Saint Paul Area Synod Fall 2014

Saint Paul Area Synod
Bridges
Fall 2014
Volume 36
Number 4
A Communications link between the Synodical Women’s Organization & its women
Triennial Gathering 2014
Are You Ready?
by Tricia Niesche
It's time to gear up for another program
year. We've got a new Bible study and
Thankoffering service. Our triennial
convention delegates set before us new
social justice issues that require our
response. Luckily there were over 2,300
women fired up in Charlotte last month,
so find someone in your community who
attended the Ninth Triennial Gathering
and have her help shape your plans. It's
going to be a great year!
Women everywhere,
Hats, pins, take-aways, t-shirts,
Fellowship, discussion, decisions,
Learning, listening, laughing
Eating, singing, worshiping, praying, walking.
Working on Servant events, participating in
Learning sessions,
Bishop Eaton, Susan Sparks, and Becca Stevens of Thistle Farms;
New Stewardship Guide,
Thankoffering Service Online
Engaging, entertaining, encouraging, inspiring one and all
To be BOLD, to stand up, to move from angst
to action.
Is it time to plan your next Thankoffering event?
The 2014-2015 Thankoffering service is now
available, with songs, prayers, and litanies from
the opening worship service, held July 24, 2014,
at the Ninth Triennial Gathering.
From fear to freedom.
Guatemala Update
All this and so much more.
There has been a lot of activity within ILAG (the
Lutheran church in Guatemala). Bishop Horatio
retired in February and his daughter, Rev. Karen
Castillo, has been installed as the new president
of the ILAG. The ILAG continues to work hard
growing and equipping leaders.
The latrine project, in which our SWO participated, has been completed after 3 years. Over 250
new latrines have been constructed, replacing
aging models or, in some villages, offering
families their first dignified toilet.
The next health project will provide water storage
tanks for each family to ease the burden of
collecting water every day. Each tank costs $200
plus a $35 water filter to purify the water. This,
along with the latrines, will promote better health
in the ILAG communities.
contd. on page 3
The 9th Triennial Gathering.
Bishop Eaton's Address
Now Available Online
The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of
the ELCA, was a popular speaker at this summer’s Ninth Triennial Gathering. With Bishop
Eaton’s permission, Women of the ELCA has
posted her 28-minute address to the gathering
on YouTube. - See more at: http://
www.womenoftheelca.org/bishop-s-addressnow-available-on-youtube-news
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Diane Henning
Saint Paul Area Synodical Organization President
Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all
generations.
Summer is coming to an end and the fall activities are upon us. In this issue there will be comments on the Triennial that took place in Charlotte. Due to a broken leg, I was unable to attend.
But thank all of you who did attend and your "faithfulness" to the Women of this Synod. It was
just amazing to see how God worked among us. Faithful to All Generations is our GOD! The
memorial that we went to Churchwide passed and a follow-up to adoption can be found in this
publication. What a blessing to be in the St. Paul Area Synod. As I write this article, I just finished a 90 minute conference call with the Presidents in Region 3. Although some are in transition
due to elections at the Triennial, it is always helpful to hear from each of them their joys of serving
the Women in their respective synods as well as issues that cause some struggle. In many cases it
is health issues of those on their Boards or family members which cause stress or anxiety. From
personal experience these past months I understand this feeling of conflict. But as God gives us
strength and answers to prayer, we are able to call on assistance as needed and travel down that
long road of getting healthy. By the time you get this Newsletter, I will have started my PT, saw
many of you at Bishop Lull's Installation or at Bible Study Enrichment. As the Board meets, we
will continue to plan for the year and lift the prayers of health and healing as well as ministry to all
those in need. The Spring Convention is May 1 &2 in North Branch at Trinity. I have already received program ideas from women in our synod - our women are just the best. Always thinking!
Please pray for this Board of women as they take on the responsibilities assigned. Has anyone seen
those chickens? I am sure they are running or dancing around somewhere and not too far away.
You never know when they will show up again!
Thank you for allowing me to be your President and for the many prayers, visitors and cards received during my convalescence . Thank you for the quilts that you continue to make, offerings
that you give, participation in Bible Study, cooking for funerals, calling on those who are ill and
homebound, kindness to people around you, and saying "yes" when called on to participate. Encourage your friends to come along on this journey of faith. God is Faithfull to All Generations!
