November 2015 Canyon Echoes

Our geographic area covers the southwest corner of the
United States including all of
Arizona, Southern Nevada
and St. George, Utah
GC Synod Women’s
Gather Bible Study Event
Volume XXVIX Issue 5
November 2015
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Love of Christ Lutheran
1525 N Power Rd, Mesa AZ
9 am—2:30 pm
Inside This Issue
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President’s Musings
Page 2
LWR Ingathering
Page 2
Fall Retreat Highlights
Page 3
Let’s Light Up Phebe
Page 4
Sex Trafficking Forum
Page 5
Discipleship, Justice, Stewardship
Page 6
Get To Know Your Board
Page 7
2017 Triennial News
Page 8
Treasurer Message, Thankoffering
Page 9
Stitching Sisters
Page 10
Happenings Around Our Synod
Pages 11-12
Pep Talk For Your Unit
Page 13
Upcoming Events
Page 14
Gather Bible Study Registration
Page 15
GC WELCA References
Page 16
Gather, the magazine of Women of the ELCA.
Come and meet the authors of our winter 2016 Gather
Bible Study to enhance your understanding of
Philippians.
This study’s authors are E. Louise
Williams and Rev. Phyllis N. Kersten.
Louise,
executive director emerita of the Lutheran Deaconess
Association, lives in Valparaiso, IN. Phyllis is a retired
pastor and lives in a Chicago suburb. These authors
wrote our 1990 study, “Companions on Your Journey.”
This four-month study from January through April
explores the book of Philippians under the theme of
“Christian Citizenship 101.” The authors will lead us
through the January study, provide background
information in the development of the overall theme and
content and give us tips on leading our own Bible
studies. We’ll have small group activity as well as
music.
The November issue concludes the three-part
study on Slow Faith, “Tempo giusto.” In
December we’ll enjoy a short Advent devotional
study written by Valora Starr from our churchwide
office of Women of the ELCA.
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Subscribe [email protected]
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Digital access (computer, I-Pad, Android) is free to print
subscribers. Yearly subscription cost is $15.
Canyon Echoes November 2015
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Bring your January issue of Gather, your WELCA Bible
Study group, your Bible, and get your January Gather
study done with the pros!
The cost is only $25, including lunch, if you register on
or before December 18. After Dec. 18, the cost is $30.
You’ll find a registration form on page 15 of this issue,
and also on our website at
http://grandcanyonwomen.org/events.html
grandcanyonwomen.org
Page 1
Musings from President Laura
Sisters in Christ:
As we begin another day give us, O Lord of all hopefulness, awareness of your
presence, insight into our problems, humility to acknowledge our need, willingness
to seek your help, trust to believe you will act on our behalf, and gratitude for all you are and all you do for
us. Amen.
As another year draws to an end, and we look with anticipation to the celebration of our Lord's birth in a
humble manger, I pray that God is with your ministry through the women of your congregation and
community.
At our retreat held just a few weeks ago, the attendees learned to look for God's touch in the many seasons of
our lives. Through sharing with others, walking alone with God, singing praises and digging into the
scriptures, participants were able to look at the beauty that has been blessed on each of us.
These God-given blessings are not to be hidden away. They should be shared, in your family, in your
congregation, with other women and in your community. No matter what season you find yourself in, God has
a plan for you. He has something for you to do. I challenge you to ask God how He can use you! Then
Listen..... He will call you to where you are to be! Maybe He is calling you to be a worker in a mission
project. Maybe He is calling you to be a mentor to a young woman. Maybe He is calling you to step up and
lead. Maybe He is calling you to encourage. Whatever the call, be ready to respond!
We are all called to discipleship in Jesus Christ and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit!
Your humble servant in Christ,
Laura Krueger
Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Ingathering for Kits/Quilts
LWR has graciously arranged a truck to pick up our Kits, Quilts, Fleece Tied Blankets and Soap at the
upcoming Rally in the Valley at Prince of Peace Lutheran in Scottsdale on Feb. 15-16, 2016.
Please remember the guidelines for packing:
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Pack “like” items together in boxes. Do not mix kits with quilts, etc.
Label contents in LARGE BLOCK LETTERS on the outside of the boxes. Also, include the name and
address of your congregation on a slip inside each box.
Use strong cartons secured with packing tape:
 NO string. 40 lb. or less in each box.
 DO NOT USE plastic or paper bags to pack donations. Items will not be accepted unless boxed
and labeled.
If you need space in your vehicle for kits/quilts while traveling, pack your items un-boxed, flatten out your
boxes, and bring tape and labels to box everything up once you arrive.
If you aren’t coming to Rally in the Valley in February, you can bring your packed and labeled LWR items to
our January Bible Study event on January 9, 2016 at Love of Christ in Mesa.
