News for Women of the North American Lutheran Church
Fall 2015 August - October The Chair’s Corner
Hello ladies of the During our meeting connect with one Women of the North together, we did another for ministry. American Lutheran some team-building We want to hear from Church, and goal-setting for you – what your the coming year. We needs are, what your I bring you greetings had a great time – concerns are for your 2015-2016 from The Women’s lots of laughter, women’s ministry – Women’s Council Council. Your council conversation, and what you are met together at discussion, listening doing! Immanuel Lutheran and prayer. The Holy Church in Lebanon, Spirit was truly with us The Council would WI October 1-4. We as we mapped out like to take this enjoyed the our year together, all opportunity to thank wonderful fall with the vision and Brenda Boor, Beverly weather while there – purpose of the Braun, Jeanne at least three of us Women of the NALC Wallace and Kay did. Linda Brower, Pat as our guide. We are Weaver for their Dittrich and I are all very excited to work service on The Back: Pat, Sherrie from Texas, and together to provide Women’s Council Front: Pam, Amy, Jessie Not Pictured: Linda, Robbie afternoon information for and for their time and temperatures were mission and ministry commitment to the still in the 90’s when for the WNALC. WNALC. We we left. Jessie Phillips appreciate you all. hosted us for this We use this newsletter Inside this issue: meeting. Their 165 as the vehicle for this We – myself, Linda year old church is information. Brower, Pam Charas, Bishop’s Address 2 beautiful. The ladies Robbie Conley, Pat of Immanuel made us Please, as you Dittrich, Jessie Phillips Contact Info 4 delicious meals and receive it, copy and and Amy Werner – snacks – ever had share it with the look forward to Bios 5 Himmels Futter? women in your serving this coming Translated, it means congregations. Take year! We are “heavenly food.” It note of the list of committed to Mission District 8 and all the food, Mission Districts of the carrying out the vision Representatives snacks and cookies NALC and see who and purpose of the The Widow’s 9 were delicious! They your representative WNALC and look Offering gave us lodging and from the Women’s forward to working provided “taxi” Council is. If you with all the women of Mission News 12 service wherever we don’t hear from her, the NALC. went. A special contact her, be in Report of Annual 13 “thank you” to all conversation with her Blessings, and to God Gathering those ladies – and about your women’s be the glory! Pastor David! ministry. Help her get to know you and visa Sherrie Palan, Chair versa. This is how we WNALC Council News for Women of the North American Lutheran Church Page 2
Fall 2015 Bishop’s Address to WNALC Annual Gathering
Thank you for this parents? Jesus says it is blind. They want to know invitation to be with you. not a matter of sin but what they think about Thank you for your faithful that the works of God Jesus. They are afraid work and ministry. might be displayed in and tell them to ask their him! This man was living son. If you acknowledged In Luke’s gospel it is the in darkness, but the light Jesus as the Messiah you women who are the first from above was about would be put out of the to receive the good to shine on him. Without synagogue. So the news of the resurrection. the light of Jesus Pharisees brought him in The angels ask, “Why do presence we cannot again, telling him to give you look for the living work. Without Jesus glory to God by telling among the dead? He is there is only darkness. the truth. They contend not here; he has risen!” Jesus professes that he is they already know the The angels encouraged the light of the world. truth and they accuse Bishop John Bradosky them to remember Jesus Jesus of being a sinner. Reelected for 4 more years words. “The Son of Man Jesus has compassion on The man is strong and must be delivered over the man and then he deliberate in his position. to the hands of sinners, takes action to heal him. One thing I know I was
30 be crucified and on the He spits on the ground, blind and now I see. ”The man answered, third day be raised makes mud and puts it “Now that is remarkable! again.” And they did. on the man’s eyes. He Their doubt turns into The women are the first tells him to go and wash more questions trying to You don’t know where he to proclaim the good in the pool of Siloam and ridicule both this man comes from, yet he news to the eleven. They the many obeys, that is, and Jesus. What did he are the first evangelists. he believes in Jesus. And do to you? How did he 31 opened my eyes. We The women believed he went home seeing for open your eyes? The know that God does not and the men doubted. the first time in his life, he man sees through their When Peter went to the can see. Can you questions, their rejection listen to sinners. He tomb scripture says he imagine? of Jesus. And he is even listens to the godly person left wondering what more firm in his happened. It is important People start asking him conviction, I have told who does his will. to remember that what happened, how you and would not listen.
