December 2025 - IN THIS ISSUE:



• Message from the President
• The WELCA Board
• WELCA Women's Bible Study Group
• Project Radical Hospitality
• Save the Date: Spring Gatherings
• Gulf Coast Spring Gathering
• 2026 Triennial
• Treasurers Tidbits
• Churchwide WELCA SALT Appeal
• Cross Trails Ministry
• Christmas Joy and blessings
• Synod Prayer Requests
• Be a Featured Unit!

Southwestern Texas Synod WELCA

Greetings sisters in Christ

Hermanas en Cristo y

mujeres de ELCA

Be still…

relax, unwind, rest, or just chill out. Just some of the words in which the Lord reminds us in times of chaos or troubles, we rely on his power and force. In our busiest moments whether it’s this time of the year or throughout our lives, we cannot fix or figure things out on our own. No podemos entender o arreglar las cosas en nuestra vida sin ayuda. It is in the stillness that helps us refresh ourselves so that we may continue to be in His presence as in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you…” May you be gifted this season with the peace of Christ to calm your heart and renew your strength

Walking together - Caminando juntos,

Elva Villalpando Cope



Led by WELCA synod board members Holly Heinsohn and Leslie Ahrens, the Listening to God, A Guide to Discernment! on-line Bible study helps women deepen their faith by learning to listen for God’s guidance in decision-making and daily life.

Starting in January 2026.

You're invited to my new group 'WELCA Women's Bible Study Group' on GroupMe. Click here to join: https://groupme.com/join_group/107096325/nnZQ1tyV

RGV Border Experience, November 2025

Southwest Texas WELCA’s Project Radical Hospitality recently hosted an RGV Border Experience that addressed faith, legal, educational, justice, and service aspects of immigration in the RGV. In partnership with FEA Foundation Ministries, Grace Lutheran Church (Harlingen), St. John Lutheran Church (San Juan) and the UTRGV School of Social Work, participants engaged face-to-face and via Zoom. Discussions related to the push/pull factors of human mobility; TPS (temporary protected status); DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) today; how our rites of faith intersect with our constitutional and legal rights and how our history informs those rites/rights; the psychological impacts of immigration, detention and separation of children from their parents; and “detention trauma?”

A visit to Immigration Court reflected current operations there. Visits with a retired US Customs and Border Protection Officer/Reserve Coast Guard Officer, a pro bono attorney and an Angry Tia and Abuela social activist allowed us to hear of real, face-to-face experiences with immigrants and their families. Visits to and with agencies providing service to immigrant families included La Posada Providencia in San Benito, Proyecto Desarrollo Humano in Penitas, and Eagle Pass Frontera Ministries/Iglesia Luterana San Lucas in Eagle Pass.

Continuous education and re-education in these rapidly changing times is key to informed action, resistance, and service. We invite anyone wanting to engage on a personal level with immigration on the southern border to join us at our next event in Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras April 13-16, 2026. Stay tuned for further information or email us at prh.be2025@gmail.com to be put on our email list. 

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If you are interested in staying in touch with us, please follow us on the Project Radical Hospitality Facebook page or email us at prh.be2025@gmail.com.

GULF COAST SPRING GATHERING                                            

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, BEEVILLE

MARCH 14, 2026  8:30 am – 1:30 pm

Theme: The Armor of God

Theme Verse: Ephesians 6:13 NIV

“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Physical Offering: The Beeville Vineyard – Non-perishable food items

Monetary Offering: 50% WELCA Church Wide

                                    25% SWTX Synodical Women’s Org.

                                    25% The Beeville Vineyard

Registration Fee: $20 (includes lunch)

Registration Information for the Women of the

ELCA - 13th Triennial Gathering 

July 16 - 19, 2026

At the Iowa Event Center Des Moines Convention Center, Des Moines Iowa

Iowa Event Center 

The Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering takes place every three years and gathers 1500-3000 women leaders, participants, and newcomers for four days of worship, inspiring speakers, workshops, service projects, and more! 

