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Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works

and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

During the time after the Epiphany of our Lord, we heard the teachings of Christ and His works of healing and deliverance. As we journey through the season of Lent with its disciplines of prayer, almsgiving, and fasting, our light shines before others so that they may see our response to what Christ has done for us. Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again.

¡Atrévete en Cristo! is what I continue to hear, see, and experience during meetings, Zones events, and individual interactions. Thanks be to God, we are not just saying it but living it. I have seen ladies step into leadership positions, serve their neighbors and neighborhoods, learn new ways of serving the Lord with gladness, and meet people where they are so that all may give glory to our Father who is in heaven.

Thank you for your passion and for working as the Body of Christ. Thank you for wearing purple as you let your light shine as you love, serve, and give gifts in grateful response for all that our Lord has done for us.

Zones:

The Bronx Westchester Zone is doing good work! We give thanks to our Lord for His servant Ms Cecile Walker and for her years of service as Bronx Westchester Zone President. On December 17, 2022 at the Zone Fall Event at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and School in Yonkers, elections were held and Bishop Taylor installed new officers.

Congratulations to Bronx Westchester Zone President Jeanette Coulthurst from Redeemer, The Bronx; Zone Vice President Christine Di Leo from Trinity, Hawthrone; Zone Recording Secretary Kenisha Barrett from Redeemer, The Bronx; and Zone Treasurer Phyllis Rochester from Redeemer, The Bronx. We pray fervently for you and with you as you serve.

Various items were collected and blessed for the Public School 16 Bronx Family Residents during this event.

The Queens Zone President, Gillian Thompson has been joyfully welcoming and reaching out to the Lutheran Women in Mission throughout Queens. ¡Atrévete en Cristo! has been her response as she greets and shares the love and resources provided by the LWML to the ladies of St. John's and Redeemer, Glendale.

During all the hustle and bustle of Advent and Christmas, it was a joy to send Christmas cards to the LCMS Atlantic District congregations, agencies, and supporters of the LWML Atlantic District. We especially gave thanks for Wartburg for all the blessings and grace Wartburg has shown to the LWML Atlantic District.

In preparation for the LWML District President’s Assembly, reports and statistics were gathered as I represented the Atlantic District in Milwaukee, WI on January 26-28. Here, we heard, read, marked, learned, and inwardly digested God’s Holy Word and all things “convention.” The Lutheran Women in Mission of the Atlantic District continues to reassess, reimagine and revitalize. We do so joyfully and nimbly, knowing that our work is not in vain, as “we pledge Him our willing service, wherever and whenever He has need of us.”

Many send their love and greetings to the Atlantic District, especially Wendy Sue Fluegge, past LWML Atlantic District retreat leader.

Suffolk Zone President Sue Zimmerman is supported by the zone as members remember and reach out to the First Responders of Suffolk county by providing them with self-care kits that were assembled and collected at Grace, Mastic Beach. At this Winter Zone event, newly elected Zone officers were installed: Zone President Sue Zimmerman, Vice President Linda Guteres, Secretary Lisa Rice, and Treasurer Marilyn Mazeski. Thank you all for your willingness to "serve the Lord with gladness!"

Nassau Zone President Joni Mazer has continued to do outstanding and creative work as she and the zone connect, invigorate, and recognize all to be Lutheran Women in Mission in Nassau county.

LCMS Atlantic District:

On January 7, 2023, an LWML Atlantic District welcome packet was given to The Rev. Alex Marque of Christ Lutheran Church in Woodside at his installation as Christ Church’s new pastor. Queens Zone President Gillian Thompson was there to welcome Pastor Marque and his wife, April, and to connect with the women of Christ, Woodside. On February 4, 2023, an LWML Atlantic District welcome packet was given to The Rev. Steven Williamson Link of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Patchogue at his installation as Emanuel’s new pastor. Zone President Sue Zimmerman welcomed him and his wife, Natalie, to the Zone and to LWML.

Past LWML Atlantic District President Linda Guteres was the guest speaker at the Digital High Tea that Redeemer WRISTS (Women Rejoicing In Service To Society) hosted on January 14, 2023. We continue to thank God for Linda and for the gifts our Lord has given to her.

We also had many local groups and zones participate in the District-wide fundraiser Bake Sale on February 18-19. Through this fundraiser, the work of the Lutheran Counseling Center was highlighted as it is the recipient of Mission Grant #6 - Hope, Emotional Healing and Renewal for Principals, Teachers and Nurses as First Responders.

On February 21st, the LWML Atlantic District began one of a series of workshops on serving and leadership development for Zone officers, local group leaders, and all who are excited to learn the responsibilities and resources available to serve with excellence, diligence, and good order. We were blessed to have LWML Atlantic District Treasurer Linda Guteres and Financial Secretary Maureen Consiglio teach us about the guidelines, tips, and resources available for those who serve as treasurers. Stay tuned for upcoming workshops like these.

On the journey through this Lenten season of fasting, praying and almsgiving, we boldly dare to try new things while “Making Disciples for Life” by “Engaging the World with the Gospel of Hope.” Our mite boxes provide a chance for us to participate in almsgiving. Our devotions provide an avenue for prayer. Our service opportunities provide a way to embrace the Lenten fast. We are thankful for all the Lord’s gifts to us.

May our Lord continue to bless you as you “serve the Lord with gladness!” ¡Atrévete en Cristo!

Grace, mercy, and peace,

Deaconess Raquel A. Rojas

LWML Atlantic District President