The Courier. the Allegheny Synodical Women s Organization. VOL. XXV No CONVENTION ISSUE

Transcription

1 The Courier Allegheny Synodical Women s Organization Time Sensitive Material Included! VOL. XXV No CONVENTION ISSUE This is the 2013 Allegheny SWO Convention issue of The Courier. Please read all the articles and forms carefully and share the information with your congregational unit and with all women in your church. CALL TO CONVENTION 2013 The Twenty-Sixth Annual Convention of the Allegheny Synodical Women s Organization will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Evangelical Lutheran Church, Duncansville, PA. All women are invited and encouraged to attend. The theme this year is God is WHERE? which was inspired by the book entitled God is in the Laundry Room (a collection of several Bible Studies). Rev. Susan Williamson (Pine Hall/Gatesburg Parishes) will be our Chaplain and will present a Bible Study using some of the study material from the book. The Convention Scripture is Jeremiah 29:11-13, emphasizing verse 13. There will many opportunities to have fellowship and fun with women from the Allegheny Synod. Come and learn about things happening in the Synod, try your hand at knotting quilts, become informed about community resources relating to preventing domestic abuse, among other workshop opportunities will God be there?? The day will begin with Registration and Refreshments at 8:00 AM, then continues with The Service of Word and Sacrament, Business Session (for delegates) and Workshops (for non-delegates during the Business Session), Workshops for all participants twice during the day, Noon Meal, Presentation by the Churchwide Women s Organization Representative, Closing Worship, Installation of Officers and Board Members and Commissioning of the Triennial Delegates will God be there?? In addition to electing a Secretary, a Treasurer and three Board Members for the ASWO, we will be electing two delegates for the Women of the ELCA Triennial Convention to be held in July, (Please see the Nomination Forms included in this mailing.) Much planning has taken place to prepare for your presence and participation in this great opportunity. Come and be a part of the ministry of the Women of the ELCA on May 4. Won t you come and see if God is there or find out WHERE God is?? (Submitted by Carol McClure, Vice President and Convention Chair) ALL FORMS ARE DUE BY APRIL 15. PLEASE NOTE THE PERSON TO WHOM EACH FORM SHOULD BE SENT. Included are the following: ASWO Nominations Form - Elaine Smith Triennial Nominations Form - Elaine Smith Resolution Form - Elaine Smith Delegate Information Form Jeanne Fleegle (lavender sheet) Registration Form Carol Sauter (manila sheet)

2 QUILTS NEEDED FOR THE CONVENTION We will be providing a Hands-On Activity of knotting LWR Quilts during the workshop times of the convention. If your congregational unit/congregation does the LWR Knotted Quilts as a project, please consider bringing some of your quilts that have been finished (except for knotting ) and yarn. Needles and scissors will be provided. Convention attendees will do the knotting then you can take them back to your church again, so you can include them in your contribution to LWR. To have enough space to set up, we need to know ahead of time how many you will be able to bring. Please complete the appropriate space on the Registration Form. DISPLAYS If you would like to bring a display from your unit, please contact Carol McClure at (814) She will do her best to make sure a table is reserved for you. This would be a great time to share your projects and programs with women from across the Synod. Choice of Stuffed Meat Loaf or Regular Meat Loaf Scalloped Potatoes Baked Beans Fresh Garden Salad Rolls Cake/Brownies Beverages (Please indicate any special dietary needs in the appropriate space on the Registration Form.) The ASWO Convention provides an opportunity for worshipping together with other women, learning new things, seeing the latest resources from Churchwide, getting new ideas for your unit, and just having fun what more could you want?! See you in Duncanville on May 4. CONVENTION WORKSHOPS The workshops are still being finalized. They will include, but are not limited to: 1. a Bible Study by our Chaplain, 2. a presentation by a representative from the Altoona Women s Shelter, 3. a hands-on knotting of quilts 4. connecting with Allegheny Synod Council A complete listing with descriptions will be printed in the Bulletin of Reports and will be available the day of convention.

