spring , 2015 in touch - alaska synod · in touch – spring 2015 6 as a community of women created...
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In Touch- Spring 2015
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Alaska Synodical Women’s Organization
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E
In Touch
A Note from the President 1
Resolutions 2013 2-3
Board Member Contacts 4
Letter from Shannon 5
What’s happening 6
Meet the New Board 7
2014 Retreat 8
Dates to Remember and 9 Newsletter Deadlines
ASWO
Mission Statement We, as diverse women
of God, respond to God’s love by sharing the gospel, cherishing
creation, and encouraging each
other’s growth in faith.
ASWO Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the Synodical Women’s
Organization shall be to assist congregational
units within it’s territory to fulfill the purpose of Women of the ELCA.
Spring , 2015
There are many reasons
to be a member of
ASWO and Women of
the ELCA. We hope you
will find some of them in
this newsletter.
In preparation for the Convention in September, I have been "really in prayer". not so much on my "knees" prayer, but in "thinking" prayer; I'm not even sure there is such a thing. But it seems like I've thought so much about a location, I've actually prayed about it. The email I received said a particular location "books about a year out", so that location is out. Another one hasn't responded yet. Then I've thought of different area churches, would they be willing to? Would we be welcomed? Maybe if we (ASWO).... maybe, maybe, maybe. The ASWO convention will be held on September 25-27, 2015 in Anchorage, the location is to be determined at a later date. Hope to see you there. Then on top of that, I've been thinking of this verse from Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding". How often do we try to make things "work out" rather than giving it all to God? I don't know about you, but often I need to be reminded that I must trust God, trust that He will work it all out, trust that He has a plan. Thanks be to God. Susie Delgado ASWO President
In Touch- Spring 2015
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2013 Women’s Convention Resolutions
Resolution 13.1 Women of Faith and Climate Change
Unanimously Approved
Submitted by the Alaska Synod Women’s Organization Board
RESOLVED that we as individual participants, congregational units and Alaska Synod Women’s Organization of the ELCA continue to educate ourselves, our families and our congregations about the many hazards of climate change and its effect; and be it further
RESOLVED that ASWO use the Synodical newsletter as a means of education about climate change, and encourage congregations to share this information in their congregation’s newsletter, and be it finally
RESOLVED that ASWO clusters consider making change a focus for one of their gatherings within the coming year
Resolution 13.2 Fighting Hunger
Unanimously Approved
Submitted by the ASWO Board
RESOLVED that ASWO, its units and individual participants, be encouraged to support with prayers and offerings that ELCA World Hunger program; and be it further
RESOLVED that ASWO, its units and individual participants, be encouraged to send ELCA World Hunger Offerings through the Women of the ELCA churchwide organization to demonstrate women’s support for relieving hunger; and be it further
RESOLVED that the ASWO web page be linked to ELCA World Hunger Domestically and Nationally to encourage use of resource packets and education toolkits; and be it further
RESOLVED that the ASWO web page be lined to Bread for the World, so as to encourage support of an participation in the Bread of the World letter-writing campaigns; and be it finally
RESOLVED that Women of the ELCA participants be encouraged to join the new ELCA World Hunger social network to connect and communicate with others.
In Touch- Spring 2015
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Resolution 13.3 The 1000 Days Initiative
Unanimously Approved
Submitted by the ASWO Board
RESOLVED that women of the Alaska Synod be encouraged to support The 1,000 Days Initiative (www.thousanddays.org) as individuals, through congregations, and through ASWO; and be it finally
RESOLVED the Women of the ASWO be encouraged to work other women’s denominational organizations, Bread for the World, the Gates Foundation, and the U.S. Secretary of State’s office on The 1000 Days Initiative.
Resolution 13.4 Thanksgiving for Hospitality
Unanimously Approved
Submitted by the ASWO Board
WHEREAS, the Women of the ELCA Alaska Synod, meeting in assembly, September 27-28, 2013, at Fairbanks Lutheran Church, have been generously hosted by women of Fairbanks Lutheran, Christ Lutheran (Fairbanks) and Lord of Life Lutheran (North Pole); therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Women of the ELCA Alaska Synod demonstrate a sign of appreciation and thanksgiving for the wonderful hospitality provided by the women of the above-mentioned congregations.
