2011 VSWO Convention Highlights
_ We enjoyed uplifting opening and worship music by Lavelva Stevens, Linda Hawks and Risse Snelgrove.
_ Awareness sessions were offered including Creating a Safe Space for Victims of Violence; Finding Reliable Health Information Online ; The Hope of Restoration: Ecumenism; Bible Study; Seeking Justice; Face to Face in Cyberspace and
Beyond; Renewal for the Spirit: Don’t pencil God time in…use ink!
_ Officers and board members were elected including Risse Snelgrove, president (Northern Valley); Anna Barb, treasurer (Central Valley); and board members Sherry Frye (Richmond); Imogene Ryman (Central Valley); Christel Williams (Richmond) and, Sherry Casteele (New River).
_ We admired a beautiful quilted banner based on the convention theme and Triennial symbols made by the Central Valley Conference.
_ Miranda Hawkins was recognized as a Sophie Wilson Grant recipient for first-time non-delegate attendees.
_ We thanked out going board members Sherrill Miller & Ellie Hirsh for their faithful service.
_ We honored outgoing president Jody Smiley with a video presentation and photo book highlighting her 4 years as VSWO president.
_ Judy Casteele served as our keynote speaker reminding us that our convention scripture spoke of waiting on God and that waiting was not passive resignation, but a real sign of faith.
_ We honored The Rev. Jean Bozeman for her 50 years of ministry and contributed over $500 to The Jean Bozeman Christian Formation Endowment Fund.
_ Ellen Bain, Triennial Gathering Promoter, shared highlights of the 8th Triennial Convention held in Spokane, WA. Ellen was a delegate and was joined by Connie Saunders and Jody Smiley. Also attending the gathering from Virginia were
Genie Brown, Judy Casteele, Anjanette Hodges, Erin Bain and Doug Smiley.
_ Bishop Mauney delivered the sermon for our Sunday morning worship.
_ Sharon Heck of California, Women of the ELCA Executive Board member, brought greetings & news from the Churchwide Women’s Organization;
_ We enjoyed a lovely banquet and entertainment by the Church Ladies of the New River Conference who reminded us that it’s ok to laugh at ourselves.
_ We gave a love offering of $1,752 to Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance.
_ It was a wonderful convention and we hope to see you all at VSWO Convention 2012!
Refer to Visions Newsletter page for additional 2012 Convention information
