Official Newsletter of the Central States Women of the ELCA Sept. 2013 Volume 24 Issue 3

GREETINGS FROM LISA YOUNGQUIST, Central States Women of the ELCA President

Grace and Peace to you! My name is Lisa Youngquist. I am your new President for CSS

W/ELCA and I am looking forward to an exciting time over the next couple of years.

I was born and raised in the Lutheran church as was my husband, John, of 28 years.

We have four children; Tim (27), Tom (26), Tiffany (21), and Ericka (15). Tim is married and

lives with his wife, Sadie, in Northwest Arkansas. They are expecting our first grandchild in

early December. Tom lives in Kansas City, Missouri while our two daughters live here in

Lindsborg. Tiffany is going to be a junior at Bethany College while Ericka, a high school

freshman, loves to spend time at our synod camp-Tomah Shinga. We have spent most of our

married life in the suburbs of KC where I grew up and we moved to Lindsborg five years ago.

I had not been active in W/ELCA prior to moving to Lindsborg. My mother- in- law spent

many of the past 5 years encouraging me in one way or another to become active in CSS

W/ELCA which is why I chose, after 4 years, to become the Vice President and now your

President.

“Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

I Thess. 5:11

The end of July was rather hectic and crazy in preparation for our annual convention

that was held in Lindsborg, KS. I personally thoroughly enjoyed being the host cluster for

everyone. When trying to decide what to write about, I spent hours trying to figure out which

direction to go. One thing that kept coming back to me related to events that happened during

convention. Friday evening after dinner we had “Maxine” introduce your board. “Maxine” had

given everyone signs with one of the marks of discipleship on it. Mine happened to be

“encourage”. Throughout the weekend there were many other words and hugs of

encouragement we all received. However, I felt I was the one that should have been doing the

encouraging. At the end of convention we held an installation ceremony for the incoming

officers. During this ceremony, our church wide rep. Syd Brinkman gave us each an

opportunity to choose a small token from a bag she had with her. These tokens were small

rocks each having a word inscribed on them. The one I chose…”cherish”. Ok Lord, I get it.

We gain encouragement by the words of others. As you near the end of a long race,

your legs are aching, and your whole body cries out for you to stop. This is when friends and

fans are most valuable. Their encouragement helps you push through the pain to the finish. In

the same way, Christians are to encourage one another. A word of encouragement offered at the

right moment can be the difference between finishing well and collapsing along the way. We

all need to be sensitive to others’ need for encouragement and be supportive in our words and

actions.

I encourage each of you to take a look at the resources available on the Women of the

ELCA website to use for Bible studies, retreats, and gatherings. Read through the information

on Katie’s Fund and the great ministries that the money goes toward. How do you make the

ministry of Women of the ELCA grow? Invite! Invite! Invite! Invite a friend, daughter, or

grand-daughter to come to your next women’s ministry event. Let’s not forget about 2014

Triennial Gathering in Charlotte, NC. Let’s make sure that CSS is well represented in

Charlotte!

A MESSAGE FROM GLORIA SHARP – Vice President

I’m Gloria Sharp from Jefferson City, MO. I have served as one of your Board members for the last three

years working with publicity and prayer concerns. At our post-convention board meeting, I was

appointed your new Vice-President. One of my main responsibilities will be overseeing our next Synod

Convention. I’m excited to invite you to our convention at The Resort at Port Arrowhead at the Lake of

the Ozarks, September 19-21, 2014. Put the dates on your calendar now.

I would like to thank all of the organizations who shared their displays with us at Lindsborg.

Patricia Roraback and Andrea Johnson brought us information from Bethany Home in Lindsborg, KS,

which is a Christ-centered home that offers both independent and assisted living facilities. Thank you

also to Bethany Home for being part of our Ladies Night Out on Friday evening---what a lovely

reception!

Oaks Indian Mission was represented by Susan Humphrey. Oaks brings child care and a ministry of

community services to the heart of the Cherokee nation in Oaks, Oklahoma.

Lindsey Decker brought us the display from Mosaic in Ellsworth, KS. Mosaic provides a life of

possibilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Bethany House of Studies was headed by Sharon Custer. She shared information on a course, “Ethics in

a Lutheran Perspective”, and also on a Confirmation Ministry Workshop being offered.

Lutheran Campus Ministry strives to touch the lives of as many college students of all faith backgrounds

as possible.

