Swatch. Dear Readers: Purpose Statement:

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1 IN the transfer over from one program to another we LOST the SW WA SWO LOGO. WE ll do our best to re-create it as soon as possible. Sorry! Swatch ************************************************************************************** Newsletter of Southwestern Washington Synodical Women s Organization Region 1-C Women of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Published six times a year September 2014 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, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. Dear Readers: It was a real joy to be a voting member at the 9th Triennial Convention of Women of the ELCA. We elected the women who serve on the volunteer board of Women of the ELCA. Two from Region I were elected: our own Ely Smith from Tacoma and former SWO president of Alaska, Karen Voris. Together with new president Patti Austin from Georgia, and the whole board, they will serve us well. Mission Statement of Women of the ELCA TO MOBILIZE WOMEN TO ACT BOLDLY ON THEIR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST! Purpose Statement of the Southwestern Washington Synodical Women s Organization The purpose of this synodical women s organization shall be to assist congregational and inter-congregational units within its territory to fulfill the purpose of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Voting members: Linnea Glover, Shirley Hines, Tina Bigelow and Carol Fossum. We are from Region 1-C, Southwestern Washington Synod, thus the 1C on our table. The convention part of this triennial event was held the first few days and the gathering event was held the last few days with excellent speakers, workshops, interactive things to do, displays and beautiful things to purchase at the shops. They are two separate events. I couldn t begin to tell you about everything but if you go to the website page of Women of the ELCA (womenoftheelca.org) you can find all kinds of reports and information. Blessings, Carol Fossum, SW WA SWO President 1

2 Triennial Reports Run, Walk and Roll! By Dorothy Reed As the first rays of dawn filled the sky on Saturday, July 26, 2014, in Charlotte, NC, 408 women in bright blue shirts found their way to Romare Bearden Park. Some were early risers but must of us were blurry eyed non athletes who had pledged to our congregations, Bible study groups, families and friends that we would walk the 5 k-3 mile course to support Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls health initiative of Women of the ELCA. At 6:30 am we were warmed up and on our way. The course was 1 mile and circuits our goal. The joggers took the lead and quickly covered one mile, then passed the walkers, and they were on their way to the third lap before I finished lap one. The walkers found a pace and made new friends with whomever was walking at their speed. Soon the end of lap two was in sight. It was decision time: go for lap three or stop now. My sponsors had faith in me. I can do it for them. On to lap three. The last quarter mile is still ahead. A new friend from Texas walks next to me and we share our reasons for walking. We walk on. We cross the finish line. I take a picture of her and she takes one of me. We hug and laugh and celebrate our success knowing that we honored our pledge and that our donation dollars will provide new funds for Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls! Delegate Report from Linnea Glover What a great privilege it was to serve as one of the delegates from the Southwestern Washington Synodical Women s Organization to the Ninth Triennial Convention of the Women of the ELCA! The convention was held in Charlotte, NC, a very beautiful, historic city. Delegates from sixty-four Synodical Women s Organizations met in Charlotte on July 21-23, 2014 to conduct the business of the Women of the ELCA. Also present were the officers and board members of the churchwide organization and members of the WELCA staff. The presence of the Holy Spirit was truly with us as we met together to worship, sing, participate in Bible study, and vote. When we were not in session, we enjoyed meeting women from around the country and sharing delicious meals served with true Southern hospitality. Continued on next column (Linnea s report continued:) Two important constitutional changes that were voted on included the size of the executive board and replacing the term delegate with voting member. The proposal to reduce the number of executive board members from seventeen to nine was defeated. The proposal to replace the term delegate with voting member passed. We elected seventeen members to the executive board. We also elected the following officers: Patti Austin, President; Jody Smiley, Vice President; Becky Shurston, Secretary; and Ely Smith, Treasurer. Ely Smith is a member of our Southwestern Synod. Several important resolutions were adopted. One resolution involved awareness and prevention of human trafficking. A second resolution addressed the prevention of bullying, harassment, and related violence. A third resolution dealt with creating safe churches for children. A fourth resolution supported efforts to provide solar power to the Phebe hospital in Liberia. A fifth resolution committed WELCA to the care of unaccompanied minors crossing the U.S. border. A budget of almost 3 million dollars was adopted for the fiscal year The convention offering totaled $67, It will be shared between Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, the On Eagles Wings Ministries which is Charlotte-based and addresses human trafficking, and the churchwide organization of Women of the ELCA. Bishop Elizabeth Eaton s address to those in attendance proved to be one of the most inspiring highlights of the convention. Bishop Eaton spoke of the State of the ELCA. She concentrated on four focuses. First, we are the church. We may not be a big corporation like Microsoft but we are the church. To me, her most powerful and most memorable statement was, All we have is Jesus and because He is all we have, we have everything. Second, we are Lutheran and must humbly honor our tradition. We are justified by grace, saints and sinners, bound and free, and still, we see Christ in everyone. Third, we are the church together. We are stronger together than we are apart. One in fifty Americans is served by Lutheran Services. Finally, we are the church for the world. We are claimed to the priesthood of believers in baptism. Jesus is the future of the church. Her parting words were, Thank God and let s get going! 2

