The Voice of Service

Inside this issue:

“Serve the Lord with Gladness”

Ps.100:2

Oklahoma District Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Volume 49, Issue 1 Spring 2016

Special

Convention

Issue

www.oklwml.org

Call to Convention By LWML Oklahoma District President, Susan Brunkow

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

LWML Oklahoma District 54th Convention April 15-16, 2016

Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills 1902 E. 71st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Psalm 126:2-3 (ESV)

Goal Statement Celebrating the Lord’s continuous blessings—we shout for joy among the nations.

Objectives Remember what God has done Rejoice in what He is doing Rely on what He will do and be GLAD!

Sonshine from Susan 2

Convention Highlights 2

Convention Speakers 4-5

Meet the Candidates 6-7

Registration Form, Part A 8

Registration Form, Part B 9

Photo Release Form 10

Pastoral Insights 11

Proposed Mission Grants 12-13

Oklahoma LWML

SONshine from Susan

Page 2 The Voice of Service

I need to finish this one last LWML email. There is the buzzer. The cookies are burning! My arthritis has flared up today, and the rug I am weaving is only half done. The phone rings, the plants need water, and Brad is waiting for dinner! How easy it is to focus on the business in our lives. We want to be full of joy and hope, and to be GLAD, but frequently it seems impossible because too many people and situations drain that gladness.

A recent Mustard Seed devotion reminded me the Holy Spirit is always in us. He desires to fill us with good things and to assure us that God is at work in our lives. He enables us to focus on our loving God who cares for us. Then we can know true joy and peace and gladness. They are ours through faith in Jesus Christ.

The 2016 Oklahoma District LWML Convention theme is “we are GLAD!” Join me at the Tulsa Marriott on April 15 &16 as we study God’s Word, fellowship, learn about wonderful mission opportunities, select Mission Grants and elect new officers for the coming biennium. And wait until you see what the Young Woman Representatives are going to teach us to do with Boomwackers…

Shine on!

God’s blessings, President Susan Brunkow

Susan

Brunkow

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

Registration Friday, April 15, 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 16, 7:30 a.m.

Servant Activities Friday, April 15, 9 a.m.

Exhibits and LWML Store Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Convention Opening Friday at 12:45 p,m with singing Banner Procession Friday at 1 p.m. Closing at 3 p.m. Saturday

Friday April 15 -Delegate Orientation -Choir Practice -Servant Activities -Bible Study -Mission Grant Selection -Interest Sessions -Evening Banquet -Worship with Communion at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church

Saturday April 16 -Bible study -Mission Speakers -Election of Officers -Dedication of Gifts from the Heart -Young Women’s Presentation -Interest Sessions -Installation of new officers -Closing Worship

Convention Offerings Two offerings will be collected at the District Convention. The first will be taken at the Friday night worship service and will fund District mission grants. The second offering will be taken at the Saturday closing service and will be divided equally among two Oklahoma District missionaries serving in foreign mission fields. Rev. Ed Hosch is with LCMS missions at The Mighty Fortress Mercy House in Lima Peru. David Ersland is part of the Nsenga Bible Translators team in Zambia, Southern Africa with Lutheran Bible Translators.

Convention Highlights

Attention Delegates

Watch for your delegate packet coming soon! Included will be information on candidates, proposed mission grants, and proposed bylaws changes. Delegate Orientation will be held on Friday, April 15, at 11 a.m. It is important that all delegates attend this informational meeting. Box lunches may be eaten during this meeting, and delegates will be able to attend the choir rehearsal following the delegate orientation.

Getting to the Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills

1902 E. 71st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma From the Turner Turnpike: I-44, exit Lewis to 71st, turn right.

From the north I-169 to I-44, exit Lewis to 71st, turn right.

From the south: 75 highway to I-44, exit Lewis to 71st, turn right

From the east: I-51 to I-44, exit Lewis to 71st, turn right

Convention Blood Drive in Honor of Susan Bieber

In honor of Susan Bieber’s life and contributions to the Oklahoma District LWML TEENs and YWRs, the Young Women Representatives encourage convention attendees to donate blood on Friday morning of the District Convention. Please acknowledge your desire to donate on your registration form (see page 6) so that the Red Cross Bloodmobile may staff accordingly. Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 15.

Submitted by Dianna Just, Vice President of Special Focus Ministries

Raising GLAD Voices LOTS OF SINGING! That’s what we’ll have – and that’s what we’ll do – at the LWML Oklahoma District Convention 2016 in Tulsa. We sing more when we are GLAD. Because the Lord has done and continues to do great things for us, we are glad and will sing of God’s goodness to us. Lots of songs are prepared for EVERYONE to sing throughout our time together at the convention. “Shout to the Lord” is the theme song of the convention and the song, “Be Ye Glad”, supporting the convention theme of “we are GLAD” will be sung by the choir in the Friday evening worship service.

