West Virginia-Western Maryland Women of the ELCA

Mission Statement: As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.

Our ladies met August 10-11, 2018 at Bishop Hodges Catholic Pastoral Center in Huttonsville, WV for our annual convention. Priscilla Horner coordinated our 31st convention using the theme, “Here I Am; Send Me – Called to Serve”. The Churchwide representative was Angela Bell from Bellville, Texas. Bishop Matthew Riegel reported from the Synod and led one of the Bible Studies. Pastor Tony Setley gave a report on WVU Campus Ministry; Pastor Ian Reid talked about his trip to our sister synod in Madagascar. Pastor Diane Day led our Eucharist and worship service.

Each unit continues to work on their outreach ministries. Clusters continue to hold spring and fall events.

Our goals for this year are:

Goal 1: We encourage all women to lift up in prayer ALL of God’s creation as we deal with the issues of diversity, violence especially in the home, and all who are in crisis.
Goal 2: We will involve more women in the ministries of WELCA.
Goal 3: We will continue to support Community Lutheran Partners, Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU, Lutheran World Relief, and our sisters in Madagascar.

We will also continue to pray our prayer for all of our Christian sisters this year.

Oh, Lord, hear our prayer. Come close to us so we can feel your presence. You are a gracious and a loving God. Help us and our sisters and brothers deal with the diversity in our communities. Oh, Lord, our differences are many. Help us see you in our neighbors. And help them see you in us. Help us turn away from violence and learn to honor you together as peacemakers. May we learn to share your love with each other and truly forgive when occurrences are out of control around us. We need your comfort and peace. We need you Lord. Please help us make our communities safe. You are awesome and we praise you. You are a blessing to us. We pray this in your Son’s name, Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Our women continue to keep in contact with our synodical newsletter, Lutheran Lines, which is published twice a year and is available (free) by mail or email. We encourage and support one another in ministry, share ideas for activities and resources, share happenings in our units, and share our joys and sorrow. We are Christian women working together as God’s hands.

Board of Directors:
Ellen Bragg
Jane Hazer
Christine Johnson
Gail Kohlhorst
Kay Rowan
Vicki Tomich
Jonalee Young

Lutheran Lines
Gail Kohlhorst

Respectfully submitted,
Beverly McDonald, President
West Virginia-Western Maryland Women of the ELCA