Summer 2013 SNOW Newsletter - Northwestern Minnesota Synod

SUMMER SNOW
2013
Dear Sisters in Christ,
The convention will be here before we know it, September 6th & 7th at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus
Falls. Be sure to send a delegate to give your congregation a voice at the convention. The registration deadline for
delegates is August 10th and the deadline for guests is August 15th. All forms and information can be found on our
web page at www.nwmnsynod.org.
September can get kind of crazy with school back in session and the activities beginning after the summer break,
and so coming to the convention would be a perfect time for you to take some time for YOU – to renew your spirit, and
rejoice in fellowship with your Lutheran sisters. We have Young Women Grants available, for women between the ages
of 18 and 45. Last year we had 3 Young Women Grant recipients and one of them was Pastor Jeanette Bidne from
Esther Lutheran in Parkers Prairie, we encourage pastors and all women to attend.
Our Keynote speaker this year is Kim Wagner. Workshops include: Radical Hospitality by Pastor Laurie Natwick,
Hunger Table by Pastor Bill Beyer, The Importance of Joy and Laughter in Spirituality by Dawn Reising and a
Leadership Workshop, led by Dawn Smith, Churchwide Board Rep, Vicki Heydt, SWO VP and Georjean Johnson,
SWO Treasurer. If you are in a leadership role, please plan on attending the Leadership workshop.
Remember your baskets or other items for the Silent Auction – proceeds go to women attending the 2014 Triennial to
help cover some of their expenses. Be sure to bid as well.
We will be having a Farmers Market again this year - Fresh home grown produce. We welcome all contributions
from your garden, and all proceeds will go to the local food shelves in clusters 8, 9 & 10.
Don’t forget your In-Kind gifts – toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss. These will go to help support dental
programs to families in need for the communities of Clusters 8, 9, and 10.
I’m looking forward to seeing you in September!
“Your faithfulness extends to every generation” Psalms 119:90
“Pass It On” – watch the wonderful things that will happen because of you!
Blessings,
Lois Bylund
NW MN SWO President
President Lois with Vicki and
others made popcorn during the
synod convention at Concordia
in June. $401 was raised to help
pay transportation costs of a
woman from our sister synod in
India to attend our Gathering in
Charlotte, NC.
NWMN Synodical Convention in Fergus Falls
I hope that many of you have marked your calendars for the upcoming NW MN Synodical Convention
to be held in Fergus Falls on Friday and Saturday, September 6 & 7. You will be coming to my
beautiful town, Fergus Falls, home of the world’s largest Otter, built on the banks of the Otter Tail
River. We have several lakes in town, well, okay maybe duck ponds are a more accurate description,
but nevertheless, they are very pretty! We have been a “Tree City” for 35 years, have a very cool, old,
state hospital site, and enough churches per capita to make the Guinness Book of World Records.
When you come, you will have several options for lodging. There is the Best Western Falls Inn & Suites
218-739-2211, Americinn Lodge & Suites-- 218-739-3900, and the Comfort Inn--218-736-5787
all out on Western Avenue off Interstate 94. Most offer a discount if reservations are made in August,
all have a fitness room, and offer included breakfasts.
Directions to church:
Once in town, Bethlehem Lutheran Church is easy to find. We are just two blocks south of the main
corridor, Lincoln Avenue, on the corner of Junius Avenue and Mill Street. Our parking is limited, so we
have arranged for parking at First Lutheran Church, which is just across from us. We will have a
shuttle bringing convention attendees back and forth from the parking lot to Bethlehem and vice
versa. If you are entering Fergus Falls from the Interstate head east on Lincoln Ave for about 2 miles.
Then turn right on Union Ave (heading south) for two blocks and turn left into the First Lutheran
Church parking lot. If you are coming from the north, on Highway 59, head into town on Union
Avenue, go south about 1.5 miles. After crossing Lincoln Avenue, continue south for two more blocks
to the First Lutheran Church parking lot.
Events begin Friday afternoon at 2 with registration, followed by a meeting and election of officers
and delegates to the Triennial business meeting That evening is a banquet with special
entertainment. Silent auction items will be available as well as venders.
