The Bulletin December 2017

Transcription

1 Your Organization NORTH CAROLINA SYNODICAL WOMEN S ORGANIZATION Newsletter Date Volume 1, Issue 1 The Bulletin December 2017 The Bulletin is issued monthly, except July and August; and is the major method of communication with the congregational units. Receive it either by or regular mail. You automatically receive it if you are a unit president, a conference leader, a board member, or serve on a committee. The deadline for articles to be entered into The Bulletin is the first of the month, for the next months issue. You are welcome to print as Inside this Issue From the Desk of the President One Day Retreat Word Day of AIDS Discipleship Advent, Etc Stewardship Fall Gatherings Offerings Justice Renew, Recycle, Reuse and Renew Justice Crossnore School Nomination Information Calendar Page..1-2 Page.3-5 Page..6 Page...7 Page...8 Page...9 Page..9 Page Page From the Desk of our President December 2017 The keynote speaker at our Annual Gathering last summer pointed out there are 365 times in the Bible that we are told "do not be afraid." One time for each day of the year we are reminded not to fear; but sometimes that is easier said than done. When I was recently waiting in the doctor's office to hear the results of a diagnostic mammogram, I wondered how anyone can heed that admonition. After my annual visit to my gynecologist, I was referred to the imaging center for further tests. The few weeks in between those two appointments seemed like forever but the few minutes while the technologist conferred with the radiologist was excruciating. You see, I wanted to know immediately what the results were; but I had to wait patiently until the time came. Don t those words sound a little familiar?

2 Like Mary, waiting until the time came for her to deliver her child, we wait... and wait...and wait. And that day, while I waited, I was afraid. I admit it. I was afraid! But afraid of what? I was afraid of leaving projects unfinished, of not visiting places I wanted to see, of what it would be like for my family without me, of how others would feel. Wow! That sounds a little egotistical now that I think about it. Without me, life would go on and the things I haven't finished would not matter anymore. What was I thinking? Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life; and I will live (paraphrased) in the house of the Lord forever. God was there and my prayers were answered. Whatever words the technologist spoke when she returned, I heard, "do not be afraid." Everyone may not be as fortunate and hear the same words from the medical provider that I heard but still God is there saying, Do not be afraid, or fear not. What is your greatest fear? Several things that I fear come to mind heights, snakes, mice - just to name a few. Out of curiosity, I searched online and I found an extensive list of fears or phobias that afflict people. There is a phobia to cover about any situation you can imagine. I can always conjure up something to fear, or worry about, and I am sure you can too. What I mentioned earlier, about not finishing something or not doing something that I have always wanted to do, may be one of your fears too. It is easy to say, I will do that tomorrow, or next week, or next month. One of the things I have heard some women say is, maybe next year. Next year I will serve on that committee, or next year I will place my name on the ballot for board member or officer of the NC Women of the ELCA. Every year at least four board members and two officers are elected and this is the time to submit nominations. And some of you will say again, Not this year, maybe later, but when is later? I have a quote attributed to Martin Luther displayed where I can readily see it. It reads, How soon not now becomes never. So I ask you, if not now, when? Now is the time for nominations to the synodical board as well as for president and treasurer. Set aside your excuses, confront your fears, and heed the admonition we hear in scriptures, Do not be afraid. Remember the famous words of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Grace and peace to you, Susan NC Women of the ELCA President 2

3 Discipleship Committee Lisa Philbeck and Alecia Harrison One Day Retreat Saturday, February 10, 2018 Snow Date: February 17 3

