September 2026 - IN THIS ISSUE:

• SWO Convention
• Bible Study
• Project Radical Hospitality
• Presidents Message
• Deacon Darcy
• Counting Blessings and Balancing books
• Churchwide WELCA SALT Appeal
• Cross Trails Ministry
• Synod Prayer Requests
• Be a Featured Unit!

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.

Started in January 2026.

You are invited to the WELCA Women's Study Group on GroupMe. Click here to join: https://groupme.com/join_group/107096325/nnZQ1tyV

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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.

Presidents Message...

Journey With Me From Seoul to Soul...

Sabbatical Reflection

A Renewed Heart and Mind

Darcy Mittelstaedt

Aug 01, 2026

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice... Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” (Romans 12:1-2)

When I was planning for my sabbatical, I hoped it would be a time of rest, renewal, learning, and discernment. Looking back, God answered those prayers in ways I never expected. Through reconnecting with family and friends, learning more about my identity as a Korean adoptee, receiving incredible hospitality, and even an unexpected trip to the ER, God was quietly renewing my mind and heart every step of the way.

To read more about Deacon Darcy's sabbatical Journey please click on the link below and search Darcy Mittelstaedt

KAAN (Korean American Adoptee Network)

Deacon Darcy is sharing her sabbatical journey. 

She can be found on …

substack.com

Using the search icon and enter

Darcy Mittelstaedt

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!

Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying

Please Pray for:

Elected officials 

Theresa Pilarczyk

Pearl Saucedo

The family of Rebecca Arias

Barbie Johnson

The family of Carmen Hawkins

Pastors, Deacons and Synod Staff





*** 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!