SNOW. spring, 2014 NORTHWEST MINNESOTA WOMEN OF ELCA. May, 2014

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1 NORTHWEST MINNESOTA WOMEN OF ELCA spring, 2014 SNOW May, 2014 Dear Sisters in Christ, Our convention theme is We are Called. What does this mean? In Galatians 5:13 it says, we are called to serve one another humbly in Love. In what ways are you being called? This is a big topic and I could go on and on with examples, but what I d like for you to do is write down on a piece of paper the many ways you have answered his call and post that on your refrigerator as a reminder that you are called by God. Our keynote speaker is Sara Forsberg. Come, join us, in Charlotte, NC for the Triennial Gathering, July 24 27, There is still time to register. Experience enriching workshops, stirring worship, engaging Bible studies and much more! Pastor Jeanette Bidne, our Young Woman s Grant Recipient along with Rev. Veronica Angela from our companion synod Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church (AELC) located in the Andhra Pradesh region of India will be joining us at the Gathering in Charlotte. For more information and details about the Triennial, you can check out our website at In the past few weeks I had the opportunity to attend some of your Cluster Gatherings. I loved all the programs! We have some very fine talented women in Northwestern Minnesota! From the speakers, to the planners, to the worker bees Thank you for sharing your time and talents with all who attended! Be thinking about who you would like to nominate for the Mary Magdalene Award. She is the one that has impacted the lives of others through her involvement in your congregations as well as your community. NW MN SWO will be honoring 10 women, one from each cluster, at our Annual Convention this Fall. She will receive a Rose, a certificate and a monetary donation to a charity of her choice associated with the Women of the ELCA and recognized at the convention. We have an early bird discount this year, so get your registrations in early and save $$. The women of Trinity Lutheran in Crookston are very busy planning and are implementing some excellent ideas to make this convention a rewarding experience for you. If you are not a delegate there are a couple workshops that will be available for you to attend while the business meeting is in session. The Workshops are: Renewing Your Body & Soul with Faith & Fitness, presented by Trinity member Betty Finkenbinder and Holy Doodles: Cartoons to Contemplate, presented by Trey Everett, Co-Director of the Minnesota Institute of Contemplation and Healing (MICAH) in Crookston. News from Churchwide Executive board: The executive board reviewed income and expenses for the first two months of FY2014. It learned that, as of April 15th, Katie s Fund had reached $1,014,331.60, surpassing the goal to grow the endowment to $1 million by the start of the triennial gathering. The annual appeal for Katie s Fund will occur in May. As of February 19, 2014, $147,865 had been received for the 25th Anniversary Appeal. The anniversary year ended May 31, Half of this amount, or $73,932.50, was given to the ELCA Malaria Campaign in fiscal year 2013, helping the campaign to reach its fundraising goal for the year. Blessings to you as you answer His call! Lois Bylund, President

2 2014 SPRING CLUSTER EVENTS Tim Denney, Director of Training and Workability of Northwestern Mental Health of Crookston, Minnesota Did you know? In 2013 Lutheran World Relief reached 7.7 million people in 35 countries and implemented 185 projects. LWR Vision Statement: Empowered by God s unconditional love in Jesus Christ, we envision a world in which each person, every community, and all generations live in justice, dignity and peace. Cluster 1 Spring Gathering was held at Zion Lutheran Church, Lake Bronson on May 3rd. Morning coffee and treats were provided by Kennedy ladies and lunch was served by the women of Zion. Entertainment was provided by Lois singing some old familiar hymns. Be Still and Know that I Am God was the theme for the day. Devotions were led by Kathy Levenhagen, SAM for Zion Lutheran. She had us name off things that come to us as we are trying to have quiet time with God. She told us to visualize ourselves under an umbrella to protect us from the thoughts that rain down on us. She also shared with us from a seminar she attended that if you put your right hand on your heart and sit quietly, feel and hear your heart beating will calm you. So if you feel anxious about something, try this. The guest speaker was Tim Denney, Director of Training and Workability for Northwestern Mental Health, Crookston, MN. Tim presented a lot of useful information to us on the signs of Dementia and Alzheimer s Disease. What are the symptoms? What is normal memory loss? And what can we do to keep our brains healthy. We learned that our brain shrinks as we age and you know those times when you walk into a room and forgot what you came in the room for, is normal and not a symptom of Dementia or Alzheimer s disease? Did you also know that walking 3 miles, 3 times a week is not only good for your heart health, but for your brain health as well? Cluster l is in need of a new coordinator and recorder and by the end of the day there were some volunteers. We were encouraged to attend the SWO convention in Crookston in September. RoxAnne Goulet, our SWO Board Representative gave the SWO Report told us that Rev. Veronica Angela will be coming from our companion synod (AELC) in India to NW MN for a short period of time before she goes to Charlotte, NC to the Triennial. Lois Bylund, President of the NW MN SWO, thanked us for the work we do for Lutheran World Relief, making quilts and putting kits together. She also encouraged us to prayerfully consider serving on the SWO board. It was a very inspiring day for everyone present. Elaine J. Baker, Recorder 2

