Perry Lutheran Church has had a women’s group since 1883 when the Perry Kvindeforening (Women’s Society) was organized by Gudveig Isberg, spouse of Perry’s fourth pastor, the Rev. Peter Isberg, to support missions. We continue supporting local charities, as well as Lutheran World Relief.
OUR PURPOSE STATEMENT
“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.”
OUR MISSION
Mobilizing women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.
What is WELCA?
It’s an easy way to say Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. WELCA is an organization of Lutheran women who gather in more than 4,500 locations in the U.S. and the Caribbean, for service, study, advocacy, fellowship and more. WELCA embraces all kinds of ministries that support our mission of mobilizing women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ. There is a place for you in Women of the ELCA.
What Does Our Logo Mean?
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. It is also a reminder of the mission of the church to “Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
WHy do we gather?
To Grow in faith and live out that faith through ministry and action.
WHat's the best thing about women of the elca (Welca)?
Friendship, fellowship and support.
the perry welca
Perry W
ELCA plays an active role in mission work, both locally and abroad. We send many quilts, school kits, health care kits, baby care kits, and sewing kits to Lutheran World Relief (LWR); and we also give quilts locally. Our small but dedicated group of quilters sew throughout the year, and weekly quilt-tying days take place during the months of January and February. We even have a few men who help with this mission project! All are welcome. Our group completed 123 quilts in 2024, which were displayed on our church pews in April. Quilts are available to interested parties, and the monies raised are used to help with the shipping cost to get the items to LWR.
We are a supporting partner of Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Mount Horeb, and volunteer there a couple of months per year, pay one month’s rent, collect items for their food pantry, and participate in their annual blanket drive.
Our mont
hly ladies' night gatherings, which take place September through May, are a popular activity with lots of fun and fellowship. We meet at different restaurants each month and close out the year with a potluck and Bunco night at church each May. Gatherings are held at 6:00 p.m. the third Thursday of the month.
All confirmed women are considered members of WELCA. Our dedicated work groups help with funeral luncheons and other church events and fundraisers.
We keep the congregation informed of our monthly activities through the Happenings page in the Perry Progress. Take a look at this month's WELCA Happenings here.
The current board members of Perry's WELCA are:
- Janis Hiltbrand, President
- Lois Frame, Vice President
- Pauline Hittesdorf, Treasurer and Communications
- Jean Baumgartner, Secretary
- Fern Langfoss, Member
- Jean Sherven, Member
- Carol Peterson, Member
To get involved, contact us.
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