The Southeastern Weaver
November 2012 - Vol. 4
November 2012 - Page 1
The Southeastern
Weaver
Newsletter of The Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA
one, you can suggest ways in which women in your
congregation can celebrate the day individually.
You’ll find some ideas in the “Ways to Celebrate on
Your Own” section of the resource.
You could even expand your observance in to a
whole month of activities using several of our
program resources that speak to being bold.
Advanced planning, effective publicity and
attention to hospitality will ensure a great
observance of Bold Women’s Day 2013 in your
congregation.
(Reprinted from October Interchange)
Plan now to celebrate
Bold Women’s Day
Honor and celebrate the bold women in your
congregation and community on Bold Women’s Day,
observed in 2013 on Sunday, February 24. Be bold,
take risks on account of the gospel, but believe more
boldly still in Jesus, said Martin Luther. And that’s
what we celebrate through Bold Women’s Day:
women who are bold, women who take risks on
account of the gospel.
Begin your planning now for Bold Women’s Day
with
planning
resources
found
at
womenoftheelca.org. Pull together a small planning
team, including women of different generations,
providing each with a copy of our resource,
Celebrating Bold Women’s Day. Several ideas are
found in the resource for observances you can carry
out in community. Feel free to mix and match,
designing an event that is just right for the women
who are gathering.
Instead of a group observance, or in addition to
Visit our website at
www.seswelca.com
for all the
latest information.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Bible Study Options/Gathered by God ....Page 11
2012-13 Board Goals .................................Page 9
Convention Highlights...............................Page 5
Convention Picture Gallery .......................Page 8
Grants/Scholarship Aps Due ...................Page 12
LWR Convention Report .........................Page 10
New Board Member Bios ..........................Page 4
President’s Message ..................................Page 2
Spotlight is on You ....................................Page 3
Thank You .................................................Page 7
Page 2 - November 2012
The Southeastern Weaver
PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
by Jean Minkin
REJOICE! We have heard this word a million times
recently, yet it is so powerful. REJOICE IN THE
LORD, ALWAYS.
First, thanks to EVERYONE who did even a small
part in the convention planning and execution. What a
success. Attendees at 198, good reviews, plenty of
food and fellowship, good weather, fantastic.
Thank you Muriel Williams and every woman on
her committee, each whom Muriel names in a separate
article. They were a great team, each doing their job
and within budget. What a success!
I also wish to thank Debbie Lundell for her
wonderful contribution of the 25th anniversary
celebration at the banquet. We hope to see the video
shown here & there. And congratulations to all the
women present who attended the 1987 constituting
convention, “Called to be One.” You are our rock.
We appreciate Pastor Patti Axel who led us through
a wonderful bible study, and Pastor Beverly Brown
Shaw, our chaplain and worship leader. The Compline
Service was so peaceful. And the beautiful dancers
Sunday morning were wonderful, thanks to Harolyn
Light and her group of girls and women.
Bishop Julian Gordy shared his musical talents, and
well, may we never hear that interesting song again!
Regardless, Bishop Gordy was a hit with his
encouragement, his compassion and humor.
There’s so much more to our organization than
convention. Justice, discipleship, and stewardship are
our callings. Together we support many ministries:
Lutheran World Relief (Janice Hawkins), Wellspring
Living (Jennie Mae Hill), Prison Ministry, Today’s
Dream : Tomorrow’s Reality and many more which are
a core purpose of our organization.
Thank you for electing the current board members.
We have already had a lively post-convention board
meeting. Our objectives include introducing new ways
of accomplishing goals and leading the synodical
organization. We will do our best to serve you and to
serve our Lord.
Yours in Christ,
Jean
TRIENNIAL 2014
by Louise Hamilton
I would like to introduce
the Triennial Gathering Team:
GA - Louise Hamilton
Margery Keller
Carol Hundeby
TN - Linda Timmer
AL - Pat Barber
MS - Nancy Edwards
The queen from
Queen City - Charlotte, NC
urges everyone at convention to save
the dates for Triennial 2014
The Southeastern Weaver
THE SPOTLIGHT
IS ON YOU!
by Agnes Nelson
This issue of the Weaver reintroduces a feature
spotlighting what the Women of the ELCA are doing
in their congregations. This reporter contacted seven
different women’s units and found out that great
things are happening. This issue of the Weaver will
highlight three of those congregations, and the other
churches will be included in our next editions of the
Weaver.
The size of a congregation usually determines
how many projects the women can successfully
complete. Christ Lutheran in Cullman, AL, has a
small loyal group of six who use the material in
GATHER as their Bible study. Five of their
members attended the synod convention. Their
ladies prepared 70 personal care kits, 13 hygiene kits
for LSG, and took pop tabs, Campbell soup labels
and pill bottles to convention. At the time of this
interview, they were busily preparing for an
Octoberfest. The congregation is excited to see their
church being rebuilt after the destruction of a
tornado in April 2011. We rejoice with Christ
Lutheran as their new building is completed.
Grace Lutheran in Long Beach, MS, has a prayer
shawl ministry. The ladies meet once a month to
knit and crochet shawls that are given to nursing
home residents, friends of the congregation, and to
women participating in Kairos Outside. Kairos
Outside is an outreach ministry to women who have
incarcerated loved ones. Lap robes are also made for
people who are undergoing dialysis.
The women at Grace are also involved in a
congregation-wide program of door-to-door ministry
to reach the unchurched in their area. In addition,
care packages are sent to church members in college
and the military. The ladies participate in a program
called “Martha, Martha”, which is a once a month
community food pantry.
A final program to
highlight is the “Back Pack Buddies” program.
During the school year, the WELCA unit prepares
60 lunches per week for elementary students on the
free lunch program. Way to go ladies! What great
work you are doing!