3 Cluster 2 officers Deloris Haugen, Virginia Anderson, Diedre Nordin, Dr Kari Torkelson and Wenda Sang, guest speakers Cluster 2 Spring Gathering was held at St. Pauli Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls on Saturday, April 26, The women of Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls provided and served the morning coffee & treats. The women of St. Pauli provided lunch as well as the entertainment. Their theme for the gathering was Have You Paid Your Do s? Their Theme verse: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Rev. Carl Hansen gave the morning devotions followed by special music by Cindy Arlt. Wenda Sang talked about Stewardship reminding us that God asks that we give not only financially, but to give of ourselves, our time and talents. Dr. Kari Torkelson, Optometrist, gave a slide presentation about her mission trip to Africa with other optometrists, helping those who may benefit from eye glasses and also education on eye care. She told us they bring the glasses that are donated to the Lions Club and other various organizations to Africa with them. During the short time that they were there, their team saw over 3,000 patients, being able to help most of them. The women of St. Pauli put on a short humorous skit on what a Ladies Aide meeting might look like in Kathy Englund reported on the upcoming events; Triennial in Charlotte, NC and the annual NW MN SWO convention. She encouraged each congregation to nominate a woman for the Mary Magdalene award and to send a delegate to the convention. Lois Bylund, SWO President thanked us for everything we do for the Women of the ELCA. Surrounded in Love based on 1 John 3: 18 was the theme of Cluster #3 Spring Gathering on Saturday, April 26th, 2014 at Maple Lake Lutheran Church, a member congregation of the United in Christ Lutheran Parish, of rural Fertile. Morning coffee was served by Faaberg Lutheran Church, rural Fertile. Beverly Slevin, hostess for the day welcomed everyone to the meeting in Jesus name. Anne Pederson, president of the Maple Lake greeted everyone. Diane Littlefield a member of St John s Lutheran led the devotions and Marlene Block of Maple Lake Lutheran led the singing accompanied by Belinda Fjeld of Concordia Lutheran. Special music was provided by Pastor Phil Larsen, United in Christ Lutheran Parish, and Elissa Raaen of Maple Lake. Merrily Burmeister SWO Board encouraged the members to attend the SWO Convention at Trinity Lutheran in Crookston on September 12th and 13th. Elaine Erdahl, recorder, read the names of the congregations represented as large paper hearts with the names of those congregations were taped on the walls around the sanctuary as a visual illustration of being Surrounded in Love. Sharon Olson, formerly from Fertile, now lives in Aurora, Illinois and serves on the National Leadership Team for the ELCA Malaria Campaign shared about her trip to South Africa and Zambia in March of 2013 to observe first hand the work of the ELCA Malaria Campaign and encouraging strides that are being made in education, prevention and treatment of this treatable disease that continues to claim the lives of many children. She provided brochures to encourage all congregations in our cluster to become involved in this important campaign. Sharon congratulated our synod for the efforts that have been made and the goals that were set and accomplished before the timeline, $11 million has been raised so far. A delicious luncheon was served Maple Lake WELCA. One hundred pounds of non-perishable food items were collected for area food shelves and a special offering was taken for the Malaria Campaign. Our Fall Cluster Gathering will be held at Our Savior s in McIntosh. Elaine Erdahl, Cluster 3 Recorder.

