Special to The Hays Daily News

Natoma Peace Lutheran women and their guests gathered with Pastor Michael Schmidt in the church fellowship hall for a salad luncheon Feb. 20. The annual event brings together ladies for a special time of food, fellowship and prayer. Tables were brightly decorated with nostalgic table clothes topped with antique glass pieces and kitchen-ware, all of which brought back memories of the past.

Following the luncheon, everyone gathered in the sanctuary for a time of scripture reading, singing and prayer. Schmidt's theme for the afternoon message came from Isaiah 52 and Luke 5: "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, Your God reigns."

The Lutheran Women-Missouri Synod organized in the 1920s to coordinate women's groups for Bible study, prayer, leadership training and to support world missions.

The "Mite Boxes" became a tool for collecting funds, resulting in the support of Christian outreach in 43 countries on five continents amounting to more than $80 million.