SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL

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1 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL CONVENTION 25th Annual Synodical Convention Lutheran Memorial Church 320 East Prospect Ave., Pierre, SD June 15-16, 2012 GATHERED BY GOD For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them Matt:18:20 Thursday: You needed to be registered and paid for the Thursday activities by May :00 PM Registration Lutheran Memorial Church. 5-6 PM Supper at the church, served by Lutheran Memorial Youth who are attending the Youth Gathering in New Orleans 7:00 PM Pray the Devil Back to Hell "This is a documentary about how Leymah Gbowee assembled an interfaith group of women to campaign for Liberian peace." 7:00 PM Synodical Board meeting at the church. Friday: 8:00 AM Registration 8:15 AM Opening with Hymn sing 8:30 AM - Welcome and Opening of Convention Bible Study led by Pastor Don Block Coffee Break and time to view Silent Auction items 10:00 AM Mike Busbey Missionary to Nicaragua 11:00 AM Jan Johnson and Cathy Larson World Hunger and Malaria Lunch 1:00 PM Hymn Sing Business Session and Election of Officers Delegates must stay, Visitors are welcome Time to visit the displays, shop at the book store and to take part in the silent auction. 2:45 PM Coffee Break.Bid on silent auction items 3:00 PM. Churchwide Representive-Deborah Banks Williams 4:00 PM. TDTR speaker, Pastor Karen Rupp 4:45 PM Scholarship Recipient, LeShea Avery 6:00 PM Banquet, MC, Janet Mattison HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY TO THE WOMEN OF THE ELCA A time to honor our past Synodical Presidents WOYATAN Program presented by the Woyatan church members from Rapid City, under the direction of Pastor David Piper. A special offering will be taken for this group. Silent Auction Bidding closes at end of program. Saturday 8:00 Opening with hymn sing. 8:15 AM Pastor Erika Lehman Trip to Cameroon Coffee break.time to pay for Silent Auction items. 10:00 Closing Communion Worship service with Pastor Sarah Goldammer presiding and Bishop David Zellmer giving the message. Officer installation will be by Deborah Banks Williams during the worship service. Following worship service, Bishop David Zellmer will be available to speak and answer any questions or concerns from the ladies.

2 Page 2 SO UTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CO NVENTION INDEX Convention Schedule Committees Displays Opening of Convention. 3 Awareness Group Presenters Worship Service.. separate bulletin Business Meeting. 13 Synod. Pres. Letter Minutes of 2011 meeting Churchwide Speaker Churchwide Pres. letter.. 7 Audit Report Mission Accomplished Sample Ballot Nominee Vita s Synodical Officers Conference Coordinators. 19 Thank you. 18 *************************** Gathered by God Matthew 18:20.. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Convention Offering: 50% to Churchwide Women of ELCA, 50% to Mike Busbey Missionary to Nicaragua Love Offering: Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center in Pierre. Immediate needs: women s socks, bath towels & washcloths, paper towels and toilet paper, teen clothing. Most any thing that women and children would need in today s life. Check out their needs at: Silent Auction: 50% to Campus Ministry and 50% to the Malaria Campaign. (Silent auction will start Thursday and end Friday night after the program. Items will be ready to be paid for and picked up Sat. Morning.) Registration Fee: $35 (This does not include activities on Thurs.) Registration will be at Lutheran Memorial Church on Thursday at 1-3 p.m. PURPOSE STATEMENT As a community of women, created in the image of God called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit We commit ourselves to grow in faith to affirm our gifts, and support one another in our callings engage in ministry and action and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. APPOINTED COMMITTEES Credentials Committee Barbara Hanson, Medary Conference Gretchen Tweet, Crossroads Conference Resolutions Committee Verdelle Anderson, Medary Conference Laura Lee Campbell, Bear Butte Conference Convention Nurse Lori Jorenby, Medary Conference. Literacy Chair Sally Hillner, Medary Conference Parliamentarian Margene Thompson, Northern Plains Conference Newsletter Editor Lucille Birkholtz, Medary Conference Nominating/Election Committee Rev.Erika Lehmann, Crossroads Conference, Vice President Janet Mattison, Bear Butte Conference Donna Bieber-Northern Plains Else England-Southeastern Darlene Jervik-Southeastern

