, Missouri; Iowa District East LWML Convention;  Executive Committee and Interdepartmen-  Met with women attending the English Dis- tal Meeting, 10/07, St. Louis, Missouri; trict LWML Convention for the first time.  English District LWML Convention, 4/08, Building Up Our Sisters in Christ Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;  Analyzed 2007 LWML convention evaluations;  Iowa District East LWML Convention, 6/08,  Served as member of the Interdepartmental Clinton, Iowa; 2007 planning committee and led training  Chesapeake District LWML Convention, for committee chairmen and members; 9/08, Timonium, Maryland;  Worked with committees as they developed  Assembly of Leaders 2008, 10/08, St. Louis, objectives and activities for the biennium; Missouri;  Led the Executive Committee in visioning  Executive Committee and Board of Direc- for 2008 Assembly of Leaders and for theme tors, 1/09, and 6/09, Portland, Oregon; and Bible verses for 2009 LWML convention;  LWML convention, 6/09, Portland, Oregon.  Member of the 2008 Assembly of Leaders planning committee, prepared and summarized evaluation forms, and wrote two grant applications to secure funding for 2008 As- sembly of Leaders; 59 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon appointed Officer Reports

Public Relations Director | Peggy Turnipseed It has been a great joy and privilege to serve as the LWML Public Relations Director this biennium. I have had the opportunity to serve on the Executive Committee with many wonderful and dedicated people, and have grown spiritually because of this service. God is good … all the time, and has allowed the LWML to be in partnership with many other ministries who desire to share the Good News with all people throughout the world just as we do. General activities of the office were performed as required, including responding to correspondence, e-mail, faxes, and telephone calls.

Christ-Centered Living Partnering for Diversity (cont.)  Personal Bible study using Today’s Light  Coordinated exhibit and materials for booths devotions; at the following events: Lutheran Educators For I know the plans  Assist with leading a monthly Bible study; Association Convocation in Minneapolis, Minnesota; National Lutheran Youth Work-  I have for you, Prepared assigned prayers and devotions ers Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana; for meetings. declares the Lord, International Lutheran Laymen’s League Telling the Good News Conventions in Lexington, Kentucky, and in plans to prosper you Greensboro, North Carolina; National His-  Coordinated the LWML Sunday 2008 and panic Convention in Orlando, Florida; and not to harm you, 2009 materials with authors respectively: Dr.  Provided materials for articles in the Re- Robert Roegner and Dr. Warren Schumacher; plans to give you porter;  Made arrangements and assisted in hosting hope and a future.  Prepared packets for women of the LCMS LWML receptions at Concordia Theological Mission Department that included a per-  Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Octo- sonal letter from President Wendorf; Jeremiah 29:11 ber 6, 2007, and October 4, 2008;  Attended meetings on future participation  Made arrangements and assisted in hosting in booths at LCMS Convention and Nation- LWML receptions at Concordia Seminary in al Youth Gathering. St. Louis, Missouri, on October 21, 2007, and October 18, 2008; Building Up Our Sisters in Christ  Consulted with LCMS World Mission on  Secured logo designs and sketch to promote faith-sharing display project. 2009 LWML Convention; Partnering for Diversity  Coordinated development of stationery, flier and other items for 2009 LWML Con-  Prepared information for the LWML Prod- vention; uct Depot in issues of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly that would appeal to both young  Presented LWML PowerPoint at Wyoming and old members; District Convention;  Attended Lutheran Women’s Cooperating  Sent letter to congregation/pastor of LWML Committee meeting in Minneapolis, Min- committee members informing them of nesota, with other Lutheran women orga- individual’s participation; nization’s leaders and learned about their  Assisted with development of Pocket Diary; structure and programs;  Secured photographer for Executive Com-  Attended Association of Lutheran Develop- mittee, LWML committees, district presi- ment Executives (ALDE) Conferences in dents and convention pictures; February 2008 in Chicago, Illinois, and 2009  Attended all meetings of the Convention in Austin, Texas; Programming Committee, Executive Com-  Had a breakfast meeting with the Young mittee, Board of Directors, Interdepartmen- Woman Representatives at the Wyoming tal and the Assembly of Leaders 2008. District Convention;

60 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

Business Administrator | Norine Stumpf The LWML Business Office in St. Louis, Missouri, exists to facilitate the business of the Luther- an Women’s Missionary League and to serve you, the women of the LWML. We are available via e-mail, phone, fax, and mail to serve you. We offer a variety of products and services as well assistance and information. The staff of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Office is dedicated to the mission and ministry of the LWML. We are pleased to serve, and look forward to another biennium as we “Look to the Hills … God Reigns”!

These activities were part of our These are our goals for the next biennium work in the 2007 – 2009 biennium  Continue to produce the Quarterly and  Manage the production and distribution improve subscription base; For I know the plans of the Quarterly;  Manage changing technologies; I have for you ...  Produce LWML Sunday materials, mailings,  Continue ongoing work on databases; and order fulfillment; plans to prosper  Continue to provide products that meet the  Provide materials and information as needs of the women of the LWML; you and not required throughout the LWML and the  Control costs; to harm you, LCMS;  Continue to operate the office on a “break plans to give you  Maintain mailing lists and databases; even” basis. hope and a future.  Provide adequate stock and keep all appropriate records;  Jeremiah 29:11  Fulfill, ship, and bill all orders;  Provide accounting and billing for services performed;  Manage all mailings;  Handle all business paperwork to assure the ongoing work of the organization;  Handle issues of insurance;  Work with national, districts, zones, and societies, assisting them as necessary;  Offer assistance through mail, e-mail, fax, and phone, forwarding information and directing queries;  Monitor technological changes and implement as applicable to the LWML Office;  Provide catalogs and informational materials for our members.

61 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon special appointed personnel Reports

Contracts Administrator | Ruth Ann Johnson What a joy and privilege it has been for me to serve as the Contracts Administrator of the LWML! I have met such wonderful sisters and brothers in Christ through my work in LWML these past six years and I thank God for this blessing in my life. My prayer for all those who attend this convention is that we will leave as servant leaders inspired to serve others as Christ has served us. AS THE CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATOR  Attended and reported to 2008 Board of  Completed U.S. trademark registration for Directors meeting; Friends Into Serving Him®; Friends Into  Served as liaison with LWML legal counsel Serving Him® wordmark* and Friends Into as necessary for LWML legal matters; Serving Him® stylized and design;  Served on Convention Site Committee;  Negotiated, processed, and completed the LWML/Ohio District Working Relationship  Attended Convention Site Committee meetings; Rejoice in the Lord Agreement;  Served as chairman of LWML Endowment  Negotiated, processed and completed the always; again I Committee; 2009 Portland convention contracts (conven- will say, Rejoice!  Served as member of Planned Giving Council; tion facilities, hotels, staff, services, etc.);   Provided contract administration for Gifts  Mill Neck Foundation grant; of Love planned giving initiative; Philippians 4:4 (NASB)  Negotiated the Parabolic Productions  Reviewed, completed negotiations, and pro- contract/LWML Fall Leadership Conference cessed all other agreements which commit video production. LWML monies and resources to transactions; *Friends Into Serving Him® are the first two trademarks  Initiated, reviewed, and managed vital records owned by LWML. Certificates of registration were re- for LWML including federal and Missouri tax- ceived in September 2007 and January 2008, respectively. exempt and not-for-profit registration;

Convention Manager | Jan Rueter It has been a joy and privilege to serve the LWML this biennium as the Convention Manager. As a special appointed officer, I have focused my work on this convention, “Look to the Hills … God Reigns.” May God bless all who attend this 33rd Biennial LWML Convention. May they return home reassured and confident that their God reigns as Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier. They will enthusiastically share His love and peace with others. With great joy I have worked with my successor, Marguerite Christman, who has accepted this appointed office as I retire following the Portland convention. As an Appointed Officer  Attended and reported to all meetings of  Prepared convention budget for presentation the Board of Directors; to the Finance Committee by the Treasurer;  Attended and reported to all meetings of  Carried out all convention contracts following Every valley shall be filled the Convention Programming Committee as negotiation by the Contracts Administrator; an advisory member;  Responsible for convention registration and in, every mountain and  Served as the liaison with the Portland Host the work of the registrar; hill made low. The crooked Committee attending all their meetings  Assembled the information and materials and working closely with Host Committee for the convention insert in the Quarterly; roads shall become Chairman Julia Riess;  Assisted speakers, special guests, and staff straight, the rough ways  Served on the 2017 Convention Site Com- with their convention arrangements; mittee as an advisory member;  Coordinated the LWML room block with smooth … And all mankind  Updated the LWML Convention Guidelines the Meeting Manager; will see God’s salvation. for use by the Host Committee and the  Prepared expense vouchers for all conven-  Executive Committee; tion bills to be paid;  Luke 3:5-6 Served as the LWML contact with the Or-  Maintain membership in the Religious Con- egon Convention Center and the Portland ference Management Association; Housing Bureau;  Served as a Mission–Ministry Vision Con- sultant in the Chesapeake District. 62 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon special appointed personnel Reports

Archivist-Historian | peggi l. lawrence In Romans 15:4 we are told that “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (NIV). All Christians are to remember our Lord’s past blessings for our hope of the future. I am very grateful for the work being done by our Archivist-Historian Emeritus Gladys Grov- ender as she continues to work in the archives organizing and cataloging materials. I also am thankful for the wonderful cooperation and assistance provided by the staff at Concordia His- torical Institute, especially Barbara Huggins. It has been a blessing to me to continue to serve you as I receive, prepare, and store materials sent by the elected and appointed officers of the LWML, as well as from the district Archivist- Historians. I have responded to a number of inquiries about LWML history. As an Appointed Officer I have For everything that was  Participated in the June 19‒21, 2007, Board  Prepared reports for the February 1‒3, 2008, written in the past was of Directors meeting in Sioux Falls, South Board of Directors meeting in St. Louis, Dakota; Missouri, with recommendations regarding written to teach us, so the legal formats of our minutes;  Participated in the June 21‒24, 2007, national that through endurance convention in Sioux Falls and had a display  Prepared reports for the January 30‒31, celebrating the past national LWML Presi- 2009, Board of Directors meeting in Port- and the encouragement dents as well as handouts; land, Oregon with information about the of the Scriptures we  Participated in the Biennial Conference on use of electronic media in relation to archi- Archives and History held on October 25‒27, val storage needs. might have hope. 2007, at Concordia Historical Institute in  St Louis, Missouri, under the theme, “Pre- Romans 15:4 serving the Church’s History.” I co-led an informal workshop and question and answer session along with Gladys Grovender and Barbara Huggins (CHI staff). Fifteen LWM- Lers representing 13 districts were present.