Those participating in the choir will have two rehearsals: 11:45 a.m. Friday morning, April 15, in the Marriott Hotel and 7 p.m. Friday evening before the opening worship service at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church. The choir will sing from the main level in the sanctuary, eliminating the challenge of climbing the 23 spiral stair steps to the balcony. The music will be easily learned in the allotted time. If you want to get a head start, go to Youtube and select “Be Ye Glad” by Michael Kelly Blanchard to hear and get familiar with the song. Be sure you indicate your choice to sing in the choir on the registration form.

Music leaders include Lori Coleman, song leader; Sharon Greene, accompanist; Jane Liljegren, choir director; and Norma Muller, organist and choir accompanist.

Submitted by Norma Muller, Music Chairman

Zone Banners Don’t forget to bring your zone’s convention banner! Banners should have a top casing for a dowel rod brought by the zone. Banners should measure 2’ by 3’. Poles for carrying the banners will be provided at convention. Zone presidents will carry the banners during the opening procession.

CAMP GLAD is for children ages 6 months to 11 years at the convention. This will be held in a designated area at the Marriott

Hotel. You will need to indicate on your registration form that you will be bringing a child or children to the convention. When the registrar

receives your registration, she will send you a Medical and Emergency Form that must to be completed for each child and mailed to the Convention Child Care Chairman listed on the form. Pre-registration is required by April 1. On-site registration will not be available.

Activities will be planned for the children and all meals and snacks will be provided for them unless you prefer to provide those yourself. So, send your children to CAMP GLAD—both you and your child(ren) will be glad you did.

CAMP GLAD!

Volume 49, Issue 1 Page 3

Bible Study and Missions

Mission Speaker Carlotta Tiews

Miss Carlotta Tiews is currently a student at the University of Tulsa where she is majoring in German. She is also a photographer (available for hire at any time). Traveling is one of her greatest passions and she is fascinated by other cultures--she recently returned from Nairobi, Kenya,

where she lived for six months as a missionary for The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Miss Tiews is a member of Grace Lutheran, Tulsa.

Carlotta Tiews

Mission Speaker Phillip Fischaber

Mr. Phillip Fischaber is a domestic mission vicar at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Beardstown, Illinois, where he is engaged in Latino ministry. He grew up in the Enid area, attending Zion, Lahoma. He is a member of Grace Lutheran, Tulsa, having attended while a student at the University of Tulsa, majoring in history and religion. He is currently a third year Master of Divinity student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

Phillip Fischaber

Our Bible Study Leaders Rev. Mike and Cheryl Mattil

Rev. Mike & Cheryl (nee Thiele) Mattil met while they were students at what was then Concordia Lutheran College, Austin (now Concordia University – Texas). Both were raised in parsonages in Texas. They were married in 1979, then completed their degrees in elementary education at Concordia, Seward. They entered Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, graduating in 1984, Mike with a Master of Divinity and Cheryl with a Master of Arts in Religion.

Mike and Cheryl served from 1984-1987 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Watonga, Oklahoma. Since 1988, Mike has served as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Denison, Texas. Cheryl taught in Sherman Public Schools as an instructor in special education for 17 years. Following that she served as the director of Grace Lutheran Preschool.

Currently, she teaches 5th grade science in Anna, Texas.

They have been involved with LWML on all levels throughout their ministry, and they consider the LWML a blessing in their ministry. Currently, Cheryl is the Strategic Plan Facilitator for LWML. Mike served as Pastoral Counselor for LWML from 2007 to 2011.

The Mattils consider one of their true joys to be spending time with their three daughters, three sons-in-law, three granddaughters and grandson.

Special Speaker Rev. Dr. Gerhard Bode

Rev. Dr. Gerhard Bode is Associate Professor of Historical Theology and Dean of Advanced Studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He is also the Seminary Archivist. Prior to serving at the Seminary, he was Assistant Pastor (2004–05) and later Assistant to the Pastor (2005–08) at Salem Lutheran Church in Affton, Missouri.

Gerry was born and raised in Minnesota where his father is a pastor. After attending Lutheran elementary and high schools he attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts. He entered Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, earning his Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Theology, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Additionally, he holds a Master of Arts degree from Washington University, St. Louis.

His grandfather, Rev. Gerhard F. Bode, served as Oklahoma District President from 1978–1988. His grandmother, Dorothy Bode, was active in LWML while they lived in Muskogee (1965–2007).

Gerry and his wife, Rachel, have three children: Nicholas, Jacob, and Katharina. They live in Glencoe, Missouri.

