On October 6th, we will gather to celebrate LWML Sunday, honoring the remarkable work of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML). This special day will focus on recognizing the dedication of the women in our congregation who support the mission work of the LWML, both here in Texas and across the nation.
During the service, LWML readers will participate, and there will be a symbolic presentation of Mite Boxes at the altar—these small boxes play a big role in funding mission grants, transforming loose change into substantial support for ministries at home and abroad. Through these efforts, $272,000 in grants will be funded here in Texas, helping to spread the Gospel and serve communities in need.
What Are Mite Boxes?
The Mite Box is central to the mission of the LWML. Inspired by the biblical account of the widow’s mite (Luke 21:1–4), these small boxes are meant for regular, voluntary offerings that go above and beyond what we already give to support our congregations and the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Though the donations may seem small—spare change, coins, and small bills—the contributions collected by LWML members amount to millions of dollars that fund vital mission grants. Every two years, delegates vote on grants that will be supported, making each contribution a part of something much larger. These grants allow the LWML to carry out its mission of sharing the Gospel and providing aid to those in need across the world.
The History Behind Mite Boxes
The tradition of Mite Boxes has deep roots in the LWML. The idea dates back to the 1800s when various “cent” or “mite” societies encouraged members to collect small offerings to support mission work. Over time, Lutheran women adopted this practice, and it became a key part of their mission efforts.
The first official LWML Mite Box was introduced under the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Endeavor in 1928. From its humble beginnings, this small box has been used by generations of Lutheran women to raise funds, support mission work, and proclaim the Gospel to the world.
The LWML encourages its members to use the Mite Box daily and creatively, offering these ideas:
- Add pennies at the end of each day
- Contribute whenever you feel thankful for a blessing or averted calamity
- Drop in loose change on meeting days or after shopping trips
This practice, passed down through generations, shows the power of faith and generosity in action. Through these humble offerings, Lutheran women have funded countless mission projects, from local ministries to global outreach, all to the glory of God.
Get Involved and Learn More
If you want to learn more about the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League or how to participate in our local efforts, feel free to contact Linda Brown at lpbro@sbcglobal.net. We would love for more women to get involved in this wonderful mission of service, whether through donations, prayer, or active participation.
Let us come together on LWML Sunday, lifting up the mission of these dedicated women and celebrating the ways God uses even the smallest offerings to do great things in His name.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the event, the significance of Mite Boxes, and an invitation for others to get involved. It’s designed to both inform and inspire the congregation about LWML Sunday.
