Southeastern Iowa Women’s Organization

WELCA 
Mission: To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ!

Purpose Statement: The Southeastern Iowa Synod Women’s Organization, one of 65 ELCA synods in the USA, is 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.

Logo explanation: The symbol – with cross, water, and a white lily – identifies the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as children of God, baptized, forgiven, adopted into God’s family, full of grace and hope in eternal life. It is a reminder of the growth, beauty, and vitality that rises out of that life-giving baptism water. It is also a reminder of the mission of the church to “Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

  • 2026 WELCA TRIENNIAL GATHERING

    Greetings from the Southeastern Iowa Synodical Women’s Organization of the Women of the ELCA!

    We are very excited that the national Triennial Gathering of the Women of the ELCA will be held in Des Moines on July 16-19, 2026. We invite you to join us for this exciting event.

    Registration for all three days is only $525. The theme for the 2026 Triennial Gathering is “I Am Worthy,” based on Psalm 139:14: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

    The Women of the ELCA website says -- This statement serves as a reminder of God’s promise to be with us, even in times of devastation and division. By repeating the phrase “I am worthy,” we can recognize the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work in our lives. This practice of self-affirmation opens opportunities for healing and restoration within ourselves, our church, society, and the world. When we declare, “I am worthy,” we align ourselves with God’s promises. There is great power in our resolve.

    The Gathering is expected to bring 1,000–3,000 WELCA leaders and participants to Des Moines for four days of worship, inspiring speakers, service projects, a 5K run, and an exhibit hall featuring educational, service, and shopping opportunities.

    The website for this event can be found at: https://www.womenoftheelca.org/new-triennial-event-page and a schedule is attached to this invitation.

    Presenters/preachers from Iowa include Bishop Amy Current, who will preach and preside at the opening worship service, Rev. Minna Bothwell, who will preach during the closing worship service and serve as Worship Coordinator, and Rev. DaMisha McFarland-Pollock, who will serve as one of the event Chaplains as well as representing the SEIA Synodical Organization as a voting member to the Convention being held prior to the Gathering.

    Thursday, July 16, 2026

    • Registration

    • Opportunities for walking tour of Des Moines and State Capitol

    • Opening Remarks

    • Welcome

    • Plenary Address

    • Worship Service with Bishop Amy Current preaching

    • Opening Reception

    • Free Time for Fellowship

    • Late Night with Boldcafe Event (after 8:00 p.m.)

    Friday, July 17, 2026

    • First Time Attendee Breakfast

    • Plenary Bible Study with Rev. Martha Ambarangu

    • Mini-Learning & Information Sessions

    • Workshops on Storytelling, Leadership, Images of God, Body Positivity, Supporting Women Clergy and more

    • Servant Leadership Opportunities

    • Exhibit Hall Open - 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    • Quilting Exhibit

    • Silent Auction

    • SWO Leaders Reception

    Saturday, July 18, 2026

    • Run, Walk, and Roll 5K event for Raising up healthy women and girls Plenary Address

    • Workshops on Fundraising, Gender Roles, Healthy Relationships, and More!

    • Servant Leadership Opportunities

    • Exhibit Hall Open - 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    • Quilting Exhibit Silent Auction

    • MAWTH (Many Awesome Women Telling Her Stories!) Sharing Time

    Sunday, July 19, 2026

    • Closing Worship

    • Optional Walking Tour of Des Moines

    • Quilting Exhibit and Silent Auction Pick-up.

    When you register, please send an email to president@seiaswo.com — we would like to put together a list of those who will be attending from the Southeastern Iowa Synod.

    Your SEIA SWO Board members have decided to book hotel reservations at the Hilton Hotel for the Triennial Gathering. If you are planning to stay in Des Moines during the Triennial, consider joining us at the Hilton. It would be fun to have the Southeastern Iowa participants near each other!

  • Officers and Board Members for 2024-2025

    • President: Julie Leeper

    • Vice President: Virginia Eggers

    • Secretary: Liz Mink

    • Treasurer: Dianne Strickler

    • Discipleship: Anne Pietscher, Ardy Proehl

    • Justice: Christine Meyers, Karen Schmitt

    • Stewardship: Beth Stufflebeam, Karen Goedeken

    Cluster Leaders

    • Cluster 1: Beth Stufflebeam

    • Cluster 2: Sandy Chandonia

    • Cluster 4: Vicki Adamson

    • Cluster 5: Dianne Strickler

    • Cluster 6: Cindee Schnekloth

    • Cluster 8: Deloras Stigge

    • Cluster 9: Anita Simmons

    • Cluster 10/11: Lavon Heston