32 women of faith have can you see? And he Why do you want to hear Nobody has ever heard always played an told them about Jesus. it again? Do you want to of opening the eyes of a important role in the He is a witness, who become his disciples too?
33 proclamation of the quickly becomes an They hurl insults at him. man born blind. If this Gospel. evangelist. The Pharisees You are his disciple. We man were not from haul him in to hear his are disciples of Moses… The text that you have story and to undermine we don’t know where this God, he could do chosen as the theme for Jesus saying he cannot man came from? nothing.” 34 To this they your gathering is one of be from God because my favorite but it must be he healed on the Now look at the power of replied, “You were seen in the context of the Sabbath. Some said how this man’s testimony. It is steeped in sin at larger story that could any one do such bold and it had to be consumes the entire 9th an amazing thing apart nothing less than the Holy birth; how dare you chapter of the book of from God? So they Spirit giving him the words lecture us!” And they John. It is a teaching asked the man what he to speak. (Read John 9: moment for Jesus. His thought. He said Jesus 30-34) threw him out.” disciples see a man born had to be a prophet. blind and want to know The Pharisees bring in his After he is thrown out John 9:30-34- why he was blind. Was it parents to be sure that Jesus comes to the man. his sin or the sin of his he was actually born (Continued on page 3) Page 3 News for Women of the North American Lutheran Church Fall 2015 Bishop’s Address to WNALC Annual Gathering, Continued
(Continued from page 2) 5. Be ready to face difference Jesus is evangelists. He tells him that He is the rejection, insults and making in their life 7. Never become so Son of Man, the savior, ridicule (We need one 2. Study what the caught up in the messiah. And the another for support, scripture and organization that it man believes in Jesus nurturing and care.) confessions teach us replaces the mission. and worshipped Him. 6. Have compassion on about who Jesus is. The That is the sure sign of a Then Jesus said I have others as Jesus had most important dying church, when come into the world so compassion on this question you can ever simply surviving that the blind will see man born blind. Jesus answer is the one Jesus becomes the mission. and those who see will didn’t see him as one asked his disciples, who Having said that, I also become blind. Spiritual who was just a do you say that I am? want to remind you that blindness can hit any one worthless sinner. Jesus 3. In your ministry go to you will need to have of us. When we move saw a person who places where a witness sufficient organization away from Jesus and could have a profound is needed where there and structures that keep think that we can see witness and make a are blind people and you focused on apart from Him we difference in the lives speak to them, touch accomplishing Christ’s become blind. But when of many others. their lives with the mission of making we turn to Jesus the light 7. Avoid spiritual powerful love of Jesus. disciples. Remember comes on and then we blindness. We are the Remind one another to that is what the blind truly see because He is Body of Christ, not an trust in the work of the man became, a disciple the light. organization or an Holy Spirit to do of Jesus, follower of institution. We are a amazing things when Christ. In order to make The implications for movement. If we fail to you make yourself the Women of the NALC ministry are many here. let Jesus lead and think available to Him. a vital part of the mission To be laborers in the the strength of what 4. Keep your focus on of the Church you must harvest we need to be we are about will Jesus in all your work. each take personal like this man who was come from us we will This is not about you. It responsibility for its work, born blind. be among those who is not about gender. It its purpose and its 1. We must have our own become blind. We is about Jesus. There mission. You cannot wait story to tell of the have left the past for are no agendas in for someone else to do difference Jesus has this very reason. Let us Jesus. There is only that for you and then made in our life. “I was never return. Jesus. decide if you want to blind but now I see.” 5. In the midst of stay with it. This blind 2. We must be certain in Given those seven difficulties… and they man took personal our conviction of who realities let me suggest are sure to come. responsibility for Jesus is. (The Son of ways you can equip one Offer support and care proclaiming Christ. No Man, Savior, Messiah, another for the harvest. to one another. The one had to ask or Lord of all, etc) (By the way, the harvest battle should not be demand it. He just did it! 3. Be bold and is all about reaching within the church but It came as a response to unrelenting in your those who are blind and with those overcome what he received from witness trusting in the in desperate need to by the blindness of life Jesus. So may it be with Holy Spirit to give you see! And they are all without Christ. each one of you that the words to speak (We you will find a way to around us!) Whenever 6. Have compassion that have become much invest yourself in this you come together in for motives you to action. too quiet and important mission and any meeting no matter Local mission, national accepting) equip others to also be what other business you mission, international laborers for the harvest! 4. Keep the focus on need to conduct make mission have always