We hope the truck will be filled to capacity! Thank you for sharing your talents and gifts for LWR!
www.lwr.org
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GC Women's Fall Retreat Highlights
October 23—24, 2015
Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree AZ
Garden Getaway: Where Women Walk With God
We filled the Ravenscroft Chapel to its capacity with 91 registrations from 28 churches across Arizona and
southern Nevada. Women enjoyed the beautiful weather and the company of
their sisters in faith as we explored walking through many seasons of our lives,
using Ecclesiastes 3 as our scriptural basis. Session leaders included Suki Kisling,
Susan Girouard, and Myrna Wells-Ulland from the GC synod women’s board, and
Terry Nelson and Kathy Swan from the Retreat planning team. Friday night’s
events included an opportunity for “Wine, Women and Holy Conversation”
following our opening session. The Retreat Planning team did an exceptional job
in creating a welcoming garden atmosphere for our attendees. Our service project was fleece blanket tying
for Lutheran World Relief, and 51 blankets will be delivered to the LWR Ingathering Truck at Rally in the
Valley in February. Thrivent provided a generous gift to help with our retreat expenses, as well as a $250
Thrivent Action Team Grant to purchase fleece for our blankets. Women had an opportunity to “walk with
God” outdoors on Saturday, including the labyrinth at Spirit in the Desert. Our offering totaled $1493, with
half going to the Native American Urban Ministries in Phoenix. The GC Synod Women’s Board thanks our
retreat planning team of Myrna Wells-Ulland, Terry Nelson, Julie Ann Walker and Kathy Swan.
Welcome to our Garden Getaway Retreat
Garden Getaway:
Where Women Walk With God
Cyndy Warnier
Worship/Music Leader
Scatter Your Stones Craft Project
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Let’s Light up Phebe!
Lighting up Phebe Hospital in Liberia is an initiative of Women of the ELCA known as
PV for Phebe, spearheaded by the women from NE Minnesota following a site visit to Phebe
Hospital in November 2012 as part of the 25th anniversary of Women of the ELCA. In 2014,
a memorial was passed at the Women of the ELCA Ninth Triennial Gathering in Charlotte,
NC to support the raising of funds for PV for Phebe. In June, 2015, the GC Synod Assembly
adopted a resolution asking all churches to become involved in this environmental and humanitarian effort. We now
have an opportunity to “Light Up Phebe!”
Phebe Hospital was built by the Lutheran, Methodist and Episcopalian Churches in 1921 and serves a population
of 450,000 as the sole option for health care services in rural Liberia. It’s School of Nursing trains 250 mid-level health
care workers each year. In the 1970’s and 80’s our churchwide ELCA contributed $250,000 a year; however, since
the Liberian civil wars ended in the early 2000’s, Lutheran financial aid to Phebe has dwindled to $50,000 a year.
Liberia’s electrical grid infrastructure was destroyed during their 14-year civil war and Phebe Hospital has
suffered from chronic electrical instability. The hospital generates all of its electricity with a string of diesel generators,
costing $35,000 per month, consuming more than 90,000 gallons of fuel annually, with fuel costs over $300,000 each
year. Generator failure and fuel disruptions make campus-wide blackouts a daily reality. During the rainy season, the
road to the hospital often washes out, making delivery of fuel impossible. The hospital must often shut down its power
system for periods of time to conserve fuel, resulting in operations that are risky and jeopardized vaccine storage.
Without consistent and reliable power, Phebe faces an uphill battle in managing the very real health challenges faced
by the rural Liberian people. Women and children in Liberia are especially at risk. Liberia is burdened with several
infectious diseases that hamper development. 42% of children have stunted growth due to disease and malnutrition.
Only 26% of births take place in hospitals in rural areas; maternal mortality is measured at 994 deaths per 100,000 live
births, and adolescent pregnancy has risen to 32%.
There is a solution for Phebe Hospital: solar energy. The Solar Power Project at Phebe Hospital, known as
PV for Phebe, aims to install a large-scale array of solar panels that will contribute 75% of the hospital’s energy
needs, with energy storage to allow them to function for a day without direct sunlight. “PV” is short for photovoltaics, a
method used to convert light energy into electricity employed in common solar panels. Local people will be trained on
installation, operation and maintenance of the solar grid. The diesel fuel that Phebe Hospital currently burns produces
the carbon equivalent of 800 metric tons of waste each year. Replacing this dirty energy production with clean,
renewable energy is a life-giving act of environmental stewardship. By investing funds in a photovoltaic microgrid,
Phebe Hospital and its staff will be empowered to achieve self-reliance through solar power, and will serve as a
powerful model for rebuilding critical infrastructure in a resilient manner.
The bold women from NE Minnesota have pledged to raise $200,000 of the first $500,000 needed to get this
project moving forward and have taken steps to rally our full church to stand behind and support this women-inspired
mission. This pledge will literally and figuratively light the way to improved health outcomes for the Liberian people
now and for the generation to come. The estimated cost of the project is $2.5 million and construction of the solar grid
is being led by RREAL, a Minnesota solar energy nonprofit and a pioneer in the use of solar energy to address
poverty. RREAL is also leading the major fundraising and has a target implementation date of Phebe’s solar grid in
2016. A female electrical engineer, inspired by this mission, has volunteered her services to develop the plans. This
sustainable, long-term solution would free up over $250,000 annually to fight illnesses like malaria and Ebola in
Liberia.
How can we help “Light Up Phebe?” Your gift today means giving clean energy to power critical health
infrastructure in Liberia. Our GC Synod Women’s Board has made a $100 offering to PV for Phebe. We challenge
each congregation to match, or increase, that offering. Make an offering to PV for Phebe as part of your individual and
unit offerings. If you can, do it yet this year.
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Checks may be made out to GC Women of the ELCA and sent to Marlene Haller, our GC Synod
Women’s Treasurer, at 324 W Culver St, #9, Phoenix AZ 85003. Marlene will forward all PV for Phebe
offerings to the NE Minnesota Synod, the collection point for gifts to PV for Phebe.