JP Palmer was back with us sharing information about Lutheran Planned Giving. She can provide

education and consultation in the area of stewardship of your estate assets to you and your congregation

without cost or obligation.

Camp Tomah Shinga provides many different camping experiences and retreats for people of all ages to

experience Christ’s love, grow in faith and serve God.

Kathy Regher brought us the Youthville display. Youthville strives to improve the lives of at-risk youth

and families by offering programs rooted in faith to inspire hope.

Paula Kitt represented Mission Investment Fund. The money invested with them is used to make building

and renovation loans to ELCA congregations and related ministries.

Kathy Regher also had a display inviting all women to the Ninth Triennial Gathering, July 24-27, 2014, in

Charlotte, North Carolina.

Thanks again to all these organizations that brought us information about their ministries. Special thanks

to all who gave door prizes and most importantly for the chocolates and other candies!

A MESSAGE FROM BETH ROCKELMAN, CSS Secretary

Elizabeth (Beth) Ann Rockelman, Jefferson City, MO. One year ago you placed your

confidence in me to be the recorder of the Synod W-ELCA meetings minutes. It is an

enlightening experience to learn more about the business of our organization. I would encourage

everyone to say yes the next time elections are open.

Central States Synod Women-ELCA Convention Workshop summaries written by Beth Rockelman:

Journey With Jesus, presented by Syd Brinkman, Women of the ELCA, CWO Executive Board

Member began with W-ELCA resource “Lessons for Today’s Disciples” ‘Encouraging One

Another’. We read aloud 1 Thessalonians 5:11-24 and listed several of the directions of

encouragement to others. Actions are guided by the Holy Spirit as we use positive examples of

giving a hug, a smile, or a compliment. We are called to listen and pray when others are sharing

their needs. In our encouragement of one another, we stretch beyond what we think. Focus on

God. Realize we are called to mission, as we are disciples in a wide variety of relationships

throughout our lives. Being a multi-dimensional Christian: praying, studying, worshipping,

inviting, encouraging, serving, giving; helps us set the pace for our lifelong journey to bring

focus to our lives. Let us each be a resource for one another, as Jesus and the Holy Spirit are our

eternal resources.

Pathways to Prayer - Mary Bridges, Chaplain Journey to Health and Wholeness - Sandy

Edwards, Physical Therapist

Have you ever thought about how many miles Jesus walked? Have you ever thought about the

physical demands of so much walking? Mary and Sandy gave us insights to the time of Jesus’

travels and the importance of maintaining healthy habits then and now. One example was that

Jesus would have gone to Jerusalem three times per year to attend religious festivals, a 240 mile

round trip times three quickly adds up. (Walking is a healthy exercise, stress buster anytime.

We can meditate or pray while walking.)

Pathways to Prayer cont.

Mary asked, “How many times did Jesus pray in the Bible?” She prepared a summary of verses

in the Gospels that show Jesus praying. These verses relay to a “Perfect” outline of how to pray.

Mary and Sandy provided everyone with a desktop paper finger labyrinth, and instructions. This

way, even on a stress filled day, the finger slowly tracing the path into the center and outward

can be a method to relax. Breathe a short prayer “Peace above me, peace below me”, or “Holy

Spirit, guide my way”. Meditate with taking deep breaths, in and out, recite a chosen Bible

passage and repeat several times –an intentional prayer, while using the finger labyrinth, or doing

everyday household routines.

Sandy shared the importance of proper body alignment, posture, correct lifting principles and

healthy nutrition. Find your balance between food and physical activity. There is a great

difference of excess calories in the food we are served every day and what is a standard one

serving size. Set daily goals. Choose portions from each of the food groups; grains, vegetables,

fruits, dairy and protein. Check nutrition fact labels. Individuals can measure the portions

and keep a journal also noting amount of physical minutes activity each day. During times of

stress eliminate high levels of caffeine, always eat enough to stay healthy—neither over eating or

under eating, develop an evening relaxation routine daily before bedtime.

In our “Journey to Health and Wholeness, Pathways to Prayer; plus “Ministering to Body, Mind

and Spirit through Energy Medicine”; a Holistic Approach, exploring the path to: Balancing

Your Body’s Energies for Optimal Health, Joy and Vitality with the Purpose: To help you learn

to work with your body’s energies to help empower you to live healthy and happy lives. ” may

we realize how entwined all of these are in our lives. We have a wonderful variety of prayers,

poems and Bible verses to carry in our hearts and minds, as well as many hymns, including “Just

A Closer Walk with Thee”. We may like tangible items, such as the special bracelet that has a

patent pending or something soft, or a coin in a pocket to keep within reach for our personal

prayer reminders.

