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SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL
Thursday, June 23
Pre-convention Activities
9:30 am Executive Board meeting - FLC Conference
Room
2:00-4:00 pm Registration at First Lutheran Church
– Glass Lobby
Downtown Thursdays Activities 4:00-7:00 pm Free tours of Corn Palace
7:00 pm Music/fellowship and Watercolor Painting
Class (w/preregistration) at Cornerstone Coffee-
house
9:00 pm Vesper Service, with Pastor Erika Leh-
mann - First Lutheran Church Chapel
Friday, June 24
8:00am Registration at First Lutheran Church –
Glass Lobby Coffee in Family Life Center
9:00 am Opening worship with Holy Communion
(Sanctuary) Sermon by Bishop Zellmer
Pastors Heidi Kvanli and Erika Lehmann assisting
10:15 am Coffee with “Questions for the
Bishop”, Family Life Center
10:45 am Churchwide Representative Cindy
Arnett
11:15 am Business Meeting - Sanctuary
11:45 am Lunch for non-delegates, Family Life
Center
12:15 pm Lunch for delegates, Family Life
Center
Check out exhibits and silent auction
12:45 pm Hymn Sing – Family Life Center
1:00 pm Announcements
1:30-2:15 pm Awareness Sessions, Lower Level
(Choose one) See page 3
2:00-4:00 pm Relaxation Station, Fireside Room,
Lower Level: Snack Break, “Color me Calm”,
Prayer Shawls and Plastic Bag Mats, Program-
ming for all congregational sizes
2:30-3:15 pm Awareness Sessions repeated (Choose
one) See page 3
3:30-4:00 pm Intergenerational Event: Jean Patrick,
children’s book author and pre-school students
4:30 pm Deadline for silent auction bids
4:30 pm Stretch and Strengthen-exercise program
6:00 pm “Royal” Banquet, Family Life Center
Installation of Officers by Cindy Arnett
Saturday, June 25
8:30 am Opening Hymn Sing, Sanctuary
8:45 am Bible Study with Pastor Heidi Kvanli,
Sanctuary
9:30 am Coffee, Family Life Center
10:00 am Leadership Workshop, Lower Level
Relaxation Station, Fireside Room Lower Level
Quilt Guild display, across street at Wesleyan Church
(on own $5.00)
Prehistoric Indian Village, Lake Mitchell (on own
$6.00)
11:00 am Sharing and questions for Leadership
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL CONVENTION 29th Annual Synodical Convention
First Lutheran Church W. 5th Ave & Sanborn St.
Mitchell, SD June 24-25, 2016
“Daughters of the King”
“ F or He chose us in Him before the creation of the world. ” Eph I:4a
APPOINTED COMMITTEES
Credentials Committee Kathy Heffernan, Northern Plains Sharon Bossert, Northern Plains
Resolutions Committee
Pat Wennblom, Southeast Conference.
TBA
Convention Nurse
First Lutheran Nurses
Parliamentarian
Sheryn Eckstrum, Prairie Rivers
Newsletter Editor
Lucille Birkholtz,
Nominating Committee/Elections Committee Nancy Rieke, Synodical VP & Convenor of Committee
Vickie Hines, Prairie Rivers Conference
Delores (Lori) Jorenby, Medary Conference
Vivian Westgard, Prairie Coteau Conference
Janet Mattison, Bear Butte Conference
Minutes Committee
Janice Anderson Crossroads
Nancy Rieke Medary
INDEX
Convention Schedule…………………..…….. 1
Committees ...………...…….………………... 2
Displays……………………………………... 18
Awareness Group Presenters……………..….. 4
Worship Service…………….. separate bulletin
Business Meeting………………….……….… 3
Synod. Pres. Letter………………..……...……5
Minutes of 2013 meeting……………….........8-9
Churchwide Speaker………………..…….…...6
Churchwide Pres. letter………………..………7
Audit Report…………………………...….11-14
‘Mission Accomplished’…………...………...10
Sample Ballot…………………………....….. 18
Nominee Vitae………………………….…15-17
Synodical Officers……………….…….……. 19
Conference Coordinators……………….…… 19
Thank you……………………………….…... 11
Today’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Reality………...20
***************************
Registration Fee: For the Convention is $40,
except for Conference officers, it will be only $20
for them
Convention Offering:
50% to Convention Expenses
50% to Churchwide W/ELCA
Silent Auction:
1/3 Campus Ministry
1/3 Dina Johnson Scholarship
1/3 Listen God is Calling
Special offering: (Friday Evening) to go to:
“Helping with Horsepower and Clock Werk Cus-
tom Cycle.
Love Offering: Abbott House and Bridges
Home. Suggestions: Art and Craft Supplies (no
sharpeners, only washable and non-toxic materi-
als) washable colors and markers, sketch pads,
stationary, stamps, stickers, crossword puzzles
and game books.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
“As a community of women,
created in the image of God
called to discipleship in Jesus Christ,
and empowered by the Holy Spirit
We commit ourselves to
grow in faith
to affirm our gifts,
and support one another in our callings
engage in ministry and action
and promote healing and wholeness in
the church, the society, and the world.”
Page 2 SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 2
TWENTY-NINTH ANNUAL CONVENTION
SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNOD
Theme: “Daughters of the King”
Theme Verse: Ephesians 1:4-5 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be
holy and blameless in his sight In love he predestined us to be adopted as his daughters
through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.