3 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION Page 3 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA SOUTH DAKOTA SYNOD Theme: Gathered by God Theme Verse: For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them Matt:18:20 Theme Song: Gather Us In WOV #718 Goals: We will explore how people of faith gather for worship, prayer, service & action. Convention Offering: 50% - Churchwide Women of the ELCA 50% - Mike Busbey, Missionary to Nicaragua Silent Auction 50% Lutheran Campus Ministry 50% Malaria campaign Special offering for the Woyatan Lutheran Church. OPENING OF CONVENTION Leader: Bold women of faith, what offering do we bring to God this day? All: We bring ourselves, striving to do God s will, striving to do what is good. Leader: We are one Body, All: yet we are many members. Leader: Since we are one Body in Christ, we work together. All: Since we are many members, we bring different gifts. Left side: Some bring the gift of speaking. Right side: Some bring the gift of serving. Left side: Some bring the gift of teaching. Right side: Some bring the gift of encouraging. Left side: Some bring the gift of generosity. Right side: Some bring the gift of cheerful compassion. Leader: Yet we are one Body, and our love for one another is real. All: We work to defeat that which is evil. We hold on to that which is good. Leader: We love one another, we honor one another. All: We do not quit. Left side: We worship Jesus with joy-filled hope. Right side: We pray to God, then go out to help where help is needed. Left side: We welcome all, sisters and strangers, with the same kind of welcome. Right side: We will not let evil get the best of us. We overcome evil by doing good. Leader: We are gathered by God into one Body, All: yet we are many members, with many gifts, all striving to do what is good.

4 Page 4 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION PRESENTERS Today s Dreams, Tomorrow s Reality Racial Justice Advocates. Pastor Karen Rupp, Director Lutheran- Lakota Shared Ministry at Pine Ridge Originally from Port Jervis, NY, Karen worked in Health Information Management for several years before attending the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, PA. She completed her internship at the Pine Ridge Retreat Center under the direction of Rev. Larry Peterson and received a Master of Divinity degree on graduation from LTSG in Karen received the call to continue the ministry at Pine Ridge on graduation when Rev. Larry Peterson retired. She is married and has three children and two grandchildren. The ministry at Pine Ridge brings diverse and unique opportunities to work with members of groups visiting from diverse denominational and educational organizations as well as the Lakota living on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Woyatan Pastor David Piper from the Woyatan Lutheran Church in Rapid City. Woyatan Lutheran Church is a multi-cultural mission start church in Rapid City, SD with an emphasis on Native American mission and spirituality. The Christian worship services honor elements of Native American spirituality that enhances the worship atmosphere for all who are attending. They will be bringing the Woyatan Wacipi Dancer and the Woyatan Drummers. Jon Old Horse will be speaking. World Hunger & Malaria Campaign: Jan Johnson, Watertown and Cathy Larson, Sioux Falls, (to speak at 11:00 on Friday morning) will share reflections of their experiences at the ELCA World Hunger Leaders Conference which was held this winter in Ft. Meyers, FL. Cathy will also encourage participation in the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Jan Johnson is a member of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. Cathy Larson is a member of St. Mark's Lutheran and is the SD Synod Companion Synod Coordinator. Missionary to Nicaragua: Mike Busbey, Missionary to Nicaragua to speak at 10:00 on Friday morning. Mike is working with the Lutheran Church "Faith and Hope" of Nicaragua, Iglesia Luterana Fe y Esperanza (ILFE). Mike will tell about and show pictures of his experiences while working with ILFE. He has been there since August of 2011 helping to host groups and working with other ILFE assignments. Scholarship: LeShea Avery, TEEM Minister attending Wartburg Seminary, Currently serving Prairie Lutheran Parish which includes Trinity Lutheran in Carthage, First Lutheran in Artesian, and Immanuel Lutheran of rural Iroquois. I live in the parsonage in Carthage. I have been married almost 17 years to my second husband, Rick and have two sons, Taylor (24) and Hunter (16). Rick and Hunter live in our home in Redfield during the week and join me in Carthage every weekend they can. Hunter just completed his sophomore year. Taylor, works in Sioux Falls, has twin daughters (Charli & Alexis) who will turn one on June 4. He is marrying Stephanie Keyman on June 15. Not only did I have the joy of baptizing my granddaughters, I will be officiating at their parent's wedding. I have spent my whole life in South Dakota. My grade school years were spent in Onida and the last 3 years of high school in Pierre. I graduated from the University of South Dakota with B.A. double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice and minors in Sociology and Spanish. I spent 17 years working for the State of South Dakota at the Developmental Center in Redfield, Department of Human Services and the Bureau of Information and Telecommunication. In 1998, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I finally had to quit my job. I was encouraged by Pastor Lloyd Miller to do pulpit supply and to enroll in Faith Builders classes. I began doing more and more pulpit supply at various churches in northern South Dakota. I volunteered to serve on the Synod's Support to Ministry committee. It was there that I learned about the TEEM program. When the Bishop's office contacted me about serving and Prairie Lutheran Parish voted to offer me the call, I, along with my family, prayerfully considered this offer. I have served this parish for the last four years. My husband says he's never seen me happier!

