Download File - Western Iowa Synod, ELCA

Western Iowa Synodical Women of the ELCA
Margaret Stangohr & Carolyn Johnson, Co-Editors
December, 2014
MESSAGE FROM WISWO PRESIDENT JUDY LANG!
November 30th was the first Sunday in Advent, which is the beginning of the church year. Advent is a time
of preparing for the celebration of Christ’s birth on Christmas and also a time of preparing for the second coming.
We find ourselves busy with the preparations for the parties, programs and other activities. I am challenging you
and me to take the time to prepare through Bible study, prayer and meditation! Read your Gather magazine! Go
to an Advent Bible study or worship! Find a place to spend some quiet time! Enjoy your family and remember to
share your faith during Christmas! Epiphany, starting January 6 th, is a time to be enlightened!
Many of you have already sent in your list of Unit officers. Thank you for being so prompt! We are still in
need of updates. If you have not sent your list to Margaret Stangohr and Judy Lang, please do so soon. We want
to keep our list of officers current for the Scribe and any other communicating that we need to do. We also need
Cluster leaders for our list.
In this Scribe, you will find the Cluster minutes or summaries that were shared with us. If your cluster
report is not included, send it to Carolyn Johnson for the next Scribe. We like to read about what you are doing. It
may inspire us to do something similar.
Interchange, the newsletter from churchwide Women of the ELCA, has changed. It is being published only
6 times a year, instead of 12. There is only one copy sent to each congregation now. So talk to your church
secretary or your pastor and ask about Interchange. Make copies for the leaders of your unit. These changes are
because of the lack of funds.
The Tenth Triennial Gathering of Women of the ELCA will be July 13-16, 2017 in Minneapolis, MN.
That is close! We would like to have a great showing from Western Iowa! Pre-registration is open until December
31, 2014. The reduced price is $280. Triennial Gatherings are inspiring, informational, and challenging! Start
planning now – bring your daughter, sister, mother, and/or friend, make it a family thing! Review the comments
of our delegates for the Triennial last July in the September issue of the Scribe.
The Tri-Synodical Convention and Gathering will be June 19-20, 2015 at Iowa Central Community
College in Fort Dodge. This includes Northeast, Southeast, and Western Iowa Synodical Women’s Organizations.
Our theme is “Generations of Faith” and our Bible verse is Psalm 100:5 “For the Lord is good; His steadfast love
endures forever and His faithfulness to all generations.” Our keynote speaker is Rev. Wyvetta Bullock, assistant
to Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. More information will be coming in the New Year. Mark your Calendar
now!
Each and every one of you is an important part of our organization! Together we form a great “choir of
angels,” serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My prayer is that we continue to grow in faith, serve all God’s
children, and share our gifts! As the apostle Paul says in many of his books, I thank God for each of you. May
you have a Blessed Christmas and a Joyous New Year! Wishing you Peace, Love and Joy!
Judy Lang, WISWO President
MESSAGE FROM WISWO SECRETARY MARGARET STANGOHR
A big thank you to all who returned the unit and cluster officer information forms. If you haven’t returned
the form, please do so as soon as possible. We want to make sure the right people are getting the SCRIBE and
other communications. Mail the form to Margaret Stangohr, 707 Highview Dr., Storm Lake, IA 50588 or email
me at [email protected].
Margaret Stangohr, WISWO Secretary
The Scribe
Page 2
MESSAGE FROM WISWO TREASURER BONNY CARLSON
Greetings
Hopefully this letter finds you all well and full of the holiday spirit as we await the birth of our Lord Jesus! I
have just a few things I'd like to mention, please remember that you are to send your Thankofferings to
Churchwide in Chicago not me.
As you are getting ready to close your books at the end of the year and looking for places to give your
support please remember the resolution we made at convention this summer to raise $24,000.00 for the Igumbilo
Lutheran Girls Secondary School by convention time in June of 2017. As to date I have received $973.50 which
gives us a good start!!
Treasurers please remember to fill out an offering form whenever you send me any check and remember to
include your phone number in case I would need to contact you with any questions. Well I'd like to wish you all a
blessed holiday and remember Jesus is the reason for the season!
Bonny Carlson, PO Box 865, Manson, IA 50563-- Phone: 712-830-7702
Yours in Christ, Bonny Carlson WISWO Treasurer
RESOLUTION FROM JUNE, 2014: BE IT RESOLVED that the Women of the Western Iowa Synod
respond boldly, with prayer and caring hearts, by raising $24,000 for the Igumbilo Lutheran Girls Secondary
School by our convention in June 2017; giving dignity to women and glory to God.
