LWML MINUTES

 

Trinity Lutheran Church - Jefferson

                                                                                                

June 21, 2026, 8:00 a.m.

 

Ellie Menz welcomed the group.  We began with the singing of The Star Spangled Banner in unison, since the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is being observed this year.  Ellie shared some information about American flag seamstress Betsy Ross. 

 

Prayer requests were made—then several persons prayed for those petitions.

 

Minutes from the May 2026 meeting had been previously distributed by email.  There was no correspondence.

 

Treasurer’s report:  Margaret Martens’ report was printed as part of the agenda. Receipts included mites:  $25.96 and local society contributions:  $85.  Disbursements included HS graduates’ gifts + cards:  $100.59 (Darla Johnson), cake ingredients: $20 (Cheryl Robson), IDW LWML convention offerings:  3 @ $50/ea. The current balance is now $443.09. 

 

Quilters’ report:  Pat Benitz reported that she, along with Lisa Fredrickson and Shirley Griffin, traveled to Camp Okoboji yesterday for the annual quilt auction.  Proceeds from the auction will go toward the purchase of new mattresses for camp cabins.  Quilts brought in $12,610.  There were receipts for craft items sold as well as the fundraiser lunch. Trinity-Jefferson’s two quilts brought $130 and our craft items brought $60-70.  “Thanks!” to the women who went up to the auction, as well as the entire quilting group and their industrious production of quilts at Trinity. 

 

Trisha Easton and Elizabeth Graham were delegates to the Iowa West District LWML convention held June 11-13, 2026 at Camp Okoboji.  They gave oral reports about their experience at convention and listed the organizations that will receive funding in the next biennium. The mission goal for the next biennium is $185,000.  Young Women’s Rep Amber Smith was unable to attend today’s meeting, but she submitted a written report that was read by Trisha.  Amber was grateful to be able to attend the convention as a YWR, representing the Boone zone.

 

“Thank you!” to Group 1 for providing desserts and helping with the serving of Richard (Dick) Carstens’ funeral this past Tuesday, June 16.  209 Main from Paton catered the meal.

 

Group 2 will organize and serve Rita Jenkins Vandever’s funeral on Saturday.

 

Bell Tower booth June 11-12, 2026:  “Thanks!” to the 24 people involved in making the distribution of 177 Bibles and numerous other Christian materials possible.  Pray that the people read the Word and walk with God.

 

Youth for Camp Okoboji for summer 2026:  an anonymous donor for TLC youth and their friends (members or non-members) will pay Camp expenses for campers.  Currently 13 are registered.

 

Bracelets project: Ellie has this project in the works, enlisting adults and youth to make witness bracelets from colored beads and leather cord.  Goal is to make 6,000 bracelets to be used at the Lutheran Hour Ministries booth at the Iowa State Fair in August.  “Thanks!” to those working on this project at home.

 

Backpack blessing Sunday will be August 23, 2026.

 

Seminarian Joshua Wareham, Erin Mackenzie’s fiancé: Margaret shared the following concerning Erin:  “As I promised at our last meeting, I wrote to Erin Mackenzie on May 23. Unfortunately, I have not received a response from her. (I wrote via US mail but provided my email address and cell phone number.  I’m inclined to think the mail service is to blame.)”

 

LWQ Bible study:  June 28 @ 8:00 a.m.

 

There was a church-wide BBQ (Greene County Cattlemen grilling) with potluck side dishes this past Wednesday, June 17 at 6 p.m. Games were available for those who wanted to play, though it was rather windy outside.  Dining was in the fellowship hall.  “Thank you!” board of education for organizing the BBQ—it was a fun event!   A VBS organizational meeting followed at 7 p.m.

 

Cheryl thanked all who helped prepare materials for the Mission Magnets project. 2,500 pieces of mail were sent out at the end of April to residents of area code 50129. 

 

Next LWML meeting:  July 19 @ 8:00 a.m.  Ellie will be in Indianapolis for a family reunion.

 

Submitted by Cheryl Robson

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