President’s Message Northern Highlights Fall/Winter 2019 Volume 22, Number 4 Northern Illinois Synod Inside this issue: President’s Message 1 Treasurer’s Report 2-3 Board Meeting 4 Stewardship 4 Justice Conference Reports 5 6-9 Board Members 10 Ruthie Fairchild Day 10 Rocky Boy Recap 11 Triennial 12 2020 Board Pictured left to right: Ann Terry, Cindy Wildermuth, Nancy Rice, Carol Sauter, Connie Seavey, Pennie Miller, Mary Shull, Joan Soltwisch, Sandy Carter. Please take a moment to thank them for taking on this position to serve your Northern Illinois Synod of the Women of the ELCA. As many of you know, I am your new NIS WELCA President, being elected at our annual Convention in September. I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself to you, as I am sure many of you don’t know me yet. My name is Connie Seavey, and I am a member of the Cen- tral Conference. My home church is St. John’s in Ashton. I am a retired nurse, my husband, Stan and I have been mar- ried 48 years, we have 3 children, (actually 6 now), and 5 grandchildren. I have been the Central Conference Rep- resentative for the past three years. And, to be honest with you, being elected President of this group was something I most certainly hadn’t seen on my horizon prior to the Convention! Our prior President, Kim Choin, has done a most wonderful job — my heartfelt thanks go to her for bringing this organization so far during her four years of solid leadership. Going into the Convention, we had no one step forward to fill her leadership shoes. It was sitting there in the Trinity pew at the start of the meeting that I felt the call to put my name in for this position. It was a “Here I am Lord, is it I Lord” moment. I humbly ask for your prayers as I begin this two-year term, as it will take not only our newly elected Board, but every one of you women reading this newsletter to keep our organiza- tion alive. I am hoping that many of you have tak- en the opportunity go online to follow what is always going on at the church wide WELCA. Recently, there was an article where our WELCA Executive Di- rector, Linda Post Bushkofsky, stated that “for women of the ELCA to survive and thrive into the future, it must look radically different. The structural model that we are using goes back to the 1960s and 70s. It doesn’t fit today’s time. If there is going to be a women’s organization of the church into the fu- ture, it needs to look radically different than it does now.” This was shared at the executive board meeting in Chicago in October. Ladies of the Northern Illi- nois Synod, this applies to us as well! Our attendance at both the Spring Re- treat and our Convention has been steadily dropping. Our units are older and smaller. Our Board will be ad- dressing the issue of CHANGE during the next two years. These may be diffi- cult discussions -- we need your units’ input! Please dis- cuss your ideas at your unit meetings and share them with your Conference Representatives. The sole purpose of the Synod level of WELCA is to support the church units. We need to hear from you! Our next Board meeting will be in January— share your ideas! Connie Seavey NIS WELCA President
Transcript
President’s Message
Northern Highlights F a l l / W i n t e r 2 0 1 9
V o l u m e 2 2 , N u m b e r 4
Northern Illinois Synod
Inside this issue:
President’s Message 1
Treasurer’s Report 2-3
Board Meeting 4
Stewardship 4
Justice
Conference Reports
5
6-9
Board Members 10
Ruthie Fairchild Day 10
Rocky Boy Recap 11
Triennial 12
2020 Board
Pictured left to right:
Ann Terry,
Cindy Wildermuth,
Nancy Rice,
Carol Sauter,
Connie Seavey,
Pennie Miller,
Mary Shull,
Joan Soltwisch,
Sandy Carter.
Please take a moment
to thank them for
taking on this position
to serve your Northern
Illinois Synod of the
Women of the ELCA.
As many of you know, I am your new NIS WELCA President, being elected at our annual Convention in September. I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself to you, as I am sure many of you don’t know me yet. My name is Connie Seavey, and I am a member of the Cen-tral Conference. My home church is St. John’s in Ashton. I am a retired nurse, my husband, Stan and I have been mar-ried 48 years, we have 3 children, (actually 6 now), and 5 grandchildren. I have been the Central Conference Rep-resentative for the past three years. And, to be honest with you, being elected President of this group was something I most certainly hadn’t seen on my horizon prior to the Convention! Our prior President, Kim Choin, has done a most wonderful job — my heartfelt thanks go to her for bringing this organization so far during her four years of solid leadership. Going into the Convention, we had no one step forward to fill her leadership shoes. It was sitting there in the Trinity pew at the start of the meeting that I felt the call to put my name in for this position. It was a “Here I am Lord, is it I Lord” moment. I humbly ask for your prayers as I begin this two-year term, as it will take not only our newly elected Board, but every one of you women reading this newsletter to keep our organiza-tion alive.