Theme song: Borning Cry , 732 ELW
Goals: “To affirm our identities as sisters in Christ and daughters of the King.”
Business Meeting All are encouraged to stay for the meeting. Delegates, please sit up front.
Introduction of South Dakota Synodical Board Members
Introduction of Churchwide Executive Board Member of Women of the ELCA,
Report of Credentials Committee
Call to Order
Appointment of Convention Business Committees
Adoption of Agenda
Secretary's Report
Report of Nominating Committee
Call for Ballot for Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, 2 Member at Large, 2 Nominating Committee
Call for Ballot for Triennial Nominees
First Ballot
Second Ballot
Third Ballot
Treasurer's Report
Old Business
Adoption of Budget for 2017
Review of Elections
Other New Business
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 3
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 4
AWARENESS PRESENTERS
Each session is offered twice: 1:30-2:15 pm and
again at 2:30-3:15 pm.
Milestone Ministry - Rev. Heidi Kvanli Teach your children to choose the right path, and
when they are older, they will remain upon it
Proverbs 22:6
A child’s baptismal journey in Christ is recognized
and celebrated by marking faith and life milestones
from baptism to high school graduation and be-
yond. Milestone Ministry includes learning events
that involve the whole family. Each milestone is
marked with a worship celebration including a par-
ent’s blessing and a gift from the congregation.
Rev. Dr. Heidi Kvanli, Pastor First Lutheran,
Mitchell.
Prevent Sex Trafficking - Sister Teresa
Ann Wolf Sister Teresa Ann Wolf is a
Benedictine Sister from Mother
of God Monastery in Watertown.
She is the Director of the Bene-
dictine Multicultural Center, a
ministry of the Monastery. The
BMC partners with the Monas-
tery in the Watertown Initiative
to Prevent Sex Trafficking (WIPST), the purpose of which
is to build healthy communities by preventing the
growth of sex trafficking in the greater Watertown
area.
Sister Teresa Ann has a doctorate in cross
cultural pastoral theology from Catholic Theologi-
cal Union in Chicago and an M.A. in religious edu-
cation from St. Meinrad School of Theology in
Indiana. She has lived and worked with the poor on
Standing Rock Reservation at Fort Yates, North
Dakota; the Papago Reservation in southwestern
Arizona, Indigenous groups in Guatemala; campesi-
nos in northern Peru; and with migrants, immi-
grants and Hispanics in Minnesota, Wisconsin,
Ohio, and South Dakota.
"I Love to Tell the Stories" Teresa Nygaard is the Mission Interpretation Coordina-
tor for the SD Synod of the ELCA, training people in
each congregation to be mission interpreters. Mission
Interpreters tell the stories of how God's work is being
done thru our mission support and how lives are
changed when we work together. Teresa is from Davis
and a member of Trinity Lutheran in Tea. She has
been married to Ron for almost 19 years, has 2 daugh-
ters, 2 granddaughters, 1 grandson, and 2 especially pre-
cious great-grandsons. Teresa feels blessed to have
found a passion to tell the stories of God's work being
done throughout the world and thanks the Holy Spirit
for giving her the gifts and courage to do this ministry.
Intergenerational Event: Jean Patrick, chil-
dren’s book author and pre-school students Jean L. S. Patrick, Award winning author
Author of many children’s books, including four about
Mt. Rushmore. Guest speaker and story teller at
schools, libraries, and conferences throughout the U.S.
Featured speaker at International Reading Association
state and regional conferences.
Degrees in English from Luther College/Decorah Iowa
and Kansas State University/Manhattan, Kansas
Keynote Banquet Speaker: Laura Klock If anyone serves me, he must follow me…John 12:26
Founder of Helping with Horsepower, vice president of
Klockwerks Kustom Cycles, volunteer extraordinaire,
mother of two adult daughters, Laura Klock brings an
inspirational message of life and service.
Book store: Kathy Villa of Prairie Pages Book Store
in Pierre will have a book display. It will be open Fri-
day at 8 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 12 noon.
Gratitude—Joan Anderson It is good to give thanks to the Lord….Psalm 92:1
Do we appreciate what we have been given? Do we look
at life as “half full” or “half empty?” Explore ways to
appreciate what we have been given and also ways to
show our appreciation to others. Joan Anderson,
Mitchell, SD, survivor of 30 years in the classroom.
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 5
South Dakota Women of the ELCA – 2016
Synodical President's Report . . . . . Glenda Ofstehage
The 28th Annual Synodical Convention of the South Dakota Women of the ELCA was held June 26-27 at Faith
Lutheran, Rapid City. There were 86 registered attendees. The theme was “Be Transformed” and the theme
verse was Romans 12:1-2—“I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters by the mercies of God to present
your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be con-
formed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will
of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Our pre-convention event included a chuck wagon dinner
and entertainment at Fort Hayes and the Lighting Ceremony at Mount Rushmore. We thank the women at
Faith Lutheran for a delightful convention experience. The 2016 convention is scheduled for First Lutheran in
Mitchell June 24 & 25, 2016. The theme is “Daughters of the King”. We plan to celebrate our sisterhood in
Christ and our place as beloved daughters in the Kingdom of God. We invite all women of all ages to join us.
