SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL

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1 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL VOLUME XXXI NUMBER 3 July 2012 PRESIDENT Vivian Westgard Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:2) What a fun and inspirational time I had at our 25 th Anniversary Convention in Pierre. It was fun to see you and to receive all the hugs. I meet many wonderful women and I look forward to meeting more in the coming years. Our speakers were truly inspirational. I was encouraged to know more, do more and give more. How beautiful the Woyatan Dancers and the words of Jon Old Horse as he spoke from his heart. How good it was to bring together our former presidents, along with two daughters of President Verna Lee. If you were there, did you notice the corsages, made by Lucille Birkholtz? They represent our efforts to eradicate malaria. The netting reminds us of the mosquito nets which cover people while they sleep, and the powder from some chrysanthemums makes an insecticide that is used to kill mosquitoes. I have mentioned only a few of the many special moments of our time together. It was a fine convention. I wish you all could have been there. We are now in the midst of celebrating 25 years as the Women of the ELCA. Please check out the article in our June 2012 issue of Gather magazine, pages 22-23: WOMEN OF THE ELCA 25 YEARS WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE We have come a long way and we have done much, learned much, given much, yet we see there is always more we can do to further the kingdom of God. So we keep pressing on and on and on, holding each other s hands in support and encouragement. As we move forward into our next 25 years, we need you to like us on Facebook.(Women of the ELCA South Dakota Synod) Please mark your calendars for our 2013 Convention: June 21-22, 2013 at Our Savior s Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls. We will continue to keep in touch and we will continue to search for new ways to do mission and ministry in and through our Women of the ELCA, South Dakota Synod. God bless you in your mission and ministry. Vivian 25 th Anniversary Gift If you would like to give an anniversary gift to the Women of the ELCA, 50% of your gift will go to the Churchwide Women of the ELCA, 50% will go to the Malaria Campaign. You may give your gift in honor or in memory of someone, and we will print the names in our newsletter as they are received. Write check to: South Dakota Women of the ELCA. Sent to: Darlene Bresson 621 S. Lake Drive Watertown, SD th Anniversary Memorials Received. In memory of: Beatrice Westgard & Edith Weeks- Given by Vivian Westgard In memory of: Verna Lee Given by Tracy Lux and Laura Campbell In memory of: Marilyn Schmutterer & Marie Assmus Given by Vicki Persson In memory of: Olga Nelson & Bernice Erickson Given by Kathy Villa

2 SO UTH DAK OTA SY NO DI CA L VOL UME XXI X Page 2 VICE-PRESIDENT ERIKA LEHMANN Dear Sisters in Christ, It was an extraordinary privilege to be a part of the delegation that represented the South Dakota Synod at the first ordination of women in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon (EELC). I had never been to Africa before, and the trip was quite an adventure! First of all, there are a forbidding number of hoops to jump through in order to get there and without our wonderful companion synod coordinator, Cathy Larson, at the Synod Office, I'm pretty sure it would have overwhelmed me. I had to renew my passport, get a visa, numerous vaccinations, as well as an expensive ticket. Fortunately I was told just what to do and how to do it, and so, though there was little time to spare, everything was accomplished in time. Several of the Women of the ELCA Spring conference conventions sent pictures and cards along with us for the women who were being ordained, so we carried them along as a special delivery. Going to Cameroon had not seemed possible to me because I was busy caregiving for my dying mother, but my son Christian had been working as a global mission volunteer there for the school year and I wished that I could. When the opportunity came to attend the first ordination of women, which was to be held in the town where my son was living, I just felt that I was meant to go. My mother died while I was still waiting for my passport, so I am grateful I had agreed to go. The other wonderful aspect to this trip was those who were to travel with me, Karis Gust and Pastor Nyla Shoeld, both of whom were the daughters of missionaries who had served many years in Cameroon. They had not been back for many years and were very excited to be there for this big occasion. The EELC is undergoing some serious challenges and in the week before the ordination we attended long meetings (in French with translation) during which the issues were discussed at length. There was a great deal of stress and concern for the future. The importance of continued strong relations with the partner churches and organizations was emphasized. Then came the culmination of why we were there. This is from my son Christian's blog. "And on Sunday was church. Church for six hours. Six hours. Six hours. Part of it was interminable, but there was a very exciting moment. It lasted forty five minutes but whipped by. When the ordinands were given their robes, women pastors and sponsors circled them to the whooping and hollering of the audience and the electric guitar and drums of the band. And from these cyclones of alb-bestowing emerged the first three women pastors of the Lutheran church in Cameroon. So, why was this so exciting? For me not so much because new pastors were raised, but because I was in the presence of equality in action. Men had been forced to step back and accept their equality with women, to realize that misogynism cannot be a valid structure for any successful institution." Christian and Karis sat in the congregation with many of the missionaries and several thousand members of the EELC and community leaders in the lovely Millennium Church, or "the Cathedral" as it is also called. Nyla and I sat on the chairs in the chancel along with over a hundred other pastors in albs and red stoles of every possible description. It was definitely an occasion to remember always. If you would like to see pictures and read a much lengthier description of our experiences, I invite you to go to our blog: or if you would like Nyla or me, or even both of us to speak at your church or event, please contact us. If we can make it work, we would love to share our story with as many people as possible. Our Companion Synod connections are a blessing to us and our brothers and sisters in Cameroon and Nicaragua. If you have the chance to go on a companion synod trip, consider it a blessed opportunity! In Christ's love, Erika Lehmann NEW SECRETARY MARILYN ABRAHAM My name is Marilyn Abraham and I ask for your prayers and support as I learn and carry out the duties of secretary. As a retired nurse I coordinate the health ministry in our church, Nathanael Lutheran of Alcester. I also serve as church organist, am the Mission Community chair of W/ELCA, and co-facilitate a support group for caregivers of Alzheimer victims. My husband, Bob, and I just celebrated our 50 th wedding anniversary and continue to live on our farm. We love to travel, watch birds, and I enjoy gardening.