4 HEARTLAND COMMUNITY WOMEN The Cluster 4 Spring Gathering was held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Nevis on Saturday, April 5, 2014, I hosted by the Heartland Lutheran Community Parish, whose ladies had on display their many beautiful mission quilts. Pastor Darrell Morton gave a Bible Study on the Prodigal Son and the importance of forgiveness. Darrell s daughter shared her musical talent with a medley of hymns. Catherine Tutt spoke about Moving Forward. There are times in our lives when we are stuck in an unfulfilling job, difficult circumstances or in our ability to relate to one another. Catherine shared the transformational truths of God s Word. We are special and God will be with us. Lorna Cooper told us about Yes, You Can!, a program she helped to start in Akeley with the help of grants. They are meeting with people in the community that need help in getting a job, a place to stay and/ or clothes for work. God is showing them many areas where they can help. Yes, You Can! Center is located at the First Lutheran Church in Akeley. Their address is YesYouCan@flakeley.org if you would want to learn more about their community work. Judy Reger gave the Board report and encouraged us to attend the NW MN SWO Annual Convention to be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston on September 12-13, A very delicious lunch was served in Bethany s beautifully decorated dining room. Fifty-two women attended the event. Thanks to the Heartland Lutheran Community Parish for hosting the Cluster 4 meeting. We appreciate it. Our next meeting will be held on September 27th, 2014 at Bethel Lutheran Church in rural Bagley. Plan to attend and bring a friend. Ardella Lindberg, Cluster 4 Recorder Making Quilts: God s Work/Our Hands Guest speakers: On the left is Lorna Cooper of Akeley and to her right Catherine Tutt. 4

5 The Grace Lutheran churchwomen hosted 130 women at the Spring Prairieland Cluster 5 Gathering on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 with the theme, Lean On Me. Our appetizers and punch were served by the Gary and Grace Lutheran ladies. The gathering music was led by Jacob Nelson and the Celebration Singers. The group sang Lean on Me before the program was opened by Carol Johnson, Cluster 5 Coordinator. We recited the Purpose Statement and opened with our theme hymn: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. A Bible study led by Harriet Brueshoff can be summarized in four points: 1. Listen to the Lord, and learn about Him he gave us a love letter, The Bible. We must open it and learn from it. 2. Experience the Lord: we need a personal relationship with Him. 3. Our need to acknowledge the Lord Everybody ought to know who Jesus Is and finally having the confidence to lean on Him. After Jesus ascended into Heaven he left us the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 3: 5-6. Kathy Jacobson, the President of the Grace Lutheran Women welcomed us and the offering was taken. Following the roll call and business meeting, Carolyn Nelson, our SWO treasurer reported on the upcoming Convention to be held in September in Crookston; the Mary Magdalene award and the Triennial Gathering July 24-27, 2014 in Charlotte, NC. Fifteen women and delegates are registered from the Synod. Also in attendance were Lois Bylund, SWO President and Vicki Heydt, SWO Vice President. A delicious supper was served by the men and women of Grace Lutheran. Desserts were provided by the Gary and Grace Lutheran. Piano music during the meal was provided by Jacob Nelson. The celebration singers sang for the opening of the program. Ron Bervig provided special music before Kathy Jacobson introduced the speaker, Kevin Wallevand, WDAY reporter. Mr. Wallevand presented a video presentation of several news stories he has written. He answered questions after his most interesting and heart-warming presentation. Closing the program were announcements by Carol Johnson and our final hymn, On Our Way Rejoicing. Jacob Nelson sang the prayer our Lord taught us (awesome) and gave a benediction to send us on our way rejoicing a wonderful evening of the Word and fellowship. Thank you to all who planned a great program! The fall meeting will be held at Hendrum. Carol Lockhart, Recorder Type to enter text Type to enter text Cluster 5 officers: Carol Johnson, Coordinator, Carol Engen, recorder, Carol Lockhart recorder shown with SWO officers Lois Bylund, President and Carolyn Nelson, Treasurer. Kevin Wallevand, WDAY reporter 5

