Small group, big heart

 

When the LWMLC society was started at our church, I was worried about the effectiveness of the organization at our church level. With so few of us volunteering our time to participate in this group, I thought it would be more of a monthly social gathering for us women, with not much coming out of it. I quickly learned how wrong I was. I am blessed to be working with such a wonderful group of ladies who are eager to help and show God’s work through them.
Since we began, just last year, we have accomplished so much. Our first fundraiser was a “time and talent” dinner and silent auction. With the proceeds we were able to help out numerous local organizations like our local food bank.
Recently we hosted a meal at the Mustard Seed. It is a local organization that thrives solely on donations and grants. It provides meals, supplies, resources, Bibles, ministry and much more to the needy of Edmonton’s inner city. God has always brought me, personally, be back to serve there and so I mentioned at a meeting that maybe we could host a meal. I was really moved by how all the LWMLC ladies got on board to make it happen. With the help of the Lord and these ladies, we were able to provide 300 servings of chili, salad and a bun.
I am looking forward to our next fundraiser in the summer to see what other great things we can accomplish in Jesus’ name.
For those small churches thinking about starting an LWMLC society, stop thinking and just do it. The Lord will use you to accomplish things you never expected to do.
Anita Hanneman
Bethany Lutheran Church LWMLC member

Sundaes and decision-making

Sundaes in the fellowship hall

Sundaes and decision-making…how can they fit together? The South Alberta Zone of LWMLC found a way.

Twenty-seven ladies gathered on Friday evening, September 23 and began a fall workshop and seminar with Divine Service with Holy Communion led by Rev. Jim Lindemann, zone pastoral counsellor, and Rev. David Bode, pastor of the host congregation, Foothills Lutheran Church, Calgary. Worship was followed by a business meeting and a social evening featuring ice cream sundaes.

Bright and early Saturday morning they gathered again, this time for a seminar on decision-making, “Good Lord, What Do I Do? God’s direction, your decisions.” Sessions were presented by four societies: Foothills, Calgary; St. Paul, Medicine Hat; Grace, Calgary; and Faith, Cardston. Topics covered were: 1) Good Lord, what am I facing?, 2) Good Lord, where do I turn?, 3) Good Lord, now what?, 4) Good Lord, who do I help?

The ladies found the seminar a rewarding and inspiring day filled with lively conversations and meaningful insights. If this seminar is being hosted in your area they would encourage you to participate.

 

from a report by Marilyn Harrison

 

©2011 LWML–Canada

Visit us at www.lutheranwomen.ca

This Little Light of Mine

Devotion for October 2011

This Little Light of Mine was written by Harry Dixon Loes (1892-1965) in about 1920. Harry Loes studied at the Moody Bible Institute and the American Conservatory of Music.
Verse 1:
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine;
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine;
This little light of mine,  I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Matthew 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
This passage is from Jesus’ Sermon of the Mount where He tells us we are the light in this world. We witness when we do good works for the people of this world to see. Luther expressed it this way, “Shining is the real job of believing or teaching, by which we also help others to believe.”
Verse 2:
Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Luke 11:33 – No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.
Matthew 5:14-15 – You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
Some sources refer to the basket as a bushel. The best use of a light is for it to be high, allowing for the light to illumine a larger area. The Lutheran Study Bible says, “Just as there is no hiding the light of a city on a hill, the light of a true disciple cannot be hidden.”
Verse 3:
Don’t let Satan blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine
Don’t let Satan blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine
Don’t let Satan blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
1 Peter 5:8-9a – Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.
We should rely on God’s Word so we can fend off Satan. So hang on tight to the light of God’s word.

We Pray
Dear Heavenly Father.  May each of us here let the light of Jesus shine through our lives. Help each of us to remember that we should carry the light of Christ to those with whom we come in contact, throughout our daily life. We give you thanks for this day and all the blessings You have bestowed on us. Grant us a peaceful night’s rest, that we may awaken refreshed to continue in the tasks we have been brought together to accomplish, all to Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Shine Activity
Hang onto the Light of the world and let His light shine through you to those around you.

by Gloria Meyer

Prepared by the Christian Growth Committee
© 2011 LWML–Canada