3 Here we are in Charlotte at the Ninth Triennial Gathering of Women of the ELCA. Southwestern Washington had a good representation. Several of these women have pre-registered for the 10th Triennial Gathering which will be held in Minneapolis on July 13-16, How about you? Will you plan to be there, too? You can still pre-register on line until the end of December. The gathering in Charlotte was full of interesting things to see and do and hear. Some of the best speakers I ve heard and great workshops to attend made my days full of good things. We had a message from the presiding bishop, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, who also installed the newly elected churchwide executive board. Ely Smith from Trinity, Tacoma was elected treasurer. 3

4 More Convention information The women in Southwestern Washington Synod have always been generous in their giving of In Kind Offerings at conventions. This year, on October 11, 2014, women are invited to bring non-themed back packs for middle school students and individually wrapped snacks such as mini bags of chips, granola bars, and fruit snacks such as Tree Top, Welches, Motts all are examples of some brands who make fruit leather or gummy snacks. While candy snacks are tasty, Peace Community Center prefers to give a little more healthy snacks, so please choose snack items that are low in sugar content!! Remember, please bring items that are individually wrapped. The financial offering will be shared: One half to churchwide Women of the ELCA and one half to Mc Carver Elementary (local school near Peace Lutheran Church) for school uniforms. You may wonder: Why school uniforms for a low income school? If all children are dressed the same, children feel equal to all of their peers. It is our understanding that uniforms are given to those who cannot afford them so all children have something appropriate to wear to school! Life Changing Life Giving! Prison Ministry report from Sharon Peterson SW WA Synod Women are invited to visit the women s prison in Gig Harbor, WA on Friday, October 10, 2014 to share your faith with the women of the Gathering in Faith and Action Bible Study Group at the correction center. You must contact Sharon the first week in September in order to be included in this visit in order that the needed identification is available. Thank You! God s Peace & Love, Sharon Peterson or empoweringlife@aol.com Constitutions After changes made to the constitutions at the 9th Triennial Convention, and when there are changes or updates to the constitutions of Churchwide, Synod (SWO s), and Congregation Units, those changes are to be done automatically. Wherever applicable, the word delegate, should be changed to voting member. In the places where it says member of an ELCA congregation, the change is to be voting member of an ELCA congregation Please make those changes to your constitution. Questions? Call Carol Fossum. Shirley Hines, SWO Treasurer Thank you to the following churches for their faithful support over the last year. These churches are eligible to send a voting member (aka delegate) to the convention being held at Peace Lutheran Church in Tacoma on October 11, It is not too late to qualify for eligibility to be able to vote on important changes coming up. Send your Congregation Unit offering to Shirley Hines, P.O. Box 4596, Spanaway WA before October 1. Bethany, Spanaway Our Saviors, Bremerton Bethany, Longview Peace, Puyallup Bethel, Brush Prairie Peninsula, Gig Harbor Christ, Belfair St John s, Chehalis Christ, Lakewood St Mark, Tacoma Faith, Aberdeen St Mark, Lacey First, Tacoma St Paul, Vancouver First, Poulsbo Stella, Longview Immanuel, Centralia Trinity, Longview LCCK, Tacoma Trinity, Tacoma LCGS, Olympia United, Tacoma Elim, Port Orchard Vinland, Poulsbo Mt View, Edgewood Zion, Camas The Swatch newsletter The Swatch provides news and information about Women of the ELCA. Copies are distributed by electronic mail whenever possible to SW WA congregations and to hundreds of women individually. To subscribe by postal mail, send $6 to the newsletter editor with the check made to SW WA SWO. Subscriptions are due in January of each year. The Swatch newsletter is published six times a year: January, March, May, July, September, and November. Articles may be submitted for consideration for use in Swatch. Send articles to the editor: Carol Fossum th Avenue East Puyallup, WA Electronic mail: carolfossum@comcast.net Telephone: Copyright 2014 Swatch newsletter of Southwestern Washington Synodical Women s Organization, Women of the ELCA. Articles may be reproduced by Women of the ELCA Units provided each copy carries the notice Reprinted with permission from Swatch, the Southwestern Washington Synodical Women s Organization newsletter, copyright 2014 Swatch. 4