6 Rhonda Vander Voort The Spring Cluster 6 Gathering for the Moorhead area churches, Women of the ELCA, was held on Thursday, April 24, at Comstock Lutheran Church. Our theme was Faith and Forgiveness. Reverend Jill Steichen provided an opening devotion and prayer. Rhoda Vander Voort, a member of Comstock Lutheran, who served for many years as a professional counselor, was our guest speaker. Rhoda provided us with a handout outlining evaluating approaches for matters involving forgiveness issues, with her own insights from her previous work experiences. Many members of the Women s group at Comstock hosted the Cluster Gathering with a wonderful dinner. Several members of the NW Minnesota SWO were present with us. Sue Ellwanger, SWO Board Member, offered greetings and a summary of recent SWO activities. The Bible Retreat for Clusters 5, 6, and 7, to be held on June 2 in Detroit Lakes, was highlighted, as was the upcoming Triennial Convention and Gathering in July in Charlotte, NC, Contact Ardys Horner for help registering. September SWO Convention will be in Crookston. Please select a voting member from your church unit to attend. At the business meeting, a Nominating Committee was formed for the Cluster 6. A brief discussion also was held concerning the possibility of bringing a Gather Magazine Intro Event for the Bible Study to the Fargo-Moorhead area this summer. The Fall Cluster Gathering will be held on Thursday, September 25, at Our Savior s Lutheran Church, Barnesville. Carol Johnson, Coordinator Daughters of the King was the theme of Women of the ELCA Spring Cluster 7 Gathering was held at NeeGonNee Lutheran Church by Roy Lake on April 26, 2014 assisted by the women from Lake Grove Lutheran in Waubun. Linda Lang welcomed us and Joan Westlake, Coordinator, led in devotions from Proverbs 31:10-31 which was read by Connie Soch of Waubun. Ardys Horner, the Co-Dean of Cluster 7, gave us an overview of the presentation by the new ELCA Presiding Bishop, Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, who spoke at Concordia College and Hope Lutheran South in Fargo. Rev. Eaton stressed that: We are Lutheran and should be proud of it We believe in the Risen Christ We are part of a large Lutheran community Lutheran Social Services and LWR touches 1 out of 50 people worldwide. Bishop Eaton spoke of our losing young people in the age group. We must embrace new technologies such as web sites, texting, etc.strengthen campus ministries and our church colleges and support Seminary students as many of them are second career individuals with families. Pat Kenyen led us in music and storytelling based on topics found in our Easter eggs. Margaret Kragerud, SWO board member told us about the NWSWO convention in Crookston on Sept. 12th and 13th. Sarah Forsberg will be the keynote speaker. There is a $55. early bird registration fee before Aug. 14th. The Triennial Gathering will be in Charlotte, NC on July Contact Ardys Horner if planning to attend. Margaret also mentioned nominating someone for the Mary Magdalene award, the Bible Women of India, Young Women grants for attending the SWO convention. Joan Westlake announced the fall cluster gathering will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. The Bible Retreat for clusters 5,6, &7 will be at the Holiday Inn in Detroit Lakes on Monday, June 2. Kim Wagner is speaking. Cost $20 and please pre register. She led us in the Lord s Prayer. After the table grace, a delicious lunch was served by the ladies of NeeGonNee and Lake Grove with beautiful decorations carrying out the Daughters of the King theme. Rachel Johnson, Recording secretary 6

