Official Newsletter of the Central States Women of the ELCA March 2012 Volume 23 Issue 1 Greetings: It is one of my favorite things to work with women of the ELCA. I have always felt that everyone’s friendly and welcoming. When we have our convention or meetings or gatherings of any kind, all is done to the “Glory of the Lord”. This coming convent ion in St. Joseph, MO, July 27-29, we will be having a “Sing to the Lord” theme. We will lift our voices up in unison (or harmony) and proclaim our love for our Lord in song. We as Women of the ELCA have always been drawn to things of beauty and grace and the songs we share have reflected that particular aspect of our personalities. We have many personalities in our group and many songs to sing. I would like to invite you to come to the convention and be a part of this experience. Singing will be only a small part of what happens here! The planners of our convention have assured us that we will be informed, entertained, encouraged, engaged, and energized! There are several things you can do to get ready for the convention. Here are some ideas: Go to your congregational unit meeting and ask who would like to go to the convention this year…talk it up If someone wishes to go and is financially unable, open up your heart and your wallet and support them…support one another Go to the area cluster meeting and help with a convention cluster assignment, or volunteer to decorate convention hall, or usher at worship service…the more volunteers we have, the lighter the work is for all Pray for your leaders…pray for ev eryone who is in a leadership position now, and also for the ones who will answer the call to become new leaders at convention. Now is a good time to decide who will be the delegate from your unit to convention for the business meeting. Making sure that you have a delegate to convention is very important because without them your group does not have a voice or vote in synod business decisions. Talk to the people who would make good leaders of the synod board and officers and ask them to consider being a leader of our group. Nomination forms come out in March and must be sent by May 5 th . If you are a web search person, go to Ramada-Monkey Cove Water Park, 4016 Frederick Avenue, St Joseph, MO. The hotel is fabulous. Women of the ELCA will have a great time here. I am sure there are a lot of things you can do to get ready for the convention, but the one thing you will want to do for sure is get the first mailing we send to the churches and copy the information for everyone in your unit. It will have everything you need to register, order the t-shirts and pledges, delegate information, and banquet and meal reservations. At some point in time all the information will be on line also. If you have any questions or comments, just email me or one of the other officers or board members…until then… May we sing to the Lord, now and always For His blessings are Great And His mercy is endless…Praise the Lord! ~Susie
Transcript
Official Newsletter of
the Central States
Women of the ELCA
March 2012
Volume 23 Issue 1
Greetings:
It is one of my favorite things to work with women of the ELCA. I have
always felt that everyone’s friendly and welcoming. When we have our
convention or meetings or gatherings of any kind, all is done to the “Glory of the
Lord”. This coming convention in St. Joseph, MO, July 27-29, we will be having a
“Sing to the Lord” theme. We will lift our voices up in unison (or harmony) and
proclaim our love for our Lord in song. We as Women of the ELCA have always
been drawn to things of beauty and grace and the songs we share have reflected
that particular aspect of our personalities. We have many personalities in our
group and many songs to sing. I would like to invite you to come to the
convention and be a part of this experience. Singing will be only a small part of
what happens here! The planners of our convention have assured us that we will
be informed, entertained, encouraged, engaged, and energized!
There are several things you can do to get ready for the convention. Here are
some ideas:
Go to your congregational unit meeting and ask who would like to go to the
convention this year…talk it up
If someone wishes to go and is financially unable, open up your heart and
your wallet and support them…support one another
Go to the area cluster meeting and help with a convention cluster
assignment, or volunteer to decorate convention hall, or usher at worship
service…the more volunteers we have, the lighter the work is for all
Pray for your leaders…pray for everyone who is in a leadership position
now, and also for the ones who will answer the call to become new leaders at
convention.
Now is a good time to decide who will be the delegate from your unit to
convention for the business meeting. Making sure that you have a delegate to
convention is very important because without them your group does not have a
voice or vote in synod business decisions.
Talk to the people who would make good leaders of the synod board and
officers and ask them to consider being a leader of our group. Nomination forms
come out in March and must be sent by May 5th
.
If you are a web search person, go to Ramada-Monkey Cove Water Park,
4016 Frederick Avenue, St Joseph, MO. The hotel is fabulous. Women of the
ELCA will have a great time here.
