WNALC Annual Gathering 2020
God Creates Women of Purpose: Women Who Reflect the Heart of God
Due to COVID-19, we went virtual!
We had a few glitches. We had some pauses. We had the wrong missions slideshow. (That’s on me, Rachel here, sorry about that…) There were some moments where we flat didn’t know what was going on. And yet, we had a really good time, & we thank you so much for being patient, bearing with our fumbles & attending our Annual Gathering (AG). It’s safe to say that if (please no) we have to go completely virtual again, we’ll be much better prepared!
Bishop Dan Selbo was enlightening with his message about his vision for the direction of the NALC. Pastor Trina Petersen was phenomenal (we didn’t expect anything otherwise) in her rousing sermon. A huge thanks to both for their time & energy!
We voted to approve our 2020-2021 Mission Banks: NALC Disaster Response (Domestic) & Great Commission Society (Domestic/International).
The Women’s Council (WC) said a farewell to Jody Ford & Sheila Westrick, the delegates voted in Peggy Jording & Sandy Strohecker as new WC members & welcomed back Rachel Busch Jones (again, me, referring to myself in the third person is weird) & Jill Nesheim for second terms.
I’m sure that everyone went home & collapsed afterward. (Or maybe that was just me?) We — that includes you, reader — all deserved a rest! Insert cliché mumble re: unprecedented times.
Thanks to Jenny Brockman for her photos of the AG
Pastor Trina Petersen
Bishop Dan Selbo
Rachel Busch Jones, Communications
Our Honorable Guest
The Rev. Trina Petersen
Every person is born with a purpose, prepared for a plan & fueled by a passion. The purpose, plan & passion of Trina Petersen is adding value to the lives of people by helping them focus their energy & maximize their potential. She works tirelessly with individuals, groups & organizations across the United States, in East Africa & in Haiti to educate, equip & empower leaders for effective leadership. Because she embraces the sentiments of Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in this world”, her work includes but is not limited to being a change agent within the North American Lutheran Church, Non-Profit Organizations & in Corporate America.
Pastor Trina Petersen is an effective life coach & compassionate pastor. She is a powerful author, successful entrepreneur & motivational speaker. Though she works with all who are ready for change, she has a special place in her heart for helping women break free from emotional & spiritual bondage & gain the freedom to love, live & to positively impact their communities. She has spent the last 13 years working with women one on one & in group settings. Firsthand experience equips her with the wisdom, tenacity & compassion she needs to connect with people. She shares the wisdom she has gained from her personal experience to help equip, empower & encourage women to live lives of significance. Trina is passionate about helping women identify their passion & utilizing it as the catalyst for maximizing their potential & enjoying life.
Pastor Trina has been privileged to be trained by & work with noted pioneers in the counseling field. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Education from Beulah Heights University, a Master of Divinity from The Interdenominational Theological Center & has completed eight units of Clinical Pastoral Education. She is a certified platform speaker & coach with the John Maxwell Team. She has served as a Hospice Chaplain, Office Administrator, Computer Software Trainer & was the founder & CEO of FaithWorks, Inc, a time management & organizational system consulting business. Trina combines her education & entrepreneurial spirit to provide dynamic transformative speaking & coaching experiences. The phenomenal transformation of those she has worked with fuels her passion.
As an Author, Trina’s writings are focused on developing esteems that are not defined by one’s failures or limitations. Rather, she focuses on the esteem that comes from being connected to & operating in the purpose & power of The Creator. In her most recently published literary work, “Irresistible”, Trina maps out a framework to help individuals & organizations move from survival, past success & into significance. This framework, the FOCUS framework, is proven to work, if you work it. Bishop Emeritus had this to say about ‘Irresistible’; “This book was designed for women but the process for personal transformation is equally true for men. This is an excellent resource for couples to study together. It is faith based & biblically centered. Her personal transparency is both helpful & refreshing. Her advice & direction are consistent with the path of discipleship. Don’t miss the opportunity to fully utilize the wisdom contained in this book. It truly is irresistible!”
Whether addressed as Pastor Trina or Coach Trina, she simplifies the complex things making her message easy to understand. Her insight makes her message relevant & impactful. Her compassion is unmistakable. Her laughter & smile make her approachable. When asked about sharing with the Women of the NALC, she responded, “There is no greater joy than that of fulfilling your God created purpose. My joy is made full when I serve others – helping to reclaim their power, purpose & peace by helping them gain freedom from emotional bondage that stagnates their progress & diminishes their impact. I believe that the Women of the NALC are a force to be reckoned with. I look forward to spending time with my sisters in Christ.”
