keeping in touch The Newsle*er of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synodical Women s Organiza2on Summer Issue 2016 Volume 13 Number 3 NWPA/SWO Board 2016-2017 President Maryann Patterson Board Donna Fisher Vice President Debra Bowen Mary Alice McMunn Secretary Sally Hall Marty Johnson Convention Notes Treasurer Linda Alsop Triennial Voting Members Marnie Brown Mary Alice McMunn Debra Bowen Conference Planning Committee s; Conference 1 Elizabeth Stroup Cheryl Hicks Cheryl Tus Conference 2 Linda Lamborn Jean Knapp Donna Lehman Conference 3 Norma Knapp Sally Hall Conference 4 Maryann Pa*erson Yvonne Learn Donna Fisher
500th Anniversary of the Reformaon Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod will begin its celebra2on on Saturday, October 29th at Abiding Hope Lutheran Church, 2402 West Grandview Blvd. at 4:00pm. The speaker will be Reverend Hans Kasch, director of the Luther Center in Wi*enberg, Germany. There will be monthly events throughout the year, concluding with a closing anniversary liturgy at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, in Greenville, on Sunday,October 29, 2017 The heart overflows with gladness, and leaps and dances for the joy it has found in God. In this experience the Holy Spirit is ac2ve, and has taught us in the flash of a moment the deep secret of joy. You will have as much joy and laughter in life as you have faith in God. Mar2n Luther On the Trail of Martin Luther July 12-22, 2017 Embark on an inspira2onal journey through Germany that follows the epic trail blazed by Mar2n Luther, marking the 500th Anniversary of the day of the Reforma2on. Contact; Bishop Ralph Jones, bishop@nwpaelca.org, (814)589-7660
Because the Tenth Triennial Gathering falls during the observance of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reforma2on in 2017, the theme resonates with reforma2on and transforma2on images. At the gathering, par2cipants will explore ways in which the Holy Spirit changes us, acknowledging that reforma2on and transforma2on have happened and con2nue to happen within the community of women One theme verse, Psalm 104:30: Lord, send forth your spirit and renew the face of the earth calls on God to send the Holy Spirit to renew not just God s people, not just God s church but all God s earth, the crea2on that God called good. In addi2on to Psalm 104:30, other suppor2ng theme verses include: Romans 12:2: Be transformed by the renewing of your minds. You ll be changed from the inside out. 2 Corinthians 4:16: Though our outer nature is was2ng away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. Titus 3:4-5: [God] gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 43:19: I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert
Conference 3 Spring Gathering, Saturday, May 21, 2016, St. Paul s Drakes Mills. Theme for the day was Katie Luther LIVE. Katie was portrayed twice that day. In the morning session Sally Frank (former President of NWPA SWO Women of the ELCA), spoke about Katie s Fund. Sally posed as a local news interviewer of Katie as she explained how Katie s Fund works. That session gave our Katie a nice chance to warm up her German accent for her performance in the afternoon. The 2 Katie performances were done by our church member, Ginnie Hajewski, who has many years of experience as a professional teacher on the German language. Ginny s German accent was heavy and the gestures she used in portraying Katie were delightful. Our bell choir led our worship twice with songs of Amazing Grace and Canon of Grace. For another music performance, all women present who are part of their own church choirs were invited to come up front and lead us in Blest Are They. Our keynote speaker, Pastor Donald Hake, is well known in the area and his message was well received. In a very brief time he helped us realize how many separate denominations can be so different from each other, yet all identify with love known and shared by faith in Jesus Christ. ELCA women from 9 churches were here, but of course the most were our own, 22 women, not to mention the 4 men who were part of the bell choir and cooking. The men stuck around all day, they wanted to hear what Katie had to say 500 years after she met this man named Martin Luther. We did have light rain outside that day, but God showed us his presence within the walls of our dear old church. Our group of Women of the ELCA feel very blessed for the opportunity to serve our church family within Conference 3 and the many guests who spent time with us. Thank you In Kind Offering s Women s Veterans Program Women s Sleep Pants ( all sizes) Panty Liners (unscented) Women s Hair Brushes Hair Scrunchies Gi Cards; Gas, Target, Kmart, Walmart, Tops, Giant Eagle, Wegmans. Baby Items; New Born Diapers, Wipes, Diaper Cream, Onesies, Blankets, Baby Towels and Wash Clothes, Baby Shampoo, Baby Lo2on.