The Voice of Service Page 4

Volume 49, Issue 1

Representing LWML Vice President Kaye Wolff Kaye Wolff, Vice President of Special Focus Ministries loves serving the Lord and His people through her involvement in the LWML. Everywhere she goes, whether to meetings, rallies, or conventions, she reconnects with familiar faces, meets new people, and gets lots of hugs.

Her vision for the LWML includes educating and encouraging young women to become more involved in the LWML where they grow together in the Word and in service. 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.

As a child, Kaye asked her mother for her own Mite Box. She attended society meetings with her mother but did not completely grasp the depth of the LWML. Kaye went on to serve as her society President and Treasurer and is the current Co-Chair. On the national level she served as a member of the Mission Grants Committee and chaired both the Gospel Outreach Committee and the HOPE Committee before being elected Vice President of Special Focus Ministries at the 2015 convention in Des Moines. She also serves as the Michigan District LWML Leader Development Coordinator.

Married to Rev. Paul A. Wolff, who Kaye describes as the love of her life, they worship at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Dearborn, Michigan, where Rev. Wolff serves as the assistant pastor. They have three grown children, four granddaughters, and all live within 15 miles of one another.

Kaye cites 1 Peter 4:10 as her favorite Bible verse. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Kaye exemplifies this verse in all she does for our Lord and for the LWML.

LWML Oklahoma District is pleased to have Linda Gage, LWML’s National Gift Planning Counselor lead an interest session on “Gifts of Love – Returning God’s Blessings”. Goals of the session include attendees discovering how they can share their faith, minimize taxes, bless their families, and make an impact on ministry through their estate documents, such as a will or trust. Time will be allowed for attendees to ask questions. The goal of the session is that all will leave inspired to create or update estate plans focused on “Returning God’s Blessings.” Ms. Gage helps individuals and couples plan and direct their passion for giving to family and all ministries of the church, including the LWML. Ms. Gage will discuss how planning for ourselves, our families, and growing God’s Kingdom can be done to meet our specific goals. Estate planning services are provided free through LWML.

Remember your GLAD Bag

Convention bags will not be supplied this year. Instead, convention committees ask that each attendee bring her (or his) own “GLAD bag.” Have fun decorating a new or repurposed bag. See how creative you can be! Get your whole society involved and make matching bags, or have a contest among yourselves. We are looking forward to seeing all those ‘GLAD bags” to show how we are GLAD to serve our Lord! See you at convention!

LWML Vice President

Kaye Wolff

Special Convention Guests

Planned Giving Special Interest Session Scheduled

Linda Gage, LWML

National Gift

Planning Counselor

Gifts from the Heart: Onsies, Diapers, and Sheets As attendees ready themselves for the convention, all are encouraged to shop for disposable diapers, onsies, and sheet sets for twin beds. Diapers and onsies will be distributed to MEND in Tulsa and the Pregnancy Center in Owasso. Twin size bed sheets are needed at the Tulsa Women and Children’s Center.

Page 5

The Voice of Service

Meet the Candidates

Vice President of Organizational Resources

President Dianna Just Messiah Lutheran, Vinita LWML: Society: President, Secretary, Vice-President Zone: National Convention Delegate, Secretary/Treasurer District: Vice-President of Special Focus Ministries, District Convention 2008 Hospitality Chair

CONGREGATION: Vice-president, Board of Stewardship chairperson, Board of Evangelism chairperson, Board of Education chairperson (15 years) OCCUPATION: High school and college English teacher PERSONAL: Summer mission trips to Ukraine, China, India, Hong Kong, Uganda, Indonesia, Jamaica, and Alaska; enjoys making tied quilts and embroidery.

Paula Keefer Immanuel Lutheran, Grove LWML: Society: Treasurer and President (Augusta, KS) Zone: Past Historian (Wichita, KS) currently PR Representative for Miami Zone District: Decorations Chair for District Convention 2013, Delegate (KS)

CONGREGATION: Currently recording secretary for Church Council, Altar Guild, and Evangelism Committee; In previous congregation, recording secretary, Sunday School superintendent, banner chairperson OCCUPATION: Education Coordinator for Har-Ber Village Museum; 26 years teaching in Kansas

PERSONAL: Married with 2 adult children; enjoys reading,

scrapbooking, sewing, crafts and travel.

Vice President of Special Focus Ministries

Tishina Mindeman St. Peter Lutheran, Apache LWML Society: President Zone: YWR Representative District: YWR Representative to Pittsburgh Convention; Chair for the Committee on Young Women

National: Member of the Committee on Young Women CONGREGATION: Secretary OCCUPATION: Works for the Department of Human Services

PERSONAL: Mother of twins; enjoys crocheting, movies, and reading.

Page 6

Did you know you can

register for the

convention online?

The LWML Oklahoma District website has online registration available at

http://www.oklwml.org/conventions_meetings_test.htm. The form once completed will be sent to the registrar.