4 LOCATIONS You may register for any of the following locations. Be sure Amity Lutheran Church State Rd 1001, Cleveland, NC Calvary Lutheran Church 285 N. King St., Morganton, NC Haven Lutheran Church 207 W. Harrison St., Salisbury, NC ONE-DAY RETREAT Saturday, February 10, 2018 Snow Date: February, 17, 2018 Check-in/Fellowship begins at 9:00 am. Program begins at 9:30 am at all locations and ends by 2:30 pm. $10 Registration Fee: Lunch, mid-morning snack and program materials are included. Women do not have to be Lutheran to enjoy this retreat, so bring your friends and neighbors. Encourage teens and young women to participate. A limited number of Leadership Legacy (ages 14-18) and Young Women Guest (ages 19-30) scholarships are available. Request a scholarship on the registration form. Registration Deadline: January 29, 2018 Lord of Life Lutheran Church 2100 Buffaloe Rd, Garner NC Lutheran Church of the Nativity 2425 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, NC Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church 3600 US-601 S., Concord, NC St. Paul s Lutheran Church 2719 Bellemont-Alamance Rd Burlington, NC Wesley Pines Retirement Community 1000 Wesley Pines Rd Lumberton, NC Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing. Psalm 100:1-2NRSV

5 REGISTRATION FORM to denote your location choice on your registration form. Location Attending: Name: NC SWO One-Day Retreat So, you love to sing more than eat or you can t carry a tune in a bucket, yet everyone can Make A Joyful NOISE! Phone: Your Congregation: Congregation City: Special dietary needs: Other special needs: Leadership Legacy Scholarship request: Young Woman Guest Scholarship request: Age if requesting a scholarship: Whether it s banging two sticks together, clapping your hands, whistling or strumming your guitar, we are going to make a joyful noise. You ll enjoy learning more about some of our favorite songs of praise: hymns, old gospel favorites, contemporary and spirituals. We ll make cool rhythm instruments and play along. Don t miss out on the fun! Mail to Registrar: NC Women of the ELCA 3309 GB Blanton Road Shelby, NC lwphilbeck@gmail.com Enclose $10 check payable to: NC Women of the ELCA Mail by Janua 5

6 WORLD AIDS DAY December 1, 2017 DO WE UNFAIRLY JUDGE PEOPLE WITH AIDS/HIV? It was a day in August of 1986 when I received word that my uncle had passed away. He was 52 years old. He had been in and out of the hospital most of his life. He lost his brother in his teens to the disease. His sisters had sons with the disease and have since passed as well. And this is not about HIV or AIDS. Hemophilia is a genetic disease passed from the mother to her sons. It is a blood disease that causes the blood not to clot. There is bruising, bleeding and pain. My uncle and cousins were blessed with a blood clotting medicine called Factor H. Factor H helped their blood to clot. However it is made from blood. Back in the 80s blood was purchased by donors to make Factor H. This is where HIV and Aids comes in. My uncle and cousins passed away from HIV/AIDs because of the way Factor H was processed.. Nobody knew about the disease until the 80s. But now we know. The pain and heartache.abounds. We pray for all people and their families that suffer this horrible disease. Let s remind others that AIDS/HIV has not gone away by raising awareness on DECEMBER 1! World AIDS Day is on December 1 every year.. It s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day. Globally, there are an estimated 36.7 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. Despite this, each year more people are diagnosed with HIV, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition. World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education. World AIDS Day is an opportunity to show solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV worldwide. Most people do this by wearing an HIV awareness red ribbon on the day. You can organize your World AIDS Day event or, if you can t host your own event, you can find out how to attend an event near you. Your Board members are preparing for our next Retreat and Committee Day II which will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Mooresville on Saturday, January 20, Have you ever considered serving on the NC Women of the ELCA Board? We are looking to fill several positions- President, Treasurer and 4 Board Members. Look in your November bulletin for job descriptions and applications. These applications need to be in by January 5th. Any of your Board members will be glad to answer any questions. We always need your prayers but consider if there is more that you can do at this time? Thank you for considering!