2016 WEEKEND RETREAT FOR WOMEN OF THE ELCA NWPA AND SWPA AT CAMP LUTHERLYN SEPTEMBER 16, 17, 18, 2016 WEEKEND GOALS (1) ACT, using are hands,heart and feet to do jus2ce in our communi2es. (2) LOVE all with mercy. (3) WALK humbly with your God. ACT, LOVE, WALK and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8) Please join us for the weekend of September 16-18, 2016 at Camp Lutherlyn as we do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God and learn how to lead others in doing the same. The Reverend Angela Zimmann, Director of Development at Gettsburg Seminary and the Reverend Jane Thompson, Chaplain at theil College will be our Bible Study Leaders. On Sunday morning we will celebrate the Eucharist on Chapel Hill with Pastor Thompson. Diane Petrak will lead us in the Holden Evening Prayer on Saturday evening. See old friends and meet new ones at the Wine & Cheese party Friday evening. Workshops to attend on Saturday morning will include; What is Reiki?, Imigration Issues, Katie L uther; (Through a Glass, Darkly) and Gettsburg Seminary. Attend one of the following Funshops on Saturday afternoon; Exercise with Penny, Lutherlyn Walk, Adult Coloring, and Pet Therapy. Enjoy the music and the singing let by Donna Dupont and Heather Goncz. This year s theme hymn is We Are Called ELW #720. Transportation will be provided for Sunday morning worship to and from Chapel Hill for anyone who needs it. We are asking All Attendees to bring; (1) Items collectedfor your synodical units designated offering; Northwest..Erie VA Medical Center Women s Veterans Program Southwest..Jeremiah s House FOR MORE INFORMATION OT QUESTIONS CONTACT; Sally Frank Chairperson (814-382-2345) email sfrank11@zoominternet.net Vera Harencame, Registra (724-265-2856) email Elharen1994@msn.com
Act, Love, Walk..and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? September 16, 17, & 18, 2016 WEEKEND RETREAT REGISTRATION FORM NWPA AND SWPA SYNODICAL WOMEN S ORGANIZATIONS CAMP LUTHERLYN PROSPECT, PA PLEASE PRINT Name Phone Address E-mail Home Congregation Location Northwest Southwest First time participant? Yes No EMERGENCY CONTACT Phone SPECIAL NEEDS DIETARY RESTRICTIONS BUNK PREFERENCE (check one): Bottom Top Either Remember there are only so many lower bunks so someone may end up in a different cabin to ensure everyone s comfort. I would like to room with (name of person & congregation with location) Your Cost FULL TIME REGISTRATION* (Fri, Sat, & Sun) $117.00 Includes: Registration fee $20. Lodging and meals 2 DAY REGISTRATION (Day Programs Only) $ 78.00 Includes: Registration fee $20. 5 meals & day fee 1 DAY REGISTRATION (Sat. only) $ 56.00 Includes: Registration fee $20. 3 meals & day fee LATE FEE $ 10.00 Late fee is assessed for any registration postmarked after August 25 th PAINT,PLAY,SNACK & SIP ($10 PAINT ONLY) $10.00 (information see cover letter) TOTAL ENCLOSED **NOTE EVEN IF YOU JUST STAY 1 NIGHT YOU MUST PAY FULL REGISTRATION REGISTRATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY AUGUST 25, 2016. If you wish confirmation of your registration, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Send to: Elvira (Vera) Harencame, 2074 Saxonburg Blvd., Gibsonia, PA 15044. NO REGISTRATION WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 REMITTANCES: Full registration fee must accompany registration. Please make checks payable to SWPA-SWO- W/ELCA. TEE-SHIRT ORDERS must be received by August 18, 2016. Checks or money orders are to be made payable to SWPA-SWO-W/ELCA. Send to: Darlene Smith, 253 Scott St. Erie, PA 16508