Archivist-Historian Emeritus | Gladys Grovender Much has been accomplished in organizing the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League archives. The district archives have all been sorted and are in excellent order. Items not to be kept in these files have been removed for return to their districts. The Executive Committee materials that have been received are almost completely filed. Many items are still missing and it is hoped that more items will be forthcoming. Again, we acknowledge the very helpful assistance of Barbara Huggins. With her assistance, we have been able to accomplish a great deal. It has been a great joy to serve our Lord. Keeping the records of His many blessings on our LWML projects has been very satisfying and rewarding.

63 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon special appointed personnel Reports

Parliamentarian | Barbara Volk Serving as Parliamentarian for the LWML has been a joy and an honor. I thank God for this opportunity and for the many women and men I have had the pleasure of working with throughout the biennium. General activities of the office were performed as required, including responding to/filing correspondence, faxes, e-mail, and telephone calls.

Christ-Centered Living Building Up Our Sisters in Christ (cont.)  Presented prayers and devotions at meet-  Reviewed the LWML Handbook and pub- ings as assigned; lications on parliamentary procedure and  Continued to keep LWML members in structure committees; prayer;  Prepared materials for Structure Committee page on the LWML Web site; The Lord will reign  Participated in weekly Bible study in home congregation;  Assisted Structure Committee with presen- for ever and ever.  Served as Parliamentarian for meetings of tation at Assembly of Leaders 2008;  the Board of Directors and convention;  Assisted Structure Committee with booth at Exodus 15:18  Was blessed by a 10-day Holy Land pil- Portland convention; grimage with others from the Southeastern  Reviewed proposed district bylaws District LCMS. amendments; Telling the Good News  Served as Parliamentarian of the Carolinas District LWML.  Served as resource for Faith Talk Task Force;  Participated in short-term volunteer mission Meetings in Kyrgyzstan, holding VBS-type sessions  Interdepartmental Meeting, October 18–21, for children in an orphanage. 2007, St. Louis, Missouri; Partnering for Diversity  Board of Directors, February 1–3, 2008, St. Louis, Missouri;  Reviewed LWML publications on indi-  Carolinas District LWML Convention, vidual membership and guidelines for new September 19–20, 2008, Greensboro, North ethnic societies; Carolina;  Reviewed Friends Into Serving Him®  Interdepartmental Meeting and Assembly materials; of Leaders, October 23–26, 2008, St. Louis,  Prepared guidelines for e-societies. Missouri; Building Up Our Sisters in Christ  Board of Directors, January 30–February 1, 2009, Portland, Oregon;  Served as advisory member of the LWML Structure Committee;  Board of Directors, June 23–25, 2009, Port- land, Oregon;  Reviewed the LWML Bylaws for amendments at the 2009 convention;  LWML Convention, June 25–28, 2009, Port- land, Oregon.

64 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon standing committee Reports

Christian Life Committee | Marilyn Stuckwisch, Interim Chairman In all your ways The purpose of the Christian Life Committee is to provide women with resources to apply the Word of God to their lives. acknowledge Him, The interim chairman prepared reports for the Board of Directors. She is grateful to the Lord for And He shall the women of this committee who met the challenges they faced with flexibility and dedication, using their many talents to complete the work assigned to them. We thank God for Department direct your paths. Coordinator Vivian Ernst and Pastoral Counselor Carl Gnewuch for their support and encour-  agement. Most of all, we give thanks to our Savior for giving us the desire and strength to carry Proverbs 3:6 (NKJV) out His work. The committee worked to meet the following objectives for this biennium:

 Provide diverse prayer opportunities and encouragement for all women to live their faith;  Facilitate the development of the 2009 and 2010 Prayer Services to lift our hearts and minds to the Lord. Resources completed during the biennium are:  The 2009 Prayer Service, Look to the Hills, authored by Rev. Larry Miller, in print form and available on the LWML Web site;  The 2010 Prayer Service, Beautiful Feet, authored by Rev. Philip Esala, that is in process;  Get Around To It coaster set;  31-Day Prayer Prompts bookmark. Other responsibilities of this committee included: Marilyn Stuckwisch, Interim Chairman (not pictured)  Preparing monthly e-News prayers high- Debbie Larson, Rita Soeken lighting Together in Prayer Every Monday at Noon;  Preparing pre-convention prayers;  Attending the Interdepartmental meetings in October 2007 and 2008, and the Assembly of Leaders in 2008;  Assisting the Christian Resources Editors in reviewing submitted manuscripts;  Preparing a convention booth in conjunc- tion with the Christian Resources Editors.

65 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon standing committee Reports

Christian Resources Editors | Marilyn Stuckwisch, Chairman Therefore encourage The purpose of the Christian Resources Editors is to review current program helps, to solicit one another and build authors to produce additional program helps and to produce a two-year meeting planner. each other up, just as The chairman thanks these Spirit-led women of the committee who dedicated much time and talent to their responsibilities with grace and humor and encouragement. We are all grateful to in fact you are doing. Department Coordinator Vivian Ernst and Pastoral Counselor Carl Gnewuch for their help and  encouragement. All praise to God for the opportunity to be part of this committee. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Objectives to meet the purpose stated are: PROGRAM HELPS:  Women will have Scriptural resources to  More than 50 manuscripts were received use to enrich their meetings and events; from many talented, willing writers and  Women will have resources in a variety of were reviewed by these dedicated commit- formats which will inspire them to share the tee members who sent them to LCMS doc- Gospel; trinal review for approval. The manuscripts were in a number of different formats.  Women will have resources which relate Many are being published or made avail- to diverse cultures, yet unite them with all able for download on the LWML Web site. believers;  Women will be invited to write resources MEETING AND EVENT PLANNER: which will help all to grow in their faith.  A new and improved Meeting and Event Planner entitled, Planning Made Easy, has been prepared. It is hoped that its new format is more user-friendly and will take some of the stress out of meeting and event planning. The planner has a theme for each month and includes simple ideas for Hu- man Care activities. Since Planning Made Easy contains many of the new program helps, it is a resource that is 1) reasonable in cost and 2) usable for years to come. Other activities of the committee included:  Attending the Interdepartmental meetings in October 2007 and 2008, and the Assembly of Leaders in 2008;  Preparing materials for the Assembly of Leaders and Portland convention;  Reviewed previously published program helps, Bible studies, retreats;  Worked with other LWML committees to Diann Higgins, Erika Hauer, Eden Keefe, Marilyn Stuckwisch, Chairman complete the work assigned.

66 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon standing committee Reports

Media and Marketing Committee | Rae Ann Spitzenberger, Chairman I will sing of the Lord’s The purpose of the Media and Marketing Committee is to creatively advertise and promote the organization’s products and programs. great love forever; with We pray that our service on this committee has helped the women of the LWML become more my mouth I will make nourished by the Word and guided by the Spirit through the resources created and the information shared. We extend our special and heartfelt thanks to Department Coordinator Sandy Har- your faithfulness known dies for her unending support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the biennium. through all generations. This committee served the Lord with gladness throughout the biennium to help generate infor-  mation, products, and resources to aid and encourage both the LWML members of today as well Psalm 89:1 as those of the future. Activities throughout the biennium included:  Created Fruits of the Spirit magnets under  Designed regular issues of the following the theme “Nourished by the Word, Guided newsletters: Impressions, The TEAM Leader, by the Spirit” to tie into one of the bienni- Cyber Scoop for Webmasters, and Cyber Scoop um’s key targets. The middle of the magnet for Committees; pops out to create a picture frame, leaving  Created logos for the following: Assembly behind a number of LWML-friendly word of Leaders 2008, LWML Sunday 2008, the magnets that can be used to create “mag- Leader Development Committee, Heart to netic poetry”; Heart Sisters, and the Web Site Task Force;  Created a new LWML Style Sheet to have a  Collaborated with the Public Relations more clear and usable style resource to be Director to write news releases and Con- used organization-wide as an addendum to vention Promotionals, as well as to develop the LCMS Stylebook; convention media kits;  Compiled and distributed monthly issues of  Designed and edited The Hilltop Proclaimer, LWML e-News, an e-mail newsletter with the convention newsletter, with the Lutheran the latest information on LWML sent out Woman’s Quarterly staff. regularly to subscribers. Sign up at www. lwml.org;  Designed a new LWML public relations brochure to be used to provide information about and promote the organization;  Designed products and resources at the request of other LWML committees, including: coasters for Christian Life; three pastors’ brochures; a “new look” brochure, and resource covers for teens; bedside devotions, a bookmark, and walking CD for Hu- man Care; Living & Learning multicultural toolkit for Gospel Outreach;

Nikki Tyrrell, Amy Gill, Rae Ann Spitzenberger, Chairman

67 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon standing committee Reports

Official Publication Staff-Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly | Nancy Graf Peters, Editor-in-Chief Many, Lord my God, The Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly has completed its transition to a full-size, 32-page magazine. are the wonders you Heartfelt gratitude is expressed to Department Coordinator Sandy Hardies and Pastoral Coun- have done, the things selor Mike Mattil for their invaluable encouragement, counsel and friendship. you have planned Thanks be to the living God for His sure promises and never-ending guidance, the peace and joy that comes from knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior, and the Spirit-led gifts with which He for us. None can graced the wonderfully creative, dedicated, and enthusiastic LWQ staff. compare with you; LWQ themes this biennium New recurring columns this biennium were I to speak and  “Willing to Take the Risk: Making a  Grandma’s Blog; tell of your deeds, Difference” [Spring 2008];  Gifts of Love vignettes;  Ablaze! Moments. they would be too  “Speaking the Unspeakable” [Summer 2008]; Ongoing special features of many to declare.  “Joy Has Come to Me!” [Fall 2008];  the Quarterly online  “My Day — Every Day — In His Word” Psalm 40:5 (TNIV)  Bible study guides and leader helps; [Winter 2008];  Expanded archives of past issues and  “Fork in the Road” [Spring 2009]; Bible studies;  “Courageous, Dangerous … Christian!”  Translations in Spanish; [Summer 2009];  Free music downloads.  “The Balancing Act — Understanding Who I Am” [Fall 2009]; KFUO broadcast interviews with several LWQ  “Relationships: Learning the Ropes” authors, and Tapestry (the official publication of [Winter 2009]. LWML—Canada) reprinted the article “Count it all Joy — Bringing a Christian Film to Life;” Along with the LWML President Wendorf and Public Relations Director Turnipseed, the Edi- tor-in-Chief attended the concluding meeting of the Lutheran Women’s Cooperating Com- mittee in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Adriane Dorr (not shown), Diane Gebhardt, Beth Foreman, Lois Hudak, Carolyn Blum, Nancy Graf Peters, Editor-in-Chief