Visit skigthegrid.org for more information and resources to help tell the story of PV for Phebe to your women and to
your congregation. News and updates are also posted frequently at facebook.com/skipthegrid. Together, we can light
up Phebe!
Myrna Wells-Ulland
GC Synod Women’s Board Stewardship Committee
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Report of our Sex Trafficking Forum in Mesa, AZ on October 3rd
At our GC Synod Women’s Justice Committee forum in Mesa, Keynote speaker, John Raeder, State of Arizona
Program Administrator, Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families, and Laurie Kessler of the Mesa Police
Department, shared red flags that could indicate that a child might be being trafficked or sexually exploited.
When children and youth experience sexual violence, they may not talk about what is happening to them or they
may talk about it in ways that we are not listening for. It is up to attentive adults to be engaged in young people’s
lives, recognize signs, ask questions, and connect with other adults for information and support when there is cause
for concern.
The indicators below are not a guarantee that sexual exploitation or trafficking has occurred; rather it is a list of
“red flags” that signal the need for support and conversation. Victims of varying ages may exhibit a variety of
physical and behavioral signs. The presence of these signs may be significant; it may also suggest problems other
than sexual abuse, exploitation, or trafficking.
If you suspect a child or youth has been abused because you
see the following indicators, or if he or she hints at abuse or
outright disclose sexual exploitation or trafficking, seek
support of your local police department.
Forum participants discuss issues
Adults should be alert to “red flags” such as:
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Extreme changes in behavior, such as loss of appetite
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Expressing affection in ways inappropriate for a child of their age
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Physical marks such as bruises, bites or cut marks
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Change in school patterns; specifically, reduced attendance, inability to concentrate, excessive daydreaming,
sudden changes in grades
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Having unaffordable new things, such as clothes, money, technological devices
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Having a significantly older “boyfriend” or “girlfriend”
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Has markings/branding (identifying tattoo)
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Has minimal knowledge of their community or location
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Lacks access to a parent or guardian
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Other behavioral signals, such as aggressive or disruptive behavior, withdrawal, running away, or delinquent
behavior
Patty Gee, GC Synod Women’s Board Justice Committee
Our Next GC Synod Women’s Sex Trafficking Forum is in West Phoenix
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Alleluia Lutheran Church
8444 W Encanto Blvd, Phoenix AZ
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)
The program details are currently being finalized
For event updates and registration information go to our website:
http://grandcanyonwomen.org/events.html
Canyon Echoes November 2015
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Discipleship
LOCATION. . . LOCATION. . . LOCATION.. . . is what Realtors look for.
COMMUNICATION. . .COMMUNICATION. . . .COMMUNICATION is what women of the church need.
In today’s world of multiple technologies, communication has become much easier and we are beginning
to see positive results from the newly revised Canyon Echoes newsletter, postings on Facebook, and now,
Twitter! Members of your WELCA Synod Board will be present at all of your Spring Gatherings. Use them to
share ideas and answer questions about how you might better serve your Congregation and all people of the
Church worldwide. Your Synod Board is working hard to make connections and communications a key issue
in helping your Units survive and thrive.
Another communication tool will be the WELCA 2016 Convention. This is one you won’t want to miss! It’s
a three day holiday (November 11-13 and NOT Reformation week-end) and we have secured amazing room
rates at the Alexis Park Resort (all suites) for the event. Workshops are coming back and there will be LOTS
of surprises. One of our key objectives will be to elect 12 women to represent you and carry on the purpose
of the WELCA. Block out your calendar NOW ~ we have contracted the room rates to include Thursday thru
Sunday. Watch for a special Canyon Echoes Convention issue scheduled for March, 2016.
Committee Members: Wanda Frenchman-Takacs, Susan Girouard, Suki Kisling, Randi VenHuizen
Justice
The social statement of the ELCA's ‘Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity and Culture’ highlights three
important areas meant to encourage and guide debate and discussions within the church.
• It is primarily a call for the Church to be a leading force in society against racism
and for tolerance, understanding, and cooperation between cultural communities.
• It outlines the ways social, political, and economic injustice is rooted in the
spiritual crisis of racism, and it suggests both strategies and theological resources for the
Church’s response.
• It calls upon leaders and others in this church to “persevere” and “live up to” commitments
to be an inclusive church witnessing and working for justice.
At our Grand Canyon WELCA Convention in Las Vegas in November, 2016, our Justice committee will lead a
workshop focusing on "Diversity and Racial Relations."
For more information, contact our GC Synod
Women's Justice Committee members: Susan Drane, Patty Gee, Pat Shaw
Stewardship
Stewardship: Everyone has a different definition. Here’s one that works for Audrey Novak Riley,
Director of Stewardship and Development for Women of the ELCA. Stewardship means:
 to use the gifts God has generously given to us
 to care for the gifts that God has graciously entrusted to us
 so that those who come after us can rejoice in them in their turn.
Our loving God has given us so much—everything we have, everything we are, everything. And one of
the many gifts that God has graciously entrusted to us is our beloved community of women created in
the image of our loving, generous God.
When you lovingly, generously use some of what God has given you to care for Women of the ELCA,
you are helping to sustain our organization for our daughters and granddaughters, nieces and greatnieces, young friends and younger friends for generations yet to come. Your faithful support of Women
of the ELCA will make a difference in the lives of women you may never meet, maybe even in the lives of
women not yet born—who, through the organization your generous giving sustains, will reach out to love
and serve our neighbors in Christ just as you have done.