Planning is underway for many women from the South Dakota Synodical organization to attend the 10th Trien-
nial Convention and Gathering in Minneapolis in July, 2017. Eight voting members from our synod will be
selected at the convention in Mitchell and our Triennial Coordinator, Darla Toben, is working on arranging
bus transportation for those interested in attending the Gathering. This event will likely never be any closer for
us than this, so we hope to have many participating. Work is underway in cooperation with churchwide to
bring a woman from one or both of our companion synods (Cameroon and Nicaragua) to the States to attend
the Triennial Gathering and visit the conferences within our synod during the summer of 2017.
Women of the South Dakota Synod continue to reach out in service with quilts and kits sent to Lutheran World
Relief, gifts to local food pantries, support for persons in crises, and to “the church, the society, and the
world.” (Purpose statement of the Women of the ELCA) I commend the women of our synod for the creative
and thoughtful ways that they serve in their communities, becoming the hands, feet, and heart of the church in
action.
Women of the ELCA provide quilts and other handmade items for the annual Lutherans Outdoors quilt auc-
tions, providing support for the young campers in our synod. Local women continue to meet for Bible study—
many using the Gather magazine published by the churchwide organization. This year we have focused atten-
tion on bringing the Dina Johnson Scholarship up to the amount required to be fully endowed, thus insuring
that this scholarship to an Augustana University student can continue to be awarded.
We welcome the women of the Wayotan community in Rapid City who have recently formed a unit of Women
of the ELCA. We look forward to formally greeting them at our convention in Mitchell in June.
Our goal is to continue to work creatively and think “outside the box” to reach women of all ages and voca-
tions to become an active part of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and to bring new
ideas, new hope, new joy into our work together.
Glenda Ofstehage, President
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 6
Cindy Arnett
Executive Board Member, 2014–2017
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America
Cindy Arnett was elected to the churchwide executive board
of Women of the ELCA in July 2014. She serves on the pro-
gram and communication committee.
Previously, Cindy served as president of the Sierra Pacific
Synodical Women’s Organization in northern California.
She has also served on the churchwide board nominating
committee for the Eighth Triennial Convention, and on the
planning committee for the 2011 Conference of Presidents.
Cindy is a longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church in
Cupertino, Cal., where she was a staff member for 17 years.
She has served in her congregational Women of the ELCA
unit as president and as a member of the board. She also
serves her congregation as a deacon, Stephen minister, and
lay eucharistic minister.
Cindy has served on the worship team for juvenile hall and the local children’s shelter, offering worship ser-
vices for and with children and youth.
Cindy particularly enjoys coordinating women’s retreats and conferences. Mentoring young women to help
them discover who God has called them to be is close to her heart. She also likes helping women explore op-
portunities for leadership in the kingdom of God. And she loves helping women discover how to revitalize
their units and clusters.
Cindy is passionate about education and loves her work as a mentor, advisor and counselor for a private Chris-
tian university. She is interested in learning more about global ministry.
Cindy relaxes by hanging out with husband Nick, daughter Carrie, and the grandkids, and spending time with
her dogs and horse.
Cindy is looking forward to meeting and serving Women of the ELCA throughout our church.
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 7
Dear Sisters in Christ, Greeting to all who are gathered in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! As Women of the ELCA, you are the heartbeat of our organization and I thank God for each of you and your faithful service to God in Christ. I constantly remind myself of how we are woven together in our faith, service and sisterhood. Watching women grow in faith and witness to God’s amazing grace and supporting one another all along the way has been nothing short of miraculous. Today, if you want to know what this ministry means, you need to look far and wide. Women from across the United States and around the world have felt the ripples that flow from this ministry. There is no doubt in my mind that God is doing a new thing: He has moved women into posi-tions of leadership that were once only dreamed of. Women, who once were seen as having little to no value, are now setting the standard for values. As you gather in community at your synodical convention, I ask each of you to consider, “What does the ministry of Women of the ELCA mean to you?” Consider how different this world would be if it weren’t for organizations like Women of the ELCA building leaders and community around the world. Ladies, we have been blessed with a ministry that is changing the lives of women and children in communities everywhere; your commitment and generosity are what make this ministry possible. Fortunately, we have a great staff to guide all of our projects going on simultaneously, to consistently produce award winning publications, and to coordinate events being held by women across the United States; but the current giving trend threatens our ability to maintain the staff and current programs that are moving us into the 21st century. I hope you will consider how you and your synodi-cal organization might help ensure the future of this ministry for our daughters and granddaughters, for the sake of the world. My representative who is attending your convention is excited and looks forward to speaking with each of you. She would love to hear about your joys and your concerns, especially about the wonderful things going on in your units. Please know if there is anything we can do to assist you, the board and our staff would love to hear from you. God Bless Each of You,
Patti Austin President, Women of the ELCA
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 8
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL WOMEN OF THE ELCA
28th ANNUAL CONVENTION MINUTES
Faith Lutheran Church, Rapid City, SD
June 26, 2015
All are encouraged to stay for the meeting. Voting members, please sit up front.
Theme: “Be Transformed”
Theme verse: Romans 12:1-2, “I appeal to you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God to present your
bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be con-
formed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will
of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Theme Song: “We Are Called”
Goal: God transforming us through:
The world
Communities
Ourselves
Guests: The Rev. Gwendolyn S. King, Churchwide W/ELCA representative
Bishop David Zellmer, South Dakota Synod of the ELCA
Keynote Speaker, Rev. Larry Peterson, retired, former pastor at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Awareness Sessions Speakers
BUSINESS MEETING
Introduction: President Vivian Westgard introduced the South Dakota Synodical Board Members and
Churchwide Executive Board Member of the Women of the ELCA, Rev. Gwendolyn S. King.