3 CONVENTION OFFERINGS This year at convention, we will be receiving two different offerings. The first is the Convention Offering which will be sent to churchwide for the ongoing work of Women of the ELCA. The second is the Ingathering Offering which is designated for The Domestic Abuse Project of Family Services, Inc. in Blair County. You may bring your offerings to Duncansville the day of convention or send them to the interim treasurer Vera Wilt, 612 E. Graceville Road, Breezewood, PA Please note convention or ingathering offering on the memo line. We will also be collecting in-kind items for the abuse shelter that day. The following is a list of suggestions: Paper towels Toilet paper Quart-sized zipper baggies Diapers-sizes 3, 4, 5, pull-ups Diaper wipes Bottles with extra nipples Bottle cleaners Baby food Craft supplies Construction paper Women s personal hygiene items Women s underwear They also can use canned food, jarred pasta sauces, and boxed dinners. CANDIDATES NEEDED!! It s that time of year again. The ASWO is looking for candidates to serve as officers and board members. This year we need to elect a sceretary, a treasurer, and three board members. Please give much consideration to this plea and help us find ladies willing to serve in leadership positions of the ASWO. WE NEED WOMEN TO STEP FORWARD AND SERVE. THE SURVIVAL OF OUR ORGANI- ZATION DEPENDS UPON YOU!! Serving at the synodical level is a great way to learn more about our organization. The Board normally meets four times a year, usually in the Altoona area. Board members are expected to attend the meetings and the annual convention, and to act as a liaison to an assigned conference. Please read the job descriptions for each office printed later in this newsletter. The nomination form for ASWO Officers and Board is also included. These forms need to be returned by April 15, so the information can be included in the Bulletin of Reports for convention. Any nominations received after that date will be made from the floor. Nominations from the floor must be submitted to the Nominations Committee by 9:15 A.M. the day of convention. There will be a table for this purpose in the registration area. Please use the nomination form(s) provided in this newsletter. Thanks for your help! The Domestic Abuse Project offers the community the services of professionals and trained volunteers to assist victims of domestic violence. Services Include: Safe Shelter, 24-Hour Hotline, Supportive Counseling, Support Groups, Information and Referral. Easter Peace It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. - Author unknown Never look down on anybody unless you re helping him up. - Jesse Jackson At the end of the day, love and compassion will win. - Terry Waite Evangelical Lutheran Church 1200 Fourth Avenue Duncansville, PA phone (814) Visit their website at dvilleluth@atlanticbb.net. If you need directions to the church, please contact Carol McClure at

4 CHURCHWIDE REPRESENTATIVE TO ASWO CONVENTION Betty Brandt Betty Pedersen Brandt was elected as secretary of the executive board in 2008 and reelected as a board member in She currently serves on the programs and communication committee of the executive board. Betty has served in three different syndical women's organizations. She has served in a variety of positions in each synod. Betty has also been a triennial delegate at two conventions and attended several more. Betty is currently a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, Minn. She has attended women's group meetings since she was a small child; she is a life-long Lutheran. She has shared her faith walk with her Bly and Pedersen families of missionaries and pastors. Betty is a native and life-long resident of Minnesota. Betty and her husband, Gene, have raised three children, now adults: Kathleen, Ann, and Thomas. They are blessed with two sons-in-law and five grandchildren. A graduate of Minnesota State University-Mankato, Betty is a teacher. She has taught all ages of students in a variety of subjects. Her teaching experience includes: art, library, and media; early childhood and family life; parenting education; Red Cross instruction of first aid and CPR; family and consumer science; and home-bound instruction. Betty is the host of a public TV show called "Hobbies, Inc." Betty volunteers with Bigfork Ambulance as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and treasurer. She has been an EMT for about 18 years. She has also been involved as an educational research and development coordinator and presenter. Betty is an honorary member of State Future Leaders of America. Betty is also the treasurer of the Grand Rapids chapter of Association of American University Women (AAUW). Betty is the recorder for the area Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Betty has served as a delegate and national presenter to the American Association of Family and Consumer Scientists, and is the past chair of their ethics committee. She has served as a president of the Minnesota Family and Consumer Scientists. Betty also volunteers with a local homeless shelter called Grace House. In her free time, Betty enjoys being with family and grandchildren, giving and attending Bible studies, reading, culinary and nutritional endeavors, and staying physically and mentally fit. What is the 2013 LWR Quilt Campaign? In 2013, LWR is challenging Lutherans across the U.S. to donate 500,000 Quilts to send around the world to people in need. When you make and send a Quilt, you are not only comforting someone you have never met, but providing an object that is useful in ways you probably never imagined. In addition to being a cozy, clean new bed cover, it can be: a baby carrier, tied around a mother s back; a market display, spread on the ground and piled with vegetables; a sack for transporting those goods to market; a sunshade; a shawl; and most importantly a constant reminder that someone, far away, cares a lot. Even if you have never made a quilt before, why not give it a try. Instructions can be found on the website at lwr.org.

