SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL

Transcription

1 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL CONVENTION 24th Annual Synodical Convention Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer nd St. NW, Watertown, SD June 16-18, 2011 RENEW, RESPOND, REJOICE Rejoice in the Lord Always, Again I will say rejoice! Phil.4:4 Renew, Respond, Rejoice Phili. 4:4 rejoice in the Lord Always, Again I will say rejoice! Convention Offering: 50% to Churchwide Women of ELCA, 25% to Answer the Call and 25% to Lutheran Shared Ministries at Pine Ridge. Love Offering: Supplies for Joy Ranch Camp Kitchen Supplies: Dish Cloths, Dish Towels, Heavy-duty pot holders, Aprons, Measuring cups - both commercial kitchen sizes and smaller sizes, Measuring spoons, Variety of kitchen utensils - commercial sizes Paper Products: Paper towels, Kleenex, Reams of copy paper - "bright white", and various colors, Books of postage stamps, Thank You Notes Office Supplies: Desk sized tape + dispensers, Staplers, Pens, especially blue ink, For Retreat Center: Money, Travel sized shampoo & toothpaste, also combs, toothbrushes, small baskets, Small Redwing-style Crocks for use as garbage cans, Baskets for use as garbage cans, Gently used or new children's books Silent Auction: Proceeds to Lutheran Outdoors, Campus Ministry, Prison Congregations of America and St. Dysmas of South Dakota. (Silent auction will start Thursday and close at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday.) Registration Fee: $40 (Evening at Joy Ranch is included.) Registration will at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Thursday at 1-5 p.m. and then Friday at 8 a.m. Thursday: At Joy Ranch. If possible, we will car pool from church because of limited parking at camp. Schedule at camp: 1-5 p.m. Registration at the church. 3-6 p.m. Walking Tours, Horse-drawn Buggy Rides, Flatbed Tours. 6-7 p.m. Supper (boardwalk or in dining hall) 7-7:45 p.m. Western-style entertainment 8-9 p.m.- Worship Please note, your family and spouse are invited to join us. Fees for supper and entertainment is $12 for adult and $8 for children (12 or under). Continue on next page...

2 Page 2 SO UTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CO NVENTION INDEX Convention Schedule Committees & Displays Opening of Convention. 3 Awareness Group Presenters....4 Worship Service.. separate bulletin Business Meeting..4 Synod. Pres. Letter Minutes of 2009 meeting Churchwide Speaker Churchwide Pres. letter....7 Audit Report Mission Accomplished Sample Ballot Nominee Vita s Synodical Officers...19 Conference Coordinators. 19 Thank you Sending Prayer for Triennial Participants 20 *************************** Friday: 8:00 Registration will start 8:15 Opening with Hymn sing 8:30 - Welcome and Opening of Convention Bible Study led by Rev. Christina Matson Coffee Break and time to view Silent Auction items Awareness Sessions: 10:00 and repeat at 11:00 *Prison Congregations of America led by Mary Mortenson. *"Stitches and Scripture" by Diane Frederick, national representative of Women of the ELCA. *Poverty in our Communities by Rogene Severson, Family Service Specialist, Federal. *Camping Ministry by Lutheran Outdoors represenative. (More information on page 4) Lunch 1:00 Open with Hymn sing Business Session and Election of officers Coffee Break and time to bid on Silent Auction items PURPOSE STATEMENT As a community of women, created in the image of God called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit We commit ourselves to grow in faith to affirm our gifts, and support one another in our callings engage in ministry and action and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. Awareness Sessions: 3:00 and repeat at 4:00 *Today's Dreams, Tomorrow's Realty by Margene Thompson and Mardella Bieber. *Have you considered being a Donor? by Jean Wilkinson. *St. Dysmas of South Dakota by Rev. Marlin Wangness. *Book suggestions for your Church Book Group by Rev. Erika Lehmann. (More information on page 4) 5:15 Ladies going to Spokane meet with Nancy Renner 6:00 Banquet with special music. Sending prayer for triennial participants. Speaker will be Jim and Karen Noss, retired missionaries who served Cameroon. Saturday: 8:00 Opening with hymn sing. 8:15 AM Silent Auction Closes. Churchwide Representative report. Coffee break 10:00 Closing Communion Worship service with Pastor Kathy Hibbert officiating and Bishop David Zellmer giving the message. Officer installation will be during the worship service. Following worship service, Bishop David Zellmer will be available to speak and answer any questions or concerns from the ladies.

