Twenty-Second Annual Convention Synodical Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America South Dakota Synod

SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL

SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL CONVENTION First Lutheran Church 411 N. Duff St.—Mitchell, SD June 12—13, 2009 “Our Power comes from God” “Fear not, but let your hands be strong” Zechariah 8:13b

Friday: Saturday: 1 p.m. Registration start and Coffee hour 8-9 a.m. Registration and Coffee Hour Registration fee: $35 8:30 Gathering Music 9:00 Welcome & Official Opening of the Awareness Groups: Convention 9:10 Worship Service with Communion 2-3 p.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m. Officiating: Rev. David Astrup *Called to a Global Perspective – Kris Bruga- Message: Bishop David Zellmer myer, National WELCA representative 10:15 Joy Ranch Update – Pam Walton *Parish Nurse – Lori Jorenby 10:30 Answer the Call – Kristi Lee *Safe House of Mitchell 10:45 Business Session *Todays Dreams, Tomorrows Reality 12:00 Lunch served by First Lutheran women 1:00 Last opportunity to make bids for the 6 p.m. Supper served by First Lutheran Joy Ranch Silent Auction items. women 1:00 Gathering Music 6:45 p.m. Special music: Pam Engelland 1:30 Message from Churchwide WELCA 7:00 p.m. Prison Ministry in South Dakota: 2:00 Mission Partners God‟s Work. Our Hands. 3:00 Love Offering Recipients: Mitchell Mary Mortenson, CEO Prison Congre- Safehouse & Family Visitation Center: gations of America Food Pantry at Mitchell Rev. Marlin Wangness, St. Dysmas of 3:30 Closing of Convention with installation South Dakota of officers Bible Study: Rev. Constanze Hagmaier 4:00 Coffee and Joy Ranch Kitchen auction bidders distribution PagePage 2 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION INDEX PURPOSE STATEMENT Convention Schedule……………………...1 “As a community of women, Index, Committees & Displays...………… 2 Opening of Convention……………………3 created in the image of God Worship Service………………………...4-6 called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, Business Meeting………………………….6 and empowered by the Holy Spirit Synod. Pres. Letter……………..……..…...7 We commit ourselves to Minutes of 2008 meeting……………...... 8-9 grow in faith Churchwide Speaker………………..……10 to affirm our gifts, Churchwide Pres. letter………………..…11 Audit Report…………………………..12-16 and support one another in our callings „Mission Accomplished‟…………...…17-19 engage in ministry and action” Awareness Group Presenters……………..20 Nominee Vita‟s………………………..21-22 APPOINTED COMMITTEES Sample Ballot……………………………..22 Credentials Committee Synodical Officers………………...……...23 Mary Ann Stroschein, Bear Butte Conf. Conference Coordinators…………………23 Marlys Jensen, Southeastern Conf. Resolutions Committee DISPLAYS Barbara Cramer, Watertown, SD, Prairie Coteau Con. Mary Hildebrandt, Ramona, SD, Medary Conference While you are at the convention be sure to visit Conference. Nurse the displays in the fellowship hall. These people Lori Jorenby, White, SD, Medary Conference. want to help you learn about their organization Literacy Chair and ways you can help. Sally Hillner, Brookings, SD, Medary Conference. Lutherans Outdoors Parliamentarian ELCA World Hunger Appeal Kris Brugamyer, Churchwide WELCA board member Newsletter Editor Bread for the World Lucille Birkholtz, Willow Lake, SD Medary Conference Sharing the Dream in Guatemala Nominating/Election Committee Lutheran Social Services in South Dakota Nancy Renner, Sioux Falls, SD Crossroads Conf. Today's Dream: Tomorrows Reality Vicki Perssons, Corsica, SD Prairie Rivers Conference Carmel Hyde, Aberdeen, SD Northern Plains Conference (TDTR Anti-Racism) Lori Jorenby, White, SD Medary Conference Global Health Ministries Prison Congregations of America DATES TO REMEMBER St Dysmas June 19 Transition Board meeting at Storla Lutheran Answer the Call at Letcher. The Reader's Den Book Store July 24 & 25 Synodical Leadership Workshop at Lu- Women of the ELCA theran Memorial at Pierre. Church Literacy July, 2011 - Triennial Convention at Spokane, WA.

SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 3 TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL CONVENTION SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA SOUTH DAKOTA SYNOD

Theme: “Our Power Comes from God” Theme Verse: “Fear not, but let your hands be strong” Zechariah 8:13b Theme Song: “On What Has Now Been Sown” #550

Goals: 1. To empower women to serve in their community. 2. To empower women to advocate for the powerless. 3. To empower women to promote healthy life style.

Convention Offering: 50% - National WELCA 25% - Answer the Call 25% - Prison Congregations of America

Joy Ranch Kitchen Silent Auction: This is a fundraiser to add funds to our goal of $200,000. Check out all the neat items in social hall. Place your bids on items of interest to you. The high bidders will be announced Saturday afternoon. Give generously as this is an opportunity to help our future campers! *********************************************************************** OPENING OF CONVENTION

L: We gather today as a community of women, the Women of the ELCA. We gather in Christian love and concern for our sisters and brothers at home and in other countries that live in poverty. W: You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.

L: Let us seek out ways to provide shelter for the homeless. W: For our homeless sisters and brothers.

L: Let us support our sisters and brothers who are illiterate with our time and resources. W: For our illiterate sisters and brothers.