3 VOLUME XXX SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL PAGE 3 We have two children, a daughter and a son, who each are married and have two children, making us proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter. We spend a lot of time attending their various activities. We just returned from Outlaw Ranch Family Camp with our family and a family reunion at Joy Ranch. What wonderful camps! I am looking forward to working with a great group of officers, meeting new people, and learning about my duties as secretary. I believe in W/ELCA s mission and expect to grow in my faith as I, with the help of God and returning officers, boldly step into the work of this organization. SECRETARY KATHY HEFFERNAN Hello SD Women of the ELCA! I want to thank the SD Women of the ELCA for trusting me as your state Secretary and Northern Plains Advisor for the past four years. I have grown through the experiences I ve had and have strengthened my faith in so many ways. I wish all the best to the current Board members as they move on to continue the work of Christ through the Women of the ELCA. Farewell, and I ll be seeing you some time soon. Kathy Heffernan, immediate past Secretary SD Women of the ELCA. A brief summary of the Convention Business Meeting June 15, 2012 Call to Order: President Vivian Westgard called the 25 th Synodical Convention Business meeting to order at 1:18 pm. Secretary s Report: M/S/C - D. Jervik/ J. Peske to accept the 2011 Synodical Convention Secretary s Report as written. Report was placed on file. Report of the Nominating Committee: by Chair Erika Lehmann Ballot for election of officers and committees: Vice President: Erika Lehmann (Crossroads) Secretary: Marilyn Abraham (Southeastern) Members at Large: Vicki Persson (Prairie Rivers) and Lucille Birkholtz (Medary) Nominating Committee: Sheryn Ekstrum (Prairie Rivers) and Carie Knutson (Medary) Call for the Ballot: Motion was made to cast a unanimous ballot for all positions. M/S/C J.Peske/ J. Mattison Treasurer s Report: Synodical Treasurer, Darlene Bresson directed the delegation to look at pages of the Convention booklet for the complete Treasurer s report. Darlene noted that the fiscal year ending balance as of January 31, 2012 was: $ Darlene explained that decreased giving, by the units has become a concern when allocating funds for the operation of the SD Synodical Organization. Adoption of the Budget for 2014: Treasurer Darlene presented a copy of the proposed budget, to the delegation, with an explanation. After a short discussion, a motion was made to accept the budget. M/S/C J. Mattison/ N. Renner. Other New Business: 1. SD WELCA Endowment Fund: President Vivian Westgard gave an explanation of the purpose of this fund. Currently the fund balance is: $ The Synodical Board recommends the money from this fund be moved to Fund for Leaders in Mission Endowment (FLME - formerly Answer the Call). Currently the FLME is at $75, By moving The SD WELCA Endowment Fund to FLME, the balance would be $81, Discussion from the floor, followed. CWO representative, Deborah Banks Williams clarified how to transfer SD WELCA Endowment Fund to FLME. A motion was made to move the money in the SD WELCA Endowment Fund to FLME. M/S/C Board/D. Sanderson 2. Budget Questions: Lori Jorenby (Medary) addressed concerns on how the Board will have enough money to cover the Leadership workshop. A brief discussion followed. Motion: To give 50% of Convention offering to CWO and the Board decide on what they need to cover expenses before giving to projects. L. Jorenby motion., E. Griez 2 nd to motion. A lengthy discussion followed. CALL for the QUESTION. President Vivian called for a vote of the delegation. Motion failed by vocal vote. Call for a ballot vote. Ballot vote results: 30 Yes 19 No. Motion passed with a simple majority. Closing of the Business Meeting: Business meeting was adjourned at 3:05 pm. CWO Representative Deborah Banks Williams led the installation of new officers service.