3 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION Page 3 TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL CONVENTION SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA SOUTH DAKOTA SYNOD Theme: Renew, Respond, Rejoice Theme Verse: Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice! Philippians 4:4 Theme Song: Rejoice in the Lord Always. Goals 1. Renew our Spirit. 2. Respond with Thanksgiving. 3. Rejoice with Celebration. Convention Offering: 50% - National Women of the ELCA 25% - Answer the Call 25% - Lutheran Shared Ministries at Pine Ridge Silent Auction This is a fundraiser. Place your bids on items of interest to you. High bidders will be announced Saturday at close of convention. Proceeds will be given to: Lutheran Outdoors, Campus Ministry, Prison Congregations of America, and St. Dysmas of South Dakota. OPENING OF CONVENTION L.: We gather today as a community of women, the Women of the ELCA. We gather in Christian love and concern for our sisters and brothers at home and in other countries that live in poverty. W: You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. L: Let us seek out ways to provide shelter for the homeless. W: For our homeless sisters and brothers. L: Let us support our sisters and brothers who are illiterate with our time and resources. W: For our illiterate sisters and brothers. L: Let us not only provide for the physical needs of the hungry, but for the spiritual needs as well. W: For the hungry in body and spirit. L: Help us to provide encouragement, education, and guidance to all parents in need. W: For all parents in need. L: As we look to the world, help us to recognize the needs of all our sisters and brothers who live in poverty. Let us learn from their example of steadfast faith in Your love and care. W: No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. L: As Women of the ELCA, give us the understanding, knowledge, resources, and commitment of time, talents and gifts, to support Your work through: W: Global mission, community care and shelter facilities; school kits, health kits, layette kits, quilts, and other Lutheran World Relief projects; literacy programs; medical needs; educational and guidance services. L: And other community needs which we name in our hearts and on our lips..terrorism, wars, crimes, drugs, alcohol, gambling, abuse. Bless your entire community of faith and guide us in this place as we share our love and commitment to the One True Light of the World. The Twenty-fourth Annual Convention of the South Dakota Synodical Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is now declared open. In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

4 Page 4 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION Business Meeting All are encouraged to stay for the meeting as this is YOUR organization. *Introduction of South Dakota Synodical Board Members *Introduction of Churchwide member of Women of the ELCA Diane Frederick *Report of the Credentials Committee *Call to Order *Appointments of convention Business Committees *Adoption of Agenda *Secretary s Report *Report of the Nominating Committee *Call for the Ballot of President, Treasurer, Mission Community, Mission Growth, Mission Action and Nominating Committee *Treasurer s Report *Adoption of the Budget for 2012 *Review of Printed Reports *Resolutions *Report of Elections *Report of Delegation attending Triennial Gathering at Spokane Nancy Renner *Other New Business * Closing of the Business Meeting AWARENESS SESSIONS AND PRESENTERS: Prison Congregations of America Mary Mortenson, executive director will present their work to collaborate with Christian denominations and prison officials so that prison congregations are established in state prisons across America. Stitches and Scripture - Diane Frederick, board member of National Women of the ELCA will present this new resource from Women of the ELCA and can be incorporated in our own units. Poverty in our Communities Rogene Severson, Family Service Specialist with Federal and works with families will tell about the hurdles many families in our communities must overcome. Camping Ministry Lutheran Outdoors representative will present the many opportunities that youth and families for camping vacations with Lutheran Outdoors. Today s Dreams, Tomorrow s Reality - Margene Thompson and Mardella Bieber will present a program on What is anti-racism and how do we handle this in our communities. Have you considered being a Donor? Jean Wilkinson will tell about her journey thru her illness and then receiving a lung transplant. Jean will tell of the importance for everyone to consider being a donor. St. Dymas of South Dakota Rev. Marlin Wangness will speak on ministry within the prison walls with the inmates. He will also highlight how these former inmates adjust to their lives once they have served their prison terms and now are adjusting to the new beginnings. Book suggestions for your Church Book Group Rev. Erika Lehmann present ideas on starting a book group in your church and many books which would be of interest to read and then discuss.

