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 12

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

women.elca@elca.org 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,

dgtoben@itctel.com. 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 swf1157@icloud.com

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

moneahn.fleming@gmail.com 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-

bossert55@gmail.com 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-

son.2562@yahoo.com 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 bddakot@yahoo.com

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 cjknutson@mmm.com

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-

hil@yahoo.com 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: sheryn@midstatesd.net; 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 donnab@sbtc.net 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

jp2009@santel.net 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

doris1233@wat.midco.net 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:

nancy-rieke@yahoo.com 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:

pohlman.lynn@gmail.com 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-

son8289@gmail.com 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:habich@sio.midco.net

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-

bickett@alliancecom.net 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:joanernst78@gmail.com

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:

gtsue203@yahoo.com

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-

glen@gmail.com , 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:

nancy_rieke@yahoo.com , 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-

ham@alliancecom.net, 2nd term, 2nd year (Southeastern advisor)

TREASURER: Kathy Thompson, 404 3rd St, Wilmot, SD

57279-2223, PH: 938-4592, Cell: 605 520-8289, Email:

kdthompson8289@gmail.com , 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: pjand@alliancecom.net , 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:: margeneugebauer@gmail.com Completing a 1st term, 1st

year (Bear Butte Advisor)

MISSION COMMUNITY-(Discipleship): Donna Vreugdenhil,

38664 267th St., Stickney, SD 57375, PH: 732-4651, Email:

dlvreugdenhil@yahoo.com , 1st term, 1st year

MEMBER AT LARGE: Connie Bickett, 22032, 444th Ave.,

Oldham, SD 57051, PH: 482-8639, Cell: 605 270-9967, E-mail:

conniebickett@alliancecom.net, 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:

a2hbich@gmail.com, 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:sallyh@brookings.net

TODAYS’S DREAM TOMORROW’S REALITY - Racial

Justice Advocates:

Margene Thompson: 39141 240th St., Letcher SD 57359

E-mail:amthompson@santel.net PH:605-248-2444

Margie Neugebauer, 24651 White Tail Ridge Rd., Hermosa, SD

57744 PH:303-590-4403 E-mail:: margeneugebauer@gmail.com

CONFERENCE COORDINATORS

Prairie Coteau: Cindy Hofland, 444107th St., Ve-

blen, SD 57270 PH:605-738-2374

e-mail:hofland@tnics.com

Medary: Darla Toben, 47906 171 St., Clear Lake,

SD 57226; PH:605-874-2951;

E-mail: dgtoben@itctel.com

Crossroads: Linda Eidem, 131 W. Doral Ct., Sioux

Falls, SD 57108 PH:605-929-3432

E-mail: linda.eidem@lifescapesd.org

Southeastern: Marge Martens, 46487 306th St.,

Centerville, SD 57014 PH:605-351-7869

E-mail: Crazywienerdoglady2@gmail.com

Northern Plains: Kathy Heffernan, 35338 153rd St,

Wecota, SD 57438 PH: 605-324-3638 E-mail:

heffernen@venturecomm.net

Prairie Rivers: Lois Storm, 39885 273rd St, Cor-

sica, SD 57329 PH:605-928-3035

E-mail:thestormfamily@hotmail.com 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:

blueroosterchick@hotmail.com

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. margeneugebauer@gmail.com or

303.590.4403

What would the world look like if there was no partiality? What would WELCA look like?