I am sure there are a lot of things you can do to get ready for the convention,
but the one thing you will want to do for sure is get the first mailing we send to
the churches and copy the information for everyone in your unit. It will have
everything you need to register, order the t-shirts and pledges, delegate
information, and banquet and meal reservations. At some point in time all the
information will be on line also. If you have any questions or comments, just
email me or one of the other officers or board members…until then…
May we sing to the Lord, now and always
For His blessings are Great
And His mercy is endless…Praise the Lord! ~Susie
In less than 6 months we will be in St. Joseph, Missouri at the 2012 Central States Women of
the ELCA convention on July 27-29. We all enjoy attending the conventions, we enjoy the
speakers, the Bible Study, seeing old friends, and making new ones. Our clusters are a big part
of what make our conventions work: before, during, and after. The theme of the 2012
convention is "Sing to the Lord" and work has already started on this year's convention.
Following are the 2012 cluster assignments:
Program-God's Sunflowers
Worship/Music-Heartland
Logo-Tri States
Make Banner-Mid Missouri
Convention Song/Skit-SE KC Metro
Book Store-Post Rock
Table Favors-SE Missouri and Prairie Angels
Table Graces-Ark River Valley and Osborne/Smith/Phillips
Barbara Nelson Memorial Fund-Revelation
T-shirts/Pledges-Sunflower
Fair Trade-Smoky Valley
25th Anniversary Celebration-Northern Lights
Prayer Partner Exchange-Ozark Mountain
As you can see, without the help of all our clusters, making the conventions happen would be
very difficult. The work our clusters do at each and every convention are very important to all
of us. The Central States board and all those who have attended conventions and those people
who plan to attend extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every cluster for all their work and
dedication. Remember the dates: July 27-29, 2012-St. Joseph, Missouri-Central States Women
of the ELCA convention.
~Rhonda
I hope many of us will be joining our voices to sing to the Lord, July 27-29 in St. Joseph, MO. Our
theme is “Sing to the Lord” it is based on Eph. 5:19. Prayer Partners will exchange musical items ($5
limit).
We have a lot of fun things planned, including Zumba dance and celebrating our 25th
anniversary! We
are also planning some informative workshops including topics such as bullying and sexual exploitation
of women. We are planning to work on LWR projects for our service project for participants on Saturday
morning. We are so excited to welcome Jenny Michaels- newly-elected president of Women of the
ELCA- as our church-wide representative!
We will be staying at the Ramada Inn, 4016 Frederick Blvd. The rooms cost $89 plus taxes and includes
a hot breakfast buffet and access to Monkey Cove Water Park. The hotel does not have an elevator, so
please specify a first floor room if you have trouble with the stairs. Please call the hotel ASAP toll free at
1-800-748-0036 by July 6 to make your reservation. Please specify Central States Synod Women of the
ELCA.
Registration is $65 until June 15 and Part-time registration is $35 if you can only come for the day.
If you have never attended a Central States Synod Women of the ELCA convention, consider applying
for a grant. This will cover the cost of registration. The deadline is May 1. Also, please consider the
leadership abilities of each woman in your local congregational unit. This year we will be electing a new
Vice-president and new Secretary as well as two board members and will need enthusiastic, creative
women to fill these positions. The deadline for nominations is also May 1.
It has been my great pleasure to serve as your Vice-president. I get especially excited about our
convention! I’ll be singing all the way to St. Jo!
~Kathy Ouellette
Central States Women of the ELCA Board: President: Susie Borgstrom Vice-President: Kathy Ouellette 265 Eisenhower Rd, Windom, KS 67491 1711 13th Rd., Washington KS 66968 [email protected] 785-325-2563 [email protected] Secretary: Carolyn Bauer Treasurer: Jewell Swinney 1501 W 20th St., Sedalia MO 65301 2132 S 3000 Rd., Herrington KS 67449-5007 660-829-2597 [email protected] 785-983-4479 [email protected] Gloria Sharp Mary Kern 1702 Canterbury Rd., Jefferson City MO 65109 4210 HWY D, Syracuse, MO 65354 573-636-8843 [email protected] 660-287-2115 Cheryl Taylor Rhonda Templing 5121 Congressional Circle, Apt. G105 234B NW 210 Rd, Hoisington, KS 67544 Lawrence KS 66049 620-935-4213 785-483-9402 [email protected] 785-841-1147 [email protected] Newsletter Editor: Lisa Youngquist
GRANTS OFFERED TO THE 2012 CONVENTION OF THE CENTRAL STATES
WOMEN OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
Grants will be offered for the convention registration fee. Each cluster is being encouraged to take a
special offering at its spring meeting. The number of grants will depend on the offering received. The
grant does not include food and lodging. If you have any questions, please call Kathy our contact ay
board member.
Return applications to:
Kathy Ouellette (785) 325-2563
1711 13th
Road
Washington, KS 66968
Only one name from each unit may be submitted.