I am hoping that many of you have tak-en the opportunity go online to follow what is always going on at the church wide WELCA. Recently, there was an article where our WELCA Executive Di-rector, Linda Post Bushkofsky, stated that “for women of the ELCA to survive and thrive into the future, it must look radically different. The structural model that we are using goes back to the 1960s and 70s. It doesn’t fit today’s time. If there is going to be a women’s organization of the church into the fu-ture, it needs to look radically different than it does now.” This was shared at the executive board meeting in Chicago in October. Ladies of the Northern Illi-nois Synod, this applies to us as well! Our attendance at both the Spring Re-treat and our Convention has been steadily dropping. Our units are older and smaller. Our Board will be ad-dressing the issue of CHANGE during the next two years. These may be diffi-cult discussions --
we need your units’ input! Please dis-cuss your ideas at your unit meetings and share them with your Conference Representatives. The sole purpose of the Synod level of WELCA is to support the church units. We need to hear from you! Our next Board meeting will be in January— share your ideas!
Total Disbursements $38,300.00 $0.00 $17,906.20 $17,906.20
Total Income less Disbursements $11,406.81
Special Funds Holding Account Carry Forward
2019/2020
Triennial Scholarships $1,200.00 $1,200.00
Computer Fund $1,146.89 $1,146.89
Justice $540.40 $540.40
Tanzania Women - crafts $987.15 $987.15
Triennial Guest $0.00 $0.00
Triennial Offering $0.00 $0.00
Total Special Funds $3,874.44 $0.00 $3,874.44
Balance in Account $24,115.45
Less $ Allocated for Special Funds $3,874.44
Ending Balance 11/09/19 $20,241.01
Page 4
BOARD MEETING SUMMARY Carol Sauter, Secretary
The NISWO board met at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Dixon, Illinois, on November 9, 2019. President, Connie Seavey, called the meeting to order. Opening devotions were led by Ann Terry.
Old Business:
Secretary’s Report: Minutes from the NISWO Board meet-ing of September 20, 2019, were distributed. The minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Treasurer Pennie Miller, with a balance of $20,241.01. The Treasurer’s Report was approved. Total Convention offerings were $2,215.00 to be distributed as follows per pre-established percentages: $1,107.50 to Churchwide, $332.25 to Tanzania Women, $332.25 to India Arcot Wom-en’s Desk, and $221.50 to AMMPARO. In-kind gifts totaled $295.00.
New Business:
President’s Report: President Connie Seavey indicated her report will be made for the next meeting.
Convention: There were mixed views on the evaluations submitted. Examples were given on views. Two new board members were appointed to fill positions that had no nom-
inations. They are Monica Groezinger, Northwest Confer-ence, and Pamela Wohlrabe, Central Conference.
The Triennial Convention delegates that will be attending “Just Love,” the 11
th Triennnial Convention of the Women
of the ELCA, in Phoenix, Arizona, are Pennie Miller, Sherrie Moy, Carol Sauter, Connie Seavey, Joan Soltwisch,, and Sandy Swanson, and alternates are Sandy Carter and Twila Simler. Following discussion involving the Triennial Guest, in which CWO suggested that we give $3,500 for the guest and $2,500 for the delegate fund, the Board decided we could only give what we raise and will be contacting Sha-ron Wadle and Kim Choin on the protocols with this.
The Nominating Committee for 2020 will be Monica Groezinger, Cindy Wildermuth, and Pennie Miller. Ann Ter-ry was appointed Chairman of Stewardship and Joan Solt-wisch appointed Chairman of Justice. A Chairman for Disci-pleship is still needed and a Representative from the Northeast Conference.
Retreat: The Retreat will be April 18, 2020, at LOMC, with Mary Shull as Chairperson. The theme is “Faith Along the Winding Road.” Pastor Katy Gallagher from Faith Lutheran in Wataga, has agreed to lead devotions and worship.
The next meeting will be on January 18, 2020.
STEWARDSHIP Ann Terry, South Representative
By the time you read this article, we will probably be close to the season of Advent, and as a church musician, I al-ready have Christmas songs going through my brain. As I pondered what to write for this article, I thought of a song I have used with Sunday School students; “What can I give Him, poor as I am?”
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part. What can I give Him? I can give my heart!” Some of us have financial means to give mone-tary donations to our church and to the women’s ministry at our church. Some of us have talents that we use to help with quilting, gathering kit supplies, leading Bible study or organizing events for the women of our church. Some of our sisters in Christ may feel as if their resources and gifts
are limited. As you look inside your hearts and seek the Lord in prayer, know that your words of encouragement and your prayers for the women’s ministries in your church and in the Northern Illinois Synod, are of great value. I feel that change is on the horizon for Women of the ELCA and that our women’s ministries will continue, but perhaps the women’s organization will not be the same as it was when it started over 30 years ago. Keep looking in your hearts, my dear sisters in Christ, give the gifts you can, and please uphold your church, our NISWO and all Women of the ELCA in your prayers.
