Serve the Lord with Gladness

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Psalm 100:2 Serve the Lord with gladness! has been the official motto of the LWML since its very beginning at its first convention on July 7, 1942.  This psalm verse was prominently displayed in lavender and gold in a large banner above the stage of St. Stephen Church in Chicago, Illinois.  The author of the text, Professor Ernest Lewerenz of Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, dedicated his poem to the LWML.  It's pairing with the strong tune ST. GERTRUDE (Onward, Christian Soldiers) has made this an inspiring hymn that LWML women have sung at countless local society meetings, retreats, and district and national conventions.

In the refrain of this beloved hymn, serving and glorifying God go hand in hand. How do we thank the Lord for all he has done?
 

We serve with a joyful heart.
We proclaim His Gospel so that all may be blessed.
We glorify His name.

My dear sisters in Christ, be encouraged as you faithfully serve. Keep proclaiming the Gospel (using words when necessary). Glorify His name!  With generations of LWML women who have comes before us, we sing:
 

Onward, then, for Jesus! Let this be our aim:
“Serve the Lord with gladness!” Glorify His name.

To Jesus, who has lived, died, and rose for us, be glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever!

Blessings!

Dr. Jean Boehler

Cantor, Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, The Bronx, New York
LWML Atlantic District Chairperson for Human Care

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