March 2026 - IN THIS ISSUE:



• Message from the President
• The WELCA Board
• Board member Feature
• WELCA Women's Bible Study Group
• Project Radical Hospitality
• Board Member Feature
• Capitol North/South Spring Gathering
• Gulf Coast Spring Gathering
• Alamo Spring Gathering
• Hill Country Spring Gathering
• Ciblo Creek Spring Gathering
• Bluebonnet Spring Gathering
• SWO Convention
• Past Presidents Corner
• 2026 Triennial
• Treasurers Tidbits
• Churchwide WELCA SALT Appeal
• Cross Trails Ministry
• Synod Prayer Requests
• Be a Featured Unit!

Southwestern Texas Synod WELCA

Greetings sisters in Christ

Hermanas en Cristo y

mujeres de ELCA

Sisters in Christ, hermanas en Cristo,

If you haven’t noticed by now, spring is unfolding. The conference gatherings have been planted and they have started to bloom! Como semillas esperando el momento para florecer. As women, you carry faith into homes, churches, workplaces, and communities. You are also given the chance to assemble with other women, to share stories, renew your hearts, and allow yourself to be nurtured through prayer, music, and food! Please look through the upcoming gatherings and sign up. While you are at it, bring a friend. 



Hasta la próxima,
Elva Villalpando Cope



Sing to the Lord

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

¹ Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

²     Worship the Lord with gladness;

    come before him with joyful songs.

³ Know that the Lord is God.

    It is he who made us, and we are his^[a];

    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving

    and his courts with praise;

    give thanks to him and praise his name.

⁵ For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

This Psalm has been one of my favorites since I was a little child for a few reasons. It is a great reminder that we are God’s people wonderfully made. When I am out in nature I see all of Go’s multicolored trees and birds and it makes me want to sing. The sun is shinning. The birds are singing and flying free. It makes me feel grateful that I get to see these things daily. Here at Austin Seminary the chapel bell rings on the hour and that makes me feel so grateful that I get to be here learning all these wonderful ideas and things I want to learn about. I’m grateful for my manual wheelchair that makes going to classes and sitting there a whole lot easier. I’m thankful for my hip brace that so far is keeping the hip in place until I can find a new orthopedic surgeon. I’m thankful for my family, friends, church and Welca for places where I am welcomed and belong. My life is great because I have so many blessings from God. Daily living with God’s love and light gives me a peace that some people don’t have. The point is that with God your load may not be light but you have God there to back you up. Lean on God when you feel lonely or out of sorts. Lean on God when things are going great. Just plain lean on God. And take time to see all the blessings in your life. Take time to see God’s beauty outside. Take time to say hey God thank you for my life. Maybe take some time and make a gratitude notebook to remind yourself of all the blessing in your life. You will be glad you did and happier too. And if it makes you sing that is all the better.

-Barbie Johnson

Led by WELCA synod board members Holly Heinsohn and Leslie Ahrens, Lessons for today's Disciples, 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

Registration is now open for…

EAGLE PASS/PIEDRAS NEGRAS

BORDER EXPERIENCE,

a project of PRH and FEAFM

DATES: April 13-16, 2026

 Participants in the upcoming Eagle Pass Border Experience will experience immigration in la Frontera, i.e. the Borderlands, that are found in Eagle Pass, Texas and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. Texas border visits will include Eagle Pass Frontera Ministries and Iglesia Luterana San Lucas, Mission House of Caridad de Corazón, and areas near the now militarized Shelby Park in Eagle Pass. Piedras Negras visits will include the Frontera Digna migrant shelter, Iglesia de Guadalupe, and prayer with conversation at the Rio Bravo River. Accompanying participants on this journey will be Emma Espino, director of Eagle Pass Frontera Ministries, Pastor Julio Vásquez of Iglesia Luterana San Lucas and Sister Ursula Herrera, OSB. Each will share the narratives of their migrant ministry experiences.

Dates: Evening of April 13 (Dinner and orientation), April 14 (Eagle Pass) and April 15 (Piedras Negras) – Morning of April 16, 2026 (Breakfast, debriefing, and sending)

Passports are required for travel to and from Mexico.

6 registration slots are open at $450/person. Registration includes three nights of lodging and most meals. It is to be paid via check/cash/Zelle to SWT WELCA by April 3rd. To register please send name, phone number and email address to prh.be2025@gmail.com .

Carpooling options are available with facilitators (Janet Demro, Maria de Jesus Dixon, Lois Eichman) from Harlingen, Pflugerville, and Alamo TX.

Cash and Gift Card Offerings for our host organizations and Frontera Digna are welcomed.

Further questions/comments can be addressed to PRH Border Experiences at prh.be2025@gmail.com . 

