Speakers Guide
SPEAKER RESOURCE DIRECTORY
INDEX BY TOPIC
Need a Speaker? Planning a Zone Event? What’s your topic?
The newly updated Kansas District Speaker Resource Directory: “Declaring His Praise!” can help you with all these questions! Look up possible speakers alphabetically by name or topic! All of the people listed are ready and willing to come and share their unique knowledge with your group. Each society should have received a copy of the Directory from their Zone Member Development Chairman. Each Zone President and Member Development Chairman also has their own copy. If you don’t know where to find a copy –ASK! This is a fabulous resource for our District. We are blessed with so many wonderful, willing speakers. Let’s make use of them!!!
Topics 
Speaker - click name for bio
Speaker - click name for bioBike Across Kansas: Great Exercise
Children’s Christian Concern Society—
God’s Plan for our Lives, “How Do You Hide?” Sally Crane
Haskell LIGHT American Indian MissionTo Be Updated
To Be Updated Medical Missions
Landscape, Water & Greenhouse Gardening Emily Nolting
Lutheran Hour Ministries Mission Trip: Poland Sally Crane
Lutheran Worship Services around the World Naomi Ruth Nibbelink
Index By LWML Zone
Great Bend Zone
Herington Zone
Hutchinson Zone
Kansas City Crossroads Zone
Lincoln Zone
Linn Zone
Manhattan Zone
Northeast Zone
Northwest Zone
Southeast Zone
Southwest Zone
Topeka Zone
Wichita Zone
Index By Speaker - click name to send e-mail
HOME CHURCH: St. Paul, Leavenworth
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
Married to Larry. Two daughters, Barb (married to Todd, parents of grandsons Greg and Brad); Brenda (married to David, Deaconess, social worker). Reader - walker - choir accompanist. Cornhusker by birth, Kansas Sonflower since 1980. Enjoy theater, especially musicals.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
LWML: Local (St. Paul Ladies' Aid), Cross Roads Zone (Kansas City area), District (Past President, Kansas District; P-mail coordinator), national (past member of Mission Service and Leader Development committees, trained Mission-Ministry Vision consultant).
HOME CHURCH: Holy Cross, Wichita
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
I am a native Kansan, a lifelong Lutheran, wife of John for 50+ years, mother of three and grandmother of four, a retired banker, LWML member for 40+ years, and LBW volunteer for 10+ years
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
As a board member of Children's Christian Concern Society, I am available for presenting programs regarding CCCS's mission and educational work in 15 countries. As a volunteer at the Lutheran Braille Workers work center at Holy Cross the past eight years, and having helped with display tables for LBW at Saints Alive, Lions Club, and Envision-sponsored displays, I feel qualified to speak about LBW's work and mission to the visually impaired throughout the world."
HOME CHURCH: St. Paul's, Clay Center
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
She and her husband have lived on a farm south of Clay Center for 40+ years. They have three children and seven grandchildren.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
She is a very good Bible study leader - really makes the story come alive. She would speak to ladies' groups - not mixed. Topics: Characters of the Bible.
HOME CHURCH:Faith Lutheran, Ottawa
Faith Lutheran, OttawaBIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
Married to Mike since 1996--each year everyone helps us celebrate by shooting fireworks. Mike has three children and six grandchildren, and his family is spread from Alaska to Texas and Washington State to Pennsylvania so we do lots of traveling. My hometown is a dairy farm west of Salina. I am a licensed real estate appraiser, work at a local bank and we operate "Stitchin Sally's, LLC" to provide long-arm quilting services. I enjoy quilting, square dancing, canning and refinishing.
I have been active in our local guild and am currently Secretary. I am active in creating servant events and assist in organizing fundraisers.
Areas of Expertise:
Mike and I were 2003 Graduates of the Kansas District LCMS Lay Ministry/Lay Assistant Program. Because of this, we have had the opportunity to assist rural congregations with their worship services, including sermons and the children's message, when their Pastor is either temporarily away from their congregation or the congregation has no called Pastor.