That’s the power of grateful, generous stewardship! Thank you.
“Reprinted with permission from Interchange, the churchwide newsletter of Women of the ELCA, Copyright © 2015
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.”
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Get To Know Your Board
Patty Gee, Board Member
High Country Conference, Flagstaff
Patty and her husband, Jerome, were educators within the Washington State Public School system for 27 years,
raising their five children and being active participants with lay leadership positions within their church. Following
Jerome’s official retirement, they both became Facilities Directors of a Christian Camp near Snoqualmie Pass. For
several years, they provided retreats and summer camps.
In 1994 they were called to Japan as Special Assignment Missionaries to replace a missionary couple who had
spent 35 years as pastors and educators at the church-sponsored Middle School. In Inagi, Japan, Jerome
became a licensed pastor of a Japanese Christian Church. Patty lead worship praise and prayer, as well as
became the Christian Education Director for the church and three Christian Hoikuins (schools).
Upon returning to the U.S., they were called to be missionaries to the Yakima Native Americans and Hispanic
community within the poorest county in Washington State. After several years, a crisis in the family brought them
back to their hometown of Olympia, Washington. Their son-in-law became a crack cocaine addict, and they
assumed responsibility of their three granddaughters, ages 4 to 8 years. During this time, Patty became very
involved with Women’s Ministries and Stephen Ministry. She found support and Christian balance within these
groups and this made all the difference. When life smoothed out, Patty and Jerome opened an Autism Clinic,
using her degree as a Speech and Language Pathologist/Autism Specialist, and masters in School Administration.
Over the years they provided therapy and support to over 500 families. During this time, Patty also served as
Executive Director of the state-wide Autism Society of Washington. Patty has a brother who has autism, and she
has been his guardian since he was in his 20’s. He is now 62 and living on his own with state paid caregiver
support.
In 2013, Patty and Jerome closed the clinic and left their four other children and grandchildren and moved to
Flagstaff to support their son and granddaughter during a custody battle. As the proceedings lingered on, they
came to love Flagstaff and their Christian community, deciding to fully retire. Living in a cabin at the base of Mt.
Elden with a son, granddaughter and four dogs seems perfect, as does being involved on the board of WELCA
with an active role on our Justice Committee, currently focusing on Human and Sexual Trafficking. This is Patty’s
first term on the Grand Canyon WELCA Board. Days are filled and complete!
Pat Shaw
Rio Salado Conference, Mesa
If you have heard of Rutland, Massachusetts, then you have heard more than most people. That is Pat’s hometown
and place of birth. It is about 60 miles west of Boston, and in the middle of Massachusetts, Pat was raised on a small
family farm which raised dairy cattle. They were known to make the best homemade ice cream in the whole state!
In 1970 the family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, when it was still the West’s Most Western Town. Although baptized
Lutheran, the family attended a Congregational church. Pat began attending a Christian church in Scottsdale. This led
her to Young Life while attending Mesa Community College. Faith has always been an important part of her life. She
continued on her faith journey through college at Arizona State University (ASU) where she received her teaching
degree in Special Education. She finished her education at Northern Arizona University (NAU) with a Master’s Degree
in Career and Technical Education.
Pat and Tom (the ‘love of my life’) were married in 1984 and became members of Love of Christ Lutheran in east
Mesa. They have been active members since that time. Pat decided to form a Women’s Hiking Group with hiking trips
all over the state and beyond.
Pat is serving her second term on the Board and is active on our Justice Committee. She, along with a few others, is
also determined to bring the Rio Salado Conference back to life and more visible in the Grand Canyon Synod.
They have two son and two grandsons ~ who keep them VERY busy.
August issue, page 12
Canyon Echoes November 2015
Oops, We Goofed!
Community Lutheran contact should be [email protected]
WELCA GC Synod Convention in Las Vegas - November 11-13, 2016
grandcanyonwomen.org
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2017 Triennial Gathering Promoters
Chosen
We are excited to report that the
WELCA Grand Canyon Synod will
be represented by our own Randi
VenHuizen from Spirit of Joy, Mesa,
Rio Salado Conference. Randi has
been selected to be a Triennial
Gathering Promoter (TGP)!
In the past, TGP’s have been
appointed from each Synod. For the
next Triennial in 2017, women were
asked to submit an application to be among the 915 chosen nationally.
Requirements included
having attended at least one Gathering and being
an active participant in a Unit. Candidates should
also be comfortable speaking in public, enthusiastic
about travel, have hands-on knowledge of social
media and be able to tell a story about why they
love Women of the ELCA. Experience with
marketing is a bonus.
Candidates are also required to be computer
literate and reachable by email on a daily basis.
Randi was also required to submit a two minute
video as to why she would like the opportunity to
promote the next Triennial Gathering.
This volunteer job comes with no pay, but plenty
of perks. Randi is serving her first term on the
Grand Canyon WELCA Synod Board and you can
bet she is going to be one busy lady!
“all anew” has been chosen as the theme
for Women of the ELCA’s Tenth
Triennial Gathering in Minneapolis,
MN, July 13-16, 2017. The theme is
supported by several biblical texts that
speak of renewal.