Report of Credentials Committee: Barb Hanson
49 non-delegates
26 voting members
4 officers
5 board members
4 guests
Total 88 present
Call by the President to accept committee reports was passed by Voting Members.
Call to Order: Vivian Westgard, President, called the 28th W/ELCA Synodical Convention Business
Meeting to order at 11:35 a.m.
Appointments of Convention Business Committees:
Credentials Committee: Mickey Schlecht, Bear Butte; Kay Jenkins, Bear Butte
Resolutions Committee: Janet, Mattison, Bear Butte; Laura Campbell, Bear Butte
Convention Nurse: Betty Kozur-Baker, Bear Butte
Parliamentarian: Verdelle Anderson, Medary
Newsletter Editor: Lucille Birkholtz
Nominating Committee/Elections Committee: Nancy Rieke, Medary; Kay Hall, Bear Butte; Kathy
Heffernan, Northern Plains; Vickie Hines, Prairie Rivers; Delores (Lori) Jorenby, Medary
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 9
Adoption of Agenda
Motion by Jeanette Fink to accept agenda with corrections. Motion amended by Janet Mattison to add, “and
with flexibility of the president to change the agenda if necessary”. Motion with amendment Passed
Secretary's Report: Marilyn Abraham moved to accept printed minutes of the 2014 Convention Business
Meeting. Motion passed. Marilyn thanked Conference Secretaries for their work in providing necessary data
as requested. She also introduced Jan Anderson and Nancy Rieke as her Secretary’s Committee.
Report of Nominating Committee: Chairperson, Nancy Rieke recognized and thanked the committee mem-
bers for their diligent work.
The slate of officers was presented as listed in the sample ballot on page 17 of the Convention Booklet. Nancy
thanked outgoing board members.
Call for Ballot for President, Mission Action, Mission Community, Mission Growth, and Nominating
Committee:
President Vivian called for a vote to accept nominations. Motion passed
President Vivian called for any other nominations from the floor for each office. There being none,
Nominations were declared closed.
M/S Lois Stenholm/Janet Mattison to cast a unanimous ballot. Pres. Vivian called for show of hands to accept
the motion for each candidate. (Eligible to vote: 26 voting member, 4 officers, and 5 board members). Motion
Passed unanimously.
Elected: President - Glenda Ofstehage, Mission Action - Janice Anderson, Mission Growth - Elizabeth (Betty)
Kozur-Baker, Mission Community - Donna Vreugdenhil, Nominating Committee - Vivian Westgard and Janet
Mattison.
Treasurer's Report: Kathy Thompson thanked all for their giving and expressed appreciation.
The Statement of Financial Position (p.11, Convention Booklet) was read and explained.
Total net assets = $25,941.31. Total Endowment funds = $125,786.42.
Vivian asked for a vote to accept the report. Passed
Kathy then explained the Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursements for fiscal year ended January 31,
2015 as printed in the Convention Booklet, p.12, 13. Net assets at the beginning of the year = $20,563.71, net
assets at the end of the year = $25,941.31. M/S Kathy Thompson/Lucille Birkholtz to accept the financial re-
port. Motion Passed
M/S Dee Sanderson/Janet Mattison: to distribute monies designated in the 2015 Synodical Pre-Board Minutes
for: Phoebe Hospital, $2,440.00; W/ELCA presence at Youth Gathering, $560.00; and Listen, God is Calling,
$2,000.00, for a total of $5,000.00. Motion passed.
The treasurer’s books were audited by Alpha Behrns, Myla Kneeland, and Tressa Schmidt (see Convention
Booklet, p.14). They found the accounting in good order.
Adoption of the budget for 2016: Copies of the proposed budget were distributed and reviewed by Kathy.
Kathy noted total projected cash receipts of $55,875.00 and projected total cash disbursements of $52,775.00
for a net increase in assets of $3,100.00.
Motion by Lucille Birkholtz, and seconded, to adopt the budget for 2017. Motion Passed
Seeing no other business, President Vivian declared the 2015 Convention closed in the name of the Fa-
ther, Son, and Holy Spirit. Meeting adjourned at 12:33 p.m.