68 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon standing committee Reports

Gospel Outreach Committee | Melissa Salomón, Chairman After this I looked The purpose of the Gospel Outreach Committee is to motivate, equip, and ensure the participa- and there before me tion of women from diverse groups for service and witness to the church and the world. Much of our work has been focused on the Heart to Heart Sisters program, which was begun by the was a great multitude Gospel Outreach Committee in the 2001‒2003 biennium. At this convention, we are welcoming our 100th Heart to Heart Sister! This group of Heart to Heart Sisters is especially diverse and that no one could count, includes women whose origins are found in North, Central, and South America, Africa, Asia, and from every nation, the Middle East, and who are active in their culture-specific ministries here in the LCMS. tribe, people and We extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Department Coordinator Janis McDaniels and Pas- toral Counselor Carl Gnewuch for their support and encouragement. language, standing The following is a list of activities completed by the Gospel Outreach Committee: before the throne and  Unveiled new LWML resource: Living and  Through our work with Heart to Heart Sis- Learning Heart to Heart: Intercultural learn- ters, we have met many gifted women who in front of the Lamb. ing experiences to build positive relation- serve as leaders in their congregations. They  ships in a multicultural world, now avail- have embraced the work of the LWML, and Revelation 7:9 able through the LWML Store; many now serve this organization at the so-  Translated articles into Spanish for each edi- ciety, zone, and district levels. As we work tion of the Quarterly; together, we are reminded that regardless of our race, culture, age, or level of education,  Served as a resource for LWML districts we live as one people with one message as they formed Heart to Heart Sister and one mission. We are all Heart to Heart Committees; Sisters in Christ, and we are privileged to be  Prepared and facilitated the Heart to Heart called to serve Him wherever we are. Sisters Pre-Convention Gathering 2009 for ethnic women at the Portland convention;  Participated in a plenary presentation for the Assembly of Leaders 2008 on diversity and the importance of cross-cultural learning;  Developed an action plan for mission awareness and outreach at the Assembly of Leaders 2008;  Members of our committee have organized and served as keynote speakers and workshop leaders at district conventions and events.

Helen Price, Cynthia Khan, Abeba Tzeggai, Melissa Salomón, Chairman

69 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon standing committee Reports

Mission Advocacy and Grants Committee | Elaine Perry, Chairman But you are a chosen The purpose of the Mission Advocacy and Grants Committee is to review and select mission people, a royal priest- grant proposals that will appear on the missions grants ballot, and to inform, encourage, and hood, a holy nation, a motivate women to support mission grant recipients. Responding to the joy of Jesus’ resurrection, God’s chosen people have the special grace of telling the world about Him. Each is empow- people belonging to God, ered by the Spirit and entrusted with specific resources. that you may declare the We encourage you to continually envision the great harvest everywhere; to practice generosity and discipline in your giving; to seize any opportunity to share Him with the world — near and praises of him who called far. God has the world in His heart. you out of darkness into This committee has answered eagerly to the work of delivering His Good News of everlasting love to the world. It organized around the LWML Primary Targets to accomplish its purpose in these ways: his wonderful light.  Christ-Centered Living Partnering for Diversity 1 Peter 2:9  Wrote monthly mission stories, devotions,  Designed prototype images for products for and calendars for the Web page; four-to-nine year olds;  Brought attention to the grants@work ar-  Served as part of Grant Selection Committee; ticles in the Quarterly;  Provided Friends Into Serving Him® Task  Encouraged the Monday prayer at noon Force with material for online mite calendar. initiative; Building up Our Sisters in Christ  Wrote targeted prayers for mission grant recipients.  Wrote devotion for Meeting and Events Planner; Telling the Good News  Made presentation at 2008 Assembly of  Revived and published the PowerPak and Leaders; made it available on the Web site;  Made contact with district counterparts;  Compiled and made available the 2008‒  Collaborated with Gospel Outreach Com- 2010 District Statistical Report; mittee to produce convention exhibit;  Made revisions and updates to Mission Grants Guidelines; Committee met for two Interdepartmental meetings and its chairman attended three  Compiled the Mission Grants Bank. Board of Directors meetings to accomplish these goals. God was both predictably and unusually faithful to complete this good work. As individuals, we are thankful for generous mentoring and enthusiastic encouragement. We have you in our hearts.

Kaye Wolffe, Anita Beyersdorf, Gail Smuda, Elaine Perry, Chairman

70 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon standing committee Reports

Human Care Committee | Sheila Lutz, Chairman … as God’s chosen The purpose of the Human Care Committee is to sensitize women toward those who are hurting or in need and to enable them to compassionately reach out with knowledgeable, biblical, people, holy and dearly hands-on caring assistance and comfort. loved, clothe yourselves We have been privileged to share the blessings we’ve received as we serve the Lord with gladness. We thank our gracious and loving Christ, who is the perfect example of Human Care, for His guid- with compassion, kind- ance and direction. We also extend a special thank you to Department Coordinator Deaconess Syl- ness, humility, gentle- via Johnson for her encouragement, guidance, and support; and to Pastoral Counselor Mike Mattil for his prayers, support, and encouragement. We pray, as you minister and care for those around ness and patience. you, that the Lord will richly and daily supply you with all that you need to bring forth fruit in  His kingdom, remembering always to look to the hills, for OUR GOD REIGNS! Colossians 3:12 To carry out its purpose, the committee met at two Interdepartmental meetings, presented information at the Assembly of Leaders 2008, and communicated regularly by e-mail, telephone, and regular mail. The chairman attended and reported to three Board of Directors meetings. Christ-Centered Living Building Up Our Sisters in Christ  Created and edited material for CD, Walk-  Provided Human Care information to dis- ing With the Lord—Verses From the Psalms to trict leaders; Guide Your Steps;  Shared copies of Bedside Devotions and  Worked with KFUO and President Jan Wen- bookmarks; dorf to record CD;  Solicited feedback on what districts are  Worked with Human Care Vice President, doing, information they find helpful, issues Counselor Mike Mattil, Media and Market- they would like to see addressed; ing Committee, LWML Office, and KFUO to  Maintained the Human Care section of the produce CD for Portland convention. LWML Web page bimonthly; Telling the Good News  Provided Human Care ideas to Christian  Created a bookmark, Healing Scriptures; Resources Editors for inclusion in 2009‒2011 Meeting and Event Planner.  Created Bedside Devotions for visitation of the hospitalized and home bound;  Worked with Human Care Vice President, Pastoral Counselor Mike Mattil, and Media and Marketing Committee to produce product samples for Assembly of Leaders 2008;  Coordinated a Gifts from the Heart in gathering for Concordia Seminary, St. Louis at Interdepartmental 2007;  Worked with the Portland agencies receiving Gifts from the Heart at convention;  Created copy for Assembly of Leaders 2008 and the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly regarding Gifts from the Heart. Mary E. Smith, Karen Morfit, Sheila Lutz, Chairman Partnering for Diversity  Attended the LCMS Disaster Response Con- ference in January 2008;  Worked with LCMS Disaster Response to provide kits for Human Care booth at convention;  Created a survey for women to determine their interest in disaster response. 71 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon standing committee Reports

HOPE Committee (Helping Organizations Participate Effectively)| Pat Funk, Chairman Let us consider how we The purpose of the Helping Organizations Participate Effectively (HOPE) Committee is to sup- may spur one another port and to develop viable LWML groups and zones. on toward love and good It has been a joy and a privilege for our committee to have this opportunity to serve our Lord, and we continue to thank Him for being our constant guide and helping us fulfill our responsibil- deeds … let us encour- ities. We extend a special thanks to Department Coordinator Eloise Kuhlmann for her continued age one another. encouragement, guidance, and support; and to Pastoral Counselor Mike Mattil for his prayers,  guidance, and encouragement. Hebrews 10:24, 25 The HOPE Committee is entrusted with supporting: Mission-Ministry Vision (MMV) Consultants. MMV Program  There are 78-trained MMV Consultants  A gathering has been planned during the representing 35 districts serving our LWML. convention for the MMV Consultants to They are involved in providing consulta- come together to network and share ideas. tions and making informational presenta- A supplement to the MMV Toolkit was tions to societies, zones, districts, and other developed to continue providing our MMV groups. A training session was not held in Consultants with tools to foster a sense 2008, but the MMV Consultants and district of mission, ministry, and vision to others presidents were surveyed to evaluate the through prayer, Bible study, discussions, ac- current program to see what is helpful and tivities, resources, consulting, and coaching. if there are any limitations. This information  This committee met twice during the bien- was provided to the Executive Committee nium at Interdepartmental meetings for for review. planning and developing new products. We developed a HOPE Committee presentation for Assembly of Leaders 2008, which included a PowerPoint presentation showing the benefits of using an MMV Consultant as a coach for leadership and group planning. We also shared handouts that provided valuable information on visioning, brain- storming, mentoring, and reaching out to our young women.