5 2012 LWR COLLECTION LWR Once again this year, we had a very successful collection thanks to the help of many people. Items from the Somerset area were collected at Trinity Lutheran and then taken to New Windsor, Maryland by Jack Hemminger. The collection from this area totaled about 7000 pounds and included more than 1100 blankets/quilts, 350 kits, and quite a few cleanup buckets. Items from other parts of our Synod were collected at Miller Funeral Home in East Freedom on Monday, November 5. The Thursday and Friday before, McQuaide s Trucking collected items from the Johnstown area. Then on Monday, a McQuaide driver brought the load to East Freedom. Grace Lutheran in State College collected items from the Clearfield/ Nittany area on Sunday, December 4. Those items were brought to East Freedom the following day by Spence Garvin and Chris Roberts. Individual congregations from the Altoona/Bedford/Upper Juniata areas brought their items to the truck throughout the day on November 5. John and Elaine Smith from Christ, Claysburg were there to help put them on the truck. This collection totaled over 8000 pounds and included 2057 quilts/blanket/haps, 263 school kits, 623 personal care kits, 31 fabric kits, 26 baby care kits, and 353 bars plus 109 pounds of soap. We owe a HUGE debt of thanks to the following: Jack Hemminger for transportation costs from Somerset to New Windsor; Trinity Lutheran in Somerset for collecting the items in that area; Schneider Trucking for truck and driver and Wal-Mart for transportation costs from East Freedom to New Windsor; McQuaide trucking for collecting the items in their area and transportation costs from Johnstown to East Freedom; Grace Lutheran in State College for collecting the items in that area; Spence Garvin and Chris Roberts for volunteering their time to bring the items from State College to East Freedom; John and Elaine Smith and Miller Funeral Home for donating their time and facility. As you can see this project requires a coordinated effort by many people. Thanks to Lois Lynn, Charlette Smouse and Sarah Ogline for helping make the arrangements. Since all our shipping costs were donated again this year, any shipping money sent to the ASWO was forwarded to Lutheran World Relief to provide toothpaste for the personal care kits and worldwide shipping to get the items to those in need. Thanks to everyone for your generosity COLLECTION Things are well under way for the 2013 Collection. Schneider trucking and Wal- Mart have agreed to pay for the costs of transportation from East Freedom to New Windsor again this year. The truck will be in the parking lot of Miller Funeral Home on Monday, November 3 from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Dates and times for the other locations are being finalized and will be available by convention. LWR is very appreciative of our gifts, but we need to make sure we adhere to their guidelines, some of which have changed over the last few years. Check out lwr.org and click on Get Involved to read the latest information. HELP US REPORT FORMS Thanks to everyone who submitted the Help Us Report Forms. Information from those forms will be printed in future newsletters. A Prayer for Easter Sunday Young Ernie and his family were invited to have Easter Sunday lunch at his grandmother s house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Ernie received his plate he started eating straight away. Ernie, wait until we say grace, demanded his father. I don t have to, the five year old replied. Of course you do, Ernest, his mother insisted rather forcefully. We always say a prayer before eating at our house. That s at our house, Ernie explained, but this is Grandma s house, and she knows how to cook.