7 Advent is coming!!! Advent is a wonderful, fun, exciting time of year. We look forward to family gatherings and exchanging gifts. We also anxiously await the arrival of the Christ Child. The One who was promised from the beginning of the scriptures, who came and is still interceding for us today: Thank you LORD for remembering us every day!!!! This is also a perfect time to consider those in your community that will not be able to spend time with family members because of illness, jobs or distance. How can YOU help? Jesus lived among us to show us how we should treat each other. There are many agencies that are willing to use your time, talent or treasure to support their clients. Prayerfully consider who you can help this Advent. Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. Isaiah 10:1-2 NIV Our pennies collection has already purchased a Simple Water Well and a Family Farm! Thank you everyone for your generous donation. These items will benefit families that are food insecure those that have no idea from where their next meal will come. With these fits they will be able to grow and produce food for their families and possibly have extra to sell at the market. What a gift! God is good everyday! I was able to attend A Celebration of Common Prayer on October 27, 2017 at St Thomas More Catholic Church. NC Synod Bishop Tim Smith and Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh brought Lutherans and Catholics together in worship to celebrate what we have in common. What an awesome night! I even got my picture taken with Bishop Smith! We are called to THE body of Christ. What are you doing to be the face of Jesus to the people of your community? What are you doing in with your fellow Episcopalian, Catholic, Methodist and American Episcopal Zion Christians to bring a greater good to our community? Challenging questions but we all have something that we can do. What will YOU do? Alecia Harrison Discipleship Committee PRE-REGISTER FOR THE ELEVENTH TRIENNIAL GATHERING 2020 The Tenth Triennial Gathering just ended (or so it seems) but it is time to plan in advance to attend the Eleventh Triennial Gathering. A special pre-registration price of $265 has been extended until December 31, Payment in full is required at the time of pre-registration. Pre -registration is not refundable, but is fully transferable and can only be used for the Eleventh Triennial Gathering, which will be held July 16-19, 2020, in Phoenix, Ariz. Don t procrastinate! Go to the website ( and register today. You will not regret it.

8 Stewardship Committee Nena Babb Fall Gathering Offerings Report But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 1 John 3:17 Thirteen of the fifteen conferences in North Carolina met for Fall Gatherings, with 448 in attendance. The Women of the ELCA in North Carolina opened their hearts and gave generously to help support many people in our state and overseas. Regular offerings of $3, will benefit those in the eastern part of NC who are still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Matthew. This money will be sent to Lutheran Services Carolinas who will use it to help those in need. Our Pennies Project offerings were $2, Those monies brought our total for Pennies offerings to $6, as of 11/16/2017! As the cost of a simple water will is $2,500 and a family farm is $715, we are now able to purchase two wells and a farm, or possibly one well and several family farms! Thank you! Remember that this project extends until January 2018, the end of our fiscal year. Encourage your church members to contribute as they are able. $875 was contributed to the Christine Bohr Anderson Scholarship Fund. Several conferences reported overages for hosting the event, which totaled $ In-kind gifts of $ and cash of $ was collected to aid community causes. They include: Local boys home-alexander/iredell counties, Sacred Pathways, Food for Caldwell County Yokefellows, Homeless Vets, Family Guidance Center- battered women, Neighborhood food bank, School supplies, Grateful Heart community services, Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center of Scotland County, Gaston County Home for Battered spouses, Urban Ministries, and Steadfast House. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 NC SWO Thirty-first Annual Gathering June Lenoir-Rhyne University Hickory, NC Nominations for Board Positions We have 6 positions to be filled in June 2018 at our NC Synodical Women s Organization Annual Gathering at Lenoir Rhyne University. They are for the offices of President and Treasurer and 4 Board Member positions. If you have anyone in mind for any of these positions, ask their permission, and nominate them. A copy of the nomination forms and the job descriptions for each position are page.

9 ! Justice Committee Tonie Neal RECYCLE, REUSE, RENEW Found in the Fayetteville Observer on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, in a Heloise column was the following food facts According to the web site Say No to Food Waste, in America it is estimates that between 40 to 50 percent of food is thrown away, which is about $165 million worth of food. If we reduced out wasted food by 20 percent, we could feed 25 million Americans. Can you do something different in your kitchen? Change starts with one, will you be the one? For a gift in either of the Crossnore campuses, go to their website at You may purchase a gift for a child, a gift for a cottage, or gift cards. For other Christmas opportunities please contact: Crossnore, NC Campus: Courtney Lane, Advancement Associate (828) or clane@crossnore.org Winston-Salem, NC Campus: Kimberly King, Director of Community Outreach (336) or kking@crossnore.org Another option for empty pill bottle reuse is COOPERATIVE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY 31 FIRST AVE S.E. HICKORY, NC Thank you for your support in making Christmas special for our children!