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Page 5 Northern Highlights
A Wonderful Tradition: Thankoffering
I had the wonderful pleasure of helping Ann Kurtz secure the speaker and attend a WELCA Thankoffering at Plattville Lutheran in Minooka on November 17. We have had NISWO Presidents share with us in the past. Among them were Esther Prabhakar, Pat Msseemmaa, Amy Lauren, Kim Choin, and Vice Presi-dent, Ruth Fairchild, to name a few. Last Sunday Jeanne Berg shared with us. The theme of her sermon came from our Thankoffering's Gospel lesson, the Woman at the Well, John 4:5-26. Jeanne focused then on the reoccurring impact that water had on her life, and the sharing of that living water.
Jeanne had a life expanding experience, in the mis-sion field, with her husband, Pastor John Berg, sup-ported and sent by the ALC Lutheran Church, to Senegal and Cameroon Africa. She described the drawing of life-giving water by hand there, out of a river that everyone washed clothes in, bathed in, and cooked with, while flocks of animals drank and defe-cating in it, too. The men drew the water for the flocks while women and girls drew water for their households, not unlike the Samaritan woman in Sy-char. Jeanne had such a difficult time sterilizing this water, while the temperature outside was 90 degrees and the water was set to boil, for 15 minutes and then set to cool, before it was put through a water purifier. Jeanne and her husband raised their three boys in Af-rica, in predominantly Muslim countries. But Jeanne and Pastor John did not set up to preach about differ-ence, but to just live there and develop a close bond with their neighbors. They invested in deep connec-tions with them, learning from one another. They and their light skinned children were a stark comparison with their darker skinned neighbors. Some people in Cameroon even thought that they would go to the American Norwegian Hospital, where Jeanne gave birth to their second son, and she and other patients there would unzip their white skin, to expose their true black self, under the cover of secrecy. The Berg's organized a huge baptismal celebration, inviting all of their neighbors, after the birth of that child. Many people shared a meal of the traditional custom with them. During the night, after the celebration, while asleep, Jeanne woke to the loud sound of knocking. She roused John who found fire engulfing the refrig-erator and kitchen. Although their family got safely out the house their belongings and house were de-stroyed. Silently as the neighbors, who had enjoyed the baptismal celebration just hours before heard of the disaster, came back at daylight, to sit quietly out-side of the burned shell of their home, to morn with
them. Their family felt so loved by these good friends who shared this significant emotional event. The Bergs returned to America feeling they would not able to finish what they started in Africa after such a loss. Jeanne attended Triennial gathering in Detroit, some-time after and while meeting other missionary women there, felt the call and desire to return to Africa to car-ry out and live again, close with their loving friends, continuing the connections they had made before, sharing what little they had to help them return to normal, and continue this time, to finish their mission.
We women and, Thankofferings, share in a tradi-tion that goes back to the 1800's, maybe even earlier. When there was not enough money to carry out the work of the church, the women would act together as “cent” or “might” societies, saving their money daily for the year and joining their offerings to support ministry of many kinds. Today, we too continue to do more together than we could ever do apart. Our logo -- the cross, water and white lily -- identifies women of the ELCA in America, as children of God, baptized, forgiven, adopted into God's family, full of grace and hope in eternal life.
Similarities can be drawn when we remember how Mary and Jesus fled Herod, to the safety of Egypt, to a well of life-giving water, which can be seen today un-der the Greek Orthodox church in Cairo, Egypt which protects it. Jeanne showed us a photo of herself by that well, holding a cup, when she was recently able to visit.
What beautiful life-giving water Jesus gave the Sa-maritan woman. She was culturally so different than this Jewish Jesus, so despised by other Jews. How wonderful it must have felt for her to learn, through the experience of water, the deep connection we have as God's creation, which dispels all difference. 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gush-ing up to eternal life.” She ran to share her experience with others.
If you attend a Thankoffering or Thanksgiving ser-vice, be reminded of the growth, beauty, and vitality that rises out of our life-giving baptismal water. It is also a reminder of the mission of the church to “Go therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:19. Our W.E.L.C.A. logo says it all.
JUSTICE Joan Soltwisch, NISWO Justice Advocate
CENTRAL CONFERENCE Connie Seavey, Central Representative
Fall/winter greetings to all from our sisters in Christ from the Central Conference. This will be my last newsletter arti-cle as your Central Conference Representative, as I was elected to be your President at our Convention held at Trin-ity in Moline. Our new Central representative is Pam Wohl-rabe. She is a member of Immanuel (Heart of Illinois Par-ish) in Compton. She is full of ideas for possible ways to keep WELCA pertinent on our church lives. Please intro-duce yourselves to her via email if you have the opportuni-ty. Her email address is in the Board listings in this issue.
