SWO Leadership Workshop September 27, 2014 DISCIPLESHIP

Discipleship is a lifelong journey of living out and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. Disciples are followers of Jesus who are intent on carrying out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and the Great Command (Acts 1:8)

DISCIPLESHIP Women of the ELCA participants are active disciples in many ways. They practice the seven marks of discipleship: 1.Praying 2.Studying 3.Worshiping 4.Inviting 5.Encouraging 6.Serving 7.Giving

DISCIPLESHIP Whether it be making quilts and health and school kits for Lutheran World Relief, or studying the Bible together, or assisting in worship, Women of the ELCA grow in faith and share what they’ve learned with friends and neighbors.

DISCIPLES ARE Disciplined and ready for work Insightful- tuned to the Holy Spirit Committed to study the Word and pray- continually learning Innovative and alive – telling the story Promised the presence of Christ Led by the Holy Spirit Excited Stirred up at the possibilities for teaching and leading

GOALS Grow in faith Affirm our gifts Support one another in our callings Engage in ministry and action Promote healing and wholeness Fulfill our WELCA purpose statement

GROW IN FAITH By attending…… Conference Day of Renewal Synod or Conference Leadership Training SWO Convention Community Gatherings Conference and Local Retreats National Triennial Gathering

AFFIRM OUR GIFTS Recognize what others do for the church Recognize our own strengths – list the gifts you can share Plan programs – Bold Women’s Day, etc Be open to new ideas!! Think! Figure out what God is calling you to do THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER IN OUR CALLINGS Give Encouragement Prayer Affirmation A kind word of recognition or thanks A written note A smile of approval BE IN COMMUNITY WITH OTHERS

ENGAGE IN MINISTRY AND ACTION VOLUNTEER..in community, school, etc SERVE as a tutor LOVE and serve others BE the arms, hands, and feet of Christ MEET the needs of others WALK in partnership with companion synods LEARN ABOUT…ELCA Malaria Campaign, etc

PROMOTE HEALING AND WHOLENESS MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES…spirtually, physically, emotionally, etc LEARN about health realities women face SUPPORT those with special needs - especially children SUPPORT caregivers BE a blood donor LEARN about HIV/AIDS, especially with women in the U.S.

WHAT IS GOD CALLING YOU TO DO TODAY? PRAY for all? VISIT or CALL someone? VOLUNTEER at school, nursing home, food pantry, etc? ATTEND a Bible study at church? OFFER to watch a neighbor’s children so parents have time together? TUTOR or MENTOR a Confirmation student?

RESOURCES !!! Free Downloads of ALL KINDS – Skits – Lessons for Today’s Disciples – A Bold Life of Faith..Katharina von Bora Luther – The Colors of Christmas – Looking into the Mirror: Lenten Reflections – Hospitality: More than Warm and Friendly – Called to Deal with Difficult Issues – I Am She – Sacred Spaces

MORE FROM THE WELCA WEBSITE Epiphany – Unfolding the Discovery Paths to Wholeness Finding Your Bold Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls- Connecting and supporting girls Litanies, Blessings and Installations Worship and Prayers

OTHER RESOURCES Gather – Bible Study and Articles Interchange and Bold Connections (newsletters from WELCA) Companion Synod Relationships with Malawi NORTHWESTER, our Synod’s newsletter, $6 a year – 4 issues Speaker List – Handed out Today Retreat at local church Let us not forget our BIBLE!

ANOTHER VALUABLE free RESOURCE YOUR ELECTED SWO OFFICERS !! President Susan Saarem Vice President Janet Allison Secretary Dawn Wicklund Treasurer Audrey Severson **Conference Representative** Phyllis Grohn – Chippewa Valley Emilie Horken – St Croix Valley Stephanie Rumstick – Dairyland Mary Sedin – Lake Superior Marian Nernberger – Chequamegon Carol Johnson- Apple River Brenda Wheeler – Heart of the North

WHAT ARE YOU AND YOUR CHURCH WOMEN DOING ?