2026 Synodical Women's Organization (SWO) Convention

by Dawn Sargent, 2026 SWO Convention Chairperson

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Synodical Women’s Organization held their annual convention. This year’s convention was based on Psalm 136, “His Love Endures”.

There were 87 women who attended this convention located north of the Twin Cities in Circle Pines at St. Mark Lutheran Church. The women came from many different churches in the synod. There were 26 voting members (from 26 different churches) attending the business aspect of the convention (the plenary) while guests could sit back and enjoy a learning session on “Spiritual Friendship, Companions on the Journey”.

Women had time before the first speaker and the plenary (business) session to have coffee, water, tea, fruit, muffins, and coffee cake and meet up with other women they haven’t seen for a year. Oh, my goodness, you would have thought these women were all in one family! Oops, I guess they are!

After plenary, we all attended worship service. We had one speaker that could not attend due to illness, so we had the remaining speakers present only one time where everyone could attend all presentations. Our keynote speaker was Marcie Rendon who is the author of several books and was highlighted at the Triennial Gathering three years ago for her book “Where They Last Saw Her”.

Other presentations were based on “Love the Stranger: Tips for Congregations in Practicing Immigrant Justice” and “Joy, Patience, and Perseverance in Christian Life Today”. In addition, Bishop Lull provided a Bible Study based on Psalm 136.

We also had a good lunch and refreshments in the afternoon. You know us Lutherans, we must have food/treats to make the event more enjoyable!

Many positive comments were provided, and it appeared as if all women enjoyed the convention. From my perspective, since I was the Chairperson of this event, with the quick juggling of speakers, the event went off very well. We only had one day to adjust, and everyone took it in stride. No one seemed to notice that we had to juggle things. My convention team was top notch, and St. Mark Lutheran Church was exceptional with the last-minute changes. My thanks to all the women who attended and participated in the event!

If you haven’t attended one of the conventions, I would suggest trying to attend. It is worth it! It is a wonderful day of fellowship and learning!

Convention Team: Ann Tanko, Sue Long, Tricia Nieche, Robin Kieffer, Becky Maier, Dawn Sargent.

Find more news about the convention in the section: "In Case You Missed It".

Installation of SWO Board

Pictured L-R: Karin Vukich, Jacque Bieber, Patty Todnem, Glenda Schnirring, Kathy Hogenson, Robin Kieffer, Becky Maier (out-going President). Not pictured: Jennifer Abbott, Virginia Coller, Linda Hayle, Cleone Pritchard.

Installation of Trienniel Delegates

Pictured L-R: Virginia Coller, Jacque Bieber, Dawn Sargent, Glenda Schnirring, Becky Maier (out-going President).

Photos by Sandy Fabio, Our Savior's, Stillwater

President's Corner

by Karin Vukich, President

As I am writing this, I am sitting out on the rocks overlooking Lake Two in the Boundary Waters.  I’m thinking about my new role as president of the Synodical Women’s Organization Board and pondering the duties and responsibilities I have recently acquired with this new honor.

I breathe, I listen to the water lap upon the shore. God is here with me, and I am calm.

From our campsite, you can see the divide where the 2011 Pagami Creek fire stopped. The old and the new, living and thriving together. The new growth is still young, but sturdy and already looking majestic. Renewed Growth. The old trees are standing strong and tall. An anchor, a sign of survival and resilience. The line might show the divide, but they live in harmony.  I wonder how long it will take before you can no longer see the fire line between the two. It’s already been 15 years, but I guess it will take many more.

I hope that my growth into this new role is fast, but slow enough that I see all the beauty of the growth. I thank all of you in advance for your support and understanding as I take on new roots and grow.

I am looking forward to seeing and meeting many of you at the Triennial Gathering in July. Please come and say hi and introduce yourself!

Together we will continue to thrive and grow.  

Photo by Karin Vukich

Treasurer’s Note

by Robin Kieffer, Treasurer

Wow! What a good turnout for our convention and the tremendous generosity shown for our material and monetary offerings.