6 DAY OF RENEWAL Mark your calendars. SYNOD ASSEMBLY The ASWO Board will decorate the tables for the 25th Anniversary meal at Synod Assembly in June. If anyone is crafty and has any ideas for inexpensive centerpieces, etc. please contact any member of the board by the end of March. Your help would be much appreciated. Thanks. The ASWO will be hosting a Day of Renewal for all ladies of the Allegheny Synod at Christ Lutheran Church in Claysburg on Saturday, November 16. The day begins with registration at 9:30 A.M. and a continental breakfast will be available. The program will be held from 10:00 A.M. to noon. (Details for the program are still being finalized but will have an Advent theme.) Lunch will be served by the ladies from Christ. Following lunch, Richard Merryman from Tyrone will offer an organ concert featuring Advent and Christmas music. The event should end by 2:00 or 2:30 P.M. There will be NO business meeting or election for anything. This will just be a chance to get together as a Synod for a time of learning, entertainment, and fellowship. The cost for the day is $10.00 each. Where else can you get breakfast, a program, lunch and a concert for that price? More information will be available later in the year. For now, plan to gather a group of ladies together and head for Claysburg on November 16. If you would like to invite ladies from other churches in your area, that would be great. This Day of Renewal will take the place of Fall Conference Meetings this year. Seen on a church sign - Salvation Guaranteed or Your Sins Gladly Refunded! NEW EDITOR NEEDED!! We are looking for a new editor for THE COURIER. If you know of anyone or several people who might be willing to take on this task, please see any member of the board. Contact information can be found inside the back cover of this newsletter. 9th TRIENNIAL GATHERING Charlotte, North Carolina It s an inspiring weekend for mothers, daughters, sisters and best friends you call sisters! Enriching workshops, stirring worship, engaging Bible studies and much more! Enjoy a variety of optional tours to learn about Charlotte and the surrounding area. Don t miss this time together with Lutheran women from all around the world. The memories of those I met and who now are Facebook friends keeps the spirit of Christian love fresh, uplifting and just plain fun. Don t look back and wish you were there... be there! Mary Dixon, Colleyville, Texas

7 Celebrating Our Silver Anniversary Women of the ELCA has introduced a new line of sterling silver jewelry featuring the much loved images of water, cross and lily from its logo. The logo, and, in turn, this jewelry, identifies women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as children of God; baptized, forgiven, adopted into God s family, full of grace and hope in eternal life. It is a reminder of the growth, beauty, and vitality that rises out of that lifegiving baptismal water. The line, created by Deirdre Olson, includes a necklace, earrings, a charm and a pin. All are available online and offer women an opportunity to show their commitment to the mission of Women of the ELCA: mobilizing women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ. Prices range from $25.00 for the lapel pin to $45.00 for the necklace with sterling box chain. Visit elca.org and click on the Women of the ELCA link. Observe Rachel s Day on May 5 On Sunday, May 5, congregations across the church will observe Rachel s Day, a day to bring awareness to the alarming number of children killed by gun violence. Churchwide has a new resource in the works that will be available soon. While we wait for the resource, begin the research. Read and pray upon Jeremiah 31: Thus says the LORD: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are not. 16 Thus says the LORD: Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded, says the LORD, and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. 17 There is hope for your future, says the LORD, and your children shall come back to their own country. What are the facts about gun violence in your community? How can you host a safe place for children and teens to talk about gun violence? YUMMY ANGEL FOOD CAKE The following recipe was given to me several months ago. I ve made it a number of times for different events and it s always a hit. Bake an angel food cake. When cool, slice horizontally to make two layers. Combine one container Cool Whip, 1 Box instant pudding, a container of yogurt, and about two heaping tablespoons of jelly or preserves. Beat together until well mixed. (A drop or two of food color makes it pretty.) Cover the first layer with the icing. (You may also add some fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, etc.) Add the top layer and cover top and sides with remaining icing. You may garnish with fruit, etc. if desired. Notes: Regular yogurt works better than Greek. You can use any flavor instant pudding, but white chocolate is very good. Coordinate the jelly or preserves, the yogurt, and the fruit, if used. For example, all strawberry, all raspberry, all peach etc. You can make this lower calorie by using fat free yogurt, fat free or light Cool Whip, sugar-free pudding, and natural preserves. Why not try it. People who aren t even big angel food cake fans enjoy it and it s so-o-o easy. Elaine