First time applicants get preference. No applicant will be considered after having received a grant
twice.
APPLICANTS MUST BE:
1. A woman of any age.
2. A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
APPLICANTS MUST QUALIFY IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
______I am providing care for an elderly relative in a home setting.
______I am a high school student.
______My children are under 18 years of age and are living at home. ______I have never attended a Central States Synodical Women of the ELCA convention.
Church Name & Address:_________________________________________________________
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
A Constitution is an agreement reached by a group of people on how they will function. Constitutions can, and should, change from time to time. Some elements of a constitution will hold fast over long
periods of time, while others may need to change to reflect the changing environment. The constitution of
any organization is a living document that can serve your organization well. There is a link in the Churchwide Women of the ELCA website for a sample constitution for congregational units.
It is a requirement that Synod Women’s Organizations look at their Constitutions every three years and
implement any changes made by the recent Triennial Convention of Churchwide Women of the ELCA. In October, 2011, the Churchwide Secretary of Women of the ELCA served official notification of the
changes approved to the “Constitution and Bylaws, Synodical Women’s Organization” at the Eighth
Triennial Convention held in Spokane, Washington in July 2011. Whenever the secretary of Women of the ELCA officially informs the synodical women’s organization that the Women of the ELCA Triennial
Convention has amended the Approved Constitution and Bylaws for Synodical Women’s Organizations,
such provisions shall be introduced at once into each Synodical Women’s Organization Approved Constitution and By-Laws.
At their meeting in November 2011, the Board for Central States Synodical Women’s Organization
reviewed the 2008 Constitution for Central States Synodical Women’s Organization and implemented the changes approved by the Eighth Triennial Convention.
The 2011 revision of the Central States Synodical Women’s Organization Constitution is posted on the CSS Women of the ELCA portion of the Central States Synod web site.
Submitted by Carolyn Bauer
Secretary, Central States Women of the ELCA
I did not know when I joined Facebook that not only was it a way to connect to friends and family but also a source of information. I became “friends” with The Women of the ELCA and kept up to date by reading what other women were doing and also the questions they had. One subject that I found very helpful was about supporting ministries outside of the Women of the ELCA or the ELCA. When we choose to support a local origination we are familiar with it but sometimes national or international groups catch our attention. As you determine your support of these organizations consider the following questions: 1. Has your unit/cluster/syndical organization met its commitment to the women’s organization?
2. Does the ministry help fulfill the Purpose Statement of the Women of the ELCA?
3. Will your financial support action and responses that benefit women?
4. Is it a Lutheran agency or ministry? Is it already receiving funding from the ELCA
5. Are there women decision-makers? How many women hold positions of influence?
6. Is the origination tax exempt? Do they publish their financial data?
7. Is the origination evaluated by the National Charities Information Bureau or the Council of Better Business Bureau? This information can also be found on the Women of the ELCA website under Stewardship. I hope this is helpful when making any decisions about ministry support. ~Cheryl
Greetings everyone! We would like to invite you to attend the 25th annual
Central States Synod Women of the ELCA convention at the Ramada
Inn and Convention Center in St. Joseph, Missouri. It will be held on
July 27-29, 2012 and will be packed with activities.
We have made all the forms available to you that went out by regular
mail on our web site now for your convenience. Each form needs to be
printed and sent to the individual at the bottom of the page in the regular
postal mail. Each form has its own set of instructions and due date and a
leader who is willing to help you with any questions.
I would like to see each of you load up a car full of friends and come
for the spiritual uplifting, the love of fellowship with one another, and the
carrying out of our mission and goals as women of the ELCA
Our theme this year is “Sing to the Lord”. We do love to sing and we
will make every effort to keep music in our hearts and thank the Lord for
everything every day. Please join us as we worship and praise and give
thanks for all that we are blessed with.
I am pleased to inform everyone that we will have a western theme for
Friday night ….So wear your western hats and boots and come for the fun.
(I have it on good authority that a few horses might be running around in
the crowd). On Saturday, we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of
our women’s organization with a banquet and entertainment. It should all
be great fun!
It would be our honor to include you in our weekend of business
meetings, workshops, worship, fundraising and fun. Look over the forms
…send them in…be with us at St. Joe!