STEWARDSHIP/MISSION ACTION
Blessing to all this holiday season. I know you all are sharing God's love in many ways. Thank you for your
generosity. At our last board meeting the subject of why we report our missions work in May came up. We realize
that some of you do your Lutheran World Relief giving in the fall and some in the spring. For years we have
reported to the board in May. In looking back at our records we found that this has been the procedure for many
years. The reason being that the information is tallied and then reported at our Western Iowa Synodical Women's
Convention in June. That way we have the most complete and latest information. I know that if you do your
Lutheran World Relief giving in the fall that this seems inconvenient, but please be patient and add all the rest of
your giving together and send it to the appropriate people in May. However we do it, it will still be a year’s
giving May to May. Looking forward to hearing from you in May 2015.
Nancy Peter & Loretta Daisy, Stewardship/Mission Action
JUSTICE/MISSION COMMUNITY
Respond with Justice: a) Justice is faith in action; it addresses inequities in political, economic and social
systems; b) justice is equity and impartiality, mercy and compassion; c) justice includes serving God in ways that
bring healing and wholeness to the church, the society and the world.
As Women of the ELCA, we engage in ministry; we take action through advocacy; we promote healing and
wholeness; and we support one another in our callings. Women of the ELCA justice initiatives include combating
commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking, domestic violence, and supporting families with special needs
through our online resources. We advocate for racial and cultural equity through our anti-racism training and our
cross-cultural programing. Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, offered prayers, and hope in
wake of the recent grand jury decision in Ferguson. She says, and I quote, “As a nation, we are struggling with
and divided by the decision. It has affected so many of us in so many different ways. We want the assurance that
all of this means something. We want to know that someone cares. Has not God created all of us to have inherent
dignity, value, and worth?” Presiding Bishop Eaton’s entire message and other statements can be found at
ELCA.org, under news and events. Please take a few minutes to read her entire message, and other statements
issued by the ELCA. As a community of women, we are faced with many challenges. Together as Women of the
ELCA we can make a difference.
Sue Boblit, Dixie Peterson & Ilomae Meling, Justice/Mission Community
The Scribe
Page 3
DISCIPLESHIP/MISSION GROWTH
Another year is coming to a close. Now is the time for reflection on the old year and anticipation of the New
Year. With the New Year, let us look to God for guidance and wisdom.
Cheryl Todd & Kathy Landgraf, Discipleship/Mission Growth
Tenth Triennial Gathering
Can't wait to get together again with Lutheran women? You can pre-register now for the Tenth
Triennial Gathering to be held July 13-16, 2017, in Minneapolis, Minn. More than 500 women have
already pre-registered! Why not join them?
Pre-registration! Pre-register now for the Tenth Triennial Gathering, July13-16, 2017, to be held in
Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can pre-register now through December 31, 2014, for the reduced price of
$280. Go to www.womenoftheelca.org and look under Triennial Gathering.
MISSION STATEMENT OF WOMEN OF THE ELCA
TO MOBILIZE WOMEN TO ACT BOLDLY ON THEIR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST!
The Scribe
Page 4
Highlights from the Clusters
Dorcas Cluster
The Dorcas Cluster is hosting the annual Spring
Gathering on April 18, 2015 at St. Peter Lutheran in
Pocahontas. Hosts: St. Peter Lutheran, Pocahontas;
St. John Lutheran, Pomeroy; St. Paul, Palmer;
Elfsborg Lutheran, Pomeroy.
Deborah Cluster:
Deborah Cluster: Our Fall event was hosted by the
women of St. Mark Lutheran, Storm Lake, on
September 27th with 15 women in attendance.
Lynette Hyndman, of Bethlehem, Cherokee, shared
a devotion on the “Wonder of Creation.” We sang
hymns, accompanied by Gladys Eddie. Chris Prois
presented our program, “Think Global-Think
Green.” Chris spoke to us about Fair Trade and how
it makes a difference to women and families in many
parts of the world. She offered stories of some of the
artisans around the world, and shared with us some
of the Fair Trade items for sale at her business,
Earthings. In addition she also shared video and
spoke of her recent trips to Tanzania and Chile.
Marlys Segar brought greetings from the synodical
board. Marlys Segar and Sue Boblit shared their
experience at the Triennial Gathering, in Charlotte,
NC in July. The 2017 Triennial will be held in
Minneapolis. They encouraged everyone to start
making plans to attend. A short business meeting
followed.