Through the 2006 LWML District Convention, I am one of the "Leadership For Tomorrow" Leaders for Kansas. After the training in St. Louis, I have materials to assist in bringing up new leaders into your guild, congregation and/or community.
Mission Trips - Since 1995, Mike and I have participated and/or organized a week long trip to Juarez, Mexico where we build a house for family. It's a pretty rough trip but, there are many of Biblical lessons we learn each time. We have also spent one week at the Ysleta Lutheran Mission in El Paso, TX. In 2001 I participated in a missions trip to Poland sponsored by Lutheran Hour Ministries.
Children and Abuse, including spouse abuse - I have a been a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
"Putting on God's Armor" - is the story of my mother's death in 1996 from cancer. It is a story which compares the grief which my mother felt because she didn't believe that God was with her as she was preparing to die, to the grief which Jesus had as He was preparing to be crucified.
"How Do You Hide?" - Is a search to discover how we allow ourselves to be molded by the Gospel to shine like Jesus.
Because of my training in the Lay Ministry/Lay Assistant Program and the "Leadership for Tomorrow" training, I am able and willing to provide almost any program that fits your need and/or theme.
HOME CHURCH: St. John Lutheran, Ellinwood
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Personal Background:
Married for over 50 years to William Emsting. Three sons, four grandchildren. Live in the country. Have been a homemaker, a real estate salesperson and office manager for family business. Active in church and community affairs. Served LWML in local, Zone and District. Have traveled to Central and South America with Children's Christian Concern Society. Serve on its Board of Directors.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Would be able to give presentations on Children's Christian Concern Society, a RSO of LCMS.
HOME CHURCH: Ascension Lutheran, Wichita
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
I am a homemaker and a “professional volunteer”. I have been married to Steve almost 30 years. We have two children, Michele and Brent. Michele is married and lives in the Kansas City area. Brent is currently living in a group home with Bethesda’s Faith Village, Wichita.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
I have spoken to several LWML groups in Wichita about raising a special needs child. I can share those experiences and also share about the volunteer opportunities available for “Gently Used Resale”, Bethesda’s thrift store in Wichita.
HOME CHURCH: Risen Savior Lutheran, Wichita
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Personal Background:
Pastor Tom and Arleata Harmon both serve Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Wichita full time. Risen Savior is directly across the street from the Islamic Society of Wichita, home to more than 5,000 Muslims.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: “Understanding Islam in Kansas”
With the rise of terrorism and fear of Islam in the United States, how do we understand and relate to our Muslim neighbors in the Midwest? What should we discuss with our children? How do we minister to Muslims?
Lorena Joyce (Brown) Herrmann
Telephone: 620-659-2768
HOME CHURCH: Zion Lutheran, Offerle
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
Began organ lessons at age 16 and has a Master of Music Education degree with an emphasis in Organ from the University of Oklahoma. Have taught beginning organists to play for church services, special success with students in Grades 9-12, also with adults wanting to become church organists. Experienced with group lessons as well as private lessons. Bible study leader on topics from LWML Quarterly and original topics to fit a specific group or situation.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Organ playing for church, Sunday School pianist - training beginners who can play church hymns preferred, but experienced with all ages, all levels of ability. Bible studies - leading group discussions of scripture text. Church choir work - have directed adults and children - volunteers, especially. Prefer traditional worship services - not currently popular contemporary forms of praise/gospel types.
HOME CHURCH: Trinity Lutheran, Garden City, KS
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
Married to Leland, DCE at Trinity. Children: Ashley, Paul, Tasha, Clara
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Attended the National LWML Convention in Minneapolis as a delegate and could visit a Society and tell about the experience. I started a Junior Quilter's Club at our church (grade school children), and I could speak about how we got that started. We made 12 quilts this summer for Lutheran World Relief.
HOME CHURCH: St. Luke’s Lutheran, Manhattan, KS
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Married to Jim 50+ year with three married children and nine grandchildren. Attended Topeka Lutheran School. Earned a MSW from U. of North Carolina and a PhD from Kansas State University. Served as first School Social Worker in USD #383 Manhattan, KS for 23 years.
