lutheran women’s missionary league nebraska south district · have a walking buddy? one of my...
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Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Nebraska South District
Volume 44, No. 3 Fall 2018
Have a Walking Buddy?
One of my favorite things about fall is going for a walk and enjoying the fall colors. I can usually
find a walking partner. At school I “get to” go for walks in gym class with my students. At home my
husband will come along. And if nothing else I can take a dog for a walk. But sometimes I want to be
alone with Jesus on my walk. Just the two of us. I tell Him my sorrows and my celebrations. I work
through frustrations at work or share my concerns for my family. Sometimes I have to talk through
LWML convention details with the Lord. Other times I pray for friends and family who are suffering on
their own walk through life.
Our LWML Nebraska South District is on a “walk” of sorts as well. As we end the journey known as the 2016-2018
biennium as “Partakers of Grace,” we are thankful for the Lord’s guidance that He has given us through our executive
committee and board of directors. What a blessing to have been on this walk together with our Lord. And now, some
servants will find new ways to serve in our district and others will take their place in step with us as we travel through the
next biennium as “Daughters of the King – Sisters in Christ."
I encourage you to find a buddy to walk with this fall. Okay, maybe not an actual exercise type walking buddy;
however, that is a great idea too. What I mean is take a walk through the Word with a friend. Find someone in your church
or zone that you can walk through the Word with in the coming months. Find a Bible study that you can work through
together either in person or through emails, phone calls or even text messages. Perhaps reading a Psalm each day or
sharing the CPH Portals of Prayer is more your style. Share the opportunity to be in the Word and take a walk with our
Lord.
Let us ever walk with Jesus, Follow His example pure,
Through a world that would deceive us, And to sin our spirits lure.
Onward in His footsteps treading, Pilgrims here, our home above,
Full of faith and hope and love, Let us do the Father’s bidding,
Faithful Lord, with me abide: I shall follow where Your guide. (LSB 685 v.1)
Katy Gifford 402-245-4618 (Home) or 402-360-1503 (Cell) [email protected]
QUARTERLY
ECHO
District’s 39th Biennial Convention
The Nebraska South District LWML will meet in convention at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, September 14-15,
2018 under the theme "Daughters of the King-Sisters in Christ." According to Article V, Section 2 of the District Bylaws, "the
voting body of the convention shall be two (2) certified delegates from each society, elected district officers, zone presidents and past district presidents who are currently members of the Nebraska South District LWML." The credentials of the delegates shall be in the hands of the Recording Secretary at least two weeks prior to convention. If you have questions, contact Jennifer Wolff, convention committee chair; President Katy Gifford or Recording Secretary Denise Hummel.
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Memorials and Joy/Thankofferings April 1 - June 30, 2018
Memorials In Honor of: Marilyn Avey Wendel Krueger Marlene Behm Marion Oellermann Dorothy Bredthauer Vernon Ricker Ronald Cook Elda Riekenberg Ardis Epke Ardith Roebke Alice Eickhoff Helen Schildt Dot Haack Joe Anne Staehr LaDonna Heider Brenda Zabokrtsky Fay Hinze Memorials - given to District Mites: Dorothy Bauer Phyllis Heath Wilma Debban Winafred Reiners Memorial - given to Special Gifts Fund: Marlene Behm Joy/Thankofferings in Honor of: Karen Brasee Harlan and Irene Klein Irene Heider Harold and Delores Longenheder
2016-2018 Joy, Memorial, Thankoffering gifts are given to “Dormitories in Togo”
through Mission Central Adoption Agreement with Gary Thies
2016-2018 Prayer Service offerings are given to
“KNGN Enhancement and Upkeep Project” (convention mission grant request not filled)
Royal Festivities
So, I must confess, I didn’t get up early on May 19 to watch the Royal Wedding of Prince
Harry and Megan Markle, though I did watch some of the replays as my wife and daughter did watch
the nuptials live and were watching the TV when I got up that morning.
What is it that makes us so interested in royalty? Maybe as Americans it’s the fascination with
a past that we left behind in our own form of government. Certainly, there is a little bit of romance
and intrigue, especially with all the movies and stories of a commoner marrying a prince, like
Cinderella and its various retellings, as well as countless Hallmark movies too numerous to mention.
I’ll willingly admit to watching quite a few of those myself.