L: Let us not only provide for the physical needs of the hungry, but for the spiritual needs as well. W: For the hungry in body and spirit.

L: Help us to provide encouragement, education, and guidance to all parents in need. W: For all parents in need.

L: As we look to the world, help us to recognize the needs of all our sisters and brothers who live in poverty. Let us learn from their example of steadfast faith in Your love and care. W: No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Page 4 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION

L: As Women of the ELCA, give us the understanding, knowledge, resources, and commitment of time, tal- ents and gifts, to support Your work through: W: Global mission, community care and shelter facilities; school kits, quilts, soap and other Lutheran World Relief projects; literacy programs; medical needs; educational and guidance services.

L: And other community needs which we name in our hearts and on our lips..terrorism, wars, crimes, drugs, alcohol, gambling, abuse….Bless your entire community of faith and guide us in this place as we share our love and commitment to the One True Light of the World. The Twenty-second Annual Convention of the South Dakota Synodical Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is now declared open. In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

Worship Celebration

Sermon: Bishop David Zellmer Officiating: Pastor David Astrup Organist: Lonnie Burns Song Leader: Susan Thie

Organ Prelude Welcome Opening Hymn: “As We Gather at Your Table” ELW # 522 Brief Order of Confession and Forgiveness ELW p. 94-96 left column Greeting & Kyrie ELW p. 203 Hymn of Praise: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” ELW # 834:1,2,4 Prayer of the Day

(C) By your word, eternal God, your creation sprang forth, and we were given the Breath of life. By your word, death is overcome, Christ is raised from the tomb, and we are given new life in the power of your Spirit. May we boldly proclaim this good news in our words and our deeds, rejoicing always in your powerful presence through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Special Music: Susan Thie

First Lesson: Zechariah 8:11-13

Second Lesson: Romans 1:8-15

Gospel Acclamation: “Alleluia….” ELW # 205

(P) Word of God, Word of Life. SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 5

Sermon: Bishop David Zellmer

Hymn of the Day: “On What Has Now Been Sown” ELW # 550

The Nicene Creed ELW p. 104

The Prayer of Intercession

Thankoffering and Organ Offertory Offertory Response: “As the Grains of Wheat” ELW # 465 The Great Thanksgiving:

(P) The Lord be with you. (C) And also with you. (P) Lift up your hearts. (C) We lift them to the Lord. (P) Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. (C) It is right to give our thanks and praise.

The Preface: (C) Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory, Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.

Words of Institution (C) The Lord’s Prayer Distribution Distribution Hymns: ELW # 461, 582, 712 Communion Blessing and Prayer Benediction Recessional Hymn: “O Zion, Haste” ELW # 668 Chimes Postlude Page 6 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION 10:15 Joy Ranch Update – Pam Walton 10:30 Answer the Call – Kristi Lee 10:45 Business Session Business Meeting: All are encouraged to stay for the meeting as this is YOUR organization.

*Introduction of SD Synodical Board Members *Introduction of Churchwide WELCA Board Member – Kris Brugamyer *Report of the Credentials Committee *Call to Order *Appointment of Conventions Business Committees *Adoption of the Rules of Procedure *Adoption of Agenda *Secretary‟s Report *Report of the Nominating Committee *Call for the First Ballot for President and Treasurer *Call for the Ballot for Mission Action, Mission Community and Mission Growth *Treasurer‟s Report *Adoption of the Budget *Review of Printed Reports * Resolutions *Other New Business *Closing of the Business Meeting

12 noon Luncheon served by First Lutheran Church Women of Mitchell 1:00 Last opportunity to make bids for the Joy Ranch Silent Auction items. 1:00 Gathering Music 1:30 Message from Churchwide WELCA 2:00 Mission Partners 3:00 Love Offering Recipients: Mitchell Safehouse & Family Visitation Center: Food Pantry at Mitchell 3:30 Closing of Convention with installation of officers Talking with Our Father (Litany)

L: “Our Father, who art in heaven” C: Father, we need to talk to you. L: “Hallowed by thy name” C: Some people laugh when your name is mentioned. For some it means nothing. Help us to live what your name really means. L: “Thy Kingdom come” C: Use us, Lord, to help correct some of the things that are really problems here, to change some of the things right where we are. L: “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” C: Cross our paths and do not allow us to think only of ourselves. You want us to forget ourselves and think of others. L: “Give us this day our daily bread” C: How easy it is to pray for hungry people, troubled people, sad people – and then do nothing for them. We heard your urgent question, “What will you do?” SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 7

