LWML Central Illinois District
2026–2028 Mission Grants & Convention Highlights
Convention Update
April 24–25, 2026 | Decatur, Illinois
With thankful hearts, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) Central Illinois District rejoices in the many blessings of our recent convention held in Decatur, Illinois. Delegates gathered in Christian fellowship, worship, and prayerful consideration as important decisions were made to guide the work of our district in the coming years.
💜 Mite Goal for 2026–2028
$220,000 Biennium Goal
As part of this new biennium, delegates approved an updated mite goal of $220,000.
- 75% of mites will remain in the Central Illinois District to fund district mission grants
- 25% will be contributed toward national LWML mission grants
This structure allows us to continue supporting meaningful ministry work both locally and across the broader mission field.
📊 Mite Progress
- Goal: $220,000
- Collected to Date: $0.00
- Progress: 0%
🟪⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ 0%
Progress will be updated regularly as mites are joyfully gathered throughout the biennium.
✝️ Approved Mission Grants
💜 MISSION GRANTS IN ACTION
Sharing Christ’s Love Through Your Mite Offerings
The following mission grants were approved for the 2026–2028 biennium:
- Student Church Workers — $60,000
- Christ-Centered Crisis Support – LFS — $25,000
- Sharing Our Savior, 1 Meal at a Time — $7,500
- Hands that Serve, Hearts that See – Braille — $12,000
- Care Packages – Phil’s Friends — $5,000
- Children’s Books – LHM State Fair — $10,000
- Lutheran Books for Children – World — $5,000
- Set Apart to Serve — $10,000
- Gospel Access for Aging Adults – CID — $13,000
- Deaconess Kim Bueltmann in Germany — $10,000
- Family 4 Life in CID — $7,500
⭐ Important Mission Grant Update
A significant change was approved regarding the Student Church Workers grant:
- This grant will now serve as an automatic mission grant each biennium
- It will no longer appear on the ballot
- The amount will be determined by the Board of Directors at the February meeting prior to convention
- Funding will be split in half and paid at the beginning of each fiscal year
This change ensures continued and consistent support for future church workers.
🗳️ Additional Convention Actions
Biennium Convention Schedule
Delegates approved a change to the convention schedule:
- LWML CID will now hold conventions every two years (biennium)
- Conventions will occur in the opposite years of the National LWML Convention
This adjustment allows for better alignment and planning with national LWML activities.
🎉 Newly Elected Leadership
We extend our congratulations and prayers to the newly elected members of the Executive Committee:
- Rev. Steven Sommerer Jr. – Counselor
- Sara Wendling – Treasurer
- Pat Heinecke – Recording Secretary
- Brenda Hendricks – Corresponding Secretary
- Laura Strattman – Vice President of Mission Grants
We pray that God blesses their service as they lead and support the mission of LWML CID.
🙏 Moving Forward in Faith
As we begin this new biennium, we give thanks for all who participated in the convention and for the continued faithful support of LWML members across the district.
Each mite, each prayer, and each act of service helps share the Gospel message of Jesus Christ with those in need.
“Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!”
We look forward to seeing how God will work through these mission grants in the months and years ahead.
📣 Stay Connected
Be sure to check back regularly for:
- Mite progress updates
- Mission grant highlights
- Upcoming LWML CID events
Together, we serve the Lord with gladness!
To access the March Clarion with district convention details click here
Officers to get to the Pair email accounts click here