10 . NOMINATION FORM North Carolina Synodical Women s Organization Women of The ELCA THE INDIVIDUAL NOMINATED MUST CONSENT TO SERVE IF ELECTED. NAME ADDRESS HOME PHONE BUSINESS PHONE AGE RANGE: 34 OR UNDER ETHNIC/RACIAL HERITAGE: NATIVE AMERICAN ASIAN CAUCASIAN PRIMARY LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH NAME OF CONGREGATION OR OVER AFRICAN AMERICAN HISPANIC OTHER (SPECIFY) Please check all that apply to your congregational unit: Re-affirmation of Membership on file with the SWO Leadership/Constitution Committee Regularly meet Participate in Women of the ELCA activities beyond our unit Support financially the total program of the Women of the ELCA Have a leader and receive regular mailing from the synodical and churchwide women s organization ADDRESS OF CONGREGATION CONFERENCE POSITION BEING NOMINATED FOR NAME OF GROUP OR PERSON MAKING NOMINATION DATE NOMINATION FILED COMPLETE BOTH OF THESE FORMS AND RETURN BY JANUARY 5, To: Sharon Johnson, 4237 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC sadj@bellsouth.net

11 EXPERIENCE beginning with the most RECENT. List the experience in each area over the LAST 5 YEARS. WOMEN OF THE ELCA: Congregational Conference Synodical Women s Organization Churchwide Women s Organization Significant involvement in Women of the ELCA prior to last 5 years OTHER CHURCH EXPERIENCE: Congregational Synodical Church-at-Large Interdenominational MISCELLANEOUS EXPERIENCE: Occupational Community Participation Other REASON FOR ACCEPTING NOMINATION:

12 JOB DESCRIPTIONS Job Title: President, North Carolina Synodical Women s Organization Purpose: To ensure that all aspects of the Women of the ELCA are administered and carried out according to the organization s constitution. Responsibilities: Preside at the annual gathering/convention of the synodical women s organization and at meetings of the Board and Administrative Committee. Ensure that the constitution and bylaws of the Synodical Women s Organization are duly observed and that the actions thereof are carried into effect, and appoint all committees not otherwise provided for. Be an ex-officio member of all committees of the Synodical Women s Organization except the Nominating Committee. Assist Secretary in notifying congregational units of the regular convention at least three months in advance, and of a special convention at least one month in advance. Submit a report to each regular convention of the Synodical Women s Organization concerning her work, with observations and recommendations affecting the Synodical Women s Organization. Serve as liaison with the churchwide women s organization and attend the meetings of the Conference of Synodical Presidents. Represent the Synodical Women s organization, or appoint representative to inter-lutheran and ecumenical associations and councils in which the organization participates. Serve as representative to the Synod Council or appoint a representative. Time required: Term of office: The Board generally meets six times a year including two meetings held in conjunction with the annual gathering/convention. Preparation time could require hours per month. The term of office for this position is two years with eligibility for one reelection. Qualifications and skills: Be committed to the mission of the Women of the ELCA. Be an active participant of a unit of the Women of the ELCA. Be able to use a computer and have the ability to organize, motivate and enable. Be willing and able to travel for meetings on weekends. Job Title: Treasurer, North Carolina Synodical Women s Organization Purpose: To keep accurate records of the financial actions of the Synodical Women s Organization. Responsibilities: Provide for the keeping of all records and be accountable for all funds. Be responsible for disbursing funds in accordance with the financial policies of the Women of the ELCA and the budget of the Synodical Women s Organization. Present a complete report, including an audit, to the Synodical Women s Organization convention and an interim report at each Board and Administrative Committee meeting. ARTICLE VIII FINANCIAL MATTERS SECTION 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year and the budget year for the synodical women s organization shall be February 1 through January 31. SECTION 2. Annual Budget. Item 1. The annual budget shall include the synodical women s organization program and operating costs and reflect the interdependent relationship between the synodical women s organization and the churchwide women s organization. Item 2. The proposed annual budget shall be presented to the churchwide executive board for information prior to being submitted to the synodical women s organization convention for adoption. SECTION 3. Financial Report. The synodical women s organization board shall provide annual financial reports to the units within its territory. SECTION 4. Remittances. Regular remittances to the churchwide women s organization according to the established procedures shall reflect the interdependent relationship between the synodical women s organization and the churchwide women s organization. SECTION 5. Financial accountability. Each synodical women s organization shall have an accounting compilation or review conducted by an independent outside accountant or a review by a committee appointed by the SWO board at the end of each fiscal year. The committee appointed by the SWO board shall consist of at least three members, none of whom are members of the current board or of the treasurer s congregational unit. The accounting compilation or review shall be completed by June 15 and submitted to the churchwide women s organization within 30 days of its completion.

