Northern Illinois Synod Women’s Organization

 Our Triennial Theme:    "Act Boldly!"                      Acts14:13

"To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ" is our mission statement.  We do so thru worship, Bible study, prayer, service, fellowship, and stewardship.  We as a community of women come together to be the "hands and feet" of Jesus.  Collectively we have ministries where much can be accomplished.  As individual units or conferences we can become more diversified due to our gifts and in the area were we live. We are created, called and empowered to grow, to support, to engage, and to promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society and the world.   The Holy Spirit guides us in all that we do.

One of our highlights was attending the 6th Triennial Convention July 6 - 10, 2005 in San Antonio, Texas. Worshipping, Bible studying, walking/running a 4K, sewing quilts, attending workshops, experiencing a foot washing, listening to the healing harp, participating in servant projects in the community,  enjoying Spanish dancers and musicians  were just a taste of what one could do. Our 2004 NISWO resolution on World Hunger was memorialized at the convention.  Sightseeing was another opportunity to learn more about the rich culture and diversity of the area especially the missions built in the 1700's. Our companion synod, the Lower Susquehanna Synod of Pennsylvania, and the three Illinois synods enjoyed a breakfast buffet together. Truly, it was a profound experience to be part of 2500 women gathering in one place to share the love of Christ. Salt Lake here I come!

Using the theme from the Triennial, our fall convention was held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Peru on September 17, 2005. A bagpiper and drummer led our convention with a processional hymn of "Amazing Grace." Pastor Bitner gave the homily and presided over communion. The women enjoyed workshops on anti-racism, advocacy, ASK, Tanzania, prayer and the people of Laos.  Nancy Christian of Minnesota was our churchwide representative.  We had an opportunity to hear her faith story on Friday evening. Our offering was designated to the Selian Hospital in Arusha, Tanzania, to the NIS Hispanic/Latino community, and Global Mission. Our physical offering provided items for Horizon House, a home for the developmentally and physically disabled. With the transition of new board members we concluded a wonderful day saying "Go in peace.  Serve the Lord."

Our Leadership Gathering met November 6, 2005 to begin getting acquainted with new women serving in their CCC's.  Our focus was "Telling the Story" as it is told over and over of Jesus and His love for all of us.  As a response to that love we have an opportunity to empower ourselves in helping others through advocacy.  The ELCA is a great leader in helping those in need world wide and provides rich resources for us to use.

Two retreats were held in March and in April.  Learning how to "act boldly" through reflection, prayer and scripture reading was our focus. "Lambs and Lions, Be Bold Be Strong" was our theme.  Ephesians 6:20 challenged us to action.  "But pray that I will keep on speaking out boldly for Him ...as I should." By wearing the armor of God, we can "act boldly" to serve Him.  Our day retreat was held at a lovely setting in Rock Island.  Trying something new, the Hauberg House was selected for our retreat setting.  This beautiful family home with tulip motifs throughout was donated in 1956 to the community for such occasions.  Our overnight retreat was held at the Sinsinawa Retreat Center in Wisconsin.  It is run by the Dominican Sisters, who are famous for baking breads, rolls and pies.  Yes, 32,000 loaves are sold each year!  The grounds are nestled in the hills and provide a restful respite including two labyrinths to walk. A total of over 140 women enjoyed the opportunity to take some time for reflection, fellowship and faith renewal.

The Northern Illinois Synodical Women are faith and love in action! We are continuing to support Mary E. Laiser's education as she studies social work at the University of Nairobi.  In addition to providing a scholarship to Charmayene Four Colors at Rocky Boy through Our Savior's Lutheran Church, we have joined the 1000 Ambassadors Club.  Our quarterly pledge joins with others who want to support the Chippewa/Cree Native American community in Montana. The San Miguel Mission outreach has transitioned to the Hispanic/Latino Ministry which will provide a broader range of services. It is a toss up who is more blest as we provide the "Storybook" program and our Thursday "faith and craft time" with the men at the Dixon Correction Center. We are always in need of new volunteers. You will not be sorry.  Challenge yourself and give it a try!  Lastly, we have been asked to be part of the National Church delegation to attend the 300 year celebration of Lutheran missionaries coming to India in July. What an honor that the Northern Illinois Synodical Women have been chosen to be a part in this exciting event.  Ruth Fairchild was chosen as the delegate with Jeana Fors, the alternate. It is our hope we can start a companion synod outreach.

Like the seasons of a year so it is with the Northern Illinois Synod Women.  September 30, 2006, we will be having our 18th annual convention at First Lutheran Church in Monmouth. The women are in full swing in planning some wonderful events and inviting some special guests to share their gifts with us.  Our Leadership Gathering follows on November 4, 2006 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Lee where we learn more about the "Fruits of the Spirit."  As we continue to do the work Christ has called us to do, let us reflect on His great sacrifice knowing we are saved by grace and grace alone.  Amen!

Mary Howe, President  

Northern Illinois Synodical Women's Organization

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Important Dates - 2006 & 2007

*   India delegation trip July 2006 with the National Church "Celebrating 300 yrs. of

    Lutheran missionaries coming to India!" Ruth Fairchild-delegate           Jeana Fors-alternate

*  18th Convention: September 30, 2006 @ First Lutheran, Monmouth, IL

*  Leadership Gathering for our CCC's: November 4, 2006

*   Retreats @ Sinsinawa, WI March 31-April 1, 2007 (Overnight retreat)

                           TBA (Day retreat only)

July 2008 7th Triennial Convention at Salt Lake City, Utah

New Board Members

Mission Action:                                Hattie Jenkins, Spring Valley, IL               

Mission Community:                     Ellen Roof, Joliet, IL

Northeast Conference Rep.:         Carolyn Schuring, Harvard, IL

Northwest Conference Rep.:       Louise Owen, Durand, IL

South Conference Rep.:                 Doris Johnson, Malden, IL

2008 Triennial Promoter:             Christina Barnickel, Compton, IL

Further information can be located on the web at the following:

www.nisynod.org            see "Links"                                          

www.womenoftheelca.org

www.womenoftheelca.org/café  "Café - Stirring the Spirit Within" electronic magazine

Paper publications are the following:

"Northern Highlights" - quarterly NISWO newsletter

"Interchange" - Monthly publication to equip and to empower women with                              information and resources necessary to carry out the organization's mission.

"Lutheran Women Today" - monthly magazine which has a Bible study and excellent articles.

Ministries

Dixon Prison Ministry

Tanzania - Mary E. Laiser

Rocky Boy - Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Box Elder, Montana

Hispanic/Latino Ministry - Pastor K. Forni, Joliet, IL

World Hunger

Church Women United

Lutheran World Relief

Equal Exchange Coffee/Chocolate

India Delegation (new)

Mary Howe   6/17/06