A Publication of I-K Women of the ELCA Volume 29 No 1 Spring 2017 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Matthew 5:13 Whenever I read this, I see a group of Chilean and American women sitting in a lovely living room in Osorno, Chile, listening to Pastor Izani Bruch (now Bishop Izani) leading us in a Bible study on this topic. The focus of this passage was on the question if we are salty how can we remain salty, or, in other words, how can we keep the grace and love needed to be a blessing to others. Well, I would like to suggest that taking the opportunity to get together with other women of faith where women worship, study the Word of God, and share their experiences is one fantastic way to keep or regain our saltiness. And, the Women of the ELCA is offering many opportunities this year for doing just this. First, there is the Tenth Triennial Gathering of Women of the ELCA, July 13-16 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The theme for this convention is ALL ANEW, a perfect event for helping us renew our saltiness. This Gathering will offer opportunities for: hearing guest speakers (Debra Gonsher Vinik, Brenda Myers-Powell, Vonda Drees, and Kelly Fryer) learning about Women of the Hebrew Bible, Ways to End Human Trafficking, Exploring Simple Acts of Sacred Living, etc. worshiping using your hands in piecing and tying mission quilts Second, the Indiana-Kentucky Women of the ELCA will hold its Biennial Convention, September 15 & 16, 2017, in South Bend, Indiana. The theme for this convention is FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS, based on Esther 4:13-14. We are looking forward to having Amy Hartman of Cherish All Children as our main speaker and the leader of a workshop. Much more information will be soon coming. Third, truly consider becoming a Board Member of the Indiana-Kentucky Women of the ELCA. Those of us who have served on the Board have found this to be a wonderful experience in helping us to remember the power that love and grace gives to our lives. The most important qualification for serving is a love for reaching out and helping others. Blessings,
In This Issue: Board Briefs By Kathy Coleman, I-K SWO Secretary Letter from the President ~ Cover Board Briefs ~ P2 Information for Leaders ~ P3 Contact Information ~ P4 2017 Biennial Convention For Such a Time as This Information ~ P5 Rene Siria Story ~ P6 Treasurer s Report ~ P7 Fair Share Program ~ P8 Fair Share Program Form ~ P9 For Such a Time as This Registration Form ~ P10 Rene' Siria Memorial Fund Scholarship form ~ P11 Resolution / Memorial information and form ~ P12 to 14 Biennial Young Woman Scholarship Form ~ P15 Reformation Devotional ~ P16 Triennial Speaker ~ P16 Reformation Activities ~ P17 Small but Might ~ P17 Purpose Statement ~ P18 January 2017 Board Briefs I-K Women of the ELCA Board met at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, on Saturday January 28, 2017. Barbara Ault kept the minutes as Sec. Kathy Coleman was unable to attend. President Linda Doerge reported: Board member Taryn Smith resigned her position; Called for nominations to fill the board, as well as to serve as voting members for Triennial 2020; Will attend the Presidents Conference in February; $100 will be sent to CWO, to be shared by Beacon InterFaith, Katie s Fund, and CWO. Vice-President Doris Sparks reported: Our website is up for renewal through Geeks.com at a cost of $150 for three years; Requested assistance or relief from managing the website due to personal and professional responsibilities. Linda volunteered to take over the website. Treasurer Pat Hamby reported: Her annual report will be published in The KINswoman prior to the Biennial Convention; A debit card was approved to pay for convention hotel expenses; The Rene' Siria Scholarship Fund has enough for three scholarships toward expenses to the Biennial Convention. (The scholarship story and application are part of this newsletter. Other topics of interest: Several clusters have tentative dates for spring gatherings: Evansville was held on Feb.2; NE is scheduled for early April; NW is April 1; NC may be held in May. Biennial convention registration and scholarship forms are apart of this newsletter and will be posted on the website in the near future. Next meeting is Saturday, May 6, 2017, in Indianapolis. For Such a Time as This SAVE THE DATES September 15-16, 2017! 2
