Western Iowa Synod Women of the ELCA. Diane Vavak & Carolyn Johnson, Co-Editors April, 2013 Volume 25, No. 1. President s Message

Transcription

1 Western Iowa Synod Women of the ELCA Diane Vavak & Carolyn Johnson, Co-Editors April, 2013 Volume 25, No. 1 President s Message As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and remember his suffering for our sake, may we be renewed and refilled with the grace, peace and love that only he can give. Conference of President: At this gathering of synodical presidents in Chicago on February 21-24, 2013, sessions and workshops were about reflecting on the last 25 years, rejoicing in who we are and what we do, and renewing ourselves to be leaders in Women of the ELCA. I enjoy meeting and sharing with other presidents and the churchwide staff during this time. I am so grateful for this experience. 25 th Anniversary of Women of the ELCA: This yearlong celebration culminates in June. If you have not celebrated, plan on doing something this spring. We welcome pictures and articles about your celebrations to share in the Scribe. The Women of the ELCA Churchwide are gathering an anniversary offering. Half to this offering will go to the ELCA Malaria campaign & half to the Women of the ELCA. Please send these offerings directly to the Women of the ELCA in Chicago and put 25 th Anniversary Appeal in the memo. LWR Quit Campaign: In 2013, Lutheran World Relief is challenging Lutherans across the US to donate 500,000 quilts to send around the world to people in need. This is about a 25% increase over previous years. No matter what the disaster, quilts are one of the most requested items because of their durability and versatility. LWR strives to provide as many quilts as possible. But the supply is limited. If each group makes a few more than usual, we can reach this goal. We Lutherans are known for our quilts. This challenge is a way of celebration and giving God thanks that is (as LWR would say): Tied in Faith. Sent in Hope. Wrapped in Love. Cluster Reorganization: In December Scribe, I briefly explained about reorganizing our clusters. We (WISWO board) want all clusters to be vital and active. We realize each cluster will be unique. Circumstances, communication and time have caused some changes to our plans. Consequently, this spring, some cluster will meet as reorganized groups and other will meet as the old group. We pray for God s guidance and for patience as we rejuvenate our clusters WISWO Convention: Our convention is June 15, 2013 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Pocahontas. Our theme is Reflections! and our bible verse is 2 Corinthians 3:18. The convention committee is busy making all the arrangements. In this Scribe, you will find the letter of call, a registration form and a poster to put on your bulletin board. Mark your calendar! Start planning now to attend and to bring a friend with you Bible Study: In Good Company: Stories of Biblical Women is the bible study for September through May next year. There are two seminars in Iowa that will be led by the author, Kay Ward: 1) May 22-23, 2013 at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque. 2) August 17, 2013 at Grandview University in Des Moines. Personal Notes: I am very thankful for the WISWO board members, who have carried on while my life has been stressful. Since the last Scribe, my husband has had 2 stents put in a month apart, we celebrated my mother s 90 th birthday and Christmas, and my mother was hospitalized for a couple of weeks and passed away on February 16 th. All was intermingled with snowstorms. Mom s funeral was a celebration of her life and of the resurrection, as we sang He Lives as a closing hymn. Lent and Easter have an added meaning for me this year. I have felt the prayers and love of my Christian family and friends. I thank God for each of you as you share your talents with others and for your prayers. May God be with each of you as you share his love with those around you and throughout the world. In Christ, Judy Lang, President