Hannah Loum, Marge Bruning, Pat Funk, Chairman

72 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon standing committee Reports

Leader Development Committee | Barb Virus, Chairman Guide me in your truth The purpose of the Leader Development Committee is to support and encourage present and future leaders. and teach me, for you are What a joy to serve the Lord and the LWML during the past two years! We would like to thank my God and Savior. our Department Coordinator Eloise Kuhlmann, our Pastoral Counselor Mike Mattil, and con-  tributors to our publications. Psalm 25:5a committee objectives: age Young Woman Representatives as they serve in their home districts following their  Women are provided resources and oppor- convention experience. The newsletters tunities to become competent and comfort- may also be used to educate and inform all able in leadership roles; young women about the LWML;  Young women will grow and mature in the  Reviewed and made recommendations LWML as potential leaders. regarding updates to Leader Development committee activities resources;   Provided content for The TEAM Leader Prepared and presented materials for the newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is 2008 Assembly of Leaders as assigned. to encourage district, zone, and society lead-  Contributed articles, devotions, and photos ers and inform them of resources available for the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly Young from LWML. The newsletter is prepared Women pages; four times a year and emailed to the district  Planned for and staffed two convention presidents. It is posted on the Resources > exhibits: Developing Leaders and Young Leader Helps page of the LWML Web site. Women … Jewels in His Crown; Archived issues are also available;  During the biennium, the members of the  Planned and implemented the Young Leader Development Committee partici- Woman Representative (YWR) program at pated in two Interdepartmental Meetings the 2009 convention. We welcome young and the 2008 Assembly of Leaders in St. women from our 40 LWML districts with the Louis, Missouri. The chairman represented goal to generate excitement and motivate the the committee and reported to three Board YWR to become involved in the LWML in a of Directors meetings. way that she has not been before attending this convention and the YWR program;  Provided assistance to districts following conventions to support continued growth of Young Woman Representatives. Pro- gram ideas are available on the Resources > Leader Helps page of the LWML Web site. Joyfully United in Spirit, a resource prepared for districts’ use for their conventions’ YWR programs, is available from your district president;  Provided content for Web page for Leader Development Department. Check the Re- sources > Leader Helps page on the LWML Web site for periodic updates;  Provided content for Impressions newsletter for YWRs. Newsletters are published quarterly and are sent to the districts via e-mail attachment and posted on the Resources > Young Women page of the LWML Web site. Kristi Carter (not shown), Amy Bartels, Cheryl Mattil, Patti Ross, Barb Virus, Chairman Archived issues are also attached for reference. The goal of Impressions is to encour- 73 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon standing committee Reports

Structure Committee | Carol Schmidt, Chairman But everything The purpose of the LWML Structure Committee is to keep the bylaws and related resources flex- should be done in a ible, while maintaining the legal status of the organization. fitting and orderly way. May we look to the hills and be reminded of our heavenly Father who guides us in the structure  of our lives! May our lives be structured to serve Him in sharing the Good News of our redemp- I Corinthians 14:40 tion in Jesus Christ and to have His Holy Spirit strengthen our faith to the end of our earthly journey, when we shall enter eternal life with Him in Heaven. During the biennium, the Structure Committee served in the following ways:  Communicated with district bylaws chair-  Reviewed and revised, where appropriate, men regarding the bylaw review process, the LWML Handbook; including receiving proposed amendments  Reviewed the LWML Bylaws and drafted as e-mail attachments, and the status of proposed amendments for this convention; their bylaws, and updated the district Struc- ture Committee chairmen list, as needed;  Reviewed and revised the following publications: Individual Membership Guidelines,  Reviewed the bylaws amendments/revi- Structure Committee Guidelines: Enabling You sions of 26 districts; to Build Better Bylaws, Parliamentary Basics for  Filed copies of newly-approved district Everyone, and Committees; bylaws upon receipt from the districts;  Reviewed The Circle Plan publication, incor-  Maintained the Bylaws Status Chart track- porating some of it into the LWML Hand- ing the status of district bylaws; book, and recommended discontinuing the publication in its present form;  Reviewed and made suggestions for Friends Into Serving Him® Guidelines;  Created the Guidelines for an E-Society publication;  Provided new material periodically for Suzy Structure on the LWML Web site;  Responded to queries from districts with input from the Parliamentarian, department coordinator, and LWML President;  Prepared and made a presentation at the 2008 Assembly of Leaders in St. Louis, Missouri;  Attended annual Interdepartmental meetings in St. Louis, Missouri;  Planned and created our exhibit, Scaling the Judy Carlson, Mary Ann Waldon, Bylaws Mountain, for the 2009 convention. Barbara Volk, Parliamentarian, Carol Schmidt, Chairman  The chairman represented the committee and reported to the Board of Directors meetings during the biennium. It has been a pleasure to work with the committee and committee members as well as the many district structure chairmen. Thanks to Department Coordinator Eloise Kuhlmann and Pastoral Counselor Mike Mattil for their encouragement, support, and prayers.

74 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon special task force and appointees Reports

Mustard Seeds Task Force | Deaconess Betty Knapp, Chairman He [Jesus] replied, The purpose of the Mustard Seeds Task Force is to develop and produce additional Mustard Seeds packets. The Mustard Seeds Task Force considers it great joy to have served the LWML in “Because you have so this capacity. We wish to express our thanks and appreciation to Department Coordinator Viv- little faith, I tell you the ian Ernst and to Pastoral Counselor Carl Gnewuch for their encouragement and guidance. truth, if you have faith History of the Mustard Seeds Packets as small as a mustard Beginning in 1971 the LWML produced Mustard Seeds packets as a source for personal Bible study and witness. Eleven sets of Mustard Seeds were produced, with four to five others created seed, you can say to this with innovative designs (Marriage Matters, Noontime Nibbles, Mug Meditations, etc.). Over the years, the LWML Office continued to receive requests for the original packets. The 2003‒2005 mountain, ‘Move from Christian Life Committee was asked to rewrite and reissue some of the original packets. The here to there’ and it will popularity of the redesigned Mustard Seeds precipitated the establishment of the Mustard Seeds Task Force in the 2005‒2007 biennium which has continued to develop additional Mustard Seeds move. Nothing will be devotional packets during the 2007‒2009 biennium. impossible for you.” Task Force Objectives and Products:  Matthew 17:20  Women will use Mustard Seeds as a supple-  Comfort from the Psalms – devotions to give ment to their study of God’s Word; comfort in difficult situations;  Guided by the Holy Spirit women will utilize  Faith-filled Parenting – devotions of encour- Mustard Seeds to demonstrate God’s love; agement for parents;  LCMS sisters of varied backgrounds will  Living in Prayer – devotions on the gift of utilize Mustard Seeds, which embrace our prayer for daily living – Spanish translation; oneness in Christ;  Living in Joy – devotions which refocus the  A standard insert is included in each packet challenges of daily living into opportunities to of Mustard Seeds, giving biblical and histori- find one’s joy in Jesus – Spanish translation; cal background of the product. Suggestions  Living in Praise – devotions of praise to the for use are printed on the insert; Lord – Spanish translation.  Living in the Spirit – devotions focusing on the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives;  Living in Faith – devotions exploring what it means to be Christian;  With This Ring – devotions to help couples prepare for a Godly marriage;  Living as a Woman in Mission – devotions focusing on the role of women in sharing their faith in everyday situations;

Marcia Gomulka, Myrna Lou Meyer, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Chairman

75 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon special task force and appointees Reports

Friends Into Serving Him®: Teen LWML | Katy Gifford, Chairman He has showed you, The Friends Into Serving Him® Task Force has the honor of creating resources and programs for O man, what is good. teens in the LCMS as we all learn to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” And what does the The importance of this program and reason for the continuation of the task force is evident in the feedback received from societies, teen groups, zones, and districts across the country. Lord require of you? The members of the task force are grateful to our Lord Jesus for all His many blessings, including To act justly and to love the opportunity to work together this biennium. Thanksgiving is also given for Department Co- ordinator Deaconess Sylvia Johnson and Pastoral Counselor Michael Mattil. Their ever present mercy and to walk sense of humor and positive attitude are priceless. We also extend a big thank you to the Media humbly with your God. and Marketing Committee for their professionalism and creative abilities that made our publications look so fantastic. To God be the Glory!  ® Micah 6:8 The purpose of the Friends Into Serving Him Task Force is to continue to develop and implement a program that involves teen and pre-teen girls in mission activity and support. In order to carry out this purpose, the task force met at two Interdepartmental meetings and communicated throughout the biennium through e-mail, telephone, and mail. The chairman attended and reported to three Board of Directors meetings. Activities of Friends Into Serving Him®: Teen LWML Task Force this biennium included:  Completed all work for new Friends Into  Prepared and presented Friends Into Serv- Serving Him® brochure; ing Him® information at Assembly of Lead-  Compiled Web ideas for www.lwml.org ers 2008; teen page;  Prepared “she, me, and He” event and ex-  Gathered teen devotions with intention of hibit booth for Portland convention; publishing a teen devotional written by  Submitted materials for publication in the teens. Circumstances led the task force to Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly; use submitted devotions in the Lutheran  Promoted Friends Into Serving Him® LWML Woman’s Quarterly; booth at Lutheran Youth Worker’s Confer- ence in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 2008;  Accepted invitations to speak regarding Friends Into Serving Him® as requested by societies, zones, and districts;  Prepared Framework for Friends resources for publication. This resource includes ideas for events;  Prepared Pocket Prayers for use by teen Friends Into Serving Him® in their everyday life.