Marilyn Abraham, Synodical Secretary
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 10
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNOD WOMEN OF THE ELCA
Missions Accomplished in 2015 1. Total W.E.L.C.A. dollars sent outside your congregation to other Lutheran projects
$ 145,900.60
2. Total W.E.L.C.A. dollars spent in support of your own congregation $151,754.79
3. Total W.E.L.C.A. dollars spent other-than-Lutheran projects $77,750.75
4. Lutheran World Relief Support Mission Quilts ---9008 Blankets ---278
Personal Care Kits ---1966 School Kits ---3576
Fabric Kits ---392 Baby Care Kits---1384
Pounds of New Soap ---444.15
5. Global Health Ministries Support Number of Newborn Kits--300 Pounds of Bandages ---844
Number of Hospice/AID Kits –69 Quilts ---239
Other ---582 items and $75.00
6. Quilts sent other than LWR
Number of baby or youth quilts given locally or sent elsewhere---1779
Number of regular quilts given locally or sent elsewhere (not LWR) ---5,639
7. Support to the Hungry
Delivered Meals on Wheels---26 Supported your local food pantry--55
Served or assisted in a homeless shelter such as the Banquet in SF ---46
Number of letters written to Congress on Hunger Issues ---101
8. Camping Support
Number of quilts sent to a quilt auctions ---85 and $320.00
Number of youth from your church your WELCA unit helped sponsor ---950
9. Support to Children
Support to homes such as Children’s Inn in SF ---56 and $150.00
Donated school kits or school supplies locally---55
Gave or sent layettes other than LWR ---8
10. Support to People in Need (Not Previously Listed)
Number of blankets ---549 Number of health kits ---157
Pounds of clothing ---2706 Support women in Crisis Centers--277
Penitentiary or jail visitation---42 Number of Prayer Shawls--711
Nursing Home visitation, parties, gifts, etc. ---150
11. Support in our Own Congregations
Made banners---15
We have a Prayer Chain---89
We serve lunch for funerals---101
We send cards to the ill, bereaved, etc.--90
As reported by Janice Anderson, Synodical Mission Action Chairman
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 11
SYNODICAL TREASURERS REPORT
BY KATHY THOMPSON
Thank You Many thanks from your Synodical Board and from me to everyone who has given so much of their time and
organizational gifts to planning and completing our 29th annual Synodical Convention and Leadership Work-
shop. Especially to Gwenda Koch and the wonderful committee assembled from our hostesses at First Lu-
theran. You have gone beyond the expected to provide us with. a wonderful convention experience.
Planning for this convention began on a cold January Saturday when we met in Mitchell to plan a theme. We
wanted to create a convention that would be fun and refreshing for all of you who do so much for your fami-
lies, your church, your communities and the world and decided that all spend a weekend being princesses—
Daughters of the King! We hope you all enjoy these two days together.
Thank you to the mission partners, speakers, and community members who have inspired, enlightened, and
encouraged us. We pray God’s blessing on your ministries and thank you for sharing your hope and your mes-
sage with us.
Thank you all for attending and contributing your presence to this convention. We pray you have been blessed
by our time together. We look forward to seeing you all again June 23 and 24, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran
Church in Yankton, Southeast Conference. Safe travels as you return home. I hold you in my prayers.
Glenda Ofstehage
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 13
Greetings! Minneapolis is getting ready for us.
Summer 2017 is getting closer. I was very excited
when I received the number of ladies who wish to
ride the bus to Minneapolis. Thank you for signing
up at your Spring Gatherings. I can’t wait to meet
you in Mitchell. For those who haven’t made your
commitment, please be thinking seriously about join-
ing us and sign up while in Mitchell. There is still room on the bus
for YOU! I am really looking forward in meeting one of the Tri-
ennial promoters who will be joining us in Mitchell. We will have more information for you in Mitchell on
costs, etc. This is such a great opportunity to have the Triennial so close, no one should miss this! Triennial
gatherings bring Lutheran women together from across the church with life-changing workshops, worship,
Bible study and more. Registration will begin September 6. Early-bird registration, through January 6, 2017, is
$310; after that registration is $350. Day registrations are $175. Register at welcatg.org or email women
[email protected] for a registration packet. The bus costs will be in addition to the registration. And
where's it all happening? Minneapolis, MN. Land of Lutherans. While this is an official event of Women of
the ELCA, all women in the church are invited to attend. One need not be a participant in Women of the
ELCA. In fact, we invite all our ecumenical partners to attend as well, so share this invitation.
Please email me now, if you are interested in attending the Triennial event in Minneapolis,
[email protected]. The theme is “All Anew”. Check out the website, www.welcatg.org
Mark your calendars and join me!
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 14
MISSION STATEMENT
“To mobilize women to act boldly n their
faith in Jesus Christ.”
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA Page 15
Applicants for Triennial Voting Member (delegate) to Triennial Convention July 11-13.
2017.
Sheryll Adkins Age 59 507 David Ave Baltic, SD 57003 Tel # 605-553-1997 e-mail [email protected]
Conference” Crossroads Congregation: East Side Lutheran Sioux Falls # First time voting member. Ex-
perience: Coordinator @ Baltic Lutheran ; Recorder Crossroads Conference Why: I believe it is an opportu-
nity to learn more and share ideas
Hannah Fleming Age 46 2408 Central Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702 Tel # 605-630-1034 e-mail
[email protected] Person of color or primary language not English Yes
Conference: Bear Butte Congregation: Wayotan Lutheran, Rapid City # First time voting member Experi-
ence: Participated in W/ELCA groups; organized the Wayotan Lutheran Church Women’s unit. Why: To gain
more understanding about W/ELCA and be an effective participant.
Sharon Bossert Age 60 2422 385th Ave N Aberdeen, SD 57401 Tel # 605-380-75792 e-mail sharon-
[email protected] Conference: Northern Plains Congregation: Good Shepherd Lutheran, Aberdeen #
First time voting member Experience: President of local unit 2010 to present; Coordinator of Mary Circle
many years; Quilter every Thursday many years; often work in church kitchen; Treasurer of Northern Plains
Conference of WELCA
Why: I feel called to participate and to encourage other women.
