LUTHERAN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY LEAGUE – MISSOURI DISTRICT
MINUTES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING – SEPTEMBER 5-6, 2014
Best Western Capitol Inn – Jefferson City, Missouri
CALL TO ORDER: President Christie Steffens called the meeting of the LWML Missouri District Board of
Directors to order at 8:00 a.m. at the Best Western Capitol Inn in Jefferson City, Missouri on
September 6, 2014. The Recording Secretary, Myra Weber, was present to record the minutes of
the meeting.
President Christie Steffens welcomed everyone. She especially welcomed the many newly elected
officers.
Bible Study: Rev. Gary Griffin led the Bible Study with the theme being “The Time is Now”.
We reminisced about our early childhood days when we went to church. We asked ourselves, “Will our
children and grandchildren be in heaven? What implications does that place on LWML? We should
stand up for our faith and be in prayer. The time is now….let’s pray.
Appointments:
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Bible Study – Rev. Gary Griffin
Minutes Review – Judy Golden & Laura Cooley
Prayer before lunch – Dorothy Segelhorst
Prayer after lunch – Donna Hecht
Closing Devotion – Jr. Counselor, Rev. Kristopher Morris
Crisis Management: Christie Steffens, Kristy Carter, Judy Golden, Rev. Gary Griffin
Roll Call: Everyone was present.
Communications: A thank you note was received from Audrey Jagels, past LWML Missouri District
Parliamentarian, thanking us for the lovely blanket she received at the District convention in Kansas City.
Another thank you note was received from Deb Hartje, DCE, LUMA. She thanked us for designating
LUMA as one of the freewill offering recipients at the District convention. Three letters were received
from Hillcrest Transitional Housing in Kansas City, MO. They thanked us for choosing them to be the
recipient of the personal ingathering for all of their homeless clients in each county served by Hillcrest.
The other two letters thanked us for $588.00 and $35.00 respectively. A letter was received from
Concordia Seminary thanking us for a check for $4999.95 for aiding students as they prepare for the
ministry of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Two letters were received from Second Harvest
Community Food Bank in St. Joseph, MO thanking us for a $10.00 gift and a $5839.00
gift to Backpack Buddies. Backpack buddies provides elementary school children with a nourishing
breakfast, lunch, snack, and a drink for the weekend and on breaks.
Minutes: The minutes of the 2014 Pre-Convention Board of Directors meeting were approved as
corrected. The minutes of the 2014 Convention were approved as corrected.
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REPORT OF OFFICERS:
Recording Secretary – Myra Weber presented her report. She thanked everyone for sending in their
Zone Activity Reports. She still needs the Zone Officer Reports from some of the Zone presidents. This
report should also be sent to the District President and the Archivist Historian.
Treasurer – Karen Weber, presented her written report.
Assets (as of September 5, 2014)
$152,318.75
Receipts (February 6, 2014 – September 5, 2014) 123,040.08
Disbursements
110,628.32
Operating Fund
37,151.57
Karen informed us that she has received four checks, totaling $12,619.22, designated to go to LCMS
Foundation that we have in the Mission Fund and Mission Purpose Fund. $7571.53 has been deposited
in LCMS Mission Education Fund (60%) and $5047.69 has been deposited in Mission Purpose Fund
(40%). We should be getting another check. We also received a check from a couple for around $700.00
which was designated to mites. Friday offering for the convention was $4067.00 which went toward the
2014-16 mission goal. Sunday offering was $3102.06 which went to LUMA. The Mission Fair received
$4623.73. The sale of decorations and registration for mites totaled $808.00. The mission walk raised
$3103.50. Karen reminded everyone that when the Missouri District expense vouchers are turned in,
they must have a Map Quest attached. She asked the Zone Presidents to review the Zone treasurer’s
information sheet (that was passed around) and make changes, if necessary. Karen informed us that
she would not be paying checks for individual expense vouchers for the 2014 convention and for the
September 5-6, 2014 BOD meeting today. She will mail them as soon as the 2014 District convention
proceeds are sent to us.