Sue Boblit, Secretary
Esther Cluster: - No Report
Hannah Cluster- No Report
Lydia Cluster- No Report
Mary Cluster- No Report
Martha Cluster- No Report
Ruth Cluster- No Report
Tabitha Cluster:
The Fall Event of the Tabitha Cluster was sponsored
and held at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Council
Bluffs on Saturday, October 18, 2014. The meeting
began at 9:00am with a greeting from Cluster Leader
Carol Jeppesen. She then introduced Simone Weber,
who with her husband Matt own Table Grace Café
in Omaha. Simone sang a few inspiring songs she
has written. She then explained the basics behind the
creation of and purpose/ministry behind Table Grace
Café. There is no cash register, only a donation box
where patrons are encouraged to be generous.
Patrons who cannot pay will be able to perform
chores in the café. Their mission is to foster a
healthy community by offering great food prepared
and served in a graceful manner to anyone who
walks through the door. They use fresh ingredients,
often farm-to-table. Pastor Lowell Hennings then
provided a bible study on the history and current
application of Matthew 25. This reminds us that we
see Jesus through ourselves and our actions in
serving others. To love is to be vulnerable. Carol
Jeppesen called the business meeting to order at
11:15am, with 19 members present. The spring 2014
Cluster Meeting minutes were reviewed and
approved. The Treasurer’s report was presented.
The balance should be noted as of 10/17/14 instead
of 10/31/14. The balance on hand is $264.68.
Treasurer’s report was approved. Carol Jeppesen
presented the report on Stewardship/Mission
Projects in Mary Lou Hansen’s absence. This is an
‘FYI’ report, as approval will be needed for an
‘annual’ report at our spring 2015 meeting. Mary
Lou asked all congregations to keep track of project
numbers and provide these updates to her. There was
no Old Business. Carol Jeppesen introduced Dixie
Petersen from the WISWO Board. She brought
greetings from the board, noting our mission is to
raise money for the Tanzania Girls School. Please
read The Scribe for the triennial delegate reports.
There is a quilt at Emanuel Lutheran made from
fabric from the women of Tanzania. It was
suggested that this quilt travel around the Tabitha
Cluster congregations. Carol Jeppesen suggested we
coordinate a fundraiser for the “Give a Heart to
Tanzania” campaign with the Bold Women event on
February 22, 2015. Discussion on the spring 2015
Cluster event Our Saviors Lutheran in Council
Bluffs will host. There will be an election of officers
at this meeting: Cluster Leader to replace Carol
Jeppesen, Mission Action Leader to replace Mary
Lou Hansen, and possibly Member-at-Large as Loni
Wilkinson has been ill. Upcoming Dates: February
22, 2015: Bold Women Event at Our Saviors
Lutheran in Council Bluffs, IA .May 29-30, 2015:
Western Iowa Synod Assembly in Spencer, IA. June
19-20, 2015: Tri-Synod Women’s Convention in
Fort Dodge, IA July 13-17, 2017: 10th Triennial
Gathering of the Women of the ELCA in
Minneapolis, MN An offering was taken, half going
to the WISWO and half going to Table Grace Café.
The business meeting adjourned at 11:45am. A
great lunch was prepared and served by Table Grace
Café. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Stuckey, St.
John Lutheran, Events Recorder
Note: Please send me your cluster reports so I can
put them in the Scribe. E-Mail: [email protected]
or mail to: Carolyn Johnson, 504 West Elm Ave.,
Pocahontas, IA 50574
The Scribe
Page 5
Cluster Churches-2014-2015
Deborah Cluster:
Albert City, Our Savior’s
Albert City, St. John
Alta, Immanuel
Alta, Trinity
Cherokee, Bethlehem
Craig, St. John’s
Linn Grove, Trinity
Marathon, Grace
Marcus, Faith
Newell, Nain
Rembrandt, Our Saviors
Remsen, St. Paul
Sioux Rapids, First
Spencer, Bethany
Spencer, Trinity
Storm Lake, St. Mark
Odebolt, Faith
Onawa, Faith
Soldier, Soldier
Hannah Cluster
Adair, Good Shepherd
Atlantic, St. Paul’s
Audubon, Ebenezer
Brayton, Brayton
Carroll, St. John
Coon Rapids, Ascension
Exira, Exira
Griswold, Faith
Hamlin, Hamlin
Jefferson, Christ
Kimballton, Bethany
Kimballton, Immanuel
Dorcas Cluster:
Lydia Cluster:
Boxholm, Trinity
Burnside, Immanuel
Clarion, First
Dayton, Emanuel
Duncombe, Washington
Eagle Grove, New Hope*
Fort Dodge, Christ
Fort Dodge, Ch. of Damascus Rd.