COMMUNICATION TOOLS FOR LEADERS Tools are posted at the ikwelca.org website for you to use at Spring Gatherings to discuss and make plans to attend the WELCA Triennial Gathering in Minneapolis (July 13-16) or the I-K Synod WELCA Biennial in South Bend (September 15 & 16) or both. Much effort has gone in to both events so we may pray, learn, connect and act as individuals united in the love and mission of Christ. Download what you want to use. Here is what you can find: I-K Synod Biennial Gathering September 15 and 16 in South Bend, the registration form is ready! Barbara Dietz (1917 Denslow Drive, South Bend, IN 46614)is our registrar. Sign up early and share a room! The sooner you register, the more you save. Biennial Rene Siria Scholarship Form for those over 30 who would like to attend. Biennial Flyer to use as bulletin inserts, handouts at Spring Gatherings etc. Church Wide WELCA Tenth Triennial Convention and Gathering in Minneapolis July 13-16, a set of five slides made in PowerPoint are available for download so that you may show them at your Spring Gathering or project them at your church. For more Triennial information, visit welcatg.org or call 1-800-638-3522 ext.2730 Kenda Dues Opportunity for another ATTENTION!! CLUSTER COORDINATORS BOARD PARTNERS Please send your Spring Gathering information ASAP to: Kathy Coleman at kacoleman@alumni.iu.edu Include date and location (church/city/state). Get the word out about your event. Biennial Program If you are interested in attending a mini "Boot Camp" Leadership session at convention. We are considering offering one for those of you who were not able to attend those events held in Indianapolis and MIshawaka, IN and Melbourne, KY in 2016. Please contact Pat Hamby at 317-508-9015 or at jimhamby14@aol.com. ASAP A S A P 3
God has put you where you are FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. Esther 4:13-14 September 15 & 16, 2017 South Bend, IN The K INs wom an newsletter i s a publication of the Indiana -Kentucky Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). This publication facilitates communications of the I-K Women of the ELCA by sharing ideas and programs of individuals, as well as our Clusters, Congregational Units and (SWO) Board. The KINswoman is published quarterly by the IK Synodical Women s Organization of Women of the ELCA, Linda Doerge, President, and online at www.iksynod.org/ministry/ik- SWO/IKSWO.asp. Send all articles, photos, questions, subscription requests to the editor (contact below) Permission to p h o t o c o p y this publication for distribution is given for all ELCA members and Women of the ELCA. All others must cite attribution of publication. President Linda Doerge 4545 Prince Albert Way Lexington, KY 40515 859-619-3341 c.doerge@twc.com East Kentucky (10) and South Central (9) Vice President Rev. Doris Sparks 1810 Oak Street Linton, IN 47441 C= 812-699-9372 pastordoris@hotmail.com Social Media Developer Evansville (8) Secretary Kathy Coleman 68755 US Hwy 31 Lakeville, IN 46536 574-784-3538 kacoleman@alumni.iu.edu North Central (2) Treasurer Pat Hamby 410 Crosby Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46227 317-889-9218; C= 317-508-9015 Jimhamby14@aol.com Lafayette (4) Board Members Sandy Koehler 122 W. 2 nd Street Hanover, IN 47243 812-866-8923; C= 812-701-4873 blueeyes48421@yahoo.com Discipleship Chair Southeast (7) Vacant Co-Justice Chair Southeast (7) Kenda Dues 711 Lincolnway East Goshen, IN 46526 574-596-7806 kdues@comcast.net Stewardship Northeast (3) 4 Non-Board Barbara Ault Convention Chair 1923 Stonehedge Lane South Bend, IN 46614 574-299-1089; C=574-383-0538 dbault@sbcglobal.net Darlene Bockelman Anti-Racism 1502 S. 800 E Columbia City, IN 46725 260-248-8274 darlene@bockelman.com Beverly Ledwon KINswoman Editor 5926 Victory Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46203 C=317-513-5153 bjhunt50@gmail.com