Edna Anderson Age 71 10643 445 Ave. Veblen, SD 57270 Tel# 605-738-2562 e-mail tomander-
[email protected] Conference Prairie Coteau Congregation: Our Saviors Lutheran, Veblen # First time
voting member Experience: Circle member and officer; Conference Asst. Coordinator and Conference Coor-
dinator
Why: I would like to be a voice dealing with issues and ideas that are important to E/ELCA and to meet with
other women talking about our faith. I think it’s important to be a liaison between our state and the national
convention, and perhaps I could help in that role.
Diane Johnson Age 70 40810 124th St Groton, SD 57445 Tel# 605294-5823 e-mail [email protected]
Conference: Northern Plains Congregation: Emmanuel, Groton, SD 57445 # First time voting member Ex-
perience: I serve our local unit in whatever capacity I am needed. I have served as President, secretary of our
local unit. I was the first woman elected to our local church council and served as secretary for 14 years. Why:
I would like to commit to getting the younger age ladies involved. I would like to see less “ politics”´ in our
church worldwide!
Carie Knutson Age 53 PO Box 455 Toronto, SD 57268 Tel# 605-690-7943 e-mail [email protected]
Conference: Medary Congregation: Leganger Lutheran Church, Toronto #previous voting member Experi-
ence: Nominating committee of Medary and SD Synodical Women of the ELCA; President and V. P of local
unit many years. Sunday School supt. And teacher. Church Council member. Why: I love to know the mak-
ings of how our organization works. I get to put those works into motion by my vote. I get energy from
women that also want to help change people lives. They help to inspire us to do more!
Donna Vreugdenhil Age 73 38664 267th St. Stickney, SD 57375 Tel# 605-732-4651 e-mail dlvreugden-
[email protected] Conference: Prairie Rivers Congregation: St. Paul’s Lutheran, Stickney #Previous delegate
Experience: Has held various offices in circle and local unit. Conference Mission Action; Mission Commu-
nity, V.President; Synodical Mission Community @ present Why: To use my knowledge to help keep the or-
ganization strong. I have been involved for many years and would like to have my input into workings of the
organization.
Continue on next page..
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 16
Sheryn Ekstrum Age 76 25705 362 Ave Kimball,
SD 57355 Tel#605-778-6903
e-mail: [email protected]; Conference: Prairie
Rivers Congretation: Kimball Protestant Parish
Previous delegate Experience: Presently chairman
of our Shalom Women; Synodical President 4 yrs.;
Synodical Mission Action 4yrs; Conference President
4 yrs; Conference Mission Action 4 yrs; Sunday
School Supt. 25 yrs; Presently Conference Mission
Growth; Quilt coordinator; Visited Cameroon. Why:
To keep abreast of the Women of the Elca’s policies,
changes and future plans. To meet the board and of-
ficers of Churchwide. To learn and grow!
Donna Bieber Age 72 PO Box 275 Java, SD 57452
Tel # 605-848-2181 e-mail [email protected] Con-
ference: Northern Plains Congregation: St Paul Lu-
theran, Java Previous delegate Experience: Local-
President, secretary; mission growth. Conference-
President, secretary. Synodical: Treasurer Why: You
learn a lot and it is very rewarding.
Janet Paskey Age 68 21925 413 th Ave Iroquios,
SD 57353 tel# 605-599-2081 e-mail
[email protected] Conference Medary Congre-
gation: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Iroquois, SD
Previous delegate Experience: current Medary Con-
ference treasurer Why: I am the only attending
member from my church. I would like our church to
have a voice in coming decisions.
Doris Stowe Age 72 914 16th Ave. NE Watertown,
SD 57201 tel# 605-886-4907 e-mail
[email protected] Conference: Prairie Co-
teau Congregation: Lutheran Church of our Re-
deemer, Watertown, SD First time voting member
Experience: Active in Women of the ELCA for 30+
years; attended National conventions in Mpls and San
Antonio; Attended all State conventions for many
years. Why: I enjoy being a part of the Women of the
ELCA and believe and support the workings of the
organization.
Sample Ballot for Triennial Voting
Members Ballot A
Woman of Color
Hannah Fleming
Ballot B (Vote for 2 (two)
First time voting member
Sheryl Adkins
Edna Anderson
Sharon Bossert
Diane Johnson
Doris Stowe
Ballot C (Vote for 5 (five)
Previous voting member
Donna Bieber
Sheryn Ekstrum
Carie Knutson
Janet Peskey
Donna Vreugdenhil
Write in write in
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 17
VITA’S FOR SYNODICAL OFFICERS
Vice President: Nancy Rieke 501 S. Lois Lane Dr., Colman, SD
57017 PH: 320-321-3100 e-mail:
[email protected] Crossroads conference
Colman Lutheran church
Employment: Flandreau School, Worship Assistant
Messiah Lutheran @ Trent
Church: Current membership Colman Lu-
theran. Over the years she has served the church &
WELCA in various capacities including president,
Vice President, secretary, and confirmation/Sunday
school teacher. She has also organized & led dinner
theaters, church dramas & other special programs.
Married: 6 children and 14 grandchildren
SECRETARY:
Lynn Pohlman 20631 Maitland Road, Lead, D
57754 PH:605-578-1673 e-mail:
[email protected] Bear Butte Conference
Our Saviors Lutheran, Spearfish
Employment: Retired Postmaster
Church: Chairman of Unit WELCA, Kid’s Zone vol-
unteer, choir member, bell choir member
Community: Relay for Life member, American Le-
gion Auxiliary member and board member.