Convention registration (1 no show):

By check (47 + 1 ex lunch) = $2362.75

By Regfox (31) = $1449.56

Total = $3812.31

+ 10 guests

Total attendance = 87

Convention offering = $4986

50% to WELCA = $2493

25% to Jonathan House = $1246.50

25% to Second Harvest = $1246.50

Material offering:

$400 gift cards + $34.50 in cash (for MN Indian Women’s Resource Center)

17 quilts  (for Lutheran Social Service Safe House)

Deodorant = 33, Shampoo/conditioner = 37, Lotion = 6, Soap = 77, Body wash = 1, Toothpaste = 64, Toothbrushes = 82, Feminine pads = 1201, Feminine wipes = 16, Misc: Floss, mouthwash, hairbrush, 1 roll toilet paper (for MN Indian Women’s Resource Center)

Expenses:

Booklet printing and mailing = $348.55

Speakers = $1200

Food = 40.95 (cookies) + 1153.95 (lunch) = $1194.90

Gift for Bishop Lull = $43.90

Also received:

$125 toward Resolution 25-1(Lutheran Disaster Response)

$6 Bridges subscription

Receipts – Expenses = $3812.31 – 2787.35 = +$1024.96

We will continue to take donations for Lutheran Disaster Response, California wildfires (Resolution 25-1) and Second Harvest (Resolution 26-1). Please send your donations to me with a note for where your offering is designated to.

Now, on to the Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering in Des Moines, IA!

Darla Kimmes and Patty Todnem of St. Philip's in Hastings display quilt donation for the LSS Safe House.

Photo by Glenda Schnirring, St. Philip's, Hastings

Pat Skaiem, JoAnn Alexander, Sharon Stebbins, Cleone Pritchard, Jackie Boorman of Christ Lutheran in Lake Elmo with quilt donation.

Photo by Sue, friend of Pat Skaiem

ATTENTION UNIT TREASURERS:

Churchwide WELCA has made some minor updates to Form B and Form C; there is a new appeal code that will help our gift processors better handle checks coming to Women of the ELCA. The old forms will still work, but we would appreciate you shifting to the new forms.

Click here for the new form B.



ALWAYS BE AWARE OF EMAIL SCAMS!



SWO Board members will NEVER send you an email requesting that you send money or gift cards. These kinds of emails are always a SCAM. Please be alert to such requests and inform a Board member if you ever receive such a request. Thank you.

Standing up for Justice

by Patty Todnem, Board Member

As Christians, we are called to be God’s servants who fight for justice. Jesus was God’s chosen servant to proclaim justice to the Gentiles as written in Isaiah 42:1-4. Jesus reveals a character of gentleness, encouragement, truth and justice; not through force, but through compassion, truth and serving the vulnerables.

God’s loving attributes are desperately needed in the world today. Through God’s Spirit, we can show sensitivity to people around us, reflecting God’s goodness and honesty to them.  

One of the ways our Women’s Group of St. Philip’s church demonstrates this is by supporting the program ”Food for Kids” through United Way of Hastings. This initiative provides weekend meal bags to students in the Hastings school district who have been identified by school staff as needing extra food over the weekends. They are distributed confidentially to ensure the dignity of the student. This program is crucial for addressing food insecurity among children, allowing them to focus better in school and promote overall well-being.  

We are challenged to stand up for justice and be faithful where we are planted with compassionate hearts and to love others as God loves us.

Resources:

Life Application Bible New Revised Standard Version

United Way of Hastings MN

Stewardship in Summertime

by Glenda Schnirring, Board Member

Living a life in the spirit of being a good steward, which I believe “Bridges” readers likely have in common, it goes without saying that stewardship doesn’t have a season. Nonetheless, as the day of Pentecost was recently celebrated, we were sent out possibly even more “filled with the spirit” to go out into the world and be the hands and hearts of our Living Savior.

