WELCA Update: New Circles Welcome!
SMLC Newsletter, April 2026
St. Mark’s WELCA hosted the annual Alabama Cluster meeting on Saturday, March 24th. There were 24 women in attendance. The meeting began with a short business meeting followed by a worship service officiated by Pastor Kristin Maddox and a decoupage activity led by Kathleen Corpus. Lunch was served and was followed by a reading and devotion from “Lectio Divina” led by Kathy Sieja.
Several Cluster participants expressed interest in forming new WELCA circles at St. Mark’s. The requirements to becoming a circle are simple as outlined in the WELCA Constitution. First, bring together 2-3 women who want to meet for study, support, and action; participate in the ministry of Women of the ELCA; support the programs of WELCA at St. Mark’s; and designate a representative, who reports circle attendance and activities to the WELCA leadership board. Individuals can decide on a meeting time and place, and a circle name. WELCA circles meet once each month and can hold meetings at the church or off campus at the discretion of the circle members. Currently, WELCA circles are held during the day, based on the needs of circle members, but meetings can be held anytime day, night or weekends depending on the needs of the circle members.
Cluster officers were elected during the Cluster meeting. Diana Rhodes is now Cluster Coordinator and Niki Maldonado is Cluster Recorder. Kathy Sieja continues to serve as at-large member.
Synod representatives, Diana Palma and Roberta Stamp were at the Cluster to provide information about upcoming Synod activities. The annual WELCA Convention will be in Chattanooga, TN at the Embassy Suites Hamilton Place from September 11-13, 2026. The theme is “Where God Meets Us: Mountain Top Moments.” St. Mark’s WELCA will send a voting representative so if you think you may be interested in attending there will certainly be fellowship and transportation available. Room rates and convention registration information will be available soon.
If you have questions about WELCA, contact Kathleen Corpus, Kathy Sieja, Terry Ann Deason or Terry Ganoe who serve as members of the WELCA leadership team.
Last modified: March 24, 2026