5 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION Page 5 South Dakota Women of the ELCA 2012 Synodical President s Report Vivian Westgard I was elected President of the Synodical Women of South Dakota in June of 2011, so I have now served for a year. I am still learning how to do this, and I appreciate all the help that I receive from the women of the South Dakota Synod. When I was elected President, I automatically became a delegate to the 8 th Triennial Convention of the Women of the ELCA. We met in Spokane, Washington in July of We dealt with memorials on climate change, human trafficking, modeling God s love (to our sisters who have left the ELCA), gender justice, and world hunger, to name a few. The South Dakota Synodical Women also sponsored a booth to tell the story of Joy Ranch. At the Triennial it was announced that our Lutheran Women Today magazine is now called Gather, with the subtitle, For Faith and Action. Our Active Unit Assessment shows that there are 214 Units in South Dakota. This determines the number of delegates we are allowed at the Ninth Triennial Convention which will meet in Charlotte, North Carolina in July of On July 29-30, 2011, a leadership workshop was held at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Pierre, to train our Conference officers. Last August Lutherans Outdoor of SD held their annual quilt auction and women of our synod made beautiful quilts, thereby giving financial support to our camping ministry in South Dakota. In January, 2012, we held our Winter Board meeting in Pierre. The Synodical Officers and the seven Conference Coordinators met to plan our Synodical Convention which will be held in Pierre. In February I spent four days in Chicago, at Churchwide Headquarters, meeting with the Women of the ELCA staff and the other 63 Synodical Presidents. No time was wasted as the days were filled with information and inspiration. We continue with our mission projects and we continue with our efforts to complete our goal of raising $200,000 for the Joy Ranch Kitchen. The 25 th anniversary of the Women of the ELCA begins June 1, 2012 and continues to May 31, Our celebration begins at our Synodical Convention in Pierre. Thank you for trusting me with this office. I will strive to do the best I can. Vivian Westgard, Synodical President

6 Page 6 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION Deborah Banks Williams Executive Board Member, Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Deborah Banks Williams was elected to Women of the ELCA churchwide board at the 8 th Triennial Convention in July She serves on the board s budget and finance committee. Over the years, Deborah has served the Metropolitan Chicago Synodical Women s Organization as a member at large and most recently as president. During that time, hosting the Lutheran Catholic Days was most meaningful. As a member of Bethel Lutheran Church on the west side of Chicago, Deborah serves as congregational treasurer. She also enjoys singing in the choir and working with the youth and the seniors in the congregation and community. Deborah, a widow, was married to Larry for 27 years and she continues with their vision as parents to be active in the lives of their five adult children. Deborah is the administrative assistant for the housing program for Bethel New Life, Inc., an ELCA social ministry organization. There she accompanies clients through the mediation process, assisting the hardest-hit residents of the community through a home foreclosure program. In her spare time, Deborah enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family (especially her grandchildren). She is excited to serve Women of the ELCA in this new capacity and looks forward to engaging the faithful and bold women of this organization.