Another busy congregation is Holy Trinity in
November 2012 - Page 3
Marietta, GA. With 75+ members in four circles,
you can do a host of activities. Bible study and
quilting are popular. The ladies cook and serve a
soup supper for Ash Wednesday and help set up for
the other Wednesday night meals during Lent. They
have made and sold corsages to support the malaria
campaign. A Family Game Night is sponsored once
each summer. October finds the WELCA ladies
involved in the congregation’s Octoberfest. A
retreat is held every November when the plans for
the coming year are developed, and December is a
particularly fun month with a Cookie & Candy Sale
to raise scholarships funds for continuing education
of congregational members. Also, a Christ Child
Shower is held with gifts collected and given to a
children’s charity. These are special activities that
keep the ladies at Holy Trinity very busy.
Maybe the spotlight will be on your church next
time. Check out the next issue.
SAVE THIS DATE FOR FELLOWSHIP,
SERVICE & FUN AT THE
26TH ANNUAL CONVENTION!
September 20 - 22, 2013
Plan an extra day or two for touring
Natchez, Mississippi
LA CROSSE SYNOD AND SWO
by Jean Minkin
The La Crosse Synod, comprised of ten counties
in Southwestern Wisconsin and Southeastern
Minnesota, is our U.S. companion synod for both the
Southeastern Synod and Women of the ELCA
Southeastern Synod. At the 2012 Synod Assembly,
many of us met Bishop James Arends who leads
38,100 members in 74 churches. The Synod
encompasses both sides of the Mississippi River in a
hilly, wooded area. The La Crosse synod assembly
will be held this year at Wartburg Seminary in Iowa
actually outside the area of the synod. Yet imagine
this—this location is still not more than two hours
from any place in the synod!
The president for our companion synod is Leanne
Lutz of Mauston, Wisconsin. Her letter to the synod
women is in our Bulletin of Reports for Convention.
Page 4 - November 2012
The Southeastern Weaver
WELCOME TO OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Harolyn C. Light
3212 Clearview Drive, SW
Marietta, GA 30060
haro-lyn@hotmail.com
678-305-9048 (h)
404-457-7798 (c)
Pam Smith
7721 Lynnie Way
Hixon, TN 37343
pamsmith0625@gmail.com
423-870-1236
I was born two years after the landmark decision in the
case of Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483
(1954) by the Supreme Court that declared that state
laws that established separate public schools for black
and white students unconstitutional, in Atlanta, GA and
baptized on October 29, 1960 at the Lutheran Church of
the Atonement. I was excited to attend the experimental
and integrated Metro High School, a school without walls
in St. Louis, MO.
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church and Resurrection
Lutheran Church in St. Louis were a central part of my
upbringing, from singing in the choir to acting in plays
and skits. I graduated from Howard University School of
Law in Washington, DC, served a 6-year term on the
Board of the Division for Global Mission and brought our
congregation youth to a Global Mission event. A threeyear training with the Lutheran World Federation
headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, focused on issues
concerning women. Fifty women from around the world
gathered and were trained to be leaders. I attended the
Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing,
China. I also worked as a legislative analyst in the House
Research Department in Jefferson City, Missouri and
shared reports with Governor Mel Carnahan and other
state officials.
I hope to continue to live out the theme of the Fourth
World Conference on Women to “think globally and act
locally. I am humbly grateful to serve on the synodical
board of the Women of the ELCA. I will follow in the
footsteps of my greatest role model – my mother,
Charlotte Light. During closing worship at Callaway
Gardens, our dance ministry group Exuberant Praise
shared the liturgical dance Rejoice! Using God’s gifts, I
will continue to share Christ with women of all ages as I
work with the members of the synodical board.
My name is Pam Smith, new member for the Women
of the ELCA Southeastern Synod board. I’m originally
from Shelbyville, Tennessee.
I graduated from
Tennessee Tech University where I received my degree
and met my husband of almost 35 years, Marty. We have
two children, Angela (25) and Amanda (24). I work at
Trinity Lutheran Church in Hixson, Tennessee as the
Administrative Assistant.
I have actively participated with the Women of the
ELCA for many years, but only began attending
conventions three years ago. One of my goals for our
women is to tap into that enthusiasm that flows in the
convention atmosphere and share it with the women of
my church. I’d like to see our units grow individually yet
also realize that church-wide connection. I hope to be an
effective board member and ask for your prayers as well
as new ideas to share with the board.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
March 1-3, 2013
Atlanta, GA
June 7-9, 2013
Daphne, AL
To mobilize women to
act boldly on their faith
in Jesus Christ.
SPECIAL THANKS TO
SPECIAL PEOPLE
by Jean Minkin
Being elected to the Board by our peers is an
honor and a responsibility that every woman
considers deeply prior to allowing her name to be
placed in nomination.
These women stepped
forward, and served faithfully. We wish to thank Pat
Barber, Robyn Eltorro, Kelly Jannett, and Katherine
Tillman for their service and the wonderful job each
did for our organization. We wish each of you the
best possible future.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
The Southeastern Weaver
2012 Convention Highlights
by Debbie Wilhite
What a fabulous convention we had at Callaway
Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA to celebrate 25 years of
the Women of the ELCA with almost 200 in attendance.
This remarkable weekend offered fellowship with so
many incredible women, inspiration through word and
music, and encouragement to continue making a
difference in the lives of others. We were enlightened
with many informative workshops and exhibits showing
us ways to improve our world with faith-based actions
and words.