Saturday kicks off with an early morning Bible study lead by Pastor Laurie Natwick at 7:45am
followed by a worship service with communion and officer installation. Our Keynote Speaker, Kim
Wagner, finishes up the morning. You won’t want to miss her! After a break for lunch followed by a
sing along, there will be four workshops offered; choosing two will be hard, as all sound wonderful
and educational. a listing of workshops is in the SNOW. Single day costs $35.so bring a carload and
“Pass It On.”
Amidst all of the scheduled activities there will be plenty of time for perusing the vendor tables, book
signings by authors, as well as checking out the Silent Auction Baskets and purchasing produce at our
Farmer’s Market. Any church WELCA group, Circle, or individual is welcome to bring a basket to add
to this fundraiser. Baskets can be of a theme, such as gardening or movie night, or consist of a hobby
or craft such as jewelry or card making. It will be fun to see all of the creative ideas that people come
up with.
Don’t forget to load up on toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss for our physical offering. These are
inexpensive items that are also easy to pack! Let’s fill the tubs to the brim!
However special the town itself is, it’s the people here that really make Fergus Falls unique. Come find
out for yourself what makes Fergus Falls such an awesome community! That women at Bethlehem are
looking forward to your coming to Fergus Falls.
workshop presenters
Radical Hospitality
Pastor Laurie Natwick
“Radical Hospitality” is about more than tea and crumpets. It calls us to a new place
where we are empowered to open our closed hearts, even when that is frightening for
us, and make room for the "other" (whoever that may be for us). In doing this we
welcome that one to come in and be part of who we are. This is not about "letting them
in" so they can become like us, but rather, welcoming the "other" so we may learn from
them and grow in faith and love. Radical hospitality always calls us beyond
ourselves...and even beyond where we are comfortable.
Hunger Table
ELCA World Hunger is a comprehensive and sustainable program that uses
multiple strategies—relief, development, education, and advocacy—to discuss the
root causes of hunger and poverty. During this workshop we will simulate
scenarios and learn what services are available in Minnesota.
The Importance of Joy and Laughter in Spirituality
In this workshop Dawn will make a serious argument for joy, humor and laughter
as being part of not only a healthy physical life but a healthy, spiritual life.
We will discover the benefits of laughter: Physically, Mentally, Socially, and
Spiritually.
Dawn Reisig
Leadership
If you are currently in a leadership position, either in your local
unit or cluster, this workshop is for you. Dawn Smith,
Churchwide Board Representative; Vicki Heydt, SWO Vice
President; and Georjean Johnson, SWO Treasurer will go through
some leadership training, Cluster Officer duties and the treasurer
forms along with a question and answer time.
Ladies from Wadena Cluster 9
hope you will join us in Fergus Falls
September 6 & 7. To worship, to
learn, to laugh, to grow, to meet
new people, and to experience radical
hospitality.
Sign up today. Forms are with your
unit president and on the synod
website.
BASKETS BASKETS BASKETS
Mary Peterson is in charge of this year’s silent auction which helps fund expenses for Triennial
Gathering visitors. It is always fun to see what everyone comes up with for ideas. In the past we have
seen “First Apartment”, “Visiting Grandma’s House Activity Basket” “It’s a Baby Boy or Girl” “Garden
Lover’s,” “Bird Lovers” “Prayer Corner” “Welcome to the Neighborhood” “Family Night at the
Movies” “Summer at the Lake” “Kitchen Tools for a Bridal Shower” “4th of July Celebration” “Quilt
Lover’s Tools and Pattern with a Charm Pack” “Home made pickles and Jam”Table runners, Small
Crib Quilts, Coffee Cakes and Home Made Candy.
Mary would like everyone to have a card listing all items in the baskets, who donated the item and
approximate value so people have some item of where the bidding price you start. Please send the
baskets with your delegates so the workers can have the tables set up for perusing before the
banquet begins.
After you arrive be sure to stop by the table and bid on a few items.
Bidding will close after the noon meal (approx 1 pm) on Saturday so people will be able to pay for and
pick up their items before they leave for the day. If you need to leave early, have a friend pay for and
pick up your winning bid item. Thank you for participating in this fun
project.