There is a PayPal fee of $3. See you at convention!

Kim Cobb Redeemer Lutheran, Claremore LWML Society: President, Christian Growth Chairman, and Secretary (San Antonio, TX), currently Bible study leader Zone: President, Vice President, Christian Growth Chairman (North Alamo Zone, TX), currently Miami Zone President

CONGREGATION: Evangelism Board Chairman, Stephen Ministry Leader, choir (San Antonio, TX), currently Education Chair, Sunday school teacher, choir, Altar Guild, reader COMMUNITY: San Antonio Lutheran Chorale, currently Claremore Community Chorus, Tulsa All Lutheran Messiah PERSONAL: Married with 4 step children, 13 grandchildren; enjoys reading, crocheting, and sci-fi movies

Special Convention Activities planned for

Young Women

(Watch for exact time and place) Friday evening pool party at the hotel following the reception Saturday morning breakfast

Volume 49, Issue 1

Meet the Candidates

Pastoral Counselor

Rev. Scott Whittenburg St. Paul’s Lutheran, Enid CHURCH: Elder, small group leader, Sunday School teacher and mid-week teacher in Arizona; Pastor at Immanuel Chapel in North County St. Louis; Pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran, Enid ; Oklahoma District Constitution Committee EDUCATION: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri OCCUPATION: Pastor of St. Paul’s, Enid

PERSONAL: Three children and expecting first grandchild; enjoys outdoor activities of hiking, walking, bicycling, and disc-golf.

Financial Secretary

Sharon Greene, Redeemer Lutheran, Claremore LWML Society: Secretary, President. Zone: PR Representative, Vice-President CONGREGATION: Organist and pianist OCCUPATION: Employed at the University of Tulsa PERSONAL: Spending time with family –

husband, two sons, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren; enjoys sports, reading, and volunteering.

Rev. Mark Bersche St. John’s Lutheran, Moore CHURCH: Previously served as pastor of Zion Lutheran, Alva EDUCATION: Concordia Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Northern Oklahoma College OCCUPATION: Senior Pastor of St. John’s, Moore PERSONAL: Served in the U.S. Marine Corp;

Previously worked in broadcasting; Married with three children; enjoys hunting, fishing, other outdoor activities, and reading.

Corresponding Secretary

Sherrie Schroeder Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Bethany LWML Society: President, VP Christian Life, Treasurer Zone: President, VP Christian Life, Nominating Committee District: VP Mission Inspiration (Christian Life), Nominating Committee Chairman, Convention Treasurer

CONGREGATION: Sunday School teacher, VBS director, Bible class leader, Lutheran School bookkeeper, script co-coordinator OCCUPATION: Employed, Foundation Management Inc., Oklahoma City PERSONAL: Married to Rev. Dwayne Schroeder, three children; enjoys camping, reading, Bible study, and crafts.

Catherine”Katie” Schroeder Emmanuel Lutheran, Kingfisher LWML Society: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Mission Grants/Gospel Outreach Chairman District: Treasurer, Leader Development Committee, P.I.N.G. training at National LWML Leader Meeting presenting three district seminars, OK District Board of Directors CONGREGATION: Treasurer

COMMUNITY: Okarche Garden Club Board, past director and past officer of the Oklahoma City chapter of Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in accounting, University of Central Oklahoma; Oklahoma State University Winter Tax Schools OCCUPATION: 35 years of finance/accounting experience PERSONAL: Spending time with family- husband Carl, two married children and three grandchildren; enjoys photography of family and nature, assisting husband with no-till farming, meeting new people, and building relationships.

Betty Reichert Messiah Lutheran, Vinita

LWML

Society: Present Treasurer, Past President and

Secretary

District: Parliamentarian, Corresponding

Secretary, VP of Servant Resources (now named

VP of Organizational Resources)

National: Member of the HOPE Committee under

VP of Servant Resources (now called VP of

Organizational Resources)

CONGREGATION: Currently financial secretary; formerly treasurer,

financial secretary, Stewardship Chairman, secretary, Thrivent

Congregational Advocate; Serving as Thrivent Chapter Vice President,

served as Thrivent Chapter Congregational Advocate Coordinator

OCCUPATION: Retired registered nurse

PERSONAL: Married to Carl, 3 children, 6 grandchildren; enjoys

sewing, machine embroidery, reading, gardening, cooking, baking, and

playing with grandchildren.

Page 7

Please Print or Type

Part A of AB

LWML Convention Registration Form Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Oklahoma District

April 15-16, 2016 Friday Registration 8:30 a.m.—Saturday Registration 7:30 a.m.

Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills, 1902 E 71st Street S, Tulsa, OK 74136

Name:_____________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________

City/State/Zip: _______________________________________________

Phone: _____________Email:__________________________________

Congregation/City: __________________________________________

Zone: _____________________________________________________

Estimated time of arrival at convention ________________ This is my first LWML Oklahoma District Convention Sign Language Interpeter Needed I will participate in the Blood Drive—(Friday 9 am to 12 noon) I will sing in choir—Circle one: Soprano Soprano II Alto (Practice Friday at 11:45 at the Marriott)

Complete Desired Registration: Registration before March 19, 2016 $85 $__________ All inclusive registration includes all meals (Friday Lunch, Friday Banquet, Saturday Lunch)

Saturday Only $65 $__________ Late Registration Fee after March 19, 2016 $10 $__________ If registering on-line using PayPal $3 fee $__________

Check One Category

Delegate Alternate Delegate LWML Member District Board Member (circle below) Voting (elected) Member Non-voting Member Past LWML District President Clergy Guest (spouse, non-member) Teen LWML Jr. High / Sr. High Young Woman—Age 18-35 Heart to Heart Sister

Please make check payable to: LWML District Convention 2016 Mail registration and check to: Sue Avis, 6814 Majestic Oak Blvd, Lawton, OK 73505

Phone 915-920-8291 Email: oklwmlreg@gmail.com $20 processing fee will be retained for all cancellations—No refunds after April 8, 2016

Make a copy for your records

Friday Interest Sessions Begins at 5:15 p.m.

Please select session you would like to attend

___ Strengths Kristen Brunkow

___ Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Laurie Dannewitz

___ LCMS Seminaries Rev. Dr. Gerry Bode, Vicar Phillip Fischaber

___ Mormonism: The Christian View Rev. Ned Moerbe

___ Gifts of Love Linda Gage

Saturday Interest Sessions Begins at 11 a.m.

Please select session you would like to attend

___ Lutheran Braille Workers Ken Loeber

___ Orphan Grain Train Suzie Leffers

___ MEND Forrest Cowan and Kayla Williams

___ Concordia Life Care Paige Mills-Haag and Julie Davis

___ Deaconess Ministry Deaconess Jennifer Griffith

___ The Next Generation Tish Mindemann and the YWRs

Select one Interest Session for each day.

Child Care, Meals and Snacks: (6 months to 11 years )

(Hours—Fri., 10-7 — Sat., 7:45-2:30) Meals included/may bring snacks or sack lunch Fri. Number_____ Ages__________ Sat. Number_____ Ages__________

Child Care Services A separate form will be sent for child care registration. Pre-registration is

required by April 1—NO EXCEPTIONS. On-site registration will not be available.

All Attendees must complete the Acknowledgement/Release Form found in the VOS or oklwml.org. You will need this form in order to register at convention.

Be aware the LWML OK District is using the services of SeekingSitters Tulsa (www.seekingsitters.com) as the third party provider for child care at this event. First come first serve.

TOTAL $_________

Friday Interest Sessions

You are responsible for making your own hotel reservations. Mention that you are with the LWML Convention.

Gifts from the Heart

New Twin Sheet Sets for Women’s and Children’s Center

Newborn Diapers and Onesies

for MEND of Tulsa and Pregnancy Center of Owasso

Servant Activities

Starting on Friday April 15 at 9 a.m.

Tying Quilts for Yale Apartments

Making Witness Bracelets for MOST Ministries

Making Fleece Blankets for MEND

Sewing Pillow Cases for St. Francis Children’s Hospital

Blood Drive In memory of Susan Bieber

Part B of AB

Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills

Marriott-Southern Hills, 1902 E 71st Street S, Tulsa, OK 74136

Room Rate: $109 + tax —up to 4 per room

2 Double Beds per room

Wi–Fi, Fitness Room, Buffet Breakfast included

Must reserve by March 19, 2016 for Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Block

Phone: 866-530-3760 Phone: 918-493-7000

Lead with Your God Given Strengths Utilize your God-given strengths to do what you do best every day for God’s Glory. Kristen Brunkow

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Hear the success stories of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch as they help at-risk children and their families succeed in the name of Christ. Laurie Dannewitz

LCMS Seminaries and Their Mission Learn how our Seminaries serve LCMS congregations and are responding to societal challenges of our time while remaining faithful to the mission of preparing servants for the church and bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Rev. Dr. Gerry Bode and Vicar Phillip Fischaber

Gifts of Love—Returning God’s Blessings Get started on your estate and financial legacy planning. LWML’s Gift Planning Counselor can help guide your thoughts on personal financial and spiritual issues. LindaGage

Mormonism: The Christian View Prepare for the LWML Convention in Salt Lake City in 2017 by learning the similarities and differences between Mormonism and Christianity Rev. Ned Moerbe

Lutheran Braille Workers Explore the activities of Lutheran Braille Workers and how they have partnered with the LWML Oklahoma District through your mite donations. Ken Loeber