Wendy Bacon (not shown), Doris Engstrom,

Katy Gifford, Chairman

76 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon special task force and appointees Reports

Web Site Task Force | Nancy Bogenhagen, Chairman For I know the plans The purpose of the LWML Web Site Task Force is to develop, review and maintain the site and to disseminate electronically the news of the LWML. This task force has been blessed with a wonder- I have for you, declares ful working relationship and the joy of serving the LWML through electronic communications. the Lord, plans to New features of www.lwml.org this biennium prosper you and not to This task force continues to review ways to improve the appearance and usability of the LWML harm you, plans to give Web site. We work with the departments in putting out their information, including; you hope and a future.  Weekly updates of the home page;  Quarterly The TEAM Leader newsletter;   Printable document of current mission  Quarterly updates for teens; Jeremiah 29:11 grants;  Quarterly updates of the Lutheran Woman’s  History of LWML conventions; Quarterly;  Secure documents for LWML board and  New printable programs helps as they committee members; become available;  Names and e-mails for all Executive Com-  LWML Sunday information; mittee members;  Convention information;  More About Us – Primary Targets, Structure  Updating product information and pictures Diagram, Department Purpose Statements in Shop LWML; and Objectives;  News releases from the Public Relations  Resources link from the Friends Into Serv- Director. ing Him® page;  We’re also available to assist district web-  Heart to Heart Sisters information, includ- masters. As of November 2008, all 40 LWML ing multicultural resources; districts have Web sites!  Site Tools, including Site Index, Department Index, and FAQs;  Newsletter Cyber Scoop for Webmasters;  Online Giving;  Links to district convention pages;  Monthly “Web Special” from the LWML Catalog;  Archived Prayer Services from 2007‒2009;  First video link – President Jan Wendorf’s LWML Sunday message;  Page for LWML logos and Style Sheet;  Member Login, a database for secure information, including online convention registration.  Monthly stories, devotions, and calendars from the Mission Advocacy and Grants Committee; Lori Lewis, Wendy Greiner, Nancy Bogenhagen, Chairman  Monthly e-News newsletters;  Bi-monthly ideas, devotions, and litanies from the Human Care Committee;  Quarterly Impressions newsletter for young women;

77 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon special task force and appointees Reports

Bible Study Task Force | Shari Miller, Chairman Your Word [O Lord] The purpose of the Bible Study Task Force (BSTF) is to determine the best way to provide qual- is a lamp to my feet ity Bible studies for the LWML. The purpose statement and work accomplished by the BSTF can and a light for my path. be applied to all the LWML primary targets and organizational goals.  In March 2008, the BSTF completed its responsibilities and tasks and was released from duty by Psalm 119:105 (TNIV) the LWML Executive Committee. Task force members were asked to remain available if further work needed to be done during the biennium. The BSTF thanks the LWML for this opportunity to serve … as together, we spread the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ to our communities, to our nation, and into all the world! Tasks Accomplished:  Recommendations made regarding current Bible study materials published by LWML;  Publicity arrangements and purchases agreed upon at a meeting between Concor-  Results submitted to the LWML Board of dia Publishing House and the LWML (with Directors about the Bible study survey the BSTF as its liaison) in regard to the Bible conducted by the BSTF among members of study material published by CPH entitled A the LWML Board of Directors and Interde- New Song; partmental Committees. Conclusions and recommendations were made by the task force as a result of that survey.

Judy Knebel, Kaye Cairns, Shari Miller, Chairman

Pat Reichert, Chairman Convention Site (2017) Committee | Pat Reichert, Chairman Marguerite Christman The Convention Site Committee’s assignment is to encourage and help districts in eligible Ruth Ann Johnson regions to bid to host the convention, evaluate proposals, meet with the bidding convention Jan Rueter bureaus, report approved sites to the Executive Committee, and prepare materials for the Board Rev. William Engfehr, Advisory of Directors. The Convention Site Committee sincerely appreciates the work of the inviting Rev. Carl Gnewuch, Counselor districts and presidents; Nebraska North and Nebraska South; and the team of Rocky Mountain, Wyoming, and Utah-Idaho. The committee  Received letters from three districts stat-  Interviewed CVB representatives from two cities; ing that they were willing to host the 2017  Prepared comparison charts of two sites; convention;  Recommended that Salt Lake City, Utah, be  Assisted districts in submitting proposal forms; approved for the Board of Directors ballot.  Reviewed materials submitted by the convention and visitors bureaus (CVB) from two sites;

78 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon special committees Reports

LWML Assembly of Leaders 2008 | Eloise Kuhlmann, Chairman There is a time for Theme: To Everything There is a Season … A Time To Lead The LWML Assembly of Leaders 2008 was held on October 24‒26, 2008, in St. Louis, Missouri. everything, and a Leaders representing each of the 40 districts came together to be trained by the LWML commit- season for every tee members. In addition to presentations by each department, speakers inspired participants as they addressed each of the 2007‒2009 Primary Targets: Christ-Centered Living; Telling the Good activity under heaven. News; Partnering for Diversity; Building Up Our Sisters in Christ.  Ecclesiastes 3: 1 DVDs of two of these Primary Target presentations were presented to each participant for use as they train other leaders in their districts. Funding for this event was provided by the 40 districts, LWML, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and The Christopher Family Foundation. Additional support was received from Concordia Publishing House. Eloise Kuhlmann, Chairman We praise and thank God for LWML department personnel and speakers Virginia Von Seggern, Kay Kreklau Katy Gifford, Ida Mall, Kristy Grannis, Melissa Salomón and the Christian Outreach Commit- Janis McDaniels tee for their work on this significant event. Our organization is indeed blessed by these leaders Helen Miller as well as the new leaders trained. It is our prayer that, as they have been blessed, so God would Pat Reichert make them a blessing to the women of our church body and the church at large. Karen Soeken Goal: To raise up leaders among the women of the LCMS who will assume leadership positions Rev. Mike Mattil, Pastoral Counselor in the LWML, the church, and their communities. Objectives: Recognize and celebrate her God-given gifts of leadership; learn skills needed to train and encourage leaders in her district; develop a plan to share her skills with her district; use her knowledge of LWML leadership to train new leaders in her society, church, zone, and the church at large.

79 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon special committees Reports

Mission–Ministry Vision Consultants (MMV) For I know the plans The Mission-Ministry Vision (MMV) program is designed to assist women in LCMS congrega- I have for you ... tions to involve women in meaningful mission opportunities. Our trained consultants can offer: plans to prosper  Guidance and support in exploring various structures you and not  Assistance in sharpening group focus  Expertise in redefining women’s groups to meet challenges facing today’s women to harm you, They are trained to be: plans to give you  Sensitive to the needs of each congregation hope and a future.  Creative and flexible   Visionaries Jeremiah 29:10 Contact your district president for the MMV Consultant available to you. The consultants are listed by region and their district is indicated at the end of each name.

EASTERN REGION NORTHERN REGION SOUTHERN REGION WESTERN REGION Judy Barnes-NJ Carolyn Blum-S WI Sally Aschinger-MO Jan Beck-NE S Marge Bruning-CHES Pauline Brunke-N IL Terri Blasingame-S IL Karen Clark-OR Claire Carlson-EST Mari Ann Colburn-S WI Marguerite Christman-OK Gloria Edwards-CNH Barbara Collins-MI Vivian Ernst-IA W Beverly England-OK Sharon Goertzen-NE S Nancy Graf Peters-AT Susan Hartley-ND Pat Funk-MID S Julie Groh-NE N Jacqueline Green-EST Sharon Herried-S WI Diane Garber-GS Le Kauth-PSW Sandy Hardies-MI Margaret Hesemann-MN S Mary Gray-S IL Kathie Lindquist-CNH Barbara Hoffmeier-MI Dcs. Sylvia Johnson-ENG Robin Haynes-FL-GA Mary Marten-R MTN Janis McDaniels-CAR Nancy Kohrs-MN S Diann Higgins-TX Marilyn McClure-ENG Dorothy Pettit Weise-New E Kay Kreklau-ND Jennifer Huecker-MO Becky Mustard-NE S Emily Rogers-IN Leah Lehman-N WI Eden Keefe-KS Gerry Neeriemer-WY Jan Rueter-CHES Kalia Lo-MN S Eloise Kuhlmann-TX Edie Norris-WA-AK Alice Schuman-AT Cheryl Petersen-MN N Esther Mahnken-MID S Linda Reiser-NE S Irene Tatti-AT Debra Rouse-IA W Lucinda Mosley-GS Louise Rickey-CNH Abeba Tzeggai-CHES Kathy Schweer-IA E Betty Reichert-OK Julia Riess-OR Barbara Volk-CAR Karol Selle-N WI Elaine Stuckemeyer-C IL Melissa Salomón-PSW Elsa Webb-AT Joyce Swedean-MN S Marilyn Treanor-FL-GA Barbara Schaer-WY Carol Zehnder-CHES Darlyne Watts-N IL Marcia Wittenburg-LA-MS Patricia Schutte-PSW Jan Wendorf-S WI Barb Virus-PSW Frances Wittnebel-MN N Virginia Von Seggern-NE N Carol Zemke-MN S Maricarmen Wells-PSW

80 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon special committees Reports

Nominating Committee | Linda Arnold, Chairman The 2007-2009 Nominating Committee was elected at the 2007 in convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This committee bears the responsibility for providing a slate of qualified candidates for the 2009 convention in Portland, Oregon. The LWML members supplied an abundance of excellent nominees from across the country. In October 2008, the committee, supported by Pastoral Counselor Rev. Carl Gnewuch, met in St. Louis, Missouri, to carefully review the nominations and select those that would appear on the ballot. It was a peaceful, prayer-filled experience. God was very clearly guiding the decisions. Thank you for submitting nominations, encouraging those nominated and praying for the work of the Nominating Committee. The slate of candidates with brief biographical Judith Lessmann, Marilyn McClure, Linda Arnold, Chairman, Martha Burke, Claire Carlson reports was prepared for the spring 2009 issue of the Luth- eran Woman’s Quarterly. The list of candidates and more detailed resumes begin on page 22 of this manual. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the LWML and be used by God for His purposes. It is an honor to serve in any capacity within LWML, for this organization is truly about the work of enlarging the kingdom. On behalf of LWML we want to thank those pastors and women who were willing to have their name be nominated for an elected position. May God’s hand guide the balloting process. May He grant an extra measure of grace to those who are elected to carry out the mission and ministry of LWML in the next biennium. And may He redirect those who are not elected to the place He has planned for them to serve.

LWML Gift Planning Counselor | Pat Bilow LWML’s Gifts of Love planned giving initiative is in its third year of existence. It began in 2007 with a $100,000 grant from Thrivent and continued with donations from generous donors. Dur- ing the last biennium, 37 charitable estate-planning presentations were given at various locations throughout the United States. Included in this number were LWML district convention presentations for Kansas, Montana, SELC, Pacific Southwest, Minnesota North, North Dakota, Michigan, Southern Illinois, and Florida-Georgia. A display table was staffed at the LWML Ohio District LWML Convention and all the previously mentioned district conventions. Our Gifts of Love initiative features its own Web site, www.lwmlgiftplan.org for Savvy Senior articles on health and retirement issues, Washington updates, financial news, and information about planned giving. Of special interest are the Wills Guide videos. These are an excellent tuto- rial for estate planning and worth investigating even if an estate plan is in place. Many LWML women across the country have expressed their thanks for this helpful Web site. Special thanks to past presidents Virginia Von Seggern and Linda Reiser for researching and im- plementing the Gifts of Love initiative. Also to Kay Kreklau for her leadership with the Planned Giving Council.