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8 Page 8 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE E.L.C.A. 24 RD ANNUAL CONVENTION JUNE 17, 2011 Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer Watertown,SD Theme: Renew, Respond, Rejoice Theme Verse: Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice. Philippians 4:4 Goals: * To Renew our Spirit. * To Respond with Thanksgiving. * To Rejoice with Celebration. Convention Offering: 50% - National Women of the ELCA 25% - Answer The Call 25% - Lutheran Shared Ministries at Pine Ridge Guests: Bishop David Zellmer South Dakota Synod/ ELCA Diane Frederick Churchwide representative, Women of the ELCA Jim and Karen Noss retired Cameroon missionaries and Banquet keynote speakers. Business Meeting: President Verdelle Anderson introduced the SD Synodical Board Members and Churchwide Women of the ELCA representative, Diane Frederick. Credentials Report: as presented by Gretchen Tweet. 61 Delegates 54 - Nondelegates 13 - Guests Total Attendance *moved/seconded/carried to accept the Credentials Report. Call to Order: President Verdelle Anderson called the Business Meeting to order at 1:25 pm. Appointments: Barb Hanson, Ramona, SD, Medary Conference, was appointed to the Credentials Committee. Agenda: Moved/seconded/carried to adopt the Business Meeting agenda. Secretary s Report: Moved/seconded/carried to make a correction to the Total Attendance in the 2010 Convention report. The 2010 Synodical Convention Secretary s Report was placed on file, with corrections. Report of the Nominating Committee: by Erika Lehmann Ballot for election of Officers and Committees: President: Vivian Westgard (Prairie Coteau) Treasurer: Darlene Bresson (Prairie Coteau) Mission Action: Dee Sanderson (Northern Plains) Mission Community: Mary Hildebrandt (Medary) Mission Growth: Ardith McFarland (Bear Butte) Nominating Committee: Donna Bieber (Northern Plains) and Else England (Southeastern)

9 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNO DICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 9 Call for the Ballots: Motion to accept the ballots for a unanimous vote. Moved/seconded/carried. Treasurer s Report: Darlene Bresson presented a review of the Joy Ranch Kitchen Campaign. Darlene next addressed the Silent Auction proceeds to be divided among: Lutheran Outdoors, Campus Ministries, Prison Congregations of America, and St. Dysmus of South Dakota. The delegation was directed to look at pages for the complete Treasurer s report. Darlene noted that the fiscal year ending balance ending January 31,2011 was: $ Darlene made a motion to accept the Treasurer s Report. Seconded/carried. Adoption of the Budget for 2013: Darlene handed to the delegation a copy of the proposed budget with an explanation. Moved/seconded/carried to approve the 2013 budget. Review of Printed Reports: Verdelle directed the delegates to the reports found on pp of the convention booklet. Verdelle suggested the delegates place a copy of the report in unit churches. Resolutions: none Report of Elections: none Report of Delegation attending Triennial Gathering: Triennial Promoter Nancy Renner reported there are 32 women attending the Triennial Gathering in Spokane. Other New Business: none Board meeting was adjourned at 1:50 pm. moved/seconded/carried A Sending Prayer for Triennial Participants was led by CWO rep. Diane Fredericks. Saturday, June 18: Churchwide representative Diane Frederick presented the CWO Women of the ELCA report Dee Sanderson on behalf of the Northern Plains Conference, extended an invitation to the 2012 Synodical Convention to be held at Lutheran Memorial Church in Pierre, SD on June 15-16, Bishop David Zellmer led the installation service of new officers following the closing service. Kathy Heffernan SD Synodical Secretary

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12 Page 12 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION Reports as submitted by Synodical Treasurer, Darlene Bresson