Remember that "little eyes see a lot" - be an example to all.
We look forward to having Bishop Lull at the spring convention. For those who attended Bible
Study Enrichment at Resurrection Church in Roseville, you will remember her quick wit and
charming way to introduce the Bible Study.
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Just a little history from LC & Alys! You will recognize us by our hats.
Hello ladies! We had a great time in Charlotte! Some many of you wore your hat with the yellow ribbon!
They knew we were from St. Paul Area Synod. There was lots of ladies and fellowship! Oh what a great time to
share with one another, celebrate our faith and remember how God calls each of us by name. God is Faithful to
All Generations! That means any age!
So now we are back and rested up. What do you think we are going to do after the Bible Study Enrichment? Oh
there will be Cluster Meetings! Another gathering we don't want to miss. It is always fun and noisy - talking,
laughter and of course singing. We can't wait! Perhaps Diane will lead us in the Chicken Dance. Oh my! We all
missed her in Charlotte, but she is on the mend now and raring to go. We are also invited to the Minneapolis
Synodical Convention in October at Central Lutheran! Hope some of you will join us.
The purpose of our organization has not wavered since we created our first constitution. “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."
We are so fortunate to be a part of this wonderful organization and gather so many wonderful women in prayer
and singing. See you soon! We don't want to miss out on any events in our Synod and the food! Our favorite
thing to share next to prayer. God is so good to us and we are so lucky to be Sisters in Christ!
Convention Notes by Sandy Fabio
This was my 4th triennial, and I preregistered for 2017.
My favorite speaker was Susan Sparks and Bishop Easton
I really enjoyed the opening worship service - it is so neat to be among so many Christian women and to hear
everyone so enthusiastically singing the songs and participating in worship. The group leading the music at
worship this time was really great. I think they were the best of the music leaders we have had at any of the
triennials I have attended.
The evening we went out for supper as a SWO group was also special. When Lori Burns asked us to join together to sing the doxology that was very special. The harmony of the group was outstanding and the response from
others in the restaurant was really neat to see.
I enjoyed being a delegate and being part of the process to elect the new board and pass memorials. The
worship leaders were inspirational - music again very uplifting - and the chance to get to know delegates from
all over was really fun. The chance to meet women from all over and to hear what they do in their units is
always one of the nicest part of the triennial.
I did not go on any tours but enjoyed walking around downtown Charlotte.
The food prepared for the delegates was good and the restaurants in the downtown area that we tried were
very good. We had stopped at the tourist center and got recommendations. I didn't experience any new food
items though.
I strongly recommend attending a triennial. It is an experience that will be a highlight in one's lifetime.
Guatemala Update
contd. from page 1
Currently 15 congregations in St Paul are partnered with 10 ILAG congregations.
Lastly, please remember that at our 2013 SWO convention a resolution was approved to support the women’s
ministry at ILAG for $1000 for 2 years. You can send a donation from your unit to Kathleen Nordaune earmarked for that resolution.
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Tuesdays at Two
Tuesdays @ two is a prayer reminder for women to pray on Tuesdays for
Board members, clusters and units. A schedule of concerns is published in
each Bridges.
September 9 Pray for young people going off to schools and colleges that they will live in their Baptism and
remain faithful to Christ.
September 16 Pray for those who have wondered from their faith and struggled with spiritual questions. Pray
that they will see their need and return to God.
September 23 Pray for people in refugee camps, especially women and children, that they will be safe and have
adequate food and shelter. Pray for Lutheran World Relief as it continues to provide care and support for many in
need.
September 30 Pray for Christians persecuted for their faith, that they will be bold in their witness and that they
will be aware of
God’s surrounding love and strength. Pray for their persecutors that they, too, might know the love of Jesus.
October 7 Pray for the Women of the ELCA’s newly elected officers and executive board that were elected at the
Ninth Triennial Convention in Charlotte, NC. Pray that God’s will be done in all matters of business as they lead us
through these next three years.
October 14 Pray for peace in our world. Pray for God’s blessing on world leaders that they have wisdom,
courage, persistence, and understanding in working toward peace.
