USSWO

The Upper Susquehanna Women’s Organization (USSWO) of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is comprised of 65 congregational/intercongregational units affiliated with Women of the ELCA and located within the territory of the Upper Susquehanna Synod.

OUR MISSION:

To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.

OUR PURPOSE:

As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.

MISSION AREAS:

The Women of the ELCA carries out its purpose statement through three mission areas.

• Mission: Growth
  To provide a variety of learning experiences which strengthen each woman as a whole person, develop her potential and equip her for ministry.
• Mission: Community
  To enable each woman to value herself and others as created in God’s image and redeemed through Christ; and to build up and celebrate relationships which are global, diverse, and interdependent.
• Mission: Action
  To enable women to articulate and act upon their faith as disciples of Christ in all areas of life.

USSWO OFFICERS

SHARE Newsletter Editor

Emily DeWald
1519 Old Reading Rd.
Catawissa, PA 17820
(570) 799-5862

dewaldmeister@gmail.com

BOARD MEMBERS

DOWNLOAD FORMS:

• LWR Projects 2011:  http://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/LWR-Projects-2011.pdf
• Blanket Sunday Form 2012:  http://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/Blanket-Sunday-Report-Form.pdf

OCTOBER UPDATES:

Our Cluster Meetings were very well received by those in attendance.  Our Theme was “Welcoming the Stranger” with a variety of Bible Study Leaders and programs at each meeting.  Thanks so much to all the units who hosted, those who lead the meeting and all who attended.  The food was terrific and can’t wait to see some of those recipes in our USS WELCA Cookbook.  As soon as we receive dates and locations for next year’s Cluster Meetings we will post them.  A few have been decided: (as additional information arrives, this site will be updated):

North Branch – St. Paul’s, Numidia

West Branch – Church of the Savior, Williamsport

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST UNIT St. Matthew’s in Shamokin Dam.  We continue doing ministry and as of Oct. 15^th.  We have more sisters in Christ to lighten the yoke.  Welcome Women in the ELCA at St. Matthew’s in Shamokin Dam.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Plan to Celebrate 25 years Together as women of the ELCA USS

Next year is our 25^th Anniversary and we wanted to do something special.  To kick-off the 25^th Anniversary Celebration we are asking for your help.

The Executive Board would like a brief history of your Unit.  It could be information about the formation, or information about people who are/were instrumental in your unit and beyond.

Or it could be information about the various ministries you each do and/or the evolution of those ministries(what is similar and different re: ministries from the formation of your unit until now?).

All of this needs to be 400 words or less.   If you have a picture of your ministries, a picture of your unit or your building, we would love to include that as well.  Plus, since all you ladies are great cooks,

we would love to have a few recipes from each unit.  Yep, we’re making a Women of the ELCA Upper Susquehanna Synod Cookbook.  We hope to have all the recipes, write-ups and pictures

NO LATER THAN MAY 1, 2012.  It will be unveiled at our Convention next year.  Everyone attending our 25^th Convention will receive a copy.  So, help us Celebrate this Milestone together.

Please send your information to Sandy Grier at  1616 Lafayette Parkway, Williamsport PA 17701 or e-mail Walkalongtheway@comcast.net

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

DAY OF RENEWAL  Feb. 25, 2012  at St. Matthew’s, Shamokin Dam

DAY OF LEARNING April 28, 2012

25^TH ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION July 28, 2012 At Mt. Luther

Click here to link to the churchwide Women of the ELCA page:

http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Ministry/Women-of-the-ELCA.aspx