Jesus in your sure you include the been on the hearts of In the name of Jesus, proclamation. It is following: faithful women in Amen. Jesus they most need 1. Encourage people to Christ. Remember Bishop John Bradosky to know! tell their stories of the your identity as the first News for Women of the North American Lutheran Church Page 4
Fall 2015 2015 - 2016 Women’s Council
Sherrie Palan, Chair 133 Lauren Court La Vernia, TX 78121 830-660-0446 [email protected] Pam Charas 5624 Mark Dale Drive Linda Brower, Dayton, OH 45459 Vice Chair 937-434-0993 310 Cedar Circle [email protected] Brenham, TX 77833 979-203-6828 [email protected] Jessie Phillips N562 County Road R Watertown, WI 53098 Pat Dittrich, Secretary 920-285-1558 PO Box 341 [email protected] Orchard, TX 77464 713-254-0044 [email protected] Amy Werner 331 Hill Churches Road Latrobe, PA 15650 724-244-4242 Robbie Conley, [email protected] Treasurer
8307 Scott Road Hubbard Lake, MI 49747 210-347-2417
[email protected] Page 5 News for Women of the North American Lutheran Church
Sherrie Palan, Chair Fall 2015
I’m Sherrie Palan, and a stay-at-home mom teacher, directing with family and friends, have been a member for 15 years, I also Christmas programs and we love spoiling of the WNALC cared for other and Vacation Bible our grandchildren! I Women’s Council children, and did School, and have love serving the Lord since August 2012. I after-school care. I served on many and spending time am a native Texan, began work as a committees within the with my church family, was born and raised church secretary when church. I love singing and I am honored to in Austin. I am the my youngest was two and playing handbells. be serving Women of second oldest of five years old, and have the NALC. I look children, the only girl. been doing that for I love to sew (when I forward to my time as 20+ years now, can find the time), your Chair and finding I am married to Bob currently working in our spending time doing ways to serve the Lord Palan, a pastor who is church, yes, with my yard work, taking day together in mission and originally from husband! trips and spending time ministry. Fairbault, MN. We have been married for 13 We moved to La years. Together we Vernia, Texas, a small Send in your stories, have six children – I town outside of San have one daughter Antonio, when my pictures, blogs, or and four sons and Bob husband took a call has one son. We at Immanuel Lutheran events have four Church. We have granddaughters, ages been here for 13 years Please send your stories, pictures, blogs, or 2, 5, 13 and 17, and and love it! I have been two new grandsons active in the church as event information to Lane Magera, editor at born in January and a Sunday school [email protected] by December 1, 2015 July 2015. While being teacher, Confirmation for inclusion in the next edition of News for Linda Brower, Vice Chair Women of the North American Lutheran Church. Photos included in this newsletter are Linda is married, for She is currently serving over 47 years, to Kris St. Matthew and the the property of the article’s subjects. Please Brower who is pastor of Brenham community contact them for permission to reuse. St. Matthew Lutheran in by: Brenham, TX. She has serving as secretary 3 children, and program chair 6 grandchildren, for Women of St. Linda has worn many Church leader 2 great-grandchildren Matthew hats over the years to former Mary Kay and all live in TX. writing church include: Consultant newsletter Stephen Ministry She enjoys reading, She along with Kris, is teaching Sunday Leader (started necessary gardening, originally from Indiana morning adult Bible Stephen Ministry in 3 and a little macramé in but they’ve lived in a study churches) her spare time. lot of different places serving on church weekday adult over the years, like a building committee Bible study leader She is now blessed to year in Germany, 4 membership in the (on prayer, spiritual serve on the WNALC years in NM, 4 years in Washington County gifts, caregiving, Council in hopes of TN, 15 years in IL, as well TEEA etc.) meeting the needs of as 19 years in TX with a helping as liaison former chair of all the women in our few other stops in with Miracle Farm Evangelism NALC congregations— between. (local school for Committee thank you for the boys) former Children’s opportunity!