A MESSAGE FROM JEWELL SWINNEY – present Treasurer (until Jan. 31, 2014)

Were you at our Convention in Lindsborg? If so, you know that we spent two busy days on our

"Journey with Jesus". If you weren’t there, I'm sorry that you had to miss it.

We began our Journey on Friday evening with worship. The Love Offering was taken at

that service. The amount received was $3,178.19. One half of that goes to churchwide Women of

the ELCA at Chicago. One fourth goes to The McPherson County Food Bank and one fourth

stays in our synod treasury.

Early Saturday some of us continued our journey by walking the Valkommen Trail in

Lindsborg. The pledges brought by the walkers went to Camp Tomah Shinga. The amount of

the pledges was $1,446.00. The "Whose Shoes?" game brought in $10.00 and the sale of

cookbooks by Lindsborg's Messiah Women of ELCA added another $37.50, for a total of

$1,493.50.

Messiah also donated $37.50 from their cookbook sales to Katie's Fund. There were

donations of $432.00 to go along with the in-kind gifts to Ashby House in Salina.

On Saturday evening our Journey continued with The Barbara Nelson Scholarship

Fund Silent Auction. There were 34 items for auction. They sold for a total of $1,112.00.

The Journey ended on Sunday morning with the closing worship service. The offering at

that service was $972.00.

Those of you who were at convention know that a new treasurer was elected. But

maybe all of you don't know that she will not take office until February 1, 2014. Please

continue sending your offerings to me until January 31, 2014. In January I will be sending

out letters with the new address of where to start sending them in February.

A MESSAGE FROM RHONDA TEMPLING – Board Member/Treasurer elect

I am Rhonda Templing and I was elected treasurer at the 2013 convention in Lindsborg, KS. I

will officially take office February 1, 2014. I live north of Hoisington, KS with my mom on

our farm. I attend Emmanuel Lutheran in Hoisington, KS. I have a house cleaning business,

called Rhonda's Cleaning Service. I am currently treasurer of my women's unit at Emmanuel. I

am also a Parish Ministry Associate. I help out in the Seeds of Faith parish, which Emmanuel is

a part of. I also have done some supply preaching in local churches in our area. I am also

currently serving on the Stewardship and Development Committee for church wide. I look

forward to serving all of you as your treasurer beginning in 2014.

KATIE’S FUND

We as Women of the ELCA have the opportunity to help grow Katie's Fund. Katie's fund

was established as an endowment in 1997. The interest income is used each year, helping to

grow and generate more support for ministry, year after year. Women of the ELCA has set a

goal to grow Katie's Fund to $1 million by July 24, 2014, the start of the next Triennial

Gathering in Charlotte, NC. All gifts to Katie's Fund support ministry in three areas:

leadership development, global connections, and living theology. Help to grow Katie's Fund to

$1 million dollars by donating today. More information about promoting Katie's Fund can be

found on the Women of the ELCA web site. If you would like to donate by mail: Make your

check out to Women of the ELCA. Write "Katie's Fund" in the memo line. Mail to: Women of

the ELCA, PO Box 71256, Chicago, IL 60694-1256.

A MESSAGE FROM LOIS VIEBROCK – Board Member

Growth/Discipleship

We’ve had a great convention in Lindsborg with the theme “Journey with Jesus”

BUT

The journey goes on … with:

J - Joy - one way to think of this is – Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last

O - Observe - Look around you - see the lonely and depressed as well as the happy and content

U – United - We are not alone. We need each other

R - Remember to Read the Bible and pray to know how to travel on your journey

N - Network - (a group of things connected) so stay “connected” with others

E - Energize yourself and others with Christian fellowship

Y - YOU are a child of God. Remember to live as such.

God bless you on your journey

A MESSAGE FROM Alice Burnett – Board Member

Greetings Central States Women of the ELCA,

I have completed my first year as board member of CSS WELCA. How wonderful to serve for

and with amazing women. My goal was to learn more about the Women of the ELCA and that

has come to fruition. I have the opportunity to increase my knowledge because I was elected at

the convention to represent you as a delegate to the Triennial.