Reverend Beverly Brown-Shaw opened the
convention with prayer on Friday and Jean Minkin,
President, did a marvelous job of keeping the agenda
running smoothly. Vickie Murph, Churchwide Rep, gave
details about programs to combat sexual exploitation and
human trafficking, to provide racial justice advocacy, and
to carry out the crucial malaria campaign. Check out
www.womenoftheelca.org for more including the online magazines for women at www.boldcafe.org. Vicki
also explained the current financial situation of Women
of the ELCA, specifically that giving is down
substantially. We can turn this around with
Thankofferings, planned giving, and even by purchasing
a $15 per year subscription at www.gathermagazine.org
to Gather magazine, a good resource for a variety of
devotions and heart-felt stories, .
Callaway treated us to a simply scrumptious dinner on
Friday evening, after which we gathered into our
respective clusters for planning time of upcoming cluster
events. The final event of the evening began as the lights
went off. Chaotic fun ensued as everyone searched out
others with the same color fluorescent bracelets, grouping
by like colors in the dark. Once in groups, we had
opportunity to make new friends during the game that
followed.
Pastor Patti Axel led the Saturday morning Bible study
for the theme, “Rejoice in the Lord Always”. Bishop
Julian Gordy shared the good news that the number of
women pastors is increasing. He also focused on the
importance of supporting the Malaria Campaign and
shared the major concern that churches are giving 25%
less to the Synod, which means there is less financial aid
for seminary students, campus ministries, and mission
work. He encouraged us to keep in mind that visitors to
our churches need to feel the palpable presence of God
through a sincere warm welcome from us. We are
“stewards of the mysteries of God”.
Keynote Speaker, Kelly Ingram, Christian Radio and
Television personality, awed us with her beautiful and
November 2012 - Page 5
powerful singing voice. She shared her personal story
sprinkled with humor, of how her experiences raising an
autistic child eventually brought her closer to God.
In-Kind gifts gathered will benefit Wellspring Living,
a recovery program that helps exploited young girls. The
Love Offering, totaling over $5,000 will benefit Luther
Ranch.
Janice Hawkins received an overwhelming number of
quilt and kit donations at the LWR truck. Dana Lee
Smith’s fun “stretch and sing” breaks kept everyone
motivated. During free time on Saturday afternoon, there
was opportunity for water aerobics with Carol Hundeby
or a walk in the tranquil gardens of Callaway. Saturday
evening, the ladies dressed for dinner in their finest
purple and silver, celebrated 25 years with a beautiful
service of lighted candles and slide show planned by
Debbie Lundell, as well as cake and line dancing with a
DJ arranged by Robyn Eltorro. At the final business on
Sunday, election results were announced: Jean Minkin President, Dian Luffman - Treasurer, Harolyn Light and
Pam Smith - new board members, and Agnes Nelson
reelected. Finally, watch the Weaver for details of our
2013 convention in Natchez, MS.
LOVE OFFERING 2012-2013:
The Vision
by Jean Minkin
How about that view from the Holy
Trinity House! $8,592.27 has been
donated toward our $10,000 goal for
2012-2013. The Love Offering campaign will be
complete on January 31, 2013. The funds will be
part of the building campaign at Lutheranch for the
Retreat Center and more. Our prayers have been
answered as many women dig deep and use Patti
Austin’s suggestion of “one dollar per week” to save
and support STANDING ON THE PROMISE.
InGathering: WellSpring Supplies Received
by Jennie Mae Hill
What a wonderful outpouring from the hearts of the
Women of the ELCA Southeastern Synod!
210 rolls of toilet paper 160 rolls of paper towels
2 box of Kleenex
2 bottles furniture polish
2 bottles of bleach
2 bottle of clothes detergent
16 bottles all purpose cleaners
30 bottles of disinfectant wipes
10 cans of dry cleanser (comet)
In addition, $490 in gift cards/checks was also received!
Page 6 - November 2012
The Southeastern Weaver
ELCA Malaria
Campaign
by Carlyn Nankervis
In 2007 I joined a mission trip to Zambia and Tanzania
in East Africa. The purpose of the trip was to visit
elementary and high schools to encourage scholarship
recipient teachers and students working in rural areas
located 50 miles from electricity and running water.
Since the malaria rate in Zambia is 115% (The reason it is
over 100% is that 15% of the people get malaria more
than once a year/children sometimes 3-5 times a year).
SIDE NOTE: After my return, National Geographic
reported the horrific effect of malaria in Africa. Had my
husband known, he might have stopped my plans to go,
but he was not aware that our African interpreter actually
got malaria while traveling with us. When I expressed my
concern about the danger, I was joyfully told, “Oh no,
Carlyn, only if she bites you!” People traveling with an
American organization are provided with the necessary
medication.
For some time, the ELCA has supported clinics and
programs in Africa to provide health care. Now there is
an intense focus on malaria. Malaria kills 655,000 people
in Africa each year, most being children under five.
That’s a child every sixty seconds.
The ELCA, through its Malaria Campaign, has joined
hands with eleven Lutheran church bodies in Africa and
has become part of a historic global movement that says
“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” No child, no person should
die of a disease that is preventable and treatable. The
ELCA Malaria Campaign is challenging us to raise $15
million in order to prevent, treat and educate communities
in Africa about malaria, to eliminate deaths from this
disease!
Eight of ten of the 800,000 people of the world who
die from malaria each year live in Africa. In countries
with high rates of malaria, the disease accounts for up to
60% of health clinic visits and 50% of hospital stays.
Ackson Chisaka, a Lutheran pastor in Kashima,
Zambia is witnessing first-hand how education about
malaria prevention and treatment is making a life-saving
impact. Enoch Shidola, a clinical officer at a health center
in the same town where Chisaka serves, has reported that
a conservative estimate shows malaria cases in Kashima
reduced to half.
Chisaka and Shidola attribute this turn-around to the
anti-malaria campaigns of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Zambia and the Lutheran Evangelical Church
in Africa (Zambia Diocese). In partnership with the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America—particularly
through its Malaria Campaign--these churches and
others across Africa are contributing jointly to the
prevention, treatment and control of malaria, as well as
studying the effects of poverty on alleviation of the
disease.
