Northern Conference Summer Gathering Report
Submitted by Kathy Olesuk
Forty women from 16 congregations gathered at First English Lutheran Church in Peoria on Aug. 22 for the Northern Conference WELCA summer gathering. The theme, “Strength for the Journey,” drew from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Pastor Mary Beenken from Grace and Peace Lutheran Church, Peoria, led worship. Deacon Pat Caley, WELCA synod president, hosted a fair trade market and gave an update on WELCA. Special guest Patricia Schmidgall, author of “Face the Phase,” talked about facing life’s challenges with God’s help and guidance. Yoga instructor Laura Kelly led guests in a short session of chair yoga.
A delicious breakfast of various egg cups, fruit, and coffee cake was provided by the women of St. Paul. A lunch of sloppy joes and sides were provided by the women of First English. The gathering ended at 1:00 with door prizes and singing the closing hymn, “Lift High the Cross.”
The worship offering was split between the Center for Prevention of Abuse in Peoria and WELCA. Also, many guests brought needed items for the Center. In addition, we donated proceeds from a small silent auction to a member of St. Paul in Peoria who lost her home and belongings in a fire.
The Northern Conference gathering planning team members were: Bev Gross (Northern Conference Representative and team leader), Mary Conrad (St. Paul, Peoria), Inez Norgard and Jeanne Setterlund (Salem Lutheran, Peoria), Pam Kovach and Deb Newton (Grace and Peace), and myself.
Every gathering and event is a labor of love that involves thoughtful planning multiple churches, budgets, logistics, time and effort by many. With her permission, I will share how Bev and the planning team united during a time of testing.
Sometime in July, Bev was diagnosed with breast cancer, which had returned after ten years. Bev bravely faced the tests, appointments, waiting, and uncertainty that goes with not knowing. As her friend and colleague, the news resulted in our deep concern, fervent prayers, and juggling tasks. I assumed a temporary lead role, where I felt my concern overshadowed my decision making at times. However, God showed up in this messy mix and gave us all grace.
Bev’s fortitude and faith kept her going as we approached gathering day on Aug. 22. Bev hosted two out-of-town board members in her home on the eve of the gathering. During the gathering guest author Patricia Schmidgall prayed for Bev as she shared her own cancer battle and shed a few tears herself.
Since the gathering, Bev had surgery in September and started chemotherapy, which will be followed by radiation therapy in March. She asked me to urge women to please get a mammogram, if you haven’t lately and need one.