News for Women of the North American Lutheran Church Page 6 Pat Dittrich, Secretary Fall 2015
My name is Patricia junior college and went public library for a to God! God is Dittrich (call me Pat) on to get my bachelor couple of years and definitely at work here! and I am the current of library science then became manager The volunteer work recording secretary for degree at Texas of a small branch library doesn’t end with the WNALC Women’s Women’s University. In in Needville, Texas summer; Camp Council. I was born and the meantime, Michael where I spent the next Lutherhill also has an lived on the south side had joined the army 20 years. active retreat season of Houston, Texas. I was and was stationed in and offers meeting an only child, and no, I Germany at the time The time came and space & activities for all was not spoiled! My we got married. We Michael retired first and kinds of groups. mom was raised got married in our then I retired in 2012. Lutheran so we home church at Peace We have been on the Through the years at attended a Lutheran and a week later we go ever since! We our church I have been church where I was flew back to Germany spend a lot of time active in the youth baptized and had 1st where we had a 2 year volunteering at a programs, church communion. I was honeymoon courtesy of Lutheran Church camp council, special active in the children’s Uncle Sam. (At least outside of La Grange, committees and more. choir and was an that’s what we tell TX (Yeah Lutherhill!). After retirement I acolyte. When I was 13 people!). Both Michael and I became active in the we moved to remembered how Quilting group, choir Richmond, TX, a small After a posting at Fort much fun we had and and the ladies’ bible town about 30 miles Drum, New York (so how much stronger our study circle. Currently I south west of Houston. much snow!!) and Ft faith became because am the secretary for our When looking for a Hood, Texas, we of church camp. Most church’s women’s church to join, we decided to try civilian of the time I volunteer in group. I encourage decided on Peace life back home. We the office and Michael everyone whether they Lutheran Church in found 5 acres and built helps the maintenance are a delegate or not Rosenberg. This is a house close to the guy. We also help out to attend an NALC where I was confirmed really small town of in the kitchen by Convocation and of and also had the joy of Orchard, TX. Population washing piles of dishes! course the Women’s meeting my husband, is 360 counting people, The best part is getting Annual Meeting! You Michael, when we were dogs, cats, chickens & to attend the worship get to meet people in junior high. I was cows! We travel the 10 services. It fills me with from all walks of life who active in Luther League minutes to Rosenberg hope for the world to live and breathe the and the music group. for shopping and of see over 100 kids on same faith in our Lord & During this time I also course, our home their feet, raising the Savior! It is going to be attended church camp church at Peace. roof with singing praises an exciting year!! for four summers which That is when our son had a great impact on Russell was born and my faith life. as luck would have it, he is an only child too - After graduation from and not spoiled either! high school, I attended I worked at the county
Robbie Conley, Treasurer
Bio to come in next edition.