13 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNO DICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 13 Business Meeting All are encouraged to stay for the meeting as this is YOUR organization. *Introduction of South Dakota Synodical Board Members *Introduction of Churchwide member of Women of the ELCA Deborah Banks Williams *Report of the Credentials Committee *Call to Order *Appointments of convention Business Committees *Adoption of Agenda *Secretary s Report *Report of the Nominating Committee *Call for the Ballot of Vice President, Secretary, Two Members at Large and Nominating Committee *Treasurer s Report *Adoption of the Budget for 2013 *Review of Printed Reports *Resolutions *Report of Elections *Other New Business *Closing of the Business Meeting

14 Page 14 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION South Dakota Synod Missions Accomplished in 2011 (6 of 7 conferences reporting) 1. Money sent outside your congregation (List the DOLLAR amount given) A. Thank Offering $34,460 B. Missionary Support $2,7167 C. World Hunger/Bread 4 World _ $21,014 D. Other Hunger Ministries $22,222 E. Lutheran Outdoors $17,303 F. Other Bible Camps $4,265 G. Lutheran Social Services $10,236 H. LSS Capital Campaign $20 I. Heartland Ephpatha $2,581 J. LWR $6,041 K. Prison Ministries $12,938 L. Project Comfort $9,623 M.Bible Ministries $2,630 N. Nursing Homes $7,052 O. xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx_ P. Global Health Ministries $3,466 Q. Radio or TV Ministries $2,785 U. Global Heath Care Shipping $1,166 R. Children s Homes/Hospitals $5,785 S. Women's Shelters $4,978 T. Local Social Services $16,299 U. Native American Ministries $3,130 V. Campus Ministries $14,377 W. Disaster Relief $8,245 X. Joy Ranch Kitchen $5,739 Y. Answer The Call $5,712 Z. Other $4, Money Spent in your own congregation (From WELCA not church budget) SS or VBS $8,108 Church Library $3,021 Bibles or Devotional Material $9,681 Quilting Group $15,795 Special Needs $27,993 Congregational Budget $30,197 Kitchen Supplies $37,161 Other $29,880 Supported Soul Sisters, organ repair, confirmation books, freezer, dehumidifier, updated men s bathroom, roof repair, mold cleanup, youth gathering, quilt shipping, junior league, seminary aid, parking lot, advocacy fund, after school program, altar guild, greeting card group, hospitality, Noah s Park preschool, prayer shawl, scholarship fund. 3. Lutheran World Relief Support (please list number of units in blank) Regular Quilts 8,441 Blankets 274 Health Kits 1,964 School Kits 4,265 "I Can Sew" Kits 438 Layettes 1,825 Bars of New Soap 1,749 Sewing Material Global Health Ministries Support Number of Newborn kits 304 Pounds of bandages 1,181 Number of Hospice/AID kits 84 Quilts 286 Other (please explain) 537 for baby quilts, pillow cases, motel soup and shampoo 5. Quilts sent other than LWR Number of baby or youth quilts to ABC Quilts or Project Linus 374 Number of baby or youth quilts given locally or sent elsewhere 622 (do not include number sent to each place, please just list the places that you sent quilts) Where? Woyatan, Head Start, Birthright, hospital, MOPS, women s shelters, CASA, New Beginnings, county health nurse, Volunteers of America, baptismal gifts, Children s Care Hospital, local day care, Sew Special, Children s Inn of Sioux Falls Number of regular quilts given locally or sent elsewhere 2,477 Where? Joplin, MO, social concerns, local rundraisers, local hospital, Camp Nash, New Beginnings, new Start, Head Start, social services, graduating seniors, varios women s shelters, Pine Ridge, Good Samaritan Center, Lutheran Social Services, hospital bazaar, Orphan Grain Train, Volunteers of America, Rosebud Indian Reservation, Ronald McDonald house, Joy Ranch, Kats for Kids, Town of Strandburg, homeless vets, Nicaragua, Union Gospel, YMCA drug center, Haiti. 6. Lutheran Social Services Support A. Other support to Lutheran Social Services (type and number) _ 1 B. Prepared Refugee Boxes --- yes 2

