Annual Report 2009

By Dianne Tillman, S.W.O. President

Southwest California Synod

Serving San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern and Los Angeles Counties 

The Seventh Triennial Churchwide Gathering was held at Salt Lake City, Utah July 10-13, 2008 with 15 ladies from our Southwest California Synod attending. New officers and 18 board members were elected to a three year term. Among those elected to the Churchwide Board is our own, Sharon Heck (Christ/Downey). The theme was "Come to the Waters: Be refreshed! Be Inspired! Be Connected!" 

"Come to the Living Waters" was the theme of our Fifteenth Convention of the Southwest California Synodical Women's Organization which was held at the Grand Vista Hotel, Simi Valley October 17 - 19, 2008. We were blessed to have The Reverend Dr. Paul W. Egertson, Bishop Emeritus as our Bible Study leader. Stephanie Edwards was our banquet speaker and we were treated to the music of First/Northridge's "Praise Band".  110 were registered. Lillian Simons (First/Glendale) was the chairperson. 

"Serve and Learn" our synod-wide event, held February 7, 2009 at Olivet/Hawthorne combined for the second time the Lutheran Youth Organization and the Synodical Women in a service project, Project Linus. A group of 84 from 22 synod churches met on a stormy day to make 73 blankets. Other activities that day included singing, banner making, leadership training and an opportunity to share faith stories. Evaluations were very positive and it was unanimous to hold another combined event. 

The Board is planning our next Autumn Renewal to be held October 16-18, 2009 at La Casa de Maria, Santa Barbara.  Rose Norris (St. Timothy/Lakewood) is the chairperson.  Our retreat leader is Emily Hansen, Director for Stewardship on the Churchwide Staff.  "Awakening to New Life" is the theme taken from John 4:39. Karil Drake (Salem/Glendale) is registrar. 

Emily Reppun continues as our webmaster. See www.swcawomenoftheelca.org.

Marilyn Fursman (St. Stephen's/Granada Hills) is the editor of our synod newsletter, What's News. Subscription forms are available at our display table. 

The Southwest California Women of the ELCA are a dedicated group of women serving their Lord.  Many hours are volunteered each year to serve the synod and it's churches, the community and the world.  We welcome you at our next event. Come and See. 

Your Sister in Christ,

Dianne Tillman, President