Our 25th Anniversary is drawing to a
close. We have celebrated in many
ways supporting special projects like the
Malaria Campaign and Bible Women of
India.
Barb Riley, Karen Erickson and Joyce
Shock ready to serve cake for Cluster
10.
Keynote Speaker
Kim Wagner
“Got Joy?”
To Kim Wagner, mediocrity is not acceptable. She seizes every opportunity to enlighten, chal-­
lenge and motivate people to look at their imper-­
fections and see themselves as fabulously, unique people! She has inspired thousands of people to look at life as a series of celebrations, encouraging with spontaneity and humor.
Kim has enjoyed numerous roles over the years. She is a singer, songwriter, seamstress, quilter and friend/fund-raiser for various organizations. However, the roles that have brought her the most joy and reward are that of wife to pastor, Dave and mother to Isaac, Margot, Lucas and Abram (though standing ovations are few and far be-­
tween for the mom-wife gig). Without granting permission, these children grew up before Kim's eyes, thus making her an expert on child develop-­
ment. The Wagners are presently empty-nesters with two dogs, Gimli & Wilson who determine their daily agenda.
Farmer’s Market....
Please bring garden produce, fresh
flowers, jams, jellies, pickles to our
annual farmer’s market at the
synodical
convention in Fergus Falls, proceeds
will be given to the local food pantry.
Hopefully with all the rain this
summer
we will be able to offer a variety of
items to sell.
Thank you for your support.
She delivers life-changing messages to parent and women’s groups, church gatherings, community events and is well known for her entertain-­
ing and dynamic delivery, often sharing real life stories sprinkled with a song or two.
Being average or simply par is not good enough. From one’s first breath to one’s last, it is imperative that the journey be accomplished with joy & laughter. MEET YOUR SYNODICAL
BOARD MEMBERS OF
NORTHWEST MINNESOTA
RoxAnne Goulet, a active member of Mt Carmel Lutheran in Roosevelt. Before moving there she taught
Sunday School, VBS, was a WELCA president, Church treasurer and financial recorder of Cluster l. She is a
First Responder in the Roosevelt Williams area, treas of American Legion Aux 371, and a gold star blood
donor. She urges everyone who can to donate blood. She is proud of her 20 grandchildren and one great
grandchild. Fergus Falls will be her 4th synodical convention.
“To God be the Glory” is her motto.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Merrily Burmeister, First Lutheran of Bemidji, grew up in southern Minn, attended Concordia, St. Paul to earn
her elementary education degree. She joyfully taught for 32 years in Billings, Richfield, Bloomington and
Bemidji. She is currently First’s Women of ELCA president- active in circle, LWR projects and knitting club.
She was a first time delegate to the the Triennial in Spokane and urges everyone to attend the Gathering in
Charlotte.NC She loved the speakers, workshops, worshipping with 2000 others and meeting Nobel prize
winner Leymah Gbowe from Liberia, Africa was a special highlight.
She has served on parish council, education, stewardship and Evangelism boards. She is in Sanford Health
Aux, Delta Kappa Gamma, 55 Connection Travel Bd, Lady Slipper’s Book club and a 4-H judge of gardening.
Married to Marv, she has two awesome sons. She has lost both parents and two siblings at young ages so
feels like an orphan. “God is good in all that happens, when he brings you to something, he is there to walk
with you through it.” She has survived a triple by pass thankful to the faithful prayers of family and friends
during her recovery. She feels “blessed to be here and serving God anyway she can, using the talents he
gave her, in that HIS WILL might be done.”
Northwest Minnesota Women of
ELCA Spring Cluster Events
Cluster #2 spring gathering met at Silver Creek Lutheran Church near Thief River Falls on Saturday,
April 20. The theme for the morning was “One In Mission – One In Action” based on Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.”
Cluster 2 Coordinator, Doloris Haugen, welcomed the guests to the event and Bev Rupprecht
extended a welcome on behalf of Silver Creek Lutheran church women. Special music was provided
by sisters Pastor Terri and Chris Cuppett.