We, as Women of the ELCA, can help with this
campaign to improve the health of women and children
in Africa by adopting this as a project of our local unit or
encouraging our congregations and youth groups to
participate in this valuable program. For example, the
confirmation classes in my church had a “Nothing but
Nets” campaign which used basketball nets, shooting
hoops and snacks to raise money for mosquito nets. Our
youth raised almost $500.00 for mosquito nets and our
Ministry of the Month raised a total of $1,200. Way to
go, Christ our Shepherd!
"The statistics are
compelling, even more so
when we realize that each
awareness session, each rapid
diagnostic kit, each dose of
malaria medication represents
entire lives that have been
changed and enriched by
the work of the ELCA Malaria
Campaign," said Jessica Nipp-Hacker, national
coordinator of the ELCA Malaria Campaign. "Gifts to
the ELCA Malaria Campaign have empowered our
Lutheran sisters and brothers in Africa to provide
necessary training and resources to their communities
and to accomplish their malaria-control goals for 2012.
The continuing support of ELCA members will mean
additional life-changing programs in years to come."
Information about the ELCA Malaria Campaign is
available at www.ELCA.org/malaria. I believe this
campaign will make a difference in the healthy lives of
our brothers and sisters in Christ in Africa.
2013 CONVENTION
TRANSPORTATION SURVEY
We are considering two chartered buses to Natchez, one
from Knoxville with pickup in Nashville, Huntsville &
Birmingham, AL and one from the Atlanta area. If
interested, contact your coordinator with your preferences
as listed below:
1. Leaving Wed., Sept. 18 or Thurs., Sept. 19
2. $90-$125/bus only estimate+lunch-what would you pay?
3. Where you join - TN, AL or Atlanta?
Arrive Natchez Wed/Thurs eve, 3-4 nights at The Grand
Hotel on the Mississippi River approx $129 per room per
night. Leave Sunday and arrive home Sunday evening.
Contacts: Joni Donegan-TN/AL-joni.donegan@comcast.net
Carol Hundeby-GA-canddtravel@bellsouth.net
The Southeastern Weaver
Just in time for holiday gift-giving
(Reprint from November 2012 Interchange)
A limited edition Christmas ornament celebrating the
25th anniversary of Women of the ELCA will be available
for purchase later this month at womenoftheelca.org. The
ornament costs $12, with $6 of that cost going to the 25th
Anniversary Appeal of Women of the ELCA (shipping and
handling is additional). The 25th Anniversary Appeal
supports the churchwide ministries of Women of the
ELCA and the life-saving work of the ELCA Malaria
Campaign.
The ornament features the much loved water, cross
and lily from the Women of the ELCA logo. This logo
identifies women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America as children of God; baptized, forgiven, adopted
into God’s family, full of grace and hope in eternal life. It
is a reminder of the growth, beauty and vitality that rises
out of that life-giving baptismal water. It is also a reminder
of the mission of the church to “Go, therefore, make
disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew
28:19).
The pewter ornament, with a two and 3/8th inches
diameter and comes in a black velour drawstring pouch.
Again, the cost is $12, plus shipping and handling.
Thank You! Thank You!
by Jennie Mae Hill
Ladies, THANK YOU so much for all you have done
for Wellspring Living. I want to share a thank you letter
from Zanese for what was provided for the organization at
convention.
“Thanks SO much for your generosity in hosting
Wellspring Living at the Callaway Gardens ELCA
Southeastern Synod Women's 25th anniversary event on
September 15, and particularly for blessing us with two van
loads of paper products and other items. I delivered my van
load on Monday to the women, and the coordinator is so
grateful--as you can imagine, the women go through a lot
of paper goods! I hope our paths cross again this side of
heaven!....Zanese Duncan”
****************
The following letter came from
Lutheran Services of GA to thank our
synod ladies for the hygiene kits we
assembled at convention for Lutheran
Services of GA….Jean Minkin
“Dear Jean, On behalf of the staff of Lutheran Services
of Georgia, and especially our clients, I want to thank the
Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA for their generous
contributions of items for hygiene kits at this year’s
Convention. We came home with 145 completed kits, and
enough items to start an additional 180 kits. Nothing will
November 2012 - Page 7
ever top the 10,000 diapers of Savannah, but 325
toothbrushes is an impressive total! I’ve attached a couple
of pictures of the assembly line for the record.
I’m so glad that you contacted me about having some
kind of hands-on project, and that hygiene kits fit the bill so
well. It’s a simple act of hospitality to have these kits ready
to hand out, a way to welcome families and children to
their new homes, whether it’s a refugee apartment or a
foster placement.
Thank you again for your partnership in service, and for
the ongoing support from the Women of the ELCA for our
mission to serve and engage the community by bringing
hope, healing, and strength to people in need. Looking
forward to seeing everyone in Natchez!...Sincerely,
Lorraine Dorough/VP Agency Advancement LSG”
****************
THANK YOU TO MY CONVENTION TEAM
by Muriel D. Williams
Barring none, this convention planning team was the
best ever. The following played a significant role:
Jacqui El Torro of Emmanuel for food and banquet
arrangements; Robyn El Torro of Emmanuel for the
fantastic and memorable banquet entertainment; Linda
Few of St. Marks for all you did—providing flawless
audio/visuals throughout the convention, the decorations
and table decorations at our banquet and making our work
fun; Sharen Kilpatrick of Redeemer for providing and
setting up signs on the road and at the convention site to
direct us to wherever we needed to be; Charlotte Light
and the great team from Atonement who obtained and
stuffed our convention bags and worked registration tables;
Louise Barron who assisted Charlotte; Claude Merritt for
making our beautiful convention banner,
providing
goodies/helping set up the hospitality room and acting as
page during plenary sessions; Pastor Beverly Shaw of St.