2 The Scribe Page 2 NEWS FROM YOUR WISWO TREASURER Greetings! Well I think spring is finally here. Treasurers your convention assessment of $10 is now due along with your quarterly offering. Please check your records and make sure you send all checks to me, Bonny Carlson, as some are still sending them to Marlyce Hauge, the old treasurer. Also, I have received money for LWR and LSI. These need to be sent directly to them and your Thankofferings and 25 th Anniversary Offerings money goes to churchwide and use Form C. Also please update my address as it has now changed to bacarlson27@hotmail.com. Yours in Christ, Bonny Carlson 2226 Sigourney Ave, Rockwell City, IA Justice /Mission Community As we mention in the last Scribe, Mission Community will now be referred to as Justice. Your board embraces this name change because we believe it really enhances the scope of our work in our communities and better describes what we do. Justice is faith in action; it addresses inequities in political, economic and social systems. It embraces equity, impartiality, mercy and compassion and includes serving God in ways that bring healing and wholeness to the church, the society and the world. At our convention last summer and in subsequent fall training we have had information presented to us about Human Trafficking. We may not think this issue affects us locally. However, Stephanie Fish, in her convention presentation last summer, told us that Minnesota, our neighbor to the north, is one of the top 10 states in the nation for human trafficking. This was further brought home to us in an interview on Minnesota Public Radio from Duluth, Minnesota. They said A 2010 study done in collaboration with the Women s Foundation of Minnesota estimates that 200 girls in that state are sold for sex each MONTH through the internet and escort services!!!! 200 per month!!! The study found others more are sold in private homes and on the streets. For many victims, it often starts out as survival sex where young women are trading sex for a place to stay, or a couch to sleep on, a place to live, or for money to get food. They think they are doing this to thank their boyfriend. They never call it their pimp; it s for their boyfriend or someone who s taking care of them. Most people think that it is a choice for women, and we always say, what a little girls says when you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up-nobody really says, I want to be a prostitute. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the average age of girls when they are first sold for sex is between 12 and 14 years. If you want to hear the entire Minnesota Public Radio segment on Human Trafficking, please go to: Let s begin discussions at our local churches and at the board level as to how we can continue to be informed on this issue and support financially and with prayers the efforts of those who are on the front lines of Human Trafficking. Again if you want to contact Stephanie Fisk directly for more information about her work, she can be reached in Spain by at: g42leadershipacademy.org. Respectfully Submitted, Jane Kruse & Gladys Eddie- Justice /Mission Community PROGRAM SUGGESTIONS: Need a speaker for a program? Here is some suggestion to help you. Karen Weld-2576 Quincy Ave. - Clarion, Iowa.- jkweld@goldfieldaccess.ne. Global Compassion Network-PO Box East Broadway-Eagle Grove, Iowa, Terry.FLYAGAIN@G-mail.com phone: Home: (641) cell:(641) Mary Porter & Suzi Q-phone: (641) suziq@netins.net

3 The Scribe Page 3 DISCIPLESHIP/MISSION GROWTH Hidden Books of the Bible Can you find the names of 15 books of the Bible in the paragraph below? In these remarks are hidden the names of fifteen books of the Bible. It s a real lulu. Kept me looking so hard for the facts I missed the revelation. I was in a jam especially since the names were not capitalized. The truth will come to numbers of our reader-to others it will be a great job. For all it will be a most fascination search. Yes, there will be some easy to spot and others hard to judge. So, we admit it usually results in loud lamentations. One lady says she brews coffee while she puzzles over it. One book is capitalized to help you start. Can you find the other fourteen? Good Luck!! Elfrieda Saylor and Carolyn Johnson Discipleship /Mission Growth STEWARDSHIP/MISSION ACTION Mission Action is now called Stewardship. Stewardship is about being in direct servant roles. We act to ensure that all people have access to basic human needs, equality, justice and safety. Spring is the time we concentrate on making and sending our Lutheran World Relief Kits. At the time of this writing we do not have the time or location. Information on making these kits can be found by accessing the website and clicking on Get Involved and then on Quilts and Kits. Please remember the cost of sending these kits and include that in your giving. Keep track of all of your stewardship projects and gifts fill out your report of Mission Projects and send them to your WISWO Stewardship Chairman Marilyn Nielsen at 808 South Blackford, Algona, Iowa Make a copy and send to your local Cluster Chairman. Use the form you were given at our fall training sessions. Remember our other worthy projects, the ELCA Malaria Campaign, WISWO Seminary Scholarship, Global Health Ministries and our Tanzanian projects. By supporting these worthy projects we are boldly participating in God s work in the World and at home. Our support of these projects becomes an expression of our love for God and for our neighbors. May God bless you all in your endeavors! Marilyn Nielsen, Loretta Daisy- Stewardship /Mission Action LWR pick-up for Spencer: Pick-up of quilts and kits will be Saturday-May 4, 2013 at 8:00 am to noon, at the Southpark Mall parking lot. If you have any questions you can call Bethany Lutheran Church in Spencer at LWR pick-up for Fort Dodge Pick-up of quilts and kits will be Saturday, April 27, 2013 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 239 N 11 th Street, Fort Dodge from 9am to 3pm.