We invite you to join with our ministry as we seek to nourish women's faith and love and to inspire women to proclaim their identity, intent, and actions.

The theme for the 2026 Triennial Gathering is "I am Worthy" focusing on Psalm 139:14 “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14

This proclamation reminds us of God’s promise to always be with us, even during times of devastation and division. Repeating the phrase “I am worthy” helps us recognize the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work in our lives. This practice of self-affirmation creates opportunities for healing and repair within ourselves, the church, society, and the world. When we declare, “I am worthy,” we align ourselves with God’s promises. There is great power in our resolve.

Registration Fees

All registration catagories include all gathering activities scheduled for July 16 - 19, 2026, except the optional activites and add'on's below: 

Our Southwestern Texas Synodical Board is now accepting full and partial scholarship applications. Don’t let finances be the reason to hold you back. The Gathering is a wonderful opportunity to feel connected to our organization!

Important Dates:

• Triennial Convention via Zoom: July 13-14 2026

• Triennial Gathering in Des Moines, Iowa: July 16-19, 2026

Registration opens July 2025

Treasurer Tidbits

Something has come to my attention that I would like to share with all of you other treasurers. This “something” has to do with Thankofferings and can also apply to any other “special offerings” that your unit may want to ultimately send to the WELCA Churchwide organization.

ALL “special offerings” – Thankofferings, Katie’s Fund, or other appeals (like the SALT appeal) – should be sent directly to WELCA using Form B and sent to the address found on Form B. If; however, you as the treasurer choose to send this type of offering to me (or the next treasurer, Susan Abbey), rest assured that you may continue to do so and I (or Susan) will simply send your check and Form B directly to Churchwide for you. 

Years back, there was a time when we did ask that you send those monies to us so we could “keep track” of how much we as a Synod – our units, if you will – were sending to the Churchwide organization. We no longer do that.

Also, one last thought, if you do not know where to find a Form A or Form B, simply go to the WELCA website (womenoftheelca.org) – look under “Tools for Leaders” – go to the bottom of that page and you will find information for Unit Treasurers and the forms that can be downloaded.

I hope this clears up any confusion you – as the treasurer of your unit – might have regarding these types of offerings, and that you will pass this information on within your units when you elect a new treasurer.

Your treasurer, Carol Semper

Churchwide WELCA SALT Appeal



The SALT Appeal is a fundraising effort by the Women of the ELCA to boost their churchwide operating budgeted revenue from 2024. This appeal is grounded in Leviticus 2:13 which reminds individuals to “add salt to all your offerings”. In this context, SALT is a verb that describes generosity in response to a need, standing for Share Abundance, Love, and Thanks!

The SALT Appeal aims to address the funding gap of $250,000 from the previous year. Donations will be designated to “Where Needed Most” and are required by the end of the fiscal year, January 21, 2026. Individuals can make gifts online or by check, and congregational units are also encouraged to participate.

For more information or to make a donation, visit the Women of the ELCA website or contact them directly.

Thank you for your generosity!

Plan Your Next Girls Trip!

Are you looking for a relaxing and faith rejuvenating girls trip for the new year? Look no further than Cross Trails Ministry! Both Camp Chrysalis and Ebert Ranch Camp have space available for rental. Groups can come for a day, a weekend, or during the week. Just gather at least 8 people and let us know which site and dates you want. We'll help you plan from there! 

Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying

Please Pray for:

Texas Hill Country

The Families affected by the violence in Minnesota

Elected officials 

Pearl Saucedo

Rebecca Vela Bishop

The family of Rebecca Arias

Barbie Johnson

Carmen Hawkins

Pastors, Deacons and Synod Staff

Sonia Murray





*** Can we support you through prayer? 

Please send your prayer requests to: swtwelca@gmail.com

If you are receiving the Grapevine, fantastic!  We encourage you to spread the word. Help us by collecting names and email addresses from your church. Send those additions to: swtwelca@gmail.com. We will add names and addresses to our contact list!

Please type both the name and email address of each individual such as:

Lisa Lopez       lopezfamily10@gmail.com

Thanks!