Women of Hope News
Report from the Women’s Spring Gathering
What a terrific Living Waters women’s gathering held at Bigfork to usher in spring. The theme “New Beginnings” was evident throughout the day as we opened with a special song-fest led by Pr. Peter Schmidt & his wife, Vicki. Some of you who have attended Via de Cristo probably remember Pr. Peter & Vicki and their musical talents. Our speaker, Jess Hazard, spoke on “Sam’s Place”, a safe haven in Bigfork for the elderly, adults with physical or mild cognitive disabilities, mental health challenges, veterans or the homeless. Jess is a recovering addict who turned her life around, married, and had two sons: Al, who is on the high end autism scale, and Sam, who also had an addiction problem, made a wonderful recovery, only to fall back and die of an overdose of pills. Jess and her husband, Charley, felt called to give back to the community and started “Sam’s Place” in memory of their son, Sam. Part of the offering collected was designated to Sam’s Place. Worship with Holy Communion, led by Pr. Peter, was fun & inspiring. Delightful stories based on Biblical passages centering on God giving us second chances (New Beginnings) in our lives when we screw up! Shirley Dowson from Hope and Sharon Schwegel from St. Paul’s, Hackensack, were elected to the board. Pennies focus for this year are designated to “Angel Fund”, an organization that assists cancer patients with gas cards and other needs. Our own, Martha Vetter, submitted a drawing for the cover of our Bulletin of Reports for our upcoming Synodical Convention depicting the theme “Living Water” and her rendition was chosen. How appropriate to have a Living Waters Conference lady’s submission be chosen! Congratulations, Martha! The ladies at Bigfork outdid themselves with a very tasty light breakfast and luscious luncheon. Thank you if you provided items for the silent auction/buy-it-now tables. $315.00 was made from these tables - proceeds will be divided among all ladies from Living Waters who will be attending the Triennial in Des Moines next year.
Christmas in July planning meeting
Thursday, May 22nd at 11:30 a.m.
NE MN Women’s Summer Gathering is June 16-17
at Zion Lutheran in Grands Rapids.
The theme this year is “Living Water”. We are looking for someone to represent to represent the WOH as our delegate. If you are willing to represent us a our delegate or attend as a regular attendee call Shirley Dowson at 218-820-4346 or Ardyce Pederson at 218-639-5936 regarding questions or registration material.
We are still collecting items for Newborn Kits for Global Health Ministries:
¨ regular-size bath towels, lightweight,
approx. 50” x 26” (dark color preferred)
¨ washcloths (not microfiber)
¨ bath-size bars white Ivory soap in original packaging
¨ newborn cotton t-shirts or “onesie” Size 0-3
¨ newborn stocking cap small size
¨ receiving blankets, between 30” x 30” or 48” x 48” (soft cotton or flannel) These donations will be taken to our summer Convention. There is a box in the narthex.
HOPE CARDMAKERS MEET on Tuesdays around 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall to make cards for all occasions as a fundraiser for the Women of Hope. Anyone is welcome to join in any Tuesday you are able! All instructions and materials provided. Cards for all occasions are available for $2 each near the church office.
HOPE QUILTERS meet on Thursday mornings. If you can cut, tie or sew, we have a job for you!
¨ A reminder there is a penny jar in the library and the money collected is shared at Spring Gathering. This summer our contributions support Grace House in Grand Rapids which is a nonprofit organization that provides safe, temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
ALTAR GUILD prepares communion and the altar area for worship. If you’d be interested in helping, leave a message in the church office.
2025 Co-Chairs: Ardyce Pederson & Shirley Dowson
Secretary: Deb Fischer
Treasurer: Meri Mengis
Circle Chair Board Members: Pat Paulsen, Shirley Dowson, Deb Fischer