5 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION Page 5 South Dakota Women of the ELCA 2011 Synodical President s Report Verdelle Anderson This is my fourth and final year as president of our South Dakota organization. Being an officer of any organization is always a learning experience but so rewarding also. I have truly enjoyed this experience and have met many wonderful women and will continue to be friends in the future. Following our June 2010 convention, we had our Leadership Workshop in Mitchell in July. This is a great time for the state officers to get with the conference officers in a training, Bible study and fellowship workshop. This then gives them additional resources to share in their conferences. In August was the Lutheran Outdoors quilt auction here at Joy Ranch. That day we really felt like we were at a ranch as it was windy and dust blowing. But again there were many wonderful quilts and proceeds are used for your camping youth. Many of the conferences have fall retreats which is a great time to get away from our busy schedules. The Medary conference retreat keeps growing and we have about 150 ladies attending. Great day of Bible study and entertainment with skits, etc. Also in September, our church units assemble the quilts and kits which are then given to Lutheran World Relief and Global Health. In the past, I have helped load the truck which brings the items from eastern half of state to Minneapolis. It is amazing how full the truck is with the great response from our churches. These items are needed and please keep up the great work. Our state board and conference coordinators met in Watertown for our Winter board meeting. Yes, we again started traveling to meeting in a snow storm but weather was wonderful when we arrived and while traveling home the next day. It is at this meeting that the June convention is planned. This is another way that we have decreased our meetings which saves time and money for board. It is also a real plus thru internet that we can then finalize the plans. The past February I traveled to Chicago for national meeting of Synod presidents. This involves 64 synodical presidents plus national board and staff. A great experience and amazes me what we do when we work together in God s work. By the way, since I was traveling on plane from Sioux Falls to Chicago, I was able to get back home on schedule during the area snowstorm. Ladies traveling thru Minneapolis were delayed 2 days. Thank God for small town living! Looking forward to July is our National Gathering at Spokane, Washington. There will be about 40 ladies from South Dakota joining the group of 1,600. This year each lady is making their own travel plans, some are flying, going by train or by auto. Our Synodical is giving each lady attending who is non-delegate and a member of active unit, $150 towards their travel expense. Another exciting event with the National Gathering at Spokane is that Joy Ranch with Lutheran Outdoors will be one of the exhibitors. Rev. Gary and Vivian Westgard volunteered to man this exhibit and I thought this would be a great idea. Lutheran Outdoors is preparing the exhibit and Westgards will then transport this to the gathering. Rev. Gary Westgard was the pastor at Grace Lutheran church when Joy Nelson visited with him regarding giving her ranch. Now we have Joy Ranch as a part of Lutheran Outdoors and what a way to promote our state in God s work. Thanks again for allowing me to serve you the past 4 years. It has been a real honor to me and I thank you for giving me this opportunity. May God bless each of you. Verdelle Anderson, Synodical President

6 Page 6 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION Diane Frederick Executive Board Member, Woman of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Diane Frederick was elected to the churchwide executive board of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in July She serves on the program and communication committee. In 2007, Diane concluded her second term as president of the Saint Paul Area Synodical Women s Organization. When initially elected to the Saint Paul Area SWO board in 2000, her committee appointment was Mission: Growth. Prior to that she served on the Rocky Mountain SWO board ( ). As a trained Paths to Wholeness leader, Diane has facilitated this material in many synodical women s organizations, conferences, and units. Diane and her husband, Ed, have served parishes in the Rocky Mountain Synod. Ed is senior pastor of St. Philip s Lutheran Church in Hastings, Minnesota. They have two sons, Jeremy and Nathan, a daughter-in-law, Jen, and a grandchild, Jackson. A graduate of Concordia College, St. Paul, Minnesota, Diane has taught at the preschool and elementary levels. She also began a parenting-teen program and opened a childcare in the local high school for babies of teen parents. More recently Diane served as the director of a local food shelf, and she was recognized as Outstanding Food Shelf Director from Minnesota Food Share in Diane is a vision-caster, asking questions of discernment and faith. She keeps the mission and purpose statements as the focus of her work, seeking to achieve clarity in the ministry challenges she accepts. Diane recognizes that the mission and purpose statements of Women of the ELCA name the discovery of gifts as an essential ministry. Diane sees Women of the ELCA as another opportunity to witness and share her faith. Her challenge is to see Christ in everyone she meets. She looks forward to meeting more women as they celebrate their oneness in Christ.

7 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNO DICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 7 January 2011 Dear Sisters in Christ, Greetings to all who are gathered in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! 2011 brings us to an important place in the life of this organization. In July, many of you will gather in Spokane, Washington for the Eighth Triennial Convention and Gathering to make decisions that will help shape the future of this organization. The theme for the gathering is Renew, Respond, Rejoice! As you gather in faith at this synodical convention, I pray that you will use this time in community with your sisters to renew your spirit, respond to God s call and rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 It is my hope that you will: be inspired and challenged during this convention take at least one new idea back to your congregational unit introduce one of our new resources to someone else share your experiences and encourage others to join you next year My representative who is attending your convention is present for several reasons. She is there to listen to your joys and concerns, and to share in everything you have planned. Take the opportunity to meet her and talk with her. Share with her what is happening in your unit and let her know if there is something we can do to assist you in your ministry. It has been my privilege and joy to have had the opportunity to meet and talk with many of you during this past triennium. It has been an opportunity of a lifetime to be able to see first-hand how Women of the ELCA make a difference in the church, the society and the world. This organization is made up of women who are spirit-filled, talented, resourceful and ever-faithful stewards. I thank God for each of you! Renew, Respond, Rejoice! Women of the ELCA, president