Johns who was such a great spiritual leader for convention,
providing a peaceful chapel space where many found
refuge from the business of convention and arranging a
spiritual Friday compline service as well as a joyous
Sunday service to be long remembered; Patricia Snow of
Rock of Ages who as our Cluster Recorder, was great help
during the planning and provided goodies and helped set up
the hospitality room.
Additional thanks goes to those below who helped
although not officially on the team: Artmisha Johnson
and Eloise Fuller of Atonement who assisted Charlotte
Light with registration; Claudette DeLapara, Dora
Jackson and Ruth Joe of Rock of Ages who helped with
the table decorations for banquet; to the ladies of St. Paul
who acted as pages and assisted with the collection of our
love offering; Finally to Reginald Fincher who helped
shop for convention items, toted and fetched during
convention and helped decorate for the banquet. I am so
grateful to you all!
Page 8 - November 2012
The Southeastern Weaver
“Rejoice in the Lord always…..and again I say Rejoice”
Check out our website www.seswelca.com
and Facebook for more convention pictures!
Bishop Gordy shared his
message with music
Jean Minkin, President, led the plenary sessions
with assistance of Norma and Florine
The 25th anniversary quilt made
by Shades Valley quilters was
raffled off and won by Kathi DeVoe
One of many contributions to LWR
collections at convention
Skit presented by Cluster 9 gals
introducing 2013 convention site/Natchez
Vickie Murph,
Churchwide Rep, makes
her presentation
Dancing the YMCA during the
banquet festivities on Saturday
Recognition of newly-elected
board members on Sunday morning
Another group of royally
dressed ladies approach
the banquet hall
Louise Iconis & Linda Few
arrive in style for the banquet
Jacqui El Torro, Food &
Banquet Coordinator at lunch
Muriel lights candles to recognize
those such as Hazel who have
served over the past 25 years of
Women of the ELCA
Debbie Lundell and Rose Denzin
share a moment
Robyn Eltorro
holds the “hoop”
at banquet
Post dinner
activities at the
Saturday
banquet
Patti Austin & Trudy Hanson
enjoying the Saturday
banquet events
Table decoration
for Banquet
Ladies get into the
line dancing at
banquet
The Southeastern Weaver
UPDATE ON SYNOD GOALS
by Norma Reed
At the May meeting, the synod board sought to take a
new direction in setting annual goals. To accomplish
this, measurement criteria were added to certain longstanding goals and new goals were added. You can find
the complete approved list on page 15 of the Bulletin of
Reports at our website: https://sites.google.com/site/
seswelca/bulletin-of-reports.
Here is the first update:
 GOAL 8 addresses expanding our channels of
communication. It has been achieved with the
addition of more than 50 new Facebook friends who
share and receive updates!
 GOAL 4 concerns LWR collections. For the first
time, a non-board member (Janice Hawkins) chaired
the annual collections both around the synod and at
convention. She has creative ideas for working with
site coordinators and congregations to increase
awareness and participation in this important and farreaching project.
 GOALS 9 & 3 achieved the 50% mark as a result of
workshops offered at convention (on racial justice
advocacy and cluster communication), while another
workshop addressed GOAL 7 by educating women
about resources available to local congregational
units.
 GOALS 1 & 2 are critical to our effectively working
together. They address the task of identifying current
unit contacts in every synod congregation and
helping them to create or update organizational
structures to meet their needs. Cluster leaders have
been provided with tools to assist them in achieving
these two goals.
As you review these 2012-13 goals, please contact
your board rep or executive board with any ideas to
improve or enhance them. We welcome everyone’s
suggestions.
COMMENTS FROM 25TH
ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION
All reviews agreed that Callaway Gardens was a
lovely and appropriate setting for a gala celebration,
though distances between sleeping rooms, plenary,
banquet space and the hospitality room proved
challenging. This was especially true for workshops,
since they were in a separate building “up the hill”. As a
result of arranging for cluster musters in a convenient
location for attendees instead of the rooms on “the hill”
on Friday evening, sound noise became somewhat of an
November 2012 - Page 9
issue for six of our nine clusters meeting in the plenary
room. Reviewers liked having convention registration, the
exhibits, plenary and banquet rooms in close proximity;
and loved the Friday buffet yet missed having breakfast
options.
Participants praised the fact that sessions and activities
started and ended on time, but pointed out that the effort
to build in free time led to a somewhat tight schedule.
Many expressed the wish that the workshops and free time
could have been ‘swapped’ on Saturday afternoon to
allow delegates and more participants to enjoy the full
gardens experience. Some requested times for LWR dropoff that did not conflict with plenary sessions. Everyone
appreciated the visibility of our younger board members
in presentations such as the mixer. Dana Lee brought joy
to our stretch & sing breaks. Reviews requested that the
peaceful Compline worship on Friday evening become
part of future convention experiences.
Variety of
workshops is always good, but fewer choices would also
be fine.
The banquet recognition, testimony and
entertainment won total approval. Even those who were
not numbered among the several dozen learning line
dancing, enjoyed the fellowship and laughter. To quote,
“It was probably the best banquet I’ve been to in all my
years…“It was a wonderful celebration!”
The board appreciates the ideas for schedule
adjustments in future planning. “There were so many nice
things about this convention that satisfy the
soul.” [Sunday worship was an] “excellent ending to a
great joyful weekend.” “well planned—well done—a lot
of hard work.” “...very good and professional meeting
with theme carried out.”
ELCA FUNDS FOR LEADERS: Our Impact
by Jean Minkin
In 2004, delegates voted that the Love Offering be
designated as an ELCA FUND FOR LEADERS scholarship.