81 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon special committees Reports

Endowment Committee | Ruth Ann Johnson, Chairman In 2000, LWML received a matching gift from a charitable foundation, enabling it to establish, in February 2001, the 60th Anniversary Endowment. The Endowment was initially funded with the 60th Anniversary Thankoffering on Sunday, July 8, at the LWML San Jose convention. LWML districts continued the Thankoffering through the 2002 district conventions. Funding after the Thankoffering came through generous and ongoing gifts. The 60th Anniversary Endowment was dedicated at the 2003 LWML convention in Oklahoma City, thereafter to be called the LWML Endowment Fund. The Board of Directors approved, at the January 2008 meeting, the recommendation of the Executive Committee “…that the unrestricted dividends and interest earned from the LWML Endowment from April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2008, be set aside for the 2008 Assembly of Leaders, for on-site expenses and production of program materials.” Rejoice in the Lord The Board of Directors, at its January 2009 meeting, approved that the disposition of the unre- always; and again stricted dividends and interest earned from the LWML Endowment from April 1, 2008, to March 31, 2009, be postponed to the January 2010 Board of Directors meeting. I will say, Rejoice.  Total contributions to the Endowment as of March 31, 2009, total $1,375,213 and interest earned is $64,541 (net of earnings allocated) for a balance of $1,439,754. Soli Deo GLORIA! Philippians 4:4 (NASB) Ruth Ann Johnson, Chairman Helen Miller Norine Stumpf, Advisory Harold T. Bohlmann, C.P.A., Advisory Rev. Carl Genwuch, Pastoral Counselor

82 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon CONVENTION HOST COMMITTEE

2009 Convention Host Committee Back Row: Betty Reimann, Miriam Hoelter, Lois Anderson, Gail Allen, Nancy Brune, Carmen Nagel, LeeAnn Tibbals, Elaine Nelson, Cynthia Behrens, Melody Rosenwinkel, Mae Smith, Corene Elliott, Karen Clark Middle Row: Peggy Ash, Rev. Tony Schultz, Char Kroemer, Naomi Schilling, Edie Norris, Charli Hamaker, Sharon Bird, Rev. Ron Norris, Sandi Hall, Glenda Dougherty Front Row: Priscilla Greig, Carolyn Stucky, Laurie Siewert, Julia Riess, Rhoda Spidal, Marie Chow

Host Committee Chairman: Coordinators Creative Enhancements Transportation Chairman: Julia Riess, Vancouver, WA Communications Coordinator: Department Mae Smith, Portland, OR Treasurer: Edie Norris, Gig Harbor, WA Activities Chairman: Personnel Resources Department Laurie Siewert, Beaverton, OR Creative Enhancements Coordinator: Karen Clark, Sublimity, OR Counselor: Convention Program Naomi Schilling, Rigby, ID Decorations Chairman: Rev. Ron Norris, Gig Harbor, WA Committee Chairman: Facility Management Coordinator: Nancy Brune, Eden, ID Counselor: Deaconess Sylvia Johnson, Charli Hamaker, Olympia, WA Music Chairman: Rev. Tony Schultz, Vancouver, WA New Berlin, WI Guest Services Coordinator: Miriam Hoelter, Portland, OR Hospitality Chairman: Convention Manager: Char Kroemer, Newberg, OR Facility Management Department Gail Allen, Oregon City, OR Jan Rueter, Derwood, MD Personnel Resources Coordinator: Properties Chairman: Special Dress Chairman: Assistant Convention Manager: Sharon Bird, Fairview, OR Glenda Dougherty, Hillsboro, OR Lois Anderson, Twin Falls, ID Marguerite Christman, Ushers Chairman: Midwest City, OK District President: Chairmen Carmen Nagel, Woodburn, OR Cynthia Behrens, Sisters, OR LWML President: Communications Department Worship Support Chairman: Jan Wendorf, Grafton, WI District President: Prayer Chairman: Peggy Ash, Idaho Falls, ID Melody Rosenwinkel, Irwin, ID Public Relations Director: Betty Reimann, Boise, ID Guest Services Department Peggy Turnipseed, Georgetown, TX District President: Publicity Chairman: Child Care Chairman: Elaine Nelson, Kent, WA Audio-Visual Director: Marie Chow, Seattle, WA Carolyn Stucky, Milwaukie, OR Rev. Bill Engfehr, Collinsville, IL Secretary: Food Services Chairman: Rhoda Spidal, Gaston, OR Sandi Hall, Republic, WA Staff Services Chairman: Packet Materials/Registration LeeAnn Tibbals, Moscow, ID Chairman: Corene Elliott, Spanish Fork, UT Tours Chairman: Priscilla Greig, Albany, OR

83 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon board of directors-executive committee

The Executive Committee Front row, left to right: Norine Stumpf, Business Administrator; Karen Soeken, Planner; Eloise Kuhlmann, Vice President of Servant Resources; Peggy Turnipseed, Public Relations Director Second row, left to right: Vivian Ernst, Vice President of Christian Life; Pat Reichert, Meeting Manager; Janis McDaniels, Vice President of Gospel Outreach; Janice Wendorf, President; Helen Miller, Treasurer; Dcs. Sylvia Johnson, Vice President of Human Care; Kay Kreklau, Recording Secretary; Sandy Hardies, Vice President of Communication Back row, left to right: Rev. Larry Krueger, Liaison to the LCMS President’s Office; Rev. Mike Mattil, Junior Pastoral Counselor; Rev. Carl Gnewuch, Senior Pastoral Counselor

Special Appointed Personnel, Standing Committee Chairmen, and Other Personnel who meet with the Board of Directors are pictured with their committees in the Reports of Officers and Committees section of this manual.

Peggi Lawrence, Archivist-Historian Pat Funk, HOPE Committee Chairman Gladys Grovender, Archivist-Historian Emeritus Barb Virus, Leader Development Committee Chairman Ruth Ann Johnson, Contracts Administrator Carol Schmidt, Structure Committee Chairman Jan Rueter, Convention Manager Deaconess Betty Knapp, Mustard Seeds Task Force Chairman Marguerite Christman, Convention Manager 2011 Katy Gifford, Friends Into Serving Him®: Teen LWML Task Force Chairman Barbara Volk, Parliamentarian Nancy Bogenhagen, Web Site Task Force Chairman Marilyn Stuckwisch, Christian Life Committee (Interim) Shari Miller, Bible Study Task Force Chairman and Christian Resources Editors Chairman Eloise Kuhlmann, Assembly of Leaders Chairman Rae Ann Spitzenberger, Media and Marketing Committee Chairman Linda Arnold, Nominating Committee Chairman Nancy Graf Peters, Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly Editor-in-Chief Pat Reichert, Convention Site Committee Chairman Melissa Salomón, Gospel Outreach Committee Chairman Julia Riess, 2009 Convention Host Committee Chairman Elaine Perry, Mission Advocacy and Grants Committee Chairman Pam Spilker, 2011 Convention Host Committee Chairman Sheila Lutz, Human Care Committee Chairman Harold T. Bohlmann, Financial Consultant Pat Bilow, Gift Planning Counselor

84 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon board of directors-district presidents

District Presidents | 2006–2010

Front: Monique Wolske, Brenda Schoenbeck, Susan Weimer, Nancy Kohrs Back: Susan Donnelly, Elaine Nelson, Dottie Neumann, Gerry Neeriemer, Melody Rosenwinkel, Sherrie Smith, Janice Rose

Front: Mabel Schmidt, Darlene Byrns, Maureen Consiglio, Ruth Thomas Back: Brenda Isaac, Connie Johnson, Joan Kelly, Bea Daily, Marilyn Schroeder, Sandra Haugner District Presidents | 2008–2012

District Presidents | 2008–2012

Front row: Shelly Moeller, Betty Kruse, Marilyn Treanor Back row: Shari Miller, Cheryl Petersen, Lynn Batchelder, Henrietta Gordon, Emily Oliver, Cheri Fish

Front row: Cynthia Behrens, Joy Dougherty, Beverly England, Sharon Goertzen Back row: Elaine Hankel, Kathy Lowman, Linda Koch, Jan Dankwardt, Sharon Roegge, Sue Corwin

85 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon new lwml member societies

We welcome with joy the following new and/or reactivated societies that have been accepted as members of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League since the 2007 convention. *Indicates societies from the 2005‒2007 biennium not previously announced in the manual. Atlantic District Montana District South Wisconsin District New York Lutheran Deaf Women, Women in Service/LWML (WIS/ Bethany Women, Bethany Lutheran St. Matthew – Deaf, Elmhurst, New LWML), Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin York Church, Seeley Lake, Montana LWML St. Paul Lutheran Church, California-Hawaii-Nevada District Our Redeemer LWML, Our Re- Union Grove, Wisconsin deemer Lutheran Church, Worden, Immanuel Women, Immanuel Lu- St. Andrews LWML Evening Guild, Montana theran Church, Adams, Wisconsin St. Andrews Lutheran, Stockton, California Nebraska District North Texas District Wise Women of God, Good Shep- Lydia Circle, St. John Lutheran Mary-Martha LWML, Concordia Lu- herd of the Sierra Lutheran Church, Church, Madison, Nebraska theran Church, San Antonio, Texas Carson City, Nevada Nebraska District South Tabitha’s Table, Trinity Lutheran Church, Corpus Christi, Texas Indiana District Trinity LWML, Trinity Lutheran LWML of TLC, Trinity Lutheran Church, Grand Island, Nebraska Women of the Vineyard, Vineyard Church, Ellettsville, Indiana of Christ Lutheran Church, Rosanky, North Wisconsin District Texas Living Water Lutheran LWML, Liv- ing Water Lutheran Church, Wolf Women’s J.O.Y. Ministry, St. Paul Lu- Rachel Circle, Alive in Christ Lu- Lake, Indiana theran Church, Manawa, Wisconsin theran Church, Big Spring, Texas Faith Lutheran LWML, Faith Luther- Mary/Martha Guild, Living Savior Kansas District an Church, Green Bay, Wisconsin Lutheran Church, Montgomery, Risen Savior LWML, Risen Savior Texas Lutheran Church, Basehor, Kansas Northern Illinois District WINGS, Jubilee Lutheran Church, Washington-Alaska District Louisiana-Mississippi District McHenry, Illinois LWML, Drum Lutheran Church, Christ Lutheran Women’s Mission- Copper Center, Alaska Oklahoma District ary League, Christ Lutheran Church, Makah LWML, Makah Lutheran Shreveport, Louisiana Women in Mission LWML, Im- Church, Neah Bay, Washington manuel Lutheran Church, Grove, Lamb of God’s Women in Ministry, Minnesota North District Oklahoma Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Immanuel of Radium LWML, Im- Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Seattle, Washington manuel Lutheran Church of Ra- LWML, Good Shepherd Lutheran dium, Warren, Minnesota Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma Wyoming District Trinity Lutheran Women, Trinity Lu- Pacific Southwest District Christ Our Savior – Star Valley theran Church, Virginia, Minnesota LWML, Christ Our Savior – Star Grace Lutheran LWML, Grace Lu- Minnesota South District Valley Mission Lutheran, Thayne, theran Church, Henderson, Nevada Wyoming Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, First Lutheran Church, Glencoe, Min- Rocky Mountain District nesota Bethany LWML, Bethany Lutheran Church, Pueblo, Colorado