7 From left to right: Mary Seiffert Pianist, Kim Wagner Guest Speaker, Kathy Jacobson, Coordinator, Carol Gealow. Recorder and Else Andersen Reporter Cluster 8 held their Spring Gathering April 14, 2014 at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Our theme Got Joy was our motivation for a wonderful evening. We began in the Fellowship Hall with a welcome by Donna Quam from First Lutheran and the hymn Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee. Devotions were given by Pastor Jennifer Rose, followed by the table prayer and a delicious early supper Kathy Jacobson, Cluster 8 Coordinator, called the meeting to order and everyone joined in saying the Purpose Statement. Our Cluster 8 Recorder, Carol Gealow, then took the Roll Call of churches present. with 268 in attendance! David Holtz from Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria reported on the activities scheduled for women and showed a video about the camp. Lois Bylund, our SWO President is the new Synod Representative for Cluster 8, gave us greetings and updates on spring and summer events and the Triennial Gathering in July as there is still time to register, The Young Women's Grant for our SWO Convention, the Mary Magdalene award and the board positions to be elected this fall. She encourages us to continue to support the Bible Women of India financially and though your prayers Kathy Jacobson then introduced the evening speaker, Kim Wagner. We were pulled to tears, then laughter, inspiration, and motivation with her stories and songs accompanied by Mary Seiffert on piano. Kim spoke about her journey with breast cancer and advice for living with joy and celebrating every day with laughter. To look up and thank God for what He has done in our lives and for how He guides us through the tough times. Kim encouraged us to keep going with faith and joy and celebrate the small things. Live with joy in your heart, and be thankful for all the blessings you receive. Then we all sang Joy to the World with gusto. We all sang the Lord s Prayer which is always a Cluster 8 highlight. Pastor Jennifer Rose gave us a benediction and sent us on our way with Go in Peace Carol Gealow, Recorder 7

8 Cluster 9 Spring Gathering 2014 was held on Tuesday, April 29 at Luther Crest Bible Camp, Alexandria, MN. Esther Lutheran Church was the host church. There were 91 women in attendance, 14 congregations represented. The Bible Study was let by Pastor Jeanette Bidne of Esther Lutheran using Romans 12:13,18 as the theme verses on Hospitality, which is defined as a generous and friendly treatment to visitors and guests. Pastor Bidne encouraged the women to share with one another instances when they experienced hospitality, and times when hospitality wasn t extended. Luther Crest representative Paul Hanson extended a welcome to everyone and thanked us for selecting Luther Crest for our meeting. The number of campers signing up for this year s camps is up, and Paul is looking at another successful camping year. Luther Crest Capital Campaign coordinator Cindy Bigger encouraged our continued involvement in helping send young people to Luther Crest, and a renewed involvement in helping to better the camping experience by helping finance the replacement of cabins at Luther Crest. Sue Ellwanger, Pr Laurie Natick, LuAnn Holt and Elaine Salvog Our guest speaker, Pastor Laurie Natwick, Assistant to the Bishop of NW MN Synod spoke on Radical Hospitality. According to Laurie, radical hospitality is more than tea and crumpets, and a mint on the pillow. It is receiving others with out-of-the-ordinary, revolutionary generosity. By shining with the divine, others can see that divine as lifechanging. Remembering that there is a story behind the story as to why people act as they do, all of us can reach out as a church to receive others with warmth and generosity. Sue Ellwanger, SWO Board Representative, greeted the attendees on behalf of the SWO Board, reporting on the Triennial In-Kind Gifts, Bible Women of India, the Mary Magdalene Award, and the NW MN Synodical Convention, scheduled for September 12 & 13, keeping in mind the deadlines for getting the registrations in. The hospitable Luther Crest staff served a wonderful noon meal. LuAnn Holt, cluster 9 recorder. Cluster 10 met on Saturday morning, April 26, 2014, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hoffman with the theme F.R.O.G. Fully Rely on God and the theme verse of Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock. The women of Messiah were very creative by putting frogs in various places around the church and wearing green t-shirts with this logo on them. We heard a presentation from Luther Crest by Dave Holtz, Executive Director, which included a video of summer activities. This summer s theme is God s Time All the Time walking through Jesus life. Cindy Bigger shared in the presentation as she will be going to women s groups to encourage them to participate in the Prepare the Way Campaign. This campaign will renovate the chapel which was built in 1951 and make cabins for year round use. Our speakers were from the Lutheran Social Service office in Alexandria: Jody Shaskey-Setright and Paula Odland. They highlighted many of the services offered in the Alexandria area such as Counseling Services, In-Home Family Based Services, and Educational Programming. Their presentation ended with Paula singing a very moving song, God Help the Outcast. Our 2014 Fall Gathering will be held on Saturday, September 27th, at First Lutheran Church in Kensington.