L: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” C: We are sensitive about this. We are to have a chain reaction of forgiving. It isn’t easy. We sometimes feel guilty or miserable despite your love and acceptance. And we find it difficult try ing to forgive some people. Open our hearts to your love and give us the power to love others now! L: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” C: Father, don’t let us have to face the test of life without you beside us. Christ did that for us. L: “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen C: You are God. You have the plan. Help us now to make our belief, action, work and pleasure all one – that is our prayer. ALL: Let it happen! 4:00 Coffee and Joy Ranch Kitchen auction bidders distribution ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ South Dakota Women of the ELCA – 2009 Synodical President’s Report …… Verdelle Anderson The past year has been a very busy year for our organization. It has also been a very rewarding experience for myself and the women of our churches. Following our convention last June in Spearfish, I with our national representative spent that Friday night and Saturday at Outlaw Ranch. This was a wonderful experience and I wish more had taken advantage of the invite. Friday night we had devotions by the camp fire but then everyone was encouraged to retire early as we had a 5 a.m. wild life van tour in Custer State park. What a beautiful experience to see many of the wild life. Then we came back to Outlaw Ranch for breakfast and tour of that ranch plus Atlantic Mountain Ranch. We closed our visit to camp with lunch. This was a great opportunity to see two of our Lutheran Out- door camps and visit with the staff. Again we want to thank them for this opportunity. Then Saturday eve- ning, I and two friends took the state representative, Kathy Schnierle, to the lighting ceremonies at Mount Rushmore. Kathy had never been to South Dakota and was thrilled with being a part of the convention and tour of our state. In July, 45 ladies from South Dakota attended the 7th Triennial Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. What an experience! To be a part of this event that brought over 2,000 women together. Many of our ladies who attended have already taken advantage of early registration for the 2011 Triennial which will be held in Spokane, Washington. We also want to say thank you to Kari Knutson and Lori Jorenby for promoting this event and enabling many of our women to travel to triennial by chartered bus. They put a lot of time and work in preparing for this event and we appreciate the great job they did. In South Dakota, our ladies have the opportunity to witness to the work of Christ through their churches, community and with other ladies in their home areas. Our seven conferences offer the ladies opportunities for retreats and annual spring gatherings. In reviewing the Treasurer’s report and Mission report, you will note the financial and mission projects which depend on us for support in their work for Christ. Two of our major projects include: Answer the Call and Joy Ranch Kitchen. Don’t forget to check out the Silent Auction items here at our state convention. Bid generously! The state board and I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your support in this organization. We also want you to go home and encourage other women to join us in our Christian work. This organization offers each of us an opportunity for time of Bible Study, fellowship and an opportunity to meet many new friends while we are doing our work for Christ. Please continue to be an active member and supporter of our organization. God bless each of you in your daily work, Verdelle Anderson, Synodical President Page 8 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION

SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA 21st ANNUAL CONVENTION June 13, 2008 Our Savior's Lutheran Church Spearfish, South Dakota Theme: Live Your Gift Theme Verse: Ephesians 2:8: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God. Goals: Encourage participants to recognize and live their gifts. Boldly support the ministries of Women of the ELCA. Inspire women and girls to take active steps for good health. Convention Offering comes from congregational units and women attending the convention. This money is divided as follows: One-fourth to "Answer the Call" One-fourth to Joy Ranch Kitchen One-half to Women of the ELCA Churchwide Ministries. Thursday, June 12, 2008 2:00-5:00 p.m. Registration, coffee and fellowship 5:30 p.m. Supper at Our Savior's, Spearfish Friday, June 13, 2008 8:00-9:00 a.m.:Registration, coffee and fellowship 8:15 a.m.: Gathering Music: Max Meyer 9:00 a.m.: Welcome to convention, introduction of guests and opening litany (President Verdelle Anderson) Guests: Bishop Dave Zellmer, Bishop of South Dakota Synod Kathy Schnierle, Churchwide representative, Women of the ELCA South Dakota Synodical Board Members Lori Jorenby, Convention Nurse Worship Service: Officiating: Pastor Kent Stillson, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Assisting: Laura Campbell, OSLC, Preaching: Bishop Dave Zellmer 11:00 a.m.: Table Grace sung to the tune of "Sweet Hour of Prayer." Business meeting called to order by President Verdelle Anderson. Credentials: 49 delegates (including 8 synodical board officers) 80 non-delegates 16 quests 145 participants Motion by Lucille Birkholtz to adopt the credentials report; motion carried. Appointed Committees: Parliamentarian: Sheryn Ekstrum Convention Nurse: Lori Jorenby Minutes: Margene Thompson & Esther Knutson Credentials: Dorla Verhey & Lucille Birkholtz Resolutions: Mary Hildebrandt & Barb Cramer Nominations: Dorothy Weisser, Elizabeth Goodart, Nancy Renner, Vicky Persson, Lori Jorenby (advisor) Literacy Chair: Sally Hillner Newsletter Editor: Lucille Birkholtz Registrar: Mary Abraham Secretary's Report of the 2007 synodical gathering was approved and placed on file. Treasurer's Report and Audit Review: Mary Abraham reported that a compilation of the financial state- ments of South Dakota Women of the ELCA was conducted by Quam & Berlin, Certified Public Accountants, SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 9 and as of January 31, 2008, the year ending balance was $6,349.47, which represents an increase of $3,464.20 between what was projected in the budget and the actual year end. Report was placed on file. Mary presented the 2009 (February 1, 2008 to January 31, 2009) budget of $66,350.00. Motion by Mary Abra- ham to approve the budget for FY 2009. Seconded and carried. Lori Jorenby presented the nominating committee report. Ballot for election of officers and committees: Vice President: Karen Lindgren (Southeastern) and Margene Thompson (Prairie Rivers) Secretary: Kathy Heffernan (Northern Plains) and Carol Hines (Bear Butte) Members at Large: Diane Culver (Medary), Karen Dimick (Prairie Rivers), Louise Jones (Southeastern), and Janet Mattison (Bear Butte) *Nominating Committee: Julaine Busch (Prairie Coteau), Carmel Hyde (Northern Plains), Lori Jorenby (Medary), and Dorothy Weisser (Medary) Old Business: Vivian Westgard reminded delegates that a resolution from the 2006 synodical convention pledged $150,000 over a 5 year period to Answer the Call and that a resolution from 2007 convention pledged $200,000 over 3 years for Joy Ranch Kitchen. Marcia Heinje reported that Lutheran World Relief especially needs health kits right now. Erika Lehman also reported that LWR needs quilts, school kits and layettes, and all items should be sent immediately rather than waiting until October. Marcia will send information to conference Mission Action chairwomen. Elayne Lande reminded the delegates of the Safe Water and Commercial Sexual Exploitation resolutions from 2007. Verdelle Anderson announced that Betsy Mclntyre has withdrawn as a Triennial delegate and that first alter- nate Nancy Renner has accepted the commission. New Business: Lucille Birkholtz updated the delegates on a website for the synodical newsletter. After speaking with Bishop Zellmer, the newsletter will be accessed from the South Dakota Synod website. Verdelle Anderson introduced Bishop Zellmer, who spoke about a synod request to move the synodical convention. Beginning in 2010, for various reasons, the synod assembly will be moved to the second weekend in June, which thus far has been reserved for the synodical (women's) convention. Motion by Karla Gnirk that the synod assembly should take precedence over synodical (women's) convention, seconded and carried. The synodical board will discuss this and plan accordingly. Lori Jorenby presented the elections report. Vice President: Margene Thompson (Prairie Rivers) Secretary: Kathy Heffernan (Northern Plains) Members at Large: Karen Dimick (Prairie Rivers) and Janet Mattison (Bear Butte) Nominating Committee: Carmel Hyde (Northern Plains) and Lori Jorenby (Medary) Kathy Schnierle, churchwide representative, delivered the keynote address. Dorla Verhey, on behalf of Prairie Rivers Conference, extended an invitation to the 2009 Synodical Conven- tion to be held at First Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Kathy Schnierle recognized the outgoing board officers, installed the new officers, commissioned Triennial delegates, and affirmed the installation of the continuing officers. Mission Partners were invited to speak: Joann Conroy (Woyotan), Neil Sorensen and Karen Krause (Lutherans Outdoors) reported that as of June 13, 2008, $4,163,000 towards LO's goal of $5,000,000 had been received in cash and pledges. Beth Massa (Lutheran Social Services), Lutheran Campus Ministry, Erika Lehman (ELCA Hunger Appeal), Family Connections, Mardella Bieber (Today's Dream, Tomorrow's Reality), Answer the Call 11:45 a.m. Motion by Susan Everson, seconded and carried to adjourn the meeting. Verdelle Anderson closed the convention with a devotion about "eight gifts that don't cost a cent": Listening, Affection, Laughter, Written Note, Compliment, A Favor, Solitude, Cheerful Disposition. Elayne Lande Synodical Secretary Page 10 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION

CHURCHWIDE EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER

Kristine (Kris) Brugamyer

Executive Board Member, 2008–2011 Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Kristine (Kris) Brugamyer was elected to churchwide executive board of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in July 2008. She serves on the program and communication committee. Kris has been involved in Women of the ELCA since 1990. She has attended five Triennial Conventions, serving as a delegate four times. Kris most recently served two terms as president of the Western North Dakota Synodical Women‟s Organization. Within this organization, she has also held the positions of vice president, secretary, and coordinator. In her local unit Kris has served as president and as circle president. Kris is a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dickinson, North Dakota. She currently serves on the worship and music committee as well as the banner committee and is president of the altar guild. Kris also volunteers as an assisting minister and cantor. Addi- tionally, she serves on the Western North Dakota Synod‟s standing committee for assembly planning. Kris grew up in Montevideo, Minnesota, but has lived in Dickinson since marrying Don in 1988. Don, a former American Lutheran Church pastor turned wheat farmer, is in the proc- ess of retiring. Kris, a former elementary school teacher, student taught at an international girls‟ school in Tokyo, Japan. She also taught seventh-grade conversational English in Tokyo after complet- ing her student-teaching requirements. Other teaching assignments included teaching upper elementary grades at an American school on a mission station in Cameroon (Africa) run by the ALC and stateside in both Duluth, Minnesota, and in Dickinson. She enjoys taking walks with her husband, cooking, music, and quiet time at home with her computer. She and her husband enjoy traveling and learning about different places. She also enjoys spending time with her five fast-growing nieces and nephews. SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 11

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SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA Page 17 Missions Accomplished in 2008 Marcia Heinje & Vivian Westgaard