5 CONVENTON of WOMEN of the ELCA Region 1-C Southwestern Washington Synod October 11, 2014 Peace Lutheran Church and Community Center 2106 South Cushman, Tacoma, WA Handicap Access Friendly Complimentary Childcare Available: Pre-reservation Required Keynote Speaker: Rev. Julie Kanarr, Christ Lutheran Church, Belfair, WA Other Special Guests: Gwendolyn Edwards, Churchwide President s Representative Inez Torres Davis, Churchwide Staff, Women of the ELCA Rev. John Stroeh, Peace Lutheran, Tacoma, WA, Convention Pastor One registration per form. Please make copies. Registration $30.00 includes two meals. Name Address City, State, and Zip Code Your phone number Your address Who is the voting member (delegate) from your church? Please indicate special diet or dietary restrictions: Childcare reservation: Number of children What are their ages? Bring a sack lunch for your children. We must have pre-reservation for child care. Partial scholarships are available. Call Shirley Hines if you have questions: Registration transferable, but not refundable after September 20, Registration deadline October 1, Convention registration $30.00 includes two meals. Send registration form with $30.00 check payable to SW WA SWO to: Shirley Hines, Registrar PO Box 4596 Spanaway, WA

6 The Lydia Circle at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Olympia, WA celebrated the August Gather magazine Bible study about Lydia by wearing purple to their luncheon meeting. Their pastor, Rev. Chuck Harris, led the Bible study. Check out the purple ladies in the picture below! The Bible Study Event August 23, 2014 brought 146 women (and a few men) from around Southwestern Washington and Northwest Washington to Trinity Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA for the 26th year of the Bible Study Event with the author of the Gather magazine Bible study. Carol LaHurd, Chicago, Illinois, author of the study titled Transforming Life and Faith, challenged the women with the theme Bible verse: Be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2b. She led the women in a discussion of how women are called to faith and service, and how important it is to nurture faith by conversation. In other words, keep on talking about faith. She dealt with the hard issue of suffering and endurance as well as encouraging women to remember the example of the early church and how they moved to the worldwide mission as led by Jesus followers such as Peter, Philip and Paul. Leader Guides and Companion Bibles were available for sale. The women of Trinity Lutheran were hostesses at the morning coffee and noon lunch. The all day Bible Study Event ended at 3:30 pm. Did you know that the digital version of Gather can be purchased for ipad, Kindle, Android and online for the cost of the magazine? See more at Direct link to in the media is in the middle of the page at 6

7 Please register for the convention! The 2014 Southwestern Washington Synodical Women s Organization Convention will be held on October 11, 2014 at Peace Lutheran Church and Community Center in Tacoma, WA. On the business agenda will be the second reading of a motion to reduce the number of board members from seven to five. The first reading and affirmative vote for this constitutional change occurred at the 2013 convention. Have you ever wanted to visit Peace Community Center in the Hilltop area of Tacoma, WA? You have the opportunity to do just that at our convention on October 11, One of the workshops offered will be an informative overview of the Peace Community Center and the work they are doing. Please come! This convention will be full of hospitality and hospitality ideas for you to take home to your unit. After all, women are the heart of the home and the hands reaching out to their family, friends, and churches! Come to our Open Hearts Open Hands convention! Inez Torres Davis, Director for Justice, Women of the ELCA, coordinates the grants program, and develops programs, events and conventions related to racial justice, crosscultural understanding, commercial sexual exploitation and the care of creation. She supports Today s Dream, Tomorrow s Reality, our network of racial justice educators and advocates. Inez will give a power point presentation on human trafficking. 7 Gwendolyn Edwards, Churchwide WELCA board member, is the president s representative to our convention. Gwen is from Bellevue. No, not Washington. This Bellevue is near Omaha, Nebraska. She will give a report from Churchwide Women of the ELCA and lead a workshop at the convention. She wants to get to know you and talk to Y O U!! Have you nominated someone to be a board member on the SW WA SWO board? Nomination forms were in the last newsletter but can be requested from Carol Fossum if you need a copy. At this convention, you will elect YOUR SWO board members for October Rev Julie Kanarr, convention keynote speaker. Hospitality Matters A traditional table prayer begins, Come Lord Jesus, be our guest What happens when Jesus responds to that invitation? Pastor Julie Kanarr will lead us in a Bible study that explores the story of a dinner scene that opens the door for us to consider hospitality in a whole new way. The Rev. Julie A. Kanarr serves as pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Belfair. A native of Port Townsend, she is a graduate of PLU and of Luther Seminary. She has written extensively for Gather magazine and its predecessor, Lutheran Woman Today. Three of her recent articles for Gather magazine have received national awards. Her next article, How Do We Think About Enemies is forthcoming in the November issue of Gather. She has also written devotionals for Christ in Our Home, is a contributing writer for the worship resource Sundays and Seasons, and has written assorted other worship, devotional, and educational materials for Augsburg Fortress Publishers, the ELCA, and Logos Productions. Pastor Kanarr also enjoys sea kayaking, rowing, bicycling, and hiking. She frequently launches her hand-built wooden sea kayak from the Christ Lutheran beach to explore the waters of Hood Canal.