9 To Season Beets Broccoli Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Spinach Tomatoes Winter squash For a Healthy Me We are always being told to use less salt or sodium for a healthier heart, so how do we add flavor to vegetables instead of using salt and pepper--try some of these this summer and fall on your fresh garden foods. Use: Caraway, cinnamon, vinegar or dill Marjoram or oregano Basil, caraway, celery seed, curry, dill Basil, celery seed, dill, marjoram or thyme Caraway, celery seed, curry, dill, mace, marjoram, rosemary or tarragon Basil, marjoram, mint, nutmeg, rosemary, vinegar Basil, celery seed, chili powder, cinnamon, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, or sage Allspice, cardamom or nutmeg My favorite herbed peas recipe: In a large skillet over medium heat add l tsp olive or canola oil, add 1/4 cup finely chopped onion and one or two stalks of finely chopped celery, saute till tender, I usually do celery first and add onions second as they take less time. When tender, add 1/3 to 1/2 cup water, l pound of fresh or frozen green peas, 1/2 tsp pepper and 1/4 tsp of dried dill (or 3/4 tsp of fresh dill) or fresh mint. Stir and cover tightly. Cook 5 to 6 minutes until peas are tender. Serves six. This works well with green beans. Always crush or chop fresh herbs to release the flavor. Zucchini Caraway, marjoram or oregano ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rhubarb Cookies 1 cup shortening 1-1/2 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 3 cups flour 1 tsp. soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1-1/2 cup chopped rhubarb dredged in flour ¾ cup coconut Directions: Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and beat. Add dry ingredients, mix. Add rhubarb and coconut. Drop by tablespoons two inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Frost when cool. Golden Butter Frosting: Lightly brown ½ cup butter. Beat in 3 tablespoons Half & Half cream, ¼ teaspoon vanilla and 2 cups powdered sugar. Elaine Krogstad The Trinity Rhubarb Festival Cookbook, Trinity Lutheran Church, Crookston, MN

10 NWMINNESOTA SWO CONVENTION ANNOUNCE IN KIND GIFTS For Shelters in Clusters 1, 2 &3 Gift Cards Walmart or Target OR Shelters to Purchase Personal Items needed for Men, Women, and Children In-Kind Gifts SWO CONVENTION WORKSHOPS Renewing Your Body & Soul with Faith & Fitness, presented by Trinity member Betty Finkenbinder. The one-hour session will begin with an overview of Faith & Fitness, a wellness ministry exercise program for women, followed by a light workout - a combination of light & easy gyrokinesis and yoga. This will be an easy way to open the heart, focus the mind, and energize the body. Participants will leave feeling lifted with grace and power. Betty is a NETA Certified Group Exercise Instructor and creator of the Faith & Fitness exercise program. She leads several different Faith & Fitness classes at Trinity each week. ############ Holy Doodles: Cartoons to Contemplate, presented by Trey Everett, Co-Director of the Minnesota Institute of Contemplation and Healing (MICAH) in Crookston. Of his Holy Doodles, Trey says they are images that came to mind from meditating on scripture passages, books, past events, conversations with friends and family, and from simply trying to be attentive to God in my everyday life. The artwork is designed to be thoughtful, introspective, searching, and challenging. Some of you may have seen him draw at the synod convention last June in Moorhead.