4 VOLUME XXX SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL PAGE 4 TREASURER DARLENE BRESSON For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among you. Matt. 18:20. This Bible verse became reality during the 25 th Synodical Convention in Pierre God was with us and blessed our time together. From the Thursday activities, which were so interesting and enjoyable (not to mention the weather that cooperated so splendidly), to the wonderful closing communion service with Pastor Sarah and Bishop Zellmer, the fellowship and fun was evident everywhere! Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful women, we were able to give some wonderful gifts to our partner missions (as of the end of June): Synodical Offering: $4, % to Churchwide: $2, % to SD Mission Support to Nicaragua $2, (Mike Busbey) Love Offering: $425 $425 to Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Shelter in Pierre (The monetary gift is in addition to the ton of paper products, non-perishable items, clothes, etc. Well, it must have been half a ton anyway just glad I didn t have to carry it all out!) Woyaton Lutheran - $1, (Ps. Piper and the drummers and dancers on Fri night) Silent Auction - $1, (Wow! Such beautiful gifts and handiwork!) $ Lutheran Campus Ministry (SD Campuses) $ Malaria Campaign 25 th Anniversary of WELCA - $300 (memorials given) $150 Churchwide $150 Malaria Campaign Total gifts: $8, Isn t this incredible? What a difference we can make together! Heartfelt thanks to Nancy Dulaney for organizing the Thursday activities in Pierre. From the comments I heard, all the tours and activities were enjoyed the river boat ride was fantastic! Thanks also to Barb Hanson and Gretchen Tweet for being our credentials committee for the convention, and to Barb, Gretchen and Sharon Dierks for handling registration so efficiently! I really appreciate all your help and your can-do attitudes! A couple things I d like to explain from the business meeting: A motion was passed to move an older endowment (created in 1995 to provide annual funding for projects A couple things I d like to explain from the business meeting: A motion was passed to move an older endowment (created in 1995 to provide annual funding for projects and missions), in the amount of approximately $ , to the seminary scholarship endowment. This was done on the advice of Jim Schade, Director of Planned Giving in the SD Synod office. The interest these endowments earn will be used to provide scholarships for female seminary students; the actual endowment is never spent only the earnings of it. During the Treasurer s report, I gave an update on current finances. The regular giving in 2011 was down $5,200 from the previous year, and for the first 4 months of 2012, it s down $1,800. When we receive a regular offering from a WELCA unit, 65% of it is sent to churchwide, and we keep 35% for the Synodical Board expenses. Our bank account is getting so low that it may no longer cover our expenses. Someone questioned our expenses, so I thought this may be the place to explain some of them. As stated above, our offerings to churchwide include 65% of the regular offerings; 65% of the Conference offering; and 50% of the convention offering. We pay for the Leadership Workshop 2 hotel rooms for each conference, Friday evening meal, and mileage for 1 vehicle for each conference. At the Leadership Workshop, we train the conference officers, who then go back and train the unit officers. We have a Winter Board meeting during which we plan the convention. Hotels, meals, and mileage for the Board are a large expense, but 2 women share a hotel room; we eat at fast food or family restaurants; and we share rides whenever practical. So, I believe the Board is being fiscally responsible, and we conserve on expenses wherever we can. A motion was passed at the business meeting that the Board will take their expenses from the SWO offering before we distribute the rest to our partner missions but that won t start until next year. But we also have received $600 designated specifically for Board expenses. A huge thank you to Our Saviors at Spearfish, Canton Lutheran, and Louise Jones of Wakonda for these gifts. A Resolution was presented and passed that the SD Women of the ELCA will continue their contributions and fundraisers to meet our $200,000 commitment to the kitchen at Joy Ranch. I m so happy to report that, as of 6/30/12, this amount is now $193,085.88! Less than $7,000 to go! That s it for this time! I hope everyone was as inspired and moved by the convention as I was. Thank you for your gifts and support! May God bless you! Darlene Bresson, Treasurer I would like to share some of the Thank You s received following the Convention.

5 VOLUME XXX SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL PAGE 5 SD WELCA Thank you so much for the donation of $425 to the Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center. Your support will assist many needing our help to find safety. Be well, Kami Kessler SD Women of the ELCA Dear Friends, Thank you for your generous gift for Mike Busbey, the South Dakota Synod s missionary to Nicaragua. Your support of the South Dakota Synod and the ELCA is appreciated. Your gift will help pay for housing and expenses for our missionary while they share the Good News with our friends in Nicaragua. We acknowledge your gift with gratitude. On behalf of all who will benefit from your generosity, we express deep appreciation for your kindness and say, Thank You! Your gift is a wonderful expression of faith and devotion to God s work. Together we are truly doing God s Work. Our Hands. In Christ, The Rev. David B. Zellmer MISSION GROWTH ARDITH MCFARLAND Greetings from a hot, dry, windy part of western So. Dak. The spring and summer of 2012 will live in history and in our minds for a long time BUT " this too shall pass." I happened to google ---Bible verse/ this too shall pass and found that these words of wisdom do not come from the Bible but it did reference me to II Cor. 4: From the living Bible: 17 These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won't last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in Gods richest blessing upon us forever and ever. 18 So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. I need to be constantly reminded of these words when you see the drought hurting so many people in so many ways!! I hope you have had time to make use of the summer Bible Study in the "Gather" magazine. In the three summer months, the women from my church meet each month, in the morning or evening for a picnic and have the lesson. This works great for us. I know that some of you have an all day retreat and do all three lessons. Do whatever you can to get together and glean from these lessons and I know God will be there to lead and bless your studies. I had written this in my Bible a long time ago--we hear with our ears but there is a deeper kind of listening with the mind and heart that is necessary to gain spiritual understanding from Jesus words. And always write in your Bible with a pen, not a pencil!!! In the July/August "Gather" on page 37 is the new Bible Study schedule, please look it over. We will be talking more about it at our workshop in Mitchell July Hope to see lots of you there. I know that not everyone has access to the Interchange magazine, in the July issue the article "How is your practice," has some very good food for thought. Mission Growth, Ardith WOMENS PRISON MINISTRY Sharon Stark Prison Ministry "To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world." I am quite sure this is how young people at STAR Academy feel when they receive a quilt and a pillowcase from Women of the ELCA. It must be a real day brightener to know that someone cares about them and that they are loved by someone out there who does not even know them. The quilts and pillowcases are gifts that keep on giving. The kids feel the blessing and I have received many thank you s that have said as much. These are kids who are thirteen to seventeen years old who mostly come from families that really don't care for them. They end up getting in trouble and are sent to STAR Academy which can be the best thing that ever happened to them. They go to school, get 3 good meals a day, proper sleep and get help where needed. The ladies that make the quilts and pillowcases also feel the blessing of giving to someone in need. They give of their time and put love and prayers into their awesome work. I also feel blessed because I get to help in some way by organizing it all. The person that embroiders the pillowcases feels the blessing by helping to find the right scriptures for each name with prayer. The person that delivers the pillowcases and quilts is blessed by seeing happy faces. The staff also feels the blessing by seeing that someone cares about their kids. Thanks be to God from whom all blessing flow! It is a blessing to give and a blessing to receive. Thank You, Thank You! Your sister in Christ, Sharon Starks starks.sharon@hotmail.com 206 W Maple St Harrisburg, SD 57032