October 21 Pray for our sisters in the Iringa Diocese in Tanzania. Pray in thanksgiving for pastors and lay
pastors and lay ministers, health workers, teachers, and all those in positions of service. Pray that God’s blessing
will be upon the Tanzanian people and land.
October 28 Pray in remembrance of those saints who have gone before us. Pray with thanksgiving for the
strong faith of our forefathers and mothers and their examples of love and service for the Lord.
November 4 Pray for the wisdom and guidance for the voters as they go to the polls today. Pray for those
campaigning for office, that the candidates will seek God’s will and govern wisely and with justice for the good of
all people.
November 11 Pray that units of the St. Paul Area Synodical Women’s Organization act boldly to support
Lutheran Social Services its work with homeless youth. Pray that safe and stable homes may be provided for all
Minnesota children and youth.
November 18 Give thanks for our many blessings, for a bountiful harvest, for family and friends, and for caring
and inspirational pastors and church staff.
November 25 Pray that during the Advent season the loving Christ Child will be present in our thoughts and
actions. Pray that we will focus more on giving than receiving and on sharing the love of Christ through our tie
and talents.
December 2 Pray that Christ will be at the center of our lives in all we think, say or do.
December 9 Pray for our military and for their families, as they are far from each other during this holiday
season. Help us to share our love and support through words and deeds.
December15 Pray that all women reflect on the purpose statement of the Women of the ELCA and how it
speaks to them and that it will enable them to Act Boldly on their faith.
December 22 Give thanks for God’s miraculous gift! Pray that Christ our Savior is born anew in our hearts. We
pray that Christ is the center of this day’s worship and celebration. Pray for the protection of those who are
traveling during the Christmas Season.
December 29 Pray that all women reflect on the mission statement and hear the prompting of God’s spirit.
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CRAFT & BAKE SALE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25th
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
YUMMY BAKED GOODS & CANDY!
INTERESTING CRAFTS!
LUNCH AVAILABLE!
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF PEACE
47 SOUTH CENTURY AVENUE
MAPLEWOOD, MN
651.739.7094
(1 Mile South of Interstate 94 on Century)
A Day for Making Comfort
The last few years women from around the St Paul
Area Synod have gathered at Our Savior’s in October in Stillwater and worked on completing comfort
to be given locally and globally. It is a wonderful
day of fellowship along with action. That Day for
Making Comfort is moving to January 24, the same
day that we previously gathered for the one day
retreat. We hope you will mark your calendar now
and join us!
Craft and Bake Sale
Luther Memorial Annual Craft and Bake Sale
Saturday, October 11
8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p. m.
There will be delicious baked goods and great
gift ideas. Crafters from all over Minnesota will
participate. A lunch of wild rice soup, bread,
and pie can be purchased starting at 11 a.m.
Tables are available to rent for $20 per table. If
you are interested, please call Judy @ 651-451
-2067 or
Verna @ 651-455-0428.
Luther Memorial church is located at
315 – 15th Ave. North, South St. Paul.
Contact the church office @
651-451-2400, for additional info.
Susan Drane joined us as our
Church-wide rep. in May.
From our May convention, some old & new Board members: Front row l—r, Jackie Boorman, Deb Bowman, Gail
Ahrens, Barb Greaves, Virginia Coller. Back row l-r, Sue Long, Barbara Bartok, Diane Henning, Abby Nordaune,
Vernell Colston, Kathleen Nordaune. Current Board member Jackie Brueggemann not pictured.
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South Cluster Gathering
Easter Lutheran will host the South cluster gathering on Monday, Oct 20th in the evening.
The theme will be "Making an Inner Home for Jesus” .
Annual Swedish Kroppkakor Supper
Spring Lake Lutheran Church will host their Annual Swedish Kroppkakor Supper (potato and pork
dumplings), Craft and Bake Sale on Saturday, October 25th, serving from 3:00-7:00pm. Tickets may be
purchased at the door: Adults $12.00, ages 6-12 $5.00, 5 and younger free. Take outs, $12.00, must be
ordered ahead.
Spring Lake Lutheran Church is located 4 miles west of North Branch or 9 miles east of Cambridge on Hwy
95, then one block north on Erickson Rd NE (Co. Rd. 48). The church is handicap accessible and parking is
abundant. Information: sll.church@gmail.com or 651-674-4606.
