A Full Summer of National Conventions

by CHAD FIX

LWML CONVENTION / MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN / JUNE 22-25

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), also known as Lutheran Women in Mission, welcomed more than 3,500 people to its 40th biennial convention under the theme “Celebrate the Lord of the Nations” based on Psalm 33:12-13.

LHM CEO Kurt Buchholz was invited to share greetings from the main stage, lead a “Mites in Action” presentation highlighting how a grant awarded by the LWML at their 2021 convention has helped share the Gospel with women and children in Mongolia, and speak about the ministry’s global impact during a lunchtime presentation. LHM also hosted a reception on Saturday evening for attendees to visit with staff and enjoy snacks and beverages.

The exhibit booth allowed attendees to learn more about LHM’s global ministry efforts, ask questions about our work in Mongolia, and meet Dr. Kari Vo, author of LHM’s popular Daily Devotions. They also had an opportunity to sign up for the Daily Devotions and pick up a special bookmark to help them share the devotions with friends and family members.

“LHM is blessed by our collaboration with the LWML, and we appreciated the experiences made and conversations had, sharing in mission at the heart of it all,” says Nicole Heerlein, LHM’s associate director, external relations.

Right next to the LHM booth was the Petal Pushers booth, which offered a chance to learn more about the dedicated volunteers that make the LHM float and several other Tournament of Roses Parade floats possible each year.

LCMS CONVENTION / MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN / JULY 29-AUGUST 3

More than 5,000 people convened in Milwaukee for the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. This year’s convention theme of “We Preach Christ Crucified” was based on 1 Corinthians 1:1825; in a world of uncertainty, the church’s proclamation, mission, and identity remain the same: We preach Christ crucified.

Buchholz shared greetings during a general session to highlight several ways that LHM shares the Gospel with people around the world.

LHM’s exhibit booth provided information about LHM’s worldwide ministry under the themes of global, digital, and community. This year’s booth layout also allowed convention attendees to have extended conversations with LHM staff, including President of United States Ministries

Jeff Craig-Meyer, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, Director of Constituent Advancement Becky Pagel, and Heerlein.

“The booth was a welcoming place where people could find resources to take back to their home while visiting with our staff between sessions to learn more about our ministry,” says Heerlein. “LHM’s tools and resources not only help to grow and nurture faithful Christians by the power of the Holy Spirit but allow them to share their faith with others. LHM has a variety of offerings to connect with people at any stage of their individual faith journeys.”

The booth also allowed church workers and laypeople to sign up for LHM’s Daily Devotions and acquire the devotions bookmark to share with others as a way to highlight this timeless resource that helps strengthen and encourage your faith as you do for others. There were also fun giveaways, including Project Connect booklets for adults and children, mobile device screen cleaners, globe pens, and more. u