6 VOLUME XXX SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL PAGE 6 MISSION ACTION DEE SANDERSON MEMBER AT LARGE Vicki Persson We are not in this alone,( Acts 11: 19-30). everyone according to their ability, verse 29. I hope you are enduring this hot spell of weather. As I write this, the July weather is probably pretty typical of a South Dakota summer. You are probably thinking it is time to be completing and packing and shipping your LWR kits and quilts. Lutheran World Relief has a goal of collecting 500,000 quilts for distribution this year. That will be about 25% more than previous distributions. So, the challenge has been given and I anticipate the Women of the ELCA will more than do their part, based on the previous years reports. As we are not in this alone, people world-wide graciously accept our work and our donations in their time of need. You are so generous and should give yourselves a great pat on the back and thanks to the Almighty who makes all things possible. Thanks for all your hard work and generous donations. Keep cool! Dee Sanderson, or , or deesand@aol.com. Newsletter subscriptions that are expired or will be after this issue. Mary Abraham Lorraine Anderson Jackie Fuller Norma Hanson Alma Holm Marilyn Mueller Mary Nicolai Mary Quam Kay Schoppers Jeanette Anderson Ruby Cutts Doris Gross Delores Haugan Delores Johnson Janet Naessig Betty Niemi Esther Schlueter Mary Beth Weise RAISING UP HEALTHY WOMEN AND CHILDREN Summer is almost over, and I haven t accomplished my goals. I decided that I was going to walk daily, and I haven t started. Starting in August I am going to walk 2 to 4 miles every evening. (even if it s hot outside). I feel so much better when I get some exercise. The number one cause of death in women is heart disease, number two cause is cancer, and the number three cause of death is stroke. All of us are affected by heart disease, cancer, and stroke and indirectly by high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and pneumonia. The GOLDEN YEARS aren t golden for many of us. We need to start making a difference in our own life and in the lives of those around us. All of us need to serve as healthy role models. We need to be committed to raising up healthy women and girls by educating women to care for themselves physically, spiritually, and emotionally. We need to share our knowledge and experience to all women to prevent a health crisis. I am a nurse and I don t always make healthy food choices for my body. Spirtually you need to renew your soul by attending Bible Study and church. A good book that I am reading now is LETTERS OF LOVE Sermons and Reflections by Mark and Sandy Jerstad. It is an uplifting book that I would recommend. Try to maintain your emotional health by decreasing your stress. You need to have good friends and pursue meaningful activities. Healthy women can produce healthy families. Hope to see you walking even if it is only one block or two. Walking makes us all feel better. GLOBAL HEALTH MINISTRIES Hickory Street NE Minneapolis, MN 55432

7 VOLUME XXX SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL PAGE 7 BREAD FOR THE WORLD Cathy Brechtelsbauer Thank God for Food Stamps! I heard a South Dakota mother say, "If we did not have food stamps, we would not have any food to eat. I don t know what would happen." Her 14- year-old son is growing fast. He eats a lot. He wants to be a doctor. Her daughter, age 15, wants to be a hair stylist. She likes to make salads for the family, but the ingredients, the mother notes, used to be cheaper. So many people like her have lost jobs, or had hours cut, that the average income of households with food stamps is a mere 57% of the poverty line. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the new name for food stamps. Most benefits go to households with children, seniors, or people with disabilities. What a Godsend! One of SNAP s most important features is fast response to economic conditions and disasters. Enrollment goes up and down almost exactly with unemployment and underemployment. This mother is terrified that food stamps might be cut. I am too. Despite complaints about food stamps, we cannot imagine the hunger in our state and nation without it. What would happen to children s learning, health, and future productivity? To sick people? To the unemployed? Some in Congress are pointing to fraud in SNAP, apparently as an excuse to make cuts. But it is cruel and unnecessary to single out food stamps for bad publicity. Why not say what is good about food stamps? For example, it has the lowest, most enviable, fraud rate in the federal government, not more than 1%. Congress could look for bigger savings by applying such scrutiny elsewhere. Private charity is very important but could not possibly make up for cuts in our public food assistance programs, which are vastly bigger sources of food assistance than what churches and other charities provide. For example, to make up for the cuts in critical food programs that the House of Representatives has voted for, every church in the country, large and small, would need to raise $50,000 each year for ten years. Christians can help by asking Congress not to cut food programs and also by helping reduce stigma. About half of all American children will receive SNAP benefits at some point before age 20. So many South Dakotans are being helped by food stamps, or have been, or will be, that any words you say, kind or unkind, will likely be heard by someone who could use a lift. Jesus habit was to speak well of society s marginalized. So, why not say something appreciative, rather than pass on negative stories? Let s applaud the food stamp program for its responsiveness, its accuracy rate, its importance to the health of the nation, and to the economy, and to agriculture, and its basic human decency. Congress should make a circle of protection around basic assistance for low-income people near and far. If children are to grow up able to fulfill their potential and pursue their dreams, they must be well nourished in their growing years. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cathy Brechtelsbauer, , ryebread@breadrising.org, Bread for the World-SD, PO Box 143, Sioux Falls SD ST. DYSMAS MINISTERY REV. MARLIN WANGSNESS Dear Friends, It was, as always, a pleasure to be with your representatives at the state meeting in Pierre. I have always greatly appreciated the support that St. Dysmas has received from the WELCA. The church on the outside frequently experiences a slow down during the hot summer months. It is hot in the prison (no A.C.) but not much slows down. Attendance has been constant (87 since the middle of May). Everything continues pretty much as normal. After all, St. Dysmas members don't take long weekends! Please continue to remember St. Dysmas in prayer, especially the young men who are hearing the Good News of Jesus in a meaningful way for the first time. In Christ, Pastor Marlin Wangsness

