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	December 1, 2004 .................... LCMSNews -- No. 85

	LWML training event draws record attendance

	By Paula Schlueter Ross

	A record number of women -- especially young women -- attended
the "Leadership for Tomorrow" training conference sponsored by the
Lutheran Women's Missionary League Nov. 12-13 in Chesterfield, Mo.

	As it has in the past, the LWML invited presidents of its 40
districts nationwide to attend the conference, held every four years.

	But this year, for the first time, the organization asked each
of its district presidents to bring along two women who have never
before attended a national training event.

	The idea, according to LWML President Linda Reiser, was "to
raise up new leaders" -- particularly younger women under age 40 -- for
the LWML, and for service in local congregations and communities.

	The conference objective, she said, was "to help them feel
equipped, help them feel like they have been chosen, with their gifts,
to be in leadership."

	Some 120 local LWML leaders -- and another 65 or so from the
LWML's executive and other national committees, who served as trainers
and coordinators -- attended the leadership conference, Nov. 12-14 in
Chesterfield, Mo.

	Attendees included "professional women, stay-at-home moms, and
women who have been in careers and are now retired," Reiser said on the
last day of the conference. "We have probably six generations of women
here -- from 20s to 70s."

	And that's a plus, she said, "because I think they see that the
heart and focus [of the LWML] stays there for years -- that it doesn't
change."

	More women were invited to this year's conference, Reiser said,
"not to maintain and preserve the [LWML] organization," but, rather, "to
provide for them the opportunity to serve God in whatever role He has
given them."

	That sentiment is echoed by Carolyn Blum, president of the
LWML's South Wisconsin District, who recalled that she wasn't keen on
joining a women's group that she guessed was made up of "quilters and
bakers" when she got involved 15 years ago.

	Blum, who admits she can't quilt or bake, has "administrative
skills, and I never thought that I would ever become involved in that
group."

	Today, she realizes "there is something for everyone there, no
matter what your age or ethnic background, or the gifts and talents the
Lord has given you. He's provided this organization for the women in our
Synod to be able to use those gifts in service to Him."

	Khristine Miller, a 40-year-old from Kewaskum, Wis., is the
youngest member of her congregation's LWML group. Miller, who was
attending her first national event, described it as "wonderful."

	"All of us, I think, are concerned about how to get more younger
women involved in LWML, and I think almost every session focused on that
and gave us tips and helps on that," Miller said.

	The conference provided lots of good ideas, she said, including
at least one she plans to try: starting an e-mail or Web-based LWML
society for younger women who may not have time for traditional
meetings.

	Katy Gifford, 32, is a preschool teacher at Golgotha Lutheran
Church in Wausa, Neb., and the mother of five children ages 8, 6, 5, 2
and 1. She also serves as vice president for human care in the LWML's
Nebraska North District.

	Sure she's busy, she said, but makes time for the LWML. "This is
my sanctuary, this is my retreat, this is where I go to be filled,"
Gifford said.

	As a result of the conference and conversations with other women
there, Gifford said she feels "so empowered to just go out and do
whatever God leads me to do."

	****************************************

	If you have questions or comments about this LCMSNews release,
contact Joe Isenhower Jr. at joe.isenhower@lcms.org or (314) 996-1231,
or Paula Schlueter Ross at paula.ross@lcms.org or (314) 996-1230.

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