4 The Scribe Page 4 Western Iowa SYNODICAL WOMEN S ORGANIZATION LETTER OF CALL DELEGATES AND VISITORS Greetings, Sisters in Christ: You are called to the 26 th annual Convention of the Western Iowa Synodical Women s Organization June 15 th, 2013 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, nd Ave S, Pocahontas, Iowa. Convention will be from 8:30 to 3:00. Registration and coffee will begin at 8:30 a. m. THEME: Reflection THEME VERSE: All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of glory. 2 Corinthians 3:18 KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Bethany Boysema BIBLE STUDY LEADER: Lauri Boysen Delegates: Each congregations or inter-congregational unit of the Western Iowa Synod is entitled to one voting delegate. Congregations not represented by a unit are invited to send one representative who will have a seat and voice. It is important to have all congregations represented. Visitors: All women and pastors of the Western Iowa Synod are invited and encouraged to attend. There will be breakout session during the morning and afternoon business meeting which you may attend. Registration Fee: $35.00 for one or $50.00 for two mailed in the same envelope, by May 31, After June 1 st all registration will be $40.00 each. Registration fee includes the noon meal, two coffees, program booklet and insurance. IN KIND OFFERING: This offering will be given to the Discovery Day Care in Pocahontas. Offering: Our convention offering will be divided: 50% to churchwide, 25% to scholarship fund, and 25% to Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, missionary. Please send your congregational unit offering with your delegate or you may send it to WISWO Treasurer: Bonny Carlson, 2226 Sigourney Ave., Rockwell City, IA Bring your in-kind offering with your delegates. List is provided in this scribe. Childcare will be available if enough people sign up. Please note this on your registration form if you would like childcare. Convention Committee: Marlys Segar, Elfrieda Saylor, Marilyn Nielson, Carolyn Johnson, Bonny Carlson and President Judy Lang.

5 The Scribe Page 5 Western Iowa Synodical Women s Organization Registration Form 26 th Annual Convention June 15, 2013 The Theme Is: REFLECTION St. Peters Lutheran Church nd Ave. South-Pocahontas, IA Please copy this form for each person registering! Church and City Cluster # Name Home Phone Address City State Zip Check One: Voting Delegate Visitor If you need Childcare-Check here No of Children Ages Breakout sessions during business session. We will have one in the morning and one in afternoon. Convention Registration: Postmarked by May 31 st, 2013 registration is $35 for one OR $50 for two, if mailed in the same envelope by May 31 st. After June 1, 2013 registration is $40 a person. ( Registration fee includes speaker costs, insurance, convention booklet, noon meal.) Make checks payable to: Western Iowa Synodical Women s Organization. Please mail registrations by May 31 st, 2013 to: Elfrieda Saylor 207 NW 8 th Street Pocahontas, IA Elfrieda s phone is and her is esaylor@q.com