For Such a Time as This The 2017 Biennial Convention will be held in South Bend, IN, Friday and Saturday (September 15 & 16) at the Doubletree Hotel/Convention Center. What s Happening Our conventions are more than just business meetings of unit delegates. There are special speakers, workshops, Bible Study led by Inez Torres Davis, worship, fellowship and food. Plan to Bring ~~ There will also be a special in-gathering of bras (yes, Bras) as in-kind offering gifts to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit "Free the Girls" (Chesterton, IN) that provides job opportunities to survivors of sex trafficking in developing countries. Women in the program receive a donation of bras to start a small business and can buy more inventory from their profits. Come to convention and bring new or gently used bras and learn how each new entrepreneur is helped in areas of inventory management, budget and financial planning for their dreams and goals. Help expand this program to areas in Africa and Central America beyond Uganda, Mozambique and El Salvador. ~~ Three-minute sharing of congregational ministries throughout the I-K Synod (come prepared to share what your congregation is doing)! Amy Hartman, Deacon, is the National Director of Cherish All Children, an ELCA ministry that equips congregations to prevent child sexual exploitation. She will address the whole Gathering and provide a workshop for those wanting to learn more about preventing child sexual exploitation. I look forward to my time with you! Amy L. Hartman, Deacon National Director of Cherish All Children www.cherishallchildren.org This newsletter issue features the following Biennial Convention related information and forms. There are deadlines. Fair Share Program information and form ~ P8 & 9 ~~ Deadline: July 1, 2017 For Such a Time as This Biennial Registration Form ~ P10 ~~ for best pricing register by July 31, 2017 Biennial Rene' Siria Memorial Fund Scholarship form ~ P11 ~~ for women ages 30+, deadline July 1, 2017 Resolution / Memorial information and form ~ P12 to 14 ~~ Deadline July 31, 2017 Biennial Young Woman Scholarship Form ~ P15 ~~ for women ages 17 to 30, deadline July 1, 2017 5
RENÉ SIRIA 1947-2009 René Siria was dedicated to the Women of the ELCA.. At the time of her death, she was a member of the Women of the ELCA Board where she worked continuously to encourage women of all ages to attend and participate in the Women of the ELCA. And, she was the convention chairman of the 2009 Indiana-Kentucky Synodical Women s Biennial Convention. Some years before 2009, René was diagnosis with breast cancer and with treatment the cancer went into remission. However, in 2009, the breast cancer again became active and just two weeks before the convention, she died. The 2009 I-K Biennial Convention decided to honor her and her work by creating the René Siria Memorial Fund. The purpose of creating the René Siria Memorial Fund was to financially support women of the Indiana-Kentucky ELCA over the age of 30 to attend conventions by offering scholarships. René was a graduate of Concordia College, St. Paul, Minnesota, with a degree in Education. She lived in Frankfort, Kentucky, with her husband, Bruce Siria, and she was the mother of two children and grandmother of two. She was a buyer and sales associate for Completely Kentucky, in Frankfort, Kentucky, at the time of her death. She was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church, Frankfort where during her years at Hope, she served as the Evangelism Committee chairman, chairman of the Ladies Group, Sunday School teacher, and Worship committee chairman. She was also active in the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association beginning in 1975. She served at the local, county, area, and state levels. René served at various times as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer of the local club and the Franklin County Homemakers. From 2004-2007 she served as State President of the Homemakers. Rene was involved in many community organizations such as the Frankfort Rotary Club,; Franklin County Women s Shelter, where a garden was dedicated to Renés memory; Downtown Frankfort, Inc.; Leadership Frankfort Class,; and Youth Leadership Frankfort, a program that she developed and directed for the Chamber of Commerce, specifically for high school sophomores. FOR 2017 ~~ The Mission Investment Fund holds $967.37 in reserve for Rene' Siria Scholarships to the I-K Biennial Conventions. See page 11 to apply. 6