13 Treasurer s Job Description, cont. This accounting compilation or review shall be adopted at the subsequent synodical women s organization convention. Time required: Term of office: The Board generally meets six times a year including two meetings held in conjunction with the annual convention/gathering. Preparation time could require hours per month. The term of office for this position is two years with eligibility for one reelection. Qualifications and skills: Be committed to the mission of the Women of the ELCA. Be an active participant of a unit of the Women of the ELCA. Be able to use a computer and perform other duties as demanded by the position. Be able to keep financial records and handle receipts and disbursements in an accurate and timely manner. Be willing and able to travel for meetings on weekends. Job Title: Board Member, North Carolina Synodical Women s Organization (SWO) Purpose: To conduct the business of the SWO between conventions. Responsibilities: Chair or co-chair a synodical committee as directed by the President. Perform other duties as the Board may from time to time direct (e.g. submit reports, write newsletter articles, lead workshops, attend events). Time required: Term of office: The Board generally meets six times a year including two meetings held in conjunction with the annual convention/gathering. Preparation time could require 10 hours per month. The term of office for this position is two years with eligibility for one reelection to the same position. Qualifications and skills: Be committed to the mission of the Women of the ELCA. Be an active participant of a unit of the Women of the ELCA. Be able to use a computer and have the ability to organize, motivate and enable. Be willing and able to travel for meetings on weekends. Revised 10/17

14 CALENDAR NC WOMEN OF THE ELCA October 2017 July 2017 November 2017 Thankoffering/Native American Heritage Month 4 Central Fall Gathering - First, Lexington 5 All Saints Sunday SWO Board Meeting High Rock Lake TBA Lutheran World Relief Fall Collections Drop off Dates Theological Seminar for Women NC Synod Office, Salisbury 23 Thanksgiving December 2017 Advent/Christmas 1 World AIDS Day 25 Christmas 29 Board Reports Due January 2018 Human Trafficking Prevention Month 5 Deadline for submitting nominations for SWO Board 20 Committee Day II St. Mark s, Mooresville 27 Committee Day II (Snow date) St. Mark s, Mooresville February 2018 Black History Month 10 One Day Retreat, Make a Joyful Noise 14 Ash Wednesday 17 Rain Day for One Day Retreat, Make a Joyful Noise Conference of Presidents Chicago, IL 25 Bold Women s Sunday

15 March 2018 Women s History Month 2 World Day of Prayer All God s Creation is Very Good 2 Board Reports Due 9-11 Spring Retreat Kure Beach SWO Board Meeting High Rock Lake April 2018 Child Abuse Prevention Month 1 Easter 16 Deadline for Early Bird Registration for Gathering May 2018 Mental Health Awareness Month 1 Christine Bohr Anderson Seminary Scholarship Applications Due 1 Deadline for Young Women Guests for Gathering 6 Rachel s Day June Synod Assembly 20 World Refugee Day NC Women of the ELCA 31 st Annual Gathering LRU, Hickory 25 Patterson Memorial Scholarship Applications Due 31 Committee Evaluations Due July SWO Board Retreat TBD August Committee Day I TBD

16 Joyce Ohlson Asbury Chapel Road Huntersville, NC Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Charlotte, North Carolina Permit No. 48 Change of Name/Address or Change of Status in Church/Conference Name of Conference... Date of Change.. Church Name/Town. Retiring Officer.. Officer President Treasurer s Assistant Dir.of Comm. Name... Address Phone. Send all changes to Joyce Ohlson Asbury Chapel Road or Huntersville, NC karmagma@gmail.com

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