The 2016 Convention is over and it was fantastic. Next year marks our 30th Anniversary and the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The 2017 Convention will be August 18-19 in Roanoke.
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2016 Convention Re-cap
We were 89 women strong at Convention this year where we learned, laughed, shared and worshiped as one Body of Christ. Triennial Voting was suspenseful, with tight races and multiple re-ballots. Elected to represent the VSWO next year: Sylvia Ely, Jaci St. Pierre, Kristin Snelgrove and Judy Casteele with Janice Brown and Erin Hagar serving as alternates. Jaci St Pierre, Erin Hagar and Michelle Poore were announced as recipients of the first Betty Wilson Triennial Scholarships. The committee relayed that there is money left in the fund which will be split between those that register for the Gathering by the Early Bird deadline and submit a receipt to Judy Casteele. Speaking of Triennial, we heard of plans for the Gathering from Promoter Risse Snelgrove, former VSWO President and what WELCA represents from representative, Lois Bylund. President Lisa Taglauer rallied the women to hear the call to serve on the Board and several answered. Brenda Conway, Zelda Whetzel and Judy Wilfong were elected to two-year terms and Michelle Poore was elected to the one-year term left after Renee Ballentine was elected Vice-President. Helen Weaver was re-elected Secretary.
We grew in knowledge from workshops in Human Trafficking and Madagascar; grew in faith participating in Bible Study led by Convention Chaplain, Pastor Katie; and grew in eagerness to serve others from a workshop by Sole Hope and an inspirational Keynote presentation from Pastor Lynn Litchfield of GraceInside Prison Ministry. Participants stayed busy assembling the 742 Personal Care kits donated by our busy units. We also collected 694 sani-panties (which I understand were not easy to make) and 280 pairs of underwear. Well above the goals set - way to go ladies! Love offering totaled $2757 split between Safe Harbor and Little Dresses for Africa and worship offering was $1525 split between VSWO and WELCA. Thank you to Sophie Wilson, Iris Will and all the other hosts from Epiphany and to all who participated in Convention - we hope you plan to join us next year and bring some friends! |
2016 VSWO Convention Snapshots |