8 Page 8 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE E.L.C.A. 23 RD ANNUAL CONVENTION June 26, 2010 Trinity Lutheran Church Vermillion, SD Theme: God Colors Outside the Lines Theme Verse: For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37 Goals: * To celebrate God s unexpected gifts. * To support one another in our callings. * To celebrate our diversity. Convention Offering: 50% - Churchwide Women of the ELCA 25% - Answer the Call (ATC) 25% - St. Dysmas of South Dakota Guests: Bishop David Zellmer - South Dakota Synod / ELCA Marie Tesch Churchwide representative, Women of the ELCA Business Meeting: President Verdelle Anderson introduced the SD Synodical Board Members and the representative of Churchwide Women of the ELCA Marie Tesch. Credentials Report: as given by Marie Erickson. 58 Delegates 56 Non delegates 12 Visitors 167 Total Attendance * moved/seconded/carried to accept the Credentials Report. Call to Order: President Verdelle Anderson called the Business Meeting to order at 11:25 am. Appointments: Sheryn Ekstrum was appointed as Parliamentarian Agenda: Moved/ seconded/and carried to adopt the agenda. Secretary s report of the 2009 Synodical Convention was placed on file. Report of the Nominating Committee: by Chairperson Lori Jorenby. Ballot for election of Officers and committees: Secretary: Kathy Heffernan (Northern Plains) Vice president: Donna Bieber (Northern Plains) and Erika Lehman (Crossroads) Member at Large: Mardella Bieber (Northern Plains), Lucille Birkholtz (Medary), Vicki Persson (Prairie Rivers), and Kathy Thompson (Prairie Coteau) Nominating Committee: Darlene Jervik (Southeastern) and Janet Mattison (Bear Butte) Ballot for Delegates to the 2011 Triennial Convention: Lori Jorenby explained the voting process and answered questions Delegate Nominees: Mary Abraham (Southeastern), Verdelle Anderson (Medary), Donna Bieber (N. Plains), Arlene Bich (Crossroads), Lucille Birkholtz (Medary), Fran Borchardt (Crossroads), Sheryn Ekstrum (Prairie Rivers), Carie Knutson (Medary), Connie Matzner (P. Rivers), Audrey Neiffer (Bear Butte) Carolyn Pesicka (Crossroads), Nancy Renner (Crossroads), Kathryn Thompson (Prairie Coteau), Margene Thompson (Prairie Rivers), Kathy Villa (Northern Plains), and Ruth Wood (Northern Plains)

9 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNO DICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 9 Treasurer s Report: Darlene Bresson reported that Quam and Berlin, CPA had compiled a financial statement of the SD Women of the ELCA for the fiscal year ending January 31, The fiscal year ending balance was: $ Darlene directed the delegates to page 14 of the Convention booklet under Note 2: Congregational Unit Offerings as a note of interest. Darlene asked for questions. Following a short discussion, Darlene made a motion to approve the Treasurer s Report. Seconded/carried. Adoption of Budgets: Darlene presented the 2011 budget of $ 62, Verdelle asked for a motion to approve the budget. Moved/seconded/ carried. Next, Darlene handed out the proposed 2012 Budget of $ and explained that Churchwide now requires budget approvals for 2 consecutive years, as why the delegation is being asked to approve the 2012 budget. Discussion and questions followed. Verdelle asked for a motion to approve the 2012 budget. Moved/seconded/ carried. Review of Printed Reports: President Verdelle directed the delegation to the reports on pgs Resolutions: None Verdelle recessed the delegation to lunch at 11:58. The delegation reconvened at 1:15 pm. Report of Elections: Chair Lori Jorenby reported the following election results: Officers and committees: Vice President: Erika Lehman Secretary: Kathy Heffernan Member at Large: Lucille Birkholtz and Vicki Persson Nominating Committee: Darlene Jervik and Janet Mattison Delegates and alternates to the 2011 Triennial Convention: Delegates: Mary Abraham, Verdelle Anderson, Arlene Bich, Lucille Birkholtz, Carie Knutson, Carolyn Pesicka, Kathryn Thompson, Margene Thompson, and Kathy Villa Alternates [listed in order from 1st alternate to 6th alternate (tie)] Sheryn Ekstrum, Nancy Renner, Fran Borchardt, Connie Matzner, Audrey Neiffer, Donna Bieber, and Ruth Wood. Other New Business: None Business Meeting was adjourned at 1:25 pm. moved/seconded/ carried. Marie Tesch, Churchwide executive board member presented the keynote address. Mission Partners Reports: Grace Wangberg recapped the Mission Partners that attended the Convention and the following presented their report: Mardella Beiber Today s Dreams, Tomorrow s Realities; Erika Lehman Hunger Appeal; Patty Thompson Global Health Ministries; Jeanette Ellis - Lutheran Social Services and Consumer Credit Counseling. Vivian Westgard, on behalf of the Prairie Coteau Conference, extended an invitation to the 2011 Synodical Convention to be held at Joy Ranch on June 16-17, Love Offering Recipients: Terry Gill, of the S.D. Human Services Center graciously accepted the gifts, for the The Clothing Closet, given by the convention attendees. The representative for the Contact Center/ Food Pantry of Yankton was unable to attend. Marie Tesch led a service recognizing the outgoing board officers, installing the new officers, and affirming the work of the continuing officers. President Verdelle Anderson closed the convention with a Litany titled: Talking With Our Father. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Heffernan, Synodical Secretary