15 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNO DICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA Page Support to the Hungry A. Delivered Meals on Wheels ---yes 48 B. Supported your local food pantry --- yes 112 C. Served or assisted in a homeless shelter such as the Banquet in SF yes 57 D. Number of letters written to Congress on Hunger Issues Camping Support A. Number of quilts sent to a quilt auction 57 B. Other support to Lutheran Outdoors (type and number) 265 C. Number of youth from your church your unit helped sponsor Support to Children A. Support to homes such as Children's Inn in SF ---- yes 29 Please explain what you did sent 2 lbs. thread spools B. Donated School kits or school supplies locally ---- yes 37 C. Gave or sent layettes other than LWR ---- yes 11 churches sent 74 layettes D. Supported such as: McCrosson Boys ranch, or other Youth Homes yes 16 E. Pillowcases to STAR Academy 186 Patrick Henry Academy for Boys 9 F. Quilts for STAR Academy 80 For Patrick Henry Academy Support to People in Need (Not Previously Listed) A. Number of blankets 382 Where sent:_needy families, Safe Harbor, Pine Ridge B. Number of health kits 273 Where sent: C. Pounds of Clothing 1,609 Where sent: Thrift store, Salvation Army, Volunteers of America D. Supported women in Crisis Centers ---- yes 46 E. Local Literacy Work yes 2 G. Penitentiary or jail visitation yes 29 H. Prayer Shawls Support of Elderly or Nursing Homes A. Number of lap robes 277 Bibs 0 B. Nursing Home visitation, parties, gifts, etc yes Support in our Own Congregations A. Made banners --- yes 30 B. We have a prayer chain yes 104 C. We serve lunch for funerals Congregation 75 Funeral lunches organized by: WELCA 112 D. We send cards to the ill, bereaved, etc yes Miscellaneous A. Saved Campbell's Soup labels and or coupons ---- yes 74 B. Saved aluminum pop can tabs for Ronald McDonald house yes 65 C. Saved eye glasses yes Give details of any projects you did promoting "Women and Children in Poverty" _Angel tree for children s Christmas gifts for Family Crisis Center, donate supplies and clothing items for Safe Harbor, rummage items to Crises Center in Redfield, Red Cross. 15. Please list and give details of any other project you have done. This list was extensive and varied, from singing Christmas carols to all kinds of fundraisers, luncheons, giving trees at holidays, support to military personnel, coupons, cheer baskets, bazaars, yarn to St. Dysmus, treats, flowers, coupons, silent auctions, collecting milk caps, serving meals. Many thanks for all your good works. It is a joy to be able to compile this report and barely fathomable that this much work is done in such a short time. Keep up the good work!!!! Dee Sanderson, Mission Action chairperson, , deesand@aol.com.

16 Page 16 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION Sample Ballot for South Dakota Synodical Women of the ELCA June 16, NOMINESS FOR VICE-PRESIDENT: Vote for one person Erika Lehmann NOMINEES FOR SECRETARY: Vote for one person Marilyn Abraham NOMINEES FOR MEMBER AT LARGE: Vote for two people Vicki Persson Lucille Birkholtz NOMINEES FOR NOMINATING COMM Vote for two people Sheryn Ekstrum Carie Knutson VITAES FOR NOMINEES VICE-PRESIDENT: NAME:Lehmann, Erika ADDRESS: 1869 S. Sertoma Ave Unit 101 Sioux Falls, SD elehmann@sio.midco.net PHONE: ; AGE: 55 CONFERENCE: Crossroads CHURCH: West Prairie Lutheran Church, Lennox, SD WELCA PRESENT:Vice President, SD Synodical Women, frequent Bible Study leader WELCA PAST:SD Synod Hunger Coordinator, LWR Speaker, Bread for the World member, Former St. Dysmas Associate Council Member, Formerly Mission Growth person for Southeastern Conference, PRESENT: Pastor of West Prairie Lutheran Church 2 grown children SECTRETARY: NAME: Marilyn Abraham ADDRESS: th Ave., Alcester, SD rlmeabraham@alliancecom.net PHONE: cell: AGE: 72 CONFERENCE: Southeast CHURCH; Nathanael Lutheran, Alcester W/ELCA office: Mission Community and board member W/ELCA past experience: Member of Miriam Circle for 45 years, active in W/ELCA activities. PRESENT & PAST COMMUNITY SERVICE: Past Board member and secretary of SD March of Dimes; past USD Campus Council member; directed Nathanael Adult Choir for 32 years; church organist from age 15 to present in four churches in towns where my husband and I were church members; Co-founded Nathanael Parish Health Ministry in 1996 and served as both coordinator and secretary from 2001 to present; past and present member of Alcester Community Chorus and board member; Co-facilitate Alzheimer s and Memory Loss Caregiver Support Group in Vermillion from 2006 to present.