8 Page 8 SOUTH DAKO TA SYNO DICAL Volume XXX PRISON CONGREGATIONS Mary Mortenson All About Mission By Mary Mortenson, Director, Prison Congregations of America This is the time of year when I get to visit churches and events and speak about what s going on with Prison Congregations of America. We know that our faith is strengthened as we try to be the hands of God in our world. We know that when we do this, the blessings are ours even as we strive to be blessings to others. Typically, prison is not a place that fosters generosity or serious thought about the other. Much of the inmates energies are spent on surviving, just doing their time and getting out, or on staying away from negative influences. It s easy for life to become all about me. When a prison congregation enters into this scenario, amazing things happen. As inmates dare to believe that there is a God whose love for them is more powerful than their worst decision, they start to realize that they are part of a larger body and that they are called to serve that body. Men at St. Dysmas South Dakota crochet hats for people in need. The women of St. Francis of Assisi Christian Church in Draper, Utah commission missionaries from the outside to deliver socks to homeless people in Salt Lake City. There is a prayer shawl ministry at Grace Place in Memphis, Tennessee. These mission efforts matter. Because of these efforts and others, people in God s world are warmed and cared for, and that inspires me. More and more I understand that this amazing ministry in which I am involved allows God s blessings to splash all around inside, outside and even on the razor wire that separates us. You are in this adventure with us. Please continue to remember us through prayer and financial support. LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTERY Pastor Bob Chell Things are busy at the University Lutheran Center at South Dakota State University even in the summer. We are excited that we ve received a grant which will pay half the cost of replacing our failing retaining wall, replacing our worn out windows and adding a heat pump which will reduce our heating costs and even help cool the building on those sweltering Sunday mornings in September. Total cost for the project is $34,000 which means we will be inviting support from congregations, alumni, friends and Women of the ELCA to fund the other $17,000. Plans for fall programming are falling into place too. Next spring we are planning a mission trip to San Diego, CA and Mexico with the other campus ministry sites in South Dakota: University of SD, SD School of Mines and Technology, Black Hills State U and Northern State U. Turning over a quarter to a third of our congregation every year and three quarters of our peer ministry staff means we are always in a time of transition. It makes ministry challenging, fun and rewarding. We still have a bit of work to do to finalize our staffing and programming for the fall but we anticipate another great year of ministry here at South Dakota State University. Pastor Bob Chell, University Lutheran Center South Dakota State University The photo shows the retaining wall which if failing. Although you can t see it in the picture, a number of timbers have rotted and are simply propped up in place.

9 Volume XXX SOUTH DA KO TA SYNODICAL Page 9 LUTHERAN PLANNED GIVING Jim Schade Triple My CD Return With a Charitable Gift Annuity A charitable gift annuity is a contract between you and the ELCA Foundation. You can transfer your CD in exchange for a promise to pay you fixed income for your life. The income can be quite high depending on your age, and a portion of your income stream may even be tax-free. Best of all, you will receive a charitable deduction for the value of your future gift to ministry plus the satisfaction of contributing to a worthy cause. Examples of rates based on your age: Age Rate Age Rate Age Rate % % % % % % % % % % % % Lutheran Planned Giving of South Dakota would be happy to provide you with specific information. We will personalize an example for your situation or provide you with other planning ideas which meet your objectives. To receive a complimentary personalized illustration, you may contact: Jim Schade Kurt Osborne schade@augie.edu osborne@augie.edu Toll Free COMPANION SYNOD Cathy Larson Schedule of Cameroon Missionaries in South Dakota Churches On August 12 June and Phil Nelson have plans to be in Sisseton at Grace Lutheran. Please call the church to confirm. Willie and Anne Langdji will be in Mobridge on August 22. Please check with Norway, Glenham or Trinity, Mobridge for the schedule. Phil and June Nelson will be in Sioux Falls at Gloria Dei Lutheran on September 8 and 9. Sat. eve service 5:00pm and Sunday services 9:00 and 10:30 am. Phil and June will be in Aberdeen at Bethlehem Lutheran on September 29 and 30. Sat eve service 6:00 pm and Sunday services 8:30 and 10:45 am with conversation between services. Thanks to all who were at the WELCA Assembly, the Synod Assembly or the Glocal Event at Our Savior s in Sioux Falls and were attentive to Mike Busbey s messages. You can read all about his South Dakota Adventures and his work in Nicaragua on his blog Nicaragua.blogspot.com 2014 National Convention Promotor ATTENTION: All SD Women of the ELCA... All aboard for Charlotte North Carolina, July 24-27, Do we fly, charter a bus or drive? I go to Chicago August 10,11,12 to learn about all the exciting parts of the convention, and will be back to share the excitement with you all after that, so watch for the next Newsletter for more details as I get them. I am open to hear from you all on any suggestions to make this inviting and inspirational for all of us. Call me at or me at mattisonj@knology.net I ask for your prayers for me as I work on this and prayers that you all can join us. In Christ, Janet Mattison 2014 Promoter

