With gratitude for those who have gone before and hope for the future, the ELCA gives thanks to God for the ministry of women. In 2019 and 2020 we celebrate 50 years of Lutheran women being ordained in the United States, 40 years of women of color being ordained, and 10 years of LGBTQIA+ individuals being able to serve freely.
Our synod has appointed a committee that has been tasked with making plans for this celebration in the coming year. Please watch for more resources and events to commemorate this milestone in the church. Thank you in advance for being willing to help our synod celebrate our shared ministry as we commemorate 50 years of the ordination of women in this country.
Blessings,
The South Dakota Synod Committee
for the Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Women’s Ordination
Pastor Lynnae Sorensen, Chair, Pastor Nancy Eckels, Bishop Emerita Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl, Pastor Kris Garlick, Cheryl Lundeen, Pastor David Piper, Pastor Karen Soli, Pastor Siri Sorensen and Pastor Paul Stjernholm
Devotions
You are invited to join us on a journey over the next year as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women as well as the 40th Anniversary of the first woman of color to be ordained, and the 10th Anniversary of LGBTQIA+ siblings to be ordained. Throughout this journey, we will be lifting up voices from rostered ministers across this synod a weekly devotion series below. Feel free to publish these devotions in your congregation’s newsletter, website, or social media. Thank you for joining us on this journey!
50 | 40 | 10 | Devotions Series: November 11, 2020 – Rev. Gary Westgard
We are Church. We are Called. Devotion Series commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women as well as the full participation of all called into ministry. Hear from various voices around the synod in this new devotion series over the next year.
50 | 40 | 10 | Devotions Series: October 28, 2020 – Deacon Christie Meier
We are Church. We are Called. Devotion Series commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women as well as the full participation of all called into ministry. Hear from various voices around the synod in this new devotion series over the next year.
50 | 40 | 10 | Devotions Series: October 21, 2020 – Rev. Nancy Eckels
We are Church. We are Called. Devotion Series commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women as well as the full participation of all called into ministry. Hear from various voices around the synod in this new devotion series over the next year.
50 | 40 | 10 | Devotions Series: October 14, 2020 – Rev. Duane Neugebauer
We are Church. We are Called. Devotion Series commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women as well as the full participation of all called into ministry. Hear from various voices around the synod in this new devotion series over the next year.
Speaker’s Bureau
The committee is considering making a “speaker’s bureau” available for congregations or organizations who would like to hear from a pastor or deacon in person about her experience in becoming and serving as a woman in ministry during the last decades. If you would like to make yourself available to speak at events in your area, please email Pastor Karen Soli, k_soli@msn.com.
Stoles
Each congregation is invited to create and make their own pastor’s stole honoring the event. This stole can be quilted, needle point adorned, knitted, patched or even hardanger embroidered!
Create this stole for your congregation to use as we celebrate the full inclusion of all into ordained ministry. This can be done by an individual, small group or even a WELCA circle.
Bring the finished stole to adorn the walls at next year’s Synod Assembly.
*Use one of your current stoles for a pattern.
Events
Synod Assembly
June 4-6, 2020
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
Sioux Falls