Pam Charas
Bio to come in next edition. Page 7 News for Women of the North American Lutheran Church
Jessie Phillips Fall 2015
I was born in Tokyo, Marietta, OH (Assoc. making life-long friends, Block, sole proprietor Japan in 1954 to an Degree in Applied and the list never ends. (children’s clothing Army career Science). I lived in store), medical serviceman (Carlos B. Southeastern Ohio until I am mother of two receptionist/billing Lawrence) and his 2005 when I married my daughters (Jennifer and specialist for two Family Japanese wife (Shizuko husband, David Phillips, Kristina) and a son (Levi) Practitioners, librarian/ Otsuta who changed and we moved to and Step-Mother of unit secretary/TMP case her name to Rose after Michigan. In 2011, three stepsons manager for the Ohio she received her David was called to (Michael, Stephen, and Department of citizenship). I am the Immanuel Lutheran John) and a Rehabilitation and eldest of four children Church of Lebanon, stepdaughter Correction, medical (twin brothers and a Wisconsin. David has (Meghanne). I have receptionist for two sister). I have lived in been a pastor for 31 two granddaughters ophthalmologist in several different states years (first as an United (Sydney and Khepri) Michigan, art/craft and countries (Japan, Methodist and now and two grandsons teacher at Lebanon Germany, NC, and VA) NALC Lutheran). I am a (Tate and Ronin). Lutheran School and at until 1967 when my member of the All live in Ohio with the present a daycare father retired from the Outreach Committee exception of my son teacher (infant room) Army. and Hand-bell Choir (MI), stepson (NY) and at Early Childhood besides participating in stepdaughter (IL). Center of Lebanon. In 1972, I graduated all the great things a from Caldwell High pastor’s wife gets the My previous My hobbies include School, Caldwell, OH privilege to do like employment starting knitting, crocheting, and in 2005, I women’s bible study, from high school: quilting, needlework, graduated from children's church, cashier, bookkeeper, reading, and Washington State missions, baby sitting librarian asst., tax volunteering. Community College, parishioners’ children, preparer for H & R Amy Werner
I grew up in the I am an active member the choir and recognized as group outskirts of Erie, of St. Paul Lutheran participate in the bell leader of the year for Pennsylvania. I Church, Latrobe choir. the Columbus event in graduated Edinboro (Trauger) PA. I serve as 2015. University with a a Sunday school I am a group leader degree in Elementary teacher, Vice-President who organizes trips to Since being elected in Education. I currently of the congregation’s annual Women of Faith 2014, I serve on the work as a personal women’s group, sing in Conferences. I was Board for the WNALC’S care assistant working Mid-Northeast Mission with special needs District. students at Clelian Heights School. I am married to Pastor Mark Werner. We have one son, Jordan. WNALC Mission District Representatives 2015-2016 LINDA BROWER SHERRIE PALAN 310 Cedar Circle, Brenham, TX 77833 133 Lauren Court, La Vernia TX 78121 979.203.6828 830-660-0446 [email protected] [email protected]
Heartland Mission District (13) Great Plains Mission District (14) Indiana and Kentucky Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska & Oklahoma
Iowa Mission District (35) North Texas Mission District (5) Iowa TX (north)
Mid-South Mission District (8) Sonshine Mission District of Florida (5) AL, AR, FL panhandle, GA, MS, and TN Florida (except panhandle area)
South Texas Mission District (25) PAM CHARAS TX (south) and LA 5624 Mark Dale Drive, Dayton, OH 45459 937.434.0993 Virginia (5) [email protected] Virginia
Ohio Mission District (54) JESSIE PHILLIPS Ohio (5 Regions) N562 County Road R, Watertown WI 53098
920.285.1558 ROBBIE CONLEY [email protected] 8307 Scott Road, Hubbard Lake, MI 49747 210.347.2417 Caribbean and Hispanic Mission District (3) [email protected] Caribbean and Hispanic Ministries
Canada Mission District (22) Central Pacific Mission District (4) Canada Northern CA and Northern NV
Great River Mission District (19) Minkota Mission District (16) Illinois MN and eastern ND
Michigan Mission District (8) Northwest Mission District (6) Michigan (Lower Peninsula) AK, ID, OR, and WA
Southwest Pacific Mission District (8) Rocky Mountain Mission District (4) AZ, southern CA, HI, and southern NV CO, NM, UT, and corner of TX below NM