These are the totals that I received this year from the conferences. Southeastern Conference had 100% of their churches reporting (That is SUPER!) And Prairie Rivers was only short 5 of 27 (Great Job!) We had a large percent of the churches reporting from all of the conferences except one. Once again the women are to be com- mended for their generosity as the numbers that came in are large. 1. Money donated outside your congregations-$331481. total Thankoffering - $49,140 Missionary Support - $35,806 World Hunger - $18,635 Other Hunger Ministries - $26,776 Lutheran Outdoors - $35,640 Other Bible Camps - $7704 Lutheran Social Services - $13,047 LSS Capital Campaign - $600 Heartland Ephpatha - $3095 Lutheran World Relief - $12,494 Prison Ministries - $14,185 Nursing Homes - $8392 Bible Ministries -$1812 Global Health Ministries - $3399 Radio and TV Ministries- $14,054 Women's Shelters - $8483 Children's Homes/Hospitals - $5112 Native American Ministries - $4885 Local Social Services - $9684 Disaster Relief - $2585 Campus Ministries - $19,204 Answer The Call – $14,421 Joy Ranch Kitchen – $22, 326 2. Money Spent in your congregation - $644,178 total SS or VBS - $32,060 Church Library - $6865 Bibles or Devotional Material - $15,319 Quilting Group - $25.909 Congregational Needs - $149,866 Congregational Budget - $315,536 Kitchen Supplies - $47,597 Other - $51.027 The amount listed for congregational budget was very large. This is supposed to be the amount given by the WELCA units and hopefully this is what this figure indicates 3. Lutheran World Relief Support Regular Quilts – 12,202 Blankets – 617 Health Kits – 1867 School Kits – 4194 "I Can Sew" Kits – 753 Layettes – 2081 Bars of New Soap – 2234 Sewing Material – 266+ yards 4. 5134 Quilts sent other than LWR (with LWR the total quilts was 17336) Number of baby or youth quilts to ABC Quilts or Project Linus – 794 1479 baby quilts were given to baptized members, children's shelters, auctions, hospitals, local individuals, Woodfield, Contact Center, Salvation Army, St. Francis House, Childrens' Inn, Ronald McDonald House, Yankton Care Center, Tree of Life Ministry, Pineridge, Rosebud, Yankton Health Program, Womens' Shelters, Dakota House, New Beginnings, SD Social Services, Habitat for Humanities, Safe Harbor, Drug Centers, Family Connections and many more places. 2861 regular sized quilts were given to reservations, ill in Nursing Homes and Assisted Livings, Salva- tions Army, Safehouses, Veteran's homes, Lutheran Outdoors, Red Cross, Missions, needy, Social Services, camps, Abbott House, Orphan Grain Train, benefits, auctions, women's shelters, bazaars, fire victims, NE Mental Health, Aberdeen Adjustment Training Center, Woyatan, Family Crisis Center, Good Samaritan Cen- ter, high school graduates, McCrossan, Heartland House, St. Francis House, Good Shepherd Center, Mexico Page 18 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION

Mission, Star Academy, Mary's Place in Minneapolis, New Beginnings Center, Young Encounter, Union Gos- pel Mission, local private needy individuals, Life Quest, Love Feast, and MANY OTHERS. 5. Lutheran Social Services Support In addition to the money you reported you also gave quilts, bedding and other items, Memorial gifts, flood buckets, clothing gifts to foreign missions 20 churches prepared refugee boxes 6. Support to the Hungry 62 churches delivered meals on wheels 135 churches supported their local food pantry 74 churches served or assisted in homeless shelters such as the Banquet in Sioux Falls 143 letters were written to Congress on Hunger Issues 7. Camping Support 94 quilts were sent to the quilt auction 1289 youth sponsorships were given for camps An additional $593 in support was reported here 8. Global Health Ministries Support 662 Midwife Kits were made 1482 pounds of bandages 191 Hospice Kits 90 baby caps 18 used pillow cases 94 bed sheets 51 quilts 4 boxes sheets and pillowcases 9. Support to Children 35 groups supported the Children's Inn in Sioux Falls 47 groups gave School kits or school supplies locally 8 groups gave or sent layettes other than LWR 13 groups supported McCrossan Boys Ranch with quilts, money, soup labels 10. Support to People in Need 229 blankets were sent to local families, Union Gospel Mission, Rosebud Reservation, Horse Creek, nursing homes 3994 pounds of clothing 136 health kits to safe house, daycares or Haiti 69 groups supported women in Crisis Centers 6 groups did local literacy work 34 groups visited jails or the penitentiary Many health care products sent to shelters 680 prayer shawls 11. Support of Elderly of Nursing Homes 445 Lap Robes 76 Bibs 98 groups do Nursing Home visitation, parties, gifts, etc. 12. Support in our Own Congregations 40 groups made banners 128 groups have prayer chains Funerals are served by 133 WELCA groups and by the Congregation in 60 more churches 128 groups send cards to ill, bereaved, etc. 13. Miscellaneous 88 groups saved Campbell Soup labels and or coupons 28 groups saved old greeting cards . 80 groups saved aluminum pop can tabs for Ronald McDonald house 54 groups saved eye glasses 71 groups saved postage stamps SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 19

Stamps were sent to Bethel, St. Bridget School in Loves Park, Ill; Mosaic Foundation in Omaha Ne; Sons of Norway; Axtel in Ne. for mentally and physicals disturbed children; Stamp Camp USA at 117 Court SE, Suite A, in Elkland, PA 16920 ( I pass this on as there are always questions about where stamps can be sent. These places came from Northern Plains Conference. I am sure many stamps were sent to the addresses given out before) 14. Projects promoting "Women and Children in Poverty" Food to Salvation Army, clothing for local concerns, Angel Tree, Good Sam-food and clothing, Family Crisis Center, warm winter clothing to children in need, rummage sale items to Salvation Army, Christmas gifts for Indian reservations, money to Mesae Girls School in Tanzania, donations to the banquet, quilts to girls leaving Abbott House, quilts to people with unexpected emergencies such as fires/tornadoes, support to women's shelters with money and items, gifts to county Social Services, supported the weaving-house project in Comotoncilla, Guatemala The list is endless. 15. Other projects: There were many many worthwhile projects-Below are a few: Held Advent Tea, giving of prayer books and gifts to confirmants and high school graduates, Christmas gifts for Yankton Human Services and for shut ins, family nights and meals, wedding devotionals to newlyweds, baptismal remembrances to baptized, support of scholarship funds, collecting of cell phones, valentines and Easter cards to elderly and shut ins, various serving opportunities, monthly love gifts to Union Gospel Mis- sion, adopt a grandmother at nursing home, Hospice Support, Pre Lent Tea, purchasing of supplies for churches, used blue jeans and shirts for New Beginnings Center, Thrift Shop volunteering and donations, Prison Angel Tree, Christmas Mitten trees, rummage sales, donations to Operations Boot Strap, Bella Preg- nancy Center Support, Artamis House support, support to Day Cares and youth in Custer, treats to new members, "Parents as Teachers", support of Ronald McDonald House, knit caps to Contact Center, 113 stocking caps made for Goodwill and local needy, quilts and clothing to Dakota Boys Ranch, poinsettas to elderly and shut-ins, save store receipts, adopt a grandmother and birthday parties for people over 80, Christmas Day pot- luck for those without families, school kits for Franklin Graham, Christmas cards to prisoner. This is a partial list of the many worthwhile projects being completed by the Women of the ELCA.

