Board Meeting
March 14, 2004 2:00 p.m.
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Bowling Green, Ohio

Absent: President - Corinne Hurni, Jacquie Fritz [SW], Pastor Julie Beitelschees

Opening:

Treasurer, Wanda Straub, called the meeting to order in the absence of Corinne Hurni and the delayed arrival of Alyce Walden (thanks to Jeanne Matthews for getting the minutes started).

Wanda led us in devotions and Bible Study on Stewardship, "Listen, God is Calling: Growing into Christ " based on Ephesians 4:1-5, 11-13 and Matthew 28: 18-20. Goal is to be Christ like.

We did exercise on our gifts to grow into Christ.

Minutes:

For Retreat of Oct. 24 and 25, 2003: correction under those absent on Oct. 25--Nancy Chandler should read Sander. With correction, minutes approved by acclamation.

Treasurer’s Report:

The balance in the checking account as of March 15, 2004, is $6,857.39. Treasurer Wanda Straub reported that we came in under budget as we took in more for the convention than anticipated. Also the subscriptions for the Son Light have increased. It is important to impress on the conference units to send in offerings at least quarterly.

For Thankoffering service check the Stewardship book, as it has all kinds of good information.

Correspondence:

Letter of resignation was received from Betty Chandler, elected president.

Motion: Marilyn Lee moved that we accept her resignation. Barbara Slough seconded. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:

Nominating Committee: A representative for Southwest is needed. Betty Kozak accepted to represent the Toledo Conference.

Vice president: As Corinne Hurni, elected vice president, accepted the job of replacing Betty Chandler, a vice president needs to be appointed to fulfill the term through Synod Convention 2005. Elaine Harklau had been suggested but she declined due to health reasons. Marilyn Lee nominated Brenda Shibler and Barbara Slough nominated Judi Miller. Both agreed to having their names placed for consideration. Voting by the board will take place under new business.

E-mail notices: All board members have E-mail except Peggy Mink. Information will need to be mailed to her at: 
LVWC-Apt. 313
2015 Perrysburg-Holland Rd.
Holland, Ohio 43528

Spring Assemblies: Dates, places, board assignments-- theme "Listen, God is Calling for a Heart of Love"

Eastern: April 24 at Grace Lutheran in Castalia--Jeanne Matthews

Central: April 24 at Trinity Lutheran in Arcadia--Barbara Slough

Maumee Valley: April 17 at Zion Lutheran in Defiance--Sue McKibben

North Central: April 24 at St. John’s Lutheran in Port Clinton--Alyce Walden

Southeastern: April 24 at Emanuel Lutheran in Marion--Marilyn Lee

Southwestern: April 24 at St. Marks Lutheran in Van Wert--Jacquie Fritz

Toledo: April 24 at --Corinne Hurni

Conference Reports:

CENTRAL-Barbara Slough reported that April 24, 2004, is the date of the Conference Assembly at Trinity of Arcadia, Ohio. Sandi Mackall is the main speaker. The 2004 fall retreat will be September 18 at Good Hope in Arlington. Jane Macke will be the speaker on "Biblical Angels -
Heaven’s Gifts for You and Me."

EASTERN-Nancy Sander reported that there are 16 organized units. There are five churches, not organized, that will be encouraged to send a representative to the Spring Assembly which will be held April 24^th at Grace, Castalia, beginning with registration at 9 a.m. Pastor Chris Siebel will speak on the theme "Listen God is Calling-For a heart of Love." In the afternoon, the video "Angola Peacemakers-the Quilt" will be shown. Special music will be provided by 2 sisters from the community. Love Offering will go to Volunteers of America, Sandusky, and in-kind gifts will be collected for Liberty Center, Fremont. Cost is $7 which includes coffee hour (Lutheran World Relief coffee) and lunch. The coffee and LWR chocolate (both light and dark) will be available for sale.

Also, Eastern Conference will need a replacement as she will be moving out of the area in mid to late summer. Her personal prayer need is that she will be undergoing knee surgery Friday, March 19^th.

Motion: Barbara Slough moved that Rose Marie Jonas be asked to replace Nancy when she resigns. Peg Mink seconded. Cora Kettler suggested that Kit David might be another name if Rose Marie declines.

