Women of Hope News

The Women of Hope had a busy year. Circles are once again meeting monthly, and those attending have found the study to stimulate thoughtful and good conversation. We thank Pastor Day for his overview each month in the Herald.

Christmas in July was a busy event with new women

stepping up to take leadership roles. Thanks to these young women for leadership and new ideas.

At Summer Gathering we learned of a challenge by Global Health Ministries for 10,000 new baby care kits. The response of the NE WELCA was that we would make 1000 kits. To begin the challenge the WOH hosted a Diaper Day on September 25th and at day’s end over 400 diapers were made or in the final stage to be completed at home. We

thank the Endowment Fund for their financial support.

   During the Gathering we also learned of a new program, The Angel Fund, an all-volunteer organization offering help to any Northeastern Minnesota resident who is facing cancer treatment. To learn more about this fund go online the Angel Fund of Northeastern MN.

Looking forward to 2025 we invite all women to join us on January 8th for a full group gathering at 10:00 am. Watch the bulletin for more details.

    We also continue to seek:

-women willing to help lead us as co-chairs,

-a treasurer

-help knit prayer shawls (yarn provided),

-work with the card makers,

-join the quilters,

-assist the blanket ministry.

As we look back this past year our fund raising was down, therefore our giving was down. We look forward to continuing to support our many ministries both locally and abroad. We ask all women to consider how they may help.

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. WE HAVE CHRISTMAS CARDS!

HOPE QUILTERS meet on Thursday mornings. We are working to finish quilts for the Christmas Food Boxes.  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.

    Women of Hope Board Meeting Minutes

2024 Co-Chairs: Ardyce Pederson & Shirley Dowson

Secretary: Deb Fischer

Treasurer: Gloria Niswonger

Circle Chair Board Members:  Pat Paulsen,  Shirley Dowson, Deb Fischer