Pastor John Golv of Zion Lutheran in Thief River Falls presented morning devotions. Jim and Jan
Strandlie, also of Thief River Falls, gave a very interesting presentation on their 2011 trip where they
traveled through seven countries in Europe. They took special notice of the churches and cathedrals
with camera in hand, they were able to capture the design, the extravagance, the simplicity and the
variations they noticed along the way. Most importantly, many of these structures, though very old, are
still thriving as places of worship today.
Chad Roisland and Tim Staudahar, both students at U of Minnesota, Crookston, gave presentations on
youth mission trips to Liberia and Taiwan respectively. Both showed contrasts in their mission and the
needs of the people of Liberia as a third world country and of Taiwan a more progressive country.
Following offering, Diedre Nordin, Cluster Two Financial Reporter led in the Malaria Campaign
Litany which is a special project of Cluster Two women for 2013. Kathy Englund, SWO Secretary,
brought greetings and recent updates from the SWO Board. Roll Call was taken with 73 in attendance.
Zion Lutheran WELCA of Thief River Falls served delicious treats with morning coffee and Silver
Creek WELCA served a sit down noon luncheon with table decorations specially hand crafted by the
church women. A huge thank you to Silver Creek for hosting the gathering. We are thankful for all the
women who took time from their busy schedules to attend and help make the cluster gathering a
success. Virginia Anderson, recorder.
Pastor Terri and Chris Cuppett
Jan Strandlie
Pastor John Golv of Zion
Cluster #3 met on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Calvary Lutheran Church, Winger, MN. Registration began at
8:30 a.m. the unit from Immanuel Lutheran in Bejou served morning coffee. The meeting was opened by
Shirley Sonstelie, President of the Calvary WELCA welcomed everyone at 9 a.m. The theme for the day was
“Heartprints of Love” based on 1 Peter 4:10 Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one
another with whatever gift each of you has received. Pastor Scott Morey for devotions.
Lois Bylund and Vicki Heydt, President and Vice President respectively of the NW MN Synodical Women of the
ELCA brought greetings and encouraged the women at the Gathering to attend the Synodical Women’s
Convention at Bethlehem Lutheran in Fergus Falls on Friday and Saturday, September 6 & 7th, 2013. We were
also encouraged to start thinking of attending the Triennial Convention, which will be held in Charlotte, NC,
July 24-27th of 2014. A Cross-cultural immersion is also being planned for September 20-24th, 2014, at
the Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota.
Elaine Erdahl, Cluster Recorder read the Roll Call; there were 83 registered: 78 delegates and 5 guests.
Nineteen of the 33 units in Cluster #3 were represented.
Joyce White shared briefly about the gifts we have been given to use in whatever way we see fit. She had
small gifts for each one in attendance; she asked that each individual open the gift and determine how they
would use it to bring joy or comfort to another individual.
Following our break, Denise Peterson of “Lost and Found Ministries” gave an informative presentation about
this ministry. Lost and Found Ministries is owned by Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead and depends on
donations to continue its ministry of Hope and Change. They provide support to families and individuals
who are have loved ones who struggle with addiction.
Special music was provided by Pastor Becky Worner of Starbuck, MN during the offering.
Physical offerings were for the local food shelves and for “Lost & Found Ministries”. A free-will donation was
taken during lunch to be given to the Bible Women of India.
Coordinator, Jan Helgeson thanked the women of Calvary and Immanuel for hosting the gathering and
serving coffee and lunch. The Fall Gathering will be held at Climax Lutheran on Saturday, September 22nd,
Type to enter text
Elaine Erdahl, reporter, Sharon Lenz, recorder and
Janice Helgeson, coordinator of Cluster 3
Denise Peterson
Cluster # 4 Spring Gathering was held at the Aardahl Lutheran Church in rural Bemidji on Saturday April
20, 2013. Welcome was given by Becky Christianson, President of the WELCA at Aardahl. Devotion was
given by Kim Cassidy. Special Music was led by Dixie Englar. Everyone enjoyed singing the songs we
used to sing in Vacation Bible School.
The program,"North to Alaska" was presented by Marilyn Malmanger, Suzanne Weik and Lynn Jacobson.