The logo above is in the joyful, organic
shape of a butterfly — or, is it a flower?
It represents transformation and growth.
Splashes of color honoring the four
elements (earth, wind, fire air) spill
outside the lines to create an uplifting
symbol that is bright, bold and vibrant.
Because the Tenth Triennial Gathering falls during the
observance of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant
Reformation in 2017, the theme resonates with reformation and
transformation images. At the Gathering, participants will
explore ways in which the Holy Spirit changes us,
acknowledging that reformation and transformation have
happened and continue to happen within the community of
women known as Women of the ELCA.
One theme verse, Psalm 104:30: “Lord, send forth your spirit —
and renew the face of the earth” calls on God to send the Holy
Spirit to renew not just God’s people, not just God’s church —
but ALL God’s earth, the creation that God called good.
Interchange/Intercambio is published four times a year by Women of the ELCA, in spring,
summer, fall and winter. It is sent without charge to each congregational unit of Women of
the ELCA and to elected leadership in synodical women’s organizations and conferences.
You can download the English or Spanish version free anytime by clicking Interchange/
Intercambio.
Helpful Websites and Contacts
www.elca.org
This will access the ELCA’s national churchwide office
www.womenoftheelca.org
Churchwide website of Women of the ELCA; resources for your
congregational unit as well as Café, an e-magazine for young women
www.grandcanyonwomen.org
Website for our Grand Canyon synod women
[email protected]
Email to reach our Grand Canyon synod women’s leadership
www.gathermagazine.org
Website for Gather magazine, the magazine of Women of the ELCA
www.boldcafe.org
Online magazine for Lutheran women
www.lwr.org
Website for Lutheran World Relief
www.bread.org
Bread for the World—find out how to write congress, donate and order
your copy of bread, find out what’s happening, request email updates
www.elca.org/hunger
ELCA World Hunger—hunger facts, resources, stories, how to give
Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA
Women of the ELCA
Canyon Echoes November 2015
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Women of the ELCA
Page 8
Reflect, pray and prepare for the day
Daily Grace is an on-the-go companion for your journey, offering a faith reflection every day.
Provided from our churchwide office, Daily Grace’s brief writings will help you encounter
God’s extravagant, boundless and often surprising grace! You will be comforted, challenged,
inspired, consoled and confronted. The daily reflection will stir you to live out your baptismal
calling. Daily Grace is available from the I-Tunes App Store or Google Play for your smart
phone or tablet.
Read the
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Daily readings, reflections, prayers
daily message
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Connections to the church’s liturgical calendar and to the secular
calendar
or choose
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Connections to Facebook, Twitter and Women of the ELCA
Random Grace
Or, sign up to receive Daily Grace by email
See more at: Women of the ELCA Resources
A Note From Your GC Synod Women’s Treasurer, Marlene Haller
As servants called by God, we look forward to 2016. Many exciting events are being planned, beginning with the
January Gather Bible Study and concluding with the Biennial Convention in Las Vegas in November. In between there
are conference gatherings and regular unit Bible Studies.
The fall is a time when we look ahead and we look back. What have we done that went well and we should repeat,
and what did not turn out as we expected? From our responses we develop our budget for the coming year. The Synod
Board counts on your regular remittance of a portion of your regular offering and your annual Love Offering to help
fund our budget in the coming year.
If you didn't bring your 2015 Unit Love Offering to our Fall Retreat at Spirit in the Desert, please forward it to me
before the end of the year. The summer months have been quiet at my mailbox. Have you been faithful in forwarding a
regular offering from your unit?
The Synod Board has pledged to set aside $100.00 of our personal offerings for the PV for Phebe Hospital project in
Liberia. Can your Unit add this project as a benevolence item in your 2016 budget? Do you have funds to make a gift
yet this year? (See the article on “Light Up Phebe” on page 4 of this issue.)
I’m excited for what we can do together. Let your board member know your exciting plans for 2016.
November is Thankoffering Month
In many of our units and congregations, the month of November is the time we collect and send
in our Thankoffering. This Thankoffering shares in a tradition dating back to the 1800s, when
Christian women formed “mite” or “cent” societies to fund mission. When others in the church
said there wasn’t enough money to carry out mission projects, the women believed otherwise.
In these societies, each woman collected offerings at home. On occasion, they would gather as
we do in November to combine their offerings and offer them up with thanks and praise. When Women of the ELCA
was formed nearly 30 years ago, we committed to continue this tradition of giving in gratitude for blessings. Each year,
in thousands of congregations, Thankofferings are collected and sent to support the life-changing ministries of Women
of the ELCA. Together, we can do more than we can ever do apart. In gratitude for all God has given us, and with hope
for all that is to come, we collect our Thankoffering. God bless your offering!
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Page 9
Stitching Sisters of Community Lutheran (CLC) in Las Vegas
Submitted by Shirley Lizotte
This story goes back to before 2000. At our Spring Retreat in Zion, we heard Pastor Kim Sterner tell about
the three orphanages in Haiti which had been financially supported by our Women’s Ministries for a number
of years. We envisioned what those children felt when they went to bed every night with little or no blankets.
I called together three other ladies and we decided to make quilts for each one of those children. By the next
year we made 64 quilts — just the right amount to be delivered to Haiti. In January 2010 a massive
earthquake hit Haiti and most of the buildings were destroyed along with the quilts. (Ben Larson was the only
casualty at St. Joseph’s). Word spread around Community Lutheran and the Women’s Bible Study. Fabric
samples were donated, a room was reserved, and the Stitching Sister were called to action. We made 99 quilts
and raised over $400 to help transport the quilts to Haiti.
