S y n o d. C o n v e n t i o n. 1 P a g e

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1 S y n o d C o n v e n t i o n P a g e

2 SNOW Northwestern Minnesota Synodical Women of the ELCA Fall 2012 Dear Sisters in Christ, Grace and Peace to you from God our Father, Amen! With Thanksgiving approaching, I find myself reflecting on the many blessings I ve received during the past year. I feel truly blessed to have served on the board this past year with Ardys Horner, Janet Lindberg and Marjorie Iverson. We made a great team and I ll miss them, but I know they will continue to use their gifts to further the ministry of the Women of the ELCA. Thank you for your faithful service. Congratulations to our newly elected: Vicki Heydt, as Vice President; Merrily Burmeister, Sue Ellwanger, and RoxAnne Goulet, as board members; and re-elected, Kathy Englund as Secretary. Thank you to the Convention Planning Committee, who worked so diligently to make our 25 th Annual Convention a memorable one! Special thanks to Sharon Mortrud and the Women of Calvary for hosting this event, and for making us feel welcome with your warm hospitality. Thank you, Pastor Steve Norby and Pastor Sara Jenson, for your participation in Saturday morning worship and also to Bishop Wohlrabe and Pastor Laurie Natwick for sharing God s word through preaching and teaching. We were honored to have former presiding bishop of our ELCA, Pastor Herbert Chilstrom and his wife Corrine with us during the convention. It was a pleasure to hear them reflect upon the early days of the ELCA and also for the opportunity to purchase their books. Our workshop presenters, Dr. Debra Bell on Managing Stress in Our Daily Lives, Sara Forsberg on Live Boldly God Simply Desires Obedient Hearts and How Full is your Bucket? and Wenda Sang on Today s Dream Tomorrows Reality, were great additions to the convention. As part of our 25 th anniversary of the Women of the ELCA, our past board members were recognized for their years of service. We also had a DVD made by Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, from photos you sent to us, celebrating your many contributions to your congregations, community and the world. I have a couple 2 P a g e

3 extra copies available if you would like to use it at your 25 th anniversary celebration. Offerings collected at the convention will be distributed as follows: 50% to Churchwide, 25% to Lutheran Social Services Homeless Teen Program and 25% to the Women of the ELCA 25 th Anniversary Appeal. Thank you for your generous contributions. The Silent Auction was a huge success that brought in $1, These funds will go to those attending the Gathering at the Triennial in Charlotte, NC in At the convention, we had our kick off for the Bible Women of India challenge. The SWO Board has approved to match funds 50 cents on the dollar from the offerings collected at your Cluster Gathering. Mark your calendars for our next convention to be held on September 6 & 7, 2013 at Bethlehem Lutheran, Fergus Falls. Thanksgiving blessings to you! Lois Bylund NW MN SWO President Synodical Officers Lois Bylund, President / Cluster 7 ljbylund@uhs.com Vicki Heydt, Vice President / Cluster 6 vmlake@yahoo.com Kathy Englund, Secretary / Cluster 2 eae@wiktel.com Georjean Johnson, Treasurer / Cluster 8 ggjohns@charter.net Board Members: Arlene Teigen / Cluster 5 victeigen@gmail.com Mary Peterson / Cluster 10 mapgip1944@msn.com Judy Reger/ Cluster 4 rjreger@mncable.net Merrily Burmeister / Cluster 9 (218) RoxAnne Goulet/ Cluster 1 RBW13049@yahoo.com Sue Ellwanger/ Cluster 3 ahhc@midwestinfo.net SNOW editor Ardys Horner E. Fox Lake Road Detroit Lakes MN ardyshorn@msn.com 3 P a g e

