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| | 2026 Triennial Gathering Highlights | |
Over a thousand women gathered in Des Moines, Iowa, in July for the 13th Triennial Gathering of the Women of the ELCA.
Seventeen women from our own Saint Paul Area Synodical Women's Organization joined women from all over the country for 4 days of activities: worship, Bible studies, guest speakers, learning opportunities/workshops, exhibits, Run/Walk/Roll 5K, blood donations, and more!
Read about some of the activities that our women participated in while at the Gathering in the articles that follow. View more photos from the Gathering by using the link below:
https://photos.womenoftheelca.org/Thirteenth-triennial-convention-and-I-am-worthy-gathering
Note: The "i am worthy" logo was designed by Elizabeth McBride, WELCA director for communications and intergenerational programs. She stated, "The theme, 'I am worthy,' acknowledges the importance of our work toward bringing justice, mercy and love to others and also calls us, women and girls in the church, society, and world, to remember that we too are worthy of justice, mercy, and love."
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Comments from Board members who attended this year's Gathering:
- Speakers and workshop presenters were outstanding.
- The unexpected attendance of Bishop Curry was a great bonus.
- Our synod's "hats" stood out among the crowd.
Photo credit:SWO Facebook page
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Experiential Learning: The Blanket Exercise
by Jacque Bieber, SWO Vice-President and Triennial attendee
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This event was offered by Vance Blackfox of the Cherokee nation. When you entered the room, the floor was covered with blankets and there were chairs around the walls of the room. Vance told everyone who could walk to step onto the blanket nearest them. He walked around the outside of the blanket area and called out the names of the states that were on the outer border of America, implying that the inner part of the blanket represented the other states.
Then he and two helpers started reading the history of Indigenous people in America, starting with Columbus. The history was marked with genocide and taking over the Indigenous people’s lands. Vance would touch the shoulder of women on the blanket and then he would tell them to sit down. Each group that sat down represented a group of Indigenous people who were killed by white Americans. When the readings were complete, there were only about 20 people left on the blankets to represent today’s Indigenous population.
After everyone sat down, Vance asked people how they felt after the exercise. There was a wide range of feelings from disgust, to sorrow, to anger. This exercise left attendees understanding more about how Indigenous people were treated and the feelings that went along with losing their lives, land, and culture.
Photo credit: https://photos.womenoftheelca.org/Thirteenth-triennial-convention-and-I-am-worthy-gathering
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Workshop: I AM WORTHY - Even When the Ground Shakes
by Linda Hayle, Board Member and Triennial attendee
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Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy teaches at Augsburg University (Minneapolis MN) and St. Olaf College (Northfield MN) in the Religion Departments, sharing her knowledge with students on topics such as social justice, racial reparations, and spirituality’s role in social change through Indigenous worldview. As a pastor at All Nations Indian Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she provides spiritual leadership and support to her community. Kelly’s passion for justice is evident in her advocacy work, serving on numerous boards and councils to amplify marginalized voices and promote meaningful change.
Kelly’s Triennial presentation explored the sacred practice of storytelling. She told a story outlining her frightening experience with Immigration and Custom Enforcement's activity in Minneapolis. After leaving a home in St. Paul, she noticed that she was being followed by SUVs onto the I-94 freeway. She became concerned and contacted a group that monitored ICE movements. They quickly responded and joined her on I-94 to keep the SUVs from blocking her car. She was then able to make it home safely without confrontation.
Kelly asked the question, ”Who gets to tell the story of your worth?” Isaiah 43:1-4, “Focus on being loved just as you are.” She also focused on special grief music to bring about calm and peace. The songs we heard and sang were:
Her congregation created colorful “prayer” birds that were prayed over before being shared with her audience.
In her Facebook post she stated, “Together we reflected on the stories we tell ourselves, the stories God is still writing, and the reminder that the ground may shake, our story may change, but our worth remains.”
Photo credit: Linda Hayle
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Workshop: Religion and Politics
by Glenda Schnirring, Board Member and Triennial attendee
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Workshop leader, Reverend Senator Sarah Trone Garriott, State Senator for Iowa, had as her break-out session title, “I don’t want to be political, but I am called to be political”.
Reverend Senator Sarah led a stirring workshop with standing room and floor-sitting room only for her participants. She commanded the packed room with her story of being called throughout life to be in service to others.
Sarah began in AmeriCorps as a Vista volunteer, supporting victims of domestic violence. Her work in public service continued in a women’s shelter while attending Harvard Divinity School. From this experience, she entered hospital chaplaincy and into ordination as a pastor. Her first parish was in rural Virginia, followed by a move to Iowa in 2013, and becoming pastor at Faith Lutheran in Clive, IA.
Reverend Senator Sarah took her parish ministry into the community by becoming Coordinator of Interfaith Engagement for the Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network. By 2020, Sarah’s frustration over elected leadership ignoring her concerns for the needy led her to running for public office.
She successfully flipped a Republican seat in the Iowa State Senate. In 2022, as a result of redistricting, Sarah moved her family and ran against a second opponent of the opposite party and succeeded again. She made history in Iowa’s political history by being the only Democrat to flip multiple districts where the opposition party had prevailed.