South Central Cluster Gathering
South East Cluster Brunch and Fellowship
Date: September 27
Hosted by Lutheran Church of Peace Women
Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Cost is $4.00
Registration is from 8:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
At 9:00 we share a light brunch and fellowship.
The program following the brunch is entitled- “BREAKING
FREE”.
Our speaker, Jennifer Gaines, will share information about this
program which helps women break free of prostitution.
A freewill offering will also be taken for "Breaking Free".
A short business meeting will end the morning.
Any question, call Gail at 651-739-1551, Carol at 651-455-3441,
or Naomi at 651-451-8126
East Central Fall Cluster Meeting
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
490 N. 4th Street Bayport, MN
6:30 p.m. registration $5.00 / refreshments
7:00 p.m. Meeting / Program
Program: The “W’s” of Guatemala Water Project
(Who, What, When, Where, Why)
Presenter: Janet Metcalfe
Monetary offering: Guatemala Water Project /
SWO projects
Material offering: Items for Shobi’s Table
The South Central Cluster Invites you to their
fall meeting. It will be held on
Saturday October 4th
Saint Mark Lutheran Church,
550 West Seventh Street (across the street
from Mancini's Char House). Registration
begins at 9:30 AM, with a Brunch at 10:00
AM. The cost for the event is $8.50. Make
checks out to the Saint Paul Area SWO.
Program will include a presentation from
Life Haven, Safe House and Rezek House
Hope to see you ALL there!!
Our Mission
To mobilize women to act boldly on their
faith in Jesus Christ.
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, and promote healing and
wholeness in the church, the society, and
the world.
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Treasurer’s Report by Kathleen Norduane
1 Kings 17: 7-16
Mark 12:42-44
Generosity does not depend on our bank balance, but upon our heart.
For those of us who could attend the Triennial this message was brought home to us through one of the
speakers – Becca Stevens, an Episcopal priest. She is the founder of Magdalene & Thistle Farms which is a
community and social enterprise that stands with women recovering from violence, prostitution, addiction
and life on the streets. She started with a good heart and pure intentions and not much education in
running a business. She is a modern day example of the blessings of the Lord and the Holy Spirit moving in
today’s society.
Magdalene is the name of the residence and Thistle Farms is their social Enterprise that helps support the
residence.
She explained that she chose the name “Thistle Farms” because thistles grow on the streets and alleys and
are considered weeds; but, thistles have a deep root that can shoot through concrete and survive a drought.
They are prickly in appearance but the royal and soft purple center makes the thistle a mysterious and
gorgeous flower. Being a thistle farmer means the world is our farm and that we choose to love all creation.
What a beautiful thought for the women who have been helped by this enterprise.
Kathleen’s Convention Notes:
Was it your first time -- Yes
Did you pre-register for 2017 -- not yet, but intend to
Favorite speaker -- for Christian humor - Susan Sparks and for Christian substance Becca Stevens. And we
have a dynamic, spirited speaker who can use both humor and substance in our new bishop - Bishop Elizabeth
Eaton.
Favorite event or activity -- the movie on Saturday night about "Miss Representation" of the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence in society. It made me think of how male athletes are held
up as men to look up to by young males and yet women do not get to be on the same level even though we
have women who have used their brains instead of their brawn.
Other activities, tours -- I had read the night before that the City of Charlotte had so much urban renewal that
the history of the old south had been erased. I found that to be true on the tour of Charlotte. Nevertheless,
Charlotte is a beautiful city and it is a "happenin" city.
General comments -- While in Charlotte we took one lunch hour and visited the Bill Graham home place and
museum. Charlotte has many interesting attractions and I always love exploring both history and scenery. Just wish we could have spent more time doing that also.