8 JOB DESCRIPTIONS SECRETARY: 1. Record and distribute minutes of the Synodical convention, Board, and Administrative Committee meetings. 2. Notify units of the annual convention and of special meetings. 3. Provide a Bulletin of Reports to delegates, Board members, Churchwide representatives, and Synod guests of the annual convention. 4. Keep a register of the roll of the congregational/intercongregational units along with the names of the officers of these units. 5. Secure from the units such reports as from time to time may be required. 6. Record and distribute to all Board members updated lists of all committee members, conference planning committee members, and conference liaisons. 7. Receive and act on all correspondence. 8. Submit to the secretary of the Churchwide Women s Organization a certified list of the regular and alternate delegates to the Triennial Convention elected by the convention of the Allegheny Synodical Women s Organization at least six months before the Triennial Convention. 9. Perform such other duties as the Board may require from time to time. TREASURER: 1. Provide for the keeping of all records and be accountable for all funds. 2. Be responsible for disbursing funds in accordance with the financial policies of Women of the ELCA and the budget of the Synodical Woman s Organization. 3. Chair the Offerings Interpretation Committee. 4. Present a complete report, including an annual audit to the Synodical Women s Organization convention and an interim report to each Board and Administrative Committee meeting. BOARD MEMBER: 1. Transact necessary business and make programmatic decisions between conventions. 2. Each member has a personal responsibility to: A. Attend all Board meetings. (When a member has three unexcused absences - non-notification to president or secretary - that person will be asked to resign.) B. Consider pros and cons of recommendations that require a vote. C. Be familiar with the budget. D. Participate in Board and committee discussions. E. Use parliamentary procedure in decision making. F. Attend Synodical Women s Organization convention. 3. Set policies required for effective and efficient functioning. 4. Supervise and coordinate the work of all committees the Board may appoint. 5. Identify Board members for networking between the Churchwide Organization and the unit, in both programmatic and organizational concerns. 6. Approve the time and place of each convention. 7. Prepare the proposed agenda, rules of procedure, and program for adoption by each convention. 8. Report Board actions to each regular convention. 9. Recommend the budget to each regular convention. 10. Fill vacancies in the offices and Board membership until the next convention. ASWO 11. Determine the fact of the incapacity of an officer or Board member to perform her duties, according to the polices and procedures of the Churchwide Executive Board. 12. Act as the Constitution and Bylaws Committee. 13. Act in such matters as may be delegated to it by the convention of the Synodical Women s Organization. 14. Act as liaison to the Conference Planning Committee (CPC) as appointed by the Board. A. Receive notification and attend planning meetings. B. Be familiar with and adhere to CPC job description and timeline for Fall Conference meeting. C. Conduct election at Fall Conference Meeting. D. Receive information from the CPC regarding nominees and prepare ballots. E. Install the newly elected CPC members. F. Bring greetings and information from the Synodical Women s Organization Board to the conference.

9 Allegheny Synodical Women s Organization Twenty-Sixth Annual Convention Evangelical Lutheran Church Duncansville, Pennsylvania May 4, 2013 PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM BY APRIL 15, Nomination form for ASWO Secretary, Treasurer, and Board Members Check the position(s) in which the nominee is willing to serve. Each nominee must be a participant in an active Congregational/Intercongregational Unit and a member of the ELCA. You must obtain the nominee s consent before submitting this form in her name. Secretary Treasurer Board Member Name Address Telephone Address Congregation Congregational Number Conference Age (please check one) under over 65 Ethnic/Racial Heritage (please check one) Native American African American Asian Caucasian Hispanic Other Primary language other than English (if applicable) LIST NOMINEE S EXPERIENCE ON REVERSE SIDE Note: If a unit wishes to nominate more than one person for an office or offices, copy this form and complete it for additional nominees. Mail or completed form to: Elaine M. Smith 595 Bedford Street Claysburg, PA emsmith@pa.net

10 NOMINEE S EXPERIENCE Beginning with the most recent, please list the nominee s experience in each area for the past five years. WOMEN OF THE ELCA Congregational/Intercongregational Unit: Conference: Synod: Churchwide: Other Church and/or Synod Experience: Community and/or Ecumenical Activities: Occupation: Other Pertinent Information:

11 Nomination Form for Delegates to the Ninth Triennial Convention of Women of the ELCA July, 2014 Charlotte, North Carolina PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM BY APRIL 15, 2013 Name of Nominee Home Address. City & State Zip Code Phone - Day ( ) Evening ( ) Name of Congregation Address of Congregation Nominee s Age Category: 34 or under over 65 Ethnic/Racial Heritage : African American American Indian Arab/Middle Easterner Asian American Caucasian Hispanic Primary language other than English? No Yes, Language Differently-Abled? No Yes Special Challenge Have You Served as a Triennial Delegate before? No Yes - How often? Delegate Responsibilities Delegates to a Triennial Convention are elected by their synodical women s organization for their ability to understand issues and organizational matters. In addition to the delegate s responsiblity to vote her conscience, represent her SWO and all Women of the ELCA, she shall: 1. Prepare for the Triennial Convention by reading and studying all delegate mailings and the Convention Program and Reports. 2. Register at the delegate registration desk at the appointed time. 3. Attend a delegate orientation session at the appointed time, as well as any meetings (pre-convention and/or during the convention) of any committee to which she is assigned. 4. Attend all business meetings of the Triennial Convention. 5. Vote on all ballots and issues that come to the floor of the business meetings. 6. Participate in convention worship services, programs and other functions. (Please list experience and qualifications on other side of this page.)

12 Women of the ELCA Experience - Congregational, Synodical and/or Churchwide - Other Activities in which you participate - Congregational- Community - Vocational /Occupational Exoerience - Other Skills, Gifts, Hobbies - I am willing to accept nomination. If elected, I will attend the Triennial Convention and assume the responsibilities printed on the front of this form. Signature of Nominee Nomination Submitted by Name and Location of Congregation Please Note: A congregation may only submit one name. Please return this form to: Elaine Smith 595 Bedford Street Claysburg, PA (814) home (814) cell emsmith@pa.net

13 Allegheny Synodical Women s Organization Twenty-Sixth Annual Convention Evangelical Lutheran Church Duncansville, Pennsylvania May 4, 2013 RESOLUTION FORM PLEASE SUBMIT BY APRIL 15, 2013 The following resolution is related to INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT (Not essential but can be included) Whereas... MOTION Be It Resolved, that... Submitted: Congregation Congregational Number Conference If your unit wishes to submit more than one resolution, please copy this form and put each resolution on a separate sheet of paper. See back of page for sample resolutions. Send completed form to: Elaine M. Smith, 595 Bedford Street, Claysburg, PA or it to emsmith@pa.net.

14 WRITING RESOLUTIONS A Resolution is basically a run-on sentence used to state a position or suggest an action on a particular subject. The most common types of Resolutions presented to the ASWO are Resolutions of Acknowledgment and Resolutions of Support. For the most part the Resolutions of Acknowledgment are presented at the synodical convention, voted upon, perhaps some action taken, and recorded in the convention minutes. SAMPLE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT WHEREAS, the 25th Annual Convention of the Allegheny Synodical Women s Organization was held on May 19, 2012, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pine Grove Mills, and WHEREAS, our officers, board, and ladies of St. Paul went to great lengths to prepare for the convention, and WHEREAS, we take special note of the gifts shared by the chaplain, workshop presenters, and worship participants, and WHEREAS, our ladies have given and received true Christian love and care during this time of spiritual growth, Be it RESOLVED THAT: We show our appreciation for the gifts shared with us by standing and applauding heartily. Now, who could object to this resolution? It requires no further action on anyone s part. It s more or less a statement of thanks. churchwide to be presented at Triennial Convention as a Memorial. SAMPLE OF SUPPORT WHEREAS the ASWO is struggling to get women to step forth and take leadership roles, and WHEREAS our membership is aging, and WHEREAS attendance at ASWO conventions and other synodically sponsored events is down, and WHEREAS our entire organization is struggling to survive Be it RESOLVED THAT: Each member of the ASWO pause for a few minutes every Tuesday morning between the hours of 6 A.M. and 8 A.M. to pray for our organization. This type resolution requires a vote by the membership and action beyond the convention. It is also the type which could be sent on to churchwide asking that all Women of the ELCA pray for our organization. When you write a RESOLUTION, you need to determine the subject you wish to address. Your WHEREAS statement(s) should present the facts to support your position in a concise way and the RESOLVED THAT statement(s) is really a motion that suggests the action you feel is necessary. WHY NOT TRY WRITING ONE?!! Support Resolutions many times require some further action. They are voted on at the synodical convention and, if applicable to the entire body of Women of the ELCA, are passed on to