MAUMEE VALLEY: Sue McKibben reported that Bishop Lohrmann will be the guest speaker at the Conference Spring Assembly April 17 at Zion in Defiance. He will be spending the morning and also have lunch with us. All are welcome.

NORTH CENTRAL: Jeanne Matthews reported that our grant for women and children will be going to Ruth Ann’s House in Port Clinton. Spring Assembly will be April 24 at St. Johns in Port Clinton. Theme: "Listen God is Calling: For a Heart of Love." Rick Allen, a motivational speaker using humor will be the speaker. Cost is $10 for lunch and registration. Registration is from 8:45-9:15 a.m. Love offering is to Shared Bounty at St. John’s, Stony Ridge. In kind offerings of travel size personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies or linens for Ruth Ann’s House.

Fall Retreat is October 1-2, 2004 at Our Lady of the Pines in Fremont.

SOUTHEASTERN: Marilyn Lee reported that SE Conference President/Vice president meeting Jan.10, 2004 at First in Upper Sandusky had 30 present representing 14 churches (26 units in conference.) It was a time for sharing and making decisions about Spring Assembly which is on April 24 at Emanuel, Marion. Theme: "Heart to Heart with God’s Love". Matt. 22:37,39. Speaker will be Jean Pyper of Hudson, Ohio (had heart transplant). Half of offering will go to Synodical and half to LMC. Love offering will go to Turning Point. Registration and meal is $10. Women and Poverty Grant will go to CAMP (Crestline Assistance Ministry Program). Concern of SE: Had been told to send information on other giving to Synodical treasurer and felt this was double reporting-- inflates actual amount as both report. To solve that Wanda asked each unit to send to her a list of all contributions to other groups at the end of the year, so that we can see how much we are giving. [Edited for clarity's sake after consulting with treasurer.]

SOUTHWESTERN: Spring Assembly will be April 24 at St. Marks in Van Wert. Two women speakers are scheduled.

TOLEDO: Please see update at end of minutes.

Officers Leadership Training: May 1, 2004, at Trinity in Findlay. 9-9:30 a.m. will be registration. Program begins at 9:30 a.m. and scheduled to end at 3 p.m. Red Hat Ministry will present "How to Grow." Conference officers are encouraged to invite any one interested from their conferences to attend. Cora Kettler plans to get Son Light out early in order to invite others.

Lunch: Cora to make chicken sandwiches and get chips. Barbara Slough will bring salad.

Board members are each to bring 2 dozen cookies or pan brownies.

2005 Synodical Convention: May 14, 2005 (one day) at St. Marks, Bowling Green. Registration will be at 8 a.m. with program scheduled from 8:30-5 p.m. Marilyn Lee suggested that delegates come Friday evening for business but all will be welcome to come the night before. The downside is that defeats the purpose of keeping costs down . Discussed when they could meet Saturday without missing sessions.

Speaker possibilities: Eva Whittington Self, "Make a Difference." Sings, provides a positive message. Corinne knows of her and will let us know if she is available. Pastor Mineo was suggested for music. He is from St. Luke, North Baltimore. He also provides a good message as well as music. Will we have communion? Will decide further once we have a vice president.

President’s Report: Wanda Straub read Corinne’s report on the San Antonio Conference of Presidents. Corinne had a mentor as she was new to position. She met the new Church Wide President. Has a copy of the skit on Noah with a new twist. Huge increase in the coffee project which has helped double the income from $1/day to $2/day.

Some need 3-4 people to man our table at the Synod Convention May 20 to May 22, 2004. A line item in budget allows for Corinne to attend. Will need to locate display board and other items.

All unit lists have been received except for Toledo.

Alma Ruffner will represent the SW Conference on the nominating committee.

Any memorial received for Pat Hirschfeld will go to Scholarship Funds for the AYA School, Dodoma, Tanzania.

Delegates to Triennial will depend on number of units in each synodical group. Those with 101- 125 can send 6 including the president. Those with over that (we have 132 units) can send 6 plus the president.

Book Fair Program: If a display is set up in your church you will receive 40% discount. Augsburg is on line. Jeanne Matthews will get details.

Church Wide: $71,000 over budget even though spending was under. Regular offerings were down 7%. Thankofferings down 3% (last 5 years were down 10%). Our synodical offerings are up 35%.

Region 6-9 training event in Florida on antiracism April 14-18, 2004. Donna Thomas from Emanuel in Marion will be representing our synodical.

Cora Kettler was asked to send Son Light copy to our sister synodical in Montana. Church Wide workshops are being held called, "Say Yes." Goal is to share ideas from other synodicals.

Red Hat Ministry Report: A new hand out has been developed--see attached. Nancy Sander reported for Jacquie Fritz. The Kenton March meeting was cancelled. The next meeting will be held before

May 1. A program is scheduled for September at Zion in Gibsonberg.

Paths to Wholeness: Jeanne Matthews reported that a presentation is scheduled in September in Pennsylvania. Brochures will be available at the Spring Assemblies.

Son Light Report: Cora Kettler distributed the Winter 2003 issue. Extra copies will be taken to the Spring Assemblies. Deadline for the next issue is March 31. Goal is to have next issue out by April 10-15/

Spiritual Gathering: Marilyn Lee reported that it is scheduled for July 30-31. She and Brenda Shibler attended a planning meeting March 13, 2004. A copy of the registration form was distributed and may be copied. One is attached to these minutes. Please promote at Spring Assemblies. Bob Hamilton is the banquet speaker.  The goal is to have 300 attendees. The Retreat leader will be Vicki Garber (see Son Light). Hostesses and greeters have been assigned. There is a possibility of obtaining a grant. Marilou Anderson will be the song leader. We are responsible for bringing the chalice for communion. Marilyn will check on this. There may be a third world store. Cora Kettler’s church will bring the hymnals. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on Friday and 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Motel reservations in Lima are separate from the registration form.

Women’s Scholarships and Grants: Sue McKibben reported that letters were mailed the week of January 12 to Wittenburg University, Capital University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary to present a $600 scholarship to each school.

Letters were mailed the week of January 12 to each Northwest conference president concerning the $300 grant to a non-profit agency in their conference that supports women and family. The deadline is May 1, 2004.

Women of ELCA has scholarships available. The deadline was February 15, 2004.

Women of ELCA also has grants available to non-profit organizations that promote women and families. Application deadline was February 15 also. Both of these had information on www.elca.org.

Concern: Would like to get the information about the WELCA scholarships and grants to the Son Light and maybe local churches. We have a lot of good students and programs that may be able to take advantage of these. Info at:
http://www.womenoftheelca.org/whatwedo/grants.html  and
http://www.womenoftheelca.org/whatwedo/scholarships.html

Tanzania: Barbara Slough had no report at this time.

Education Resources, LWT, Sexuality study: Jeanne Matthews gave report to Cora Kettler for the next Son Light publication. She stated she has numerous tapes available for use by any units.

Servv Catalog and Heiffer Project: Nancy Sander had no report at this time.

Lutheran World Relief: Marilyn Lee reported on the Donate A Brick project at the LWR world headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. This project is to help cover the costs of sorting, storing and shipping quilts. Each woman has been challenged to donate $1. Each unit could send money to the synodical treasurer before assemblies. For more details see Winter 2003 Son Light. Thrivent will match our funds up to $1000.

Agencies Representative: Peggy Mink had no report at this time.

Installation of officers for Spring Assemblies: Wanda Straub will E-mail installation procedure to board members. Reminder to be sure to bring up retiring officers at time of installation.

NEW BUSINESS:

Appointment of vice president: Brenda Shibler was appointed. Thank you notes to Brenda and Judi for their willingness to put their names up for selection will be sent by the secretary.

Next Board Meeting: Following the Conference Conv at Trinity, Findlay, May 1, 2004.

Adjourned: 6:35 p.m.

Alyce Walden, secretary

Note: Update for Toledo Conference: Julie Beitelschees will speak at the Toledo Conference Spring Assembly/Round Table on how her work as a chaplain is a response to "God Calling for a Heat of Love." It is scheduled for May 15, 2004, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. with lunch immediately following. Lunch and registration will be $7.  It will be held at Bethany English Evangelical Lutheran Church on 3274 Upton Avenue in Toledo. A planning meeting of the conference officers to finalize the plans will be held April 15, 7:30 p.m. at the home of Joyce Nelson, 2346 Castlewood Drive, Toledo.