86 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon a brief history of the lwml

the Lwml in convention

Jan. 17-18, 1930 • Chicago, IL: To organize the women’s auxiliary of the Lutheran Laymen’s League to be called Lutheran Women’s League and discuss forming a national women’s organization. It took until 1941 when a resolution passed at the Synod convention recognizing Past presidents at the 2007 the official women’s auxiliary. Sioux Falls Convention. During these years, many districts organized their women’s Ladies Aid groups as Lutheran Women’s Leagues. Clara Schmitt* 1942–1947 Eula Hankel* 1963–1967 Betty Duda 1987–1991 July 7-8, 1942 • Chicago, IL: Aug. 31–Sept. 1, 1943 | Fort July 20–21, 1965 | San Diego, CA June 26–29, 1989 | Rapid City, SD The first convention to organize Wayne, IN The Lord is My Light Seek His Face Always the official women’s auxiliary of Serve the Lord with Gladness July 18–20, 1967 | Washington, D.C. June 27–30, 1991 | Cleveland, OH The Lutheran Church—Missouri 1945 – cancelled due to the war Beautiful Savior, Lord of the Celebrate the Jubilee – Glorify Synod was held. The official July 18–19, 1947 | Chicago, IL Nations His Name name “Lutheran Women’s Serve the Lord with Gladness Missionary League” was Evelyn Hartman* 1967–1971 Ida Mall 1991–1995 adopted and a slate of Sadie Fulk Roehrs* 1947–1953 July 20–22, 1969 | H o u s t o n , T X June 17–20, 1993 | Edmonton, officers was prepared. July 27–28, 1949 | Cleveland, OH Thrust with Trust Alberta, Canada Thy Kingdom Come June 22–24, 1971 | Louisville, KY One in Spirit – One in Pur- pose July 25–26, 1951 | New York, NY Declare His Glory For Such a Time as This June 22–25, 1995 | Kansas City, MO Florence Montz* 1971–1975 Live by God’s Design July 28-29, 1953 | Portland, OR June 25–28, 1973 | Mobile, AL Saved to Serve Together in Christ Gloria Edwards 1995–1999 | Lillian Preisinger* 1953–1959 July 21–24, 1975 | St. Paul, MN June 26–29, 1997 Charlotte, NC Hold Up the Light 1955 – Cancelled due to Saints Arise! July 1–4, 1999 | Minneapolis, MN segregation policies in New Helen Morris 1975–1979 Orleans, LA Let Freedom Ring Aug. 8–11, 1977 | Laramie, WY April 20–21, 1956 | Denver, CO Lift Thine Eyes Virginia Von Seggern 1999–2003 Occupy ‘til I Come | July 16–19, 1979 | Omaha, NE July 5–8, 2001 San Jose, CA July 31–Aug. 1, 1957 | Minne- Sow the Seed Because He First Loved Me apolis, MN June 19–22, 2003 | Oklahoma Talk Ye of All His Wondrous Helen Gienapp 1979–1983 City, OK | Works June 22–25, 1981 Milwaukee, WI Lord of my heart ... our Hope Come to the Living Waters July 22–23, 1959 | Toronto, Linda Reiser 2003–2007 Ontario, Canada June 20–23, 1983 | Detroit, MI June 16–19, 2005 | Tampa, FL Labour with More Love Reach Out with Christ Live Joyfully as Salt and Light Alberta Barnes 1983–1987 Emma Hoppe* 1959–1963 June 21–24, 2007 | Sioux Falls, SD | July 26–27, 1961 | Pittsburgh, PA July 22–25, 1985 Ames, IA Rest On Christ the King Living with My Lord Give God Glory – Praise His Name! Janice Wendorf 2007-2011 July 17–18, 1963 | Kansas City, MO June 25-28, 2009 | Portland, OR The Harvest is Great June 22–25, 1987 | Ft. Worth, TX Radiant with God’s Love Look to the Hills ... God Reigns

* resting in the arms of Jesus 87 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon the lutheran women’s missionary league by district

The LWML holds their biennial convention on a rotation basis, with the regions named as follows: 2010 convention dates EAST NORTH WEST SOUTH will be listed at Atlantic Iowa District East California-Nevada-Hawaii Florida-Georgia www.lwml.org. Carolinas Iowa District West Montana Gulf States Chesapeake Minnesota North Nebraska North Central Illinois See individual district Eastern Minnesota South Nebraska South Southern Illinois Web sites for details. Indiana Northern Illinois Oregon Kansas Michigan North Dakota Pacific Southwest Louisiana-Mississippi New England South Dakota Rocky Mountain Mid-South New Jersey North Wisconsin utah-Idaho Missouri Ohio South Wisconsin Washington-Alaska Oklahoma Wyoming Texas

The rotation calendar is as follows: 2009 – West 2021 – East 2011 – South 2023 – North 2013 – East 2025 – West 2015 – North 2027 – South 2017 – West 2029 – East 2019 – South 2031 – North

LWML District Web sites New England www.lwml-ned.org Atlantic www.adlwml.org Nebraska North www.nedistno-lwml.com Carolinas www.lutheransonline.com/carolinasdistlwml Nebraska South http://lwmlnesouth.homestead.com/ California-Nevada-Hawaii www.cnhlwml.org North Wisconsin www.nwdlwml.org Central Illinois www.lwmlcid.org/ North Dakota www.nd-lwml.org Chesapeake www.chesapeakedistrictlwml.org/ New Jersey http://lwmlnj.org/district English www.englishdistrictlwml.org web-content/html/lwml.html Eastern www.east-dist-lwml.org Northern Illinois www.nidlwml.org Florida-Georgia www.flgalwml.com Ohio www.lutheransonline.com/servlet/lo_ProcServ/ Gulf States www.lwmlgulfstates.org dbpage=page&mode=display&gid=200719434338 Iowa District East http://ide.lcms.org/lwml 10988901111555 Iowa District West www.idwlcms.org/ministry Oklahoma www.oklwml.org _partners/lwml/index.htm Oregon www.orlwml.org Indiana www.lutheransonline.com/lwmlindiana Pacific Southwest www.members.tripod.com/lwmlpswd Kansas www.kansaslwml.org Rocky Mountain www.rmdlwml.org Louisiana-Mississippi www.la-ms-lwml.org Southern Illinois www.sidlwml.org Mid-South www.midsouthlwml.org/ South Wisconsin www.swd-lwml.com index.php?p=1_1_HOME-PAGE South Dakota www.sdlwml.org Michigan www.mi-lwml.org SELC www.lwml-selc.org Minnesota North www.lwmlmnn.org Texas www.lwmltxdist.org Minnesota South www.mnslwml.org Utah-Idaho www.uilwml.org/ Missouri www.missourilwml.org Washington-Alaska http://wa-aklwml.org Montana http://mtd.lcms.org/MT%20District%20LWML.htm Wyoming http://wy.lcms.org/Pres/lwml.htm 88 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon songs

1. Above All 3. Gathering of Daughters Above all powers, above all kings Tune: “Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling” (LW 318) Above all nature and all created things There’s a gathering of daughters Above all wisdom and all the ways of man Hearts set on life’s highest goal You were here before the world began Who have found the living waters Above all kingdoms, above all thrones Meant for every thirsting soul Above all wonders the world has ever known Sisters moved to share God’s favor Above all wealth and treasures of the earth With their siblings everywhere There’s no way to measure what You’re worth Spirit-linked to Christ the Savior Living out His daily prayer Chorus Crucified, laid behind a stone Every minute a reunion You lived to die, rejected and alone Rich in memories and dreams Like a rose trampled on the ground Of a close worldwide communion You took the fall and thought of me Binding dedicated teams Above all. Like their mentors since creation So God’s daughters still today Lenny LaBlanc and Paul Baloche Practice their unique vocation © 1999 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music Inc.)/LenSongs Publishing Caring in their special way CCLI 927254 Picture that exciting meeting With their risen reigning Lord 2. Amazing Grace Every saint the others greeting Amazing Grace how sweet the sound Perfect love and joy restored That saved a wretch like me Everything alive and thrilling I once was lost but now am found Everlasting peace begun Was blind but now I see See God’s boundless grace fulfilling Every promise one by one Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved Many wait to be united How precious did that grace appear All of whom are loved to be The hour I first believed In one family united For a deathless destiny Through many dangers toils and snares Singing glory Alleluia I have already come To the Father to the Son Tis grace has brought me safe so far Honor blessing Alleluia And grace will lead me home To the Spirit – Holy One When we’ve been there ten thousand years © 1983, Jaroslav J Vajda, Used by permission. Copyright Bright shining as the sun permission secured through the office of the Lutheran We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Women’s Missionary League. Than when we’d first begun. Lyrics by John Newton/John P. Rees/Excell 4. Give Thanks Public domain. Give thanks with a grateful heart Give thanks to the Holy One Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son (repeat) And now, let the weak say, “I am strong” Let the poor say, “I am rich Because of what the Lord has done for us” (repeat) Give thanks. Henry Smith 1978 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music CCLI 927254

