Bishop Current’s Reflections on WELCA/SWO Gathering
by Bishop Amy Current
I fondly remember the evenings when my mom would hold her Bible study circle at our house. She would prepare a special treat and prepare for their Bible Study. Dad and I would watch TV in the basement, yet I tuned my ear to listen until the chatting and laughter included clinking forks so that I could sneak up to see the women who doted on me and then get a taste of the special treat. Those evenings shaped my faith. I learned that my mom was connected to women in the congregation and together they studied, prayed, laughed, and supported one another through many years. I learned that my mom prioritized these connections and that many were friends. I learned that Bible Study was a part of our life.
When I visit congregations or talk with women at Women of the ELCA (WELCA) gatherings, many share fond memories about Bible study circles too, and many long for those days to return. And then I think the desire for the way things were, we miss the ways in which the Holy Spirit is drawing folks together still. Traditional WELCA groups do continue in many congregations. There are many congregations that continue to gather people in Bible Study, fellowship, prayer, and mutual support. There are small groups, parent groups, adult bible study groups, and intergenerational groups. You know when the Lutheran World Relief quilt or school kit makers gather the youngest and eldest members to make a difference in lives of people around the world. All of these and more, are wonderful ways to connect together around the Word of God and with the people of God. I expect that when we or someone we love is connected to these opportunities it shapes our faith. I hope we continue as a church to find ways to connect to one another, through the Spirit’s leading, for fellowship, study, prayer, and mutual support in many and various ways.
In early June, I joined the Southeastern Iowa Synod Women of the ELCA (WELCA) for their annual gathering. The women gathered for a retreat of fellowship, worship, bible study, and business, engaged in ministry in action through their in-kind offerings, and were empowered by passionate speakers who shared about IMPACT Community Action Partnership, an organization that assists families with essential needs such as food, utilities, and housing, Women, Wealth and Wisdom, Being Political and a Lutheran, and Circle of Freedom, women’s jail ministry. These women were here for it and deeply engaged. It was inspiring to witness the mutual care for one another, challenging questions, deep curiosity, and commitment to strive for justice and peace in all the earth. This was not my mom’s bible study circle. Instead a gathering of women – named, called, gifted, faith-filled, and committed to ministry in action for healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.
Thanks be to God.
Thanks for your hospitality and for your ministry, WELCA of Southeastern Iowa Synod.
If you are interested in learning more about this ministry, please check out:
https://www.womenoftheelca.org/ or https://seiasynod.org/about/swo/
Julie Leeper, President, St. John’s Lutheran, Des Moines
Virginia Eggers, Vice President, Faith Lutheran, Andover
Anne Pietscher, Secretary, First Lutheran, Keokuk
Dianne Strickler, Treasurer, St. John Lutheran, St. Donatus
Beth Stufflebeam, St. Paul Lutheran, Bouton
Christine Meyers, Good Shepherd Lutheran, Knoxville
Heidi Hotvedt, First Lutheran, Maquoketa
Jeanne Crow, Zion Lutheran, Clinton
Kris Elgin — First Lutheran – Centerville
Teresa Ziegenmeyer – Trinity Lutheran – Malcolm
