Post-convention news

Enjoy the convention newsletters.

This is the smallest group of three groups who went walking. All in all, about 100 men and women walked for the Lord.

Delegates to the 8th national convention of LWML-Canada selected the following mission grants after setting the new goal of $130,000.

Interim Mission Grant Goal – $35,000
Rev. D.J. Kim, Missionary-at-large, Central District LCC – $10,000
Sewing School, Nicaragua – $15,000
Evangelist deaconesses, Nicaragua – $9,000
Camp Lutherland, Qu’Appelle Lakes, Sask. – $12,000
Social Outreach Program, Our Saviour, Etobicoke, Ont. – $5,000
Concordia Seminary, Odessa, Ukraine – $16,000
Evangelist, Thailand – $6,000
Evangelist deaconess, Cambodia – $22,000

A new General Council has been selected by delegates:

President – Iris Barta
Vice-President, Christian Growth – Roberta Nixon
Vice-President, Christian Mission – Fran Porteous
Vice-President, Communication – Gail Mitchell
Vice-President, Member Development – Lorraine Kaija
Recording Secretary – Pat Maki
Financial Secretary – Rachel Kuhl
Treasurer – Linda Horton

Interest Sessions

“Putting Pen to Paper & Hearts in the Word”

Rev. Ken Maher shared his experience and seven useful strategies for “writing a decent Bible study,” using the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32 to illustrate his points.

First, have a point! Is your objective to grow in faith, knowledge or to strive toward change?

Second, determine your approach—“from above” or “from below.” Move either from God’s point of view in His Word to discussing daily life experience or the other way around.

Next, be able to recognize Law and Gospel and keep them straight.

Share open-ended questions, which invite discussion, rather than asking leading questions, which end dialogue with one- or two-word answers.

It is important to consider other styles of learning. Make use of experience by incorporating drama, role playing and/ or case studies.

The use of voting and ranking, dilemma discussions and debate activities help confront and clarify thinking and understanding of the Bible passages…another way to take into consideration different styles of learning.

Write to your audience. Consider the language you choose and whether your ideas are concrete or abstract and what are shared or common experiences.

What resources do you have available? Have realistic expectations for your participants and for time and space available.

Rev. Maher encouraged us all to put our hearts in the Word and to put our pens to paper. Let us rejoice and trust in the unfailing love that our Father in heaven has for us, regardless of how we might have squandered our lives, just as the Father and prodigal son in the story of Luke 15.

How to Lead a Bible Study

Rev. Mark Hennig reviewed the seven steps to lead an effective Bible study.

Be in the Word – know your Bible; honour God as you lead
Be prepared – “before” you get to class!! Review your Bible study ; make notes; highlight important parts; have Bibles on hand for all attendees; check resources beforehand; talk to your pastor if you are uncertain about areas of your Bible study; go through the catechism for references – it’s a great resource!
Know your audience – be sensitive and compassionate to those who have gone through a difficult time especially if your topic is sensitive (i.e., abortion, divorce, death of child,; etc.). Be aware of those with a different denominational background; proclaim the truth through Scripture. You throw out the seeds of God and let it work in their hearts.
Prayer and hymns – 1 John – He hears our hearts; Matthew 6 – He knows what we need before we ask. If someone is struggling take a moment to stop and pray. Hymns are a treasure – if you can’t sing it, just read the words.
Manage your time – there is nothing wrong with getting off topic. Sometimes the Holy Spirit has other plans and getting off course is beneficial to someone in the group. Try to gently divert everyone back to the topic. Be conscious of where the discussion is going and if necessary to stay on that line, ask questions and continue the discussion. Sometimes it’s best to return to the original topic at the next Bible study. Remember, it’s not always about your agenda! It’s about growing in faith about Jesus Christ.
Handling tough and sensitive subjects – Take time to collect your thoughts. Ask opinions and direct the group back to God. If you don’t know the answer tell the person you will find out and get back to them later. Sometimes you need to stop and pray. Point them to the hope of Jesus Christ – He is the answer! Take time to minister to the person in the group if needed and share Bible passages with him or her.
Make sure everyone can see and hear you! Repeat questions that are asked if they speak quietly. If time is short be sure to leave them with the knowledge of God’s love for them. Encourage quiet people and try to gently limit the talkers in the group. Always keep the Bible Study centred on Jesus. He is the focus. Remember our convention theme from 1 Corinthians 15:2, “Hold Fast to the Word.”

“Hang On Sloopy!”

Dr. Mary Hilgendorf, assisted by Marissa Neuberger, began their interest session by sharing their faith journeys. Beginning with the catchy tune of “Hang on Sloopy,“ Dr. Hilgendorf and Marissa led us on a discovery of how older and younger women have different traditions, experiences, needs, styles and lives. We played LWMLC Feud (lightly based on the TV show Family Feud) with questions like: What would you bring to a church potluck? And how did you come to join LWML–Canada? What a variety of responses! JESUS was the #1 answer! Just as the Information Age of today differs from the Industrial Age of yesterday, there will be many changes, but God’s Word does not change. As we “Hang on to the Word” let’s find ways to make it relevant for our young women. Let go of some of our old ways and try some new: get connected, check out Facebook, hang out together, have meaningful Bible studies. Marissa noted: “Young women want to be mentored even though some may not realize that is what they want.” Dr. Hilgendorf concluded with, “God gifts us with a spirit to get us through our journey. You’re not without Hope, not without Love, not with JESUS. God will hear your cry. God has a way. He does not change—His Word does not change.” Dr. Mary and Marissa both encouraged us to write our own faith Journeys and to share them with others.

Real Life Family Ministry

Gary Brucker

The reporter for this interest session went on a month’s holiday and, unfortunately, didn’t leave her notes with us. If someone else attended this session and would like to write a short note about it, please contact Gail Mitchell at vpcommunication@lutheranwomen.ca.