Fort Dodge, Grace
Fort Dodge, St. Olaf
Gowrie, Zion
Harcourt, Faith
Humboldt, Our Savior’s
Lytton, Emanuel-St. John
Manson, Augustana Evangelical
Manson, St. Paul Evangelical
Moorland, Fulton at Roelyn
Ottosen, Trinity
Palmer, St. Paul
Pocahontas, St. Peter
Pomeroy, Elfsborg
Pomeroy, St. John
Renwick, St. Paul
Rockwell City, St. Paul’s
Rutland, Trinity
Vincent, South Enes
Webster City, Trinity
Clarinda, Bethesda
Creston, Salem
Essex, St. John’s
Northboro, St. Paul
Red Oak, Bethlehem
Red Oak, Fremont (Nyman)
Shenandoah, Emmanuel
Stanton, Mamrelund
Stanton, Tabor
Villisca, Strand
Esther Cluster:
Correctionville, Salem
Cushing, St. John
Holstein, St. Paul Evangelical
Kiron, Bethel
Moville, Trinity
Mary Cluster
Akron, Immanuel
Akron, St. John
Akron, Trinity
Burnsville, St. Peter
Craig, St. John’s
George, Immanuel
Hawarden, American
Le Mars, Christ
Le Mars, St. John’s
Melvin, American
Merrill, St. John
Merrill, St. Paul
Paullina, Siloam
Primghar, Grace
Rock Rapids, Immanuel
Rock Valley, Our Savior’s
Sibley, Trinity
Sioux Center, Hope
Martha Cluster
Sergeant Bluff, New Life
Sioux City, Augustana
Sioux City, First
Sioux City, Immanuel
Sioux City, Riverside
Sioux City, St. John
Sioux City, St. Luke
Sioux City, St. Mark
Sioux City, Trinity
Ruth Cluster:
Algona, First
Armstrong, Nazareth
Britt, First
Buffalo Center, Bethlehem
Corwith, St. John
Cylinder, St. John
Emmetsburg, Bethany
Estherville, Estherville
Estherville, Trinity
Forest City, Immanuel
Graettinger, Bethel
Kanawha, Kanawha
Lakota, St. Paul
Milford, First
Rake, Zion
Ringsted, United
Ruthven, Lost Island
Spirit Lake, Grace
Thompson, Bethany
Titonka, Good Hope
Titonka, Immanuel
Wallingford, Wallingford
Woden, St. John’s
Tabitha Cluster:
Council Bluffs, Emanuel
Council Bluffs, Our Savior’s
Council Bluffs, St. John
Council Bluffs, S. Sudanese
Thanksgiving
Dunlap, St. John
Mineola, St. John
Missouri Valley, St. Paul
Moorhead, Bethesda
Neola, St. Paul’s
Oakland, Living Faith*
Treynor, St. Paul
Underwood, Underwood
*Synodically authorized
Worshipping Community
The Scribe
Page 6
PROGRAM SUGGESTIONS:
Need a speaker for a program? Here are some suggestion to help you.
Karen Weld, 2576 Quincy Ave., Clarion, Iowa, e-mail: [email protected].
Global Compassion Network, PO Box 193, 310 East Broadway, Eagle Grove, Iowa, 50533
E-mail: [email protected], phone: Home: (641) 829-3580, Cell :( 641) 210-9656.
Mary Porter & Suzy Q, phone: (641) 332-2550 e-mail: [email protected]
Companion Synod
For information and help with programs contact:
Cindy Wells
318 East 5th Street, Storm Lake, IA 50588
712-732-4968 ext. 441
cindy.wells @wisynod.org
The Scribe
$5.00 for one year/4 issues
Name _____________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________
City_______________________________________________
Dates to Remember:
May 29-30, 2015
Western Iowa Synod Assembly
Clay County Events Center
Spencer, IA
June 19-20, 2015
Tri-Synod Women’s Convention
(Northeast Iowa, Southeast Iowa, Western Iowa)
State__________
Zip___________
Mail completed form and payment to:
Bonny Carlson
PO Box 865
Manson. IA 50563
Make check payable to WISWO.
Iowa Central Community College
Fort Dodge, IA
July 13-16, 2017
Tenth Triennial Gathering
Minneapolis, MN.
Please don’t throw me away or stick me in a file! Instead,
take me apart, copy me! Share me with the women of your
church! Thank You!!
Your Editors!!
The Scribe
Page 7
Women of the ELCA Resources
www.womenoftheelca.org
800-638-3522 ext. 2730
GATHER (Formerly Lutheran Woman Today) has reading material, both informational and entertaining.