Throughout her service in the State Senate, she defended working families, their healthcare, mental health, public education, paid family leave, quality childcare and reproductive rights.
Sarah encouraged her workshop participants to heed their calling into the political arena of life as she has done. She suggested we take our faith into the settings of society where Jesus would want us to be His hands, feet, and heart.
Photo credit: https://photos.womenoftheelca.org/Thirteenth-triennial-convention-and-I-am-worthy-gathering
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Workshop: The Art of Belonging
by Kathy Hogenson, Board Member and Triennial attendee
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I recently attended the WELCA Triennial this past July in Des Moines, Iowa. There were several wonderful speakers and break-out sessions we could attend over the two days. One of the sessions that I attended was on Mosaic, a faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit and an affiliated social ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Linda Timmons, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mosiac, was guest speaker.
Mosaic provides whole-person healthcare, personalized housing, and vocational training to nearly 5,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across 12 states.
Mosaic relies heavily on government partnerships but recent state and federal budget cuts to Medicaid can pose an existential threat to disability services. Home and community-based programs are often considered “optional” under Medicaid rules, so they are often the first to face reductions when budgets tighten. This forces programs such as Mosaic to slash benefits, freeze provider payments, and lengthen multi-year waiting lists for families who desperately need the help. Mosaic continues to advocate in our statehouses and dedicates roughly 85% of its budget to client care.
Please keep Mosaic’s clients, dedicated caregivers, and advocates in your prayers as they navigate these challenging times. If you want to learn more about this organization or find out how you can support them, visit the Official Mosaic Website.
References: Mosiac website, AI assistance
Photo credit: https://photos.womenoftheelca.org/Thirteenth-triennial-convention-and-I-am-worthy-gathering
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Bible Studies
by Patty Todnem, Board Member and Triennial attendee
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The two Bible Studies we had at the Triennial Convention were given by Rev. Sara Olson-Smith who is an ordained ELCA Pastor serving at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa. She is a frequent contributor to Gather magazine.
I am created in God’s image and God knows everything about us, but still loves us.
In Psalms 51, we are reminded we must ask God to create in us a clean heart and new spirit to have respect and honor for each other. God has made us with reverence. We are a wonder and wonderfully made. When in Christ, we are more than one thing (daughter, mother, teacher, grandmother etc.) and are to celebrate the people around us. Pay attention, be astonished and tell others about it. God created a helper who was Eve, mother of all being. We are to be caring, loving and helping others regardless of the role we are in.
Photo credit: https://photos.womenoftheelca.org/Thirteenth-triennial-convention-and-I-am-worthy-gathering
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And more activities...
by Robin Kieffer, SWO Treasurer and Triennial attendee
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Blood Drive
Another wonderful opportunity at the Triennial Gathering was to give blood. The results of our recent blood drive at the Gathering are as follows:
• 36 successful donations
• 36 units of blood collected
• Up to 108 local lives impacted
The blood drive coordinators considered it a very successful event, with many participants donating as walk-ins. I was one of the walk-ins.
Photo credit: https://photos.womenoftheelca.org/Thirteenth-triennial-convention-and-I-am-worthy-gathering
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Run, Walk & Roll 5K
On Saturday morning of the Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering in Des Moines, IA, five of us participated in the Run, Walk & Roll 5K. The Run started at the Rotary Riverwalk Park and Women's Achievement Bridge. It was pretty hot so most of us walked, but our SWO president, Karin Vukich, ran the distance and came in 4th. Linda Hayle and I clocked under an hour with Sandy Olson and Pat Skaiem coming in just over an hour. Fun was had by all!
Pictured L-R: Karin Vukich, Robin Kieffer, Linda Hayle, Sandy Olson, and Pat Skaiem
Photo credit: Karin Vukich, Robin Kieffer
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President's Corner
by Karin Vukich, President
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I had the pleasure of attending my first Women of the ELCA Gathering in Des Moines, IA and it was a wonderful weekend of friends, faith and fellowship. The theme was “i am worthy” based on Psalm 139:14: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
This issue of the Bridges contains many articles regarding the Triennial. If you could not attend, I hope this gives you an idea of the wonderful worship sessions, bible studies and workshops that took place. If you were in Des Moines, I hope the articles spark wonderful memories.
I am looking forward to getting together with all my new friends again in Louisville, Kentucky in 2029. I hope to see another large group from the St. Paul Synod in attendance!
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SWO Needs Your Help with Photos from the Past
by Virginia Coller, Board Member
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The SWO board is working on a project to put into two photo books all of the archive information that we have. One book will have all of the 13 Triennial Gatherings and the other will have SWO Convention and other SWO information.
On the Triennial side, we are missing information on a few of the gatherings and are asking those of you who have attended gatherings over the years to share photos and information that you might have. The locations specifically needed are the first three gatherings (in Anaheim, Washington DC, and Minneapolis), as well as the gathering that was in Minneapolis in 2017. If you have good photos from other Triennials, we will be happy to accept those, as well. Triennial photos can be emailed to Becky Maier (jbmaier@hotmail.com) or you can contact Becky so arrangements can be made to obtain them.