Newly Elected Churchwide Board Members include:
Lois Bylund
Lisa Plorin
Joyce Gibson
Karen Voris
Cindy Arnett
Nancy Giddings
Joan Iverson
Dinah Dutta
Gwen Edwards
Jackie Wilson
Deborah Banks-Williams
Barbara Miller
Dawn Smith
Moorhead, MN
Upham, ND
Miles City, Montana
Eagle River, Alaska
Santa Clara, CA
Ramsey, MN
Lamberton, MN
Lawrence, Kansas
Bellevue, Nebraska
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Chicago, IL
Washington, MI
Midland, MI
Gwendolyn King
Anna Sarver
Lydia Davila
Philadelphia, PA
Greensburg, PA
Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Patti Austin
President Decatur, Georgia
Jody Smiley
Vice Pres Blacksburg, VA
Becky Shurson Secretary Yucaipa, CA
Ely Smith
Treasurer Fircrest, WA
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HOW WILL YOU RESPOND?
Delegates to the Ninth Triennial Convention took action last month on several social justice issues, including human trafficking, bullying, creating safe places and the current immigration crisis involving children. These actions
call into action every expression of Women of the ELCA--congregational units, synodical women's organizations
and the churchwide women's organization.
Memorials and resolutions acted on by the Ninth Triennial Convention
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
Memorial 1 – Awareness and Prevention of Human Trafficking
On the matter of awareness and prevention of human trafficking, the Memorials Committee recommended adoption of this resolution as amended (amendments are in bold).
RESOLVED, that each synodical board convene a committee, in which at least one but no more than
half of committee members shall be board members. This committee shall be charged with reviewing resources and helping the synodical organization to promote resources that can help units to
inform, educate, and mobilize their congregations and communities, through prayer, ministry and
political action.
RESOLVED, that units use this committee and the resources they recommend to inform, educate,
and mobilize their congregations and communities, through prayer, ministry and political action.
RESOLVED, that each synodical president report to the 2016 Conference of Presidents about how
the recommended committee has functioned in her synodical women’s organization.
The convention voted: 314 aye, 41 no
Memorial 2 – Bullying, Harassment and Related Violence
On the matter of bullying, harassment and related violence, the Memorials Committee recommended adoption of
this resolution as amended (amendments are in bold).
RESOLVED, that the delegates of the Ninth Triennial convention encourage synodical organizations
to identify other organizations that are working to combat bullying, harassment, and related violence, and partner with these organizations to facilitate
presentations at synodical events to introduce curriculum that:
a. Utilizes positive, inclusive, empowering and developmentally appropriate materials,
b. Raises participants’ awareness about the issue,
c. Focuses on prevention,
d. Seeks to change bystander behavior into ally behavior,
e. Creates partnerships between youth and adults;
and be it further
RESOLVED, that all expressions of Women of the ELCA champion this concern for safety of our children and to advocate for congregational education to prevent bullying, harassment, and related
violence in church, school and society.
As part of an en bloc action, the convention voted: aye 331, no 20
Memorial 3 – Creating Safe Churches for Children
On the matter of creating safe churches for children, the Memorials Committee recommended adoption of this
resolution as amended (amendments are in bold).
RESOLVED, that the Upstate New York Synodical Women’s Organization strongly encourages all our congregations and their ministries to offer child abuse education and prevention training for all staff and volunteers who have contact with children and youth; and, be it further
contd. on page 9
8
Memorials & Resolutions contd. From page 8
RESOLVED, that the delegates of the Ninth Triennial Convention encourage participants and congregational units of Women of the ELCA to support their congregations in reviewing their childcare policies and providing child abuse education and prevention training for all staff and volunteers who have contact with children and youth.
As part of an en bloc action, the convention voted: aye 331, no 20
Memorial 5 – Solar Power for Phebe Hospital
The Memorials Committee recommended adoption of this resolution as amended (amendments are in bold).
RESOLVED, that the delegates of the Ninth Triennial Convention encourage Women of the ELCA in
all its expressions to hold in prayer the fragile country of Liberia as it struggles to recover from the
tragedy of fourteen years of war; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the delegates of the Ninth Triennial Convention affirm the extraordinary efforts of
the Northeastern Minnesota Synodical Women’s Organization to work with RREAL and the National Lutheran Church Women Fellowship of Liberia to develop a proposal for providing solar power
to the Phebe hospital in Liberia; and be it further resolved
RESOLVED, that the Northeastern Minnesota SWO continue to inform the churchwide women’s organization about the progress of this project over the next triennium and encourage women
throughout the organization to pray for and support this extraordinary initiative.