The Fund for Leaders is an endowed scholarship resource
created to provide funds so that dedicated and promising men
and women can accept the call to ministry for the ELCA in
the 21st Century. The program has been very successful—
the fund provided assistance of over $1.1 million in 2011 to
184 future pastors and rostered lay leaders.
Our original Love Offering (the Women of the ELCA
endowment investment) has grown to a market value of
$26,806 as of 12/31/2011. An estimated $9,977.21 was
available for the 2012-2013 academic year to impact young
people in need of assistance to attend seminary. In 2012, the
Synodical Board executive team chose one candidate from
the Synod’s pre-selected list. Our first consideration was to
choose a woman committed to her calling. As a result, the
$2,500 award was presented to Jeniffer Tillman from Christ
the Lord, Lawrenceville, GA. It provided a tuition payment
for Jeniffer at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.
Our original endowment continues to grow for future
qualified candidates. It is wonderful to see the fund at work.
Page 10 - November 2012
2012 QUILT & KITS
CONVENTION REPORT
by Janice Hawkins
Another year of quilt and kit gathering is finished and
the new one has begun! Thanks to all of the LWR
Ingathering coordinators: Tommie Morgan in Daphne,
AL; Kathryn Waters in Homewood, AL; Rhonda Gaede
in Madison, AL; Agnes Nelson in Tucker, GA; Carolyn
Arnsdorff in Rincon, GA; Carolyn Pruiska in
Murfreesboro, TN; and Nadine Ottinger in Greenville,
TN for a job well done (weighing, and packing the
trucks). All the church reporting forms were provided in
a timely manner so only totals were needed for the final
collection report!
The results of what was collected at this year’s LWR
ingathering sites are highlighted below. The total weight
was 29,550 lbs. The top three churches in pounds
collected were: Messiah/Madison, AL - 3453 lbs,
Redeemer/Atlanta, GA - 2007 lbs, and Shades Valley/
Homewood, AL - 1939 lbs. Totals are reported below
for number of quilts, kits and soap giving the top three
churches in each category (though some fabric kits were
collected, numbers were not included in the report):
Quilts:
440 Redeemer, Atlanta, GA
302 Shades Valley, Homewood, AL
209 Christus Victor, Ocean Springs, MS
Personal Care Kits:
225 St. Andrews, Franklin, TN
203 Shades Valley, Homewood, AL
192 Gloria Dei, Knoxville, TN
School Kits:
705 Messiah, Madison, AL
209 Holy Cross, Hiram, GA
189 Christ Lutheran, Nashville, TN
Baby Care Kits:
306 Messiah, Madison, AL
75 Trinity, Lilburn, GA
51 Faith Lutheran, Cleveland, GA
Soap:
655 lbs Gloria Dei, Knoxville, TN
379 lbs Trinity, Lilburn, GA
288 lbs Christ Lutheran, Nashville, TN
We also received quilts & kits from 6 Missouri Synod
churches, 5 churches of the Florida panhandle, one from
SC and one from VA. The ladies from the Florida
panhandle contributed 1476 lbs, which included 255
quilts, 88 personal care kits, and 126 school kits!
Something we should remember is the cost of shipping
to get all these quilts and kits to the LWR warehouse in
Maryland and from there to those in need! Did you know
the cost to ship one quilt is $2.25 and one personal care
The Southeastern Weaver
kit is $2.65? A great way to help is to gather a special
offering or hold a fundraiser (bake sale or breakfast on
Sunday mornings) and send to the Quilt & Kit Shipping
Fund. Just send funds to Dian Luffman, Treasurer who
tracks all contributions and forwards them to LWR.
Now for the Challenge! In 2013 LWR is challenging
Lutherans across the U.S. to donate 500,000 mission
quilts to be sent around the world. This is a 25% increase
(100,000 more quilts)! Making quilts for LWR provides
opportunity to answer God’s call to love and serve our
neighbors. They are a tangible symbol of God’s love and
compassion and the most requested item. Ladies—it’s
time to step up our game for next year and show them
what we can do!
Convention Giving Update
by Dian Luffman, Treasurer
As I reflect on the 25th Annual Convention, there was
a lot of rejoicing and giving going on! During the
convention, we collected monetary offerings during two
amazing worship services, gathered a generous Love
Offering to benefit Lutheranch and offered In-Kind gift
cards and cleaning supplies to support the work of
Wellspring Living. Often during the weekend, people
handed me envelopes to support LWR Shipping/formerly
Project Comfort. Since the financial period for SES
Women of the ELCA runs from Feb 1, 2012 to January
31, 2013, these numbers reflect eight months of our
giving period. There’s lots of time for unit treasurers to
send offerings. The funds listed below will be given to
the recipient 100% – none is used by the synod.
At Convention
Year to Date
LWR Shipping:
$1,033.00
$2,032.05
LWR:
$60.95
25th Anniv-Malaria:
$87.10
Love Offering 2012: $5,610.11
$8,592.27
Katie’s Table:
$449.41
$649.41
The convention offering was $3680, half of which
goes to support the work of Women of the ELCA and
half of this remains in the synod.
Please remember that though we elect officers in
September, the financial year doesn’t end until January
31, 2013. We continue to collect for Lutheranch through
January 31st. Will we reach our $10,000 goal? We only
need $1400. Will 27 people give $1 a week? Yes!
A reminder—since most units will elect new officers
next year, please share that checks should be made
payable to the Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA
or SES Women of the ELCA. Checks received made out
to the recipient (i.e. LWR) must be forwarded to the
organization. The end result is churches do not receive
credit on the report at convention. So it is important that
checks are made payable to SES Women of the ELCA.