Financial Secretary – Carol Reidel presented her written report. She announced that there will be
discrepancies between her report and Karen’s report. The Financial Summary Report is just for the
2014-16 biennium. Prayer Service, LWML Sunday, and Quarterlies, will be listed under the “Other”
category on the Summary Sheet. She suggested that Quick Books be used by both herself and Karen for
their reports so that the reports are consistent. Christie also explained that money coming in goes to
financial secretary (Carol) and money going out goes through treasurer (Karen). Totals for the biennium:
2006-08 - $389,288.40
2008-10 - $366,473.61
2010-12 - $367,787.73
2012-14 - $350,434.12
Christie informed us that Carol has had problems setting up a bank account. We are looking into having
one bank with branches throughout the state in order to make things easier.
Vice President of Christian Life – Carolyn Scott presented her written report. She reminded everyone
to use their Quarterlies. They have good Bible studies in them. She handed out some short Bible
study/devotions. She read an excerpt from Alma Kern’s “You Are Precious” book.
Vice President of Communications – Kristy Carter – presented her written report. She is working on
revising the Quarterlies Report. In the past, we have used the Statistical Report numbers for ordering
Quarterlies. Most Quarterlies are paid for by the Missouri District. Societies are adjusting statistical
reports to get the number of Quarterlies they want. If a society wants more Quarterlies than members,
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then the Society will have to pay for them. She asked that Zone treasurers indicate the name of their
Zone at the top of the page of the report. You can only decrease Quarterlies in April.
Editor – Linda Dunn – Teresa Backs (outgoing Editor) presented the report in Linda Dunn’s place.
She shared that we have two forms of communication, the Voice of Missouri and the
Show Me Women in Mission (online only). Send your articles to Linda. Themes are chosen for your
articles although you may write on something else that inspires you. She also suggests that you send in
pictures with your articles. Linda will need articles fifteen days before deadline.
Break
Webmaster – Stephanie Roegner gave us a very informative screen presentation of our new LWML
Missouri District updated website and showed us how to navigate through it. She will try to make
changes and additions to the website in three days after receiving information. If you send her
something that you don’t want to be edited, send in pdf format. She would like for everyone on the
Board of Directors to send her a picture of themselves for everyone to see. Her dream is to make the
website something everyone can be proud of.
Password can be used to protect pages – the password is MOMISSIONS. This will be used for access to
the Contact information section of the website only. The District previously had Dreammaker as their
provider. We now have Weebly. The cost is normally $129.00 a year but we received a reduced price of
$58.00.
Vice President of Gospel Outreach – Amee Boettcher presented her written report. Amee has
reviewed two National Mission Grants Proposals. They are:
-LHM – Outreach to At-Risk Women and Children in Refugee Camps-Lebanon, $72,000
-Apple of His Eye – Outreach to Jews in Israel, $100,000
In process:
-St. Paul Concordia HS – Tuition Assistance to Foreign Country Students, $32,000
-Ministry Focus, assisting Pastors with College debt when getting out of school,
$1,000,000 (10 year plan)
National Mission Grant Proposals are due September 30. If Amee receives any future proposals before
the due date, she will email the information to everyone for approval. Missouri District Grant Proposals
are due August 15.
LWML Missouri District Mission Grants Update:
Quarter Payment – International Grad Student Support, Concordia Seminary
Half Payment Reaching out in Konobo Language to African Immigrants
Full Payment Weekend Food Backpack Program
All Missouri grant proposals whether going to District or national must first be approved by LWML
Missouri District. She handed out a sheet on what Gospel Outreach means, national LWML Mission
Grant Updates and Missouri District Grant Updates.
Church Worker Study Grants – Crystal Lueckenhoff presented her written report. She has received a
total of 43 Church Worker Study Grant applications for the 2014-2015 school year. LWML Missouri
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District has awarded 31 study grants for the 2014-2015 year for a total of $28,500.00. There are 16
seminary students receiving a total of $16,000.00 and 15 church workers receiving a total of $12,500.00.
The Missouri District budget for Church Worker’s Study Grants amounted to $27,500.00 per year. One
seminary student declined $1,000.00. Two students accepted the additional $500.00 each. She gave
everyone a list of recipients of CWSG for the 2014-2015 year, and a CWGS application (which must be
completed by April 1, 2015). All applications will be handled by snail mail.
She listed the steps the committee goes through to choose the recipients. One step is to have student
write an essay on why they should receive a grant. She brought those essays and their pictures for the
board to review. It was suggested that their pictures be put on the website. Our webmaster will handle
that.
