LWMLC holds virtual convention
ONLINE – From July 8 to 10, 2021, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada (LWMLC) held their eleventh National Convention. The theme, “Christ Lives in Me,” was based on Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
LWMLC President Linda Long reported that attendance increased 49% from the 2018 convention, with 252 people registered.
The convention, hosted by the ABC District of LWMLC, began on Thursday evening with a worship service live-streamed from Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines (the video is available on the seminary’s YouTube channel). The service was led by Rev. James Keller, and West Regional Pastor Rev. Robert Mohns served as lector. Lutheran Church-Canada’s President, Rev. Timothy Teuscher, preached on the convention theme, and Rev. Jeff Dul led the prayers and the closing blessing.
During the convention, there were opportunities to share prayer requests via email, and short devotions were available on the YouTube channel. As well, a virtual space was available for exhibitors on YouTube, where participants could watch short videos submitted by different organizations in place of strolling through an exhibitors’ hall. As well, the convention hosted the longest mission walk in LWMLC history, covering a combined total of 6,525 kilometers and raising $11,000 for the Wagner Hills Farm Society.
LWMLC Convention Opening Service 2021 streamed live from the Martin Luther Chapel of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, Ontario.
On Friday, a Bible study on the theme verse was led by Rev. Dul, and Rev. Jan Pastucha presented on grief and mourning.
On Saturday, Rev. Dr. James Keller presented a Bible study on the theme “In Me.” There was also a presentation from Rev. Dr. Steven Harold (Trinity Abbotsford) and Samantha Neeb, the new joint Youth and Outreach Worker at Trinity Lutheran and Killarney Lutheran churches in the Vancouver area. Deacon Dr. Jennifer Frim also presented on deacons and their role in the church, as well as on the new deacon program at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton. Sandra Schaeffer was the keynote speaker, and presented on “Christ Lives in Me.”
The business of the convention included approving mission projects for 2021 to 2024, and elections of officers.
The final convention newsletter reported that “each and every step of the way God was with us so that we could carry out and do the business of LWMLC as well as grow in faith in studying and hearing His Word. We were inspired by our many speakers and it was heartwarming to hear how our Mites have been at work!”
New LWMLC General Council Elected 2021-2024
- President – Linda Long
- Vice President, Christian Growth – Patricia Kreutzweiser
- Vice President, Christian Mission – Iris Barta
- Vice President, Communication – Becky Wandio
- Vice President, Member Development – Annette Borchardt
- Recording Secretary – Jamie Fulton
- Financial Secretary – Penny Bobier
- Treasurer – Karen Nerbas
Mission Grants Chosen for 2021-2024
- Street Reach, Regina, SK – Rev. DJ Kim – $12,000
- Vancouver Youth Worker / Samantha Neeb – $18,900
- Contribution towards land purchase for building first Lutheran Church in Costa Rica – $10,000
- National Youth Gathering 2022 – $5,000
- Concordia Lutheran Seminary Electronic Library Upgrade -$15,000
- Translation and Formatting of French Sunday School Materials – $14,000
- Development of New Mission Site in Lviv, Ukraine – $12,000
- Jackfish Lutheran Camp, Roblin, MB – $8,500
- Diaconal Support in Nicaragua, Central America – $8,600
- Mission Opportunity Fund – $26,000
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