Also, Virginia Coller (ginnacoller@hotmail.com) is working on the SWO conventions. Information is needed about the 1993 and 1994 conventions which may have been held at St. Olaf college. Themes, dates, photos and exact locations would be very helpful. Virginia can also be contacted to obtain the photos.
Any help you can give us on this project would be much appreciated and enjoyed by others in years to come. Thank You!
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Treasurer’s Note
by Robin Kieffer, Treasurer
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The Bridges E-Newsletter is emailed out quarterly to churches and individuals for no charge.
If you would like a paper copy of Bridges mailed to you, please click on the image of the form, then download/print and complete it. Include a check for $15 payable to St Paul Area SWO. Mail completed form and check to the address indicated on the form.
Thank you!
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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.
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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.
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Book Corner
Jesus for Everyone: Not Just Christians by Amy-Jill Levine
Review submitted by Vernita Kennen
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Jesus for Everyone: Not Just Christians is written by Amy-Jill Levine, University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School and Department of Jewish Studies. She is well known as both an author and a speaker (I heard her at Luther Seminary). Here she shows why the historic and cultural influence of Jesus makes him both provocative and relevant for everyone, not only Christians.
The first words draw you in: “Jesus is fascinating. The stories he told, his arguments with fellow Jews, even the way the Gospel writers variously describe his teachings and his works are packed with challenge, insight, and a fair amount of humor. This material is more than the stuff of ancient history. Jesus’s teachings can help us negotiate not only every day hassles, but also global problems.” The various chapters touch on topics such as economics, health care, family values, enslavement, and politics.
This book really does invite everyone, from faithful Christian to agnostic, to nonbelievers, to appreciate the lasting impact of Jesus on the modern world. It reads easily and includes plenty of notes, too. AND it is written by a Jewish woman!
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Have you read a good book and want to share it with other Bridges readers?
Please send the book title, author and a short description of the book to Bridges Editor, Kathy Frost, at kathyafrost@gmail.com. We will share it in a future issue of Bridges.
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Bible Study Enrichment
Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
St. Mark's Lutheran Church, North St. Paul
Join us for a study of three bold women – Hagar, Ruth and Mary Magdalene – on an unexpected journey that transformed their faith. This is the Fall Bible Study from the Gather magazine and will also include a session on Prayer. Our presenter will be Pastor Carrie Stiles. Registration 8:30-9:00am. Study 9:00am-12:30pm followed by lunch and fellowship. Cost is $20.00.
Registration deadline is September 16. All Women are Welcome!
Click here to REGISTER for Bible Study Enrichment
Submitted by Virginia Coller
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North Cluster Gathering
(North Central & East Central Clusters are invited too!)
Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 9 am - 12 pm
Trinity Lutheran, 38460 Lincoln Trail, North Branch
Trinity Lutheran of North Branch and Chisago Lake Lutheran are hosting the North Cluster Gathering and inviting women from North Central and East Central Clusters to join them.
Program Speaker Jenny Henthorn, Community Engagement Coordinator for New Pathways, will share about their new building in Cambridge and how churches can continue to be involved in helping those experiencing homelessness.
Morning offering will be split evenly between SWO and New Pathways. Make checks payable to St. Paul Area SWO with North Cluster offering in the memo line.
Material offering to be collected: toilet paper, paper towels, laundry soap, dish soap, cleaning wipes.
Event Contacts: Ann Tanko (artanko15@gmail.com) or Barb Wikelius (bjwikelius@gmail.com)
Submitted by Ann Tanko
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Southeast and City Cluster Meeting
Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 9 am - 11:15 am
Lutheran Church of Peace, 47 Century Ave S, Maplewood
Fee: $5 at the door.
Offering: Collected for Second Harvest.
Program: Looking at how God has guided you through your life.
Event Contact: Dawn Sargent (j_and_d_sargent@msn.com)
Submitted by Dawn Sargent
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Guatemala Gala
Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 4 pm - 8 pm
Town and Country Club, 300 Mississippi Blvd N, St. Paul
The Guatemala Gala is coming up on October 4 and you are invited to attend. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased from the synod website.
The Gala is a night to support the many ministries of ILAG (the Lutheran Church in Guatemala) and is an evening full of energy and opportunity. Pastora Karen and Valeria from Guatemala will be with us that evening and will share news and gratitude from ILAG. We hope you will be a part of this evening and support the ILAG.
One of the main areas for dollars raised at the Gala has been to pay off the mortgage of the school that was purchased several years ago. With a special appeal this past year, that mortgage has been retired. We will learn more at the Gala from Pastora Karen and Valeria what their next dreams are for the school. And, as with any building, there is always maintenance that needs to be done.
There are 200 children from an impoverished neighborhood who attend this school and who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend school. It is truly a special place.
Submitted by Becky Maier
| | Saint Paul Area Synodical Women's Organization (SWO) | | Read Bridges E-Newsletter (SWO newsletter published quarterly): | |
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Deadline: November 27, 2026
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