TREASURER: Kathy Thompson, 404 3rd Street, Wilmot, SD
57279 Ph:605-938-4592 E-mail: kdthomp-
[email protected] Prairie Coteau Conference,
Wilmot Lutheran Church.
Employment: Works in retail
Church: Unit WELCA coordinator, Church Financial
Sec. Current Synodical Women’s Treasurer
Married: 3 children, 7 grandchildren.
MEMBER AT LARGE: Arlene Bich 2908 S Orchard Ave., Sioux Falls, SD
57103 PH:605-275-6891email:[email protected]
Crossroads Conference, First Lutheran, Sioux Falls
WELCA past: Nominating committee Synodical, SD
delegate to 2011 triennial, co-president in unit and
other offices.
MEMBER AT LARGE: Connie Bickett 22032 444TH Ave., Oldham, SD
57051 PH: 605-482-8639 e-mail: connie-
[email protected] Medary Conference, Old-
ham Lutheran
WELCA past: Medary Conf. Coor. Unit coordinator,
Current ‘Member at Large’ Synodical WELCA
Married: 4 grown children, 12 Grandchildren,
NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Joan Ernst 315 S. Vivian St., Aberdeen, SD 57401
PH:605-290-3076 E-mail:[email protected]
Northern Plains Conf. Bethlehem Lutheran
Current: Unit Mission Growth, Recorder/Treasurer of
Saturday Morning Circle
Previous: Delegate 2014 Triennial
belongs to Beth’s Book club & Tuesday Ladies.
Married: one son,
Gretchen Tweet 717 S. Holt Ave, Sioux Falls, SD
57103 PH:605-332-9102 e-mail:
Crossroads Conference, Grace Lutheran, Sioux Falls
Current: Unit Mission Growth, Chairman Special Ser-
vice Group, Adult Bible Study
Previous: Crossroads Pres. Pres of Grace Lutheran
WELCA, Usher at Washington Pavillion
Sample Ballot on following page………..
SAMPLE BALLOT
VICE-PRESIDENT: Vote for one
______Nancy Rieke
_____
SECRETARY: vote for one
______ Lynn Pohlman
______
TREASURER: vote for one
_______ Kathy Thompson
_______
MEMBER AT LARGE: vote for one
_______Arlene Bich
_______
MEMBER AT LARGE: vote for one
_______Connie Bickett
_______
NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Vote for two
______Joan Ernst
______Gretchen Tweet
_______
________
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 18
DISPLAYS While at the convention be sure to visit the many dis-
plays set up by Ministry Outreaches of our
church. Ask questions and learn how you and your
congregation bring Christ’s love into the lives of
people all over the world through these minis-
tries. Here are some of the groups represented;
Lutherans Outdoors
St. Dysmas
Lutheran Social Services
Bread for the World
Mission Interpreters Teresa Nygaard
ELCA World Hunger
Today's Dreams, Tomorrow's Reality (Margene
Thompson);
Adults Saving Kids (Rev. Alvin Erickson;
African Team Ministries.
Lutherans Outdoors
QUILT AUCTION
SUNDAY– Oct. 16
Our Savior’s Lutheran
Church
Sioux Falls, SD NOTE: Check the change of date
and place of the auction!!!!!
You can find the Convention Booklet on the internet at
http://www.sdsynod.org// At the top of the page, position
your curser on “Congregations & Organizations” then
click on WELCA on the drop down menu. When this
page comes up, click on the SD Synod Convention Book-
let.
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 19
2015-16 Synod Officers
PRESIDENT: Glenda Ofstehage 2921 Petersen Road, Vermil-
lion, SD 57069, PH: 624-9717, Cell: 605 677-9025, Email ofste-
[email protected] , 1st term, 1st year, (Northern Plains Advisor)
VICE-PRESIDENT: Nancy Rieke, 501 S. Lois Lane Dr., Col-
man, SD 57017, PH: 320 321-3100, Email:
[email protected] , 1st term, 2nd year (Prairie Rivers advi-
sor)
SECRETARY: Marilyn Abraham, 30825, 475th Ave., Alcester,
SD 57001, PH: 934-2534, Cell: 605 670-2076, Email: rlmeabra-
[email protected], 2nd term, 2nd year (Southeastern advisor)
TREASURER: Kathy Thompson, 404 3rd St, Wilmot, SD
57279-2223, PH: 938-4592, Cell: 605 520-8289, Email:
[email protected] , 1st term, 2nd year, (Prairie Coteau,
advisor)
MISSION ACTION-(Stewardship): Janice Anderson, 409
Kringen Ave., Baltic, SD 57003, PH: 529-5387, Cell: 605
496-2459, Email: [email protected] , 1st term, 1st year
(Crossroads advisor)
MISSION GROWTH-(Justice): Margie Neugebauer, 24651
White Tail Ridge Rd., Hermosa, SD 57744 PH:303-590-4403 E-
mail:: [email protected] Completing a 1st term, 1st
year (Bear Butte Advisor)
MISSION COMMUNITY-(Discipleship): Donna Vreugdenhil,
38664 267th St., Stickney, SD 57375, PH: 732-4651, Email:
[email protected] , 1st term, 1st year
MEMBER AT LARGE: Connie Bickett, 22032, 444th Ave.,
Oldham, SD 57051, PH: 482-8639, Cell: 605 270-9967, E-mail:
[email protected], 1st term, 2nd year, (Medary Advi-
sor)
MEMBER AT LARGE: Arlene Bich, 2908 S. Orchard Ave.,
Sioux Falls 57103, PH: 275-6891, Cell: 605 491-0635, E-mail:
[email protected], 1st term, 2nd year, (Crossroads & N. Plains
substitute advisor)
LITERACY CHAIRPERSON: Sally Hillner, 505 Minnesota