11 NW MN SWO Convention SARA FORSBERG "Called to Join the Team!" Have you ever felt discouraged, insecure anxious, or afraid? In our daily lives we encounter simple to complex circumstances and certainly some life altering changes. Sara will share how she made a decision to claim the power in Phillipians 4:8 and become a member of Team Jesus. The process of being a team player is ongoing and the words Paul used as encouragement are valid today. "Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise." (CEV) Keynote Speaker Forms for SWO Convention and registration and the Young Women s Grant are included in this issue. You may copy as many as you need for your unit. Information on Crookston Motels are also included. Deborah Banks Williams was elected to Women of the ELCA churchwide board at the 8th Triennial Convention in July She serves on the board s budget and finance committee. Over the years, Deborah has served the Metropolitan Chicago Synodical Women s Organization as a member at large and most recently as president. During that time, hosting the Lutheran Catholic Days was most meaningful. As a member of Bethel Lutheran Church on the west side of Chicago, Deborah serves as congregational treasurer. She also enjoys singing in the choir and working with the youth and the seniors in the congregation and community. Deborah, a widow, with five adult children. Deborah is the administrative assistant for the housing program for Bethel New Life, Inc., an ELCA social ministry organization. There she accompanies clients through the mediation process, assisting the hardest-hit residents of the community through a home foreclosure program. In her spare time, Deborah enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family (especially her grandchildren). She is excited to serve Women of the ELCA in this new capacity and looks forward to engaging the faithful and bold women of this organization. She will be our churchwide representative in Crookston to our NWMN SWO Convention. Deborah Banks Williams

12 Northwestern Minnesota Synodical Women s Organization Convention September 12th & 13th, 2014 ~ Trinity Lutheran Church, 205 S Broadway, Crookston, MN Convention Registration - ALL ATTENDEES MUST COMPLETE THIS FORM Delegate Registration due by August 10, 2014 Non-Delegate Registration due no later than September 5, 2014 Delegate (1 per Congregation)% Non-Delegate % Cluster Officer Convention Planning Committee SWO Board Member Young Woman Grant Recipient PLEASE PRINT: Name Phone ( ) Address City State Zip _address Are you the contact for your Congregational Unit? Yes No Cluster # Congregation City CHECK PLAN DESIRED: Register early to save money and facilitate Convention planning! If postmarked by August 15: Postmarked August 16 to September 5: Full - Friday and Saturday $55.00" " " " $65.00 (Includes all Meals & Breaks) Friday Only" " $35.00 "" " " $45.00 (Includes Banquet)" " " " " Saturday Only" " $35.00" " " " $45.00 (Includes Lunch & Breaks) Please Indicate Any Special Dietary Needs No Cash; Checks Only, Payable to NW MN SWO% % Check Total: $ ALL REGISTRATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE DUE DATES NO EXCEPTIONS FULL PAYMENT REQUIRED WITH REGISTRATION FORM NO REFUNDS AFTER SEPTEMBER 1.. HOWEVER, REGISTRATIONS ARE TRANSFERRABLE MAIL REGISTRATION FORM WITH CHECK TO:% NW MN SWO Convention Norma Van Horn, Registrar " " " " " " " " 512 Eickhof Blvd " " " " " " " " Crookston, MN " " " Phone (218) nvnvanhorn1@gmail.com Attending Leadership Training? Yes No (If you are an officer of a unit or cluster you are encouraged to attend the Leadership Training ***Please make your own hotel reservations (See attached list) Room blocks held until August 12, 2014 For office use only: Check # Amount $ Both Days Friday Saturday Please make your own room reservations: Information on last page of SNOW

13 YOUNG WOMEN S GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE NW MN SWO OF THE ELCA ANNUAL CONVENTION SEPTEMBER 12 & 13 Selection Criteria: The woman has never attended a SWO Convention. Why the woman would like to attend the convention Is the woman in the appropriate age group (18-45 years old) Each congregational unit can have only one applicant. More can apply, but we are limited to only 10 scholarships. The woman may not serve as a delegate and grant recipient at the same time. Selection Procedure: All applications should be sent to the address below and a committee appointed by the SWO President comprised of board members will review each application. All applications are due one month prior to the convention. The applicants who are chosen based on the above criteria will receive a phone call and letter informing her of the scholarship. Name Address City State Zip Phone Age: Congregational Unit and Town Occupation Interests Why you would like to attend the Gathering Deadline is August 1, 2014 Return to: Sue Ellwanger th Ave. Eagle Bend, MN ahhc@midwestinfo.net