From 1960-1964, Jim and I served as Agricultural Missionaries for the LC-MS in Zacapa, Guatemala. From that experience the Children’s Christian Concern Society was founded, and I continue to serve the CCCS as Project Director.
Area of Expertise: As a missionary wife with a love for children, I helped establish the CCCS. I love to share the opportunities through CCCS to help the millions of children who have no or little chance for education or to learn of Jesus. CCCS now serves over 14,000 children in 14 countries through Lutheran Missions.
HOME CHURCH: Beautiful Savior, Olathe
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Personal Background:
I live in Olathe with my husband and two children. We are active charter members of Beautiful Savior Lutheran. I teach preschool music part-time and enjoy Bible study, LWML and women's ministry, and public relations work. I am trained as an MMV (Mission Vision Ministry) consultant through the LWML. Music, family, humor, reading, "tea" and socializing with friends uplift me.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Facilitating goal setting and discussion, motivational speaking, generational studies (how to reach people of different generations), tea devotions, Bible studies, drama.
HOME CHURCH: Faith Lutheran, Topeka
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
Marlene was raised in Linn, Kansas. She attended St John's College and received a degree in Social Work and later received her RN Degree from Iowa Lakes College. She has worked as an Oncology nurse and the last 17+ years has been a school nurse. She currently serves as a school nurse in the Seaman School District. Marlene and President Kohlmeier have been married for 36+ wonderful years. Her primary profession has been as mother of Jake, Jeremy and wife Cori., and Emily and husband Andre. She is Nana to Christopher and Ava.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
My area of expertise is "experience." God has blessed me by giving me a loving and Godly husband and wonderful children and their spouses to share God's love with. God has placed me in the role of a Pastor's wife for 30+ years. Throughout those years, God has placed Keith and me in 3 parishes. I have coordinated two Parish Nurse Programs and I continue to serve Parish Nursing at the District level. I have been active in teaching midweek classes on Martin Luther for 20+ years, choir, and various commissions in the church setting. In my current role, I meet with wives in the Timothy Group, Lay Leadership Training settings, help to organize Pastor's Wives Retreats, and a mentor to Pastor's wives in the Kansas District. I had the opportunity to see God at work in the medical missionary setting in Guinea, Africa. I thank God for the many blessings He has given to my family and me. I pray He continues to challenge and equip me in ministry for Him.
HOME CHURCH: Immanuel, Lawrence
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
Born in a parsonage in Lovell, Wyoming, and lived in my father's subsequent parishes in Nebraska City, NE, Pueblo, CO, Atchison, KS, and later in Winfield, KS, when he became the Kansas District's first mission and stewardship secretary, and finally in St. Louis when he became the first Synodical stewardship counselor. I graduated from St. John's College, and taught at Old Trinity in St. Louis for three years where I met and married Walter H. Lutz, a graduate of Concordia Seminary. He served 37 years in parishes in Tampa, FL, Crystal City/Festus, MO, and Lawrence, KS. While in Lawrence I received a B.S. in Education from KU and took post-graduate courses in speech communication. When my youngest daughter entered junior high, I worked at KU for 20 years in curriculum production and later as manager of student services for Independent Study in the Division of Continuing Education, retiring in 1991. Walt passed away in 1996.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: (Available for presentations only in the Lawrence area.)
LWML: Member since 1955 (natural, I guess, since my mother was in attendance at the organizational meeting of the Kansas District LWML); FL/GA District Christian Growth chair; MO District, Zone Christian Growth chair; local president and Christian Growth chair. Retreat leader: Ministers' wives retreat; parish women's retreats, parish youth retreats; panel participant for District new ministers' wives orientation.
I am a docent at the Spencer Museum of Art at KU. For ten years I have been conducting tours for Lawrence school children and also for adult groups. I would be happy to conduct a tour for an LWML group to view religious works and/or museum highlights. The Spencer is one of the top university art museums in the US.