4 Lutheran World Relief seeks lasting solutions to poverty and injustice and in doing so, compels U.S. Lutherans to put their faith into action. Lutheran World Relief Pick Up Sites Date / Hours Address Fargo Grand Forks October from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm October from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm th Street North Fargo, ND (Midwest Express location) 2215 N. Washington, Grand Forks ND (Midwest Express location) Roseau November 2nd from 1:00 pm -3:00 pm Parking Lot East of Post Office 108 Center Ave East Thief River Falls Wadena Osakis November 3rd h from 8 am to 12 noon December 3 December 7 October 15 AM hours starting at 8:00 am 604 North Atlantic Ave Polman Transfer West side of town just off Hwy Hensley Trucking 801 Hwy 127 Osakis MN Packing Instruction from LWR 1. Please do not use plastic or paper bags to pack donations. 2. Donations should be sorted and packed in separate boxes. 3. Use strong cartons secured with packing tape. 4. Do not allow box weight to exceed 40 pounds. 5. Label each box as follows: a. Name and address of congregations b. Contents of box Please be prepared to load quilts into trucks. No assistance will be available at Midwest sites. Needs List: Quilts Blankets Sewing Kits Health Kits School Kits Layettes New bars of soap 4 P a g e

5 NW MN SWO High School Scholarships The funding source for the scholarships are donations from the local units of the Women of the ELCA and individuals who may want to consider designating scholarship funds as a memorial gift or in honor of an individual or organization. To be eligible to receive a scholarship, the following criteria are required: Graduating high school senior with a C average or above Member of an ELCA Church Resident of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA Attend an ELCA college Recipients Augsburg Mollie Kanten, Trinity Lutheran, Crookston MN Augustana Morgan Nodsle, Trinity Lutheran, Detroit Lakes, MN Concordia College Aaron Billberg, First Lutheran, Alexandria, MN Ross Baumgardner, Comstock Lutheran, Comstock MN Tucker Coborn, Calvary Lutheran, Park Rapids, MN Matthew Dale, Trinity Lutheran, Moorhead, MN Brianna Drevlow, Trinity Lutheran, Thief River Falls, MN Sarah Gerber, Trinity Lutheran, Moorhead, MN Morgan Holm, Trinity Lutheran, Moorhead, MN Andrea Hood, Faith Lutheran, Bagley, MN Jens Hulden, Trinity Lutheran, Moorhead, MN Erik Johnson, Trinity Lutheran, Moorhead, MN Trudy Johnson, Trinity Lutheran, Pelican Rapids, MN Tanner Knutson, First Lutheran, Karlstad, MN Brienna Lamb, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Moorhead, MN Jade Liebl, Grace Lutheran, Ada, MN Samantha Marihart, First Lutheran, Detroit Lakes, MN Justin Marquette, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Moorhead, MN Stephanie McFarlane, Messiah Lutheran, Roseau, MN Jacey Mitziga, Maria Lutheran, Kennedy, MN Mason Ness, Grue Luther, Ashby MN Phillip Onkka, Trinity Lutheran, Thief River Falls, MN Alecia Stene, Gary Lutheran, Gary MN 5 P a g e

6 Building Boldness By Rachel Ronnevik Church was about to start. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw our son and his young family walk through the doors of the sanctuary and find seats in the back. It was good to see they made it. The service started and before long it was time for the children s sermon. It s your special time, children, announced the pastor. Come and meet me at the chair--- No! a little boy s voice spoke up quickly and emphatically. I just knew it was my grandson. Smiles stretched across the sanctuary and laughter rippled through the pews. Well, we ll just see who comes then, said the pastor before adding enticingly, I have candy for the kids that come up. With a smile on his face, the pastor headed for the children s sermon chair, the place where all the children were invited to gather and hear a message especially for them. Before long, our son headed toward the front of the sanctuary and the chair with our little granddaughter toddling alongside him, her hand wrapped around her daddy s finger. The two of them sat down Indian style in front of the chair. As the pastor held up his prop for the message, a loaf of bread, out of the corner of my eye I saw my pregnant daughter-in-law slowly leading little three-and-a-half-year-old Trygvie by the hand as they headed for the aisle closest to the chair where the pastor sat. They stood and watched for a moment, a little boy checking out the territory and a mother patiently giving him time to soak up his surroundings and feel a measure of security. Then mother and son walked slowly together toward the front, settling in the pew right by the chair. They hadn t made it to the floor with Daddy and sister, but they were still part of the inner circle receiving the message from the pastor. Dear sisters in Christ, we are not much different than little Trygvie! When confronted to act in an arena outside our comfort zone, we oftentimes find ourselves overcome with insecurities and wrought with fear. Like my 6 P a g e