I returned home on Sunday, July28th from the 26th

annual CSS Women of the ELCA

convention in Lindsborg. I enjoyed meeting many of you during that time. I had the

responsibility of "caring" for Syd Brinkman, church wide WELCA board member. I drove her

to and from the airport and around Lindsborg. I hope you were able to meet and visit with this

remarkable woman during the convention.

I am a member of Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Derby KS. I am the typical

Lutheran woman in my small church, participating in SS, altar care, and Bible Studies. I have

been on the leadership team and currently chair the community service team. I make greeting

cards and garden when not delighting in my four grandchildren. I retired from nursing three

years ago and am the self-appointed parish nurse in our congregation.

I am the stewardship liaison on the CSS Women of the ELCA board. I hope we can look

together at our resources regarding money and time management, devotions and Bible studies.

A MESSAGE FROM Kathy Regehr – Board Member and Triennial Gathering Promotor

New Board Member - I would like to say thank you to the women who served as delegates

during the July 2013 convention. I was blessed to be nominated as a new board member on the

Central States Women of ELCA board. I want to share a little about me. I'm a church member of

Andover Lutheran-Windom, KS. I currently serve on my WELCA unit as Vice-President. I lead

a women's bible study, and I’ve organized BOLD Women’s Events.

I'm married to a wonder husband of nine years. My daughter recently married in May and now is

expecting my first grandchild. I can't wait to start shopping for all the new baby items. I'm

currently employed with Youthville (Foster Care Agency). My title is Foster Care Recruitment

Representative.

I'm active in my community. I found the need for a feed program in my local community, so I

started a program called "Feed the Kids". I serve as the chairwoman on the Social Committee

with Andover Lutheran which helps with so many different projects and drives. Thank you again

for giving me the opportunity to share my passion and joy of serving on the Central

States Women of the ELCA. I will be serving as Display Chairwoman for the 2014 Central

States Convention at the Lake of the Ozarks.

I was chosen last spring during the 2012 convention at St. Joseph, MO to be the (Triennial

Gathering Promoter) TGP. My job is to help promote, answer questions, provide hotel

information, and any tips or ideas.

Gathering registration opens September 16, 2013 (welcatg.org) Early-bird registration ends

January 6, 2014. Please let me know if you have any problems with registration.

Hotel Information: We have 10 hotel rooms blocked at Westin Hotel. Please go to the attached

link https://resweb.passkey.com/go/TG14 and enter this code (4BTGP). When entering your

information you will also need to enter in your roommates’ information. Please let me know if

you need a roommate. We only have until September 12, 2013, after that the rooms will be open

to first come, first serve.

Bus Information: Please contact me if you are interested in traveling by bus.

Bus stops Salina, Topeka, Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis. (Round trip around $250 to

$300) Trip starts July 22 and returns on late July 28. I'm starting to arrange optional hotel stops,

and fun activities during the trip.

Please contact for information kathyregehr@hotmail.com, mail Kathy Regehr, 351 7th

Ave.,

Inman, KS 67546 or phone 620-242-3159

“What’s Happening in Your Unit?”

Ideas from sharing board at the convention…

Rhonda Circle of Pyrmont Trinity used to meet for Bible study at a member’s kitchen table. Now they meet around her big dining table! (Yea! Growing Bible study!) They eat at any local restaurant and then study “The Gather” Bible study. Read & Return: They borrow a book and read and return, or they can donate a book when they’re through with it. Once a month have “Women’s Night Out” and go to a local place to eat and fellowship Zion Lutheran Church, Beloit, KS: Our ladies circle arranges a birthday party for each 80 year old on their birthday. We give them a choice as to what restaurant to go to. Messiah Lutheran, Lindsborg, KS: We are using the “Bold Café” study at the White Peacock Coffee shop once a month-open to women of all ages.

OFFICERS AND BOARD 2013-2014

CENTRAL STATES SYNOD WOMEN OF THE ELCA

President: Lisa Youngquist

913 Meadow Lane

Lindsborg, KS 67456

Ph: 785-342-4877

lyoungquist@live.net

Vice President: Gloria Sharp

1702 Canterbury Rd.

Jefferson City, MO 65109

Ph: 573-636-8843, 573-462-9758

gjssharp@aol.com

Secretary: Elizabeth (Beth) Rockelman

2103 Blair Drive Apt E

Jefferson City, MO 65109

Ph: 573-761-0722 or 573-782-4759

Bethr@midamerica.net

Treasurer: Jewell Swinney (current treasurer) Rhonda Templing (starting Feb. 1, 2014)