Orphan Grain Train Join the fun and learn how you can serve the Lord by helping to ship food, clothing and medical supplies to 64 countries and the USA with Orphan Grain Train. Suzie Leffers

MEND Medical Clinic and Pregnancy Resource Center Hear the inspirational stories of MEND giving hope and a positive choice for expectant mothers. Forrest Cowan and Kayla Williams

Concordia: A Senior Health Care Ministry Learn about Concordia Life Care Community, the only Lutheran Senior Living retirement community in Oklahoma. Paige Mills-Haag and Julie Davis

Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling Ever wonder what deaconesses do? Meet some of Oklahoma’s deaconesses and learn about their calling as a deaconess and their ministry. Deaconess Jennifer Griffith

The Next Generation Find out how to get the next generation to join your LWML and what the Young Women in Mission are all about. Tish Mindemann and the YWRs

Convention convenes on Friday, 1 p.m. and closes Saturday, 3 p.m. Pre-convention activities begin Friday at 9 a.m.

Saturday Interest Sessions

Each convention attendee is asked to complete this release form. This form will remain in effect for the biennium.

Volume 49, Issue 1

Pastoral Insights FORGIVENESS & FAITH “How can I be sure that my sins are forgiven?”

Be sure of forgiveness by being sure of God Who tells us in His Word, that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.

To accept forgiveness, a person must be truly repentant. All of us are confronted by the temptation to excuse ourselves — to justify our wrongs, and to explain them away. Confess, “I have done wrong” as did that publican in the story told by our Lord, who said over and over to himself, “God be merciful to me, sinner that I am”.

Confession is more than apology. It’s not like telling someone in a store, “I am sorry I bumped into you”. Confessing our sins to God, we are not dealing with an equal. We are in the presence of the Holy One. God is not obligated to forgive us. Out of His great mercy, He provided an escape from the punishment for our sins. His own Son, by His holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death, paid the full price for our sins. Confession is a baring of the heart in confident trust that God does, indeed, forgive sins for the sake of His Son, Jesus Christ.

God’s forgiveness must be accepted. If you doubt God, you doubt His forgiveness. God has promised, “I will forgive iniquity, and I will remember your sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). Believing in God means that you take Him at His word, trusting that what He has told you is really so. Trust in God to forgive your sins! He does forgive. You don’t have to wait until you feel forgiven. God’s forgiveness is instantaneous. He promises to forgive the penitent and He is always faithful to His word.

When God forgives sin, He remembers it no more. Although he had sinned grievously, the Apostle Paul did not dwell on his sins and become a mental case. He did not sit around wringing his hands in regret over the fact that he had once persecuted Christ and His followers. He did not forget the evil he had committed, but the memory of his sins did not plague him because he was sure of the marvelous grace of God. The grace of God spurred him on to serve the Lord with a new mind and a new heart.

Follow Paul’s example. Do not keep rehashing your sins, once you have confessed them to God and received His forgiveness. Remember how wrong you have been, but do not become morbid about your past life. Take a new hold on life through faith in Christ. Be grateful to Him for His forgiveness. Live for Him and do everything you can to make amends for what you have done wrong. Offer restitution to those you have injured wherever it is possible. This could mean writing a letter of apology to someone you have offended. It might mean returning money or goods you have borrowed or stolen. If you have failed to love your spouse, parents, children, or others, change your ways. If you have been harsh or unforgiving toward others, let the love of God shine forth in a new attitude toward those round about you. Become occupied with helping others instead of being preoccupied with yourself.

People who ask this question, “How can I be sure that my sins are forgiven?” certainly show that they are serious about their salvation. Preoccupation with the question, however, often betrays the fact that the one who asks it does not really want to be sure. He wants to be babied rather than to be sure. Be sure of Christ, of His atonement and of His forgiveness, and then go on to a new life of high courage and hope by faith in Him.

SPECIAL GIFTS FUND

He has shown you, O Man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV

Each New Year brings resolutions to improve our lives—our health, exercise programs, our faith walk and prayer life, and the list goes on. Sometimes these resolutions are difficult to maintain. Consider taking some time to reflect back on your life, writing down the story of who you are and who helped you along the way. It does not need to be a literary masterpiece, but it needs to be about you. In addition to being a special gift to your family and friends, it can help you to better plan for the rest of your life.

Our planning should demonstrate and express in a tangible way our deep gratitude for God’s many gifts and blessings to us. It can be a lasting witness to our faith and provide for the generations that will follow us. The Oklahoma District Special Gifts Fund was established to help in the process. The purpose of the Special Gifts Fund is to receive gifts, bequests and designated estates, and to use them for the mission and ministry of the LWML and the Oklahoma District. Gifts can be small or large, given in cash, securities, real estate, as life insurance beneficiary or other assets of value. To make a donation to the fund to honor a loved one or in loving memory of someone, send a check to the LWML Oklahoma District Financial Secretary.