7 grandson, we quickly and emphatically cry, No! I can t do this! Trygvie made it up front, not by himself, not without help and encouragement, but still walking of his own accord, grasping a patient hand of love--a hand that didn t force or push, but encouraged him to come and see what was up at the front of the church for him. He had watched his little sister and Daddy make it safely to their place beneath the chair. His focus began to shift from himself to the children s sermon that was being presented. When he was ready, he walked with help by his side to the place where he was part of the inner circle, part of the group receiving words of love and learning from God s Word. And candy, of course! Building boldness in children takes time. Building boldness in adults can take time as well. As adults, even candy doesn t lure us! Trygvie s experience and all the players involved, speak some lessons about building boldness. A leader s invitation and encouragement may or may not be enough to build our boldness. Patience and follow-through are key. Gentle coaxing while giving time to evaluate along the way is important. Those who know us and love us can help by walking alongside us, mentoring, teaching, helping. Observing the success of others who are like us can give us courage. When we take our eyes off ourselves and our hang-ups, focusing rather on the task ahead and how God promises to be with us every step of the way, we start to build newfound courage, boldness, and joy. We seek to build boldness because God calls us to boldness. In the Christian realm, he calls us to learn of him, to tell of him, to live for him (I Thess. 1:5-9), and such calls take courage/boldness, especially when circumstances and opportunities take us outside our comfort zone. Most often boldness is built and passed on through the Fruits of the Spirit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These qualities build up rather than tear down and speak to the heart of the adult as well as the child. On that Sunday morning, I believe Trygvie finally made it to the children s time by the chair because of love, patience, faithfulness and gentleness. Someday soon I think he will run with joy and confidence to that chair to hear truths from God s Word. As Trygvie grows, I pray that he will boldly act on his faith in Jesus Christ. This must be our hope and desire not only for the little ones in our lives, but for all people. Loving and sharing Jesus needs to be the passionate focus of the professing Christian. Just as he did for his first disciples, God has given us his Holy Spirit to make us bold. Once the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, their passion for Jesus just poured forth from them! Let s look at a few bold Scripture verses. 7 P a g e

8 2 Cor. 3:12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold. Because God sent his son Jesus to live, die, and rise again FOR ME, as a believer I have the sure and certain hope of eternal life. This earthly life is just a beginning. I ve got to share this good news boldly! Phil. 1:14 Most of the brethren have been made confident in the Lord because of my (Paul s) imprisonment, and are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear. Ironically, hard times and fearful happenings can make me more confident in my faith. Difficulties don t have to tear me apart. Rather, they can make me all the more eager to share God s Word that speaks so profoundly in and to all situations. Acts 4:13 They couldn t take their eyes off them--peter and John standing there so confident (bold), so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education. (Message Bible) I don t need to be a Bible scholar to share the Gospel with confidence and boldness! God s spirit will fill me and make me an effective witness, no matter what my background or training may be. Eph. 3:12 When we trust in God, we re free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go. (Message Bible) Complete trust in God leaves no room for fear, no matter what my situation. When I trust God, he will give me the right words and the courage to speak them boldly. He will also give me the courage to go wherever he calls me, across the street or across the world. May the Apostle Paul s request of the Ephesians be our request as well: And (pray) also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel--that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Eph. 6:19-20) Bold and loving God, I grasp your hand in mine, asking you to lead and guide me down the aisle of life. On my journey, give me boldness to take the hands of others, to bless and encourage, to make friends, to be a friend and lead these friends to Christ. Fill me with the patience and love I need to walk these friends all the way to you where they may receive joy and bold belief. In your bold name I pray, AMEN. Postscript: Trygvie was at our house today. He wanted a plum to eat, so I got one from the fruit basket and told him I would remove the plum pit. Don t do that, he said. Then he added confidently, I can deal with it, Grandma. His boldness is building. 8 P a g e

