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1 The Northwester Newsletter for Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Northwest Synod of Wisconsin Volume 28 - Issue 4 December 2015 Northwest Synod of Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Church in America NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION Our Savior s Lutheran Church US POSTAGE PAID PO Box 27 PERMIT # 10 Greenwood, WI GREENWOOD, WI ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

2 FROM THE PRESIDENT What a great group of Conference Coordinators we have! I hope they tell you how hard they worked with the SWO Board at our November meeting at First Lutheran in Barron. We had several lengthy documents to revise, convention decisions to make, and normal business, too. The main thrust of revising our NW Wisconsin Policies and Procedures had to do with the 2014 Triennial vote which changed the word delegate to voting member on the Church-wide documents. It seemed only fitting that we follow suit in ours. We also changed the wording in a couple of places to show decisions the Board had made at previous meetings such as the 40 cent mileage rate we pay ourselves rather than the government rate. In a few places we added specific names to a task like requiring the Secretary to do the archiving of our records as that information is already in her computer. We added the free electronic subscription rate to the section on our newsletter. One major change that we hope will help our conventions run smoothly deals with the submission of Resolutions. We decided that these needed to be submitted by March 15 th of a convention year to the Administrative Committee (your four SWO Officers) who will pass them to the Resolutions Committee for the convention. This schedule gives those people time to process and submit the resolutions for the convention booklet where everyone gets a chance to read them and ponder the value of same. We will be submitting the Resolution on Domestic Violence that Phyllis Beastrom put together for our September Leadership Training. If it passes at our convention, it can be submitted for the next Triennial. If a Resolution is submitted after the March 15 deadline, it was voted that the SWO Board would deal with it at their next meeting. With all this talk about the convention coming up the last Friday and Saturday in April, look for Jean Larson and Bonnie Thalacker s information elsewhere in this newsletter. Your Coordinators all know which jobs have fallen to each Conference, so please be ready to do the many hands make light work thing. A large mailing will be coming out in Early February that will be just for our convention. This mailing will have scholarship applications, registration forms, hotel particulars, and anything else you need to know. It will be under the Northwester format, but we are hoping for a color other than Northwester green! There s no time like Christmas to see things through the eyes of a child. A few words from Ann Voskamp s book One Thousand Gifts: Thank You, Lord, for the perspective of a child... Thank You for door frames and doorknobs... Thank You for soaring ceilings and bed barges that loom large... For laughter and her wonder and her eyes that turn the world inside out and stretch it large and leave me again in surprise...in awe... I must admit I often fail to appreciate and thank my God for the little things in life. But in reality, there are never enough words spent in thanking Him at all. This makes me think of the vow I made in a previous Northwester - to find three things for which I was grateful each day. That lasted about as long as most New Year s resolutions. From there my thinking takes me to a Lord who loves me more than I can fathom even when He sees the warts, short-comings and disappointments I display. Thanksgiving may be past for this year, but gratitude is never out of season. Someone may need to remind me of that now and again! Meanwhile, have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

3 Discipleship Sharp Rise Seen in Child Homelessness. This was the headline of the Friday, September 11, 2015 Leader Telegram. The Eau Claire school district identified 321 homeless students last year. That is up 90 students from a year earlier. That is a 3% increase of the total student population. Last school year there were 185 students that doubled up with other family members or friends. Some stay in motels while others end up on someone s couch. Some are lucky to get into a shelter. There is only one shelter for families in Eau Claire. The Beacon House has a capacity for six families. They can also house two families in a transitional housing unit. The average length of a stay is 37 days. That is like putting a band aid on a wound that needs stitches or staples. So what can we do to help this situation? 1. We need to pray for these kids and their parents. 2. We need to support the homeless shelters by volunteering there and also financially. 3. We need to support the school districts efforts. Our church gathered school supplies and back packs for the homeless. 4. We need to advocate for the kids before the legislature. Trinity has a Christmas Program, Gifts that Give, where you are able to support various ministries. The Beacon House is a very popular one. If you are able to, please do so. As we prepare for the coming of the Savior, let us remember those less fortunate than we are. Have a Blessed Christmas! Phyllis Grohn Exploring Epiphany Epiphany is a church festival celebrated every January 6. It commemorates the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. But why is this called epiphany? Miriam-Webster s third meaning of Epiphany is: (1): a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2): an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3): an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure Oftentimes, we use the word epiphany to mean an ah-ha moment, when we finally get it. Epiphanies can be sudden, or they may develop over time. Peter made a sudden revelation in Matthew 16:16. When Jesus asked the disciples, Who do people say the Son of Man is? they had all sorts of answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. But Peter answered, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. He suddenly saw, with complete understanding, who Jesus was. An epiphany that unfolds over time, and continues to be discovered is in our baptism. Martin Luther stated that our sinful self can be drowned daily through repentance, and that each day a new self arises to live with God. This realization of renewing our baptism daily renews our spirit, it is an epiphany. For further study on Epiphany, see Epiphany, Unfolding the Discovery at Brenda Wheeler, Heart of the North Representative SWO Discipleship committee