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14 Page 14 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION Missions Accomplished in 2010 Karen Lindgren These are the totals that I received this year from the conferences. Southeastern Conference had 100% of their churches reporting (That is SUPER!) And Prairie Rivers had 18 of the 22 units report which is 81% (Great Job!) We had a large percent of the churches reporting from all of the conferences. Once again the women are to be commended for their generosity as the numbers that came in are large. 1. Money donated outside your congregations- 2. Thankoffering - $34, Missionary Support - $22, World Hunger - $23, Other Hunger Ministries - $22, Lutheran Outdoors - $16, Other Bible Camps - $5, Lutheran Social Services - $11, LSS Capital Campaign - $ Heartland Ephpatha - $2, Lutheran World Relief - $8, Prison Ministries - $13, Nursing Homes - $8, Bible Ministries -$ Global Health Ministries - $3, Radio/ TV Ministries- $2, Women's Shelters - $5, Children's Homes/Hospitals - $6, Native American Ministries - $3, Local Social Services - $11, Disaster Relief - $8, Campus Ministries - $12, Answer The Call- $8, Joy Ranch Kitchen - $8, Other-$26, Money Spent in your congregation - SS or VBS - $8, Church Library - $2, Bibles or Devotional Material- $9, Quilting Group - $18, Congregational Needs - $53, Congregational Budget-$31, Kitchen Supplies - $37, Other - $30, Lutheran World Relief Support Regular Quilts 9,326 Blankets Health Kits 3,417 School Kits 4,608 "I Can Sew" Kits Layettes 2,060 Bars of New Soap Sewing Material yards 4. 5,996 Quilts sent other than LWR (with LWR the total quilts was 9.326) Number of baby or youth quilts to ABC Quilts or Project Linus baby quilts were given to baptized members, children's shelters, auctions, hospitals, local individuals, Contact Center, Salvation Army, St. Francis House, Childrens' Inn, Ronald McDonald House, Yankton Care Center, Tree of Life Ministry, Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Yankton Women s Shelters, Dakota House, New Beginnings, SD Social Services, Habitat for Humanities, Safe Harbor, Drug Centers, Family Connections and many more places. 3,442 regular sized quilts were given to reservations, ill in Nursing Homes and Assisted Livings, Salvations Army, Volunteers of America, Veteran's homes, Lutheran Outdoors, Red Cross, Missions, needy, Social Services,- camps, Abbott House, benefits, auctions, women's shelters, bazaars, fire victims, NE Mental Health, Aberdeen Health and Rehab, Woyatan, Family Crisis Center, Good Samaritan Center, high school graduates, McCrossan, Heartland House, St. Francis House, Good Shepherd Center, Mexico Mission, Star Academy, Haiti, New Beginnings Center, Young Encounter, Union Gospel Mission, local private needy individuals, Life Quest, Love Feast, and MANY OTHERS. 5. Lutheran Social Services Support In addition to the money you reported you also gave quilts, bedding and other items, Memorial gifts, flood buckets, clothing gifts to foreign missions, Prepared refugee Boxes 6. Support to the Hungry 32 churches delivered meals on wheels, 113 churches supported their local food pantry 82 churches served or assisted in homeless shelters such as the Banquet in Sioux Falls 269 letters were written to Congress on Hunger Issues