During the previous quarter the Special Gifts Fund received funds as a memorial for Richard Laramy. Free resources to help you in your prayerful planning are available through Linda Gage, LWML Gift Planning Counselor. If you have questions, contact Krystine Gibson, Chairman (oklwmlsg@gmail.com).

Submitted by Krystine Gibson, Special Gifts Chairman

Food for the Soul

“May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 KJV

Many of us hear these words before every sermon. I’ve always thought they’re an appropriate prayer for the pastor to ask God to guide the words and thoughts he’s prepared for his sermon. However, today, these words took on a new meaning for me. They should be the first words I pray every day. As a Christian, my desire should be that every word I speak and every thought I have are acceptable to God. Then I will also be a positive witness for Him.

Submitted by Pam Wiederkehr, Vice President of Christian Life

Page 11

Proposed Mission Grants, 2016 – 2018

Continued on Page 13

1. Summer Heights Day Camp, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Oklahoma City, OK $1,000 This grant will provide a small hourly salary to older returning campers for employment under the Teacher's Aide Program. In addition to assisting in class, these Aides will receive instructions on important topics such as basic money management, job interviewing skills, and how God can use them to make a difference.

2. Bibles for Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch, Minot, ND $3,000 An action Bible and leather-bound Bible will be given to children for use during chapel, spiritual life lessons, and for reading on their own. Upon being discharged from the Ranch, children will be allowed to take their Bibles with them and continue their Christian education and guidance throughout their lives.

3. Shepherd's Canyon Retreat, Phoenix, AZ $3,500 This grant will enable suffering pastors and other professional church workers, along with their spouses, to attend a 7-day healing retreat. Church workers in crisis are able to seek the needed renewing, reviving, and refreshing that they need to perform their roles of ministry.

4. Oklahoma District Pastors’, Vicars’ and Lay Ministers’ Wives Retreat $4,000 This annual retreat is designed to provide a time to gather in a relaxing, restful setting for rejuvenation, sharing, and prayer. This grant will provide financial assistance to help pay for housing, meals and programming materials.

5. Bible Storybooks for Asian Immigrant Families, Lutheran Heritage Foundation, Macomb, MI $4,000 This grant will pay for the printing of approximately 800 copies of full-color Bible storybooks (in an Asian-language) for Asian immigrant families; books that Mom and Dad often benefit from as well, as they read to their children.

6. LCMS Mission Central, Missionary Current Need, Mapleton, IA $5,000 Mission Central matches LCMS missionaries with mission partners to support them in prayer, in relationship, and, when God provides, with financial resources. Due to the fluidity of fundraising and the needs of missionary families in the field, grant monies received will be applied to benefit the most urgent requests immediately when funds are received.

7. Veterans of the Cross, Aid for Retired Church Workers $5,000 That those who preach the ,Gospel should receive their living from the Gospel. At times, some of our retired church workers, or a surviving spouse, experiences economic hardships and these faithful shepherds are in need of mercy care through financial aid.

8. Unequally Yoked: Ministry to American Christian Women Affected by Islam through Dating and Marriage, $5,000 POBLO International, Clinton Township, MI Funds will be used to create a website, videos and resource material to connect women with mentors and trained counselors. Some funds will also be used to fly counselors to meet personally with women and their parents.

9. Financial Assistance for Concordia Theological Seminary Food and Clothing Co-op, Ft. Wayne, IN $5,000 Grant will be used to purchase eggs, milk, ground beef, fresh fruits and vegetables and other perishable items. The food purchased goes entirely to the students to help offset their financial burden.

10. Lutheran Braille Workers, Inc., Tulsa, OK $5,000 This grant will greatly benefit the Tulsa Work Center #73 with the needed supplies to continue producing quality Braille books of the Bible for the blind world-wide. This is the only Braille Work Center in Oklahoma.

11. Concordia Seminary Food Bank, St. Louis, MO $5,000 This grant will be used to provide healthy, free food for over 200 seminarians, their spouses and their children each month. The Food Bank's ministry makes seminary preparation more affordable by providing healthy food and personal care items at no cost to seminarians and their families.

12. MEND Medical Clinic and Pregnancy Resource Center, Tulsa, OK $5,000 MEND is totally dedicated as a ministry to save the lives of the unborn and the souls of the parents. This grant will help pay for the salary of the nurse manager who is instrumental in training volunteers to perform ultrasounds.

13. Free Medical Check-up Camps and Eye Screening Camps in Rural Parts of India $5,000 This grant will directly support two free medical check-up camps and eye screening camps, hosted by the offices of Lutheran Hour Ministries in India. The free medical and eye screening camps will be held in very poor areas where there are no organized medical services available.

