Workbook page: 141
PDF page: 176
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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 176
2026 Convention Workbook 141 OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS We continue to plan according to these primary focus areas: • Proclaiming Christ Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! (Psalm 96:3) • Supporting Missions And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15) • Equipping W omen Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good that you may do his will. (Heb. 13:20–21) • Serving Others As each has received a gift, use it to serve one anoth- er. (1 Peter 4:10a) Lutheran Women in Mission has developed a vast selection of doctrinally reviewed resources and programs to support our women and church workers as they serve the Lord. New in 2025 were ob- ject Scripture lesson plans for intellectually challenged adults and a limited selection of American Sign Language–interpreted Mustard Seed devotions. Most resources are free to download and can be found on the LWML website at lwml.org. Additionally, the Luther- an Woman’ s Quarterly continues to be a premier magazine with the purpose of “Knowing Christ and Making Him Known.” The 41st Biennial LWML Convention was held in Omaha, Neb., June 26–29, 2025, with over 3,600 in attendance. Planning is underway for the 42nd Biennial LWML Convention in Oklaho- ma City, Okla., July 8–11, 2027. Pre-convention activities include training sessions and networking and service opportunities. During convention, we conduct the business of our organization, partici - pate in Bible studies and Divine Services, and are inspired by mis- sion speakers. The schedule is interspersed with singing, fellow- ship, special events, and laughter. Lutheran Women in Mission serves, gives, prays, and meets in response to our Savior’s mercy and grace. We boldly share the Gospel message of Christ. “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!” LWML will, by God’s grace, continue to be Christ-centered, proclaiming His love, supporting His mission, and equipping His children to serve joyfully. Eden Keefe, President R58 Task Force on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (2023 Res. 1-04A) The 2019 Synod convention charged the Office of National Mission (ONM), among others, with the creation of resources that might “confess the truth boldly and minister compassionately both to those who experience sexual orientation and gender identity is- sues and those who care for them” (Res. 11-03A). As a result, the ONM formed the Created Male and Female Task Force (originally named Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Task Force) during the 2019–23 extended triennium. The 2023 Synod convention vot- ed to continue the task force; its Res. 1-04A also directed it to ex- pand its membership, to consider conducting field research in the area of sexual orientation and gender identity, and to “recommend and advocate for strategies and structural approaches to serve the Church better and address the challenges posed by contemporary annual Rose Parade. The 2026 float celebrated 75 years of Gos- pel proclamation through the parade with an entry titled “Bringing Christ to the Nations” that honored the diverse vocations through which God builds His Church. The float’s message was simple yet profound: every person has a place and a purpose in sharing Christ’s love, and together we can bring that hope to the world. The Results of God’s Blessings • By God’s grace, LHM’s programs and resources reach peo- ple around the world with the Gospel nearly 275 million times each week. • Outreach through LHM’s global ministry programs has, by the power of the Holy Spirit, netted almost two 2 million responses and more than 405,000 individuals referred to churches and Christian communities this past year. • Individuals were equipped to more effectively share their faith around 455,000 times last year. • Around 390,000 constituents are currently engaged with our global ministry efforts through giving, volunteering, or using our resources. Vision for the Future With billions still waiting to hear the saving message of Jesus Christ, LHM continues to move forward under the following vi- sion: • Every person has the opportunity to hear the Gospel in an understandable way. • Those seeking are connected to a healthy Christian commu - nity where they can grow in their faith. • Every Christian is equipped to share the Gospel in word and deed. • Engaged Christians advance this common mission as a glob- al community. We are called to act now! LHM stands ready to embrace this exciting future of global ministry as a strong, emergent, future-fo- cused ministry that harnesses new opportunities, research, and re- sources to fulfill our mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations®— and the Nations to the Church. Together, we can work to grow the Body of Christ—one life at a time—all for the glory of God. On behalf of all of us at LHM, thank you for your service. May God richly bless your work in the name and for the sake of Jesus! Kurt S. Buchholz, Global CEO R57 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), also known as Lutheran Women in Mission, is an official auxiliary of the Synod. We joyfully proclaim Christ, support missions, and equip women to honor God by serving others. The LWML exceeded its $2,350,000 mission goal for the 2023– 25 biennium, funding 31 mission grants, and set a new mission goal of $2,622,270 to fully fund 33 mission grants in the 2025–27 bien- nium. Mission grants are also funded by the 40 LWML districts. Lutheran Women in Mission across the country supports mission organizations locally, regionally, and globally in prayer, with mon- etary donations, and in selfless volunteer service.