OSL Women of the ELCA
For Just Such a
Time as This
Jodie Nielsen
• Fall 2019: Poetry of the Old Testament by Anna Madsen. “In this three-session study we will explore selections of Old Testament poetry from Job, Psalms, and Lamentations. Drawing from the experience of these ancient writers, we will learn to look for God in times of deep emotions, such as joy, anger, celebration, depression, misunderstanding and contentment, finding hope and grace along the way.”
• December 2019: Walking through the Wilderness of Advent: A Creative Retreat with Isaiah by Vonda Drees. “In this unique take on Gather’s annual Advent/Christmas devotional, we will walk through the seasons with a visual artist, Vonda Drees. Using the words of the prophet Isaiah, she will help us to contemplate the true meaning of the season using creative, artistic exercises. Note: No artistic ability is needed to participate!”
• January–April 2020: A four-session study on vocation/calling by Kathryn A. Kleinhans will “kick off the new year—and the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the ELCA—with a look at how God calls us to faithful, fruitful work.”
Text: Esther 4–14 (source: gathermagazine.org).
Prayer: “Holy God, look with favor on our time together, as we discuss and share our faith with each other. Give us the gift of imagination as we live with the words from the book of Esther. Help us to look for the silences in our lives where we can hear your voice. Speak to us of the times ‘such as this’ when we are called to speak and act. Amen.”
OSL Summer Blast Group Activity. All women are invited to help with the group activity that will take place as part of the Summer Blast on Wednesday, July 10, from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Mark your calendars!
“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
WELCA Board Members: Jodie Nielsen, President; Michelle Schuknecht, Vice President; Karen Zimbeck, Secretary; Nancy Krueger, Treasurer; Sherry Roth, Mission Action; Tami Skorczewski, Advisor