Vice President of Special Focus Ministries – Jackie Albers – presented her report. We had 23 YWR’s
attend the District convention. She has created a Facebook page as a way to stay connected along with
emails. Heart 2 Heart Committee meets once a month. Margo Dupree, from the H2H national
committee, submitted the names of four women in the Missouri District who are interested in attending
the national convention in Des Moines, Iowa. The Missouri District Executive Committee voted to send
one Heart 2 Heart sister. The cost will be around $700.00. The other women interested in going can go
if they can find the funding. She passed out a sheet listing Sister Role and Responsibilities, and
Frequently Asked Questions: Missouri District, and a YWR application for Des Moines, Iowa convention.
Applications should be sent to and reviewed by the Zone president by January 15, 2015. Zone
presidents should mail reviewed and completed applications to Ann Seider by January 30, 2015. A
motion was made by Kathy Merritt to make a line item in our treasury for Heart to Heart Sisters
convention funds donations (mission fund). Changes can be made in 2016. Motion approved.
Offering – an offering was collected for mites. The total was $310.60.
Prayer before lunch – Dorothy Segelhorst
The meeting resumed at 1:00 after lunch.
Prayer after lunch – Donna Hecht
Vice President of Organizational Resources – Pat Petzoldt presented her report. She recommended
the following changes:
Disbanded Societies – Two societies have requested a “release” from membership.
-St. John’s Lutheran LWML Day Group, Owensville (Drake), Washington Zone (5 members)
-Zion Evening Guild, Lone Elm, Columbia Zone (4 members)
This action would result in:
Loss of 2 societies
9 Members
The Board of Directors adopted the recommendation.
Individual Membership – One individual, Crystal Lueckenhoff, Grace Lutheran, Holt Summit, Jefferson
City Zone has requested individual membership. This action would result in a Gain of 1 member.
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Removal of 8 individual members due to death, moving out of district or request to be removed
because they joined a society. This would result in a Loss of 8 members.
This action would result in: Gain of 1 Member Removal of 8 Members
The Board of Directors adopted the recommendation.
Total = Loss of 7 Members
Membership Totals September 5 & 6, 2014 would be
223 Units
249 Societies
5,178 Members + 28 Individual Members = 5,206 Total
Pat handed out a list of LWML Missouri District Individual Members. She asked the Zone Presidents to
help update the list. Pat emphasized to the Zone Presidents that they include these individual members
when they are passing out information. She handed out a Society Application Form, a Society
Disbandment Form and an Individual Membership Application Form.
She also passed out a sheet “Dates to Remember for Zone Presidents”. The following should be added
to list: (1) Mission Grant applications to Missouri District is due to Amee Boettcher (odd year) October
31. Grant applications to national is due to Amee Boettcher (even year) August 15. (2) Church
Worker/Student Study Grant application is due April 1.
Pat needs to update the Statistical Report. Zone presidents should return the information form by
November 1, 2014 with the required information. Membership numbers will not determine the number
of Quarterlies ordered. She asked that the Zone Presidents encourage new societies in their zones.
Leader Development – Karen Drury presented her written report. She shared with everyone the
wonderful resources that are offered online. She explained how to navigate to these resources.
“Volunteers in Christ’s Ministry” is the latest resource that teaches ways to value the volunteers that
you have and how to encourage more individuals to step out and help with the ministries in your
church. “Developing Leaders” is another good resource which contains articles and free downloads to
assist in equipping women in the zones. The “Resource” tab includes “Helps for Your Organization”
which offers good resources. She read a list of four different motivators and gave us a description of
each.
Structure – Judy Rose presented her written report. She is continuing to work on by-law updates.
She passed around a sheet listing pertinent information on zone information. She asked the Zone
Presidents to update, if needed. She thanked three zones, Altenburg, Kansas City North and Kansas City
South for having all of their societies’ bylaws on file. She asked to check the dates on the zone bylaws to
make sure they coincide with District’s copies. District Officers and Committee Chairman are to read
what your duties are in the bylaws and in the District Leaders’ Manual. Notify committee of changes.
She handed out a “Helpful Reminders When Revising Bylaws” sheet.
Offering – The offering collected amounted to $288.00 and will go to the District operating fund.
President – Christie Steffens – presented her written report. Special contributions and donations can
be made at any time to the District by societies and zones. She handed out a sheet listing LWML
Primary Targets – Nurturing Faith in Christ, Making Our Mission Meaningful and Sharing
Encouragement. “Bountiful! Sow – Nourish – Reap” is the theme for the 26th LWML Biennial
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Convention. Up-to-date information is online. Christie wrote an article in the July Show Me Women in
Mission titled “Alive in Prayer”. Prayer should be an important part of our daily lives. Martin Luther said,
“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”
She closed her report with everyone singing “Praise, Love, Serve” to the tune of O Little Town of
Bethlehem.