6 The Scribe Page 6 Convention In-Kind offering list: Here is a list of items that are the In-Kind things that will go to the Discover Day Care: Washable paints, finger paints, pipe cleaners, washable markers, crayon, masking tape, water color paints, play dough tools, dry erase markers, stamp pads and stamps. Please bring to the convention in Pocahontas on June 15, Convention Housing A Motel that is recommended in Pocahontas is: Pocahontas Inn & Suites, 11 East Elm Ave. (Hwy 3), or pocahontasinnandsuites.com. The Scribe $5.00 for one year/4 issues Name Address City State Zip Mail completed form and payment to: Diane Vavak th Street Rockwell City, IA Make Check payable to WISWO Make check payable to WISWO. Date to Remember: April 26-28, 2013 Western Iowa Synod Assembly Convention Center, Sioux City May 22-23, 2013 Gather Bible Study Intro Event Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque June 15, 2013 Western Iowa Synod Women s Organization Convention St. Peters Lutheran, Pocahontas. July 24-27, 2014 Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering Charlotte, North Carolina August 17, 2013 Gather Bible Study Intro Event Grandview University Des Moines, Iowa Deadline for the Scribe: To be announced Please make copies of this newsletter and see that your Women are given the opportunity to share the news.

7 The Scribe Page Spring Cluster Meetings Cluster There will be a meeting at American Lutheran Church, Hawarden on Wednesday, April 17, Registration starts at 5:30 pm with dinner, program, and meeting at 6 pm. Cluster 3 You are cordially invited to attend the Spring Gathering of Cluster 3 at First Lutheran, Milford on Saturday April 13, 2013 at 8:30 to 11. Program: Spencer s Underground from Spirit Lake-Sandy Baskerville, Speaker. Cluster 4 Invited to Cluster 3 Cluster The executive boards from cluster meet at Augustana Lutheran in Manson on March 12, 2013 for a reorganization meeting. The date set for the reorganization meeting is April 23 at 1:30 pm at St. Olaf Lutheran in Fort Dodge. The meeting will also have a program which is Mary Porter & Suzi Q. There will be a business meeting to have election of officers. Note: A letter to each unit president is being sent out with all the information of the meeting. Cluster 9 No information submitted. Cluster 10 (Sioux City/Sergeant Bluff) The Sioux City area Cluster will meet at Riverside Lutheran-Sioux City on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 9:30 am. Cluster Meeting: St. Paul s Lutheran-Atlantic- Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 8:30am Program & brunch at 9. Cluster 13 Meeting: Bethlehem Lutheran, Red Oak Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 9am to 1pm 9:30 the Program Noon- Lunch. Bold Women s Day Celebration Our Savior s Lutheran and Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church joined on February 24, 2013 at Our Savior s fellowship hall to celebrate Bold Women s Day. The Witness quartet of women provided the entertainment. We used the litany provided on the website and enjoyed tea and homemade scones for the refreshments. It was a tremendous success and everyone is looking forward to celebrating in 2014 as well. In Good Company: Stories of Biblical Women Gather Magazines Bible Study Introduction Wednesday, May 22-Thursday, May 23, 2013 Wartburg Theological Seminary For more information go to the website.

8 The Scribe Page 8 In Good Company: Stories of Biblical Women Gather Magazines Bible Study Introduction Saturday, Aug 17, :00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. As Company s coming! Bible study author Kay Ward, a bishop in The Moravian Church, has invited nine women from the Old Testament, several from the New Testament, and a handful of women she knows to stop in for a visit. They will be companions with us each month, long enough for us to get to know them and to also get to know ourselves a bit better. Their stories will draw us into Bible study, worship with the Psalms, and opportunities to tell our own stories. Ward was elected to be a bishop in the Moravian Unity in 1998, the first woman to be chosen in its 550 years of history. She has served as a parish pastor, and in 2006 retired as professor and administrator of Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, Pa. Kay has written three collections of essays and lives in a log cabin in central Wisconsin. She comes highly recommended by her friend and current Bible study author, Audrey West. As communities of faith we gather for renewal, for inspiration, and to share stories that remind us who we are. We are gathered to be empowered and to be sent as God s witnesses. Join us as we gather to explore some of these many ways that we are Gathered by God. Location &Schedule Krumm Business Center-- Centrum, Grand View University campus. Regristration begins at 8:30 a.m. Activites will end at 3:00 p.m. Who should attend? All women interested in the topic are invited. You don t need to be from the Southeastern Iowa Synod to attend! Get together with your friends and family for a fun day of learning together. Register Registration is $40 per person and includes a lunch. Registration deadline is August 1. Feel free to make additional copies of the form. Contact seiawelca@yahoo.com for additional information. Sponsored by Southeastern Iowa Synodical Women s Organization in cooperation with Grand View University, Dwight Dubois, Director of Church Relations Send your registration to Deb Husak 2071 Hwy E 43 Toledo, IA Please make checks payable to SEIA WELCA Leaders Guide will be available How many would you need? Name Address Telephone number address Congregation City Feel free to make additional copies for each person attending Women of the ELCA Resources