10 Page 10 SOUTH DA KO TA SYNODICA L Volume XXX LUTHERANS OUTDOORS Mara Stillson Feedbunk Fun! South Dakota Women of the ELCA, you continue to fill up that measuring cup! In April your total was $178,444, TODAY you have raised $191, toward your goal of $200,000 for the Joy Ranch Kitchen. Thank you so much!! We are so appreciative! Ben Richardson was hired as the head chef for Joy Ranch and has been cooking up some tasty vittles. Join in on one of the Joy Ranch Programs or bring a group for the day to get a taste! Another new addition featured at Joy Ranch, a garden full of fresh produce full of vegetables, greens and herbs to be used in the kitchen. The sidewalk leading up to the raised bed allows all people to experience gardening while at Joy Ranch. I feel like a different person here! Even if you lose God, he never loses you. There are so many different ways I can help everyone in our community to just make this world a better place. God really gets it! All the different emotions and situations we go through, God is with us all the way. The staff was amazing, the food was great. I absolutely learned more about God, made new friends, and more! I m sad to leave. AMR - Getting ready to work on a Habitat House for AMR Servant Adventures. Joy Ranch Jayda s girls stop on main street for a photo during a session of Kids on Horseback. Summer Adventures Underway We are almost half-way done with the summer! It has been another busy summer at Lutherans Outdoors, full of celebration of longevity of staff and the 70 th Anniversary Celebration of NeSoDak. At the same time, new adventures are brewing with the first summer of programs at Joy Ranch have been underway and the dedication of the NEW Maintenance Shop at Outlaw Ranch. Take a look at some of what this summer s campers have to say about their experience, and take a look into Faith Becoming Life at LO summer 2012! Thank you so much for all you give, for the sacrifices you make, and for the hard and faithful work that you do! The Holy Spirit is working through you to change lives. Yay Camp! Klein Ranch Climbing around on the Mini-Badlands is always a favorite activity. Outlaw Youth Campers take a break from Ranch Chores for a photo that is all smiles. NeSoDak Boys working together to hold one another up, that s community! Joy Ranch is one of the most phenomenal places I have ever seen. We marveled at the planning and vision that those involved must have had. Joy Ranch is not just a place to go; it is an experience everyone should have. May God richly bless this place and all of you! (Family Event) Westside Day Camp Showing off a bracelet made during bible study, Westside Lutheran in Sioux Falls is a mission start congregation on the NorthWest side of the city. The 3 day camp was lead by 4 NeSoDak counselors under the Big Top on the land where the church building will be built.

11 Page 11 SOUTH DA KO TA SYNODICA L Volume XXX LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES Beth Massa Expansion of LSS Childcare & Education Services A formal Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held June 28 for Lutheran Social Services Childcare & Education Services at Southern Hills United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, celebrating the completion of a major expansion that will accommodate care for 100 additional children. Lutheran Social Services Childcare & Education Services have been assisting children and families in the Sioux Falls area for nine years. The program offers high quality childcare and education to children aged four weeks through 11 years during the school year and summer. Emphasis is given to hands-on, enriching activities that keep children engaged in learning, says Betty Oldenkamp, LSS President. Our philosophy is to provide children with opportunities to make choices, which instills a love of learning. We are proud to offer quality care and education opportunities in our community. Through the expansion, the program now has the capacity to serve and care for more than 250 children through infant/toddler enrichment, preschool and after school programs. LSS offers enrichment programs for children ages four weeks to three years giving them a jump start on all academic and social skills they will need for preschool. The preschool program offers full or half day learning experiences for three to five year-old children. The expansion allows for more school age students and after-school care offered for students attending three elementary schools in Sioux Falls. Lutheran Social Services offers a unique type of care and learning that optimizes the ability of young children to learn and develop. Care is personalized and based on each child s temperament, interests and learning styles. Some program components include: For infants, toddlers and preschools students, an online product called Teaching Strategies Gold helps degreed teachers be intentional in their teaching by accurately pinpointing where children are in their development and learning. This system also allows parents immediate access to reports that show their child s development and activities. For infants and toddler student, Baby Sign Language assists children in early communication and helps to enhance verbal and social development. Intensive staff interaction and parent involvement make the connections that help little ones learn and grow. Elementary students enjoy learning after-school and in the summer as they choose from a wide variety of engage ing and educational activities. All students engage in service learning activities to in still values of community, caring and compassion. In addition to the Southern Hills location, LSS offers childcare & education services at Hilltop United Methodist Church and First Reformed Church in Sioux Falls. For those WELCA groups that may be interested, tours can be arranged by calling Linda Jensen, LSS Development Officer at or to Linda.Jensen@LssSD.org. TODAY S DREAM TOMORROW S REALITY Racial Justice Advocates Margene Thompson Privilege: A favored state, whether earned or conferred by birth or luck. Most of us drive and some of us have been pulled over by a patrol car. Did all of the following statements automatically go into action when you saw the lights flashing? Or, do the majority of us have white privilege? When pulled over by police keep your hands on the wheel in clear sight. If you are asked for your registration and license slowly tell the officer where they are and ask his/her permission to reach for them. As you reach for them clearly state: I am getting the registration out of the glove box. Move slowly. Do not make un-necessary eye-contact (can be seen as threatening or insubordinate). But do make eye contact since failing to do so can make you appear sneaky and shifty. Do not smile too much (can be seen as sneer or smirk). Do not frown. At no time are you to sass, or be sarcastic with a law enforcement officer. If possible, record your interaction (this should be setup before the officer reaches your car window as your hands must be in clear view by the time the officer gets to your window.) (Dial a friend/relative, and set cell phone on seat). Any passengers are to be silent with hands also in clear view--for example, folded in lap.