Counselors – Rev. Gary Griffin asked how we should make LWML relevant? It all starts with the local
congregations. What is your group’s reputation with the congregation?
He suggested we work one on one with teens. How do you make zone rallies relevant?
Have interesting topics that will draw ladies, young and old. He gave some ideas for zone rallies.
What do you do when the Pastor doesn’t support LWML? Ask Pastor what LWML can do to help him
and remember to pray for him.
Parliamentarian – Angie Gielow had no written report. She suggested we go to LWML website for
parliamentary procedures. She would like to take the Parliamentary Procedures test to become a
member of the National Association of Parliamentarians.
Administrative Assistant – Sally Aschinger presented her written report. She thanked everyone for
getting room reservations and stationery orders in early. Bookmarks are available at the LWML office
and can be given out at the LWML Sunday. Sally has only heard from two bus companies (MidAmerican Coaches and Southwestern Illinois Bus) for the national convention in Des Moines, Iowa. She
has different estimates depending on route and number of people riding. Fifty seven people will fill a
bus. Sally will need a firm number from zone presidents by second week of January. She is checking
into alternative food vendors, including local Lutheran churches, to save money at our BOD meetings.
She ended with prayer.
Archivist Historian – Kathy Merritt presented her written report. Zone Activity Reports are preserved in
the archives. She sent a list of materials for societies and zones to save.
New Business –
Keynote Speaker for the 2016 Missouri District Convention needs to be selected. Those suggested were:
Linda Reiser, Gloria Edwards, Jan Wendorf, Ida Mall, Elaine Bickel, Jan Struck, Gretchen Jamison,
Heidi Floyd, and Reed Lessing. First choice was Linda Reiser and Reed Lessing came in second.
Karen Drury will contact Linda Reiser as soon as possible.
LWML Representative for the 2016 Missouri District Convention– Our District can request an LWML
representative. The BOD decided to ask the new 2016 LWML President.
2016 Missouri District Convention Theme and Logo – The theme chosen was “God’s Love Spans the
Centuries” and the Bible verse is Matthew 28:20b. Christie read the description of the chosen banner
drawing.
Hosts for the 2018 District Convention – The following Zones will host the 2018 convention:
Jefferson City, Carrollton, Rolla, Sedalia and St. Charles. Convention site coordinator will find
a location for the convention.
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Rally Schedule – Christie read the names of District representatives who will attend the fall zone rallies.
LWML Delegates and Alternates for 2015 LWML Convention in Des Moines –Zone Presidents must
submit names by December 1, 2014.
Standing Rule Addition – Add Standing Rule #29 to LWML District Standing Rules – The convention site
coordinator will be paid for mileage and hotel by the LWML Missouri District.
Meeting Dates:
Fall Board Meeting-----------------------------------Executive Committee---------------------February 5, 2015
Best Western Hotel, Jefferson City, MO
Board of Directors------------------- -- February 5-6, 2015
Best Western Hotel, Jefferson City, MO
Dates to Remember:
LWML Convention 2015, Des Moines, Iowa----------------------------------------------------June 25-28, 2015
Missouri District Convention, Cape Girardeau, MO----------------------------------------------June 3-5, 2016
LWML Convention 2017, Salt Lake City
LWML Convention 2019, Birmingham, Alabama
Christie asked everyone to thank the hotel personnel for taking care of us. She also thanked everyone
for the wonderful snacks.
Teresa Backs informed us of the new Thrivent Action Team. If you are a Thrivent member, you can apply
for two different team activities and receive $250.00. These can be fund raiser activities, service
activities or educational events. You must apply 21 days in advance. Money can be used for advertising,
supplies etc.
Closing Devotion – Rev. Kristopher Morris led the devotion. Paul shows us the marks of a true
Christian. He tells us not to conform to this world. The enemy is hungry. Overcome evil with
kind words. Our baptism makes us true Christians. We should bless our persecutor and repay no one
with evil. Do not overcome with evil for evil. Show kindness and mercy. This will cause change so
Gospel can work among us.
The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
Myra Weber
Recording Secretary
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