Western District Women's Ministries Annual Meeting
at Bismarck, ND, April 5, 2008

Our District President, Rachel Patterson, welcomed all in attendance and opened our gathering with prayer. She covered an overview of our agenda for the day and introduced our guest speaker, Sharon Voth, of Dickinson, ND. Following our devotions the meeting was called to order. Attendance is as follows
Antler, ND – 1
Bottineau, ND – 1
Bismarck, ND – 4
Cooperstown, ND – 1
Dickinson, ND – 3
Maddock, ND – 2
Mayville, ND – 1
Minot, ND – 1
Rolette, ND – 1
Sidney, MT – 1
Watertown, SD – 1
Williston, ND – 3
Total Attendance = 20

OLD BUSINESS:

Serenity Richard, District Secretary, read the ’07-’08 Meeting Minutes. They were approved as read.

Cheryl Unruh, District Treasurer, read the ’07-’08 Financial Reports and discussed the breakdown of income and expenses. A brief discussion concerning a possible change in the apron color to increase sales followed and then the reports were accepted as presented. Cheryl encouraged those in attendance to bring home the reports and explain them to their respective groups to raise awareness of giving patterns.

NEW BUSINESS:

Rachel highlighted the upcoming National Women’s Convention and encouraged everyone to make plans to attend:

June 14, 2008

National Women’s Convention 

“Flourish”

Fergus Falls, MN

Serenity Richard was called forward to explain the details for the Western District Women’s Fall Retreat.

September 12-13, 2008

District Women’s Retreat

“Refresh”

Upper Missouri Ministry Bible Camp

Epping, ND

Rachel then discussed the retreat planned for the District pastors’ wives that is held every other year. This year’s details are as follows:

October 3-5, 2008

Pastors’ Wives Retreat

Lake Metigoshe, ND

Rachel then called Cheryl forward to make a recommendation on behalf of the District Leadership Team. Cheryl presented information on the blessings of our budget and recommended that we institute a 15% tithe to go toward the National Women’s Budget starting with the ’08-’09 fiscal year. She also recommended that a special love gift of $1000 be given for the ’07-’08 fiscal year. A motion was made from the floor to institute this recommendation. There was a second to this motion. And the motion carried unanimously. 

The ‘Cup of Blessing’ fundraiser was also discussed and the ladies were encouraged to still participate even though the month spotlighted was February.

An offering of $234 was received with the proceeds going to National Women’s Ministry.

	Western District President Rachel Patterson with the Minot Women's Ministries Team at their Christmas Brunch

Western District Women’s Ministries Annual Meeting
Jamestown, ND March 31, 2007 

Rachel welcomed all (considering the weather), with prayer and introductions.

9 women in attendance:

Jamestown -3
Bottineau -1
Maddock – 2
South Dakota – 1
Antler – 2

Rachel shared about the fund raiser-selling aprons ($15) which the proceeds will go to the future Pastor’s Wives Retreats.
She also shared about the Women’s Ministry Handbook ($20).

Cheryl Unruh read the minutes from the district meeting in April 2006. They were approved as read. Rachel read the treasurer’s report and it was filed. Discussion on income and expenses.

New Business:
-Fall Retreat was discussed as well as the dates. It will be held in Bismarck Sept. 28-30, 2007. Most sessions will be held at the church.

The National WM team will be holding their Leadership Conference at the fall retreat. This will be excellent training for Sunday school teachers, bible study leaders and others involved in leadership. There will be a $20.00 charge for the training included in the retreat fee.

A Praise & Worship team is needed for the Fall Retreat. This will be discussed with the Williston ladies.

-National Convention was discussed. It was brought to the attention of the District President to consider a day program for children to encourage families to attend.

-Reminder of the WM website (www.wmclb.com) All ladies were encouraged to check the website every month for district updates. 

-New Officers were appointed by the District President, Rachel Patterson.
Serenity Richard – Secretary
Cheryl Unruh – Treasurer

An offering was taken in the amount of $110.00. A vote was taken with a decision to send 100% to the National Women’s Ministries.

Rachel had a devotional – A Spring in our Step – Isaiah 40:31 (What represents spring?) Rachel closed in prayer.

All churches present completed a WM survey & discussed their women’s ministry activities.

Melodies of Life: A One-Day Retreat

Melodies of Life, a one day Women's Retreat was held at Zion Lutheran Brethren Church in Maddock, ND on Saturday, March 24, 2007 

"Sing & Tell the Story"
Kim Schnitzer and Vicki Marthaler
from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

 Kim Schnitzer & Vicki Marthaler have been performing together since 1995. They have done programs for all denominations, and have traveled extensively doing retreats and seminars for both religious and secular groups.

Vocalist, Kim Schnitzer, loves to sing the wondrous story and speaker, Vicki Marthaler, loves to tell the story of Jesus and his love.

Kim Schnitzer and Vicki Marthaler, creators of the unique ministry of "Sing & Tell the Story," desire to celebrate new life in Christ through original programming. Since 1995, Kim & Vicki have partnered in ministry to lift up the Good News of Jesus and His Love.

Husbands, Tim Schnitzer and Mark Marthaler, provide support and structure by literally setting up equipment, running the sound board and a myriad of other details that the "Sing & Tell the Story" ministry requires.

What?
Kim & Vicki lift up the healing, hope and joy found in Christ. Programs include Bible readings, inspirational music and the liberal use of everyday, real-life examples.

Why?
Kim & Vicki wish to honor God and invite His Presence into the gathered community by communicating and celebrating the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and song.

Western District Photo Album

It was our annual meeting!

• We met our district officers
• Got dates of the events for the coming year
• Saw the past year in pictures!!
• Received updates from the National WM meetings
• Met our New Director Ruth Vallevik
• Spent a weekend away from home & shopping!

Crossroads Range Retreat October 15-18, 2004 for Western District Women