9 Convention Recipes Cherry Angel Food Dessert 1 box Angel Food Cake mix baked according to directions 2 3oz packages mixed fruit Jell-O 2 cups boiling water 1 cup cold water 1 can cherry pie filling 1 12 oz container Cool Whip 1. Spray or lightly oil a 9x13 (Rubbermaid or Tupperware is ok) 2. Cut or tear the angel food cake into 2 pieces and spread in pan. 3. Mix boiling water and Jell-o until dissolved. Add 1 cup water and pie filling. Stir until mixed well. 4. Pour over cake pieces. 5. Adjust cherries to even out over cake, pressing cake down to absorb liquid Jell-o. 6. Cool 4-6 hours until firm. 7. Top with Cool Whip. Serves Baked Celery 4 cups celery, cut into 1 inch pieces 1 5 oz can water chestnuts ¼ cup red pepper 1 can cream of chicken soup ¼ cup dry bread crumbs ¼ cup toasted slivered almonds 2 Tbsp butter Cook celery in small amount of water for 7 minutes. Drain and add chestnuts, red pepper, and soup. Place in a casserole and cover with the bread crumbs and almonds that have been mixed with the melted butter. Bake for 35 minutes at 350 degrees. 9 P a g e

10 FROM THE TREASURER S DESK! The offering received at our recent annual fall convention was $2,706. Distribution is as follows: To Churchwide... 50% $1,353 Anniversary Appeal...25% $ 676 LSS Homeless Children..25% $ 677 Physical Offering: Along with 12 Totes of in-kind gifts, we received cash gifts of $693. This will be distributed to food shelves and crisis centers in the host clusters 4, 5, 6, & 7. Silent Auction: We also received $1,619 for items on the Silent Auction. This will be held until the 2014 Triennial and distributed to Triennial attendees to help defray expenses. Bible Women of India: As announced at the convention, clusters were asked to take a special offering for the Bible Women of India. As of October 5 th, with five clusters reporting, a total of $ has been collected. Along with the match from the Synod Board, a total of $2, has been raised for the Bible Women. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!! Respectfully Submitted, Georgjean Johnson NW MN SWO Treasurer 10 P a g e

11 Bible Women of India Our Sisters in Christ Our synod is the companion synod to the Andra Evangelical Lutheran Church (AELC) located in the Andra Pradesh region of India. Our NW MN Synod Women s Organization pledges to help support the important work these Bible Women. What are Bible Women? The mission of Bible Women is to minister to people converting to Christianity from the Hindu and Islamic faiths. Most of the people they work with are Dalits, the poorest of the poor in India. Dalits were known as untouchables in India s caste system. Because the divisions lingering from the caste system, most Dalits cannot or do not attend church services. Therefore, Bible Women visit these families in their homes. It is a kitchen door ministry Bible Women can do what male pastors cannot. Because of the culture, men cannot rush into a house, but women can. There is easy access into the homes through the kitchen door. While she is cutting the vegetables, the Bible Women will tell their stories, talk and pray with them. When all is finished, she leaves through the back door. They strive to make Christ known by forming personal relationships with families, first through the women. They visit homes, conduct Bible studies, teach Sunday school, and much more. Bible Women describe their ministry as patient. Some have walked, talked and prayed with the same families for more than 40 years! Financial considerations: The Bible Women program receives about one-third of its annual support from the ELCA. The AELC is then responsible for raising two-thirds of the annual support to keep this amazing ministry flourishing. There are 70 Bible Women ministering in the AELC at this time. The Synod board is challenging each Cluster to raise $300 to help support the Bible Women in India. 11 P a g e

12 PRESORTED STANDARD U.S.POSTAGE PAID FERGUS FALLS, MN PERMIT NO. 210 Ardys Horner E. Fox Lake Road Detroit Lakes MN Give something unexpected this Christmas www. elca.org/goodgifts Shop ELCA Good Gifts for 50 different gifts that grow the church, fight hunger and transform lives. 12 P a g e