The Southeastern Weaver
CHANGES ARE IN THE AIR...
by Jean Minkin
You may have noticed a change in the number of
board members this year. As a result of a resolution
presented last year at the 2011 convention and sent
on to churchwide for approval, a vote at the 2012
convention passed to reduce this number by two this
year and also next year at the 2013 convention. The
result will be an executive team of four and six board
members. Check the “Who Do You Call?” list for
assignments of this board to clusters. We appreciate
the hard work and willingness to serve of all our
board members
Bible Study Options:
Bringing Women Together Through Bible Study
by Pat Cunningham
It is difficult in today’s hectic life to find time to really
study the Bible, let alone find time for a group to gather
for study. Here are some suggestions.
† A member of our church has started a summer study
of the Sermon on the Mount, and she has had a good
size group each week to offer discussion.
† I led a study last year on Wednesday nights based on
the old Andy Griffith show. If you think about it,
every program had a specific moral value. Our music
director has DVD's of all the old shows and the Bible
study that went with each episode. The website is
barneyfife.com, which includes lesson plans and
scripture.
† The magazine “Gather” has a good bible study every
fall, and a separate study for summer. (Please see
article below.)
These are some other options: Gather to discuss some
of the lesser known women in the Bible and their stories.
Another church has held Bible studies in one of the local
theaters and served a very simple lunch along with it.
It may take several tries to build a study group, but
just work at it and it will succeed.

Gathered by God:
A Bible study written for women by a woman
Dr. Audrey West
Article by Carlyn Nankervis
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am
there among them,” Matthew 18:20. This is the theme for
the Bible study for the Women of the ELCA from
September 2012 - May 2013. How appropriate that our
magazine Gather (formerly called Lutheran Woman
November 2012 - Page 11
Today) should have a Bible study on the theme of
“Gather.” Throughout Scripture, we read how people of
God gather – for worship, for learning, for festivals, for
sustaining community. We too gather in our everyday
lives. Friends and family gather to share a meal, witness
a wedding, grieve a loss, and celebrate a life. People
gather for justice, campaign against hunger, and to offer
service. We gather to support one another and we gather
to learn. We gather our voices in song and prayer. As
communities of faith we gather for renewal, for
inspiration and to share stories that remind us who we
are. We gather to be empowered and to be sent as God’s
witnesses. Join us to explore some of these many ways
that we are “Gathered by God.”
Have you wondered how to start a Bible Study for the
women of your church? You will need a few women or a
large group. You can even do Bible study by yourself
(although it may be a bit lonely.) Each woman should
have her own copy of the magazine Gather so she can
prepare for the Bible study. You can choose one study
leader or share leadership each month. It is suggested
that you purchase the leader’s guide through the Women
of the ELCA website as it provides additional background
information not found in Gather and includes tips on how
to lead the discussion as well as instructions for
additional activities.
I have read that a two-day Bible study event to prepare
leaders has been held in western and midwestern synods
this past year. This study event is a great idea to prepare
leaders and a good way to “gather” and make new
friends.
For more information, visit gathermagazine.org/
biblestudy. If you have questions about starting a Bible
study, please call Carlyn Nankervis at 770-486-8126.
25TH Anniversary
Convention Quilt
by Paula McMillan
We congratulate Kathi DeVoe,
Trinity Lutheran, Lilburn, GA who won
the anniversary convention quilt raffle.
Proceeds from this raffle went to Katie’s
Table. This beautiful hand-tied quilt
was made by the Happy Quilters of
Shades Valley Lutheran, Birmingham,
AL (led by Kathryn Waters) and featured the convention
colors of purple and silver with a center square of silver
machine embroidered with the 25th Anniversary Convention
logo. We thank Shades Valley for their labor of love. Kathi
will be “...sharing it with our board, circles, and ….on
Women of the ELCA Sunday….in February.” It will be
displayed at their next cluster/conference meeting scheduled
for this fall. Meanwhile, the quilt will be hanging in her
guest bedroom at home. Kathi, enjoy your quilt!
Page 12 - November 2012
The Southeastern Weaver
YOUR BOARD AT WORK
The board would like to announce the formation of the
following special committees:
1. Mission Teams: Committee to study pros and cons of
retaining Action/Community/Growth Mission Team
names and advantages/disadvantages of shifting our
focus to other different yet similar advocacy
programs while not eliminating successful programs.
2. Communications: Committee to survey/study how
best to communicate with synod women and vice
versa -- what tools are available, how effective and
how often to be in contact.
3. Convention scheduling: Committee to study pros/
cons of continuing on a yearly schedule, vs. other
options.
All synod board members will serve on one of these
special committees in addition to her regular
responsibilities. If you are contacted for input, we ask
that you give your opinion from your heart. The board
welcomes all calls or emails to share thoughts and will
provide updates as the year progresses.
Grants, scholarship applications due
(Reprint from February 2012 Interchange)
February 15 marks the deadline for two important
annual programs of Women of the ELCA: grants and
scholarships.
Agencies and non-profits that support healing and
wholeness for women of all ages are invited to apply for a
2012 grant from Women of the ELCA. Last year grants
were given to teen parent mentoring programs,
therapeutic support groups for adolescent girls who are
victims of sexual trauma, culinary and life-skills training
for women stuck in poverty, seminars for survivors of
domestic and sexual violence and peacemaking training,
among others. If you know of similar agencies and nonprofits in your community, encourage them to apply.
Details are available at womenoftheelca.org.
Scholarships are available for women who are
members of the ELCA. There are scholarships for
Lutheran laywomen who are studying for a career other
than ordained ministry as well as scholarships for those in
their final year at an ELCA seminary. The other
scholarships fall into two administrative categories: for
women administrators and faculty at ELCA colleges and
seminaries who are participating in leadership training or
management training institutes and for women interested
in reaching the top of their fields as administrators. Last
year 24 women received scholarships from Women of the
ELCA. Encourage someone you know to apply today.