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2013-2015 ASWO Elected Board Members
PRESIDENT
Sue Delgado
Anchorage, AK
907-250-7973 - cell
Alaska Native Lutheran, Anchorage
VICE PRESIDENT
Meredith Rude
Anchorage, AK
907-245-2292 - home
907-242-7044 - cell
Lutheran Church of Hope, Anchorage
SECRETARY
Margi Ungrodt
North Pole, AK
907-488-4405
907-347-0095
Lord of Life Lutheran, North Pole
TREASURER
Alisa Butcher
Fairbanks, AK
907-388-2436
Christ Lutheran Church, Fairbanks
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Vicky Rasmussen
Anchorage, AK
907-522-3649 – home
907-360-3795
Lutheran Church of Hope, Anchorage
Pam Tesche
Anchorage, AK
206-304-2287
Central Lutheran Church, Anchorage
Eva Wissmann
Anchorage, AK
907-301-6331
Central Lutheran Church, Anchorage
Shannon Miller
Nome, AK
907-434-0467 [email protected] Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Nome
Some of the many
resources available from
Women of the ELCA
Please send your regular offerings, Fare Share Travel, and
Joy and Gratitude offerings to ASWO treasurer:
Alisa Butcher 1807 Central Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Have you seen the WELCA blog?
We've been talking
About…
Always be prepared…
Earth friendly via Pinterest…
The power of inviting…
My resurrected life…
Join the conversation
http://blogs.elca.org/women/
Sign up for our e-newsletter
Bold Connections.
In Touch – Spring 2015
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Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering
First of all I would like to thank the ASWO for a generous travel scholarship. I also would like to
thank the Our Saviors Lutheran Church women’s group for their kind donation in helping with the
registration fee. Without these two wonderful groups it would have been impossible to go on this
trip.
I had a hard time trying to get out of Nome, which is a whole other story! Due to Alaska Airlines
having a mechanical problem, I got there on a Tuesday afternoon, instead of Monday.
The “Ninth Triennial Gathering of Many Generations” was amazing. I was able to sit in on the
convention voting the first day. They are a patient group of women (delegates who had to vote.)
On Thursday the Gathering kicked off. The theme verse was, “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the
breach, the restorer of the streets to live in. “Isaiah 58: 12
While in Charlotte on Thursday, I went on a garden tour, saw a film screening, and worshiped
that night. The evening ended with a chocolate social for women that night.
Friday I attended a breakfast designed for the 1st time goers. I sat with a lady I met earlier that
week. We found out we had more than one thing in common. WOW God works in mysterious
ways! (I mean that in a good way). We all met for bible study. I went to the bullying workshop,
teaching our children the new rule of engagement. The leader also incorporated bullying as an
issue for the church. Later that day, I mended a helping hand with Quilting. I do believe the
quilts were sent as a in-kind gifts for the Lutheran World Relief program.
On Saturday we met for bible study. I sat in on an introduction of the bible studies that will be
coming out in the Gather magazines. I also helped with quilting again since it was so enjoyable!
I think I’ll have to take it up as a hobby.
Sunday morning we had worship, that afternoon I went on a city bus tour. Then started my way
back home.
What I enjoyed the most was connecting with all the wonderful women of faith. They all were so
kind and helpful.
Submitted by
Shannon Miller
Women of the ELCA program resources
Find resources by going to http://www.womenoftheelca.org/
Click on the heading, Program Resources for You and Your Women's Group.
To browse only our newest ones, click on the heading Our NEWEST Program Resources. There's also a
section with a complete alphabetical listing of all our resources.
In Touch – Spring 2015
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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,
and promote healing and wholeness
in the church, the society,
and the world.
Women of the ELCA
website provides
information on programs
and resources available for
Lutheran Women to
accomplish the mission
above.
Please take a look at the
links below and if you are
into facebook or twitter you
can connect with others
through this website also.
Women-of-the-ELCA
We are the women's ministry organization of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
In Women of the ELCA, you will find: support on your faith journey
opportunities to serve and make a difference in your community and around
the world
a community of women that prays together
Bible study
the joy of growing in faith and friendship
Central Lutheran Church
Moms’ Bunch
Moms’ Bunch is a fellowship group started by Central Lutheran’s former
associate pastor, Lisa Smith-Fiegel. Our congregation enjoys the presence of
several infants, toddlers and moms-to-be. Pastor Lisa recognized the possible
need for moms to have a time of fellowship that included a duty-free dinner
hour. She called a few of the related grandmothers to help make the idea come
to fruition. Mom’s Bunch was launched in 2011 with a core of six moms, their
children, two grandmothers and the support of others who offered to help on an
“as needed” basis.
When Pastor Lisa moved on to another job within the ELCA, two grandmothers
partnered to become the hosts whose responsibilities are to make contact with
the moms, arrange the date and dinner menu, and prepare the meal.