Summer, can provide a new kind of “time” to exercise acts of stewardship. For some, work schedules offer time they did not have before. The longer days can send us forth to care for our public spaces in clean-up efforts, preserving habitats for nature's creatures, and addressing invasive plant life that needs removing. While our environment is a gift from God, we are its caretakers. Living one’s stewardship spirit offers countless opportunities during the summer. 

Many other readers of “Bridges” may have compromised mobility and cannot render physical activity in our parks and public spaces. To those, and all of us, stewardship has other pillars of strength on which it rests. They are:

Hospitality, such as welcoming visitors at worship.  

Prayer, for those who are volunteering where we can’t.

Formation, such as showing support to your Vacation Bible School.

Service, responding to any opportunity to which we feel we can help. 

We’re in the middle of America’s 250th year of its founding. It is the ultimate of good stewardship living to embrace our neighbors of all creeds, and be messengers of peace and understanding in lawful roles of action. Citizenry is a value to practice to its fullest. 

Pictured: Members of St. Philip's, Hastings caring for the environment

UPCOMING EVENTS

2026 Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering

July 16-19, 2026

Des Moines, Iowa

It Isn't Too Late to Get in on the Fun and Sharing!

If you've been to the Triennial in the past, you know what a rewarding experience it is. If not, it's not too late to register for this summer's Triennial. The 2026 Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering will feature a diverse lineup of speakers contributing to the theme, "I am worthy," each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the event. 

Here is the list of some of the speakers and their workshops: Martha Ambarangu: "Voices from Swahili Speaking Women and Global Womanism," Dr. Elyssa Salinas-Lazarski: "Claiming my sacred sex," and Elise Seyfried: "This is My Brave." 

Other topics include Gender Roles, Storytelling, Leadership, Images of God and more. These workshops will provide insights and guidance for the women of the ELCA, so, don't wait, do it today-- come engage in meaningful discussion and activities that promote healing, wholeness and empowerment. To register go to: New Triennial Event Page - Women of the ELCA. Please register no later than June 21, 2026. Click on the link below to see the list of speakers. Hope to see you there!

I am worthy | Workshops - Women of the ELCA

If you have questions or are interested in carpooling or sharing a hotel room with another attendee, please contact:

Jacque Bieber, SWO Vice-President / Triennial Promoter; 651-238-1685 or jqbieber@gmail.com 

If you are a first-time attendee, scholarships to cover $475 of the registration fees are still available. To request a scholarship, please contact:

Becky Maier; jbmaier@hotmail.com

Guatemala News and Volunteer Opportunity

by Becky Maier

There is a lot happening at ILAG (Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala - the Lutheran Church in Guatemala). Today we will highlight two of those happenings.

This year there are 216 children in the ILAG school. This school is in a marginalized neighborhood of Guatemala City, and this is a record number of children for this school. This number reflects a growing trust in the school.  These students are receiving not only education but also care they otherwise may not receive.

And over the years there has been a health team made up of Mayo professionals from Spring Garden Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls. They have traveled to Guatemala every other year and done health clinics and education in communities. With these events, there has been noticeable and measurable improvement in the health of those communities.

Now a team is being formed in the Saint Paul Area Synod to travel on the alternating years with Spring Garden so that they can have a health team visit yearly. The first trip will be in February 2027. What an exciting opportunity! Volunteers are currently being recruited to participate in this opportunity. Perhaps you are a health care worker or someone who can do translation or be someone who can help with logistics. 

In addition, your prayers and donated items are welcome. Thrivent action grants and donated glasses to be rehomed (including lots of readers!) can be valuable.

If you might be interested in being a part of this opportunity you can be in touch with Beth Rahberg, bethrahberg@gmail.com, 651-285-9335.

In Case You Missed It...

SWO Convention: Resolution 26-1

Voting members at the Plenary session of the Convention passed Resolution 26-1 Food Insecurity in the United States.

For the full text of the resolution, click here.