As we gather for the Nebraska South LWML Convention this fall under the theme "Daughters of
the King― Sisters in Christ," … a perfectly royal title for some perfectly royal women who will gather
together in Kearney. I am sure we will be hearing much about this theme.
But I want to simply remind you that your fascination with royalty shouldn’t be based on some
dreamy possibility of becoming royalty by a long-lost blood line or a romance with a disguised prince
charming. No, our royalty is much more solid and certain. You do have a royal groom, as does all the Church, our Lord
Jesus has bestowed undeserved royalty upon us all and therefore you are truly, Daughters of the King (and a few Sons
will be in attendance too)!
So, prepare to celebrate your royal status come September, my dear Sisters in Christ, and of course, Daughters of
the King! See you in Kearney! In the love of Jesus,
Rev. Rob Kuefner
Junior Counselor
Mission Grant Highlights
I have been working on the
presentation of grant applications,
which will be shown at the District
convention. It is amazing to put faces
with the words on the papers from the
applications. God has given us a great
task to reach out with His love and
grace to people in our communities
and all over the world with what we
do and what we do through others
with our mites.
Several national grants still need to be funded,
including "Nursing Students Serving with Mercy Medical
Team." These are nursing students in the Concordia
University System who participate in a short-term mission to
Madagascar. The students work with medical professionals
in providing medical and/or spiritual care.
Another grant is "Y4Life" which seeks to equip young
people to be the voice for life in a culture that glorifies the
choice of death of an unborn child of God. The grant funds
will go towards expanding the initiative to include Lutheran
high schools.
Eileen Zentner
VP Gospel Outreach/Mission Grants
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Be sure to check out the new user-friendly website for Nebraska South District
LWML. Go to http://www.lwmlnesouth.org/
Zones Plan for Fall Rallies
Zone: Date: Site: Theme (with Guest Speaker):
Seward Sunday, September 30 Immanuel, Seward "We Sing! We Praise! We Worship!
We Learn! We Share!"
Hastings Sunday, September 30 Zion, Hastings TBA
McCook Saturday, October 6 St. John, McCook TBA
Beatrice Saturday, October 13 Trinity, Jansen Rev. Brent Smith with Mission Central
Falls City Saturday, October 13 Pawnee City TBA
Grand Island Saturday, October 13 St. John's, Palmer "A Light to Lighten the Gentiles"
with Mary Ann Niemoth
Ogallala Saturday, October 13 Shepherd of the Hills, Hyannis
TBA
Deshler Sunday, October 14 St. Peter, Deshler "Here Am I, Send Me"
Lincoln Sunday, October 14 Holy Savior, Lincoln "The Joy of God's Love"
York Sunday, October 14 St. Peter, Hampton "Praise the LORD, all nations" with
Bruce Wall, Camp Luther
Holdrege Sunday, October 21 Cambridge "Hats for Christ" with Vicki Bantam
Kearney Sunday, October 21 Zion, Kearney "Sharing the Light of Christ" with
Pastor Dale Kaster, Missionary to Ghana
42 More …
Please CONTINUE making memory blankets as an individual or as a a society mission
project ― 42 blankets are needed BEFORE District Convention! See page 4 of summer issue for more details! Thank you!
Blankets can be sent to Katy Gifford, 2311 Stone, Falls City, NE 68355
DISTRICT CALENDAR September 14, 2018 Younes Convention Center, Kearney BOD Meeting
September 14-15, 2018 Younes Convention Center, Kearney District Convention
October 27, 2018 St. Peter, Deshler Transition/EC Meeting
February 9, 2019 Peace, Grand Island BOD Meeting
April 13, 2019 St. Paul's, Central City EC Meeting
June 8, 2019 Zion, St. Libory (Worms) BOD Meeting
June 20-23, 2019 Mobile, Alabama National LWML Convention
September 6-7, 2019 Camp Covenant Cedars Bible Camp, Hordville District Retreat
September 18-19, 2020 Younes Convention Center, Kearney District Convention
June 24-27, 2021 Lexington, Kentucky National LWML Convention
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Aaron Ferguson Hyannis
Teacher - Seward
Jacob Garrison Malcolm
Pre-Sem - Seward
Hannah Birtell Holdrege
DCE - Seward
Nebraska South District Scholarship Recipients 2018-2019 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and
individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our
faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity;
the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness (Romans 12:4-8 ESV)
Heavenly Father, we thank you for these
students who are preparing to work fulltime for
You in the Church. Grant them wisdom, bless
them as they study and give them a willingness
to serve wherever You call. We thank you also
for women with hearts willing to share what
they have with others so Your work can be done.
