Formed to promote inter-Lutheran fellowship in 1965, the Lutheran Women of Greater Peoria (LWGP) also promotes ecumenical understanding and opportunities for its members to witness through volunteerism.
Today, LWGP includes women from the 26 Lutheran congregations in the greater Peoria area, with a delegate from each church. The group includes both Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations.
“I got into it, and I’ve been here ever since,” said current LWGP President Pepper Bauer, recalling being recruited after church at St. John’s, Bartonville, in 1976.
LWGP holds fundraisers throughout the calendar year for LSSI and Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria(a continuing care retirement community). These fundraisers include an Octoberfest, cookie walk, and style show. In 1999, LWGP assumed management of The Church Mouse, a Peoria thrift store operated primarily by volunteers. All profits are divided evenly between LSSI and Lutheran Hillside Village.
“We’re totally committed to LSSI and Lutheran Hillside Village,” said Bauer. “Our members are so dedicated and everyone really enjoys the fellowship.”