Greetings to all my Sisters in Christ, I am happy to report that your I-K SWO Treasury is slowly growing again, thanks to your steadfast stewardship. On February 1, 2016,we began the year with $6,724.23; on November 1, 2016, the balance was $6,966.64 and we ended the year on January 31, 2017, with $7, 529.99. Below is a more detailed report. Each of your units have been diligent servants and stewards of Christ. See pages 8 & 9 for information and form for the Fair Share Program. Following is listed all the donating units for this 4th quarter. Thank You all for your faithful and generous offerings to the Women of the ELCA. First English, Mishawaka, IN ~ St. John, Melbourne, KY ~ Redeemer, Jasper, IN Christ, Jeffersontown (Louisville), KY ~ St. John (Bellaire), Lawrenceburg, IN St. John, Napoleon, IN ~ St. Matthew s, Fort Wayne, IN ~ St. Paul s, Jasper, IN Resurrection, Indianapolis, IN ~ Griffith, Griffith, IN ~ St. Paul, Versailles, IN St. Peter s, Corydon, IN ~ Grace, Syracuse, IN ~ Faith, Goshen, IN St. Paul s, Jasper, IN ~ St. Matthew by the Lake, Benton, KY ~ Bethel, Gary, IN St. John s, Loogootee, IN ~ Gloria Dei, Mulberry, IN ~ St. John s, Fort Wayne, IN Christ, Kokomo, IN ~ Holy Trinity, New Castle, IN ~ Emanuel, Greendale, IN St. Paul s, Middlebury, IN ~ St. Mark s, Albion, IN ~ Calvary, Angola, IN Mt. Pleasant, Kendallville, IN ~ Zion, Sunman, IN ~ St. Peter (Bear Branch) Dillsboro, IN Peace, Pat Hamby Fourth Quarter Financials Nov. 1, 2016 - Jan. 31, 2017 Beginning Balance $6,966.64 Income Reg. Offerings $2629.59 Fall Cluster Offerings $ 679.50 Misc. Offerings $ 170.00 Total Income $ 3,478.09 Expenditures Reg. Offerings to CWO $1314.55 Cluster Offering to CWO $ 365.25 Special Offerings $ 184.00 Reimbursements to Board $ 635.20 KINswoman Printing $ 401.10 Insurance Premium $ 15.30 Total Expense $ 2,915.40 Ending Balance $7,529.33 May you also be blessed in your clusters (NW, NC, NE, SE & EVANS) for your support of your chosen local charities and church-wide Women of the ELCA (CWO) in your Fall Gatherings. 7
Indiana-Kentucky Women of the ELCA Fair Share Program The Fair Share Program was adopted at the 1989 Indiana-Kentucky Synodical Women s Organization s (SWO) Convention in order that all Congregational Units (CU) may be able to receive financial support to send their delegates to every Synodical Women s Organization Convention. The program s directive reads as follows: Every CU is encouraged to contribute to this program as a way to support one another. Each CU will have the following options at the time of contribution. A. Contribute to the program and not receive monies in return. B. Contribute to the program and receive a share of the money in return. C. Not contribute, but request a share of the money for convention expenses. Each Congregational Unit must send a full time voting member to the convention to receive funds. Units will be notified of the amount of their share at the convention once all of the voting members have registered. The amount of the share is dependent upon the funding received from all of the participating Units, the number of voting members requesting the funds, and their attendance as full time participants at the convention. (The total received will be divided equally among the number requesting funds, not to exceed actual expenses incurred.) Checks made out to Units receiving funding will be available at the close of the synodical convention. For the purpose of the program, the following Giving Schedule has been suggested: (An active participant is a woman who participates in one of the regular meetings, general meetings, circles, groups, etc., in your congregational unit.) 05-15 Active participants $10 16-25 Active participants $25 26-50 Active participants $50 Over 50 active participants $75 8
FAIR SHARE PROGRAM FORM All contributions and/or applications must be received by the I-K Women of the ELCA Treasurer by July 1, 2017 for the 2017 I-K Women of the ELCA Convention at the Doubletree Convention Center, South Bend IN. Congregational Number Cluster/Conference Name of Congregational Unit Address City State Zip Please check the appropriate space: We wish to contribute to the Fair Share program and NOT receive money in return. We wish to contribute and ALSO receive money in return to assist with expenses. We cannot contribute, but would like to receive a share of the money contributed. Signed, CU Treasurer Address City State Zip 9