Brand New Horizons, a non-profit that works with homeless and underprivileged youth, came to our attention
in 2012. There were 37 girls enrolled in the summer program. Once again the Stitching Sisters gathered and
finished 37 quilts for Brand New Horizons, plus 18 quilts for the Layette Ministry at CLC, and 66 quilts to
Richard Rundle Elementary School. “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.” Romans 12:13
According to an article in the Las Vegas Review Journal, the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth have
identified 15,234 homeless youth in Nevada! When Community Lutheran Youth became involved with the
Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, the Stitching Sisters applied for and received a monetary grant from
Thrivent Care Abounds in Communities. Added to money received from CLC’s Endowment Fund, we were
able to buy cute children’s prints. We joined the youth on one of their ‘Feel Good Friday’ events and
distributed 139 quilts!! Every child, including those in strollers, received a quilt. We have continued to help
support the mission of the Youth of our church in ministering to the homeless youth in the Las Vegas area.
Our group of ladies grows, but we could always use more sewers and ty-ers. We have been blessed by Grants
from Thrivent, donations from W-ELCA and the CLC Endowment Fund, and many generous private
donations of fabric and funds.
Our efforts received recognition by FOX Channel 5 and Fairway Chevrolet in Las Vegas when I was
nominated for the Shining Star Award. This award, given to people who make a difference in their
community, consisted of a filmed segment of our Stitching Sisters and a presentation of $500 cash!!! It was
music to my ears to hear the news anchor say on TV “The Stitching Sisters of Community Lutheran Church.”
So far this year we have made 173 quilts and we’re still sewing and tying! Give generously to the poor, not
grudgingly for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.” Deuteronomy 15:10
Canyon Echoes November 2015
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Happenings Around Our GC Synod
Keep us informed
Is your church or women’s ministry having an interesting
event or speaker? What ministries are your women
involved in? Do you have photos? What you are doing just
may be the inspiration for another unit/congregation. Share
your news with us by emailing to our GC Synod email at
[email protected].
Our Canyon Echoes
article deadlines are October 1, January 1, April 1 and July
1. We publish in November, February, May and August.
Watch for special CONVENTION ISSUE in March.
New Song—Henderson, NV
“Lavender Spa”
On Saturday, October 10, 2015, the
Women’s Ministry of New Song Church
(Colorado River Conference) held their
annual Retreat at the church. This year’s
theme was Lavender Springs Spa –Where
Women Rest in God’s Faithfulness. A total
of 27 women attended the retreat. The
women participated in various activity
sessions, including singing, discussions and private time, based
on the book of Psalms. The women also completed a service
project, putting together encouragement bags (containing various
personal care products, a mini prayer shawl, and words of
encouragement) for young girls ages 12-22. These bags were
donated to Street Teens, a Las Vegas based organization
dedicated to helping abandoned, homeless and at-risk youth.
On October 18th, the Flagstaff
WELCA Cake Social event's
goal was to raise local funds to
join the effort started by the NE
Minnesota Synod Women to raise funds for
Phebe Hospital, which serves over 70,000
people in central Liberia annually, and we
raised several hundred dollars (see the related
article on Page 4 of this issue). At the June
2015 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, a
resolution was passed to raise awareness and
potential funding for the solar energy project
for Phebe Hospital, in partnership with the GC
Synod Women. The Flagstaff WELCA
challenges other congregational groups to
organize a fundraising event for Phebe.
Camp Aloma, a Christian camp in the
Bradshaw Mountains 15 minutes from
Prescott is offering an upcoming Free
Family Week-end: Disconnect to
Reconnect on December 4-6. You can find
more information on their family camping
opportunities from their website.
Tenth Triennial Gathering of Women of the ELCA
July 13-16, 2017
Theme verse: Psalm 104:30 “Lord, send forth your spirit….and renew the
face of the earth”
Minneapolis MN Convention Center
For more info: welcatg.org
Mark your calendars and begin planning now to attend!
LATE BREAKING NEWS!!
2020 Triennial Gathering: Phoenix AZ
2023 Triennial Gathering: Spokane WA
Canyon Echoes November 2015
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Page 11
More Happenings around our synod
Heidi Gerrish, our GC Synod YAGM (Young Adult in Global Mission)
Greetings from Uruguay! All is well here in Montevideo, as I begin to adjust to my new life. I live in a
hogar (home) with 11 other people. Four others are international volunteers like me, and the other seven
are students from other cities in Uruguay. We often share dinners together, and I am always surrounded
by the sounds of people singing, playing guitar, and laughing. It is such a blessing to be part of this
community! The building that we live in is also host to a dentist’s office, a Tai Chi studio, a therapist’s
office, an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting area, and my church’s chapel. Quite a busy place!
Soon I will have a few more jobs to do with my church, but for now, I work with an organization called La Obra
Ecumenica Barrio Borro. It’s basically a community center in a marginalized neighborhood outside of Montevideo. The
organization hosts many programs that we have been exploring over these past two weeks. For now, we’re deciding
where we fit the best, which basically means that we get to play with kids all day long! The day begins with job training
classes for older youth in the community who are outside of the traditional education system. They learn about cooking,
electricity, and art, among other things. In the afternoon, younger children come to La Obra after school for workshops
in a variety of subjects, and to take the hour-long bus trip to the pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are also classes
for older youth who want to teach physical education, and a women’s group that meets to chat and create art.