15 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNO DICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA Page Camping Support 78 quilts were sent to the quilt auction, 198 youth sponsorships 215 were given for camps other support to Lutherans Outdoors 8. Global Health Ministries Support 310 Midwife Kits were made, 278 pounds of bandages, 195 Hospice Kits 9. Support to Children 28 groups supported the Children's Inn in Sioux Falls 16 groups gave School kits or school supplies locally 19 groups supported McCrossan Boys Ranch with quilts, money, soup labels, 83Pillow cases to Star Academy 10. Support to People in Need 22 blankets were sent to local families, Union Gospel Mission, Rosebud Reservation, Horse Creek, nursing homes 1,656+ pounds of clothing 68 health kits to safe house, 68 groups supported women in Crisis 64 groups did local literacy work 32 groups visited jails or the penitentiary Many health care products sent to shelters, 723 prayer shawls 11. Support of Elderly of Nursing Homes 259 Lap Robes 20 Bibs, 96 groups do Nursing Home visitation, parties, gifts, etc. 12. Support in our Own Congregations 34 groups made banners, 117groups have prayer chains Funerals are served by 118 WELCA groups and by the Congregation in 46 more churches 120 groups send cards to ill, bereaved, etc. 13. Miscellaneous 77 groups saved Campbell Soup labels and or coupons 67 groups saved aluminum pop can tabs for Ronald McDonald house 52 groups saved eye glasses 14. Projects promoting "Women and Children in Poverty" Food to Salvation Army, clothing for local concerns, Angel Tree, Hospice, Good Samaritan Center, Redfield Crises Center, Family Crisis Center, warm winter clothing to children in need, rummage sale items to Salvation Army, Christmas gifts for Indian reservations, St. Francis House, Love Feast in Mitchell, donations to the banquet, quilts to people with unexpected emergencies such as fires/tornadoes, support to women's shelters with money and items, gifts to county Social Services. The list is endless. 15. Other projects: There were many many worthwhile projects-below are a few: Held Advent Tea, giving of prayer books and gifts to confirmants and high school graduates, Christmas gifts for Yankton Human Services and for shut ins, family nights and meals, wedding devotionals to newlyweds, baptismal remembrances to baptized, support of scholarship funds, collecting of cell phones, valentines and Easter cards to elderly and shut ins, various serving opportunities, monthly love gifts to Union Gospel Mission, adopt a grandmother at nursing home, Hospice Support, purchasing of supplies for churches, Thrift Shop volunteering and donations, Prison Angel Tree, Christmas Mitten trees, rummage sales, support of Ronald McDonald House, Katherine Larsen Orphanage in India. North Dakota Ranch & Arc, quilts and clothing to Dakota Boys Ranch, poinsettas to elderly and shut-ins, save store receipts, adopt a grandmother and birthday parties for people over 80, Christmas Day pot- luck for those without families, Christmas cards to prisoner. This is a partial list of the many worthwhile projects being completed by the Women of the ELCA. THE LIST OF THE MANY PROJECTS DONE ACROSS THE STATE IS HUGE. MAY YOU EACH BE BLESSED FOR THE TIME AND LOVE YOU GIVE TO OTHERS. I WANT TO COMMEND THE CONFERENCE MISSION ACTION COORDINATORS FOR THE EXCELLENT JOB OF COMPILING INFORMATION IT IS A VERY TIME CONSUMING JOB AS THERE ARE MANY FIGURES TO ADD UP THANK YOU TO EACH ONE OF YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY IN TIME, TALENT AND TREASURES

16 Page 16 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION Sample Ballot for South Dakota Synodical Women of the ELCA June 17, President (Vote for one) Vivian Westgard-Prairie Coteau Write in Treasurer (Vote for one) Darlene Bresson-Prairie Coteau Write In Mission Action (vote for one) Dee Sanderson-Northern Plains Write in Mission Community (Vote for one) Mary Hildebrandt-Medary Write in Mission Growth (Vote for one) Ardith McFarland-Bear Butte Write in Nominating Committee (Vote for two) Donna Bieber-Northern Plains Else England-Southeastern VITAES FOR NOMINEES Nominee for President Vivian Westgard Conference: Prairie Coteau nd St. NE, Watertown, SD Age:55-64 Church: Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer,Watertown PH: Vivigard@midco.net Currently Serving: President of local unit, Previous Experience:Mission Growth, Southeastern Conference Board, Mission Community of South Dakota Synodical Board. Community Service: Friends of the Library-Watertown Nominee for Treasurer Darlene Bresson Conference:Prairie Coteau 621 S Lake Drive, Watertown, SD Age:55-64 Church: Grace Lutheran in Watertown PH: minnie@wat.midco.net Currently serving: Altar Guild Previous Experience: Praise Band & Management Committee Community Service: Co-founder and Chair of Watertown Area Homes of Hope - a faith-based, nondenominational organization that helps families with housing, utilities, and other basic needs Nominee for Mission Action Dee Sanderson Conference:Northern Plains 2305 Sanderson Dr., Aberdeen, SD Age: 65+ Church: Bethlehem Lutheran, Aberdeen, SD PH: deesand@aol.com Currently serving: VP of local unit; Mission Action on Conference level Previous Experience: President of local unit 5 years; Trienniel delegate to Salt Lake City, 2008; Piecemakers at church, Sat. morning circle, various offices. Community Service: Community arts organization, quilt guild; P.E.O. chapter BH; life member of Beta Sigma Phi; book club; Aberdeen Family Y-Fitness Center.