Indiana-Kentucky Women of the ELCA Biennial Convention For Such a Time as This September 15-16, 2017 Doubletree Hotel and Convention Center, South Bend, Indiana REGISTRATION FORM Registration Deadline August 25, 2017 Please Print or Type Name (one form per person) Cluster Address City State Zip Telephone E-mail address Congregation Name Number City State Zip Check one: Voting Member Alternate Clergy Board Visitor Guest Convention Representative (with voice) Cluster Coordinator ($50 waived; not a voting member) Registration Categories: (choose 1) $125.00 Early Bird Registration Deadline July 31, 2017 (Full convention participation, workshops, two lunches, and Friday night banquet) $150.00 Full registration Deadline August 25, 2017 $100.00 All Day Friday (includes all activities, workshops, lunch and banquet) $65.00 All Day Saturday (includes all activities, workshops, and lunch) $100.00 Friday Banquet and All Day Saturday (includes Friday banquet, worship, all Saturday activities, workshops, and lunch) $35.00 Friday Banquet and Worship only Total Amount Enclosed Send your registration form and check payable to I-K Women of the ELCA Convention to registrar: Barbara Dietz, 1917 Denslow Drive, South Bend IN 46614. Room Reservations: Rate is $99 plus taxes per night through August 17 or until the block is sold out. If reserving by phone, be sure to specify the Indiana-Kentucky Women of the ELCA. Hotel Name: Hotel Address: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel South Bend 123 North St. Joseph Street Call - 574-234-2000 South Bend, Indiana, 46601 Online Registration http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/s/sbnsbdt-ikw-20170914/index.jhtml. SPECIAL NEEDS ROOMS: Notify the hotel when you make your room reservation. SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS: Please state special dietary needs: Emergency Contact Information: Name Relationship Phone Cell Alternate Phone 10
Indiana-Kentucky Synodical Women's Organization APPLICATION FORM Rene' Siria Memorial Fund Scholarship You qualify if you are: an active participant of an IN-KY Women of the ELCA unit; female age 30 plus; encouraged by a woman in your unit, a council member, or Pastor to apply; willing to make a written report to the Vice-President of the Indiana-Kentucky Synodical Women's Board regarding what you learned, how you will use the information, etc. This scholarship at minimum will cover the full registration fee for the convention. Name Date of Birth Address City State Zip Phone E-mail Encouraged by In your own words, tell about your involvement in Christian activities with accent on women's issues. Also explain why you want to attend the IN-KY Women of the ELCA convention. Return this form by July 1, 2017 to: Linda Doerge, 4545 Prince Albert Way, Lexington KY 40515. Form: RSMF rev. 9/16/11 11
Indiana-Kentucky Women of the ELCA 2017 RESOLUTIONS / MEMORIALS A resolution/memorial is a main motion in writing a formal, written proposal expressing an opinion or position of a congregational unit or its board/elected leaders. A resolution may: 1. Propose a change 2. Suggest a refinement 3. Ask for the formulation of a policy position A resolution/memorial is composed of several important parts. The format that we wish to use for the 2017 I-K Women of the ELCA Convention includes the following: Topic: A 1-5 word title that reflects the topic and will be recognized by the convention body when referring to the motion. Introductory Statement: The underlying rationale that seeks to set the stage or portray the condition (the whereas part). Recommendation: The main motion that comes from the rationale and is the proposal which the convention body will consider and take action on (the Be it Resolved part). Signatures: Signed by the author of the resolution or the voting delegate who will present the resolution to the convention body, and be able to speak to matters of the resolution for clarification and explanation. If more than one resolution/memorial is presented, please make additional copies of the attached form or use the form outlined on another 8½ X11 sheet of paper. All resolutions must be submitted to Kathy Coleman, I-K Women of the ELCA Board Secretary by: July 31, 2017, in order to be included in the convention booklet and reviewed by the voting members prior to the convention. Mail to Kathy Coleman, 68755 US Highway 31, Lakeville IN 46536 Additional resolutions may be accepted at the convention provided they are submitted prior to 4:00 p.m. or the close of the first business session. 12
