LWML Convention Pittsburgh
“QUENCHED by the Water”
The LWML Convention opened with a Communion Service. It is a beautiful sight to see the procession of the Cross followed by LWML banners from every district in the United States and then by approximately 60 pastors in their Albs. The Sermon was given by Rev. Dr. Dien Taylor who is a very dynamic speaker. Dr. Taylor reflected on the Samaritan woman at the well. Just like that woman, we try to satisfy our thirst with worldly things that only lead to more dryness. Only CHRIST can quench our thirst.
Theme “Quenched by the Water” from John 4 was presented in a Bible study by Donna Pyle. Analyzing the scene, she said Jesus traveled to Samaria (which was considered unclean) and stopped at Jacobs well where he talked to a Samaritan woman. “Jesus met her at the well – he did not wait for her to go to church”. Jesus told the woman he was the living water – Contrasting spiritual thirst and physical thirst. We must reach beyond our comfort zones to share his gift and Donna says we must be the hose on the planet to spread the word and tell others of Jesus love.
We heard speakers from Mites in Action who told how our mites help others all over the world such as Student Ministry at Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas, Russia, Latin America, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong and Lutheran World Relief.
Rev. Will and Patricia Main and two students from the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Haskell Indian Nations University
Dr. Lu Juana Butts was another inspirational speaker who reminded us that we have gifts from GOD and we are a gift from GOD. GOD loves us not because of who we are but because of who HE is. She encouraged us all to share His love to a broken and lost world. And finally it is not what you have to do but it is what you get to do!
Our closing worship was on Sunday morning with the Rev. Dr. Victor Belton. Dr. Belton talked about how his personal struggle with the great loss in the death of his parents. Knowing that loss and grief, dried up and worn, he asked, “How do we overcome the drought of loss so that we can go forward as quenchers?” The answer lies in the baptismal grace that overflows in times of drought as we bear each others burden. Therefore as those ‘quenched’ by God’s grace, we should go forth and ‘quench’ others with this living water.”
It is awesome to be with over 3000 other Lutherans singing and praising God and hearing wonderful speakers. For anyone who has never experienced this, join us in Des Moines in 2015 at the next LWML National Convention.
If you would like additional information regarding the LWML Convention, please contact Joann Hart.
Convention Scripture Verse: [Jesus said:] “… but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14).