The heart of hearts shows how we are all united in Christ. His unconditional and unfailing love for us also unites us with each other, and it is this incredible love that fuels us to reach out to others.

Ephesians 3:17b-19: “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

As March 31 approaches and we conclude our two-year mission endeavors, I thank God for your love, generosity, and support for mission work across our District and throughout the world. As of this writing, we are still looking for $18,215 to fund our final three projects. I am confident we will do it! Please remember to “get those mites in” by March 30th and use the remittance form found on our website. I know we can reach our goal because we are Lutheran Women in Mission!

The Gospel Outreach committee has been working diligently to prepare for the District Convention in April. I have met many of you and seen your love for the Lord and His work, and I look forward to meeting even more of you at the Convention. Twenty-five new mission grants have been submitted for 2026–2028!

Our God has such a sense of humor! Let me explain. I follow many practices found on the Visual Faith Ministry website. One that I particularly enjoy is LOGOS365, simply, my word for the year. Logos meaning both word and the WORD, Jesus Christ. We are encouraged to pray about what it is that God wants us to choose before committing to a word. I was struggling to decide on my word and wasn’t getting any confirmation.

As the family ‘bookkeeper’ I spend a lot of time dealing with our finances (I am a former bookkeeper and account tech). One day, I was marveling at all the money I had managed to save in the last couple of years. I thought maybe we could landscape the yard or pay off the time-share loan. My mind danced with plenty of ideas for some part of that money. Fun, right!

The very next day my grandson pointed out to me that the toilet was not working. Ugh! I checked and my bathroom was no better. A trip from the plumber confirmed my biggest fear. My 104-year-old house needed major sewer work! This was no small issue. In fact, it amounted to almost my entire savings account. That was when reality set in and all my grandiose plans disappeared.

But I do catch on quickly. I heard God laugh and say, “Trust Me!” I had put my faith in “riches” and left God out of the equation. Properly humbled, I repented and then laughed along with the Father. I bet you can guess that my 2026 LOGOS365 is TRUST!

The Magic Yarn Project is alive and well at Grace, Modesto. Members of LWML groups Naomi and Mary-Martha, along with family and friends, spent a recent Saturday creating Disney princess inspired wigs for girls who have lost their hair during cancer treatments. Prior to assembling, members spent time preparing the yarn and “hair” decorations for the gathering. The Magic Yarn Project also provides superhero-inspired beanies for boys with hair loss due to cancer treatment.

Our LWML group hosted our Christmas luncheon last December, with 22 ladies attending, including ladies from Trinity Lutheran and a member of our quilting group. A fun craft was included at the end of a delicious luncheon.

We also hosted three Advent dinners in November and December prior to Pastor Teller leading us in inspiring Advent services.

The quilting groups created 27 tote bags for attendees of the upcoming LWML CNH convention in April.

In December, our longtime member Lila celebrated her 98th birthday, marked with a special cake shared with the quilting group.

You are cordially invited to the Zone 10 Princess Tea: Bloom Where You Are Planted. Join us on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 2–4 PM at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Reno, NV for an afternoon of fellowship, learning, and delight. Online registration opens March 1. Have question about the event? Contact princesstea@stlukesreno.org for more information.

Enjoy delicious tea sandwiches and treats while we explore the rich symbolism of flowers throughout Scripture. As we arrange flowers together, we’ll reflect on how God helps us grow in faith and flourish in every season of life, no matter the circumstance.

The St. Luke’s Youth Group girls will host a special table for younger participants, offering Bible-based crafts and flower-crown activities—encouraging growth in Christ from generation to generation!

This gathering will also support Mites for Missions.

As we celebrate one year of the “new” Joyful Servant, we’d love your input. This short survey will help us understand which topics inspire you most and what you’d like to see more of in the year ahead. Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your thoughts.

Hats and gloves were not a prerequisite for attending this event, but wearing them made it a lot more fun as we gathered for a joyful day with our LWML sisters. The event was a thank you to all LWML members for their time, talents, gifts, and monies given to Mites, Steinbeck and Reuben funds, and for support at district events. We also shared appreciation for service to our communities and beyond.

On January 17, 2026, more than 100 ladies and gentlemen from CNH Zones 4,6,12,13,14, and 19 (Regions I and II) filled the large hall at Town and Country Lutheran Church in Sacramento ready to enjoy a day of delicious food and drink, hymns, Mission Moments, and grant and convention updates, along with wonderful fellowship.