THE LIST OF THE MANY PROJECTS DONE ACROSS THE STATE IS HUGE. MAY YOU EACH BE BLESSED FOR THE TIME AND LOVE YOU GIVE TO OTHERS. I WANT TO COMMEND THE CONFERENCE MISSION ACTION COORDINATORS FOR THE EXCELLENT JOB OF COMPILING INFORMATION IT IS A VERY TIME CONSUMING JOB AS THERE ARE MANY FIGURES TO ADD UP THIS IS OUR LAST REPORT AND IT HAS BEEN GREAT TO WORK WITH EACH OF YOU

THANK YOU TO EACH ONE OF YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY IN TIME, TALENT AND TREASURES Page 20 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION

AWARENESS GROUP PRESENTORS We have 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and enjoy the many activities in which they participate! I enjoy being Focus Event: “The Cycle of Socialization” outdoors, love flowers- especially lilies, and I enjoy Mardella Bieber, St Paul ELCA, Bowdle every aspect of the projects and fellowship of Women Margene Thompson, Storla ELCA Storla of the ELCA! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Margene and Mardella are members of the Church- Focus Event: “Called to a Global Perspective” wide Women of the ELCA Today’s Dream: To- Kris Brugamyer, morrow’s Reality (TDTR) team. As TDTR edu- cators it is their goal to encourage Women of the Our national WELCA board representative will share ELCA to become a truly diverse and anti-racist organization. with us the work and ministry that the national Mardella joined the team in 1999 with training in WELCA is involved with in countries outside of the Chicago, followed by other training in Minneapolis, United States. This is your opportunity to hear about Salt Lake City, Kansas City and Rocky Boy Indian this ministry and also ask questions or concerns you Reservation in Montana. She has presented TDTR may have. Kris is with us to communicate with our informational sessions at various conference and national organization. Synodical events. Margene received her initial ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ training in Savannah in 2007. Together they have presented a full day workshop in Aberdeen and Focus Event: “Safe House of Mitchell”: A repre- some diversity training to grades K-12 in the Kim- sentative from Safe House ball School. Their workshop is focused mostly on diversity in Will tell about the work here in Mitchell and in sur- general with a brief look at how cultural values re- rounding areas assisting families suffering from late to racism specifically. abuse. They will explain their involvement and how ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ their facility is a safe haven for these families to come Focus Event: ”It‟s not about what you lose. It‟s about what you gain!” Parish Nurse, Lori Jorenby to and then receive the assistance they need. The synodical board visited this home last January and com- We will have fun talking about dietary guidelines, mend them on the wonderful work they do in this com- exercise guidelines, common myths and secrets to munity. living longer! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We will learn to make smart choices from every food group, get the most nutrition out of your calo- If you would like to receive the Synodical Newsletter ries, and find the right balance between food and by physical activity. A quiz we will take together helps us learn which habits we can change now to e-mail/internet, please send an e-mail to Lucille at start improving living a longer, healthier life! You [email protected]. You will receive your copy in might be surprised by how seemingly unimportant PDF form which is a universal format that most all everyday habits, or circumstances in your past, can people can open. You need „Adobe Reader‟ which influence how long and how well we live today! is free, I will put an address for it the e-mail when I Personal: Lori (Delores) Jorenby, RN. I have send the newsletter to you. Lucille worked for the South Dakota State Health Depart- (Please don‟t give me your e-mail address at the con- ment, served 3 area nursing homes as Director of Nursing and Staff Development and am currently vention, it is too easy to get it wrong.) working as Parish Nurse for Leganger Lutheran Church, Toronto, South Dakota. Cliff and I have been married for 43 years. We farm with our son, Mark, near Toronto and Brookings, South Dakota. SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 21