They have been going to Alaska for years and doing Vacation Bible School for about 100 children.. They
have to fly in to these remote villages. They showed slides so we could see how much the children enjoyed
the lessons. They have gotten to know many of the adults which they enjoy visiting. They wore dresses that
had been given to them as gifts from the villages. The physical offering was items they could use in the
villages and they send the packages so they are there when they arrive.
In our business meeting, we decided to do the churches alphabeticaly to decide who will host the next
meetings,. Bethany Lutheran Church of Gully will be having the Fall Gathering on October 12th at the Gully
Community Hall. A very delicious lunch was served by the Aardahl WELCA. Ardella Lindberg, cluster
reporter
Judy Reger, Synodical Board Member with
Carol Mortrud at the displays.
Carol with speakers Marilyn Malmanger, Suzanne Welk and
Lynn Jacobson, Alaskan VBS teachers.
Cluster #5 Carol Lockhart,recorder, Carol Johnson,coordinator and Carol Engen, reporter
Prairieland Cluster #5 Spring Gathering, Wednesday April 24, 2013 – 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.Zion Lutheran Church,
Twin Valley, MN hosted by women of Zion and Wild Rice. Gathering and special music was provided by Staci
Hoekstra, Danette Gwin, Savanna Hoekstra, Regan and Ryah Opsahl (flute) and Rhoda Habedank (guitar). The
Welcome was given by Karla Dewey followed by a devotional on spiritual hunger given by Terri Dahlen. Pr. Jim
Greene was our Bible study leader focusing on the theme of our Gathering: “Hungry for God” (Luke 1:53). The
offering was received with special music, “How Beautiful” (Savanna, Ryah and Regan). A hymn “Good Soil”
was sung as our offertory. Rhoda led us in singing the blessing before our delicious evening luncheon.
Rhoda played our gathering music for the business session of our meeting and the hymn: “You Satisfy the
Hungry Heart” was sung. Our business meeting began with reciting of The Purpose Statement of the Women of
the ELCA. President Carol Johnson directed us to review the Minutes of the Fall Cluster. Roll call was taken
with attendance of 106 members and 4 visitors. 14 units were represented. Lois Bylund, our synodical president
spoke on the importance of being a mentor to someone in our church family. The Women’s Synodical
Convention will be held in Fergus Falls on September 6-7. Registration is $50 with a deadline of August 10.
Check nwmnsynod.org for registration details. A silent auction will again be held at this convention with all
proceeds going to Triennial Delegates (Triennial convention to be held 2014 in Charlotte, NC.) The recessional
offering tonight would be directed towards a woman’s travel from our Synod Companion in India to attend the
Triennial Convention. This year our ELCA Women’s organization is 25 years old. Our 25th anniversary offering
has totaled $84,555.00. Halves of this offering were sent to Churchwide and the Malaria Campaign.
Speaker Pr. Jim Greene gave an enlightening study on physical and spiritual hunger. The number #1 important
“food” is breathing, taking time for God. We always think about our schedule rather than what Jesus has in mind
for us. A great present to each other is to be REAL. It is important for us to use our talents and share the story
with our neighbor. Our gift to others is His story. Our assignment: savor our food, enjoy each other in
relationships.
President Carol Johnson shared a thank you to those who hosted and provided their talents for this gathering. We
closed with the sending song, “We Are Called”.The fall gathering will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in
Hendrum on Wednesday, September 25th beginning at 5:00 p.m. Carol Lockhart, Recorder
Cluster 6 Officers: Carol Johnson, Bonnie Swenson & Marilyn Aas
Speaker Pastor Ken Nelson, Minot
Cluster # 6 Spring Gathering, Minot Rebuild!, was held at the Christian Life Center of
Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, on April 25. The theme of the gathering was Luke 10:2
(“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the
harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest”) Moorhead Lutheran Campus
Ministry students provided for our dinner meal and our special music. After dinner, our
Special Guest Speaker was Rev. Ken Nelson,Pastor of First Lutheran Church, Minot, ND.