I will sing to the Lord and praise His name forever…
Susie Borgstrom, President Central States Women of the ELCA
CENTRAL STATES SYNODICAL CONVENTION
July 27-29, 2012 Ramada Inn & Conference Center, St. Joseph, Missouri
Friday- July 27 9:00 A.M. SWO BOARD MEETING- room 173 NOON REGISTRATION BEGINS- in the Veranda Drop off Zumba pledge sheets Pick up pre-ordered t-shirts Pick up pre-ordered supplies from Augsburg/ Fortress Visit booths and displays Drop off baskets for silent auction- west ballroom Shop at SERRV and Fair Trade- Lotus room Bid on silent auction baskets ( Barbara Nelson Memorial Fund) 4:00 P.M. CHOIR practice in the ballroom 5:00 P.M. DELEGATE orientation- east ballroom PARTICIPANT orientation- west ballroom 5:30 P.M. “Cowgirl Supper” in the west ballroom 7:00 P.M. Convention opening- east ballroom Introductions Welcome Announcements Address from Jennifer Michael, President, Churchwide Executive Board, Women of the ELCA Worship- Love offering to be received Prayer partner exchange Basic Zumba moves for our exercise- west ballroom Saturday- July28
Breakfast on your own (Breakfast Café is included for hotel guests)
8:00A.M. Bible Study- east ballroom 8:30A.M. Central States Synod address 9:00A.M. PARTICIPANTS will learn about and put together Lutheran World Relief kits- west ballroom 9:00A.M. DELEGATES- BUSINESS SESSION – east ballroom Report of the Credentials Committee Report of the Nominating Committee Election of the Vice-President Report of the Offerings Committee Treasurer’s Report Presentation of Proposed Budget Report of Elections Committee
Report of Nominating Committee Election of Secretary Approval of Proposed Budget Reference and Council Committee Report Report of Elections Committee Report of Nominating Committee Election of Board Members Presidents Report Committee on Presidents Report Report of Elections Committee Announcements 11:00A.M. PROJECT LEADERS DISPLAY REPRESENTATIVES OFFERING & FUNDRAISING RECIPIENTS NOON Lunch on your own 2:00P.M. 1st session Workshops begin 3:00P.M. 1st session ends 3:15P.M. 2nd session Workshops begin 4:15P.M. 2nd session ends 4:30P.M. Choir Practice Visit Displays Shop SERRV Bid on Silent Auction Baskets 6:30P.M. “25th ANNIVERSARY BANQUET” AND ENTERTAINMENT AFTER THE ENTERTAINMENT, 15 MINUTES OF BIDDING & ANNOUNCE THE BUYERS OF ALL THE BASKETS Sunday- July 29 Breakfast on your own 9:00A.M. Finish the last of our convention business 10:30A.M. Closing worship service Installation of officers 11:30A.M. Post-Convention Board Meeting (Both incoming and outgoing officers and board members)
Please complete both pages of this form and return by May 5, 2012 to:
Iris Turnbull
1433 27th
Rd.
Axtell, KS 66403
If you have any questions, contact Iris at: 785-736-2887 or [email protected]
*Check those positions in which the nominee is willing to serve.
Individual nominated must consent to serve if elected.
Central States Women of the ELCA Annual Convention
St Joseph, Mo July 27-29, 2012
BASIC ZUMBA
_____I want to participate in Basic Zumba _____ Purchase a T-shirt only Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Congregation___________________________________________________________________ _____Yes, I want to purchase a T-Shirt @ $10.00 (circle) size: S M L XL XXL XXXL You can purchase a T-shirt even if you are not participating in the activity. Please return registration sheet with T-shirt money by June 15, 2012 To: Cheryl Taylor 5121 Congressional Cir Apt G105 Lawrence Kansas 66049 785-550-9267 [email protected] *************************************************************************************
PLEDGE SHEET
Donations will go to Inter-Serv which supports the Wesley Center preschool & childcare Name__________________________________________________Donation_______________________ Name__________________________________________________Donation_______________________ Name__________________________________________________Donation_______________________ Name__________________________________________________Donation_______________________ Please make all checks payable to CSS women of the ELCA. Bring pledge sheet with your donation money to convention. Make extra copies for each participant. Add additional pledges on the back.