Bishop's Address
Bishop Dan Selbo
The Bishop carries out a pastoral ministry within the church, serving as pastor for the pastors and congregations of the NALC. The Bishop preaches the Gospel, forgives sins, administers the Sacraments and judges doctrine (Augsburg Confession XXVIII). The Bishop carries out a ministry of visitation throughout the church, is a defender of the faith, and promotes the mission of the church.
Mission Banks
WNALC Mission Banks 2020-2021
The Women of the North American Lutheran Church Executive Council thank you for your continued faithfulness in supporting the general fund & the Mission Bank Program this past year. $8,132.00 was given to our two Mission Bank recipients for the 2019-2020 year; Lutheran Bible Translators & Bethesda Lutheran Communities.
Additionally, there were contributions to the North American Lutheran Church Disaster Response given by the members of the WNALC. NALC Disaster Response wishes to thank you for the generous contributions of $13,120 in gift cards from the Stuff the Tonka campaign for families impacted by disasters, 1168 flood buckets, 560 heath kits, 648 quilts, 275 school kits, 200 baby layettes & 800 Bibles.
The virtual gathering of the WNALC on August 4th voted to approve two Mission Bank recipients for the 2020-2021 year. The North American Lutheran Church Great Commission Society & the North American Lutheran Church Disaster Response were chosen by the delegates attending the gathering.
The Great Commission Society works to connect needs & resources within the NALC. These needs are for global workers in overseas settings, new mission starts & various needs of churches in the United States. Grants are given to help missions, pastors & churches spread the Gospel. We will hear more about these projects in future newsletters. If you want more information go to thenalc.org/gcs.
NALC Disaster Response is familiar to many of you already because the WNALC has supported them in the past. They send relief items, volunteers & funding to aid disaster victims in the United States suffering damage from natural disasters such as floods, storms & fires. If you need help from Disaster Response, or desire to help, contact Mary Bates at 740-509-1132 or [email protected]
Thank you for your faithfulness & prayer in supporting the Mission Bank Program. We appreciate your continued support in offerings to the missions in the USA & abroad.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV)
Incoming Mission Banks
2020-2021
When Disaster Strikes: How NALC Congregations Can Help
What should NALC pastors or congregation leaders do when a natural disaster, such as flooding, tornadoes, and fires, strikes in their community or in an area where the congregation is able to or desires to provide assistance?
Since the NALC is a small church with widespread congregations, it is important that you contact us as quickly as possible when a disaster occurs in your area.
First and foremost, if the disaster is close by, make sure you are safe.
Next, contact NALC Disaster Response Coordinator, Mary Bates as quickly as possible so the prayer power of the NALC can be unleashed. Be sure to also contact your Mission District to see if your local NALC Disaster Response Team can provide assistance.
NALC Disaster Response has resources and capabilities to assist in early response and longer term recovery. We can open the gates to material resources, networking, counseling, training, and volunteers.
Remember, the key is early communication! The sooner we learn of a disaster in your area, the more quickly NALC Disaster Response can respond to the needs of your community.
The purpose of the Great Commission Society of the NALC is to mobilize disciples for the work of the Great Commission. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world that is in desperate need of the Good News. We propose to do this by networking congregations and individuals who have a passion for the proclamation of the Gospel and a commitment to the calling of the Great Commission.
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)
Outgoing Mission Banks
2019-2020
Bethesda provides services and support to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find a sense of community and belonging. From community-based homes and at-home life skills development, to job placement and coaching, to behavior support, community engagement and day programs, we help people live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Your support gives people with intellectual and developmental disabilities loving homes, job and education resources, and opportunities to connect with their faith.
For over 115 years, Bethesda has provided vital support, resources and encouragement to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a way that is true to our Christian mission. We are dedicated to helping those we support become active members of their community so that they can live their best life possible.
Mission: Lutheran Bible Translators makes God’s Word accessible to those who do not yet have it in the language of their hearts.
Vision: God is transforming the lives of people around the world as they read and use His Word in their heart language.
Values:
God’s Word
We are committed to the Word of God in its incarnate, proclaimed and Scriptural forms. We apply God’s Word
to our lives, decisions, communications, and relationships.
Innovation
We accomplish our mission most effectively through creative and discovery-oriented strategies. We
encourage innovation and creativity.
Professionalism
We strive for excellence and vigorous approaches in all aspects of ministry. We value professional affirmation of our competencies and open evaluation of our work.
Dialogue
We are committed to authentic internal and external relationships. We strive to exhibit mutual accountability, transparency, collaboration, and inter-dependency in a spirit that is both respectful and compassionate.
Cultural Sensitivity
We recognize cultural differences in values, learning styles, and relationship dynamics. We respect and value these differences as we interact with people of differing backgrounds and generations.
Fiscal Responsibility
We are committed to the principles of Biblical Stewardship, accountability, and transparency. We handle financial resources according to best practices and high ethical standards.