Delightfully, other duties for the grandmothers include holding babies and
feeding toddlers while the moms are dining and discussing the joys and
challenges of motherhood. The time between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM slips by
quickly and children are usually very reluctant to see the evening with friends
come to an end. Moms are still chatting as they depart and the grandmothers
are closing up the kitchen and pre-planning the next Moms’ Bunch gathering.
Gathering times vary according to the convenience of many. This is a service
and fellowship time without stress and as every busy woman knows, flexibility
is highly valued.
Moms’ Bunch has enjoyed a core group of women who have attended since its
inception. Moms have joined the group while others have moved. Friendships
have developed and church involvement by members of the group has
increased. Several of the children are now Winkie Bear or pre-school age and
they attend Sunday School together. The women socialize as friends and
often include the grandmas when celebrating birthday parties!
If an agenda exists, it is only to discuss out-reach services as moms and
grandmas. Moms’ Bunch volunteers to host the hospitality booth at Farmer’s
In Touch – Spring 2015
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Meet your 2013-2015 Elected Board Members President- Sue Delgado Joining us from Anchorage Native Lutheran Church (Anchorage) Sue has held positions as President of ANLC, President for Conference Officers and Treasurer for SPLM.
Vice President- Meredith Rude Meredith is a member of Lutheran Church of Hope (Anchorage) and has been involved in many activities, to include accompanist, worship committee, youth leader, administrative assistant, ASWO Board member and council president.
Secretary- Margi Ungrodt A member at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (North Pole) Margi has been an officer for ASWO as well as Alaska North Chapter Thrivent Financial. She has also been involved with many cluster events as well as regularly attending the ASWO retreats.
Treasurer- Alisa Butcher Alisa was a member of the 2013 ASWO Convention Committee, as well as a member of the Family/Youth Ministry Committee, Family/Youth Ministry Hiring Committee and call committee for her church. She joins us from Christ Lutheran Church (Fairbanks).
Members-At-Large Vicky Rasmussen Lutheran Church of Hope (Anchorage) is her home church where she has fulfilled the position of president for the Women’s organization.
Pam Tesche Our newest member, we are so excited to have Pam on the board. Welcome.
Eva Wissmann She has attended several conventions in Alaska, women’s circle meetings and volunteered in Holden Village. Eva joins us from Central Lutheran Church (Anchorage).
Shannon Miller My name is Shannon Miller, I grew up in Teller and Anchorage,AK. We attended Alaska Native Lutheran Church. I'm now living in Nome. I work part time at Our Saviors Lutheran Church as the office manager. I am also a single mom of a son in 5th grade, of whom I am very proud of. I enjoy crochet, Eskimo dancing, helping out with Sunday school, and some outdoor stuff. I'm very pleased to be serving on the ASWO board and look forward to some fun and learning along the way.
Central Lutheran Church Women have three Traditional Bible Circles, a NEW MOM's Group and a Fellowship Circle. The Fellowship Circle meets at a coffee house in South Anchorage with discussion related to a spiritual book of their choosing. The "Moms' Bunch" is for mothers of infants, toddlers and
preschoolers. They each meet once a month.
Central Lutheran Women also gather to sew and fill Christmas Stockings and Easter Baskets for LSSA each year. This year 76 Xmas stockings were donated. The women also knit prayer shawls and sew baptismal blankets to give away. Several women enjoy the Book Group and meet to discuss the topic
chosen for the month.
In Touch – Spring 2015
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ASWO 2014 Retreat
In Touch – Spring 2015
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Dates to Remember
2015
Convention-
Anchorage,
AK
Dates and
Location
TBA
ASWO
C/O Lutheran Church of Hope
1847 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, AK 99517-3343
http://www.elcaalaska.net/
Note to Congregational Staff and Women’s Group Contacts:
Please print copies of this newsletter to post on your bulletin boards. Also,
if you have people homebound or with no internet, please consider
printing and mailing copies as an outreach to include them in all that is
happening in the ASWO and keep them up on Women of the ELCA news.
If you are unable to print copies, please let us know and ASWO will send
out copies for those women who have no other access to this newsletter.
This space left blank for mailing information
Please submit items of
interest from your church or
cluster for the next newsletter
Articles due for Newsletter
June 10 Summer
September 10 Fall
December10 Winter
March 10 Spring
Know what this symbol stands
for? You can find out if you go
to the AK Synod website at:
Alaska Synod ELCA
elect the Mission tab then
ASWO - Women of the ELCA
Congregational contacts please submit news, events and activities
in your congregation for upcoming newsletters.
Send to Alisa Butcher at: [email protected]
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Psalm 23:2-3