2012 AND 2013 WOMEN OF THE ELCA BIBLE STUDY
GATHERED BY GOD
If you would like to order the 2012/2013 Women of the ELCA Bible Study and pick it up at the Central States Women of the ELCA convention all you need to do is fill out the form below, include your payment, and mail to the address listed. Leaders guide-$6.95 Companion Bible-$3.95 Bookmarks-$3.75 The September 2012 to May 2013 Bible Study is "Gathered by God" by Audrey West. More information about the Bible Study can be found on the website or in Gather. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name____________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________
__________________________________________________ Email____________________________________________________ Phone___________________________________________________ ____Leaders Guide @$6.95________ ____Companion Bible@$3.95_______ ____Book Marks @$3.75___________ Total Cost $_______ Return order form by June 1 with payment attached to: Checks payable to “Central States Women of the ELCA” Rhonda Templing 234B NW 210 Rd Hoisington, KS 67544 [email protected] Phone-620-935-4213
Women of the ELCA Synodical Convention
Resolution Form
Resolution number _________ (assigned by committee)
Delegate’s name ___________________________________________________
Congregational unit _________________________________________________
Needs While in Shelter: (please donate new or working items for this
list)
Christmas & Birthday Wish List: (please donate new items for this list, as these will
be given as gifts)
Brushes Combs Deodorant Toothpaste Size 3, 4, 5 & 6 diapers (especially 6) Dishes Forks & spoons Drinking cups Towels Washcloths Alarm clocks Pillows Slippers Personal hygiene caddies Snacks or juice for children’s groups Date books Calendars Pens Any new or nearly new children’s items Any size batteries City Bus Passes
Body wash Watches (for women, girls & boys) Backpacks Perfume/body spray (for women, girls and boys)
Toys (for infants, girls, boys & teens: dolls, cars, card games, bubbles, board games, etc. – Please no violent toys such as toy guns, knives, etc.
Family games Family DVD’s Sleeping bags Personal radios Coloring books Word find books Stamps Robes Shampoo & conditioner sets Hair styling items Dish sets Cooking pan sets Silverware sets Drinking glass sets Alarm clocks Towel sets Slippers Playing cards Phone cards Bus passes personal pillows Picture frames Cameras Nail care sets, polish New women’s and Children’s socks & underwear (all sizes)
As spring approaches, I’m sure you are bombarded with seed and flower catalogues as I am. What to plant this year in the vegetable garden – what flowers would grow well in this or that spot – how do I “feed” the plant already growing?
These are questions I am sure you are spending time thinking about.
But what about our spiritual garden?
May I suggest!
1. Plant seeds of love. Ask God to plant His love in you in such a profound way that you are able to fully experience it. Ask also that His love will flow through you to others.
2. Plant seeds of joy. Joy has nothing to do with your circumstances. You can have joy in spite of difficult and painful problems, because joy comes through a close, intimate relationship with the Lord.
3. Plant seeds of peace. Pray that the presence of the Lord planted in your life will provide peace that is beyond comprehension.
4. Plant seeds of patience. Why do you think it’s important to God that patience be growing in us? It’s because God’s timing is not our timing. He is always doing more than we see or know, so we have to trust Him on how long He takes to bring things to pass.
5. Plant seeds of kindness. Kindness is something you have to deliberately plant. Or, to put it another way, kindness is something you choose to put on, like a garment.
6. Plant seeds of goodness. When the goodness of God is sown in your soul, it leads you to produce good deeds.
7. Plant seeds of faithfulness. When we are solid, steadfast, dependable, reliable, loyal and trustworthy and do what is right no matter what, we exhibit faithfulness.
8. Plant seeds of gentleness. Gentleness is a humble meekness that is calm, soothing, peaceful, and easy to be around.
9. Plant seeds of self-control. Having no self-control means you do whatever pleases you no matter what the consequences are. Pray that you will not be powerless against the forces that tug on your soul.
You plant the seeds that will grow – always remember, as that lovely hymn says, plant “A Beautiful Garden of Prayer”.
How many times have you tried to read the Bible from Genesis straight through to Revelations and failed? I would like to suggest you give The Story a try. The Story published by Zondervan is God’s story. It is divided into 31 chapters that summarize the Bible. You get a sense of the “big picture” of the Bible. The New International Version (NIV) is the scripture text used in The Story. The goal of The Story is to make the Bible read smoothly and easily. Reading The Story is like reading a novel. But, of course, this story isn’t any ordinary story, it is the greatest story ever. Other features of the book include a time line of Bible events, a cast of characters with brief descriptions, and discussion questions. It is designed so that you read one chapter each week and can complete The Story in 31 weeks. In my congregation in Jefferson City we now have many different groups reading and studying The Story. We are excited about reading the greatest story ever written. One of the features that has really enhanced our study is a video series that is available to accompany the readings. If you are interested in trying to read the Bible from beginning to end, I encourage you to try The Story. For more information see TheStory.com. ~Gloria
Just a reminder to let you know that I will be coordinating prayer requests for the Central States Women of the ELCA this year. If you have a prayer concern or request that you would like your Central States Women’s board to pray about, please e-mail me at [email protected] and I will share your information with the board members. Remember we have been instructed to pray for each other when there is a need. Please let me know your prayer requests so that I can pass them on to the board. ~Gloria