If you recall in our last publication, I asked for our Central Conference churches to let me know the results of their LWR collections this past year — this is what I received! I am sure this list isn’t complete but will list what I have at this time.
Trinity, Mt. Morris 40 Personal Care Kits, 32 quilts and 85 school kits — plus they send treats to the kids at LSSI/Nachusa on Halloween and Valentines Day — great idea!! As well as contributing to shipping fund, Rocky Boy and Strong Girls to Women (a local program supporting young women in their community).
St. John’s, Ashton 135 quilts (plus 49 to local causes), 82 school kits, 13 baby layettes, and 33 health kits. Money was sent to the shipping fund in memory of a quilter who passed away this year for a brick in the walkway of Good Samaritan Plaza at LOR headquarters in Baltimore.
Trinity, Manlius 75 quilts plus a variety of many projects benefitting local needs.
Immanuel, Dixon 198 quilts to LWR, plus 40 locally, and donations to an area food pantry.
All Saints, Byron 89 quilts to LWR and 2 locally, and 42 school kits. This year they are tracking their quilts to see when they end up! That should be fun to follow!
Immanuel, Compton 50 quilts plus 2 to LOMC and 1 to a high school senior in their church, 64 health kits, 100 school bags and 10 pounds of soap — a good reminder that bars of soap are always needed!
Faith, Rochelle 99 quilts and 110 school bags.
St. John’s, Sterling 105 personal care kits, 89 baby kits, and 171 school bags
Immanuel, Rock Falls There are so many local needs that these women have decided to send all their quilts this year to local people with needs.
God’s Work — Our Hands
Plattville, Minooka made over 200 quilts, to send to Lu-theran World Relief. They also sent quilts to an area hos-pice program. The women baked 150 dozen kringle, and 50 dozen potato cakes, for their WELCA program funding, as well as the usual quota of Layettes, health, sewing, and school kits. They enjoy three circles and use Gather maga-zine and Bible study. Thankoffering was celebrated No-vember 18
th.
Resurrection, Channahon women help the church at large, with collection and donation. They work with the Joliet Food Pantry, Toy and Christmas giving tree, and reg-ularly work with filling community food boxes. They have one women's Bible study that meets on Wednesday morn-ing, and a few of those women are beginning to meet with the Plattville women, enjoying Gather Bible study together.
Peace, Morris was busy quilting to make about 70 quilts for Lutheran World Relief. The women also meet for Bible study, which is entitled Wine, Women and Word.
Grace, Wilmington women meet regularly to have social time, sometimes going out to dinner together and some-times meeting at the church for game playing. They have planned a Christmas party in December. I am excited to meet these women and see if they would like to start the
women's Gather Bible study, as their pastor who has been leading a Women's study will be moving to Wisconsin. One of their women has moved to Channahon and is hoping to join the Resurrection Women's morning study.
Faith, Joliet woman and men work together, as a team to operate Michael's Closet, an outside food pantry box, that is stocked regularly with food and personal items. This summer, they maintained a raised-bed garden that they added to, with the other staples of year round items. Some of these fresh garden food stuffs was given to First Luther-an in Santa Cruz, as well as the Joliet food pantry. The women created LWR personal care kits and packed and sent a surplus of prayer blankets. The women continue to meet for Gather Bible Study. They have teamed with St. Edward and Christ Episcopal for events, too.
Representatives from our East Conference will be team-ing up with the Franciscan Women Religious, Joliet, to bring the live performance of, “The True Cost,” stories of Human Trafficking, followed by a panel discussion. The new professional touring production, will be at the Univer-sity of St. Francis, on Janurary 26, 2020, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The international Labour Organization estimates that there are currently 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally, serving a $150 billion industry worldwide. You will not want to miss this!!
EAST CONFERENCE Joan Soltwisch, East Representative
Page 6
NORTH CONFERENCE Sandy Carter, North Representative
You are reading your first report from your new North Rep-resentative. I am a member of Our Savior’s in Rockford and have attended the last two NIS WELCA Conventions as well as the last two Triennials. There is another Triennial coming in July of 2020, that I am looking forward to attending. Mark your calendar for this, as well as the CRE on March 14, at Kishwaukee Community College… Bishop Eaton will be there!! As we enter the Advent season, here are fewevents that you are invited to: Our Savior’s, Rockford is hosting “Advent Inspirations” by Kent and Ann Terry on Thursday, December 12, at 6:30p.m. Dessert will be served after this interactive program. There is no charge, but a freewill offering will be appreciated. Contact Pam at [email protected] for more infor-mation. They recently sent a remarkable contribution to Lutheran World Relief and some local non-profits 350 quilts, 30 baby quilts, 43 health kits, 100 baby layettes, and 100 school bags. The ladies gather every Monday morning to prepare for the next day’s action. An offering was received to help offset the cost of shipping. Compassion is radiating through these gifts of their hands!