For further information about the entities we will visit, check out the following websites

https://www.eaglepassfrontera.net/

https://www.facebook.com/julioadalva/?locale=es_LA

https://boernebenedictines.org/caridad-de-corazon/

https://redfranciscana.org/fronteradigna/

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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.

United Evangelical Dr. Martin Luther Lutheran Church

(Shiner Lutheran Church, Shiner, Texas)

WELCA Unit Highlight

By: Holly Heinsohn

Background of the Prayer Shawl Ministry: 

The Prayer Shawl Ministry within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) represents a heartfelt blend of creativity, spirituality, and community service. Participants knit or crochet shawls infused with prayers, offering them as tangible symbols of God's love and support to those facing life's challenges or celebrating joyful milestones.

Established in 2023, The Hands and Hearts Prayer Shawl Ministry thrives as a vibrant women's ministry at Shiner Lutheran Church, operating within the Shiner Women In Faith & Fellowship Together (SWIFFT) structure, which bolsters the church's women's ministry and maintains ties to WELCA. To sustain this compassionate outreach, SWIFFT has hosted three instructional sessions aimed at teaching crochet basics or refining existing skills. Led by Mindy Baker—a retired minister and seasoned expert in crochet and knitting—the Prayer Shawl Workshops at Shiner Lutheran foster skill-building, community bonding, and spiritual support among church women, while also delivering handmade prayer shawls to individuals as a gift of love and compassion.

The ELCA Prayer Shawl Ministry exemplifies how simple acts of crafting can become profound expressions of faith and solidarity. In a world often marked by isolation and hardship, these shawls wrap recipients in the embrace of a caring community and a loving God. 

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)

             WOMEN OF THE ELCA

                                   HILL COUNTRY CONFERENCE SPRING GATHERING

                          Theme: WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM WOMEN OF THE BIBLE

       Bible Verse: ISAIAH 26:3 “HE WILL KEEP IN PERFECT PEACE ALL THOSE WHO TRUST IN HIM”.

  Saturday, March 21, 2026           8:30am – 2:00pm

    EBERT RANCH CHAPEL  766 EBERT LANE, HARPER, TX 78631

Gathering activities include: registration, brunch, devotional, talk about what is going on at Ebert Ranch, Conference Business Meeting, Sing Along, lunch and a worship service.

Physical Offering:   HEB or Walmart gift cards. Bibles.

Monetary Offering: Ebert Ranch

                                    Southwestern Texas Synodical Women

Make Checks to: St James Lutheran WELCA

                                                          Registration Form

Cost $25.00 (includes lunch)                                                     Deadline: Thursday, March 12, 2026

Church Name:__________________________________

Contact Person and email/phone number:

Attendees’ Names (please print)

Number attending:__________________x $25 each = total registration submitted.

Detach and send form to:       Nancy Schubert, PO Box 418, Harper, TX 78631

To help with advance planning, please contact Fran Dendy, text or call 830-739-1445.

Or email to spanishgoat@yahoo.com to let us know how many to expect from your group.

Thanks, we look forward to having all of you. 

CIBOLO CREEK CONFERENCE

SPRING GATHERING

April 11, 2026 – 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

St John Lutheran Church

600 South Center Street, Marion, TX 78124

Click below to register:

https://tinyurl.com/CiboloCreekGathering 

2026 Bluebonnet Spring Gathering

April 18, 2026

Registration begins at 8:30 am.

Breakfast and fellowship offered after registration.

Zion Lutheran Church – Luther Hall

307 North Hackberry St.

Moulton, TX 77975

361-596-4928

Love Offering - 50% WELCA Churchwide, 25% SWT Synodical Women’s Organization, 25% Moulton VFD and Moulton Police Department.

Physical Offering for Lavaca County St. Nicholas Ministry - Board games, cards, puzzles, books, coloring books, toys, etc.

Registration $20.00

Lunch Included – Beef Stew, homemade bread, cornbread, and crackers.

Please detach and return by April 11^th, 2026 and mail to:

 Mimi Richter, PO Box 176, Moulton, TX 77975

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Your Church Name _________________________________________________________________

  Name:

Address:

E-mail address:

Phone:

Number attending  ________ x $20.00 = ________________ enclosed

Southwestern Synodical Women’s Organization Convention – Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for the Southwestern SWO Convention, coming to San Antonio, Texas, October 16–18, 2026. Women from across the synod will gather for a meaningful weekend of worship, learning, fellowship, and shared purpose with a little business thrown in.