SWO Convention: News from Churchwide Executive Board President

by Linda Hayle, Board Member

Myrna Wells-Ulland sent happenings from Churchwide since Linda Clark, our churchwide representative, was unable to attend the convention. 

Myrna challenged us with the question of "Why WELCA?" 

Her whys were:

• the sisterhood of faith
• the community impact of ministry in action: discipleship, engaging locally and globally, human trafficking and domestic violence, missing & murdered indigenous women (girls & relatives), racial justice advocacy, raising up healthy women and girls.

Why do we as women of WELCA participate? While our whys might be different, the results typically lead to living out our faith boldly in the lives of those we encounter.

Another role at churchwide is to responsibly steward the organization. Working with the staff and Executive Director, Jennifer Hockenberry, they are addressing post-pandemic shortfalls and establishing fiscally responsible and creative ways to continue important work. They have developed a strategic plan that will provide a path for sustainability, relevance and growth for the organization at all levels! The plan includes the 5 areas of focus: Connect, Create, Complement, Continue and Celebrate. You are encouraged to check out the WELCA website for more details.

Stewardship for today covers expenses such as Programs, Communications, Gather, Administration and Governance. Revenue comes from Gather (32%), Regular Offerings, Thankofferings, SWO Convention Offerings and Other offerings. All offerings, personal donations and ongoing support are vital and appreciated. Katie’s Fund capital campaign wrapped up within sight of the million-dollar goal.

We were encouraged to join Myrna at the Triennial in Des Moines this July for an uplifting and exciting event full of worship, fellowship, learning and new experiences. 

Don’t forget to check out Bold Connections, Gather magazine, boldcafe.org and the Racial Justice Advocacy Network at WELCA.org. 

Thank you for all you do as Bold Women of Faith!

Photo from gcsynod.org

SWO Convention Keynote Speaker: Marcie Rendon

by Kathy Hogenson, Board Member

Marcie Rendon – an author, poet, playwright, and freelance writer enrolled with the White Earth Anishinaabe Nation in Minnesota – was keynote speaker at our convention in April. She has degrees in Indian Studies, Criminology, and Human Development and has worked in mental health, but spends much of her time these days writing and speaking on Native issues and leadership.

Her passion is writing crime novels about missing indigenous people. She published her first mystery novel – Murder on the Red River – in 2018, followed by Girl Gone Missing and Sinister Graves. Girl Gone Missing was nominated for the Sue Grafton Memorial Award.

I read her latest novel, Where They Last Saw Her, before attending the convention. The Washington Post sums it up better than I can, saying that Rendon “creates a compelling, take-charge heroine who is based on the woman raising awareness about disproportionately high rates of missing and murdered indigenous people.” I highly recommend this and her other books. They are compelling and will keep you coming back for more.

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis is an epidemic of disproportionately high rates of violence, disappearances, and homicides facing Indigenous women and girls across North America. Systemic issues, jurisdictional loopholes, and racial bias have resulted in severe underreporting and a lack of mainstream media coverage. 

Photo by Sandy Fabio, Our Savior's, Stillwater

SWO Convention Learning Session: Love the Stranger with guest speakers Bethany Ringdal (pictured) and Claire Hoyum

by Jacque Bieber, Vice-President

At the SWO Convention on April 25 at St Mark Lutheran in Circle Pines, two of our guest speakers, Bethany Ringdal and Claire Hoyum, presented the learning session "Love the Stranger: Tips for Congregations in Practicing Immigrant Justice." 

Bethany and Claire talked about three immigration pathways for people who want to come to the United States -- family based, employment based, and humanitarian based.

There are four types of immigrants, which they called neighbors -- refugees, asylum seekers, people with temporary status, and undocumented neighbors. They all share lives affected by legal complexity, fear, financial strain, trauma and isolation.

The most important thing they talked about was what we can do as their neighbors.

First we can:

• educate ourselves about the current immigration situation in the states
• share resources
• join advocacy groups, like the Jonathan House.

