January 2026

This newsletter is filled with inspiring messages, updates on recent Zone activities, and upcoming events you won’t want to miss. From mission projects and service opportunities to fellowship gatherings and faith-filled reflections, we celebrate all the ways LWML women are joyfully serving the Lord. Stay connected, be inspired, and join us as we continue our mission together!

2024-2026 Mission Grants Update

By Jan Froh, Vice President of Gospel Outreach

We are in the final three months of collecting Mites for the 2024-2026 Mission Grants. Grants 1-13 have been paid! Grant #14: “Know. Like. Trust. Outreach” at Good Shepherd Church, Hayward, CA was recently funded! There are four more grants to be funded by March 31, 2026. Grant #15 is our District President’s “1 in Every One” initiative for new CNH Missions and Ministries. Keep those Mites coming in!

“We have now paid Grants 1-13 and Grant #14 has been Funded! There are four more grants to be funded by March 31, 2026. Keep those Mites coming in. Use the Remittance Form for Mites to send in the Mites.”

REMEMBER: The Mission goal deadline is March 31, 2026! To achieve our Mission Goal by March 31, 2026, it is important to remind our LWML members that now is the time to contribute coins, bills, and checks to their Mite Boxes.

Also, remind our group/society Treasurers to use the Remittance Form for Mites when sending Mites to our District Financial Secretary at the address on the form. Only contributions postmarked by March 31, 2026, will be counted toward the 2024-2026 Mission Grants.

The following Mission Grants still need to be funded:

15. “1 in Every One” New CNH Missions and Ministries–CNH District Mission Agency, Livermore, CA $8,500
16. Hindu Mission Outreach–Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, Livermore, CA $8,390
17. Zion Lutheran Preschool Tuition Scholarship – Zion Lutheran Preschool, San Luis Obispo, CA, Zone 9 $9,200
18. Lutheran Books to Tell a New Generation in S.E. Asia – The Lutheran Heritage Foundation (RSO), Macomb, MI $1,185

For Details About Grants:

Visit the Funding Our Mission tab on our website, select LWML CNH Mission Grants from the drop-down menu, and click on CNH Mission Grant Posters.

Many groups collect Mites on a special Sunday each month. Here are some ideas to encourage your groups to contribute to Mites in these final months before the Mite deadline on March 31, 2026:

  • Give out Mite Boxes to those in your congregation who do not have one. Remind them what the boxes are for.
  • Post the Grant Posters and put the information in your Church newsletter or bulletin.
  • Plan a fundraiser, such as a bake sale or craft fair to raise funds specifically for Mites.

We look forward to celebrating the completion of our Mission Goal at the biennial LWML CNH Convention on April 24-26, 2026 at the Sacramento Double Tree.

jan froh
women at lwml convention

Why is it Important to Send Voting Delegates to Convention?

Discover why sending a voting delegate to the LWML CNH Convention strengthens leadership, supports mission work, and builds fellowship across our district.

woman using cell phone

Empowering Mission Support: How LWML CNH Makes Every Vote Count for Kingdom Impact

Voting empowers LWML to support missions. From grant applications to electronic ballots, our process ensures effective and efficient engagement for all.

ZONENews

Advent Tea: A Joyful Gathering

Zion, North Highlands

Joanne Hintz, Dianne Flynn, Diane Hintz at piano
By Dianne Flynn

Christmas celebrations began early on Saturday, December 6, when women from several congregations came together at Zion Lutheran Church in North Highlands, CA, for a memorable LWML Advent Tea. The event began with an interactive game, fostering new connections and camaraderie among attendees. The group enjoyed singing beloved Christmas carols, followed by an inspiring skit, a heartfelt devotion, and musical selections performed by the By Grace Alone ensemble.

The festive atmosphere was complemented by an array of delicious appetizers and pastries, encouraging fellowship and celebration. For four decades, this yearly event has brought women together to celebrate, serve joyfully, and reflect spiritually—a tradition that remains deeply valued.

woman at podium wearing christmas hat
Ruth plays piano at advent tea
Using the Planner resource

How to Use the Seek. Pray. Serve. Planner

Learn how to use the Seek. Pray. Serve. Planner to simplify meeting planning, share leadership, and keep your LWML group Christ-centered and mission-focused.

Attention: Group/Society Treasurers

Prorate is due annually on January 1, with a final deadline of February 15. The rate is $5.00 per member. Always use the current form found on our website under the resources tab.

Why is this important? Prorate is used to assist delegates in paying for transportation costs to District conventions. If not paid yearly, your group’s delegate will not receive funds for mileage to convention.

Annual renewal for LWML Quarterly subscriptions begins January 1. (This includes an increase or decrease in numbers of subscriptions.) All monies must be received by February 15, as the national organization will no longer accept any decrease in numbers after that. An increase in the number of subscriptions may be placed at any time.

Please return the completed Quarterly Remittance form following the instruction on the form.

Next Newsletter Deadline: February 1, 2026

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