OSL Women of the ELCA
What Now?
Nancy Krueger
Women of the ELCA has a purpose statement: As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to
• grow in faith
• affirm our gifts
• support one another in our callings
• engage in ministry and action
• promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.
There are so many parts of this purpose statement that we do well at Our Savior’s. There are many traditions that have been established that are a core part of OSL WELCA. With that being said, what can we do now to increase our awareness and grow our membership to do even more? You will see below some changes that we will be making to events that we have had in the past in order to do just that. We will also be adding some things to see how we can let others know about this great organization and what it has to offer. Please pray for us as we endeavor to honor the traditions while work to make new ones.
March Bible Study: “We are Called?” by Kathryn A. Kleinhans
Theme Verses: Mark 12:28–34, Luke 10:25–37, Romans 13:8–9, Galatians 5:14, Genesis 41–45, Esther 2–4 (source: gathermagazine.org).
Prayer: Gracious God, open our minds and our hearts to your word that we may learn together and grow in faith. Open our mouths to your word that we may share the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone that we meet. Open our arms to your word that we may show our faith through our actions. Amen.
• Spring Luncheon: “Spring Table Gala” – Saturday, April 18
• Crossroads Conference – April 25 Brandon Lutheran
• WELCA State Convention – June 25–27, First Lutheran, Sioux Falls
• Group Activity – Wednesday Night, July, TBD
• WELCA Triennial Conference – July 16–19, Phoenix, Arizona
• Fall Gathering – Saturday, September 10
• Lefse Making – November, TBD
• Pie and Lefse Sale Fundraiser – TBD
• Christmas Luncheon – Saturday, December 12
Spring Luncheon, Saturday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Notice the date change for the Spring Luncheon. We are trying something different this year and will be having a Spring Table Gala. We will be asking people to decorate a table however you would like. You will receive a discounted ticket to the luncheon, and, if you like, you may sell the tickets for your table to your friends and family. (If you prefer, we will sell the tickets for you.) No one will be able to see all of the tables until the morning of the event. You would need to be available on the Friday to come and decorate your table. Trish Syverson will be our guest speaker, with a program titled “Hats Off to Women.” We know we have some very creative people who will come up with some great ideas to make this event a success. More information will be forthcoming as to how you can be a part of this.
2020 Unit Wide Mission Projects: We are dedicating some of our fundraising and mission giving this year to Susan B. Anthony Elementary School. They have asked that we come on April 15 and 20 to help provide a breakfast for their students in grades three, four, and five before they start their statewide testing. We are working in conjunction with the Mission in Action team at Our Savior’s to help them with these two events. Please be watching the bulletin to see how you can be involved.
“Sweets for Your Valentine” Sale: This event was a great success. Thank you to everyone who helped set up, sell, and clean up, and those who contributed goodies for this event. As always, we cannot do this without you!
WELCA Board Members: Nancy Krueger, President; open, Vice President; Karen Zimbeck, Secretary; Lori Tendler, Treasurer; Sherry Roth, Mission Action; Jodie Nielsen, Advisor