First, Rockford is having their annual Lucia Celebration on Saturday, December 14, from 9:00 a.m. until noon in the lower level of the church. There will be Swedish “korv” for sale, as well as craft items and a Forgotten Treasure table. Joseph Schenk will be playing the piano and, of course, there will be a tableful of treats to enjoy! Upstairs in the Sanctuary, the Music Academy will be presenting a Christ-mas Concert. Contact Raye at [email protected] for more information. Zion, Rockford would like to thank everybody who at-tended the ecumenical bunch on October 5. Their Merry Christmas Brunch will be on December 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the Stockholm Inn, with a white elephant gift exchange for some extra fun. Contact Karen Kermgard at (815) 398-4460 if you plan to attend. They are looking forward to the Mini Lucia Fest on December 15, as well! What are the women in your Congregation doing in the coming months? Send me information on your plans and activities so they can be shared in this space. Your idea may just be the new idea another group needs. Contact me at [email protected]. Looking forward to hearing from you,
Northern Highlights
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE Representative Needed
First, DeKalb Prelude Bible Study meets twice monthly utilizing Gather magazine’s Bible Study. The offering goes to NISWO. In April, First Lutheran’s Annual Garage Sale is a benefit to donors needing to clear away STUFF, especially those moving or downsizing. The teamwork of men and women making this happen is a gift of fellowship and getting to know some ‘newer’ members. The money earned has been donated to NISWO for the Tanzanian women and children’s ministry for several years.
Trinity, Harvard holds their Thankoffering collection in November. Their budget of $5,500 for the 2019 year supports Trinity, missions and community organizations.
Nativity, Wonder Lake is planning their Annual Thankoffering and NISWO collection the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Special prayers will be said from the Churchwide Thankoffering Service offered at no charge online at womenoftheelca.org.
Northeast Conference Rep is needed for the 2019-2021 term on the NIS Women of the ELCA Board. If you know of someone that would be a good representative, please contact Pennie Miller or Joan Soltwisch on the nominating committee (see contact information on page 11).
The NISWO convention, centered around the theme “New Horizons,” was held on Saturday, September 21, at Trinity, Moline. Here are some highlights of the day:
* Morning worship led by Pastor Peter Bredlau and our be-loved Bishop Clements
* Business meeting where we elected a new president, new board members and triennial delegates
* Fabulous food in the morning and at lunch prepared by the women of Trinity
* Informative and inspiring workshops centered around the timely topic of immigration led by knowledgeable women from the community, AMMPARO, and Lutheran Immigra-tion and Refugee Service
* Fantastic fellowship with sisters in Christ from around the NISWO
Greetings to my dear sisters in Christ! I am happy to announce that Sherry Morris, First, Granville, was elected as your new South Conference Representative on the Synod Board at our Convention in September. I am writing this final article and will be staying on the Board as the Stewardship Chairperson for the NISWO.
This is the time of year when I contact the churches in our Conference and give a tally of the Lutheran World Relief projects you have completed for this past year. WOW! Here are the results of my tally.
11 South Conference churches do LWR projects and sent a total of over 1,350 quilts, 1,050 school kits, over 400 personal care kits, over 200 baby care kits, over 500 pounds of soap, 21 fabric kits, and a generous donation of $3,220 to the LWR shipping fund!
Some churches donate their quilts, lap quilts or baby quilts to a variety of agencies including PADS, nursing homes, food pantries, and as gifts to baptized babies and graduating seniors.
I have spoken to many of you on the phone in the last few days and have proposed having some informal connecting events for some neighboring churches in different areas of our Conference. I hope this will give us a chance to pass on information from the NISWO, the churchwide Women of the ELCA, and find out more about what is going on in your congregations and what your needs might be.
I want to thank these women for being my contacts for the past four years and hope I can continue to connect with you: Charleen Seville, Bethany, Leland; Jan Schuster, Emmaus, McNabb; Sherry Morris, First, Granville; Julie Anderson, First, Ohio; Pastor Tammy Anderson, Immanuel, Earlville; Gloria Zimmerman, Immanuel, Peru: Jane Vahle, Our Savior’s, Seneca: Fran Pinter, St. John’s, Mendota; Carol Wenzel, St. John’s, Peru; Terri Drake, St. John’s, Princeton; Karol Grandgeorge, St. John’s, Somonauk; Charlotte Wilhelm, St. Paul, Streator; and, Ann Enke, Trinity, Ottawa. May God continue to bless the ministry of all my sisters in Christ in the South Conference.