I feel so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to be here and learn from the people of my new community. Even
though my Spanish has a long way to go, I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and welcoming I have received
from everyone here – from the littlest chiquilines (kiddos) at La Obra, to the elders in my new congregation. I’m looking
forward to sharing my stories with you all! Sending many abrazos y besos (hugs and kisses) to my ELCA community!
To follow my blog: http://sehacecaminoYAGM.wordpress.com
To donate to the Young Adults in Global Mission program online: http://community.elca.org/yagm/give
Grace Lutheran Church Women’s Ministry
Grace Lutheran Church Women’s Ministry
Kingman AZ
The first event for the 2015 year was the December 2014 Tea where we elected leadership and started our
planning. Our first big event was the “Spring Family Gathering” held in April for the entire church family,
with 17 families signed up and 35 total attending. Boys had cowboy theme dress up and girls had spring
flower dress up and bonnets.
We commit to local charities a total of $750.00 divided equally to the “Advice and Aide Pregnancy Center,
Kingman Aid to Abused People (KAP) and the Kingman Area Food Bank. We also do a Blanket Ministry in
the fall and $200 is allocated to buy blankets for homeless people. We also ask for donations of gently used
blankets from our members at large. In addition, we do a “Quilt Raffle” for a chance to receive a new quilt,
hand sewn by our women’s quilting group.
On November 14 and 15th, at all three services, our Grace Lutheran Church Women’s Ministry Thank Offering Service will be held, where the women of the committee will provide help with the service, read lessons,
collect the offering, and assist with communion. Our big event is the annual garage sale on November 7th, one
of our biggest fund raisers of the year. We can’t wait to see what we can do this year!
We also have a “Layette Ministry,” collecting newborn outfits up to 3 months with delivery to new mothers
giving birth at Kingman Regional Medical Center. This year we also donated $300.00 to our youth. Our final
event of the year is the Christmas Tea.
Canyon Echoes November 2015
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A Pep Talk for your Unit
Editor’s Note: This article’s author is Dorothy Nevils, of Gary Indiana, a president of the Indiana-Kentucky
Synodical Women’s Organization. A version of this article first appeared in the Indiana-Kentucky SWO
newsletter and the following article appeared in a past issue of Interchange, published by Women of the
ELCA. It gives all of us food for thought in our individual church units, so read on:
“Every congregation can have an active unit of Women of the ELCA. There is nothing in our Purpose
Statement that women can’t do. What they say is “Take us off the list. We’re not active.” What I hear is
“We’re too old to do anything.” Now, my brain just won’t process that. I can’t and will not take your church off
the mailing list….because God has obviously blessed you with a long life! That would be, in my mind,
dismissing your worth for the price of a postage stamp. That would be saying that the quantity of life is more
important than the quality.
“We can’t come together for study, support and action.” CEOs, heads of state, college students come
together all the time—without walking out the door. You can come together in new ways too.
“We can’t participate in the ministry of Women of the ELCA beyond the congregation.” Says who?
Certainly not me! Get on the computer. Read Gather. Connect with a partner at another congregation to do
mutual ministry.
“We can’t support financially the total program of Women of the ELCA.” There is no rule that says your
women must send a certain amount of money to a specific ministry. It’s easy to collect an offering or
Thankoffering. What’s important is your support.
“But...we can’t designate leadership that shall be in communication with the synodical and churchwide
women’s organization.” That simply means that one woman needs to be responsible for receiving
information….and making sure that the other women get it. What’s so hard about that?
So, there. See how easy it is to be active! You don’t have to lug your firstborn up the side of a mountain
and prepare him for a burnt offering; you don’t have to build an ark and fill it with a bunch of smelly animals
before the invention of pooper scoopers; and, you don’t have to get dropped down through a hole in a roof to
get Jesus’ attention. We’re doing a new thing in the Indiana-Kentucky Synodical Women’s Organization, and
we want our congregations to not only be a part of it, but to shape it. What’s the bottom line? Every
congregation can have an active unit. Simply do it a different way.”
WANTED ~ a Parliamentarian for November 11-13, 2016 Convention. Does not have to be
licensed, just familiar with Roberts Rules. Your Convention Registration will be paid, along
with reimbursement for two nights lodging at the Alexis Park Resort in Las Vegas, NV. If
interested, please submit resume to [email protected] or call 702 493-7436 for more
information.
God’s Plans
“Enjoy serving the LORD, and he will give you what you want.’’ Psalm 37:4
Bold Connections is a free monthly e-newsletter of Women of the ELCA. Whether you
participate a lot or a little in Women of the ELCA in your congregation, you’ll find helpful
news and information on our programs and activities, and stories of how together we live
out our purpose and mission. It is delivered via e-mail toward the end of the month.
To sign up for Bold Connections, go to www.womenoftheelca.org and look under
Publications.