2132 South 3000 Road 234B NW 210 Road

Herington, KS 67449 Hoisington, KS 67544

Ph: 785-983-4479, 785-258-2415 Ph: 620-935-4213

jewellswinney@yahoo.com (cell: 785-483-9402)

rtemp@russellks.net

Board Members: Alice Burnett Mary Kern

12130 Dove Hill Court 4210 Hwy D

Derby, KS 67037-9485 Syracuse, MO 65350

Ph: 316-776-2838 Ph: (cell 660-287-2115)

(cell: 316-258-7685) dollycoco76@yahoo.com

kaburnett@cox.net

Kathy Regehr Nevada Vetter

351 7th Ave. 2491 L Road

Inman, KS 67546 Formosa, KS 66942

Ph: 620-242-3159 Ph: 785-739-2375

Kathyrregehr@hotmail.com (cell: 785-534-2163)

nevadavetter@yahoo.com

Lois Viebrock

13672 Graystone Road

Versailles, MO 65084

Ph: 573-378-5783

lois@eldonpc.com

Walking In The Word, Newsletter Editor: Sharon Hoffman = 1hoffman@cox.net 785-227-3855 or 785-212-1748

Cluster Coordinators-Central States Synod Women of the ELCA

AMAZING WOMEN (no current contact person)

ARK RIVER VALLEY Mary Ann Schrag 714 S Willison Rd Hutchinson, KS 67501 620-663-1995 masonwillison@aol.com

GOD’S SONFLOWERS Pat Olson 307 Hamilton St Beattie, KS 66406 785-353-2424 jpolson@bluevalley.net

CLUSTER 3D (no current contact person)

HEARTLAND Marian Thompson 501 N Elmira Highland, KS 66035 785-442-3323 jethighland@yahoo.com

MID-MISSOURI Nanette Ellis 506 William St. Holts Summit, MO 65043 573-298-0662 hnellis43@gmail.com

CLUSTER 4A (no current contact person)

OSBORNE-SMITH-PHILLIPS Donna Westbrook 418 S Main Kensington, KS 66951 785-476-2238 donnajwestbrook@yahoo.com

OZARK MOUNTAIN Kay Hase 27360 Bob Scott Dr. Eagle Rock, MO 65641 417-271-4405 hasek@centurytel.net

HEARTLAND SOUTH (no current contact person)

PRAIRIE ANGELS Laura Anderson Rt. 2 Box 82 Wakeeney, KS 67672 785-743-2096 anderson@rocketmail.com

REVELATION Gloria Martin 2283 E 360th Herington, KS 67449 785-983-4482 Gloria.martin@fbfs.com

NORTHERN LIGHTS Nevada Vetter 2491 L Rd Formoso, KS 66942 785-739-2375 nevadavetter@yahoo.com

SE KANSAS CITY METRO Paula Simonich 1900 Grandview Blvd Kansas City, KS 66102-4817 913-321-2424 psimonich@hotmail.com

SE MISSOURI Dee Cannon 2030 Sherwood Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 573-335-2983 deecann@charter.net

POST ROCK Myrna Schrepel 609 N Cedar St Hoisington, KS 67544 785-764-1003 m58mgc76@yahoo.com

SMOKY VALLEY Darlene Handlin 321 South Main Lindsborg, KS 67456 785-227-3852 dhandlin@ks-usa.net

SUNFLOWER Tanya Fraker 20583 Flying R Dr. Scranton, KS 66537 785-828-3396 tfraker@hughes.net

Tri State Ardythe Cederberg 301 E Commercial Oberlin, KS 67749 785-475-2535 Jac_wranch@yahoo.com

Central States Women of the ELCA Convention – Lindsborg, KS

Back row: Syd Brinkman (Exec. Bd. Member Women of the ELCA)

and the Central States board: Rhonda, Beth, Jewell, Lois, Gloria,

Front row: Mary, Alice, Susie and Lisa at Lisa’s home the night

before convention

Thanking Susie Borgstrom for her

faithful service as president

Thanking Jewell Swinney for her

years as Treasurer

Ready to start walking the Valkommen Trail at 6 AM Saturday

raising funds for Camp Tomah Shinga

Breakfast after the walk and two days later -

same place when the area was flooded!

Installation of Officers

and

Triennial delegates led by Syd Brinkman

Past presidents of Central States Women

of the ELCA

Delegates and participants in

Burnett Center

Posing at the banquet before the

Broadway RFD outdoor theater

“Guys and Dolls”