The Women of the Word (WOW) of the Heartland District serves to unite women's groups in our districts by providing an annual gathering and assisting in coordinating women's ministry in our churches.

Women of the Word Retreat 2025

Heartland District Women of The Word Annual Meeting Notes

Saturday, September 27, 2025

The day began as Pastor Leah Krotz opened with prayer. Jean Janssen, President of First St. Paul’s LCW welcomed everyone. District WOW President, Nancy Erdmann introduced herself as well as each board member. Pastor Joel Remmers of First St. Paul’s and Pastor Ann Auten presented a skit and devotion.

Becky Conway provided information about the ministry of First St. Paul’s God Made Me Preschool. She provided information about how their preschool works and some things that the children do daily.

Pastor Ann Auten gave a presentation about her trips to Estonia. She also spoke about Pastor Harri Hammer and experiences he had written about in his book, “We Shall Live in Heaven”.

After a shot break and singing of some hymns, pastor Joel Remmers provided information about their youth mission trips.

A founder of Threads of Grace provided information about their group. They provide new clothing to foster children through the age of 16. All items are purchased with donations. They service Hastings and surrounding Adams county. Over the last several years they have provided clothing for over 700 children.

Business Meeting:

• President Nacy Erdman opened the meeting.
• Secretary, Brenda Beaudette, went over the minutes from the Fall 2024 meeting. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes. The motion carried.
• Ila Nelson gave the Treasurer’s Report. The balance as of the meeting was $3939.25. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report. The motion carried.
• Pastor Cindy Cone motioned to donate monies to Threads of Grace, Estonia Seminary and Royal Kids Camp. Several motions were made for different amounts. The final motion was to give each $1000 from the general fund and all offerings received today would go into the general fund. The motion was seconded. The motion carried.
• Nancy discussed T-shirts, bags and sweatshirts that were available to order after last year’s meeting. She suggested that a committee be formed to continue to sell t-shirts, bags and sweatshirts.
• Pastor Krotz spoke about the Neighborhood Churches list that is being put together. Pastor Krotz is also in charge of the Heartland District newsletter. Anyone interested in receiving it through e-mail should fill out a form with their information. The newsletter is sent on a quarterly basis.
• Nancy spoke about the need to update the Constitution for WOW. It was suggested that a committee be formed to discuss the updates that need to be made.
• All positions need to be filled on the board, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer.
• We need a church to volunteer for next year’s WOW Retreat.
• The meeting was adjourned.

Jean Janssen thanked everyone that helped put on the Annual Meeting. Lunch was then served.

After lunch a member from Royal Kids Camp provided information about their group. The have a weekly camp for foster children each year. Each child receives items for the entire week including a pillow/pillow case, duffle bag and a blanket. All items are new and donated.

We broke into groups for a service project. Some cut pieces for handmade pillow cases and others worked on handmade cards.

After a short break everyone returned to the Sanctuary, communion and closing prayer.

Submitted by

Brenda Beaudette – District WOW Secretary