We ask that You make us all willing to serve You
with gladness. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
Abigail Deloach Kearney
Teacher - Seward
Adam Baumann Seward
Pastor - Fort Wayne
Anne Gifford Falls City
Teacher - St Paul
Amy Guenther Lincoln
Teacher - Seward
Abigail Huggins Grand Island
Teacher - Seward
Abigail Jeppesen Pleasant Dale
Teacher - Seward
Andrew Johnson Kearney
Pastor - St Louis
Sarah Niemeier St. Libory
Teacher - Seward
Jonathan Kisker Lincoln
Teacher - Seward
Benjamin Kuefner Lexington
Teacher - Seward
Caleb Staehr Grand Island
Teacher - Seward
Zachary Staehr Grand Island
Pastor - Seward
Christopher Warneke Hastings
Pastor - Seward
Leah Werner Davenport
Teacher - Seward
Taylor Zehendner Pleasanton
Teacher - Seward
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Count Down to Convention - September 14-15, 2018
Keynote Speakers Biographical Info
Other Friendly Reminders …
1. "Gifts from the Heart" Ingathering ― For complete "kit" details, refer to The ECHO (spring issue, page 6): a) Mercy/Health Kits b) New underwear and socks for men, women and children.
c) Quilts - any size
d) School Supplies
e) Shampoo/conditioner (regular and travel size)
Ingathering for Host Zone Agencies include: paper towels, toilet paper, small boxes of facial tissue,
trash bags, dish soap, baby diapers and baby wipes
2. Zones - remember your Gift Basket Silent Auction!
3. Summaries of the proposed 2018-2020 Mission Grants, which convention delegates and YWRs will vote for, were included on pages 9 and 10 of the summer issue of The ECHO!
4. Bring your travel mug for coffee and a sweater!
Katie Schuermann is the author of the Anthem of Zion series about a small-town church choir director and the quirky congregation she serves. She will be our keynote speaker.
Elaine Bickel has written curriculum for CPH and Bible studies and articles for the Lutheran Women's Quarterly. She is a frequent humorous and inspirational speaker for our District.
Kaye Wolff will be our national LWML representa-tive and serves as VP of Special Focus Ministries. She oversees the Committee on Young Women and is excited about refreshing the Teen LWML program. Kaye would love to see three and four generations of women attending conventions together.
The Rev. Brian Friedrich is president of Concordia University-Nebraska in Seward and will lead us in Bible study.
Karen Reynolds grew up in Nebraska--grown from the farmland of central Nebraska. She is from Cotesfield and will serve as our Music Leader.
Suzanne Phillipi of Central City will be the Convention Choir Director (no photo available).
Offering Designations and Mite Goal
At the District Executive Committee's April meeting, the following
Convention items were approved:
Offering #1 will go towards the new 2018-2020 biennium mite
goal; and
Offering #2 will go to Mission Central
2018-2020 Mission Grant Goal will be: $105,000.00
Tentative Schedule
Friday, September 14
1:00 pm Servant Events
(Supper is on your own)
6:00 pm Break-out Session with Kaye
Wolff, Pastor Brent Smith or Elaine
Bickel
or Choir Rehearsal
7:00 pm Break-out Session with Kaye
Wolff, Pastor Brent Smith or Elaine
Bickel
8:00 pm Closing Devotion
8:30 pm President’s Reception
Saturday, September 15
8:00 am Singing
8:30 am Opening Processional
Opening Worship with Offering #1
Introduction of Candidates, Bylaw
changes, and Mission Grants
Keynote Address: Katie Schuermann
Voting
12:00 pm Lunch Recess (with Exhibits Open)
1:15 pm Singing
Greetings from LWML Nebraska North
District and LLL
Bible Study with President Brian Friedrich
Singing and Offering #2
Albuquerque YWR Report
2019 LWML Convention Invitation
LWML Representative Kaye Wolff
2019 Retreat Invitation
Voting Results
Gifts from the Heart Dedication
Installation of Officers
Adjourn
6:30 pm Banquet
Speaker: Elaine Bickel
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Change in Nominees for 2018 Convention Ballot There is a change in the candidates for Vice President of Christian Life. Due to a serious health concern, Sandy
Eickhoff needed to withdraw her name from the ballot. The Nominating Committee has filled that spot on the
ballot. Please read the biographies for the two candidates for Vice President of Christian Life below:
VICE PRESIDENT OF CHRISTIAN LIFE CANDIDATES
Carol Spiehs
Grand Island Zone Zion, St. Libory (Worms)
Local: Current society
president, past Treasurer and
Human Care; assistant Sunday
school superintendent, assist
with offering counting and recording
Zone: Current Co-chairman Christian Life; past
Treasurer
District: Attended District conventions
Community Activities: Zion (Worms) delegate
for Heartland Lutheran; platelet and blood donor
Employment/Education interests: Principal
Financial Group (32 years)
LWML Mission Vision: To support and
encourage women to be in the Word and use their individual gifts in missions.