11:15am 12:15pm - Workshop What is Reiki? Mary Ann Swanson SATURDAY WORKSHOPS & FUNSHOPS Select first and second choice from each time slot Learn and share educational information about medical healing, physical healing and energy healing. Immigration-- Pastor Linda Theophilus Discussion concerning the latest in immigration issues Katie Luther: Through a Glass Darkly, Pastor Brian Moran Gettysburg Seminary Pastor Angela Zimmann Learn about the ins and outs of seminary life and how you can help the students 2:45pm 3:45pm Funshop Exercise with Penny Penny Geist Low impact exercise with emphasis on balance Adult Coloring Vera Harencame Enjoy coloring your very own picture Lutherlyn Walk Sally Frank stretch your legs and take a walk around the beautiful Lutherlyn grounds to learn about camp history and future plans. Pet Therapy Nancy Kieffer Learn about the therapy for the dogs and meet some animals involved in this therapy. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Offerings: will be collected throughout the weekend. Synods will be ½ of the offerings to Churchwide W/ELCA.SWPA will send ¼ to Jeremiah s House and ¼ will remain with the SWPA SWO. NWPA will send ¼ to Erie VA Medical Center Women Veterans Program and ¼ will remain with the NWPA SWO. Refunds: 1. Refunds will be made in full to all persons who cancel their reservation before the deadline. 2. Refunds shall be made for all pre-payments except Registration Fee to persons who cancel their reservations after the deadline but before September 5, 2016. 3. NO REFUND shall be made to persons canceling their reservation after September 5, 2016. (NOTE: exceptions may be made to this rule by written request to your SWO President.) FEEL FREE TO DUPLICATE ALL FORMS AND SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS. Please submit a separate form for each attendee. MAIL COMPLETED FORM WITH WORKSHOP CHOICES ALONG WITH YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER MADE PAYABLE TO SWPA SWO W/ELCA SEND TO: Elvira (Vera) Harencame, Registrar Phone: 724-265-2856(cell) 2074 Saxonburg Blvd. Elharen1994@msn.com Gibsonia, PA 15044
FOR YOUR INFORMATION DOTTIE ZAFFUTO (NURSE) 412-496-9870 MISCELLANEOUS: 1. Please turn off cell phones or place on vibrate during programs. 2. The bathrooms in Rice Hall are not functioning. There will be two Port-a-Johns available outside Rice Hall. One is handicap accessible. 3. Coffee, tea and water will be available in the Main Dining Hall throughout the weekend. 4. Water will also be available at Rice Hall. 5. The Camp Store and, if possible, the Pottery Display will be available for purchases on Saturday from 4:00 5:00pm. 6. Sign-up sheets for Sunday lunch and transportation for Sunday Worship Service will be posted in Rice Hall. 7. Please complete the Evaluation Form and turn in Name Badges before you leave (there will be boxes placed in Rice Hall Sunday morning and then moved to the Main Dining Hall at lunchtime). OFFERING INFORMATION: Offerings will be collected on Friday night, Saturday morning and during Sunday worship. There will be different color envelopes for the Northwest and Southwest SWO s. All loose offerings will be divided equally among North and Southwest. ½ of all offerings will go to Churchwide ¼ of offerings will go to each individual SWO s outreach project NW-Erie VA Women s Veterans Program. SW-FCCM Bridge House ¼ Offerings will be divided and remain in the NW and SW organizations. 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, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and in the world. MISSION STATEMENT: To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.