15 Allegheny Synodical Women s Organization Twenty-Sixth Annual Convention Evangelical Lutheran Church Duncansville, Pennsylvania May 4, 2013 DELEGATE INFORMATION FORM DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING THIS FORM IS APRIL 15, NAME MAILING ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE TELEPHONE CONGREGATION CONGREGATIONAL NUMBER TOWN CONFERENCE Since we would like to encourage inclusively, we ask that you please indicate ethnic/racial heritage: Native American African American Asian Caucasian Hispanic Other Primary language other than English (if applicable) RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DELEGATE A. Attend all business sessions. B. Report on the convention to home congregation and congregational intercongregational unit. Please return this form to: Jeanne Fleegle 697 Messenger Street Johnstown, PA (814) fleeglej@verizon.net NOTE: If the delegate named above is unable to attend, a letter from the president (or other designated officer) of the congregational/intercongregational unit authorizing another person to serve as delegate should be presented at the registration desk by the person who has been designated as the new delegate. A REGISTRATION FORM MUST ALSO BE SENT TO THE REGISTRAR FOR THE DELEGATE so we have an accurate count for printed materials and for the meal. Thank you for your cooperation.

16 Allegheny Synodical Women s Organization Twenty-Sixth Annual Convention Evangelical Lutheran Church Duncansville, Pennsylvania May 4, 2013 REGISTRATION FORM (Please complete a separate form for each person attending. Make copies as needed.) ALL REGISTRATIONS ARE DUE APRIL 15, 2013 Name (First) (Last) Mailing Address City State Zip Code Telephone Congregation Congregation Number Town Conference Check all categories that apply to registrant: Delegate Alternate Delegate Visitor Officer Board The cost to attend the convention including the meal is $25.00 per person. TOTAL ENCLOSED Please specify any dietary restrictions or special needs Will you be bringing quilts to knot to the convention? If so, how many? Send your check or money order (made payable to ALLEGHENY SWO) to registrar: Carol Sauter 131 Palestine Road South Fork, PA carolsauter@hotmail.com

17 ALLEGHENY SYNODICAL WOMEN S ORGANIZATION OFFICERS AND BOARD OFFICERS PRESIDENT Jeanne Fleegle (2014) 697 Messenger Street Johnstown, PA fleeglej@verizon.net VICE PRESIDENT Carol McClure (2014) 201 Washington Avenue Hollidaysburg, PA cm.mcclure@hotmail.com SECRETARY Elaine Smith (2013) 595 Bedford Street Claysburg, PA emsmith@pa.net INTERIM TREASURER Vera Wilt (2013) 612 E. Graceville Road Breezewood, PA BOARD MEMBERS Fay Dellinger (2014) 858 Hog Farm Road Osterburg, PA fldellinger@embarqmail.com Brenda Marriner (2013) 4088 Evergreen Road Claysburg, PA bjm408866@aol.com Barbara McAllister (2013) 164 Tussey Sink Road Centre Hall, PA horsedr@chilitech.com Lois Lynn (2014) 654 Stoneledge Road State College, PA loissteve@comcast.net Charlette Smouse (2013) PO Box 62 Shanksville PA nanahouse1@concast.net PURPOSE STATEMENT WOMEN OF THE ELCA 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. ARTICLES FOR The Courier should be sent to - Elaine Smith, 595 Bedford Street, Claysburg, PA or emsmith@pa.net. Send your articles, recipes, home remedies, or anything else you would like to share. Deadline is May 15. The next issue should be distributed the first of June. Thanks for your help. EDITOR NEEDED - A new editor is needed for the newsletter. If you can help, please contact any member of the Board.

18 2013 Convention Issue Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Osterburg, PA Permit No. 4 Allegheny Synodical Women s Organization PO Box 488 Osterburg, PA Officer Changes - Please notify the board whenever changes are made in the leadership of your congregational unit. Send to Elaine M. Smith, 595 Bedford Street, Claysburg, PA or Phone - (814) , or emsmith@pa.net. Please include name, address, phone number, and address for the following if possible: CHURCH NAME CHURCH NUMBER CONFERENCE President Treasurer