Women of the ELCA
Women of the ELCA (WELCA), the women’s organization of this church, has thousands of participants in thousands of congregations. Together we are committed to growing in faith, affirming our gifts, supporting one another in our callings, and engaging in ministry and action that promotes justice and wholeness for all people.
Follow the South Dakota Women of the ELCA on the web:
Read the Spring 2025 WELCA Newsletter
Download the South Dakota Synod WELCA Constitution
Learn more about the Women of the ELCA at its website, womenoftheelca.org.
Watch Diana Glover as Katie Luther from the 2023 Synodical Convention on YouTube (right-click on the link and select “open in a new tab” or “open in a new window” to view the video).
All Women are WELCOME to attend the 38th Annual Synodical Convention
June 18 – 20 at Trinity Lutheran in Yankton
Come enjoy a time of Friends, Fellowship Food, Faith and Fun
Highlights Include:
Wednesday:
Tours of Gavins Point Dam, The Mead Museum, and the Cramer Kenyon House
Evening TLC Kitchen Fundraiser & Vespers Service
Sneak Preview of the Speakers and Breakout Sessions:
- Anghy Aragon Relationships with Companion Synods
- Diane Gubbels Quilts with Stories of Inspiration
- Kevin Watt Avoiding Scams, Fraud and Phishing
- Rev. Erika Lehmann Lutheran Disaster Response and ELCA World Hunger
BANQUET Program – Portrayal of Women of the Bible
LOVE OFFERINGS: Twin-sized sheet sets, quilts, bed pillows, gently used toys and books, and monetary donations are always appreciated by Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
Register: Early bird registration is $50 if paid before June 1st. Registrations after June 1st will be $65. You may register by mail or online using https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/9897404. Hotel information is listed on the registration form on the back page of the Spring Newsletter (see above). Get your registrations in EARLY! Online registration is available through June 13, 2025. Each Welca Unit can have one voting delegate.
Sign Up for our e-newsletter by contacting the editor – Lilah Gillis (sdwelcanews@gmail.com)
Upcoming Gatherings
2025 Dates:
Bear Butte Spring Conference Gathering: April 26, Our Savior’s Lutheran in Hermosa
Crossroads Spring Conference Gathering: May 5, Peace Lutheran, Sioux Falls
Medary Spring Conference Gathering: April 5, St. John Lutheran, Madison
Northern Plains Spring Conference Gathering: April 5, St. Paul Lutheran in Bowdle
Prairie Coteau Spring Conference Gathering: April 26, Grace Lutheran, Sisseton
Prairie Rivers Spring Conference Gathering: April 26, Spirit of Hope, Scotland
Southeastern Spring Conference Gathering: April 5, Scandia Lutheran, Centerville
2025 Annual WELCA Synodical Convention – June 18-20, Trinity Lutheran Church, Yankton
Give
Support the ministry of the Women of the ELCA in South Dakota through your financial gifts.
Officers
Co-Presidents
Lois Storm
Corsica, SD
605-93301243
thestormfarm@hotmail.com
Sherry Archer
Sioux Falls, SD
605-310-0153
ladnred2023@gmail.com
Vice President
Wanda Biel
Sioux Falls, SD
402-883-0474
wandabiel402@gmail.com
Secretary
Teresa Mikkelsen
Webster SD
605-345-2912
teresalm82@hotmail.com
Treasurer
Darla Toben
Clear Lake, SD
605-880-3506
dgtoben@itctel.com
Director for Stewardship
Darlene Bresson
Watertown, SD
605-421-1258
dbress20@gmail.com
Director for Justice
Connie Matzner
Stickney, SD
605-732-4370
matzp@midstaesd.net
Director for Discipleship
Pastor Erika Lehmann
Garretson, SD
605-338-4737
elehmann1865@icloud.com
Member-at-Large
Beth Nielsen
Spearfish, SD
605-381-8695
behn2005@gmail.com
Member-at-Large
Dee Sanderson
Aberdeen, SD
605-228-2567
deesand@aol.com
Nominating Committee
Kathy Heffernan
kheffernan1957@gmail.com
Janet Lustig
jjehrtig@gmail.com
Diane Bryan
blueroosterchick@hotmail.com
Vicki Persson
vicki@midstatesd.net