Christ Lutheran, Stockton held their annual Hallow-een party for the children of the church on Monday, Octo-ber 28. A good time was had by everyone. St. John's, Pearl City Women's Gathering has stayed ac-tive with monthly meetings, including Bible studies at vari-ous locations on the third Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. Officers were elected at the "Ladies Night Out" in August. Booklets were given to all women of the church that include com-mittees, members, meetings and projects. We continue with our prayer shawl ministry. Five graduating high school seniors were presented prayer shawls on their graduation day in May. We had a Sit and Sew in October with a baked potato bar and worked on Christmas ornaments for the Christmas party. We had a Bake Sale on November 3, with the profits to go to the current fund. The Women's Gather-ing will host a Christmas potluck and fellowship on Decem-ber 10, at 6:00 p.m. The group sponsored a riverboat ride and lunch on the Pride of Oregon on October 10, and an-other bus outing is planned for December 2, to the Palace Theatre in Wisconsin Dells, to see the Blackwood Quartet and Elvis. The prayer chain ministry by email continues. The first Tuesday of each month throughout the year, we host dominoes at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome. First Lutheran, Freeport The two lady circle groups con-tinue to meet each month and they are doing the Bible Study from the Gather magazine. In December, the two circles will gather for a potluck, Bible Study and Bingo with
take away white elephants gifts -- always an enjoyable time together. They continue to have two project work days a month to assemble lap robes, baby quilts, school kits and personal care kits. Three ladies from First attended Church Women United World Community Day on October 31, at Harmony Church in Freeport. The theme was “Resolve to Love” and Dr. Arshad Shaikh, oncology doctor at Ferguson Cancer Center, spoke on the Muslim faith. Eve-ry fourth Monday during the school year, the WELCA ladies serve a meal to the “Cygnet” after-school program where children gather for fellowship with games, devotions and a meal. The knitting group continues to knit prayer shawls and scarves. Prayers shawls are delivered to people who just need to be upheld in prayer for whatever the reason may be. Scarves are given to graduates when they gradu-ate from high school Bunko is played once a month in the fellowship. In December, the ladies will be making decorat-ed cut-out sugar cookies and pepparkakor cookies to sell as a fund raiser for ongoing ministry of WELCA. . Plans are underway for some of the ladies to attend the Triennial Gathering in 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. Thank you to all the NISWO board members who serve and make the WELCA such a dynamic organization in Northern Illinois. First, Mt. Carroll helped with the flowers for Lois Nycum Brubacker’s 100th birthday in August. She is their oldest member. They are planning their Thank Offering service in November, and in December, they will host the birthday party for the people in Alvra Nursing home in Mt Carroll.
Northern Highlights Page 9
SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE Mary Shull, Southwest Representative
First, I would like to thank the WELCA Board for all of their hard work. I would also thank Bishop Clements and Pastor Bredlau for doing the worship service at the Convention. Thank you to all who helped from West Conference during the Convention. Also, everyone from Trinity who kept me calm this past year organizing everything. One of our long-time members, Ann Dilbeck, passed away a few months ago. We will miss her many years of faithful service of helping with the Convention. Our fall meeting was the convention. Blessings to you! St. James, Rock Island women had a very busy Spring and Fall. We held another successful Basement Sale in April. Our Circles took the summer off and started back up in September. In October, we sponsored a Quilt Sunday. During the past year, our quilters finished 26 quilts which were displayed during the service that Sunday. 55 school backpacks, sewn by our ladies and filled with supplies donated by church members, were blessed. They will be boxed up and delivered to Lutheran World Relief in Elgin. A Planning meeting is in the works to discuss future events for the coming year. Cambridge Lutheran held a guest day with Pastor Jackie Green from Faith and Restoration Ministries. On December 1, we will hold our Annual Christmas Swedish Bake Sale with a barbecue lunch. We are hosting a Christmas brunch on
December 4, for WELCA members, honoring those who have passed away this year, and giving gifts to those over 85. In October, personal care kits were sent to LWR in October and school supplies given to Cambridge elementary school in September. We will be sending shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Merry Christmas! Trinity, Moline would like to thank you all for coming to the Convention, and also for the WELCA Board helping to get everything in order. Our Circles took the summer off and started back up in September, with most of our Circles using Gather Magazine. Our Sarah Circle changed the decorations to Fall both outside and at Founders Hall. During our General meeting, we collected 85 purses filled with toiletries for Purses for a Purpose. Anna Circle gets a name from LSSI at Christmastime and buys presents for the family and gives them a food basket. We serve coffee between services on Sunday, with the youth taking a month twice a year. We gather items for Health Kits for Church Women United and will be sending shoe boxes to Operation Christmas Child. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
WEST CONFERENCE Cindy Wildermuth, West Representative
We had our Fall Assembly on October 26, at Messiah Lu-theran in Galva. The special speaker was from Abilities Plus in Kewanee, a program connecting disabled people to the community.
