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