Lutheran Women in Mission Table of Contents Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................................2 Bible Studies .........................................................................................................................................................................3 Devotions ..........................................................................................................................................................................217 Sketches and Plays ........................................................................................................................................................ 267 Songs ...................................................................................................................................................................................319 LWML Mission Statement ......................................................................................................................................... 325 The LWML Pledge ....................................................................................................................................................... 326 Planning Purposeful Programs Helps.................................................................................................................... 327 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life (Jude 1:20–21). www.lwml.org 1 Faith Building Help for Groups Lutheran Women in Mission Introduction Welcome to 2021-2023 Faith Building Help for Groups Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrew 12:1–2). One of the greatest joys as Lutheran Women in Mission is to run the race of faith proclaiming the glory of the Triune God and tell the truth that salvation is found only in Him. The purpose of the Faith Building Help for Groups manual is to help you do this with joy! Every Bible study, devotion, sketch, and song contained in this manual has been LCMS doctrinally reviewed so you can use them with confidence knowing that they truthfully proclaim God’s Word. The materials in this manual have been designed to help you reach the “woman in the pew” so that she can grow spiritually, joyfully join her LWML sisters in Christ, and spread the Word in service to Him. How to Use This Planner Effectively • Download the manual to your computer, or if using a paper copy, keep it in a handy binder; share it with the next leader(s). • Review the entire planner to become familiar with its contents. • The 2021–2023 planner is arranged thematically and includes a blend of new and classic resources to use in your local LWML group, zone, or district meeting and gatherings. • Determine theme, target group, and objectives for your meeting or event. • Don’t forget that trying something new can be a good thing! Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:16–17). www.lwml.org 2 Faith Building Help for Groups Lutheran Women in Mission Bible Studies by Theme Most Bible Studies are followed by a Leader’s Guide. Caregiving Care for Long-Distance Caregivers ........................................................................................................................... 4 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Receiving Care from Others .................................................................... 16 Out of Sight but Not Out of Mine ............................................................................................................................ 26 Christian Living Do, Love, Walk ............................................................................................................................................................... 34 Fools of the Bible ........................................................................................................................................................... 44 I Hate to Wait .................................................................................................................................................................. 52 Comfort and Hope Comfort and Hope...to Share ...................................................................................................................................... 56 Restored ............................................................................................................................................................................. 65 Simply Jesus ..................................................................................................................................................................... 76 Dealing with Down Days Ecclesiastes: Comforting Words When Dealing with Tough Stuff .............................................................. 80 Living in the Days of Noah—Today ........................................................................................................................ 85 Lonely for Others .......................................................................................................................................................... 96 Family Times A Lot of Tough Love ................................................................................................................................................... 104 Seasons of Life ............................................................................................................................................................... 113 Legacy of Life ................................................................................................................................................................ 117 Train Up a Child ........................................................................................................................................................... 133 Joy in the Journey A Journey of Joy ........................................................................................................................................................... 142 Joy in the Journey (part 1) ........................................................................................................................................ 148 Job’s Journey of Joy (part 2) .................................................................................................................................... 158 Relationship with God Bought with a Price—Given a Purpose ................................................................................................................ 166 Town Crier ...................................................................................................................................................................... 176 When Love is Lost ....................................................................................................................................................... 187 Relationship with Others Blessings in Relationships ........................................................................................................................................ 196 How to Pray ................................................................................................................................................................... 202 Lift Up Your Eyes ........................................................................................................................................................ 209 www.lwml.org 3 Faith Building Help for Groups Lutheran Women in Mission Care for Long-Distance Caregivers Bible Study • Study Guide Opening Prayer: Lord God, heavenly Father, please bless our time together in Your Word. As we discover the truths concerning the compassion and care that Jesus shows us, may we be led by the Holy Spirit to show the same compassion and care for those around us who are engaged in long- distance caregiving. Open our hearts to ways we can provide meaningful help to those who care for loved ones who do not live close by. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Introduction: Who is a “Long-Distance Caregiver”? At 6 a.m. on a chilly October morning, I was awakened by the sound of a ringing phone. When I answered, an anxious voice pleaded, “Diane, it’s your father. I need you to come home this morning. Something is not right with your mother.” “What do you mean, Dad?” I replied. “I just spoke with Mom on the phone yesterday, and she seemed to be doing well.” “I don’t know,” my father answered. “She’s having trouble moving, and she’s not making any sense when she talks. Please come now.” “Okay, Dad. I’ll be there early this afternoon,” I reassured him. For the two and a half years before that phone call, my mother had been battling pancreatic cancer. During that time, I had physically