17 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNO DICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 17 Nominee for Mission Community Mary Hildebrandt Conference: Medary PO Box 86, Ramona, SD Church: St. John s Lutheran of Ramona PH: Currently Serving: Local President Previous Experience: Medary Conference Mission Community, Sunday School teacher, Local Secretary Community Service: Work at local café 1 day a week, volunteer when needed at school. Nominee for Mission Growth Ardith McFarland Conference: Bear Butte Ricard Rd Sturgis, SD Church: Grace Lutheran Church, Sturgis Age: 65+ PH: or triplecreekranch@msn.com Currently serving: Mission Growth for Grace Lutheran Church Women Previous experience: Vice Co-ordinator-4 yrs. & Mission: Growth chairperson-4yrs for Bear Butte Conference. Mission: Growth for Local unit 4 yrs & for circle. church council secretary; youth leader; Supt. for Wed. night Religious Education; S.S. Supt.; S.S. and VBS teacher and confirmation classes. Community Service: Member of neighborhood Bible Study Group for almost 40 years; 4-H Leader while my 5 children were participating. Farm Bureau officer and Cattlewomen member and now a busy Grandma of 10! Nominee for Nominating Committee(1) Donna Bieber Conference: Northern Plains PO Box 275, Java, SD Age. 67 Church: St. Paul Lutheran of Java PH: (H) donnab@sbtc.net Currently Serving: Conference President, Secretary of Local unity Previous Experience: Synodical Treasurer, Unit President, Unit Mission Growth Community Service: Finance officer for Java, many jobs with Community organizations. Nominee for Nominating Committee(2) Else Englund Conference: Southeastern th St., Elk Point, SD Church: Dalesburg Lutheran PH: Currently Serving: Altar Guild; Asst. WELCA Secretary; Co-ordinator of congregation members partaking in church services at Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield, member of our church circle and participant in the projects of such. Previous Experience: Served on church council, was Circle Chairman, chairman of membership and Nurture committee, Mission Action Chair person for Southeastern Conference. Community Service: Presently serving on Clay County Thrivent Board, SHIINE volunteer, volunteer at Vermillion Public Library, Treasurer of Clay Co. CFEL, assisting at the Welcome Table in Vermillion and when our church serves the Banquet in Sioux Falls, visit residents in various nursing homes as well as folks in assisted living facilities. You can find the Synod newsletter on the internet at At the top of the page, position your curser on Congregations & Organizations then click on WELCA on the drop down menu. When this page comes up, click on the SD Synod WELCA newsletter.

18 Page 18 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION APPOINTED COMMITTEES Credentials Committee Marie Erickson, Gayville, SD, Southeastern conference Gretchen Tweet, Sioux Falls, Crossroads Conference Resolutions Committee Barbara Cramer, Watertown, SD, Prairie Coteau Vivian Westgard, Watertown, SD, Prairie Coteau Conference. Nurse Lori Jorenby, White, SD, Medary Conference. Literacy Chair Sally Hillner, Brookings, SD, Medary Conference Parliamentarian Lori Jorenby, White, SD, Medary Conference Newsletter Editor Lucille Birkholtz, Willow Lake, SD Medary Conference Nominating/Election Committee Rev.Erika Lehmann, Sioux Falls, Crossroads Conference Delores Johnson, Sioux Falls, Crossroads Conference Darlene Jervik, Hudson, SD, Southeastern Conference Janet Mattison, Spearfish, SD, Bear Butte Conference DISPLAYS While at the convention be sure to visit the many displays set up by Ministry Outreaches of our church. Ask questions and learn how you and your congregation bring Christ s love into the lives of people all over the world through these ministries. Here are some of the groups represented; LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES ANTIRACISM (Today s Dream Tomorrow s Reality) GLOBAL HEALTH MINISTRIES LITERACY THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHRANS BREAD FOR THE WORLD ELCA WORLD HUNGER APPEAL ST. DYSMAS OF SOUTH DAKOTA FAMILY CONNECTION ELCA MISSION INVESTMENT FUND PRISON CONGREGATIONS OF AMERICA, INC AND VARIOUS OTHERS WE ARE PRIVILEGED TO HAVE THE SHEPHERD SHOP WITH US AGAIN THIS YEAR FOR YOUR GIFT SHOPPING CONVEN- IENCE. Why not get a head start on your Christmas shopping? DATES TO REMEMBER July 11-13, 2011 Triennial Convention at Spokane, Washington July 14-17, 2011 Triennial Gathering at Spokane, Washington July 29-30, 2011 Leadership Workshop at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Pierre June 15-16, th Synodical Convention at Lutheran Memorial Church, Pierre Lutherans Outdoors QUILT AUCTION SATURDAY AUG. 27 JOY RANCH BIBLE CAMP NEAR WATERTOWN, SD