12 Page 12 SOUTH DAKO TA SYNO DICAL Volume XXX 25th Annual Synodical Convention of the WELCA June 15-16, Lutheran Memorial, Pierre, SD A wonderful time was had by all!!! The event began on Thursday, June 14, when the ladies could choose from different tours and visits to different places in Pierre. One of the most popular ones was the boat tour of Oahe Marina. It was a beautiful day to be on the water, at times you could see the fish swimming below the boat. A lot more peaceful scene than last year at this time! The actual convention began on Friday morning at 8 AM with registration and a hymn sing. The Synodical Pres., Vivian Westgard welcomed the people and opened the convention. Pastor Don Block led the Bible Study. Following coffee, Mike Busbey, Missionary to Nicaragua spoke to the ladies. Mike has had some very interesting experience while serving in Nicaragua. Half of the convention offering went to the mission work that is being done there. Nicaragua is one of our Synod companion missions. Jan Johnson, spoke about her experience of attending the ELCA World Hunger Leaders Conference in Florida last winter. She had many insights, statistics and examples on how we can all do something to help with the World Hunger situation. Cathy Larson with the Companion Synod, told us about the Malaria Campaign. She emphasised that just $10 would buy a Malaria net for someone to sleep under to prevent being bit by an infected mesquito. In the under privileged countries, Malaria is a very serious disease carried by mesquitos and many die each year from this. Friday at 1 PM the business meeting was held. The treasurer called our attention to the declining balance of our account. Donations to the Synod are needed. There was one Resolution present concerning the completion of the commitment to Joy Ranch Kitchen. Election of officers was held. Re-elected was Erika Lehmann, V-Pres; Vicki Persson, Member at Large; and Lucille Birkholtz, Member at Large. Newly elected was Marilyn Abraham as Secretary and Sheryn Ekstrum and Carie Knutson to the Nominating Committee. Back row: Sheryn Ekstrum, Vicki Persson, Ardith McFarland, Vivian Westgard, Darlene Bresson, Erika Lehmann. Front row: Dee Sanderson, Carie Knutson, Else England, Mary Hildebrant, Lucille Birkholtz and churchwide representative, Deborah Banks Williams. Not able to be there, Marilyn Abraham and Donna Bieber. Churchwide Representative, Deborah Banks Williams spoke to us about the missions and goals of Churchwide. They also are feeling the economic crunch of our nation. She spoke of some of the exciting things happening in our companion synods and our up coming 2014 convention in Charlotte, NC. Oh yes, during the day everyone was busy checking out the Silent Auction items!!! There were many very nice things up for auction. Some responded to the contest of bidding against each other!! Everyone had fun and by Friday night $1, was raised, 50% for Lutheran Campus Ministry and 50% for the Malaria Campaign.

13 Volume XXX SOUTH DA KO TA SYNODICAL Page 13 Pastor Karen Rupp, the TDTR speaker told about her work experience at the Pine Ridge Retreat Center at Pine Ridge, SD. This center is a joint ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Evangelical Lutheran church in America. They work with the children and youth at Pine Ridge. One of the biggest needs that they have is for quilts and blankets. We need oddles. We re trying to build up our I inventory so we can give 140 to the young people staying in the school dorms and 24 to Cohen Home, a residential facility for the elderly, says Pastor Rupp. You can take your gift of quilts to the Synod office to Pastor Bill Tesch and he will get them to Pine Ridge. Janet Mattison served as Mistress of Ceremony at the banquet. The program Happy 25th Anniversary to the Women of the ELCA was the theme. This was a time to honor our past presidents. Those being honored are left to right: His explanation of his church and how it works with the Native Americans was very interesting. Drummer Jon Old Horse gave a very nice testimonial. The five drummers, Jon Old horse is second from the left. Below are the jingle dancers from the Woyatan church. Shirley Selgestad ( ), Myla Kneeland ( ), Tracy Lux & Laura Lee Campbell in memory of their mother, Verna Lee ( ), Janet Naessig ( ), Sheryn Ekstrum ( ), Verdelle Anderson ( ), Vivian Westgard (2011 ), Churchwide Representative, Deborah Banks Williams. Absent: Delpha Mattison ( ). Following the banquet in the dining room, we returned upstairs to the Sanctuary for a presentation by Pastor David Piper from the Woyatan Lutheran church in Rapid City. Pastor Piper had brought 5 drummers and 4 young girls to present a program of Native American drumming and dancing. Saturday morning opened with a hymn sing. Pastor Erika Lehmann then told us about her trip to the Cameroon in Africa. Her son is a missionary there. This is also one of our companion synods that our mission dollars help support. At 10 AM the closing ceremony began. Pastor Sarah Goldammer presided with Bishop David Zellmer giving the message. Churchwide Representative, Deborah Banks Williams installed the officers for Following worship, Bishop Zellmer remained to answer numerous questions from the those attending. There were approximately 100 ladies attending the Convention this year.