Details are available at womenoftheelca.org.
WHO DO YOU CALL?
ACTION:
Carlyn Lundell Nankervis/CHAIR - Cluster 2 Board Rep
770-486-8126 - Email: nankerviscarlyn@yahoo.com
Pat Cunningham - Cluster 1 Board Rep
912-897-4208 - Email: pc1945@att.net
RESPONSIBLE FOR: In-Kind Gifts, Prison Ministry,
Katie’s Table, Ronald McDonald House, Websites
COMMUNITY:
Pam Smith/CHAIR - Cluster 6 Board Rep
423-870-1236 - Email: Pamsmith0625@gmail.com
Mica Inge Koli - Cluster 3 Board Rep
678-620-9356 - Email:micakoli@bellsouth.net
Harolyn Light - Cluster 4 Board Rep
678-305-9048 - Email: Haro-lyn@hotmail.com
RESPONSIBLE FOR: Special Events/Services, Bold Women &
Women of the ELCA Sunday, Church Women United
GROWTH:
Malisha Brown/CHAIR - Cluster 9 Board Rep
678-378-2662 - Email: Ms_mrb@hotmail.com
Jennie Mae Hill - Cluster 2 Board Rep
404-626-4597 - Email: jenniemaehill@yahoo.com
Agnes Nelson - Cluster 5 Board Rep
770-458-3473 - Email: jnels5@comcast.net
RESPONSIBLE FOR: Membership Outreach, Scholarships,
Youth/Young Adults, Leadership Development
SECRETARY:
Paula McMillan - Cluster 7 Board Rep
205-854-1462 - Email: Pfmp139@gmail.com
CLUSTER LIAISON:
Norma Reed - 770-464-4451 - (c)706-769-0303
Email: norma-ELCA@att.net
TREASURER:
Dian Luffman - Cluster 8 Board Rep
615-831-0941, 615-430-1489-Email: dianluff@gmail.com
NEWSLETTER EDITOR:
Ruth Schreiner - 615-790-1324
Email: fredruths@comcast.net
CONVENTION CHAIR:
Tommie Morgan - 251-342-9337
Email:Tommiem123@bellsouth.net
CONVENTION REGISTRAR:
Barbara Schwanebeck - 770-427-7808
Email: chris.schwanebeck@att.net
TRIENNIAL GATHERING PROMOTER:
Louise Hamilton - 678-261-0739
Email:lhami630@bellsouth.net
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF:
Janice Hawkins - 770-712-6090 - jchawkin@bellsouth.net
CONSTITUTION:
Claude Merritt: 770-938-0327 - Email: clm752@bellsouth.net
RACIAL JUSTICE ADVOCACY:
Carlyn Nankervis-770-486-8126
Email: nankerviscarlyn@yahoo.com
Malisha Brown-678-378-2662/Email:Ms_mrb@hotmail.com
The Southeastern
Page
12 - April 2012
Weaver
November 2012 - Page 13
2012-2013 EXECUTIVE BOARD
Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA
Jean Minkin, President
940 Providence Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30044
(cell) 678-662-8116
minkin4178@bellsouth.net
Norma Reed, Vice President
1173 Manchester Court, Social Circle, GA 30025
770-464-4451
norma-ELCA@att.net
Paula McMillan, Secretary
5514 Kennesaw Pass, Pinson, AL 35126
205-854-1462
pfmp139@gmail.com
Dian Luffman, Treasurer
5131 Ashley Drive, Nashville, TN 37211
615-831-0941
dianluff@gmail.com
Pat Barber
307 Rhett Avenue SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
256-536-9357
Malisha Brown
2026 Jacquelyn Drive, Douglasville, GA 30135
678-378-2662
Pat Cunningham
208 Dobson Road, Savannah, GA 31410
912-897-4208
Robyn M. Eltorro
2672 Stone View Terrace, East Point, GA 30344
Jennie Mae Hill
210 Ridge Run, Stockbridge, GA 30281
Kelly Jannett
702 Morris Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Mica Inge Koli
6055 Millwick, Johns Creek, GA 30005
678-620-9356
Carlyn Lundell Nankervis
252 Turnbridge Circle, Peachtree City, GA 30269
770-486-8126
Agnes Nelson
2859 Appling Drive, Chamblee, GA 30341
770-458-3473
Katherine Tillman
10 Pipers Pond Lane, Savannah, GA 31404
912-232-7520
Ruth Schreiner, Newsletter Editor
(Non-Board)
2201 Oakwood Dr., E, Franklin, TN 37064
615-790-1324
fredruths@comcast.net
Barbara Schwanebeck/Registrar
277 Mossy Way NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152
770-427-7808
Louise Hamilton, TGP
201 Crosstown Drive, #1088, Peachtree City, GA 30269
678-261-0739
Women of the ELCA Churchwide
www.womenoftheelca.org
8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631-4189
Fax: 773-380-2419
(cell) 404-642-1668
404-626-4597
(cell) 615-617-9712
800-638-3522, Ext. 2730
Women.ELCA@elca.org
PLEASE CHECK PAGE 10 FOR BOARD MEMBER E-MAIL ADDRESSES
The Southeastern Weaver is published at least four times a year. Complimentary issues are sent to the SWO Board, Cluster
Leaders, each Congregational Unit President of record and to each congregation in the S.E. Synod. Region 9 Presidents, the
Churchwide President, the Churchwide Executive Director, and Presidents of SWO’s selected by the sitting President also
receive copies. To correct our mailing list, please send the following information to: Norma Reed, 1173 Manchester Court,
Social Circle, GA 30025.
Church Name & Address: _______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
CU President & Address: _______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone: _______________________________ Term of Office: _____________________________________________
(Area Code)
(From Date)
(To Date)
Page 14 - November
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