This magazine also contains the monthly Bible study. Use this magazine, as it will nourish and strengthen you.
The inside back cover contains information about web sites, email addresses and toll free phone numbers for your
convenience. To subscribe: 800-328-4648 One year/10 issues - $15 www.augsburgfortress.org
Café – Stirring the Spirit Within is a Web-based magazine for women who want to build Community,
participate in Advocacy, strengthen Faith, and strive toward Enlightenment (CAFE!). Visit Café at
www.boldcafe.org and sign up to receive e-mail alerts when new issues are posted. E-mail café’@elca.org
www.womenoftheelca.org/cafe Phone: 800-638-3522 ext. 2745.
BOLD CONNECTIONS is an e-newsletter for our women to receive regular timely news and
information from the churchwide organization. No matter your role, you will find helpful news and information
on programs, activities and insight into the churchwide organization’s part in total mission and ministry. Signing
up is easy. Go to the home page www.womenoftheelca.org and fill in the BOLD CONNECTIONS box at the
right.
The LUTHERAN RESOURCE CENTER, Clear, IA, continues to gather and share material upon
request. 800-638-3522 ext. 2730 or Clear Lake, IA. 641-357-4451
www.lutheranresourcecenter.org
The SCRIBE is our own WISWO newsletter, is published four times a year and is sent to the president,
the secretary and the treasurer of each unit. Others may subscribe to it by filling out the form and sending your
payment to the WISWO treasurer, Bonny Carlson, PO Box 865, Manson, IA 50563. The Scribe is $5.00 for one
year/4 issues.
The INTERCHANGE newsletter is publish 6 issues per year is available by subscription. Interchange is
sent without change one per congregational unit of Women of ELCA and to elected leadership in synodical
women’s organization, conferences and clusters. Individual subscriptions are available for $8 per year, $15 for
two years, and $20 for three years. To subscribe: 800-638-3522, ext. 2730 or send a check for $8 for 1 year; $15
for 2 years; $20 for 3 years to Women of the ELCA, 8765 W Higgins Rd, Chicago, IL 60631-4101
www.sosumpd.org/Womenof the ELCA.html
RESOURCES: Available free of charge from the Women of the ELCA website for one-time programs,
multiple session resources, and resources for individual use.
Western Iowa Synod Women’s Organization – (WISWO) The web site: www.wisynod.org/women-of-the-elca-html
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.
The Scribe
Page 8
Western Iowa Synodical Women’s Organization Directory
2014-2015
PRESIDENT
Judy Lang
VICE PRESIDENT
Marlys Segar
19903 225th St
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Home: 515-576-6810
Cell: 515-571-5737
[email protected]
312 Centennial Drive
Cherokee, IA 51012
Home: 712-225-4146
[email protected]
SECRETARY
Margaret Stangohr
TREASURER
Bonny Carlson
707 Highview Drive
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Home: 712-732-6336
[email protected]
PO Box 865
Manson, IA 50563
Cell: 712-830-7702
[email protected]
THE SCRIBE
(Co-Editors)
Margaret Stangohr
707 Highview Drive
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Home: 712-732-6336
[email protected]
Carolyn Johnson
504 West Elm Ave
Pocahontas, IA 50574
Home: 712-335-4238
[email protected]
STEWARDSHIP/MISSION ACTION
Loretta Daisy
Nancy J. Peters
123 S Woodlawn Ave.
Lake City, IA 51449
Home: 712-464-3606
[email protected]
1020 9th Street
Sheldon, IA 51201
Home: 712-454-4603
[email protected]
DISCIPLESHIP/MISSION GROWTH
Cheryl Todd
Kathy Landgraf
4511 170th Street
Correctionville, IA 51016
Home: 712-384-2442
[email protected]
50600 120th Ave.
Laurens, IA. 50554
Home: 712-843-5770
[email protected]
JUSTICE/MISSION COMMUNITY
Sue Boblit
Dixie Petersen
Ilomae Meling
104 East First Street
Spencer, IA 51301
Home: 712-262-8244
[email protected]
3415 510th Ave
Cylinder, IA 50528
Home: 712-298-1435
[email protected]
2409 Littlefield Drive
Exira, IA 50076
Home: 712-268-2482
[email protected]
WESTERN IOWA SYNOD OFFICE
318 E 5th Street, Storm Lake, IA 50588
Synod Liaison: Pastor Lorna Halaas
[email protected]
Office: 712-732-4968
Office Coordinator: Lynn Egesdal
[email protected]
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Women of the ELCA
Linda Post Bushkofsky
8765 West Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 61764
1-800-638-3522