February 2025
So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God gives the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:7)
I asked the Board of Directors to chose a theme for this biennium to help us stay focused on our mission. One of the overarching requests from the 2024 convention evaluations was, “how do we grow our groups?” The board wrestled with this and explored some ideas. National LWML also wrestles with this and has a committee to put forth various resources to meet that need. Go to lwml.org and put ‘grow’ in the search line – resources abound! But all who work with growth in numbers conclude that the best way to grow a group is to invite. Write a personal note, sharing why you are involved in LWML, then call, invite and offer a ride to the next meeting. Remember LWML culture will likely need to be explained. Recently a long time member of my church agreed to come to our society meeting. We were talking about how our mites funded mission grants. Quietly she said, “I don’t know what mites are?” Growth can mean understanding, too.
No matter how we reach out to others, only God gives the growth. Our LWML Lutheran Women in Mission belongs to Him. We can plant by joyfully proclaiming Christ, we can water by supporting missions and equipping others and then we rejoice as the Holy Spirit gives the faith to join us in the work appointed for us to do. Why are YOU in LWML? I have many reasons. I love the fellowship, I love the Bible Study, I love the mission stories that come back to us from far flung countries. But I love because God first loved us and I love Jesus because of that. How will you grow?
Terri Denniston
LWML WY District
September, 2024
Beginnings! In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. John 1:1 We start anew. Some are finishing a term of office, some are beginning a new term. If you are beginning, start with the Word of God – Jesus. If you are ending, finish with the Word of God – Jesus. Notice the dash? Whether beginning or ending, we are in the dash which is the journey of a Christian life NOW. At our Women’s Retreat this August held in the beautiful lodge at Harriman Retreat Center, Terri Bentley, President of the LWML Utah-Idaho District introduced us to the classic literature of John Bunyun and his widely printed book The Pilgrim’s Progress. This classic allegory is underpinned with Holy Scripture. Christian – the main character – carries a burden of sin on his journey. As we studied and shared, we found our eyes focused on the Word – Jesus Christ, our one and only true Savior. Terri summarized it well…. “The earthly burden may not be taken away, but finding rest in the arms of Jesus is a promised blessing better than any earthly relief.” And… “Remember, it is only through the Holy Spirit that anyone is saved. We are sent to plant those seeds of grace.” This retreat can be found under “Let’s Grab our Shoes and Go!” on the lwml.org website. It is the district’s hope that we have a retreat every even year in the future. What would you like to study? Let us know!
Our journey for the final two years of my presidency is now beginning. Your elected officers and the appointed committee members will be meeting soon to map out that journey. We hope you will participate anywhere you can. Trust that we always begin with prayer and Bible Study. “Growing in God’s Grace” our 2026 theme verse for LWML Convention in Omaha will surround all we do. We look forward to seeing how God’s grace will grow in us and around us as we work together to joyfully proclaim Christ, support missions, and equip women to honor God by serving others.
June 22, 2024
Praise be to the Lord our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, for a successful completion of the 27th Biennial LWML Wyoming District convention held June 13-15, 2024, in beautiful Powell, Wyoming. “Let us Rejoice in the Lord!”
Fifty evaluations were turned in. Thank you! My statistician husband looked over the marks and declared we received better than a 90% rating in most categories. We did get mostly 4s and 5s. Lower numbers were noted. Improvement plans will be put in place. Thank you all for your careful comments!
Outstanding speakers! Bible Study by Rev. Mark Maas was too short! The Divine Worship Service, the choir, the Immanuel Lutheran LWML “Restaurant” were highly regarded.
The Zero K Donut Walk raised nearly $600 towards our Mite Pledge. LWML President Eden Keefe noted this event in her LWML Communications. Do you think this will become a new custom?
As final numbers come in, continue to check wyolwml.org webpage for the updates. We have some fantastic elected officers. Committee appointments are in process. If you’re interested in doing something for district off-site that doesn't include district meetings, let me know. I have some ideas!
If this convention renewed your desire to proclaim Jesus, support mission, equip women to honor God by helping others, make plans NOW to attend the LWML “Growing in God’s Grace” convention in Omaha, NE. June 26 – 29, 2025. The LWML Wyoming District Board members look forward to a new biennium working with you!
June 10, 2024
It’s this week! Are you coming? It’s not too late to register.
Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice. Philippians 4:4, has depth. Lutheran Women in Mission will dig into this verse in various ways.
- What’s it like to form a friendship with a prison in-mate and share Jesus’ salvation with her?
- Have you perhaps sent a lovingly crafted quilt to a troubled child residing at The Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch? What a cherished gift!
- Reminding us who we are in Christ, Rev. Mark Maas, LWML pastoral counselor will walk us through our theme verse.
- Debbie Yocky, LWML Representative, will encourage us to be current with LWML opportunities.
Since the Milwaukee Convention Lord of all Nations, the LWML officers, committees, and district presidents have been busy proclaiming Jesus Christ. "What does this mean?"
What have the officers YOU have elected been up to the last two years?
Guess what? Come in your pajamas and win prizes! Coffee and donuts anyone?
Won’t you join us? Check out the tab on this page Convention 2024. See you there!
January 29, 2024
Buy a Cookie for a Seminarian
by Terri Denniston LWML WYD President
At a recent LWML Presidents Assembly in St. Louis, we collected for a Gifts from the Heart Project. Since the LWML office is on the Concordia Theological Seminary St. Louis campus, the seminarians are offered hot chocolate and cookies when they stop by. The staff remarked that the lobby is a busy place during the day.
The grand total for this project was $1055.51.
Want to help? Give some “dough” for the cookie dough:
Go to https://giftcard.gfsstore.com
Ship to:
Vanessa Johnson
801 Seminary Pl. Ste L010
St. Louis, MO 63105
Drop a note: vanessa.johnson@lwml.org to let her know a gift card is on the way.