LWML CNH President Roxan Schwab greeted attendees. Pastor Morris Stephens, Zone 19 Pastoral Counselor, opened with a devotion.

Thank you to our hosts, Town and Country members, who spent many hours planning, preparing, decorating and serving us. Each table was adopted by a member with elegant place settings, teacups and a tea pot. Lunch included fancy sandwiches and cucumber cream cheese bites followed by dessert platters with lemon bars and petite cheesecake squares. And of course, tea.

A photo presentation featured Micah, the official full-time Comfort Dog owned by Light of the Valley Church, Elk Grove. “It’s not about the dog but about connecting people to Jesus.” Micah and his handlers, Marilyn Hunter and his mom Linda Meishiemer visit approximately 79 venues a month in the community, wherever they are invited and needed, from first responders, senior living facilities, 911 call centers, disaster locations, hospitals and schools, to community events and even the final stop for some, the morgue. Emotional support is always needed.

Follow Micah on Facebook or Instagram to see everything he is doing. The church has begun the long process of getting a second dog, and hopefully, obtaining another grant. Micah hates days off but will concede to taking half a day on Sunday when his mom, Linda Meishiemer convinces him!

Dianne Flynn gave a presentation on LCMS CNH Disability Ministry, a program that provides families of autistic children with Buddy Bags: sensory or de-escalation toolkits including fidget toys to help regulate a child’s emotions and help them feel more comfortable and engaged. A grant for Buddy Bags is on the proposed list of future grants. Seventeen churches requested sample Buddy Bags at the tea and will be receiving them.

Roxan Schwab, speaking on behalf of Pastor Matt Beharens of Calvary Lutheran, San Lorenzo, shared an update about the comeback of this long-standing outreach program. They are hoping to receive a mission grant titled “A Return to Senior Outreach in Hayward, CA,” which will help re-establish or enhance services in the local community. The program is also partnering with other local congregations including Heavenly Christ Filipino and Mt. Zion Vietnamese.

Beverly Vietor, former Miss Penny, and Jan Froh, VP of Gospel Outreach (above), gave an encouraging mites update: the first 14 grants totaling $89,725 have been funded, leaving $28,590 for the final four. That number dropped to $18,590 when Froh announced a surprise $10,000 gift from a Grace, Grass Valley member—revealing the amount only after building suspense to everyone’s delight. She reminded attendees that if each congregation contributed just $35 a month, the remaining goal would be easily met.

Convention planning was presented by LaVada Terrell, VP Convention Planning. Groups/societies should have received their first email including registration, convention agenda and hotel information. READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY for important deadlines. All the information you need is available on the district website.

Groups can begin gathering hygiene supplies for Mercy Holistic Shower Ministry and nonperishable Blessing Bag food for the homeless.

Look for the second email to arrive by the end of February. It will include delegate information and more details about the Saturday Roaring 20’s themed banquet and entertainment—a “not to be missed” event!

The 2026-2028 CNH grant committee has carefully reviewed 25 proposed grant submissions totaling $191,640.50. In March, each society will vote on its top five choices, and from these results, the order will be announced at the convention in April.

Hawaii hosted a regional gathering on January 31 at the beautiful Wahiawa Botanical Gardens on the island of Oahu. Centered on the theme “Anchored in Hope,” the event welcomed 28 women as well as Zone 11 pastoral counselor, Pastor Jeff Mueller, for a day filled with fellowship, lunch, Bible Study and crafting.

A special thank you to the LWML women of Oahu who prepared delightful salads to complement the sandwiches provided by Zone 11.

LWML CNH President Roxan Schwab shared an inspiring presentation on the mission of LWML and how to become involved. Many attendees were surprised and encouraged by how much CNH accomplishes within our own district. One Honolulu church is interested in starting a new group, thanks to Roxan’s presentation.

Roxan also led us in a Bible study from the LWML Two Year Planner: “Strong and Courageous Women of the Bible.” Her message reminded all to be faithful and courageous as we share God’s love.

After lunch and Bible study, Lynda Mueller of Waikoloa Lutheran led us in making decoupage oyster shells—keepsakes that can be displayed as decorations or as small catch-alls.

Share what inspires you — stories about your successful past events and plans for future events.  We welcome photos!