LWMLC Parkland Zone’s Fall Retreat

RUSSELL, Man. – The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada’s Central District is hosting a prayer retreat for the ladies of Central at the Russell Inn, on Friday, April 24 to Saturday, April 25, 2026. The retreat will provide time for private prayer, practice, and group reflection, and is being led by Rev. Dr. Richard Beinert, LWMLC Pastoral Counsellor and pastor at Saint James Lutheran in Winnipeg. Rev. Beinert is an excellent speaker, and has previously written about prayer for The Canadian Lutheran. Register through the events page of the LWMLC website and contact the Inn directly to book accommodations, and contact Michelle Giese at 306-775-1267 (landline) with any questions.

In other news from LWMLC, the recent issue of The Canadian Lutheran shares about the Parkland Zone rally held in Red Deer, AB, in September; a day of learning, fellowship, and business. They will gather again, also on April 24 to 25, for a Zone retreat in central Alberta.

RED DEER, Alta. – More than thirty ladies met September 27, 2025, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church for the LWMLC Parkland Zone’s annual Fall Rally.

Guest speaker for the event was Sherry Folkmann, who spoke about her time on Mercy Ships and the valuable service Mercy Ships provide. Sherry has volunteered three times on Mercy Ships and is planning a fourth trip in the new year. She shared her experiences with the volunteers, patients, and workers of Mercy Ships, as well as about celebrating holidays like Christmas and Easter on board.

In 1978, founders Don and Deyon Stephens started Mercy Ships with the goal of bringing hope and healing to those who need it most through hospital ships. Mercy Ships are crewed by hundreds of volunteer professionals from more than 60 countries. These fully equipped hospitals perform lifesaving and life-changing surgeries, and also offer medical training for the next generation of African surgeons.

Sherry Folkman offered her artwork for sale at the Parkland Zone rally, helping to raise funds for her next trip with Mercy Ships. Rev. Don Hennig led a Bible Study for the event, discussing the mission statements of Mercy Ships on providing hope and healing. Key passage considered included Matthew 28:20, Joshua 1:9, and Romans 8:28.

Meghan (Zone President) led the business meeting in the morning. Each LWMLC Society shared news from their societies. Parkland Zone LWMLC ladies are taking turns hosting meetings at their homes, holding Bible studies, sponsoring a student at Concordia Lutheran Seminary, being “Secret Sister” with a confirmation student, hosting dinners/suppers, collecting items for various organizations, making donations to various charities, collecting Mites, and meeting for fellowship.

Participants in the Fall Rally took time to remember sisters in Christ who had passed away this past year, including Janice Quinton, Alvina Wolf, Elsie Bonkowski, and Lillian Albrecht.

A Mite Collection was taken, with more than $400 collected. Everyone who donated had a chance to win one of two beautiful wall hangings made by Fay.

Lunch was provided, which included lasagna (meat and vegetarian), garlic bread, salad and goodies for dessert.

The Parkland Zone’s 2026 Spring Retreat will take place during the last weekend of April at the 4-H Centre in Westerose.

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