Bethany, Woodhull continues to quilt once a week, mak-ing quilts and lap robes for Lutheran World Relief, Safe Har-bor, veteran and nursing homes, and members of our con-gregation.
Faith, Wataga Our annual Breakfast and Bake Sale, along with a White Elephant sale was held on November 9. All donations went to ROWVA Food Pantry and ELCA World Hunger, and FISH food pantry in Galesburg.
Messiah, Aledo Rag rugs are available for sale now. We continue to work on LWR kits.
Messiah, Galva hosted the SW Fall Assembly and continue to work on LWR kits.
Messiah, Henderson Grove The annual chicken and noo-dle dinner was held on November 2. This is our big annual fundraiser.
Zion, North Henderson sent 16 quilts and 14 personal care kits to LWR at First Lutheran in Galesburg. Our annual Santa Lucia program will be held during worship on De-cember 13. We also have weekly Bible study with a few faithful members.
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2020 NORTHERN ILLINOIS SYNODICAL BOARD MEMBERS
President Connie Seavey (815) 288-1151 1781 Robbins Rd., Franklin Grove, IL 61031 Email: [email protected] Vice Nancy Rice (815) 275-0303 President 11751 E. Greenvale Rd., Stockton, IL 61085 Email: [email protected] Secretary Carol Sauter (815) 389-8412 15618 Bethany Ct., South Beloit, IL 61080 Email: [email protected] Treasurer Pennie Miller (815) 291-9051 10015 W. Pearl City Rd., Pearl City, IL 61602 Email: [email protected] Stewardship Ann Terry (815) 434-4876 2817 East 2219 Rd., Marseilles, IL 61341 Email: [email protected] Central Pamela Wohlrabe (630) 251-6662 820 Brooklyn Rd., West Brooklyn, IL 61378 Email: [email protected] East/ Joan Soltwisch (815) 690-3658 Justice 16191 Hare Rd., Minooka, IL 60447 Email: [email protected] North Sandy Carter (815) 636-0524 5292 Sand Piper Pl., Loves Park, IL 61111 Email: [email protected] Northeast Representative Needed Northwest Monica Groezinger (815) 990-5617 3643 E. Leibert Rd., Elizabeth, IL 61028 Email: [email protected] South Sherry Morris (815) 339-6317 PO Box 670, Granville, IL 61326 Email: [email protected] Southwest Mary Shull (309) 371-7002 262 - 340th St., Rio, IL 61472 Email: [email protected] West Cindy Wildermuth (309) 524-4800 3713 - 14 Street Dr., Moline, IL 61265 Email: [email protected] NH Editor Kelli Impens (309) 361-7571 175 Jupiter St., Holts Summit, MO 65043 Email: [email protected] Triennial Sandy Swanson (309) 525-0864 Promoter 230 Birch Pl., Kewanee, IL 61443 Email: [email protected]
RUTHIE FAIRCHILD DAY
Resolution: Ruthie Fairchild Day: January 20th
A Day of Re-membrance, Service, Advocacy and Action
WHEREAS, Ruth Dell Fairchild was an active African American woman who worked in her church, as well as our organiza-tion, her community, and beyond, to eliminate racism, hun-ger issues, prostitution, incarceration, and human trafficking.
WHEREAS, Ruth Dell Fairchild actively worked in her church, as well as our organization, her community, and beyond, to-ward education and development of the L.S.S.I. Storybook Program, prostitution, prisoner support, and community pris-oner reentry programs.
WHEREAS, Ruth Dell Fairchild initiated programs, in her church, community, and beyond, to implement after-school education programs for children primarily of incarcerated parents, community garden programs, and farmer's market sales, to benefit those children and families.
WHEREAS, Ruth Dell Fairchild educated her church, our or-ganization, her community, and beyond on complicated ra-cial issues, by living her example of love for all God's chil-dren, and bringing together people of all races to worship, work, and learn together.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that Northern Illinois Synod Women of the ELCA recognize a day of remembrance, on January 20, to continue the Social Justice work that she initiated, for NISWO, in her Church, Community, and Synod.