9 The Scribe Page 9 GATHER has reading material, both informational and entertaining. This magazine also contains the monthly Bible study. Use this magazine as it will nourish and strengthen you. The inside back cover contains information about web sites, addresses and toll free phone numbers for your convenience. Café Stirring the Spirit Within is a Web-based magazine for women who want to build Community, participate in Advocacy, strengthen Faith, and strive toward Enlightenment (CAFE!). Visit Café at and sign up to receive alerts when new issues are posted. BOLD CONNECTIONS is an e-newsletter for our women to receive regular timely news and information from the churchwide organization. No matter your role, you will find helpful news and information on programs, activities and insight into the churchwide organization s part in total mission and ministry. Signing up is easy. Go to the home page and fill in the BOLD CONNECTIONS box at the right. The LUTHERAN RESOURCE CENTER continues to gather and share material upon request. The SCRIBE, our own WISWO newsletter, is published four times a year and is sent to the president and the secretary of each unit. Others may subscribe to it by contacting the WISWO secretary. It can also be found on the WISWO web site. The INTERCHANGE monthly newsletter is available by subscription. RESOURCES: Available free of charge from the Women of the ELCA website for one-time programs, multiple session resources, and resources for individual use ext To subscribe: One year/10 issues - $12 Lutheran Resource Center ext Clear Lake: The Scribe To subscribe: $5 yearly to Diane Vavak th St.- Rockwell City, IA or café@elca.org Phone: ext Western Iowa Synod Women s Organization To subscribe: , ext Send a check for $7 for 1 year; $13 for 2 years; $18 for 3 years to Women of the ELCA, 8765 W Higgins Rd, Chicago, IL Western Iowa Women s Organization Directory the ELCA.htm

10 The Scribe Page PRESIDENT Judy Lang th St Fort Dodge, IA Home: Cell: VICE PRESIDENT Marlys Segar 312 Centennial Drive Cherokee, IA Home: SECRETARY Diane Vavak th St. Rockwell City, IA Home: Cell: TREASURER Bonny Carlson 2226 Sigourney Ave. Rockwell City, IA Home: Cell: MISSION ACTION/STEWARDSHIP Loretta Daisy 123 S Woodlawn Ave. Lake City, IA Home: Ldaisy@iowatelecom.net Marilyn Nielsen 808 S. Blackford Algona, IA Home: raymarnielsen@yahoo.com ANTI-RACISM Sela Bryhne 1239 S. 28 th St. Fort Dodge, IA Home: MISSION GROWTH/DISCIPLESHIP Carolyn Johnson 504 West Elm Ave. Pocahontas, IA Home: den09car@q.com Elfrieda Saylor 207 NW 8 th St. Pocahontas, IA Home: esaylor@q.com MISSION COMMUNITY/JUSTICE Gladys Eddie 1101 Pierce Dr. Storm Lake, IA Home: rgeddie@iw.net WESTERN IOWA SYNOD OFFICE Jane Kruse Lakewood Dr. Spirit Lake, IA Home: Cell: janek@commstock.com THE SCRIBE (Co-editors) Diane Vavak th Street Rockwell City, IA dianevavak@hotmail.com Carolyn Johnson 504 West Elm Ave. Pocahontas, IA den09car@q.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PO Box 577, Storm Lake, IA Women of the ELCA Synod Liaison, Pr. Danette Johns Linda Post Bushkofsky Office: , ext West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL Cell: , wisdj@wisynod.org Office Coordinator, Cindy Johnson wiscj@wisynod.org