Canyon Echoes November 2015
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Upcoming Events for Women in Our GC Synod
GC Women’s Bible Study Event
January 9, 2016
Love of Christ Lutheran, Mesa AZ
Registration Contact: Patty Gee [email protected]
GC Women’s Sex Trafficking Forum
January 23, 2016
Alleluia Lutheran, Avondale (Phoenix) AZ
Contact: Patty Gee [email protected]
Southern AZ Trafficking Forum
January 30, 2016
Desert Hills Lutheran, Green Valley AZ
Contact: Suki Kisling [email protected]
Our GC Synod Conferences
Community Lutheran (LV) Women’s Retreat
“We See Through Eyes of Faith”
January 28-31, 2016
Lake Havasu City AZ
Contact: Shirley Lizotte [email protected]
Desert Hills Lutheran Mini Retreat
“The Grace Within’
February 6, 2016
Green Valley AZ
Contact: Mira Jane Johnson [email protected]
Rally in the Valley
“Go Into the World”
February 15-16, 2016
Prince of Peace Lutheran, Phoenix AZ
www.rallyinthevalleyaz.org
Contact: Tanya Cockram [email protected]
GC SWO Board Meeting
February 19-20, 2016
Location: TBD
Sunrise/Santa Cruz Conference Gathering
“Altered at the Altar”
March 5, 2016
Abounding Grace, Tucson AZ
Contact: Judy Gunson [email protected] [email protected]
Cactus Conference Spring Gathering
March 12, 2016
Spirit of Grace, Surprise
Contact: Margaret Yurecko [email protected]
GC SWO Board Meeting
April 8-9, 2016
Capital Conference Spring Gathering
April 9, 2016
Location: TBD
Colorado River Conference
Saturday, April 23, 2016
New Song, Henderson, NV
Contact: Debbie Romboletti [email protected]
Canyon Echoes November 2015
27th WELCA GC Synod Convention
November 11-13, 2016
“God Acting Through Us”
Matthew 7:16a KJV
Alexis Park Resort and Hotel
Las Vegas, NV
Contact: Suki Kisling [email protected]
Tenth Triennial
Convention and
Gathering of Women of
the ELCA
Convention is July 11-13,
2017
Gathering is July 13-16,
2017
Minneapolis MN
grandcanyonwomen.org
Page 14
Grand Canyon Synod Women's
Gather Bible Study Registration
Saturday, January 9, 2016
9:00 am - 2:30 pm
LOVE OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH
1525 N Power Rd, Mesa AZ 85205
$25 per person*, includes lunch
Come and meet the authors of our winter (January-April) 2016 Gather study and explore the book of
Philippians with us. This four-month study in Gather is titled "Christian Citizenship 101", written by E. Louise
Williams and Rev. Phyllis N. Kersten. Join us to do the January Gather study, "Confidence in God's beginnings
and endings," led by the authors. They'll also provide background information in the development of the
overall theme and content and give us tips on leading our own Bible studies. We’ll have small group activity
as well as music. Invite your full WELCA study group to join you!
Complete the registration information below and return the lower portion to our event registrar, Patty Gee.
*All registrations must be postmarked by December 18, 2015 for the $25 registration fee.
After December 18, the registration is $30. Registration can be transferred.
Contact Patty at [email protected] or by phone at 360-556-8151 of any changes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Complete this form. Keep a copy for yourself if you'd like. Return lower portion with your check made
payable to Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA.
Mail to Patty Gee, c/o Living Christ Lutheran, 6401 US-89, Flagstaff AZ 86004.
Must be postmarked by Dec. 18, 2015 for $25 fee, after Dec. 18 fee is $30
Last Name __________________________ First Name ____________________
Email address _____________________________________________________
Home address _____________________________________________________
City ______________________________ State___________ Zip _____________
Home phone _______________________ Cell phone ______________________
Church Name __________________________ Church city__________________
Canyon Echoes November 2015
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Page 15
2014-2016 Grand Canyon Synod Women of the ELCA
Our website: www.grandcanyonwomen.org
Our email: [email protected]
Executive Committee
President: Laura Krueger (Alleluia, Phoenix-Cactus)
10851 W Monte Vista Rd
Avondale AZ 85392
623-374-2152 (h)
623-606-8309 (cell)
[email protected]
Vice-President: Suki Kisling (Desert Hills, Green Valley1917 W Mintbush Dr
Santa Cruz)
Green Valley AZ 85622
520-648-7648 (h)
702-493-7436 (cell)
[email protected]
Secretary: Susan Drane (Our Savior’s, Mesa-Rio Salado)
7322 E Balmoral Ave
Mesa AZ 85208-1144
480-984-9352 (h)
480-980-8316 (cell)
[email protected]
Treasurer: Marlene Haller (Grace, Phoenix-Capital)
324 W Culver St #9
Phoenix AZ 85003
602-595-5517 (h)
480-785-6843 (cell)
[email protected]
Board Members
Patty Gee
Living Christ, Flagstaff-High Country
Pat Shaw
Love of Christ, Mesa-Rio Salado
Susan Girouard
Community Lutheran, Las Vegas-Colorado River
Randi VenHuizen
Spirit of Joy, Mesa-Rio Salado
Wanda Frenchman Takacs
Native American Urban Ministry, Phoenix-Capital
Martha Weld
Prince of Peace, Phoenix-Northeast Valley
Patricia Johnson
Abounding Grace, Tucson-Sunrise
Myrna Wells-Ulland
Living Water, Scottsdale-Northeast Valley
Your board wants to hear from you. If you have concerns or ideas you would like us to consider, please send your
thoughts to our email: [email protected]
Canyon Echoes November 2015
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