RESOLVED: that, Ruthie Fairchild Day focuses on education regarding human trafficking, community reentry for prisoner support, racism, and hunger issues.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that Northern Illinois Synod Women of the ELCA are encouraged to act by choosing from the following options, on this day of remembrance:
1. Form a prayer group on this day to pray for Social Justice issues, in your community, or shelter, racism, hunger, prison-er support; 2. Form a Bible study on this day, each year, and invite a speaker from a Social Justice area; 3. Financially sup-port a local shelter, food pantry, service center; 4. Collect per-sonal hygiene items, food clothing, furniture, toys, quilts for shelters, or re-entry programs; 5. Contact police departments to assist with speaking engagements on keeping communi-ties safe; 6. Write a Senator, Congressman, Representative, about passing laws safeguarding the victims for Human Traf-ficking; 7. Develop a book club focusing on Social Justice is-sues, Human Trafficking, Racism, Prison Ministry, Community hunger etc. and hold the book review, on this day; 8. Raise money for special events, panel discussions, or film showings; 9. Connect with interfaith groups and share common princi-pals of Justice with them; or, 10. Create a service for your church, together with rostered leaders and lay women, focus-ing on Social Justice issues, or hold the WELCA Thankoffering service on this day.
And BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Women of the Northern Illinois Synod in memory of Ruth Dell Fairchild, who served those who were victims of social injustice, to actively support this resolution and remember this Bold Christian Woman, on this day of remembrance.
WELCA of the Northern Illinois Synod Servant/Immersion trip to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church on the Rocky Boy Native American Reservation near Box Elder, Montana, was from August 24 – 31, 2019. There were 14 women and 2 men in the group -- Leon & Kim Choin, Laura Ramos, Sharie Moy, Miho Yasukawa, Anna Patterson, Joan & Dave Soltwisch, Carol Swenson, Sonia Pofelski, Ruth Miller, Truid Addams, Sharon Angileri, and Sandy Carter.
Each person brought their individual skills and talents to share with Pastor Linda Webster, who has served the Rocky Boy Reservation people for 12 years. The men were a blessing to have with us as Dave is a retired plumber and Leon is a handyman extraordinaire, who has tried to retire but people keep asking him to work for them.
Leon, Dave, Pastor Miho and Ruth built a bunk bed. Sup-plies needed were purchased - lumber, bolts, screws etc. Other groups had already donated the mattresses, pillows, sheets and blankets. It took three days to build. When we had completed the bunk beds, Pastor Linda made an an-nouncement on Facebook that this set was available at no charge to a needy family. Almost immediately, 10 families had asked if they could receive this gift. We picked one family by name draw and set up a time to deliver the bunk beds. When we arrived, the mother was standing in the road waiting for us and guided our trucks into her yard. The children where jumping up and down with excitement, while the mother was crying with joy. When we were fin-ished setting up, we stood back and looked at a wonderful piece of furniture that we had built and in doing so could be sure that those children would be able to have a good night’s sleep!
Dave used his skills to install a dishwasher and faucet in the Pastor’s parish and did other plumbing repairs.
The other volunteers in the group organized a thrift store that sold more than 100 pieces of clothing and children's toys and books. Everything was sold for 25 cents per item. Including many new jackets that had been donated.
Still others in the group put together 30 bags of food to be given to the community. With just a short note on Face-book that these food bags where available, all the bags where distributed by early afternoon.
During the week a stairway was painted, light switch re-placed, a smoke detector was installed in the thrift store basement, bedding and baby layettes were assembled, and many areas were cleaned and organized.
We did some site seeing too. We visited a buffalo jump site, Bear Paw and Lewis and Clark Museums, Conservation areas and saw the beautiful landscape of the Bear Paw Mountains.
We also interacted with the local K-12 school, hosting a star party one night and meeting the principal and science teachers who received 10 microscopes organized by Mike Wadle.
I want to give a shout out for Thrivent, too! They granted 2 - $250 donations for supplies of paint, food for distribution, materials for the bunk bed, and layette supplies supporting our projects. Thanks Thrivent!
Seeing the impact that we had on this community, all the volunteers were already talking about when we would be coming back!
I would encourage more groups to plan a trip to Montana. It is a beautiful part of the country, Pastor Linda could use the help, and you will be enlightened and blessed by the Chippewa Cree Indians living on the Reservation. A note for future travelers is that the train is a really good way to travel. If you board in Monroe, Wisconsin, you can get a direct route all the way to Harve, Montana, which is half an hour away from Our Saviour’s. If you watch for discounted fares, you can book your ride for about $200.
Kim Choin, NIS WELCA Former President 2016-2019
ROCKY BOY RECAP
c/o First Lutheran Church 225 S. 3rd. St. Rockford, IL 61104
