This page is the beginning of a web site for the Laurentian District. Eventually it will have its own format and more content.

• Welcome
• About Us
• Member Development
• Executive
• Mission Grants

WELCOME to all who are visiting our web site. We consider it a joy and privilege to have you read about us. We are honoured to have been "Called to Serve" along with you. Top of page

ABOUT US
WHERE is the Laurentian District? It is the most eastern district of LWML-Canada and extends from Timmins, Ontario to Moncton, New Brunswick. It is one of the smaller districts with 11 societies in three zones. There are many, many miles between some of the societies, and this, along with the reality that societies aren't very large, presents some challenges in getting together. But the committment and dedication of the women do meet these challenges.

WHO are the women of the Laurentian District of LWML-Canada? They are women who are members of societies in congregations of Lutheran Church-Canada and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregations located within the borders of the district.

WHAT do these women do? They spend time in worship and study of the Word (inreach) and also in acts of love done in Christ's name (outreach). They are Called to Serve where God has placed them - in their congregations and communities.

WHEN was the Laurentian District formed? It was the first Canadian district to join the International Lutheran Women's Missionary League, the date being May 15, 1950. Over the years the LWML (and now LWML-Canada) has served the women of the district well by providing countless opportunities to support mission projects and also to reach out in many areas of service.

WHY is it important for the women of the church to have this connection? God has placed us where we are for the purpose of using the gifts He has given us in service to Him and the people of the world. Individually there is little we can do to make a difference, but it as we join together with others that much can be accomplished. Top of page

MEMBER DEVELOPMENT
Communication: The Laurentian District publishes The Laurentian District Newsletter in March and September each year. Via this communication, members are kept up-to-date with news, upcoming events, etc.

The Member Development Committee is introducing a new publication, "In Between," to be published in June and December. The purpose is to allow the executive to keep members "in touch" with current events.

Survey: Recently, a survey was forwarded to all societies regarding LWMLC participation. From the responses received, a Leadership Seminar, "Called to Serve," is tentatively scheduled for September 2008. At this seminar we will endeavour to answer the questions, concerns raised in response to the survey. Each member of the District executive will outline her position and how it relates to the local society. Various resources from LWML-Canada will be introduced. Time will be allotted for individual societies to meet together and re-look at their purpose and plans with a view to determining what works for each society, what changes could be made. This day will be a time for worship, Bible study, questions and answers as well as planning. Top of page

LAURENTIAN DISTRICT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

• President: Eloise Schaan
• VP Member Development/Christian Growth: Anne Taylor
• VP Christian Service: Shirley Detlefsen
• Recording Secretary: Mary Lou Palmer
• Financial Secretary: Rachel Kuhl
• Treasurer: Laura Reynolds Top of page

MISSION GRANTS 2007-2010
Delegates accepted a work program for the upcoming triennium of $30,000 with $14,000 used for Mission Grants. Payments to October 2008 have been made as follows:

• $1,000 - Grace Evangelical School in Petawawa
• $1,500 - VBS Grants for Assisted Missions and Congregations
  PAID - Redeemer, Sudbury: $250; Good Shepherd, Moncton: $150; de l'Ascension, Montreal: $100; St. Lambert/Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu: $200; Centre de Documentation et d'Etude Chretienne, Sherbrooke: $100 ($500 of these are carried over from the last triennium; $300 from this triennium)
  
• $3,000 - Malabar Mission Circle-purchase hymnals and literature to be used in Kerala, India
  PAID - $1,200
  
• $3,600 - Ascension Lutheran Church, Montreal-English as a Second Language Program ($1,200/year for 3 years)
  PAID - $2,400
  
• $2,000 - Materials and equipment for Evangelism
  PAID - Christ, Timmins: $298 for digital projector and screen; Good Shepherd, Moncton: $469.43 for digital projector
  
• $1,500 - East District Mission Opportunities Grant
  PAID - Expansion and Seminarian Field Work in the Maritimes: $750; Vicar Peter Gatluak, multicultural mission work in Burlington/Hamilton area: $250
  
• $1,400 - Kingston, Ontario-Outreach Promotional Materials for Outreach Return to top of page

MEMBERS OF THE LAURENTIAN DISTRICT are busy preparing for their LWMLC sisters from all across Canada to visit Ottawa for the organization's national convention, July 9-12, 2009, under the theme "Shine Like Stars."