14 NW MN SWO CONVENTION 2014 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 205 S Broadway, Crookston MN September 12 & 13, 2014 CONVENTION LODGING *** CALL HOTELS DIRECTLY FOR CONVENTION RATES --PLEASE NOTE RELEASE DATES *** Mention Group Code: NW MN SWO Convention AmericInn 1821 University Avenue% % % % Check in - 3:00 pm Crookston MN % % % % % Check out - 11:00 am (218) Blocked: 15 Rooms; Two Queens, Non-smoking by 8/12/14 Convention Rate: $ if reserved Included: Full breakfast, Wi-Fi, Pool and Whirlpool. Cobblestone Hotel & Suites% % % % Check in - 3:00 pm 2304 Sahlstrom Drive% % % % % Check out - 11:00 am Crookston MN (218) Blocked: 15 rooms; Two Queens, Non-smoking% Convention Rate*: $ if reserved by August 12 % % % % % % (*$89.90 with AAA or AARP) Included: Breakfast, Wi-Fi, Pool, Fitness Room Crookston Inn & Convention Center% % % Check in - 3:00 pm 2200 University Avenue% % % % Check out - 11:00 am Crookston MN (218) % % % % % Blocked: 20 rooms; Two Queens, Non-smoking Convention Rate: $ if reserved by August 12 Included: Restaurant, Lounge, Wi-Fi, Pool & Hot tub%% (Breakfast not included in rate)

15 FAIR HILLS BIBLE STUDY RETREAT The 2014 Fair Hills Retreat for Clusters 3 & 5 and their guests will be held Tuesday, June 10th, with an overnight option for June 9th. The Theme is He s Got the Whole World in His Hands, with presentations about our sister synod in India by Pastor Joy Grainger and Jill Carlson, Ghana baskets, hats, and fans and story by Rene Omlid, report of the LAMP Vacation Bible School teaching in remote Alaska, and a couple of immigrant stories. The afternoon includes a communion service and concludes with the 50th anniversary production of the Fair Hills Hootenanny. The cost is $20 for the day June 10th with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m., and $70 for the overnight stay and retreat day. Contact Dorothy Harstad for details. Mail registrations and fees to Karen Thoreson, th St. SW, Climax, MN Presiding Bishop with Staff from Women of the ELCA in Chicago Gabriela Contreras, Terri Lackey, Elizabeth McBride, and Kate Eilliot Bishop Elizabeth Eaton with Women of ELCA staff Ninth Triennial Gathering Featuring Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Becca Stevens, Vanderbilt University Susan Sparks, comedian & trial lawyer HOLIDAY INN BIBLE STUDY DETROIT LAKES, MN JUNE 2, 2014 KEY NOTE SPEAKER: KIM WAGNER 8 AM TO 3 PM SPECIAL MUSIC CONTACT PERSON: LINDA MOE, PO BOX 216, HITTERDAL, MN PRE REGISTRATION $20 Kim Wagner Learning Opportunities Exciting Worship Walk/Run 5 k Film Screenings Optional tours of Area Great Restaurants JOIN US IN CHARLOTTE

16 NW MN SNOW newletter Ardys Horner, editor E. Fox Lake Road Detroit Lakes, MN PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FERGUS FALLS, MN PERMIT NO. 210 NORTHWESTERN MINNESOTA SWO Silent Auction NORTHWESTERN MINNESOTA SYNODICAL CONVENTION TRINITY LUTHERAN CROOKSTON, MN Theme Baskets Ideas Garden Baby Personal Care Meditation Books SEPT. 12 & 13, 2014 WE ARE CALLED Galatians 5:13 All proceeds go to those attending the 2017 Triennial Gathering