14 Page 14 SOUTH DA KO TA SYNODICA L Volume XXI X LUTHERANS OUTDOORS Karen Krause QUILTS, QUILTS, QUILTS! Lutherans Outdoors 23rd Annual Quilt Auction Joy Ranch Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota is the grateful recipient of 100 handmade quilts, lovingly created and donated by quilters from across the state. All proceeds directly benefit the five LO camps - NeSo- Dak, Klein Ranch, Outlaw Ranch, Atlantic Mountain Ranch, and Joy Ranch. The auction will be held indoors this year, in air-conditioned comfort in Joy Ranch's beautiful dining room. QUILT VIEWING - Joy Ranch Dining Room - QUILTERS AND WELCA GROUPS are invited to view quilts and tour Joy Ranch on August 23rd or 24th. Lunch is available for $6, lunch reservations required or joyranch@losd.org 10:00-6:00 Thursday, August 23 10:00-8:00 Friday, August 24 10:00-1:00 Saturday, August 25 CONFERENCE COORDINATORS Prairie Coteau: Edna Anderson, th Ave., Veblen, SD 57270, PH , tomanderson.2562@yahoo.com Medary: Lori Jorenby, th Ave., White, SD 57276, PH , cjorenby@itctel.com Crossroads: Beth Wilcox, 1304 S Blauvelt Ave, Sioux Falls, SD (W) cell beth.wilcox@cchs.org Southeastern: Glenda Ofstehage, 2921 Pettersen Rd., Vermillion SD ofste@q.com Northern Plains: Mardella Bieber, P.O. Box 266, Bowdle, SD 57428, PH: dmbieber@abe.midco.com Prairie Rivers: Lois Storm, rd St, Corsica, SD PH: thestormfamily@hotmail.com Margene Thompson: th St., Letcher, SD amthompson@santel.net PH: QUILT AUCTION - Sat, Aug 25 10:00-1:00 Quilt Viewing Buggy Rides Self-guided tours 11:30-1:00 Lunch $6 1:00-2:00 Bidding number registration 1:40-2:00 Pre-auction warm-up - Joy Ranch Dining Room 2:00-5:00 Quilt Auction - Joy Ranch Dining Room SAVE THE DATE!!!! QUILT AUCTION AT JOY RANCH AUGUST 25TH (Saturday) Bear Butte: Laura Lee Campbell, 1020 State St., Spearfish, SD PH: oslc1@rushmore.com Please remember, all addresses MUST be your mailing address, some of you have 2 addresses, a physical address (street or 911) but I have to have your mailing address to insure that your newsletter is delivered.

15 Volume XXX SOUTH DA KO TA SYNODICAL Page Synod Officers PRESIDENT: Vivian Westgard, PH: nd St. NE, Watertown, SD 2nd year, 1st term (Prairie Coteau Advisor) VICE-PRESIDENT: Erika Lehmann, PH: , S. Sertoma Ave. Unit 101, Sioux Falls, SD st year, 2nd term (Crossroads & Southeast advisor) SECRETARY: Marilyn Abraham, PH: , th Ave., Alcester, SD st year, 1st term (Southeast advisor) TREASURER: Darlene Bresson PH: S. Lake Dr., Watertown, SD nd year, 2nd term (Prairie Coteau Adv.) MISSION ACTION: Dee Sanderson, PH: ; 2305 Sanderson Dr., Aberdeen, SD nd year, 1st term (Northern Plains Adv.) MISSION GROWTH: Ardith McFarland, PH: Ricard Rd, Sturgis, SD nd year 2nd term (Bear Butte Advisor) MISSION COMMUNITY: Mary Hildebrandt, PH: PO Box 86, Ramona, SD nd year, 1st term (Medary Advisor) MEMBER AT LARGE: Vicki Persson, Ph: , th St. Corsica, SD st year, 2nd Term (Prairie Rivers Advisor) MEMBER AT LARGE: Lucille Birkholtz, Ph: , E- mail: rd St., Willow Lake, SD st, 2nd term (Medary Advisor) LITERACY CHAIRPERSON: Sally Hillner Minnesota Dr., Brookings, SD PH:605- RACIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATES Formerly TODAYS S DREAM TOMORROW S REALITY: Mardella Bieber PH: dmbieber@abe.midco.net PO Box 266, Bowdle, SD Margene Thompson: amthompson@santel.net PH: th St., Letcher SD NEWSLETTER: Lucille Birkholtz PH & FAX: LMBirk@itctel.com rd St, Willow Lake, SD FACEBOOK GURU: Maria Birch mariabirch@midstatesd.net Dates to remember: 2012-HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO THE WOMEN OF THE ELCA August 25, Saturday, Lutheran Outdoors Quilt Auction at Joy Ranch. June 21-22, th Synodical Convention at Our Savior s Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls July 24-27, 2014, Triennial Gathering at Charlotte, North Carolina PASS IT ON!! This SD Synodical Newsletter is published to inform Women of the ELCA of the SD Synodical happenings, activities and opportunities with the Synod.The newsletter is published four times a year: February, April, August and November. Please share this newsletter with your congregational unit officers: President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Mission Growth Mission Action Mission Community Anyone can subscribe to this newsletter for $5 per year. You will receive four issues. Due dates for article are Feb. 1, April 1, August 1, November 1. Name Mailing Address: City, State & Zip Make your check payable to SD Women of the ELCA and mail it with the above information to: Darlene Bresson, 621 S Lake Dr. Watertown, SD Send Address changes to Lucille Birkholtz, rd St., Willow Lake, SD PH: & Fax: