Northeast Minnesota Synodical Women’s Organization Holds 20th Annual Convention

06/14/2007

Northeast Minnesota Synodical Women’s Organization Holds 20th Annual Convention at UMD June 8 – 9, 2007

The NE MN Synodical Women’s Organization held their 20th Annual Convention at UMD in Duluth, MN on June 8 – 9, 2007.  There were over 300 members in attendance counting all the presenters, delegates, visitors, and other guests.

The theme of this year’s convention was “Act Boldly”:  “Put your Hope in God.  Be Strong, Let your Heart be Bold.” Psalms 27:14 The Mission Statement is “ To mobilize women to ACT BOLDLY on their faith in Jesus Christ!

The convention opened on June 8th with breakfast for the overnight delegates and full-time visitors and then continued with registration. The first day of convention included the opening session at 8:30 AM with Singer/Song writer, MaryRose Varo and the Formal Opening of Convention. President Joyce Lund welcomed everyone and Churchwide Representitive Pastor Rosalind Brathwaite also spoke.

The day continued with the Plenary sessions and workshops with many various choices to attend.

A Fair Trade Store and Silent Auction took place in the Garden Room with many wonderful things to buy or bid on.

The Convention participants were treated to the “Sounds of Strings” at the evening’s entertainment.  This is a group of musicians of all ages that played many classical pieces.  They are under the direction of Michelle Gribbon.

June 9th continued with workshops, plenary sessions and the election of the new officers.

Bunny Johnson, who was nominated from the floor, was elected the new president of the organization by one vote over Betty Brandt.

Ila Senn, Cathy Smolnikar, Constance Johnson and Beth Ronning were elected to the SWO Board.  Carol Kleven and Renee Anderson did not seek election after serving out their terms.

Marge Kangas, Cyndi Worshek, Sonja Hagestuen, and Loralee Torkelson were relected to 2nd terms on the SWO Board.

Candidates for Triennial were elected as well as the alternates. There were also thousands of dollars and items collected for various activities of the area WELCA Organizations.  These gals contributed to such things as Quilts for Lutheran World Relief and special projects, Health Kits, T-Shirt Diapers, Sewing Kits, Layettes, Mid-wife Kits, Aids/Hospice Kits, Soap, Rolled Bandages School Kits, Project comfort, Global Health Ministries, and Gifts to Seafarers Ministry.

The Convention ended with the installation of officers and the closing Worship Service with Communion.