89 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon songs

5. He is Lord 7. Here I Am to Worship Turn to me and be saved, He is Lord He is Lord Light of the world all you ends of the earth He is risen from the dead and He is Lord You stepped down into darkness Every knee shall bow Opened my eyes let me see for I am God, and there is Every tongue confess Beauty that made That Jesus Christ is Lord This heart adore You no other. By myself I have Anonymous. Public domain. Hope of a life spent with You sworn, my mouth has Chorus uttered in all integrity 6. Here I Am Lord So here I am to worship I the Lord of sea and sky Here I am to bow down a word that will not be I have heard my people cry Here I am to say that You’re my God revoked. Before me every All who dwell in deepest sin And You’re altogether lovely My hand will save Altogether worthy knee will bow; by me I who made the stars of night Altogether wonderful to me every tongue will swear. I will make their darkness bright King of all days Who will bear my light to them Oh so highly exalted  Whom shall I send Isaiah 45: 22-23 Glorious in heaven above Chorus Humbly You came Here I am Lord Is it I Lord To the earth You created I have heard you calling in the night All for love’s sake became poor I will go Lord if you lead me And I’ll never know how much it cost I will hold your people in my heart To see my sin upon that cross I the Lord of snow and rain And I’ll never know how much it cost I have borne my people’s pain To see my sin upon that cross I have wept for love of them Tim Hughes ©2000 Thankyou Music CCLI 927254 They turn away I will break their hearts of stone 8. Holy Ground Give them hearts for love alone This is holy ground I will speak my word to them We’re standing on holy ground Whom shall I send For the Lord is present Chorus And where He is is holy This is holy ground I the Lord of wind and flame We’re standing on holy ground I will tend the poor and lame For the Lord is present I will set a feast for them And where He is is holy My hand will save Finest bread I will provide These are holy hands Till their hearts are satisfied He’s given us holy hands I will give my life to them He works through these hands Whom shall I send And so these hands are holy Chorus These are holy hands He’s given us holy hands Text and music ©1981, OCP Publications, 5536 NE He works through these hands Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213. All rights reserved. Used And so these hands are holy with permission. These are holy friends He’s given us holy friends He loves through these friends And so these friends are holy These are holy friends He’s given us holy friends He loves through these friends And so these friends are holy Christopher Beatty ©1982 Birdwing Music CCLI 927254 90 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon songs

9. How Beautiful In league with the Spirit who moved o’er the waters How beautiful the hands that served When time was beginning help us now we pray How beautiful on As we venture into the future remind us The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth the mountains are How beautiful the feet that walked Of baptismal grace that we live in each day The long dusty roads and the hills to the cross Refrain the feet of those Chorus So let us all tell of His dying and rising who bring good How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is Give honor and praise to Lord Jesus our King news, who proclaim the body of Christ. Who reigns with the Father and Spirit forever How beautiful the heart that bled In league with our Lord with one voice we will sing peace, who bring That took all my sin and bore it instead Refrain good tidings, who How beautiful the tender eyes That chose to forgive and never despise. Text and music ©1999 Jeffrey E. Burkart Used by permis- proclaim salvation, sion. Copyright secured through the LWML Office. All Chorus rights reserved. who say to Zion, And as He laid down His life “Your God reigns!” We offer this sacrifice 11. Lord I Lift Your Name on High Lord I lift Your name on high  That we will live just as he died Isaiah 52:7 Willing to pay the price Lord I love to sing Your praises Willing to pay the price I’m so glad You’re in my life I’m so glad You came to save us How beautiful the radiant Bride Who waits for her Groom with His light in her eyes Chorus How beautiful when humble hearts give You came from heaven to earth The fruit of pure lives so that others may live. To show the way From the earth to the cross Chorus My debt to pay How beautiful the feet that bring From the cross to the grave The sound of good news and the love of the King From the grave to the sky How beautiful the hands that serve Lord I lift Your name on high The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth Rick Founds ©1989 Maranatha Praise, Inc. CCLI 927254 Chorus 12. Lord Listen to Your Children Praying Twila Paris © 1990 Ariose Music Mountain Spring Music CCLI 927254 Lord listen to Your children praying Lord send Your Spirit in this place 10. In League with Our Lord Lord listen to Your children praying Send us love send us pow’r send us grace In league with the Father creative and caring We broadcast good news to all people in need Ken Medema ©1973 Hope Publishing CCLI 927254 We offer our service our gifts and our talents Be with us dear Father as we sow the seed Refrain With care and compassion for all of God’s people We’re servants in mission who heed the command To tell of Christ Jesus and make new disciples In earth’s farthest corners throughout ev’ry land In league with the Son who was born in a manger Who opened His arms to the world on the tree O Risen One help us to reach out and comfort All those who are yearning from sin to be free Refrain

91 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon songs

13. Lutheran Women One and All 15. Spirit of the Living God The next day John saw Lutheran Women one and all Spirit of the Living God Jesus coming toward him We have heard the Gospel call Fall fresh on me We by faith have seen the Lord Spirit of the Living God and said, “Look, the Lamb Crucified and then restored Fall fresh on me We have seen Him pay the price Melt me mold me of God, who takes away For our sins a sacrifice Fill me use me the sin of the world! “ Him we Lord and Christ acclaim Spirit of the Living God  And unite to praise His name Fall fresh on me John 1:29 Lutheran Women young and old Daniel Iverson ©1935. Renewed 1963 Birdwing Music Well we know His challenge bold (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI 927254 Help to take the Gospel light To a world in darkest night 16. The Lamb By example in the home The Lamb the Lamb By inviting those who roam O Father where’s the sacrifice By our prayers for sinners lost Faith sees believes By our gifts for missions cost God will provide the Lamb of price Lutheran Women coast to coast Chorus In the Lord a mighty host Worthy is the Lamb Let us all united be Whose death makes me His own In the Holy Trinity The Lamb is reigning One in faith in hope and love On His throne Working for the Lord above The Lamb the Lamb Til our earthly labors done One perfect final offering We in heaven shall all be one The Lamb the Lamb Used by permission of the LWML. Let earth join heav’n His praise to sing Chorus 14. Our God Reigns He sighs he dies How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him He takes my sin and wretchedness Who brings good news, good news He lives forgives Announcing peace proclaiming news of happiness He gives me His own righteousness Our God Reigns! Our God Reigns! Chorus Chorus Our God reigns! Our God reigns! Gerald Patrick Coleman ©1987 MorningStar Music Publishers CCLI 927254 Our God reigns! Our God reigns! Out from the tomb He came with grace and majesty He is alive, He is alive! God loves us so, see here His hands, His feet, His side Yes, we know He is alive. Leonard E. Smith, Jr. 1974, 1978 New Jerusalem Music, Clarksboro, NJ CCLI 927254

92 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon songs

17. We Are An Offering 19. You Are My All In All We lift our voices You are my strength Yours, LORD, is the We lift our hands When I am weak greatness and the We lift our lives up to You You are the treasure We are an offering That I seek power and the glory and Lord use our voices You are my all in all Lord use our hands Seeking You as a precious jewel the majesty and Lord use our lives Lord to give up I’d be a fool the splendor, for They are Yours You are my all in all We are an offering everything in heaven Chorus Verse Jesus Lamb of God and earth is yours. All that we have Worthy is Your name Yours, LORD, is the All that we are Jesus Lamb of God All that we hope to be Worthy is Your name kingdom; you are We give to You Taking my sin We give to You exalted as head over all. My cross my shame We lift our voices  Rising again I bless Your name We lift our hands 1 Chronicles 29:11 (TNIV) You are my all in all We lift our lives up to You When I fall down You pick me up We are an offering When I am dry You fill my cup We are an offering You are my all in all Dwight Liles ©1984 Word Music, LLC CCLI 927254 Chorus 18. We Are the Body of Christ Dennis Jernigan ©1991 Shepherd’s Heart Music, Inc. CCLI 927254 One heart one spirit One voice to praise You We are the body of Christ One goal one vision To see You exalted We are the body of Christ And to this we give our lives To see You glorified One heart one spirit One voice to praise You We are the body of Christ Scott Wesley Brown and David Hampton ©1997 New Spring SongWard Music Integrity’s Hosanna! Music CCLI 927254

93 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon Acknowledgments

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League gratefully acknowledges: This service that  Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, for its full underwriting of the reproduction and mailing costs of the convention you perform is not DVD to be sent to all registrants following the convention; only supplying the  Lutheran Braille Workers, for providing sight-saving convention manuals; needs of God’s people but is also  Stephenson and Associates Inc., Portland, Oregon, for supplying the Rodgers convention organ and Sherman Clay/Moe’s Pianos, Portland, Oregon, for supplying the pianos and keyboard; overflowing in many expressions  Z ion Lutheran Church, Portland, Oregon, for a generous gift to support the Columbia Brass instrumentalists and other costs related to the convention music program; of thanks to God.   The Mill Neck Foundation, for its support of the closed captioning of the convention proceedings and interpreter 2 Corinthians 9:12 service for the convention. The Mill Neck Foundation Inc., Dr. Mark Prowatzke, Executive Director, was incorporated in 1979 to gather funds to assist in a variety of ministries to the deaf;

 St. Matthew Lutheran Church for the Deaf, Elmhurst, New York, for a gift to assist with interpreters for the deaf attending convention;

 The Northwest District LCMS and the Washington-Alaska District LWML for their gifts of the 30 communion sets. The blown glass flagons and chalices were crafted by Andy Paiko Glass, Vancouver, Washington, and the wooden patens were crafted by Myron Rosenwinkel, Idaho Falls, Idaho;

 LCMS World Mission and Rev. Dr. Tom Zehnder, Executive Director, LCMS World Mission for missionary support;

 LCMS World Mission and Rev. Dr. Robert Scudieri, Associate Executive Director, National Mission Team for support of the pre-convention Heart to Heart Sisters cross-cultural gathering;

 The Vera Bradley Foundation and the TravelPortland Convention Bureau for providing gift items for the presenters;

 Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, for providing convention tote bags, folders, notepads, and pencils;

 Cover Design and Graphic Editor: Amy Gill.

94 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon notes

2009 LWML Convention June 25-28, 2009 Portland, Oregon LOOK TO THE HILLS ... GOD REIGNS

______95 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon notes

2009 LWML Convention June 25-28, 2009 Portland, Oregon LOOK TO THE HILLS ... GOD REIGNS

______96 Look to the Hills...God Reigns  33rd Biennial Convention  June 25-28, 2009  Portland, Oregon