Mrs. Peggy Fickenscher influenced and encouraged my involvement in LWML as a newly installed teacher many years ago at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas. Her support helped me to say “yes” to joining LWML and later, to serve in several positions within the church organization. Her joy in serving and knack for hospitality was a definite example for me. She always encouraged me in whatever position I had, saying, “Christie, you can do this because I’m praying for you and God is with you.”

Peggy has been “serving” in heaven for quite a few years now, but I have always remembered her words. I have said “yes” to various LWML positions in several churches to which I belonged, serving in the LWML Missouri District, the Altenburg Zone, and national LWML. The blessings of friendship, encouragement, joy, and prayers are evident each day of my life. I remember and give thanks! To God be all glory and praise!

Christie Steffens

Chairman, Church Workers in Mission Committee 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God (Hebrews 13:7a).

Sunday, October 11, 2020, was Pastor Appreciation Sunday. Have you done anything extra for your pastor? We thank our heavenly Father for His divine goodness and mercy every time we hear the Gospel message. Take time to thank those who share the Good News with you.

Having qualified, trained pastors is important. They teach us not just about our current life, but also our eternal life. Their teaching impacts eternity. The LWML Mission Grant Pre- and Post-Seminary Training for Local Church Workers in Africa strives to ensure African leaders speak the true Word of God. Learn more about this grant at www.lwml.org/2019-2021-mission-grant-15. We want all to hear the Good News no matter where they live. “Thank you,” pastors!

Arlene Naasz

Meeting Manager
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Former LWML New England District Presidents Donna Gruel and Lynn Batchelder significantly influenced and encouraged my involvement in LWML. Their support helped lead me to say “yes” to serving in the same office.

Donna was the district LWML treasurer when I first became a part of the board of directors as a newly elected zone president, and Lynn was soon elected to the office of LWML New England District President. These women, through prayer, sharing His Word, and setting an example of excellence, taught me how to joyfully work for the Lord. They served Him with exuberance, not just in the LWML, but in every aspect of their lives.

We also worked together on the LWML 2013 Pittsburgh Convention Planning Committee. We laughed as we traveled all the way to Pittsburgh and back! I knew that when I was asked to prayerfully consider the nomination of LWML New England District President, I would not only be wonderfully supported by our loving Father, but I would also be strengthened by these mite-collecting, prayer-warrior, sisters-in-Christ.

We may be miles apart in distance these days, but our hearts will always be joined in joyful service to the Lord!

Leslie Colligan

Chairman, Mission Grants Committee 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10: 41-42).

My life has always been busy and leaves me feeling stretched. Each stage has brought new duties and/or commitments. Job responsibilities and assignments fill my work hours. Volunteer hours, along with family commitments and household chores, fill the majority of my remaining waking hours. I admit I am more of a “Martha” and not always a “Mary.” But I am always amazed at what spending time in God’s Word will do! I am refreshed, refocused, and renewed.

Check out the Bible study Balancing Life's Challenges on the LWML website. This study and many others help us to focus on God as our priority in our daily life.

Karla Koehler

Treasurer
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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I was fairly new to LWML when Lauren Beale encouraged me to become more involved. I am so thankful for her inspiration and support!

I was a zone president when I met Lauren. We were both in our 30s, and she was already an LWML South Wisconsin District officer. When it was time for officer nominations, she encouraged me to allow my name to be placed on the ballot as the third vice president, the office she held at that time. She carefully explained the duties. Lauren was on the ballot for the office of district president.

When we were both elected, she continued to support and nurture me by listening to my ideas, helping me understand the way LWML worked as an organization, and encouraging me to stretch my writing abilities. Because of her gentle leadership, my confidence grew right along with my skills. I have been blessed to serve as Features Editor for the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly and to hold several committee positions at the district and national levels. Lauren is a respected encourager and guide.

Martha Hartwig

Chairman, Gospel Outreach Committee 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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October is “Clergy Appreciation Month.” A Google search shows it was established in 1992 to “uplift and encourage pastors, missionaries, and religious workers.”

Celebrating, encouraging, and supporting the work of our professional church workers does not need to be limited to a single month, but having a designated month reminds us of the importance of these workers and their unique call to share the Gospel message.

Unfortunately, there are times when our sinful nature has us criticizing instead of encouraging, finding fault instead of supporting, and discouraging instead of celebrating the service of these special servants of God. Listening and learning from those closest to our professional church workers can open our eyes to the sacrificial work being done and provides insight into the challenges and joys of their work.

The LWML devotion “Showing Our Pastors and Church Workers Love and Respect,” written from the perspective of a church worker spouse, encourages us to take time during October to share the love of Jesus with them and thank them for their selfless service.

Deaconess Betty Knapp

Vice President of Special Focus Ministries
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Wendy Greiner influenced my involvement in LWML. Her support helped lead me to say “yes” to serving as database manager for the LWML Information Technology Committee.

Wendy is third from the left.

I knew Wendy from my district; she served on the LWML Information (IT) Technology Committee. She kept mentioning an open position and how she thought I would enjoy working with the IT committee. She promised to teach me everything I needed to know. After her gentle nudging and much prayer, I finally agreed to an interview, even though I thought I had no technology skills to offer.

Wendy’s encouraging words made all the difference and moved me to say “yes” and accept the position. She told me she saw qualities in me that would benefit to the committee and knew I’d enjoy it once I was trained. And she was right. I did enjoy it and learned new skills which then opened doors for serving at the district and national levels.

Blessings received:

• Learned new skills;
• Developed friendships with women across the nation;
• Gave back to the organization that I love;
• Opened additional avenues to serve in the LWML;
• Enriched my faith life;
• Made me a better leader; and
• Provided mentorship opportunities.

Joy Anderson

Chairman, Growth & Development Committee 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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