Share Your Thoughts about WELCA
We need your input! Please take a couple of minutes to share your thoughts with us about WELCA.
What is WELCA? WELCA is an acronym for Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Being a female member of St. Peter's makes you an automatic member of WELCA.
Our organization currently has 3 circles; Faith, Vision and Glory. Circles meet once a month for Bible study and fellowship. Typically each member takes a turn hosting in their home. If you have never attended and are uncertain which circle you belong to, you can check your WELCA booklet or call Robin in the church office at (641) 816-5531.
WELCA circles help supplement altar flowers for worship, participate in devotions at Liebe Care Center, and serve Advent coffees. There are also opportunities to sew and tie quilts, serve funeral luncheons and wedding receptions as well as volunteer to serve Senior meals at the community center.
WELCA also supports our missionary, Mary Beth Oyebade, and her family who reside in Africa. Most recently, purchasing a quilt for our annual Country Time raffle that was made by the women of the Meshiah Foundation.
Throughout the year WELCA women organize giving campaigns such as the Giving Tree, Operation Christmas Child, Servicemen boxes and May baskets for our shut-ins. WELCA also assists in the maintenance of St. Peter's parsonage. Bible camps like EWALU and Riverside are supported by WELCA through monetary donations as well as helping defray camp registration fees for our youth. WELCA also hosts an annual Card Party and Spring Fling.
How does WELCA have the funds to offer these things? Fundraisers such as Country Time and food stands at River Days bring in revenue that allows us to offer WELCA outreach and programs throughout the year.
WELCA has a General Board that consists of 7 members and meets the 1st Sunday of each month between services at 10:00 am in the conference room. Currently the board members are:
- President: Laurie Rogers
- Vice-President: Betty Heitland
- Secretary: Position Open
- Treasurer: Julie Brinkman
- Mission Action: Mildred Deike
- Mission Community: Nancy Reser
- Mission Growth: Donna Wunsch
Each board member serves a 2 year term with elections each November. It is strongly encouraged that each WELCA member serve at some point on one of these boards.
At this time, we are looking for ideas to continue growth as we move forward. While we are all part of a circle, the majority of us do not attend circle meetings. Why? Currently these circles gather during the day, which is not conducive for those women who work outside the home. It has been expressed by some of these women that they too would like an opportunity to meet with others in the congregation for faith study as well as establishing a support network of fellow Christians. In this same way, WELCA is also seeking to create opportunities for families to worship and study together outside of traditional church services.
Because multiple perspectives are better than one, we would love to hear from you. Below is a questionnaire and we ask that you offer us your input!
We look forward to continuing the strong tradition of WELCA. We also know that as congregational needs change, we has an organization need to grow and change as well to accommodate. Your comments will help us to continue sharing God's love and message of salvation in the months and years to come.