19 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION Page Synodical Officers PRESIDENT: Verdelle F. Anderson PH: verdelle@itctel.com 528 W. Lake Drive, Lake Norden, SD nd year, 2 nd term ( Medary) VICE-PRESIDENT: Erika Lehmann, PH: , elehmann@sio.midco.net 1869 S. Sertoma Ave. Unit 101, Sioux Falls, SD st year, 1st term (Crossroads advisor) SECRETARY: Kathy Heffernan, PH: mail:heffernan@venturecomm.net rd St., Wecota, SD st year, 2nd term (Northern Plains) TREASURER: Darlene Bresson PH: minnie@wat.midco.net 621 S. Lake Dr., Watertown, SD 2nd year, 1st term (Prairie Coteau) MISSION ACTION: Karen Lindgren PH: W. 3rd St., Mission Hill, SD E- mail: krl@svtv.com 2nd year, 1st term (Southeastern advisor) MISSION GROWTH: Ardith McFarland PH: triplecreekranch@msn.com Ricarad Rd, Sturgis, SD nd year, 1st term (Bear Butte Advisor) MISSION COMMUNITY: Grace Wangberg, PH: jgwang@itctel.com PO Box 64, Sinai, SD nd year, 1st term (Medary Advisor) MEMBER AT LARGE: Vicki Persson, Ph: , Vicki@midstatesd.net th St. Corsica, SD st year, 1st Term (Prairie Rivers Advisor) MEMBER AT LARGE: Lucille Birkholtz, Ph: , LMBirk@itctel.com rd St., Willow Lake, SD st year, 1st term (Medary Advisor) LITERACY CHAIRPERSON: Sally Hillner PH: sallyh@brookings.net 505 Minnesota Dr., Brookings, SD TODAYS S DREAM TOMORROW S REAL- ITY: Mardella Bieber PH: dmbieber@abe.midco.net PO Box 266, Bowdle, SD Margene Thompson: amthompson@santel.net th St., Letcher SD NEWSLETTER: Lucille Birkholtz PH & FAX: LMBirk@itctel.com rd St, Willow Lake, SD CONFERENCE COORDINATORS Prairie Coteau: Edna Anderson, th Ave., Veblen, SD 57270, PH , tomanderson.2562@yahoo.com Medary: Lor Jorenby, th Ave., White, SD 57276, PH , cjorenby@itctel.com Crossroads: Barb Dailey, 1616 Cameo Way, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, PH , Cell: and Gretchen Tweet, 717 S. Holt Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57103, PH , Cell Southeastern: Louis Jones, P.O. Box 495, Wakonda, SD 57073, PH , jloujones@knology.net Northern Plains: Donna Bieber, P.O. Box 275, Java, SD , PH , donnab@sbtc.net Prairie Rivers: Kathleen Anderson, 324 Wildwood Ave., #2, Mitchell, SD 57301, PH , E- mail: akanderson@midco.net Bear Butte: NONE

20 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNO DICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 20 BIG THANK YOU We, the synodical board want to thank everyone who has contributed and volunteered their talents to make our synodical convention a success. In January, the synodical board and the conference coordinators meet at our winter board meeting to make the initial plans for the coming June synodical convention. We also place this board meeting at the city that will be hosting this coming event. We are then able to tour the church and meet with the ladies who will be assisting in hosting this event. From there, we go home and do the balance of the planning by and telephone. This, of course, could not happen without the excellent commitment of the ladies involved. Thank you to Lutheran Outdoors staff for inviting us to Joy Ranch Thursday afternoon and evening. What a wonderful experience to see the progress at our new camp and opportunity for ladies to get a feel of camping! Thank you to Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer for hosting this convention, the ladies of Prairie Coteau conference, the presenters for the excellent awareness sessions, mission partners bringing their displays and the special music. Special thanks to Jim and Karen Noss, Rev. Christina Mattson, Rev. Kathryn Hibbert and Bishop David Zellmer. We also want to thank everyone else who has been involved with this event and of course, to the ladies taking time to attend this event. Go back to your units and share with your ladies what they did miss in not attending. And next year invite these ladies to attend when we meet again in Pierre. Verdelle Anderson, President Sending Prayer for Triennial Participants This group of ladies will be participating in the Eighth Triennial Gathering of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran church in America, July 14 through 17. Through all its ministries, including the triennial gathering, Women of the ELCA seeks to mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ. Do you welcome the opportunity to renew, respond and rejoice in company with women from across the United States and around the globe for worship, service, fellowship and learning? Response: I do. In these past three years, have y ou been listening for God s all in your life? Response: I have. And are you now, with God s help and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, ready to act boldly on your baptismal call and to love and serve Christ in our fellow human beings? Response: I am. Will you return to the South Dakota Synodical Women of the ELCA refreshed and renewed so that you might empower other women here to renew their spirits, respond to God s call and rejoice in God s grace and blessings? Response: I will. Do we, members of the South Dakota Synodial Women of the ELCA support these ladies as they participate in the Eighth Triennial Gathering of Women of the ELCA? Response: We do. Do we promise to support and encourage them as they seek to mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ? Response: We do. Gracious and loving God, in response to your call, these ladies are participating in the Eighth Triennial Gathering of the Women of the ELCA. Strengthen and encourage all participants of the Eighth Triennial Gathering, that they may learn new ways of carrying out your work among the women of this Synod, that they may be inspired by the words and deeds of other women from all over the country and the world, and that they may bring back those learnings and inspirations to refresh and renew our own work and fellowship here. Grant all participants traveling mercies, that they might arrive safely and return home rejoicing in the work to which you all them, especially the work of Women of the ELCA. In Jesus name we pray. Amen