17 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNO DICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 17 MEMBER AT LARGE: NAME: Lucille Birkholtz ADDRESS: rd St., Willow Lake, SD Lmbirk@itctel.com PHONE: (H) (C) AGE: 70 CONFERENCE: Medary Conference CHURCH: Grace Lutheran Church, Willow Lake WELCA PRESENT: I am currently President and Treasurer of our local WELCA. Member at large and newsletter editor of the Synodical WELCA of South Dakota. WELCA PAST: I have held most all of the offices in our local unit at some time. I was on the Conference Board 25 years ago when the WELCA was organized. PRESENT AND PAST COMMUNITY SERVICE: Present- Clark County Relay For Life (American Cancer Society); SHIINE state organization where I help local people with Medicare 'D' insurance and other insurance problems. Past- 25 year 4-H leader, numerous other short term activities when my children were in school. PRESENT: Farm wife, mother of 4 married children, Grandmother of 8 and Great-grandmother of 1. NOMINATING COMMITTEE: NAME: Sheryn Ekstrum ADDRESS: nd Avenue, Kimball, SD PHONE: CHURCH; Kimball Protestant Parish AGE: 72, CONFERENCE: Prairie Rivers WELCA PRESENT: Chairman of circle, Quilt coordinator, Hospitality chairman for church WELCA PAST: Synodical president 4 years; Synodical Mission Action chairman 4 years; Prairie Rivers Conference president 4 years; Prairie Rivers Conference Mission Action chairman 4 years; Global Mission Trip to Cameroon in 2003; Sunday School Supt. 20 years; held all circle offices over many years. PRESENT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Volunteer at SD Tractor Museum and Kimball Food Bank; host foreign exchange students (one from Taiwan in July); judge county and State Fair 4-H projects; PAST COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: School board for 9 years; county extension board for 4 years; 4-H leader for 15 years; FHA chapter mother; 4-H Camp chaperone. NAME:Vicki Persson ADDRESS: th Street Corsica, SD PHONE: cell , CONFERENCE: Prairie Rivers Conference CHURCH: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Stickney South Dakota vicki@midstatesd.net AGE: 62 WELCA PERSENT: Synodical Member at Large, Conference-nominations committee, Local church- Mission Growth WELCA PAST: Conference Mission Growth and nominations, Synodical- Nominations, Local various offices PRESENT: Farm wife, Full time RN, mother of 4, grandmother of two. Vicki NAME: Carie Knutson, ADDRESS: Toronto, SD cariek@itcel.com PHONE: CHURCH: Leganger Lutheran Church CONFERENCE: Medary Pastor Aaron Matsoh AGE: Married to Brad, 3 children and 2 grandchildren. CURRENT OFFICES: Vice President Local Unit, Sunday School Superintendent, Board of Education, Sunday School teacher PAST WELCA: President, Vice President Local Unit; Delegate to Triennial in Spokane; Nominating Committee, Medary Conference COMMUNITY: Vice President DeubrookArea School Board; 4-H Leader; Community Club member