Western Dakotas, Montana, and Wyoming Mission PAT DITTRICH District (5) PO Box 341, Orchard, TX 74464 Western Dakotas, MT, and WY 713.254.0044 [email protected] Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (18) WI and Upper MI Carolinas Mission District (41)
North and South Carolinas AMY WERNER Eastern South Dakota Mission District (16) 331 Hill Churches Road, Latrobe, PA 15650 Eastern South Dakota 724.244.4242 [email protected]
Atlantic Mission District (27) CT, DE, ME, MD (east), MA, NH, NJ,NY (east), PA (east),RI,VT, DC
Mid-Northeast Mission District (32) Western MD, western NY, western PA and WV Page 9 News for Women of the North American Lutheran Church
The Widow's Offering Fall 2015
MARK 12:41-44 I remember when I was car seats, in the 41 young, my father would washer, and other And Jesus sat always tell me to watch places you might find down opposite the my pennies, and then loose change and save treasury and the rest will follow. those coins for the WNALC Missions. watched the people Nowadays, pennies putting money don’t go very far and An extremely important are almost never used. element in any of our into the offering So, how about my giving must include box. Many rich dimes or other coins. If that we “PRAY for you are like me, my missions, PRAISE God for people put in large change is usually put in the work that He is sums. 42 And a a piggy bank and accomplishing, and given to one of our GIVE THANKS with your poor widow came church’s missions during offering to help further and put in two our “Noisy Offering God’s kingdom on small copper coins, Sunday”. earth. which make a The Mission Support Label and deposit slip penny. 43 And he Committee of the templates are Women of the North available through our called his disciples American Lutheran website and to him and said Church (WNALC) has newsletters. another idea for that to them, “Truly, I “loose change” around Blessings to all in your say to you, this your house. During our service to Christ, August Convocation in poor widow has Texas, we handed out Jessie Phillips bottles of water to be WNALC Council put in more recycled as a “The than all those Widow’s Offering Bank”. A 16.9 oz. bottle who are of water will hold $90 worth of dimes. We are contributing to hoping that by next the offering box. June (2016), when 44 these bottles of dimes For they all or other coins are deposited into our contributed out account, we will have of their accumulated enough to support our missions abundance, but for that year. You will she out of her be surprised how quickly that bottle will poverty has put fill up and how little effort it will take. So, in everything look under those couch she had, all she cushions, in those jean pockets, empty purses had to live on.” in your closet, under
THE WOMEN OF THE Connecting with our Sisters in Christ to Share God’s Love Mission Donation Deposit Slip
Donor’s Information
Individual Church Mission District Group Other
Name: ______
Address: ______
______
Donation Amount
Amount of Donation: ______
Please make checks payable to Women of the NALC and note “Mission Donation” on the memo line. Send to: Women of the NALC, 2299 Palmer Drive Suite 220, New Brighton, MN 55112 -2202
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THE WOMEN OF THE Connecting with our Sisters in Christ to Share God’s Love Mission Donation Deposit Slip
Donor’s Information
Individual Church Mission District Group Other
Name: ______
Address: ______
______
Donation Amount
Amount of Donation: ______
Please make checks payable to Women of the NALC and note “Mission Donation” on the memo line. Send to: Women of the NALC, 2299 Palmer Drive Suite 220, New Brighton, MN 55112-2202 News for Women of the North American Lutheran Church Page 12 India Short Term Mission Trip - 2016 Fall 2015
Please add to your The trip was open to Pastors and lay persons, For more information, prayers a group anyone who has a men and women, contact Pam Charas at heading out on a short heart in the shape of young and old, all were [email protected] term mission trip. They India! welcome to join. or call: 937 - 434 - 0993. are headed to India from January 18 - 29, 2016. The trip is sponsored by United Evangelical Mission, a NALC ministry partner.
Their goal is to give a hug, wipe a tear, pray, share, comfort and encourage the “poorest of the poor”, giving what God has first given us, His Love in Word and deed.
