WELCA
(Women of the ELCA)
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
"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, affirm
our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action,
and promote healing and wholeness in the church, society, and the world."
As a female church member you are automatically also a member of
Women of the ELCA (WELCA). Here at Trinity we have 4 active Units meeting each
month. Why not take advantage of your membership and join one of the Units
(listed below)! Each Unit participates in the activities listed below, but
each Unit has a little different focus and meets at a different time -- but they
all would welcome your attendance. If none of these meet your needs we are
also open to forming a new Unit. Interested? Questions? Call
Kay Allen at 799-3838.
THE FACE of WELCA
Sometimes the face of WELCA ministry is one smiling at me and handing me a
cup of hot coffee in Founders Hall on a Sunday morning. Sometimes the face
is a bouquet of flowers standing beautiful and tall at the bedside of someone in
the hospital. Another WELCA face smiles as she gets the worship bags ready
for children. Other faces reveal care and joy and sorrow as they meet in
monthly Bible study and fellowship. A carload of faces travels to the
men's prison in Dixon to share their faith and offer the good news of God's
love.
Trinity's WELCA ministry has many faces, and we give thanks for each one of
them.
WELCA
OFFICERS FOR 2009-10Coordinators:
Kay Allen
Assistant
Coordinator: Barbara Johnston
Treasurer: Solveig Riddell
Secretary:
Mariellen Ehredt
CHURCH
ACTIVITIES
COORDINATED
BY WELCA *
Unit Monthly Bible Study
* Sunday morning coffee hours
* Weddings, anniversaries
and "special birthday" receptions
* Funeral coffees and luncheons
* Assist in caring for the church kitchens
* Support Vacation Bible School
* Coordinate special events PROGRAMS
SUPPORTED BY WELCA
*
Mosaic Mission (formerly Bethphage)
* Christian Family Care Center (Poverty Offerings)
* Christian Friendliness
(including Hope Coffee Shop and the Car Detailing Shop)
* Church Women United (Least Coin)
* LSSI In-Touch Day Care for Older
Adults
* Northern Illinois Synod WELCA
* Prison Ministry (Dixon,
IL)
MONTHLY WELCA BOARD
AND UNIT MEETINGS
WELCA Board - First
Tuesday at 9:00 am
WELCA
UNITS
The WELCA Units meet
monthly for fellowship, Bible study, and special projects unique to each unit.
Many strong and lasting friendships have been formed within these groups.
Trinity presently has four units. You are invited to visit or join any of these
groups, or if you and a few other women want to start a new unit, you are most
welcome to do so. Contact any of the officers if you need assistance.
Four WELCA units meet monthly for fellowship and study. Here’s who to ask for more information:
Anna Unit - meets third Thursdays at
1:00 pm in members' homes. We deliver the altar flowers to the hospitalized
and homebound each week, and make Baptismal napkins
for the church. Contact Betty Peterson (762-8114)
or Solveig Riddell (762-8310).
Lydia Unit - meets third Mondays at
9:00 am at the church. Focus is on supporting the local food pantry.
Contact Maxine Neels (755-6409).
Ruth Unit - meets first Thursdays at 12:30 in members’ homes.
Focus is on caring for Worship robes. Contact Carol Horstmann (786-3262),
Fran Johnson (797-2337), or Marcia Wetzel (764-6471).
Sarah Unit - meets third Fridays at 9:00 a.m. at
the church, with babysitting provided. Focus is on caring for
the Nursery and provided Children's Worship bags for use during worship
services. Sarah Unit also sponsors the annual Ladies' Day Out. Contact Kathy Meyer (762-0575).
Ladies'
Lenten Brunch
Out of the Fog, into the Sun
Jo
Kinnard, a second year seminarian at Wartburg, will be the speaker at the 2010
Ladies' Lenten Brunch, Saturday, February 20, at 10:00 a.m. in Founders' Hall.
Jo is the recipient of Trinity's Forrest and Betty Reid Scholarship funded
through the ELCA Fund for Leaders. She will be talking about her journey from
Hinduism to Christianity as she was born in India and grew up in the Hindu
religion.
The
brunch will be sponsored by Ruth and Sarah Units, and all women of the church
are invited. Tickets are $7.00 and will be available February 7 and 14 in
Founders' Hall between services. The menu includes fruit compote, quiche, and
homemade breads and cookies. Bring your friends!
WELCA Offers New Educational Grant for
Seminarians
For generations, Trinity WELCA has offered educational
grants to Trinity members who have pursued seminary education.
Our most recent seminary graduate to receive a grant is Rev. Ben Ingelson,
who serves Resurrection Lutheran in
Channahon
,
Illinois
. WELCA’s
most recent educational fund policy (set in 2006) provides $2,000 per
year for the four years of seminary. Currently
there are no members in seminary. We
have approximately $20,000 saved for this effort.
In October and November, the WELCA units voted to extend
educational grants to non-Trinity members as funds are available, especially in
years where there may be no Trinity members in an ELCA seminary.
Preference may be given to the following:
former members or relatives of members, individuals who are recipients of
the Trinity Lutheran Church Forrest and Betty Reid Fund for Leaders in Mission
grant, or individuals with ties to the
Quad
City
area. Full time students may
request a grant of up to $500 per year for a maximum of 4 years.
WELCA is now taking applications for this 2009-2010
academic year. If you know someone
who may qualify, contact Pastor Laura or the church office for more information
or an application.
Application for Trinity
Members
Application for Non-Members
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