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GREETINGS!
To My Sisters in Christ
Dearest
Friends, I start this message and new administration grinning like a silly
old girl but with pride and humble gratitude for your care, concern and
support. This being my first message since being elected as President
at the 22nd Annual Convention of the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast
Women of the ELCA, I am torn by not knowing what to say or where to start
but having so much I want to say. I don’t want to run on too long nor
do I want to bore you. However. Let’s start with the
convention itself. This joint convention with the Women of
Southwestern Texas Synod, this gathering of Lutheran Women of two separate
synods that came together for a weekend of love, fellowship and worship was
nothing short of spectacular. It was truly a blessing to see so many
of you coming together and making new friends while renewing those old dear
ones.
This was
a very special convention in so many ways in that we were so well
represented on the national level. Each Synod was sent a National Representative
because it is done every year. And that’s good. The Executive
Board Representative was Cam Martin of Minocqua, WI for TLGC while SWT had
Anjanette Hodge, Treasurer of Christiansburg, VA. But this year each
Synod has an Executive Board Representative from their home areas, just
being there, as one of us. Our very own, former President JoAnn Fuchs
is now in that position and visits other Synods. Southwestern Texas has
Charlene Spillman filling that same role. And then of course we had
as a special guest, our National Executive Director, Linda Post
Bushkofsky. It sure was fun showing you all off to the National
folks. TLGC and SWT rocks!
I want to
say many thanks to Peg Swavely for her years of devoted service to this synod
and her 4 years as President. She has served us all well and proved
her dedication in so many ways. Peg will serve again next year as chair for
the convention to be held at Peace Lutheran Church, Pasadena on September
25. More on that later. Peg will also be the Promoter for the
Triennial in Spokane, WA in July of 2011. You will be hearing a lot
more on that, also. Good job, Peg! I might as well tell you
that all of the Board Members and Committee Chairs have all done a fantastic
job as well. We are surrounded by the most loyal, dedicated and
loving women of anywhere. YOU rock!
The next
two years should be very interesting, at least that is my hope. There
are so many things that need our attention and focus. There are still
hungry and homeless children in Peru, the Central African Republic still
needs our help, Water to Thrive is still a great, new program. Closer
to home, New Orleans is still trying to rebuild. Beaumont, Port
Arthur, Lake Charles and surrounding areas are still trying to overcome
their losses. If your Unit or Cluster made a commitment to
‘adopt” a church in one of those areas, I am asking you to keep
that commitment. If you haven’t adopted one, please do.
They still need help. Lutherhill is still in need to funds for much needed
repairs and additions.
If that
last, Lutherhill, seems selfish, so be it. If that is the path any
child needs to hear the message of God’s love, again, so be it.
And if we meet the amount of $50,00 in five years, we will still have the naming
rights for the health center.
We are
WOMEN and we can ACT BOLDLY!
So, I
hope I am not sounding too pompous, arrogant, needy or totally out of
it. I just want to let you know that I will do my best to carry on
our great traditions of service to God and community, love to one another
and hope for better things to come.
I feel
blessed and honored to have been elected to be your President and I thank
you all so very much for this opportunity to serve you and work with
you. Please pray for me, I know I’ll be praying for you.
In
God’s Love and Peace,
Ann
Nicholson - President
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