HELP FOR PREPARING A RESOLUTION A resolution/memorial addresses a concern or issue which does not appear on the agenda of the convention. Thus, a voting member may use a resolution/memorial to introduce new concerns and proposals for action. The information in the Parliamentary Help section of the Convention Program and Reports gives the requirements for how and when such resolutions may be presented as new business. Note that signatures of five voting members are required, prior to presentation to the convention body, when the resolutions/ memorials are presented at the convention. Voting members wishing to introduce new business resolutions/memorials should first explore questions such as these: Is it necessary? Your concerns may be issues that Woman of the ELCA or the Church already addresses. Check with the President of Women of the ELCA to determine if a need exists for further resolution/ memorial. Is it appropriate? The action asked for in the resolution/memorial should be suitable for Women of the ELCA to undertake. Check with staff assigned to the Committee on Reference. Is it premature? There may be more effective ways to get action started on your concern. Direct contact with the Board may be more effective than a resolution/memorial. Is it redundant? Check the convention program and Reports to be sure the issue or concern has not already been addressed in a Recommendation or in a Memorial from a synod organization. If you determine that a real need exists, the next step is to draft the resolution/memorial in the proper form. The usual shape of a resolution/memorial includes Whereas sections (the preamble) and the Resolved section. Be sure the rationale in the whereas part supports the action you request. It is best to avoid lengthy whereas sections. Be sure that your resolution/memorial does each of the following: Has a clear rationale which is accurate and verifiable. Avoid hearsay and mere opinion that you cannot attribute to a credible source. Addresses a specific audience, i.e., all participants, congregational units, synodical organizations, the synodical board, or this convention. Proposes specific action. If the action requested involves expenditure of funds (such as studies and events), it will be referred to the synodical board before it comes to the convention for discussion. 13
Indiana-Kentucky Women of the ELCA 2017 RESOLUTION / MEMORIAL FORM TOPIC: WHEREAS, WHEREAS, WHEREAS, BE IT RESOLVED BE IT RESOLVED Signature of Voting Member Date: 14
Indiana-Kentucky Synodical Women s Organization 2017 Young Women s Scholarship The Indiana-Kentucky Synodical Women s Organization provides scholarships for young women 17 to 30 to attend our biennial convention. One scholarship is available per cluster/conference, and a woman is permitted to receive the scholarship only once. These nominations must be received by July 1, 2017. The scholarship covers registration and housing with other young women scholarship recipients. Women will be notified by July 15, 2017, if they will be provided with this scholarship. Name Address Home phone ( ) Email Name of Congregation nominating the young woman Address City State Zip Cluster/Conference Year of birth: Please give a brief biography of applicant and reason for request. Use back, if necessary. Please return this form by July 1, 2017 to: Linda Doerge, President 4545 Prince Albert Way Lexington KY 40515 15
Daily Grace Feb 20, 2017 01:00 am 500 years after the Reformation What does it mean to be Lutheran 500 years after the Reformation? Some might question the relevance of the theology of a 16th-centuryGerman monk, but Martin Luther s clear exposition of the gospel is as fresh and powerful today as it was 500 years ago. For Luther, God was an actual living being: holy, righteous and jealous. In our culture, God has become a cross between a cosmic Barney ( I love you, you love me ) and an ATM. This cuddly, transactional God does not inspire reverence or awe. With this domesticated God, we are missing the earth-shattering, life-changing good news of the gospel. Lutherans hold up two key understandings. First, grace presupposes that we need it. Second, grace is a gift. We are not loved for what we do or for who we are but because of Whose we are. To be Lutheran 500 years after the Reformation means that we are free to serve the neighbor as a person in his or her own right, not as a means to an end. It is the possibility of being open and genuine and honest because we are loved completely by God, who knows us completely. This message is adapted from Where s Lutheran by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton in the January/ February 2017 issue