WELCA: Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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."
WELCA Happenings at Peace
Women's Fall Retreat – Monday, Sep 14 • 6:30pm (Gathering Place)
Our fall retreat celebrates the USA's birthday—250 years of freedom. Enjoy entertainment from the Sioux Falls Singing Legionnaires and hear from Call to Freedom about their program, plus coffee and desserts. Your only admission is a full-size toiletry item to donate to Call to Freedom. (No aerosol cans, please!)
Kitchen Cleaning – Saturdays, Oct 17 and Nov 14 • 9am
In an effort to make Peace Lutheran's kitchen a welcoming and inviting place for everyone who uses the facility, volunteers are asked to help clean the church kitchen. Cleaning supplies will be provided.
WELCA Meeting – Monday, Oct 5 • 6:30pm (Shalom Room)
All Peace women are invited to attend the Women of ELCA (WELCA) meeting to discuss and decide on the charities and organizations that will receive WELCA funding in fall 2026.
Fall Thank Offering – Sep 19–20 • all services
The Fall Thank Offering will be received at all church services this weekend. Thanks to your generosity, Peace WELCA has supported ministries at Peace and vital community partners throughout the year—from VBS and funeral care to local groups like LifeScape, Call to Freedom, St. Dysmas, Church on the Street, Helping Hands for Haiti, and more. Your financial gifts are making a difference in our church, our community, and around the world. With the congregation's continued generosity, WELCA can keep that support going.
Lefse Sales – Saturday, Nov 7 • 9am–1pm; Sunday, Nov 8 • during worship
Peace Lutheran WELCA will be selling lefse. Funds raised support Peace Campers, VBS, Necessities for Neighbors, the Peace Lutheran Library, the Veterans Outreach Center, and other local charities. 10 rounds for $20.
Peace Angels – Thursdays during the school year • 8:30–10:30am (Pettigrew Elementary)
Volunteers from Peace meet in the teachers' work area to make copies, laminate, cut out materials, and complete other tasks teachers request. Join us for fellowship and laughter while we work! Contact: Betty Fokken, 605-940-0631.
Women's Advent Meal – Sunday, Dec 6 • 5pm
All women are invited to gather for a celebration of Advent with food and fellowship. Come for the meal—stay for the Christmas concert that follows! Purchase your tickets online or in the church office.
December WELCA Soup & Sandwich Luncheon – Thursday, Dec 10 • 11am
Join us for food, friends, and fellowship as we gather for this annual meeting and installation of officers.
WELCA Stewardship
Thanks to your generous gifts, WELCA is able to put together Lutheran World Relief (LWR) kits. For a list of items being collected, check the LWR website. This ministry is ongoing, and donations can be dropped off at the church office. Contact Deb Patzlaff with questions at 605-929-0186. Upcoming collections:
Aug 2026 – school kits
Sep 2026 – full-size bars of soap for sensitive skin (recommended: Dove, Ivory)
Oct 2026 – baby jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts sizes 6- to 24-months
Nov 2026 – baby sleepers without feet sizes 6- to 24-months
Dec 2026 – baby socks