18 Page 18 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION THANK YOU The Synodical Board would like to thank everyone who gave of their time and talents planning our 25 th Anniversary Celebration and Convention. The planning started in January when the Synodical Board and all seven Conference Coordinators gathered in Pierre. We met with the Women of Lutheran Memorial who are hosting the event. Since then there have been many hours of planning by and phone. Thanks to all of our speakers and presenters, and thanks to the women of Lutheran Memorial congregation and the Northern Plains Conference for hosting us. And finally, thank you for attending. We hope and pray that you have been blessed to be here. We hope to see you next year at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Vivian Westgard, President DISPLAYS While at the convention be sure to visit the many displays set up by Ministry Outreaches of our church. Ask questions and learn how you and your congregation bring Christ s love into the lives of people all over the world through these ministries. Here are some of the groups represented; Lutheran Outdoors St. Dysmas Today s Dream, Tomorrow s Reality Prison Congregations of America Campus Ministries Global Health Mission Lutheran Social Services Lutheran World Relief We are privileged to have Prairie Pages book store from here in Pierre with us this year for your gift shopping convenience. Shop now.think of future events that you need a gift for.shop, shop, shop! Thank you Kathy, for being here for us. 25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Observing our 25th anniversary will be a wonderful opportunity to lift up our mission and purpose as an organization. In doing so, we remind one another of our shared history and why we are still organized today as a community of faith-filled women. Our anniversary will both celebrate our past but also affirm our relevance for the future as a women's organization committed to acting boldly on our faith in Jesus Christ. You can find the Convention Booklet on the internet at At the top of the page, position your curser on Congregations & Organizations then click on WELCA on the drop down menu. When this page comes up, click on the SD Synod Convention Booklet. Lutherans Outdoors QUILT AUCTION SATURDAY AUG. 25 JOY RANCH BIBLE CAMP NEAR WATERTOWN, SD

19 SOUTH DA KOTA SY NO DI CAL W OMEN OF THE EL CA CO NV ENTION Page Synod Officers PRESIDENT: Vivian Westgard, PH: vivigard@midco.net nd St. NE, Watertown, SD 1st year, 1st term (Prairie Coteau Advisor) VICE-PRESIDENT: Erika Lehmann, PH: , E- mail: elehmann@sio.midco.net 1869 S. Sertoma Ave. Unit 101, Sioux Falls, SD nd year, 1st term (Crossroads & Southeast advisor) SECRETARY: Kathy Heffernan, PH: heffernan@venturecomm.net rd St., Wecota, SD nd year, 2nd term (Northern Plains advisor) TREASURER: Darlene Bresson PH: minnie@wat.midco.net 621 S. Lake Dr., Watertown, SD st year, 2nd term (Prairie Coteau Adv.) MISSION ACTION (Stewardship): Dee Sanderson, PH: ; deesand@aol.com 2305 Sanderson Dr., Aberdeen, SD st year, 1st term (Northern Plains Adv.) MISSION GROWTH (Justice): Ardith McFarland, PH: triplecreekranch@msn.com Ricard Rd, Sturgis, SD st year 2nd term (Bear Butte Advisor) MISSION COMMUNITY (Discipleship): Mary Hildebrandt, PH: PO Box 86, Ramona, SD st year, 1st term derraldmary@alliancecom.net (Medary Advisor) MEMBER AT LARGE: Vicki Persson, Ph: , E- mail: Vicki@midstatesd.net th St. Corsica, SD nd year, 1st Term (Prairie Rivers Advisor) MEMBER AT LARGE: Lucille Birkholtz, Ph: , LMBirk@itctel.com rd St., Willow Lake, SD nd year, 1st term (Medary Advisor) LITERACY CHAIRPERSON: Sally Hillner PH: sallyh@brookings.net 505 Minnesota Dr., Brookings, SD TODAY S DREAM, TOMORROW S REALITY; RACIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATES Mardella Bieber PH: dmbieber@abe.midco.net PO Box 266, Bowdle, SD Margene Thompson: amthompson@santel.net th St., Letcher, SD NEWSLETTER: Lucille Birkholtz PH & FAX: LMBirk@itctel.com rd St, Willow Lake, SD FACEBOOK GURU: Maria Birch mariabirch@midstatesd.net 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 Bear Butte: Laura Lee Campbell, 1020 State St., Spearfish, SD PH: oslc1@rushmore.com DATES TO REMEMBER July 27-28, Synodical Leadership Workshop at New Home, Mitchell 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

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