The convention voted: 336 aye, 17 no
Resolution 2014.02, Immigration of Children in Crises
The Committee on Reference and Council recommended adoption of this resolution as amended (amendments
are in bold).
RESOLVED that we call upon Women of the ELCA to pray for God's guidance and direction in this current
humanitarian crisis;
RESOLVED that the synodical and congregational units of Women of the ELCA educate themselves and
others about this humanitarian crisis of unaccompanied children and about the broader issue of undocumented immigrants seeking work and a better life in our country; and that they work and advocate with
established programs such as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services;
RESOLVED that synodical and congregational units of Women of the ELCA encourage their congregations
to be places of hospitality to reach out to local Latino, Hispanic communities, and to offer assistance and
shelter for children.
RESOLVED that this resolution be sent to the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA and the executive, legislative,
and judicial branches of our government, reminding them to welcome the children who are seeking refuge
from violence and treat them with compassion.
The convention voted 318 aye, 30 no
Save the Date!
May 1 & 2, 2015 The next Saint Paul Area
Synod WELCA Convention will be at Trinity
Lutheran Church North Branch.
Café is an award-winning Web-based magazine for young women who want to build Community, participate in Advocacy,
strengthen Faith, and strive toward Enlightenment (CAFE!). Sign
up at www.womenoftheelca.org to receive email alerts to new issues of Café today!
+Things to remember every month +Remind women to use their Thankoffering Boxes & Share
information received from SWO and Churchwide . Send offerings to Synodical Treasurer.
9
2014-15 Saint Paul Area Synodical Women’s Organization
Executive Board Members
Vice President
Secretary
President
Gail Ahrens
Sue Long
651-739-1551
651-402-0493 or 651-707-7257 ahrens-michael@comcast.net
diane@actmanagementinc.com Lutheran Church of Peace/
Maplewood (SE)
St. John’s, Lakeville (S)
Diane J. Henning
Treasurer
Kathleen Nordaune
651-331-1015
Gloria Dei, St. Paul (SC)
prescottbirders@
centurylink.net
651-674-4861
K.nordaune50@gmail.com
Trinity, North Branch (N)
North Cluster Leader
Board Members
Non-Board
Barabara Bartok
651-772-9322
nemanuel@juno.com
No. Emanuel, St. Paul (SC)
Mission Action
Cluster Leaders
Lois Berg
763-789-9113
lois_berg@comcast.net
Christ the King, New Brighton (NC)
Information Coordinator
North Cluster
Carol Johnson 651-257-5918
jlakhome1@frontier.net
Trinity/Lindstrom
Jackie Boorman
651-436-5430
jjboorman@live.com
Christ, Lake Elmo (EC)
East Central Cluster Liaison
Mission Community
Wanda Hurtgen
651-770-1905
cwphurtgen@juno.com
St. Mark, No. St. Paul (EC)
Communication Coordinator
Barb Greaves
651-578-7916
blgreaves@centurylink.net
Grace, St. Paul (SC)
South East Cluster Liaison
Historian, Mission Growth
Jackie Brueggemann
651-291-7960
JackieB1140@gmail.com
St. Mark, St. Paul (SC)
South Cluster Liaison
Mission Action
Virgina Coller
651-777-0584
ginnacoller@hotmail.com
St, Mark, No. St. Paul (EC)
North Cluster Liaison
Mission Community
Nancy Johnson
651-436-7833
nancyrjohnson28@centurylink.net
Memorial, Afton (EC)
Lucinda Pins
Becky Maier
651-439-4459
jbmaier@hotmail.com
Our Savior’s, Stillwater (EC)
Guatemala
Lynette Zika
651-642-1691
jlz1122@prodigy.net
Immanuel, St. Paul (SC)
Racial Justice Advocate
Julie Atkinson
715-309-2819
julieawoodbury@yahoo.com
Bridges Editor
North Central Cluster
Lu Zibell 651-482-1965
Church of the Resurrection/Roseville
East Central Cluster
Susan Fredricksen 651-430-1111
Terisu.1@centurylink.net
Our Savior’s/Stillwater
Jolyne Peterson 651-777-2946
JolynePeterson@yahoo.com
St Mark’s/N St Paul
South Central Cluster
Helen Bandow 651-222-2328
Judy Carney 651-645-9912
jmcarney@ties2.net
Gloria Dei/St Paul
JoAnn Hogenson 651-698-5783
joann.hogenson@q.com
Immanuel/St. Paul
South East Cluster
Carol Bidwell 651-455-3441
cabbid@msn.com
Luther Memorial/S St Paul
Naomi Dorau
Bethesda/Inver Grove Hgts
South Cluster
Robin Kieffer 651-216-3611
rlkieffer@charter.net
Easter/Eagan (S)
Deb Bowman
651-340-1796
dbbowmanrn@gmail.com
Bethesda, Inver Grove Hgts (SE)
Mission Growth
Debbie Bloedow 952-895-0083
dbloedow@comcast.net
Cluster Key:
(N) North
(EC) East Central
(NC) North Central
(SE) South East
(S) South
(SC) South Central
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Constitutional Changes
Churchwide is in the process of updating the model constitutions to reflect the changes voted into existence at the
Ninth Triennial Convention. Copies will be provided that show the changes as well as copies that reflect the
constitution as amended. Because these were acted upon at the convention, they became effective immediately
and no further action is required in the SWO or CU expressions to make them effective.