Vicky Van Velson
Ogallala Zone Beautiful Savior, North Platte
Local: LWML President, President-Elect, Secretary
(current), appointed offices, choir member, past Praise
Team member
Zone: President, President-Elect, Assistant Leader Development (current),
Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, Board member, appointed offices
District: Financial Secretary, Special Gifts Committee, Treasurer, Nominating
Committee, convention committee, retreat committee
National: Attended 3 national conventions (once as delegate)
Community Activities: LCEF Nebraska Committee member, past member of
Heartland Singers, performed in stage productions at the community
playhouse
Employment/Education interests: Administrative Assistant at Van Velson
Law Office
LWML Mission Vision: The LWML offers the women of the LCMS the
opportunity to accomplish what God has set out for them to do.
Volunteers Needed at District Convention “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”
( I Corinthians 10:31 ESV).
Volunteers are needed at District Convention for the LWML Store. If you would like to volunteer,
you may sign up at our website: www.lwmlnesouth.org, click on the District Convention 2018 tab, and go
to volunteering then click on Christian Life Booth button. The time slots are listed and we definitely need
your help. Fill out the information required and then submit. We will then contact you. If you do not have
access to a computer, please call Carolyn Nelson at 402-239-4140 and leave your name, phone number and short message.
I will call you back to get the information needed.
Seeing that this is my last article I write as VP of Christian Life for The ECHO, it has been an honor and a blessing to
serve you through the Lord’s guidance. The past four years have been rewarding: I made more friends, strengthened my
faith, shared my faith with others, gave encouragement to many people, traveled throughout Nebraska and attended the
National Convention in Des Moines, IA, and was able to do it all to the glory of God.
Knowing that God my Savior was always present gave me the strength in everything I did, and knowing that He died
for me (and you), has been a great blessing. I am sad to leave the position, yet ready to see what God has in store for me in
the months to come. I will continue to serve on the 2019 Retreat Committee. Praise to God for the opportunity to serve as VP
of Christian Life, praise to God for my successor, and most of all praise to God for the LWML organization and all that we do
for His glory. God’s blessings to all.
Carolyn Nelson
VP of Christian Life
Dear YWR and Teen Sisters in Christ
We are very much looking forward to our upcoming district convention. We have lots planned for our
young women and youth, including fun activities, as well as a couple of servant events. The young women
will also have the opportunity to learn more about the business side of voting and meeting processes by
sitting with their Zone Presidents and having lunch with President Katy and VP Kaye.
Brianne Stahlecker and Rebecca Mau, Leader Development Committee Members
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Daughters and Sisters, It’s Time!
Our LWML NE South District Convention is just around the corner and we hope you intend to
join us at the Younes Convention Center in Kearney! On Friday, September 14, at 1:00 p.m., work
with your sisters in Christ through servant events, visit exhibits to learn more about what our District
and Church are doing to share the Gospel and resources available to help, and renew and build
new friendships as we “Serve the Lord with Gladness.” After supper on your own, spend time with
Kaye Wolff, Katie Schuermann, and Pastor Brent Smith in sectionals. Blend your voice with
members of our convention choir directed by Suzanne Phillipi, as they practice for worship on
Saturday. Finish the evening with closing devotions and President Katy’s reception. This will also be your time to meet
and visit with the candidates on the ballot for the next biennium.