Rev. Nelson provided us with the update of the Minot area’s efforts to recover from
the devastating 2011 flood of the Souris River that claimed 4100 homes and properties. It
is reported that more than 3,000 homes experienced flood levels between six and twelve
feet of water. Four ELCA congregation properties were severely impacted by flood waters,
damaged in amounts exceeding $2.0 million, and 25-50% of those ELCA congregational
members sustained flood losses in their homes and businesses. Reverend Nelson and his
family were among many in Minot who were forced to live in a FEMA temporary housing unit
for a substantial period. Flood insurance coverage did not exist for a great number of
property owners, who were then forced out of their homes and businesses after evacuating
from two successive floods during that period. It is reported of the approximately 700
affected families/ individuals in Ward County 200 families were still in FEMA trailers.
It was emphasized that volunteers continue to be urgently needed to assist in the
Minot flood recovery efforts, so that families may return to their homes. Many church
organizations continue to assist in the rebuilding efforts. As only one example, the
Dakota Conference of the United Methodist Church provided a gift of $9000 to partially
fund the salary of a volunteer “Hope Village” center facility manager, and a tool crib
supervisor and its “campus” is shown online at www.hopevillagend.org, for volunteers
coming into help from outside of the Minot area. Skilled and unskilled labor alike are
very much needed this summer.
A special offering received at the gathering of $615.00 was donated to the Western
North Dakota Synod’s “Flood of Love” Fund, P.O. Box 370, Bismarck, ND 58502, to help with
the Church's costs of rebuilding.
Following the presentation by Reverend Nelson, greetings were given by SWO President
Lois Bylund and by Vice-President, Vicki Heydt, and Ardys Horner 3DTGP to the July 2014-9th Triennial Gathering, to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina. Marlene Johnson
reported on the June 3 Bible Study Retreat at the Holiday Inn, Detroit Lakes.
The All-City Summer Bible Studies Programs, following the Gather Magazine “All Who
Hunger, Gather Gladly” lessons, will be held again on the third Tuesdays of June, July,
and August, at Trinity, Christ the King, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Churches in Moorhead
for those women who wish to participate.A short business meeting followed.
Carol Johnson, reporting.
Cluster 7 officers
Joan Westlake, Coordinator
Rachel Johnson, Recorder
and Carolyn Nelson, Financial
Reporter were installed by
President Lois at Osage on April 13
Cluster # 7 was held on April 13 at Immanuel Lutheran, rural Osage with 50 present. The Theme was
“God in our Daily Lives”. We were welcomed by Mary Hannebuth and devotions were given by Joan
Westlake. Pastor Bob Nelson led the Bible Study based on Galatians 5:22-23. “The power of the Holy Spirit
with in us produces gifts of the spirit, we must stay connected to the vine. We need to sit and silence and
mediate on what God is saying to us in the Bible, maybe reading the same passages 3 weeks in a row so we
can feel the spirit speak to us.”
Our guest speaker, Anna Olson of New York Mills, spoke of her childhood in an Amish family of 12
children..showing slides of her home and her decision in her 20’s to leave home and became a nannie with a
Lutheran family who encouraged her to further her college education and to make the decision to leave the
Amish lifestyle. She married and feels that even though she is shunned by her family making visits back to
Wisconsin very difficult, she knows that God is in her daily life and she made a good decision. She
recommended watching “The Devil’s Playground.”
President Lois spoke about the upcoming convention in Fergus Falls and urged everyone to send a
delegate from each unit, the theme this year is “Pass it On.” She talked about the importance of mentoring a
young person, inviting them to circle and women’s events. She installed the cluster officers shown above.
Ardys Horner urged everyone to think about going to the Triennial in Charlotte, NC July 24-27, 2014. She
is also the editor of the SNOW and asked people to look for items to include in each issue.
Tamie Jensen provided wonderful music and a special offering was taken for the Bible Women of India.
A delicious lunch was served by the ladies of Immanuel including pie. The fall gathering will be at Bakke.
Rachel Johnson, recorder.
Ladies at First Lutheran in Detroit Lakes Packing
LWR kits ....Service in Action.
Be sure to keep track of all the kits and quilts you send to Lutheran World Relief and other
organizations and report them to the Synodical Board who tallies them up each year so we can
send a report to Chicago. Even if you are unable to quilt, you can tribute money for shipping,
provide materials to make quilts, buys items for health care and baby kits, and also make kits for
Global Health Ministry. Look for crutches, and arm slings at rummage sales to send to Global
Health, these are shipped to hospitals and clinics along with rolled bandages and AIDS and
midwife kits. LWR and Global web sites list items needed in their kits. Thank you everyone.