South Dakota Synodical Nominee for Mission: Community Women of the ELCA 2009 Grace M Wangberg Conference: Medary P.O Box 64, Sinai, South Dakota 57061 Vitae: Church: Sinai Lutheran Church Nominee for President Age: 65+ PH: 605-826-4382 e-mail [email protected] Verdelle F. Anderson Conference: Medary 528 West Lake Dr., Lake Norden, SD 57248 Currently serving: Co-President Sinai Women of the Church: St. Paul‟s Lutheran, Clear Lake ELCA; Library committee; Thrivent Habitat for Human- Age: 65+ Telephone # 605-785-2190 ity Congregational representative e-mail [email protected] Previous experience: Medary Conference Mission: Ac- tion-4 yrs. Local-past pres. of women of the ELCA for 4 Currently serving: President, South Dakota Syn- yrs. @ Woonsocket. Secretary of Sinai Women of odical Women of the ELCA; Deuel County ELCA and Secretary of Congregation. Thrivent Treasurer; St. Paul‟s Endowment Com- Community Service: Hostess Committee for Brookings mittee; Women of the ELCA Mission: Growth Home Economics Alumni and Hostess chair on June 13, Chairman St. Paul‟s Women of the ELCA. 2009 in Brookings-Publicity Chair. youth Children Pro- Past Experience: Medary Conference Women of grams in Sinai and Sinai American Legion Auxiliary. the ELCA treasurer; St. Paul‟ church council presi- Arbor Day children‟s contest publicity chair. dent, St. Paul‟s Women of the ELCA President; Sunday School teacher, youth advisor, Resource Development director and advisory board for Deuel County Good Samaritan Center, Thrivent Nominee for Mission: Growth Financial for Lutherans associate. Community Service: Clear Lake Community Club Ardith McFarland Conference: Bear Butte member and past officer; Hospital and Home 21546 Ricard Rd Sturgis , SD 57785 Auxiliary, past Deuel Booster Club member and Church: Grace Lutheran Church, Sturgis officer. Age: 65+ PH:605-347-3153 or 490-2525

e-mail [email protected] Nominee for Mission: Action Currently serving: Mission Growth for Grace Lutheran Karen Lindgren Conference: Southeastern rd Church Women 210 W. 3 St., Mission Hill, SD 57406 Previous experience: Vice Co-ordinator-4 yrs. & Mis- Church: Vangen Lutheran sion: Growth chairperson-4yrs for Bear Butte Confer- Age: 65+ PH: 605-665-2686 ence. Mission: Growth for Local unit 4 yrs & for circle. church council secretary; youth leader; Supt. for Wed. Currently serving: President Vangen Lutheran night Religious Education; S.S. Supt.; S.S. and VBS Women of the ELCA teacher and confirmation classes. Previous experience: VP Women of ELCA, Community Service: Member of neighborhood Bible Volga: Circle chairperson: President of Women of Study Group for almost 40 years; 4-H Leader while my the ELCA in Nebraska 5 children were participating. Farm Bureau officer and Community service: Cub Scout Leader in Ca; Cattlewomen member and now a busy Grandma of 10! PTA; Board in Ca; School classroom volunteer and volunteer with school newspaper; homework mentor at church in Volga. President of Century Club

Page 22 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION

Nominating Committee Nominees Sample Ballot for South Dakota

Arlene C. Bich Conference: Crossroads Women of the ELCA-2009 2908 S. Orchard Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 Church: First Lutheran Church, President(vote for one) Age: 65+ PH: 605-275-6891 e-mail [email protected] ____ Verdelle F. Anderson, Medary

Currently serving: Co-Chairman/secretary for Mission: ____(write-in) Community; education chairman of local circle; imme- diate past co-chairman of Women of ELCA at First Lu- Treasurer(vote for one) theran Church, Sioux Falls Previous experience: Co-V.P. and Co-President of ______(write-in) Women of the ELCA of First Lutheran Church Community Service: Volunteer for various programs at church: “Collect to Care”; Give full time respite to a ______(write-in) full-time caregiver 2 hours each week; volunteer as Au- gustana Booster; Usher and Information desk at Wash- Mission: Action (vote for one) ington Pavilion of Performing Arts. ______Karen Lindgren, Southeastern Delores Johnson Conference: Crossroads 2017 W. Johnson Place Sioux Falls, SD 57105 _____(write-in) Church: Hope Lutheran, Sioux Falls Age: 50-64 Mission: Community(vote for one

Currently serving: Co-Chair Women of Hope Church; Council member; Sanctuary Choir member; Lay reader; _____Grace Wangberg, Medary Lay Greeter. Previous experience: Lydia Circle: secretary, treasurer, _____(write-in) mission:action. Women of Hope: treasurer; Chairman Mission: Growth; nominating committee, Crossroads Mission: Growth (vote for one) Conference and SD Synodical Women of the ELCA delegate. Hope Lutheran Church: VBS volunteer, lay _____Ardith McFarland, Bear Butte reader, greeter, church council, Executive committee secretary; Synodical Church convention delegate, ______(write-in) member of sanctuary choir; Member of committees for library, worship, church „n society, hands of hope, par- Nominating Committee (vote for two) ish nurse, nominating; Sweet Adelines: treasurer, fundraiser chrman, president, nominating committee. Community service: Salvation army kettle bellringer; _____Arlene Bich, Crossroads prepare/serve meal at the Banquet and St. Francis House; CMN telethon volunteer; McKennan Hospital _____ Delores Johnson, Crossroads volunteer. _____(write-in) Nominee for Treasurer ______(write-in) None at this time. SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 23

2008-2009 Synod Officers MEMBER AT LARGE: Janet Mattison PH: 605-641-4307 E-mail: [email protected] PRESIDENT: Verdelle F. Anderson 206 Vermont Street, Spearfish, SD 57783 PH:605-785-2190 Email:[email protected] 1st year, 2st term (Bear Butte) 528 W. Lake Drive, Lake Norden, SD 57248 nd st 2 year, 1 term ( Medary) LITERACY CHAIRPERSON: Sally Hillner PH:605-692-5590 Email:[email protected] VICE-PRESIDENT:Margene Thompson, 505 Minnesota Dr., Brookings, SD 57006 PH:605-248-2444 Email:[email protected]