Jonathan House is a good place to become educated on this topic, participate in their drives to collect supplies like paper products and food, supply financial support to Jonathan House, attend their community meals, which provide a time for SWO members to meet neighbors, or join an accompaniment group (3-5 people who help support a Jonathan House resident). You can find out more at jonathanhouse@aifr.org.  

Photo by Sandy Fabio, Our Savior's, Stillwater

SWO Convention Learning Session: Joy, Patience and Perseverance in Christian Life Today with guest speaker Dr. Deanna Thompson

by Virginia Coller, Board Member

Dr. Deanna Thompson is Director of the Lutheran Center for Faith, Values and Community and Martin E. Marty Regents Chair in Religion and the Academy at St. Olaf College. She is the author of five books, and speaks widely about how Lutheran Christian thought connects to daily living in a challenging, beautiful and fraught world.

She referred to last year’s convention theme verse from Romans 12 where Paul describes the church as the body of Christ. We are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God’s message, we should do it according to the faith that we have. We are to serve, teach, encourage others, share with generosity and show kindness cheerfully. We are to hold each other up.

In 2008, at age 42, Deanna was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her brother started a Caring Bridge site for her where she could share her fears, thoughts and hopes. She received messages from family and friends which held her up during this difficult time. She felt connected with others more so than by personal visits. They were the hands and feet of Christ for Deanna. She was held up by prayers, helping her persevere.

Photo by Sandy Fabio, Our Savior's, Stillwater

Plenary Session

We conduct the business of the Saint Paul Area Synodical Women’s Organization, elect officers and Board Members, approve the budget and set direction for the future.

Photo by Sandy Fabio, Our Savior's, Stillwater

Attendees from St. Philip's, Hastings

Pictured L-R: Arlene Wellemeyer, Camille Nelson, Darla Kimmes, Glenda Schnirring, Kathy Luedtke, Sue Cruse, Barb Jorenby, and Patty Todnem.





EcoFaith Summit 2026

by Jacque Bieber, Vice-President

On April 18, the 2026 EcoFaith Summit of the Upper Midwest was held in Duluth. The topic for the summit was From Fear to Fire: Igniting Community for a Planet in Peril. The St. Paul SWO was one of the partners in making this day possible. The theme revolved around the idea that our planet is on fire and that members of the ELCA can work as a community to take actions that can quell this fire. The formal goal of the Summit was stated: Today, together, we become a firebreak - to burn away the fuel of fear and division; to hold the line on what is good and life-giving for all creation; to be a prophetic voice of life and love in our communities and in our own hearts.

I was able to attend this Summit virtually and one of the things that impressed me the most was the number of young people involved in the Summit. Augsburg, Luther Seminary, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities were all represented. I attended two sessions and both were held by young college graduates. The first was called, Who is Your Next of Kin? A Guide to Kincentric Ecology: Lessons for Conversation, Justice, and Community Resilience by Annica Stiles. Annica had created a Kincentric Tool Kit to counterbalance some of the damage done to the planet. Kincentric ecology is an Indigenous worldview where humans view all natural entities—plants, animals, rivers, and rocks—as family, or kin. One of the tools was about looking at how indigenous people view the planet and care for it and applying their expertise to current environmental problems.

The other session I attended was Faith-based Community Organizing for Climate Justice by Meghan Sobocienski. She works for the Center for Climate Justice and Faith at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary which is equipping faith leaders around the world with skills, knowledge, spiritual grounding and a community of support to address the crises of climate change and climate injustice. Meghan had a model that looked at how faith communities around the country are using community organizing frameworks to create a more just world and get inspired to mobilize communities to action. When mobilizing urban communities she suggested that we start on a church level by setting up listening sessions and congregation teams that will reach out into the community and to those most affected by an environmental issue or problem.

The EcoFaith Summit Booklet was a 100-page electronic document packed full of ideas and people to contact to move your congregation forward on addressing environmental problems in your community. To see the booklet, click here.