Mission News By Pam Charas
A few years ago Rev. mission-driven and congregational vision For more information Dr. Gemechis Buba, congregationally for mission that calls for about NALC endorsed Assistant to the Bishop focused church of every congregation to missionaries, mission for Missions, wrote that Jesus Christ. As a support one local and partners, mission “…Congregations are church and as a one global mission ministries, the Great the reflection and movement we have partner. Commission Society, manifestation of the adopted a and the NALC mission body of Christ on congregations, visit the earth. They are the websites in the center. hands of God at work Great Commission Society: in the world. God http://thenalc.org/great-commission-society/ Gemechis wrote, “Take touches and this list of missions and NALC Missionaries: transforms lives pray for them and for http://thenalc.org/missionaries/ through God to guide you to a congregations.” NALC Mission Partners: mission with whom you http://thenalc.org/ministry-partners/ can partner.” We That is why we say the humbly ask that you North American Lutheran CORE: will add “support”. Lutheran Church is a http://www.lutherancore.org/mission-connect/ Page 13 News for Women of the North American Lutheran Church
Report of Annual Gathering By Lane Magera Fall 2015
The 2015 Annual Bibles and Gift cards served, but to serve.” Harvest. Our verse for the Gathering of the were donated by More information is day came from John 9:4 Women of the NALC women and available here: http:// “As long as it is day, we began on Tuesday, congregations for those chinaserviceventures. must do the works of Him August 11 at 1pm. in need following the org/ who sent Me. Night is Session 1 was themed FEMA National Disaster coming when no one “A Gathering of in Texas counties of Each participant was can work.” Bishop John Witnesses: Secure in Cooke, Gaines, Grimes, given a slip covering for Bradosky joined us for Christ’s Love, Christians Harris, Hays, Navarro, their disposable water breakfast to address us. Tried & True” focusing and Van Zandt. The bottle from the Mission His stirring address can on Hebrews 13:3 Disaster Task Force Support Committee. We be found in this “Remember … them made sure to deliver were shown how easily newsletter and we thank which suffer adversity, the contributions to the Mission Banks can be him for taking time to as being yourselves also areas with the greatest made and used in our join us during his busy in the body.” Following needs. More info on the congregations. More convocation schedule. a worship song and Disaster Task Force and info is included in this prayer, we heard the arising needs can be newsletter on how you We finished the morning Annual Report and had found here: http:// too can put these to with business. We a call for nominations. thenalc.org/category/ use with your loose elected all who were Pastor Don Miles from disaster-response-1/ change until next year. nominated to the 2015- India Transformed 2016 Women’s council spoke about During dinner, we heard which was one seat short Power a beautiful song and of what was needed. Evangelism vs. testimony from soloist We approved the prior Persecution. Robbie Harrell. Then we Annual Gathering There is a new listened to Carmen Minutes as well as the Mission Model in Hale of Elam Ministries Proposed Budget. We India. Over 950 about the Bold and moved to give an churches have Courageous Church in offering of $5,000.00 from been planted in Iran. Elam is a territory in WNALC funds to be split India, Sri Lanka, the bible which is between India Nepal, and situated in modern day Transformed and China Indonesia serving Iran. Carmen had Service Ventures as a street children many handouts and step out in faith and to and destitute testimonies for us, kick-off our Mission Bank women. 6.8 including a guide program. Next year we million people called Iran 30 which as an organization will have been can help inform you vote on where our reached with the Next we heard from Ida and your congregation Mission Bank offering will Gospel with the new Martinson of China about the church in be given. We hope to Community Service Ventures on The Iran. The guide and raise that much and Transformation Center Costs & Joys of other info can be more! After lunch, we model since 1988. More Witnessing in China. found on their site at: bid farewell information can be She spoke about the https://www.elam.com/ strengthened and found at http:// mission to improve the We closed at 6:30 pm recharged to carry out www.indiatransformed. quality of life for the with a song and prayer. missions in our org/ rural poor in Henan, communities, our nation, China by identifying Session 2 began at 8 and our world. Many Following a break and opportunities to serve in am with a focus on A thanks to those who worship song, we were education, community, Gathering of Witnesses: planned the event for us given a Disaster Task health, and good news. Commissioned by the to join as a gathering of Force presentation. Their motto is “Not to be Lord, Laborers in the witnesses.