39141 240th St., Letcher, SD 57359 1st year, 1st term (Prairie Rivers) TODAYS’S DREAM TOMORROW’S REAL- ITY: Mardella Bieber PH:605-685-6984 E-mail:

[email protected] PO Box 266, Bowdle, SD SECRETARY: Kathy Heffernan, 57428 PH:605-324-3638 mail:[email protected] Margene Thompson: E-mail:[email protected] 39141 240th St., Letcher SD 57359 35338 153rd St., Wecota, SD 57438

1st year, 1st term (Northern Plains) NEWSLETTER: Lucille Birkholtz

PH & FAX:605-625-3765 Email:[email protected] TREASURER: Mary Abraham 42341 193rd St, Willow Lake, SD 57278 PH:605-356-2549 E-mail:[email protected]

31425 472nd Ave., Elk Point, SD 57025 2nd year, 2nd term (Southeastern) CONFERENCE COORDINATORS

MISSION ACTION: Marcia Heinje Prairie Coteau (I) Kathy Thompson PH:605-938-4142 E-mail:[email protected] 404 3rd St., Wilmot, SD 57279 46961 SD Hwy 15, Wilmot, SD 57279 PH: 605-938-4592 2nd year, 2nd term, (Prairie Coteau) Medary (II) Susan Everson 45129 189th St., Hayti, SD. 57241 MISSION GROWTH: Darlene Jervik Phone 783-3769 e-Mail [email protected]. PH:605-984-2410 E-mail:[email protected] Crossroads (III) Ann Mortenson, 48484 293rd St., Hudson, SD 57034 1025 S. Glendale Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57105 Crossroads Advisor, 2nd year, 2nd term (Southeastern) PH: 605-334-8354 Southeastern (IV) Louise Jones MISSION COMMUNITY: Vivian Westgard, PO Box 495, Wakonda, SD 57073 PH:605-882-5733 E-mail:[email protected] PH:605-267-3436 [email protected] 1340 22nd St. NE, Watertown, SD 57201 Northern Plains (V) Donna Bieber 2nd year, 2nd term (Prairie Coteau) PO Box 275, Java, 57452 PH: 605-649-6407 [email protected] MEMBER AT LARGE: Karen Dimick, Prairie Rivers (VI) Margene Thompson PH:605-726-3171E-mail: [email protected] 39141 240th St., Letcher, SD 57359 35732 270th St., Platte, SD 57369 PH:605-248-2444 [email protected] 1st year, 1st term (Prairie Rivers) Bear Butte (VII) Arla Bruch, 239 Elk Grove Trail, Newcastle, WY 82701 PH: 307-746-3046 [email protected] SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 24

June 1 report from Women of the ELCA Scholarship and Grant Committee:

Scholarship Recipient: Donna Randolph of Sioux Falls, Associate in Ministry at Sioux Falls Seminary

2009 Women of the ELCA Domestic Grant Recipients: Big Brothers & Big Sisters of the Glacial Lakes Region, Watertown, SD. Mentor Moms & Crib Program $500. Program promotes healthier pregnancies and healthier families including life style and life skills counseling, educational services and health care services. Family Connection, Sioux Falls, SD. Hospitality House for Families of Prisoners $3,000. Project pro vides shelter and support for families visiting incarcerated loved ones.

2009 Women of the ELCA International Grant Recipients: Bangladesh, Development Society: Nutrition for Women $1,000. Develops a comprehensive nutrition program to reduce malnutrition in women and children through food security, food intake, infant feeding and growing monitoring. Dominican Republic, ODEMIHF: Reproductive and Sexual Health Education for Women $1,000. Health education for women Haitian immigrants and their families. India, Arcot Lutheran Church Women‟s Fellowship Desk: Income Generating Project $1,000. Offers three income-generating programs and skills training for marginalized women coping with alcoholism and domestic violence in their homes. Israel, Israel Family Planning Association: Bridge to Communications Project $1,000. Provides communication, counseling and problem solving skills that encourage women to make informed choices about their sexual reproductive health and rights in Israel. Ghana, Dekaworwor Community Group: Malaria Project $1,000. Provides mosquito netting and medicine for pregnant women and children under the age of five to help minimize malaria related sickness and death. Kenya, Community Initiatives for Rural Development in Kenya $1,000. Project creates awareness on the dangers of FGM and promotes healthy alternative rites of passage options. Sudan, MADRE: Women Farmers Unite $1,000. Works with a women‟s farmer‟s union to enable women farmers in eastern Sudan to grow more food for their families and improve their status within their communities. Uganda, Foundation for Uganda Women Development: Hope for Mothers and Babies $1,000. Project trains traditional local birth attendants and other medical workers in basic medical labor birth skills and basic home hygiene for mothers and newborns.

For the 2009-2010 academic year, we were pleased to announce that 25 highly qualified women received a Women of the ELCA scholarship. Over $22,000 total dollars were awarded and every region had at least 2 scholarship recipients. For the 2009 granting year, we were pleased to announce that 39 non-profit organizations were awarded grants totaling $75,000 in funds. Every region had at least two domestic grant recipients and eight different countries were awarded international grants.