Reflections on Triennial Convention 2014
Being a delegate to the 2014 Triennial Convention was a wonderful experience. Even after
attending several synod assemblies and synodical women’s conventions, I was taken aback by the
serious way in which business and debate were handled. Roberts Rules of Order guided the
procedures, but because the parliamentarian and our president were so responsive to the delegates
and officers, there was a lot of fun involved as well. “Unauthorized” women”, and “The assembly will
stand at recess” became buzzwords, both serious and laughable at the same time. “Unauthorized
women” came about because of a delegate wanting to make sure that all synodically authorized
leaders were recognized as well as rostered leaders. When it became apparent that much of the
work of the organization gets done by women who have no official role, or authorized role, the name
for this huge group of women became, “unauthorized women”. “The assembly will stand at recess”
became code for “time for chocolate” or “talk among yourselves”. Along with the business of approving a budget, electing officers, and voting on memorials and constitutional amendments, there were
wonderful worship services and speakers. Getting to hear from Bishop Eaton on more than one
occasion was inspiring. This organization is respectful and responsive to the members and to
society around us. I was proud to be a part of such a well-run convention with an amazing group of
Bold Women. Thank you for granting me the privilege of representing our SWO at this assembly.
- Tricia Niesche
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Fall 2014
Women of the ELCA Calendar of Events 2014—2015
September 27
October 3-4
October 4
October 11
October 20
October 25
October 25
October 30
January 24
SE Cluster Meeting :Lutheran Church of Peace, Maplewood
Minneapolis Synod Women’s Convention, Central Lutheran
South Central Cluster Meeting: Saint Mark Lutheran, St. Paul
Craft & Bake Sale: Luther Memorial, South St. Paul
South Cluster Meeting: Easter Lutheran, Eagan
Craft & Bake Sale,: Lutheran Church of Peace, Maplewood
Swedish Kroppkakor Supper: Spring Lake Lutheran
East Central Cluster Meeting: Bethlehem Lutheran, Bayport
A Day for Making Comfort: Our Savior’s, Stillwater
Bridges is published four times a year. Information for
the Winter 2015 issue must be submitted by December 15th.
Send Bridges articles
via e-mail to: Julie Atkinson
julieawoodbury@yahoo.com (715) 309-2819
For subscription information contact:
Lois Berg
lois_berg@comcast.net
3912 Roseville St., St. Anthony, 55421 (763-789-9113 )
Bold Connections is the free monthly
e-newsletter of Women of the ELCA. Whether
you participate a lot or a little in Women of the
ELCA, and no matter what your role, you'll find
helpful news and information on our programs
and activities, and stories of how together we are
living out our purpose and mission. Sign up at
www.womenoftheelca.org for Bold Connections
Bridges is emailed as a PDF file to all churches in the Saint Paul Area Synod. Please encourage your church
to post or link it to their website, and share with other women in your church. If the email is not being
received, or another address should be used, please contact Julie Atkinson, Bridges editor at
julieawoodbury@yahoo.com.
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