8 Southwestern Washington Synodical Women s Organization (1-C) Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America October 2012 October 2014 President: Carol Fossum th Avenue East PUYALLUP, WA carolfossum@comcast.net Vice President: Mary Ann Nelson PO Box 368 CATHLAMET, WA manelson@teleport.com Secretary: Kathy Ifft, th St East PUYALLUP, WA Cell phone kathyifft@msn.com Please note new address. Treasurer: Send unit offerings to her! Shirley Hines PO Box 4596 SPANAWAY, WA shines1944@msn.com Empowering Life. Beyond Incarceration! SWO Prison Mission and Ministry Team Sharon Peterson empoweringlife@aol.com Joan Nelson joan2nelson@comcast.net PO Box 1803 GIG HARBOR, WA SWATCH editor Carol Fossum th Avenue East Puyallup, WA carolfossum@comcast.net Board Members: Linnea Glover 3154 Pear St SE OLYMPIA, WA linneaglover@gmail.com Geni Hammer (Appointed) NE 142nd Ave BRUSH PRAIRIE, WA genihammer@comcast.net Beth Lindell SE 323rd St AUBURN, WA bethlindell@hotmail.com Kathy Newton 2640 Garfield LONGVIEW, WA Cell phone newton7936@comcast.net Sue Anna Tucker 5068 SE Horstman Rd PORT ORCHARD, WA sueannagrace@gmail.com Today s Dream, Tomorrow s Reality Racial Justice Advocacy Team Sue Ferber-Goodspeed, Janean Moriarty, Denise Powell and Helene Pearch 4806 Bend Drive NE LACEY, WA bhpearch@comcast.net Churchwide Board Member From SW WA Synod Women (elected at 2014 Triennial Convention of Women of the ELCA) Ely Smith, CWO WELCA treasurer 510 Forrest Park Drive TACOMA, WA caboosegal48@yahoo.com 8 Cluster Leaders: Coastal Cluster Position open Evergreen Cluster Position open Ft. Vancouver Cluster Jan Sayler and team NE 165th Street Battle Ground, WA kjsayler@msn.com Mt. Rainier Cluster Nancy Jo Armstrong th Avenue East PUYALLUP, WA leanja@comcast.net Narrows Cluster Vihollie Rice 3713 North 15th Street TACOMA, WA Olympic Cluster Jan Hakanson Robin Lane NE SUQUAMISH, WA Eejhak@aol.com South Sound Cluster Verna Westman Littlerock Road SW ROCHESTER, WA Cell phone verna.westman@gmail.com Three Rivers Cluster Grace Kennedy th ST LONGVIEW, WA kennedygm@comcast.net

9 Southwestern Washington Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Southwestern Washington Synodical Women s Organization Women of the ELCA, Carol Fossum, SWATCH Editor th Avenue East, Puyallup, WA Readers, if you have gotten this far, here is a little more information!! Might as well use up the space that is used for the postal mailed address labels for you who read the newsletter on-line or for those wonderful church people who print the newsletter for you. In This Issue President s Message Treasurer s Notes 2014 Triennial Gathering reports SWO board contact Calendar of Events Convention information Convention registration form Our most important event in the lives of SW WA Women of the ELCA congregation units, those groups of women who support Women of the ELCA locally, synod and churchwide. That important event is the CONVENTION on October 11th. This is a reminder that we need women to register and attend this event, send a voting member and also nominate someone who is willing to consider serving on the SW WA SWO board (that s the board of women listed on page 8 in this newsletter). We will be electing a new board on October 11th. Today I read the Daily Grace for August 27th telling that there are many reasons that we hesitate and say no. Saying yes requires courage and faith. If you have any questions, please or call me. Thanks for reading! Say yes and register for the convention, please! From Carol Fossum Calendar of Upcoming Events October 11, 2014 Convention of Women of the ELCA in SW WA Synod, Peace Lutheran Church and Community Center, Tacoma, WA 9:00 am 5:30 pm Please register for the convention as soon as possible. February 7, 2015 Empowering Life Fundraiser March 6, 2015 World Day of Prayer March 14, 2015 Olympic Cluster Spring Celebration, Christ Lutheran, Belfair, WA April 17-19, 2015 WELCA Retreat, April 17-19, 2015, Dumas Bay Centre, Federal Way, WA A Joyful Heart A Dancing Spirit, Pastor Mary Lindberg, Speaker July 29, Mt Rainier Cluster Annual ice Cream Social Café stirring the spirit within Please don t throw me away or stick me in a file! Instead, take me apart, copy me! Share me with your friends. Your Editor and I thank you. 9