Our logo—with the cross, water and a white lily—identifies women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as children of God; baptized, forgiven, adopted into God’s family, full of grace and hope in eternal life. It is a reminder of the growth, beauty, and vitality that rises out of that life-giving baptismal water.
Lutheran women have a long history of Bible study, discipleship, and desire to deepen their spiritual life and learn about issues. The Women of Zion would like to welcome you to all of our activities!
Personal Care Kits
Cleanliness may not actually be next to godliness, but it certainly helps a person feel more human. When families find their homes destroyed, or must flee for their safety, soap and a towel rarely make the cut for what they can carry. Arriving in a refugee camp or other place of safety, they are scared, vulnerable and dirty from the travel. The simple items included in a Personal Care Kit provide much-needed self care, critical germ fighting supplies and the chance for our neighbors in need to regain dignity amidst fear and uncertainty.
Gather Magazine Bible Studies
Zion's women's circles use Gather, the magazine of Women of the ELCA, for their Bible study discussions, Gather offers a mix of articles, theological reflections, devotions and stories of comfort and challenge that help readers grow in faith and engage in ministry and action. Gather is published 6 times a year. A print subscription is $19.95 a year. Digital access is free to print subscribers. For more information, or to subscribe by phone, call 1-844-409-0576. Circles don't meet in the summer, but usually have a Bible Study retreat day in July.
Martha Circle meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
Rebecca Circle meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Contact Liz 328-4492 or Peggy 360-2420 for more info.
Love Project
Meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 9:00 to 11:00. We work together to assemble quilt tops that have been sewn at home. Quilts are given to Habitat for Humanity, our Open Closet and Lutheran World Relief. LWR tracks our quilts so we know exactly what country receives them. All abilities are welcome for physically distanced quilting.
Open Closet
Families are encouraged to shop for free donated clothing, shoes and outerwear. See more here. Several women volunteer their time to manage and staff this service for our neighbors in need in Itasca County.
ANNUAL PROJECTS
Wandering Reindeer Shops
Save the date for 2023--Saturday, November 4, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm! The women’s bazaar is held the Saturday of opening deer hunting in November. Many volunteers enjoy spending time selling bake goods, books and puzzles, and preparing and serving lunch. And, of course, we all enjoy making over 1,000 lefse to sell. Our art and craft vendors enjoy coming back every year. This is our only fundraiser and helps many community groups throughout Grand Rapids, Minnesota and the world.
LWR School Backpacks
We collect donations of school supplies in the late summer through early fall, and Thrivent grants are written to help buy extra supplies for our backpacks for Lutheran World Relief. These necessary basics of learning are used around the world.
Scholarships for WELCA Annual Convention are also available.
National Women of the ELCA: https://www.womenoftheelca.org/
Northeastern MN WELCA: nemnsynodwomen.org
