Dear Lucy Leader … Accept a Position

Dear Lucy Leader,

I commit to a task. I believe that it should be completed to the best of my abilities. My motto is “God doesn't call the equipped, but equips those He calls.”

Sometimes I hesitate to accept a position where others work under my direction, because I cannot be sure of their commitment/dedication to completing the work.

Can you supply any wisdom?

Willing but Hesitant Wilma

Dear Willing but Hesitant Wilma,

Your concern is legitimate. Let me give you some thoughts as you consider serving in a new position. Begin your new position as you begin any new task — go to the Lord in prayer. Get to know each person on your team — learn her strengths and weaknesses. Actively engage with your team. Be clear about what your team needs to accomplish. Help your team members see how they are contributing to the big picture, and that you are counting on them. Recognize work that is done well. 

Past LWML Pastoral Counselor Michael Mattil and his wife Cheryl (past LWML Strategic Plan Facilitator) have these words of advice:

“Our service is an offering to Jesus, using the gifts we have been given. We all are imperfect and should be careful about judging the work of others.” 

None of us know exactly what to do when we start a new position; we figure it out about the time we finish our service. Encouragement, trust, and mercy create a great team. God uses us where we are. Be yourself and support and pray for the others on your team.

May God bless your service,

Lucy Leader

Do you have a question for Lucy Leader?
Write in to the Vice President of Organizational Resources here!

God's Blessings,

2019–2021 LWML Leadership Development Committee Members
Marie McNary
Sherrie Smith
Lois Teinert, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, Advisory

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Dear Lucy Leader … Showing Appreciation

Dear Lucy Leader,

The women in my group have worked so hard sharing Jesus’ love with the women in our church and the people in our community who are hurting. They are always willing to step up and do anything that needs to be done. What can I do to let them know that I really appreciate all their hard work?

Grateful Greta 

Dear Grateful Greta,

Praise God that you have volunteers who get the work done! Volunteers can be shown appreciation by a simple “thank you” or by presenting them with a unique and memorable gift.

Formal recognition of your volunteers can be accomplished in several ways. Litanies during a service is one example. Your pastor could also say prayers of thanks for volunteers at worship services. You might want to plan a volunteer recognition banquet.

As an alternate form of recognition, consider making a mite donation in honor of the volunteer you are recognizing. This is a thoughtful way to let the person know that her service and Christian witness has touched your life in a special way.

You can find more information and specific examples of volunteer recognition at www.lwml.org/posts/leadership/volunteers-in-christs-ministry. May God continue to bless your volunteers and your ministry!

Lucy Leader

Do you have a question for Lucy Leader?
Write in to the Vice President of Organizational Resources here!

God's Blessings,

2019–2021 LWML Leadership Development Committee Members
Marie McNary
Sherrie Smith
Lois Teinert, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, Advisory

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Dear Lucy Leader … Understand the District Treasurer Position

Dear Lucy Leader,

I have been nominated for the position of district treasurer. What resources are available to help me understand this officer position?

Am I a Treasurer Tracy

Dear Am I a Treasurer Tracy,

First of all, let me thank you for your willingness to understand this position. You are considering a very important role, and it is necessary that you recognize how you would be serving God. 

Your best resource is your LWML district website. Find your district bylaws. Those bylaws will specify the duties for the position of district treasurer. It is also helpful to talk with someone in your district who has recently served in that position.

Another source of information for financial officers is the LWML website. Check out www.lwml.org/financial-officers and review the documents.

Prayerfully consider whether or not you would enjoy using the financial skills which this position requires. May God bless your deliberation!

Lucy Leader

Do you have a question for Lucy Leader?
Write in to the Vice President of Organizational Resources here!

God's Blessings,

2019–2021 LWML Leadership Development Committee Members
Marie McNary
Sherrie Smith
Lois Teinert, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, Advisory

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Dear Lucy Leader … Planning a Prayer Event

Dear Lucy Leader,

Prayer is a very important part of a Christian’s life. I would like to plan an event for my group that centers around prayer. Do you have any ideas to help with that?

Prayerful Pam

Dear Prayerful Pam,

It is wonderful for you to want to plan an event that centers around prayer. What a special way for your group to be connected with Jesus and with each other!

LWML does have resources that are written especially to engage your group in  prayer. The 2021 Prayer Service, written by past LWML Pastoral Counselor Rev. Robert Mundahl, is “He Prayed with Them,” based on Acts 20:36b. This can be found at www.lwml.org/prayer-service. A guide to organizing a prayer walk can be found at Walking in Prayer: Organizing a Prayer Walk — Lutheran Women's Missionary League (lwml.org). 

LWML has an abundance of other resources that will greatly enrich your activities. Devotions, Bible studies, litanies, and more can be found at LWML Resources on Prayer — Lutheran Women's Missionary League.

May God bless you and your group!  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

Lucy Leader

Do you have a question for Lucy Leader?
Write in to the Vice President of Organizational Resources here!

God's Blessings,

2019–2021 LWML Leadership Development Committee Members
Marie McNary
Sherrie Smith
Lois Teinert, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, Advisory

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Dear Lucy Leader … Welcoming New People

Dear Lucy Leader,

Our group is meeting in person again and a couple new women have joined. How can we get to know each other and work together as a team?

Wendy Wants to Work Together

Dear Wendy Wants to Work Together,

Praise God that you are able to meet together again! Praise God that you have new women join your group! It is good that you want to help the women get to know each other and work together as a team.

First, remember your bond as sisters in Christ; spend time together in the Word. LWML recognizes the importance of team building and has resources to help with that goal. You can find these resources at www.lwml.org/posts/leadership/team-building-activities.

God will bless your efforts to strengthen your team. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24–25). 

Lucy Leader

Do you have a question for Lucy Leader?
Write in to the Vice President of Organizational Resources here!

God's Blessings,

2019–2021 LWML Leadership Development Committee Members
Marie McNary
Sherrie Smith
Lois Teinert, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, Advisory

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Dear Lucy Leader … Start a LWML Group in Your Church

Dear Lucy Leader,

The church I recently joined has not had an active LWML for years, but I’m trying to revive it. I have two others on board. Any tips for us?

Renee

Dear Renee,

It is very exciting that you want to revive LWML in your church and that you have two women who are already on board. Your very first step is to go to the Lord in prayer. He will guide your steps along the way. 

LWML has resources on the website that are very helpful. The “LWML New Group Welcome Packet” (www.lwml.org/welcome) has information to get you started. Check with your LWML district president to see if your church already has a charter. She can also let you know about zone and district events. She will walk by your side.

Personally invite women to your first meeting. Start that meeting with a Bible study. Don’t conduct too much business. Let the women get to know each other by doing a servant activity together. You can find ideas for service projects here: www.lwml.org/mission-service-activities.

LWML has resources to help let women know what LWML is all about. www.lwml.org/posts/free-resources/lwml-101 is great in explaining the basics of LWML. 

LWML is a wonderful place for women to come together, to grow closer to the Lord, and to serve others joyfully. May God bless you as you bring the joy of LWML to the women of your new congregation!

Lucy Leader

Do you have a question for Lucy Leader?
Write in to the Vice President of Organizational Resources here!

God's Blessings,

2019–2021 LWML Leadership Development Committee Members
Marie McNary
Sherrie Smith
Lois Teinert, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, Advisory

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