Courtesy photo Among those attending from the Lake Superior Circuit of Lutheran Womens Missionary Society (LWMS) are women from Crivitz, Wis., Peshtigo, Wis., Iron Mountain, Powers, Lena, Wis., Oconto Falls, Wis., Oconto, Wis. and Marquette. Among those pictured are new National President Jacky Stroll, eight from the left in the back row, from Oconto Falls.

LA CROSSE, Wis. — A group of women from several churches in the Lake Superior Circuit, which is based in Northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, joined about 1,000 others to attend the 60th Annual Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) Convention held in La Crosse, Wis., the weekend of June 22-26. Members from nearly 800 Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregations met at this annual event for mission support, spiritual renewal, inspiration, and fellowship.

During the convention, attendees learned about “Training the Trainers” in sister synods in Africa, and about the God-fearing women proclaiming God’s love in Latin American areas with “Strength and Courage.” In addition, the home missionaries shared their experiences with “Upcycling,” that is, taking a former school and making it into their new church building. Another plenary session explained how everyone can participate in the goal of making “100 Missions in 10 Years” a reality. An interactive virtual presentation by a missionary in Portugal was also offered.

Workshops included “Year in Review,” “He Desires a Noble Task,” “Two Worlds, One Family,” “A TELL Network Treasure Hunt,” and “Ignite: Raiding Up Leaders.” Convention highlights included the presentation of over $133,000 to WELS mission projects and an opportunity to hear about the latest developments from WLES Home and World Mission administrators. A Mission Journeys opportunity was available for the attendees to help local churches with their outreach efforts.

This year’s convention theme was “Peace Like a River.” The attendees were able to meet and talk with missionaries, view and purchase mission crafts, and enjoy a banquet, followed by entertainment provided by Stephen Bautista.

The 61st Annual LWMS Convention will be held at the Denny Sanford Premier Convention Center in Sioux Falls, S.D., June 27-30, 2024, and will be hosted by the Minnekota Circuit. The theme will be “Being Built Into a Spiritual House.”