I have been privileged to travel in Europe, Israel, Egypt, and especially in India to visit LCMS mission stations; my husband lived in India where his father was a missionary and president of our seminary there. I have extensive slides of our several visits there and would enjoy sharing a presentation about India missions. My husband studied in Israel, participated in an archaeological dig in Caesarea, and led several tours there and took many slides. Having accompanied him several times, I would be happy to share his experience and results of his study.
Naomi Ruth Nibbelink
Telephone: 785-272-8087
HOME CHURCH: St. John's Lutheran, Topeka
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
I am a native Kansas, LCMS baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Nortonville. A graduate of St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in Kansas City (additional study includes BS, MS in Education from Kansas State); my entire professional life has been in the field of nursing in California and Kansas. During the war, I served my country as a Navy Nurse. An avocation of mine is music, thus a joy to be a life-long member of St. John's Choir. I am a member of LWML - Sarah Circle - and Stephen’s ministry. I am the mother of two sons and five grandchildren.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
I have been blessed in that I have had opportunities to travel to many countries in the world (7 trips to Africa, other trips to China, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Peru, Turkey, Greece, and Rome [Holy Land II], Galapagos Islands, Britain, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Germany, France, Austria) and have taken advantage to attend worship services, Lutheran and others. I would be happy to share those experiences. I have done this in my own church. return to index
HOME CHURCH: St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Nortonville
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
I am a the Metropolitan Area Specialist in Commercial and Ornamental Horticulture for K-State Research & Extension. Previously, I was the national marketing director for Hummert International, a horticulture distribution company. For 21 years, I owned and operated a full service garden center. I have taught continuing education courses for Missouri Western State College and Kaw Technical School. I finished my Ph.D. in 2003 from the University of Nebraska in Higher Education Administration. I am married with three children.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Landscape; water gardening; greenhouse growing; gardening; teaching; mothering; and business issues of labor and marketing.
HOME CHURCH:Bethany Lutheran Church
Bethany Lutheran ChurchBIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
I am a young woman (32 years) who grew up in Ellsworth, KS. I've been a life-long Lutheran. Began in LWML in 2001 when I was personally invited by a friend. I became a chairwoman of a circle after one year in LWML and enjoyed it so much. I then added VP of Programs to my belt while chairing. This last year I decided to be Chairwoman of Member Resources. I love getting ladies involved and finding really fun and creative ways to do it. I'm very bubbly and really enthusiastic about LWML and enjoyed the LFT training last fall.
EXPERTISE: Gospel Outreach and great ways to do it, Motivating ladies to join LWML and/or be Leaders, Marketing & Publicity: how to make it eye catching yet to the point. Hope Committee: Getting new and younger women involved (teen LWML) I love to make the audience laugh and have fun learning new things about LWML.
Cost for Speaker: No charge. I'm willing to travel anywhere in Kansas.
HOME CHURCH:St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preston
St. Paul Lutheran Church, PrestonBIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
I am a life-long member of St. Paul’s, and I began in LWML in 1981 I have served in society officers and on the zone and district member development committees. Married to Ron for 30+ years, we live on a cattle ranch, and have two sons attending Kansas State University. I teach gifted education in the Pratt and Skyline Schools.
EXPERTISE: When asked to serve on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Christian Concern Society in 2004, I eagerly said “Yes!” as I believe sharing Christ’s love through Christian education throughout the world has so much potential for expanding His kingdom. Presentation could be PowerPoint or display or project oriented about the Children's Christian Concern Society (CCCS). Learn more about CCCS here
HOME CHURCH: St. Paul Lutheran, Preston
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
Husband: Nathan, 50+ years; Children: Brenda Piester, Carla Boyd, Warren Schepmann; Grandchildren: 6; Served as church secretary, 20 years; part-time clerk at Pratt Co. Treasurer's Office, 21 years; Financial Secretary for the Children's Christian Concern Society, 14 years; Church Historian, I5+ years; LWML member, 50+ years; Pratt County Historical Society Volunteer, 10+ years.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Bookwork, family genealogy, documenting local church history, newsletters, banners, telling about the Children's Christian Concern Society (CCCS). Trips to CCCS sites in Guatemala and Lutherland trip to Germany.