Cluster 8 officers: Carol Gealow, reporter, Kathy Bergren, recorder, Kathy Jaobson, Coord
The Cluster 8 Gathering was held at Zion Lutheran Church in Amor. Laura Skogen spoke about trip
The evening opened with a welcome by Zion WELCA President
to India last November.
Carol Mikkelson and the singing of the table grace followed by a
tantalizing shish-kabob dinner. Our meeting began with the hymn
"Children of the Heavenly Father" and devotions by Pastor Jim
Gronbeck of Zion. Cluster 8 Coordinator, Kathy Jacobson, called the
meeting to order. Roll call was taken with 24 churches represented.
After business of secretary and treasurer reports, various speakers
were called upon to tell of their activities and how the women of
WELCA were invited to support these efforts: Paul Hanson of Luther
Crest, Pastor Randy Skow-Anderson of Lutheran Campus Ministry,
Annette Contos of LSS, and Ardys Horner of SNOW magazine.
Synod Officers also updated us on events. President Lois Byland
spoke about the Gathering in Charolette NC and of The Bible
Women of India after which a special offering was taken. Vice
President Vicki Heydt and Treasurer Georgean Johnson were
recognized. Board member Sue Ellwanger spoke of Ministry updates
in the Synod including the NW MN Gathering to be held at
Bethlehem Lutheran in Fergus Falls in September. Two delightful
and inspiring musical selections were presented by Zion Intern John
Mickelson and his guitar. Our speaker, Laura Skogen of LSS, spoke
of "One Body, Many Members." She told about her motivating and
fun travel experiences of sharing the love of Christ while in
India. "Beautiful Savior" was sung, followed by an offering and music
by the Zion Women's Choir. We were all uplifted when all the women
joined in singing "The Lord's Prayer." Intern John gave a benediction
followed by the closing hymn "Amazing Grace." It was a wonderful
evening.
Sue Ellwanger, coordinator
LuAnn Holt, reporter Lois Lage, financial reporter
Pr Melissa Erhardt
Guest speaker in Wadena
Cluster #9 met at Immanuel Lutheran in Wadena on April 23 with the theme “Gathered Together in Christ.”
There 128 present from 16 congregations. We were treat to wonderful organ music by Allen Moe and
special singing by Deb Haraldson. Sue Ellwanger welcomed everyone along with Diane Teigland of
Immanuel.
Pastor Nate Loer lead our Bible Study using his special puppets engaging us with each character as he
used the book of Peter to talk about being Hopeful, Holy, Humble, Honorable and Holy again when we can
cast all our cares on our Lord.
At the business meeting Sally Adams volunteered to coordinate coffee & treats from Cluster 9 for the
upcoming synod convention in Fergus Falls, and Sue E. asked everyone to prayerfully consider taking
offices this coming year in the cluster. Guests Lois Bylund spoke about mentoring and the convention in
Fergus Falls, Georjean Johnson, treasurer talked about gifts to the Bible Women of India and making
baskets for the silent auction. Ardys Horner asked everyone to contribute articles to the SNOW and
also think about attending the Triennial in Charlotte. Everyone who registers should put 3D TGP on their
forms so Chicago will inform her when they are registered. Save money in special jars each week so you
can go to Charlotte, NC.
Pastor Paul Hanson spoke about upcoming trips through Luther Crest and the quilt auction at Carlos
Creek Winery this fall. Ladies they would like your lovely quilts to auction.
Guest speaker Pastor Melissa Erhardt talked about her exciting time in Andhra, India, being showered
with
flower petals, bestowed with love and gifts and meeting wonderful people in churches, schools and at a
youth gathering. She took part in an ordination, preached and learned so much. She shown many items
she purchased and was given while there with the synod delegation.
A delicious lunch was served by the ladies of Immanuel. LuAnn Holt, recorder
Joyce Shuck, rep, Karen Erickson, Cor, Barb Riley, Rec
Jan Stilwell and Sherry Mohammed
Guest speakers.
