Since the very beginning of my presidency, I have always ended my correspondence with the phrase, “Serving the Lord with Gladness,” followed by my signature. Over the past four years, I have truly served the LWML CNH with both joy and gladness. It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to hold this role.

During my time as president, I have traveled to many churches across California, Nevada, and Hawaii. On these journeys, I have met incredible women who serve their communities in a variety of ways. Their passion for sharing the good news—that Christ died for each of us, taking our sins upon the cross so that we may have everlasting life with Him in heaven—continues to inspire me deeply.

Through the work of LWML CNH, we have supported numerous local mission grants. I have been fortunate to personally deliver the checks for these grants to recipients during church services, and to share with congregations what LWML is all about. By doing so, we demonstrate firsthand what our Mighty Mites, empowered by our Mighty God, are able to accomplish in our communities.

Another blessing has been hearing from past grant recipients as they share the positive outcomes resulting from the new funds. These stories, from within our district and beyond, are a testament to how God uses our grant monies to fulfill His greater purpose.

Although there is much to celebrate, I also recognize areas where we can grow. Welcoming new, younger women—as well as any new members—into our groups remains a challenge. Sometimes, there are complaints when individuals try new approaches, yet we should all be supportive and encourage growth. It is important for each of us to continue to pray for open minds and hearts, especially when it comes to change. Finding women to serve as officers at the local, zone, and district levels has become increasingly difficult. However, we must continue to trust that if we are called to serve, God will keep His promise to be with us and guide us every step of the way.

Throughout my presidency, I have spent many hours in prayer, asking God for guidance and grace. He has never let me down, and has always been my strength and shield. This journey has been truly wonderful. Thank you for allowing me to serve all of you with gladness.

With Gratitude,

Roxan Schwab, LWML CNH District President

My dear sisters-in-Christ,

Thank you for your generous mites, mission hearts, and prayers; I am so thankful for you. I am blessed to be a part of such a faithful, Christ-centered and caring team who work many hours to ensure we “do all things decently and in order.” By the grace of God and the generous mission hearts and mites of our District, the final grants for the 2024-2026 biennium have been paid!

Indeed, (we) “can do all things through Christ who strengthens (us)”, Philippians 4:13

• President Roxan Schwab presented an $8500 check to Denise Lo for Grant #15, New CNH Missions and Ministries “1 in Everyone”, CNH District Mission Agency, Livermore, CA
• A $10,000 check was also presented to Linda Patel for Grant #16, Hindu Mission Outreach, Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, Livermore, CA

• Grant #17, Zion Lutheran Preschoool Tuition Scholarship – Zion Lutheran Preschool, San Luis Obispo, CA, Zone 9, $9200
• Grant #18, Lutheran Books to Tell a New Generation in S.E. Asia, The Lutheran Heritage Foundation, (RSO) Macomb, MI, $1185

To God be the glory! Well done, ladies!

I look forward to seeing many of you at Convention April 24-26, “Jesus is Our Passport.” It will be a privilege to celebrate the funding of 18 Mission Grants for 2024-2026 and to present the new CNH Mission Grants for 2026-2028. Keep those Mites coming, and may you know the blessings of being a part of the Lord’s great commission!

The Valley Springs Group of Zion/Lodi hosted a time of Lenten Reflection and Spring Planting! This was the first of our Saturday meeting/workshops planned with the intent to reach more ladies! We were blessed to have two new women join us, who work during the week, so we presented LWML handouts, Quarterly magazine, and had a short discussion of “what is LWML?”

During our devotion time, we reflected on the transitions of Winter to Spring, Sealed Grave to Empty Tomb, and Death to Resurrected Life. After a short business meeting and light lunch, the main attraction was getting our hands dirty –each of us making a Resurrection Garden!

Here’s how to make a Resurrection Garden:

• Choose a shallow planter or dish
• Fill it with a layer of small rocks and potting soil
• Place a small flowerpot sideways in the soil (this is your empty tomb)
• Cover the flowerpot with live moss (or fake)
• Plant tiny spring flowers and succulents
• Make three crosses by tying sticks together with string
• Don’t forget to find a larger rock to put in front and to the side of flowerpot “empty tomb”!

The Resurrection Garden is a meaningful creation to gaze upon and to tend with tender loving care. It serves as a beautiful reminder of Christ’s victory over death and the promise of new life. Whether given as a thoughtful gift or displayed in your garden or on your front porch, it quietly witnesses to the hope and joy of the Lenten season and the celebration of Easter.

March 21, 2026

10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Good Shepherd Lutheran

1402 University Avenue, Healdsburg, CA

All LWML Members and congregations – MEN and WOMEN – are invited to this Zone 14 Rally.

Doors open at 9:30 am! Arrive early for registration and seating. Suggested donation: $10 at the door.

Please bring a potluck dish to share!

With grateful hearts and willing hands, 12 LWML volunteers gathered to assemble 100 bagged lunches, along with 25 extra sandwiches, snack goodies, fresh oranges, and bottled water. Working together in cheerful “sandwich lines,” the room was filled with fellowship, laughter, and a shared purpose.

Each bag was lovingly stamped with the message, “May God’s Love Brighten Your Day,” and every lunch was prayed over before it left our hands. We asked the Lord to use these simple meals to nourish both body and soul.

The lunches were delivered to Hope Cooperative in Sacramento, where 60 to 100 individuals experiencing homelessness are served daily. It is a blessing to partner, even in a small way, with those who faithfully care for our community’s most vulnerable.

Through this project, we were reminded that every sandwich prepared and every bag packed is an opportunity to share Christ’s love. May we continue to serve with joyful hearts, trusting God to brighten many days through simple acts of kindness.

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