Our theme, “Rooted in Faith, Growing Together,” is reflected in this year’s convention logo and grounded in Scripture:

 “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” — Jeremiah 17:7–8 (NIV)

When we are deeply rooted in God’s promises, we grow stronger together - ready to serve, support, and flourish no matter the season. More details about registration, gathering sessions, and opportunities to participate will be shared in the months ahead. We hope you’ll plan to join us in San Antonio for this inspiring time together. 🌳✨

I received a text message from our illustrious SWO President that said, “would you please provide a short motivational article for the March Grapevine?” My initial response in my head was, “Motivational? Me!?!” But, since I was in my car when I responded and started driving shortly thereafter, my brain kicked into overdrive, because it’s when I am driving that I often have my best conversations with God, myself, …and everyone else on the highways and byways. 😊

Today is February 26^th and the Psalm appointed for this coming Sunday is Psalm 121. It is my favorite Psalm. When my mom was in the hospital during her final days, I would often stop by the chapel on the way home, and I was encouraged that the Bible was always open to a different passage each day. Often, I would leave it open to Psalm 121. When I was elected as President of the SWT SWO, the theme that year was Psalm 121 and the convention was held in our beautiful Texas Hill Country. Ever since, those words, “I lift my eyes to the hills”, have stuck with me even more. 

By now, you are probably wondering where is the “motivation” in this article. I always take the scenic route. There are days that I get totally overwhelmed. Today happens to be one of those days. Write an article, get the church newsletter out, that pesky ELCA Annual Congregational Report is due on Sunday, and it’s Lent and the life of a church secretary is different during this season. But, in all of it, I remember these words from verse 8 of Psalm 121, “ The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and for evermore.” No matter what. God is with us. He doesn’t sleep, he doesn’t even take a quick nap. When you are feeling overwhelmed, go to God’s word. There’s always a reminder there that He will keep us from all evil; He will keep us safe.

Psalm 121

¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills—

    from where will my help come?

² My help comes from the Lord,

    who made heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot be moved;

    he who keeps you will not slumber.

⁴ He who keeps Israel

    will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord is your keeper;

    the Lord is your shade at your right hand.

⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day,

    nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all evil;

    he will keep your life.

⁸ The Lord will keep

    your going out and your coming in

    from this time on and for evermore.

NRSV

-Dawn Young

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

Greetings from Your New SWO Treasurer!

Hello everyone!

I’m stepping into the role of treasurer for the Southwestern Synodical Women’s Organization, and I’m excited to serve. I’m also very much in learning mode right now—so if you see me squinting at spreadsheets, counting on my fingers, or double-checking which envelope goes where, just know I’m working hard to get everything up to speed!

As I get settled in, I appreciate a little grace and patience while I learn the ropes and get fully “up to snuff.” The good news is that I’m eager to help and happy to answer questions.

If you need to reach me about treasurer-related matters, here’s how:

Email: swt.swo.treasurer@gmail.com

Mailing Address:

Susan Abbey, SWO Treasurer

7842 Village Oak Dr

Live Oak, TX 78233-2545

Thank you for your support—and for trusting me with the numbers! I look forward to serving alongside all of you.

Grace and peace,

Susan Abbey

Your (slightly spreadsheet-confused but enthusiastic) SWO Treasurer

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!

Gift of Faith Gala

Please join us for a night of dining, dancing, fundraising, and fellowship! This annual event helps us raise the funds for Camperships and help keep camp affordable for all! This year's event will be held on March 7th at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in New Braunfels, TX from 5pm-10pm. Tickets are on sale now! 

We are looking for event sponsors, auction items or experiences of $50 or more, and wine and liquor bottles for our Wine Pull. Please visit GiftOfFaith26.givesmart.com to purchase tickets and become a sponsor. If you would like to donate an auction item please email gala@crosstrails.org for more information. 

Grace & Peace, 

Summer Camp Registration - Registration for our 2026 Summer Season is still going on. Spots are filling up fast so act quickly to reserve your campers spot today! Visit our website for more information and registration at  https://crosstrails.org/summer_camps/ 

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Taste of the Hill Country Retreat - Relax, rejuvenate and unwind as you enjoy good fellowship, good foods and good drinks. Join us at Ebert Ranch Camp for all adults 21+ on March 27th-29th. Visit our website for more information and registration at https://crosstrails.org/programmed_retreats/tasteofthehillcountry/ 

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Chrysalis Women's Weekend - Come to beautiful Camp Chrysalis to enjoy a weekend with other women of faith escaping from the busyness of day to day life. Join us April 23rd-26th at Camp Chrysalis for all adult women. Visit our website for more information and registration https://crosstrails.org/programmed_retreats/womensretreat/ 

Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying

Please Pray for:

Kenneth & Gracie Cooley 

Elected officials 

Pearl Saucedo

Rebecca Vela Bishop

The family of Rebecca Arias

Barbie Johnson

Carmen Hawkins

Pastors, Deacons and Synod Staff

The Zuniga Family





*** 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:

Elva Villalpando Cope eapacvc11@gmail.com

Thanks!