of Gather. Today we observe Presidents Day, also known as Washington s Birthday, a federal holiday. The Tenth Triennial Gathering will be held July 13-16, 2017, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, in Minneapolis, Minn. "All Anew" is the theme. Register now! At welcatg.org Triennial Speaker! Leymah Gbowee Nobel Peace Prize Laurate of 2011 from Liberia is going to be at the Triennial in Minneapolis! She is the woman who united women of Muslim and Christian backgrounds for the cause of Peace. They were successful bringing Liberia s Second Civil War (2003) to an end. Google her name and read about her life and the quest for peace in their country. Watch her Ted talk: Unlock the intelligence, passion, greatness of girls. Gbowee is the founder and president of Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, which provides educational and leadership opportunities to girls, women and the youth in West Africa. You may have seen the documentary Pray the Devil back to Hell! 16
How can we celebrate God's grace and love over 500 years? One idea catching on in the North Central Cluster is a take-off of the Alive with History article in Living Lutheran (October P.38). The article describes congregations dusting off and updating their own history. Do we know the oldest congregation in our Cluster, in our Synod? Knowing the stories of our churches can bring to life a story about families moving, settling, struggling, living, baptizing, marrying, and burying their own; the story of faith over generations. Jennifer Long Morehart our ELCA Region 6 Archivist (reg6archives@tlsohio.edu) would know some of the facts about our churches and people. She can even offer guidance in what is historically significant to save and the best way to preserve records, pictures, art from the past. Ideas of collecting pamphlets from each of our congregations and even those who recently closed, are being considered so together we may compile a brief history of the lives of each congregation and the story of faith in our time and place. Organizing tours to visit one another s congregation has been suggested. Imagine listening to a well preserved pipe organ, or meditating in a new labyrinth at a near by church, or gazing at and through the stain glass artistry, the baptismal font, the different architecture and features all created to lend our prayers and praise to God. Progressive snacks or dinners, hymn sings, guided tours, skits can serve to tell faith stories from the centuries and guide thoughts to The Three in One who has worked through time in and among us all. Knowing our own history and finding ways and reasons to tell the story always serves to inform the present. The Reformation Anniversary is an excellent opportunity to celebrate each of the years and days since then. Small but Mighty Group Thinks Big On August 4th, 2016, four members of Modern Lutheran Women at St. John Lutheran took a field trip to Beattyville, KY, where we distributed school kits that through our congregation s generous donations had purchased for each of the eighty Head Start pupils there. The kits were purchased from Kits for Kidz. We set up our table with an open kit to show what was in each kit and we also distributed backpacks and other school supplies that had been donated. The room was set up as a resource fair for parents to visit after they had been to see their child s classroom and meet the teacher. It was interesting for us to interact with others, especially Head Start, who serve the community, filling medical, social, nutritional and employment needs. We are a small church and a small organization, but it is amazing what we can do when we work together to be God s hands. We began with the goal of providing forty kits. But at a subsequent meeting, our small but mighty group decided to think big and try to finance eighty kits with further assistance from our congregation. It wasn t long before we reached our goal! 17
I-K Synodical Women s Organization Beverly Ledwon, Editor 5926 Victory Ave Indianapolis, IN 46203 PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Fort Wayne, IN Permit No. 1972 DATED MATERIAL For immediate delivery IMPORTANT! Please route to the women s leader. Mission: To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Purpose Statement of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 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. 18