HOME CHURCH: Zion Lutheran, Argonia
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background
Jane Schlickau is married to John Schlickau, deacon and lay pastor of Zion Lutheran Church. They have a daughter Jessica, who is married to Chris Jensen. Jessica and Chris have two children, Brock and Addie and live in Belle Plaine. Their son Gabe is married to Emily and they live near Danville. Jane and John live in Argonia, Kansas where they are involved in ministry, children’s ministry and farming. Jane teaches nursing at Southwestern College in Winfield. Her hobbies include sewing, painting, cooking and reading.
She has been a short term medical missionary with LCMS World Missions and has traveled 6 times to the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. LCMS World Missions provides two medical trailers and staff to serve the villagers in the remote areas.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Short term medical missions in Central Asia
Health and health care in developing countries
Home Church, Bethany, Overland Park
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
Married to Jeffrey. Two children, Hanna is in sixth grade who is a dancer and Cole is in second grade and loves to play baseball and basketball. Born and raised in Illinois, a Kansas Sonflower since 2002. Enjoy being in the "stay-at-home" category. Now enjoy being in the elementary school working for the special education department full time. Enjoy scrapbooking and volunteer projects through church and school. Served as PTA President and current board member, Midweek and Sunday School teacher, Kid's In Christ youth leader, and Confirmation Mentor.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
I worked full-time and was studying marketing and communications at Southern Illinois University. I was employed by the regional newspaper and printing plant and became the "expert" in graphic design and layout. After some time, I began the commercial print department of this company. After 16 years in the commercial quick deadline-driven world, I decided enough was enough. I began working freelance on specific projects. After a relocation closer to the St. Louis area, I worked for the Concordia University System at the LCMS Synodical headquarters. My position was Communications Coordinator for the "For the Sake of the Church" campaign, which is raising funds for endowment to support our church worker students. During this time, I learned extensively about fundraising initiatives and pursued leadership training. Currently, working for the Shawnee Mission School District as a para-educator to elementary students.
LWML: 1994 YWR to the convention in Southern Illinois District; 1995 SID YWR to Kansas City; 1995-97 and from 2005-2007 Bienniums serve the national Public Relations Committee and the SID YWR committee; 1996 Presenter at AOL; 1997-99 SID VP of Member Resources; 1999 SID Convention Chairman; currently serving in Kansas on the Member Development Committee for district; the KC Crossroads Zone task force for convention site selection in 2005 and 2007. Served at Bethany as President and then co-chair of eight circles, serving about 200 women in mission. Currently, the Vice President of Member Resource for the Kansas District and the VP of Programs and events at Bethany.
HOME CHURCH: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Herington
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Personal Background-
Married, Three grown children. Small business owner. State representative - Kansas House - District #68.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Government issues; LWML society planning advocate; prison ministry; Lutheran education.
HOME CHURCH: Holy Cross Lutheran, Wichita
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Personal Background:
Homemaker and mother of three, grandmother of nine. Volunteer Braillist and proofreader. Certified by Library of Congress as Braille Transcriber. Teacher of Braille to sighted people. Board of Directors of Lutheran Braille Workers 18+ years. Currently Vice-President of Board of Directors. Received highest award offered by Library of Congress for volunteer hours.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Mission work with and for the blind. Mission of Lutheran Braille Workers.
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To submit updates
To submit new speaker info, download the Speaker Profile Form here.
This directory has been compiled from recommendations given to the Kansas District LWML Member Development Committee. This directory can serve as an initial resource in selecting speakers for society or zone meetings, conventions, retreats or workshops. It is our prayer that this directory will be a valuable resource in your work.
Each speaker has provided biographical information. The LWML is not responsible for the viewpoints of the speakers; therefore, it is the responsibility of the selection committee to confirm that the presentation by the speaker complement the desired outcome of the LWML-sponsored event.
It is the responsibility of the inquiring organization to discuss fees, honorarium or other expenses (travel, lodging, etc.).
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Declaring His Praise
Speaker Resource Directory
Published by
The Kansas District LWML
Member Development Committee