CLUSTER 10 of the Northwestern Minnesota Synodical Women’s Organization – Women of the ELCA met on
Saturday, April 27, 2013, at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake. The theme was “Jesus’ Powerful Love –
Setting Muslim Women Free from the Chains of Injustice, Abuses, and Shame” presented by Jan Stilwell and
Sherry Mohammad.
Jan and her husband lived in Central Asia among the Muslim population bringing the good news of Jesus to
them. They are involved in church planting, discipleship, leadership training, restoration and community
development but their greatest joy has been to encourage and stand with those who have suffered
persecution.
Sherry grew up in the Muslim faith but has converted to Christianity. She lives in the Twin Cities and was a
great resource for ways to reach out to Muslim women especially. One point they made was that even though
the Boston Marathon bombings were carried out by Muslims from Central Asia, they are in the minority. When
we cannot go to Muslim countries, we still have many opportunities because Muslims are coming here.
We celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Women of the ELCA with a beautiful decorated cake after lunch and
highlights which were posted on paper balloons on the windows of the sanctuary.
9th Triennial Gathering in Charlotte, NC
July 24-27, 2014
The theme of this Gathering is “Of Many Generations” so plan to meet there with your daughters, aunts,
sisters, mothers and grandmothers. We hope you are planning to attend this wonderful gathering of women
from all over the United States and other parts of the world. As you know, our synod is raising money to pay the
airfare for a woman from our sister synod in Andhra, India to attend.
In August/September materials will be available for signing up to attend, look them over, decide what
workshops and special tours of the area you are interested in before you go on line to register. If you need help,
please call Ardys Horner at 218-847 1483. When you sign up please add 3D TGP on the form so that the
women in Chicago will let me know you are going and we can arrange for roommates and also so you can
receive your stipend from the Basket auction to help pay for expenses like room and food while there.
These materials will include information about the main keynote speakers, workshop leaders, daily timelines
and information about hotels. Please choose a hotel on the reserved list as special rooms have been saved for
this event and they are in walking distance from the convention center. If you have family in Charlotte, of
course, you can stay with them. Hook up with friends and family from around the country and use this event as
a special “Women’s Weekend.”
Delegates from NW Minnesota Synod will be elected at our convention in Fergus Falls, these people will go
a few days early to do the business of the Women of the ELCA and finish up about the time we are arriving.
A question has been asked about “taking buses to Charlotte” First to make it work we would need
over 40 women signed up to travel, plus we would need an additional 2 nights each way for motel rooms and
meals plus the 5 or so extra days of “on the road time” which can be hard on a body, I think we should save bus
trips for Gatherings closer to Minnesota. Airplane travel may be expensive, but it is quicker and if you are
working you can be back for work on Monday morning.
Early registration is September to December 31, the price of registration will go up after that. Also
booking your airline travel early will also save you money. Contact ARDYS HORNER at ardyshorn@arvig.net
or womenoftheelca.org or 1-800-638-3522 or call Ardys Horner at 218-847-1483 for help and information.
Synodical Officers
Lois Bylund, President / Cluster 7
ljbylund@uhs.com
Vickie Heydt, Vice President / Cluster 6
vmhlake@yahoo.com
Kathy Englund, Secretary / Cluster 2
eae@wiktel.com
Georjean Johnson, Treasurer / Cluster 8
ggjohns@charter .net
\
Board Members
Arlene Teigen / Cluster 5
victeigen@gmail.com
Mary Peterson / Cluster 9
mapgip1944@msn.com
Judy Reger/ Cluster 4
Top row: Merrily, Georjean, Judy, Lois and
RoxAnne
Bottom row: Sue, Vicki, Kathy, Arlene and
Mary
rjreger@mncable.net
Merrily Burmeister /Cluster 3
mburmeister@midco.net
Sue Ellwanger /Cluster 10
ahhc@midwestinfo.net
Roxanne Goulet /Cluster 1
rbw13049@yahoo.com
Northwest Minnesota Synod of
Women of the ELCA
Ardys Horner, Editor
14144 E. Fox Lake Road
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-7110
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
FERGUS FALLS, MN
PERMIT NO. 210