4 FROM THE TREASURER As we look forward to Christmas and the end of the year, it is also a time we look at the end of the fiscal year for us personally and as a congregational unit. It is time to think of disbursing extra funds to charitable causes. I encourage units not to retain excess funds but put them to work to show God s love. For our SWO, our fiscal year ends January 31, 2016 so any offerings received before that date will be added into the 2015 fiscal year. This next year is the convention year for Northwest WI Synod Women Organization. We also ask for units to send in a $30 donation yearly for the convention expense fund. You have until January 31 to send it for this past year on FORM A, writing on the line Convention Expense Fund. We have about $2,000 in this fund so far that will help defray expenses for this upcoming 2016 event. I also hope your units will consider sending an offering to the convention either before April 29, 2016 or bring it to the SWO convention in Eau Claire. Checks are made out to SWO or WELCA and if mailed to me: Audrey Severson at N th St, Ellsworth, WI on FORM A on the SWO Convention Offering line. Offering designation will be announced in convention updates. We are thankful that our WELCA unit offerings are up $2,000 over the same time this year. We had projected $22,000 regular offerings for this year and we are at about $15,000 at the middle of November. We thank all the units who have been faithful donors. We pass half of these offerings on to Churchwide WELCA in Chicago to do their ministry for women and children all over the country and the world. The other half we use for SWO board functions and our ministry of seminary scholarships, lay school scholarships, Bible camps, convention scholarships and our companion synod in Malawi. We have $3,300 in our Malawi Literacy Fund waiting to hear from Malawi how and when they will start this project. Thank you to all who contributed to this fund. If your unit collects a Thankoffering, I want to remind you that moneys are sent directly on FORM B to W/ELCA, PO Box 1809, Merrifield, VA Note that this is their new address for donations. We have so much to be thankful for from a God that loves us. Show that love to your family, neighbors, and yourself this holiday season. God s Blessings, Audrey Severson SWO Treasurer N th Street Ellsworth, WI nwswotreas@gmail.com or apseverson@gmail.com We accept all denominations. 10s, 20s, 50s, 100s.

5 HUMAN TRAFFICKING I read a news clip online from November 25 th stating a man from Blaine, Minnesota was sentenced to spend 23 ½ years in prison for trafficking an 18-year-old woman from Wisconsin to Duluth. He was in possession of a firearm and forced the victim into trafficking. The victim eventually returned home to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Yes I did say Eau Claire, Wisconsin. This is just one of a number of trafficking stories in our state and synod. Trafficking is a reality of our world. There have been 110 calls to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center from Wisconsin from January June this year with 23 human trafficking cases reported. Last year there were 189 calls and 43 human trafficking cases reported from our state. Do you know how to identify the signs of trafficking? Does your pastor know what to do if they are approached by a victim of trafficking? Do you? Signs a person you know could be a victim of human trafficking: 1. Has a boyfriend that is significantly older. 2. Suddenly has more expensive clothing or jewelry. 3. Has a tattoo with either a barcode or someone else s name. 4. Sudden change in group of friends. 5. Disappears for a few days without explanation. 6. Is not in control of their personal documents or money, financial records. 7. Becomes depressed, withdrawn or combative with family. 8. Is fearful, anxious depressed, submissive, tense or nervous. Avoids eye contact. 9. Is not allowed to speak without a third party present. 10. Is in poor physical health (malnourished or shows signs of abuse). 11. Is not free to come and go as they wish. 12. Does not know what city they are in or has inconsistencies in their story. 13. The house has a strange look such as boarded up windows or curtains constantly drawn. What should you do if you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking? 1. Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at or text BeFree Report to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HI) Tip-line at (Government Agency) 3. Resources: a. b. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) c. Sharedope.org/aoh (Shared Hope International Ambassadors of Hope) d. (Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault) e. (Fierce Freedom) f. 5-stones.org (5 Stones) g. (Homeland Security) Dawn Wicklund SWO Secretary