Dr., Brookings, SD 57006 PH:605-692-5590 E-
mail:[email protected]
TODAYS’S DREAM TOMORROW’S REALITY - Racial
Justice Advocates:
Margene Thompson: 39141 240th St., Letcher SD 57359
E-mail:[email protected] PH:605-248-2444
Margie Neugebauer, 24651 White Tail Ridge Rd., Hermosa, SD
57744 PH:303-590-4403 E-mail:: [email protected]
CONFERENCE COORDINATORS
Prairie Coteau: Cindy Hofland, 444107th St., Ve-
blen, SD 57270 PH:605-738-2374
e-mail:[email protected]
Medary: Darla Toben, 47906 171 St., Clear Lake,
SD 57226; PH:605-874-2951;
E-mail: [email protected]
Crossroads: Linda Eidem, 131 W. Doral Ct., Sioux
Falls, SD 57108 PH:605-929-3432
E-mail: [email protected]
Southeastern: Marge Martens, 46487 306th St.,
Centerville, SD 57014 PH:605-351-7869
E-mail: [email protected]
Northern Plains: Kathy Heffernan, 35338 153rd St,
Wecota, SD 57438 PH: 605-324-3638 E-mail:
Prairie Rivers: Lois Storm, 39885 273rd St, Cor-
sica, SD 57329 PH:605-928-3035
E-mail:[email protected] and
Carolyn Goldhammer, 27014 388th Ave, Corsica,
SD 57328 PH:999-3506
Bear Butte: Diane Bryan, 1014 S. 35th St. Spear-
fish, SD 57783 PH:605-717-0505 E-mail:
DATES TO REMEMBER
June 2016, 29th Annual Convention, First Lu-
theran Church, Mitchell
October 16, 2017, Annual Quilt Auction at
Our Savior’s Lutheran in Sioux Falls
July 13-16, 2017, Tenth Triennial Gathering
of Women of the ELCA, Minneapolis, MN
SOUTH DAKOTA SYNODICAL W OMEN OF THE ELCA CONVENTION Page 20
TDTR
Today’s Dream Tomorrow’s Reality Report by Margie Neugebauer, MA, LPC; TDTR Advo-
cate
Greetings, Women of the ELCA! I hope you are enjoying the Synodical Gathering this year. I am sorry that I
cannot attend. My husband and I will be in Tanzania during this time.
Much has happened and will continue to happen regarding racial justice in our state and nation. There have
been many racial incidents which have resulted in deaths and injuries. However, I have seen progress and
have hope that tensions between people of color and whites will continue to decrease and peaceful living will
become more prevalent. The Gospel calls us to love our neighbors and in this global world, our neighbors are
all around the world and in our communities. All are created in the image of God.
What are the signs of hope:
1) Our Presiding Bishop Eaton has called on our church to discuss racism and seek to make lives better. She
has also been a part of three video showings discussing racism in our nation. These are available online.
Bishop Eaton’s webcasts on racism.
2) Pastor Kay Ressling at Pine Ridge Retreat Center has been there a year and is making changes so that Na-
tive people can become self-sufficient. Pastor K has a vision of how the Native people can change their expec-
tations as we whites change our giving habits.
3) At last year’s Synodical Gathering in Rapid City, I presented two workshops on white privilege. These
were nicely attended. This past April I presented on white privilege at the state counseling conference in Ab-
erdeen. This was attended by 27 counselors.
5) The Rapid City Community Conversations (peaceful and productive discussions between whites and peo-
ple of color) have continued to be held and we have been sent into five different committees to work more spe-
cifically on our goals. I am on the Education Team and one of our goals is to help implement the native his-
tory curriculum, Oceti Sakowin, in the Rapid City school district. This curriculum is accepted by the State De-
partment of Education and 3 pilot schools have been selected to do a trial implementation before all the
schools in SD are encouraged to implement this curriculum. http://indianeducation.sd.gov/documents/
OcetiSakowinEUS.pdf.
6) Four new online program documents have been developed by Inez Torres Davis, the director for justice.
They can be found at womenoftheelca.org/racial justice and downloaded for free. Titles include: “How to
have a helpful conversation about race in the church”; “Listening to the third slave”; an anti-racism Bible
study, “The Story of Peter & Cornelius”; and “Historical Timeline of Race Relations” which begins with the
Doctrine of Discovery. These programs are stand-alone pieces, so you need nothing else than this document to
start the conversations.
7) Thank you to the SD WELCA Board for returning TDTR into the budget. I will be attending another
TDTR training in August in Kansas City. Thanks to the Board for supporting this endeavor. I look forward to
having more discussions on racial justice with the Board and you as members. Please contact me with ques-
tions or help in choosing a program to begin the conversations. [email protected] or
303.590.4403
What would the world look like if there was no partiality? What would WELCA look like?