Saturday, September 15, begins with praise and receiving God’s forgiveness and blessing through Communion
Worship led by Pastor Brian Francik and Pastor Robert Kuefner. Pastor Brian Friedrichs, president of Concordia
University-Seward, will lead us in Bible study. The day will be packed with encouragement, challenges, thanksgiving,
and opportunities for us to continue growing through God’s grace as we serve Him. See the convention schedule on
page 5 of this issue. Our offerings for the day will help fund our District’s mission grants and the work of Mission
Central. Look for our silent auction baskets. Proceeds will all go to mites! Spend time with exhibitors. Katie
Schuermann will be signing copies of her books. Elaine Bickel will pop in with “interruptions” and be our Saturday
evening entertainer. Karen Reynolds will again lead us in joyful songs of praise. Saturday lunch and supper buffets
were available via the registration form.
It’s not too late to register! Look for your registration form in the summer issue of The ECHO or online at
www.lwmlnesouth.org. See you in September!
Jen Wolff, 2018 Convention Chairman 308-785-8074 or [email protected]
LWML Convention – June 20-23, 2019 … Mobile, Alabama
Make plans now to join other LWML women ”In Praise to the LORD” at the 2019
LWML Convention. The convention will be held at the beautiful Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile
Convention Center located on the picturesque Mobile River and adjacent to refreshing
Mobile Bay.
Get “mobile” to Mobile - Nebraska South will be taking a charter bus to
convention. Arrive in time to enjoy servant events on Thursday and participate in the choir!
Cost will be approximately $300 per person (includes bus transportation and
hotel costs to and from Mobile, depending on the number of riders; this cost does not
include convention registration, meals, and motel costs while at convention).
Tentative Itinerary will be:
Tuesday, June 18 – Depart for Mobile (pick-up stops at Grand Island, York, and Hebron)
Overnight stay in Conway, Arkansas (motel rooms priced
with double occupancy)
Wednesday, June 19 – Arrive in Mobile
Thursday to Sunday, June 20-23 – Participate in Convention;
Bus will transport each morning and evening
Sunday, June 23 – Depart at noon for Nebraska
Overnight stay again in Conway, Arkansas
Monday, June 24 – Arrive back in Nebraska!
Questions? Please contact me and more information will be available at District convention in September and in
the winter issue of The ECHO will be sign up information.
Sherry Burger, Bus Contact Person
VP of Servant Resources
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Be a Volunteer at
District Convention
On the District's Website (under
Convention tab), you can sign up
to be a volunteer at the
Christian Life Booth or as a nurse!
"Serve the Lord with Gladness!"
2016-2018 Mission Grants "Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold."
(Grants in bold uppercase means paid in full) Amount PAID
SHIPMENTS TO BALTICS-OGT 10,000 10,000
Scholarships 30,000 20,750
MISSION CENTRAL 10,000 10,000
AT EASE-VETERANS, MILITARY 10,000 10,000
COMFORT DOG SATELLITE TRAINING 5,000 5,000
TRINITY/HOPE MEALS FOR HAITI 5,000 5,000
MERCY MEALS OF SW NEBRASKA 8,000 8,000
TUITION ASSISTANCE-WINNEBAGO
PRESCHOOL 5,600 5,600
HIS KIDS CAMP/CAMP LUTHER 10,000 10,000
LUTHERAN BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
OF UKRAINE 7,500 7,500
NE DISTRICT ELEMENTARY &
SECONDARY TUITION ASSISTANCE 1,900 1,900
YWR - LINCOLN LUTHERAN
COMMUNITY OUTREACH 2,000 2,000
2016-2018 TOTAL MISSION GOAL $105,000 $95,750
Deadline for next ECHO November 1, 2018
Please send news from your society to:
Linda Hammer 215 South St Staplehurst, NE 68439
Email: [email protected]
CONTINUE making memory blankets
as an individual or a society mission
project … 42 blankets needed
BEFORE District Convention! See page 4 of summer issue for more details!
Thank you!
Blankets can be sent to Katy Gifford,
2311 Stone, Falls City, NE 68355
Bring your travel coffee mug and a sweater
for District Convention - September 14-15!
Zones - Remember your
Gift Basket for Silent Auction
at Convention!
____105,000 ____100,000 ____ 95,000 ____ 90,000 ____ 85,000 ____ 80,000 ____ 75,000 ____ 70,000 ____ 65,000 ____ 60,000 ____ 55,000 ____ 50,000 ____ 45,000 ____ 40,000 ____ 35,000 ____ 30,000 ____ 25,000 ____ 20,000 ____ 15,000 ____ 10,000 ____ 5,000 ____ 0