6 BIENNIAL CONVENTION OF THE Women of the ELCA Northwest Wisconsin Synodical Women s Organization Mark your Calendar! Mark your calendars for our next SYNOD Women's Organization Convention! It will be held April 29-30, 2016 in Eau Claire at the Plaza Hotel and Suites. Ordinary women serving Extraordinary God" is our theme this year. There will be singing, praying, fellowship, and awareness sessions on a variety of topics, along with lots of laughter, all wrapped up in a warm Christian experience. On Friday night our musical entertainment will Kings Countrymen singing bluegrass gospel. On Saturday our keynote speaker is Michelle Rayburn. Michelle wants to help you connect the dots between faith, creativity, and everyday life and discover the joy of finding God in the most unexpected places. Years ago, she left her career as a registered nurse to raise her family, and along the way, she discovered her true passion for writing, speaking, and singing. She is a speaker, freelance writer, and musician who loves to help people discover ways to find joy in the midst of the trashy stuff of life. She loves transforming flea market finds into treasures for her home, and also loves how life s difficulties can turn out to be opportunities learn and grow. Remember to make your reservations at the Plaza Inn and Suites early, FREE. Ask for the Women of the ELCA room block #8696 for the reduced rate of $99. We hope that you will all come and bring a friend. Please watch for the next issue of the Northwester to include the registration form, scholarship application and more information on awareness sessions. The board and convention committee look forward to seeing you in April 2016! If you have questions please contact me at or sthalacker@aol.com. Yours in Caring, Bonnie Thalacker

7 2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2016 MARCH - 5 SWO Board Meeting, Christ Lutheran, Menomonie [Snow date March 19] APRIL - 9 Apple River Conference Day of Renewal, Pilgrim Lutheran, Frederic - 20 Dairyland Conference Morning of Renewal, Trinity Lutheran of Norden, Mondovi SWO SYNODICAL CONVENTION, The Plaza Hotel & Suites, Eau Claire. [A room block has been reserved if you would like to make your reservations now, the # is 8696 price $99.00/room up to 4 women] See more information elsewhere in this issue. JUNE - 11 SWO Board meeting, old Board and new board members, First Lutheran, Chetek AUGUST - 13 or 20 Apple River Conference Retreat, Chapel at Luther Point, Grantsburg SEPTEMBER - 24 Synod-wide Leadership Training, location to be announced OCTOBER - 12 Dairyland Conference Officer Leader Training, Pleasant Valley Lutheran, Whitehall - 22 Apple River Conference Leadership Training, Fristad Lutheran, Centuria (tentative) 2017 JULY TH Triennial CONVENTION of the Women of the ELCA, Minneapolis, MN Convention Center; where the business of the Women of the ELCA is conducted. [Monday to Thursday] th Triennial GATHERING of the Women of the ELCA, Minneapolis, MN Convention Center; the theme for this Gathering is All Anew. [Wednesday to Saturday]. JOY Jesus, Others, Self

8 NEWSLETTER INFORMATION The Northwester is published four times a year by the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin Women s Organization. Local units are encouraged to subscribe for all of their officers, including the president and your pastor. The SWO board trusts that local units will help them be good stewards of the offerings that are sent to them by helping to offset the cost of publishing The Northwester. Subscriptions to the newsletter are $8.00_per year. At a recent meeting, the SWO Board voted to raise the subscription price due to increased costs. [And yes, you may renew for multiple years!] The due date of your subscription appears on the address label. Reminders are not sent, so please watch your label for your expiration date and renew. All address changes and any questions concerning subscriptions should be addressed to Eleanor Johnson, Editor, at the address below. [Or at hdjebjohnson@tds.net. If you are ing, please include Northwester or W/ELCA or subscriptions in the subject line]. This newsletter may be photocopied. DEADLINE for the next issue of The NORTHWESTER is MARCH 1, Enclosed is payment of $8.00 payable to: WOMEN OF THE ELCA, Northwest Synod (SWO) Name New Renewal Street City State Zip +4 Home Telephone Church Conference ( ) Mail to: Eleanor B. Johnson, W5370 Century Road, Greenwood, WI or hdjebjohnson@tds.net Remember, you can also receive The Northwester via FREE electronic version! Just print your name and address CAREFULLY and send your information to the Northwester Editor, Eleanor Johnson, at the above address.