14. M28 Ministries, the 2nd Mile Program, Lawton, OK $5,000 The 2nd Mile Program provides fully furnished temporary homes for homeless families in Lawton, OK at no cost. Grant monies requested will be used to help fund the construction expenses associated with building two homes for the 2nd Mile program. When completed in 2016, the 2nd mile program will have three homes to help families with a safe clean place to live for up to one year.

Page 12 The Voice of Service

Mission Statement The mission of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League is to assist each woman of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in affirming her relationship with the Triune God so that she is enabled to use her gifts in ministry to the people of the world.

Proposed Mission Grants—Continued from Page 12

15. Family Shield Radio & Ministry Outreach, St. Louis, MO $6,000 The funds will be used to help expand work and reach more families, pay for a small portion of radio airtime, radio distribution, tracts for the counter-cult ministry, and postage and telephone expenses related to the follow-up services.

16. Hanoi School Library Upgrade, Concordia International School, Vietnam $6,000 This grant will aid in purchasing Lutheran books, general library books, materials, and library furnishings associated with a major library upgrade project for the Concordia International School in Hanoi.

17. Scholarships for African Theological Students, Westfield House Seminary, $6,000 Evangelical Lutheran Church of England This grant will provide scholarships to finance academic fees, tuition, living expenses and travel costs for African men (nominated by their church bodies) to study at Westfield House.

18. Assistance for MOST Ministries Missions Trips, Scholarships for Oklahoma $6,000 District LWML Members This grant will be used to help offset the cost for OK District LWML members to serve on a short-term MOST mission trip. Grant will be administered by OK District Gospel Outreach Committee.

19. Assisting Youth/College Students to ‘Be a Friend Camp Counselor Intern’ at $6,000 Bethesda’s Summer Camps for Campers with Developmental Disabilities, affiliated camps in WI, IN, TX & OR Funds will be administered by Bethesda Auxiliary to provide financial assistance to Lutheran college students with their cost of serving one week as camp counselor interns.

20. Building Repairs for Cristo Rey Lutheran Church, Oklahoma City OK $6,000 The purpose of this grant is to pay for repairs to the sanctuary, hallway, roof and front door due to damage incurred by extreme weather conditions in February 2015. Building repairs will allow Cristo Rey to continue to serve their congregation and the Hispanic community as they strive to fulfill the great commission.

21. Camp Lutherhoma Camperships, Tahlequah, OK $7,500 Grant monies will be used to supplement the "campership fund" established to provide financial assistance to families who cannot afford to send their children to camp.

22. OK District Ministerial Students $8,000 This grant will provide a monetary gift to our Oklahoma seminarians who are preparing to enter full-time service in the pastoral ministry. The money will be divided equally among all eligible students at $4,000 per year of the biennium.

23. Interpreters for Mission Field, MOST Ministries $10,000 Grant monies will be used to pay for interpreters to accompany mission teams for projects ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of people around the globe. Hiring interpreters is essential for project success and sharing of the Gospel.

24. Holy Cow Smokers Disaster Relief Ministry Support Trailer, Lamb of God Lutheran $10,000 Church, Flower Mound, TX This grant will be used to purchase and stock an enclosed, heavy-duty support trailer with specialized shelving to accommodate the storage of equipment and supplies needed for deployment when disaster strikes.

25. Oklahoma District Professional Church Workers' Scholarships $12,000 This grant will provide scholarships to our Oklahoma District professional church worker students who are attending a Synodical school. The money will be divided into two equal payments of $6,000 per year of the biennium to be shared by qualified individuals.

District Board

Oklahoma District President

Susan Brunkow

VP of Organizational Resources

Sherrie Schroeder

VP of Christian Life

Pam Wiederkehr

VP of Gospel Outreach

Delia Collard

VP of Communication

Laura Price

VP of Special Focus

Ministries

Dianna Just

Recording Secretary

Brenda Nivens

Corresponding Secretary

Teresa Heater

Treasurer

Katie Michaels-Johnson

Financial Secretary

Leola Thiemann

Senior Pastoral Counselor

Rev. Ron Simpson

Junior Pastoral Counselor

Rev. Ned A. Moerbe

Public Relations Chairmen

Bev England

Patti Ross

District Editor

Karen Karner

Meeting Manager/Recycling

Marguerite Christman

Archivist-Historian

Marilyn Alsip

Webservant

Sarah Ross

Structure Chairman

Mary Fischaber

Parliamentarian

Betty Reichert

Special Gifts Chairman

Krystine Gibson

Mission Servants Chairman

Sharon Bomhoff

Heart to Heart Coordinator

Vacant

Young Women Chairman

Tish Mindemann

Teen LWML Coordinator

Shawna Roggow

Page 13 Volume 49, Issue 1