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Trinity In Action
LUTHERAN WOMEN'S MISSIONARY LEAGUE
This month we continue our discussion of the Women’s Missionary League (LWML). Last month we covered LWML history. This month we will cover mites and missions.
Mite Explanation and History
Based on the Biblical account of the widow’s mite (Luke 21:1-4), the Mite Box is intended for regular contributions of “mites” – offering above and beyond the support given to congregations and the LCMS. Mite Box contributions amount to millions of dollars that fund district and national mission grants and implement the LWML program.
Mite Boxes are available from the district, zone, or LWML office and are distributed to every woman and child. The LWML organizing convention was held on July 7-8, 1942 at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Chicago and the first LWML Board meeting was held at Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis MO in the fall of that year.
Mite Boxes – How They Began
Inspired by the various “cent” or “mite” societies of the early 1800’s, the Woman’s Mission to Woman (Baptist) urged members in its first letter in 1871 to use their new Mite Box to raise funds. The entire family was encouraged to contribute. The garnetcolored box had an opening in the top and the words, “Woman’s Mission to Woman,” in gold letters on the side.
LWML Mite Boxes
 Over the years, many Lutheran Ladies Aid societies used a box to gather funds in support of local and synod ministries. Under the original 1928 Lutheran Women’s Missionary Endeavor organizational plan, each woman in every congregation would receive a Mite Box if she participated in the Ladies Aid. Receipts from the 92 Ladies Aid societies totaled $6651.31 in 1930!
The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League,
formally recognized in 1942, required by the newly adopted constitution and bylaws, that 25% of all missionary contributions be given to the national organization, shared from the districts. At the 1953 convention, delegates reaffirmed the raising of funds only through voluntary offerings.
Throughout the decades, Lutheran women have stepped out in faith, setting goals and trusting God to move the hearts of His people to give generously to LWML to proclaim the Gospel. To that end, the 2019-2021 National Mite Goal of $2,100,000 has been fully funded.
Our Mission – Pastor and Mrs. David Preus and Family
 Trinity’s LWML supports Pastor Preus and his family in their ministry in the Dominican Republic. They are based in Santiago de los Caballeros. Pastor and Mrs. Preus have eight children with them in the mission field.
Our LWML also supports Phil’s Friends, a cancer – non-profit support organization and Old Savannah City Mission. Each December we select local groups to gift as well as to Pastor’s discretionary fund. For more information, please see Lonna McEwen.
LWML Dates to Remember
Trinity’s LWML meets the first Wednesday of each month in September through May. All women of Trinity are invited to attend.
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