WELCA Community
Women of the ELCA in South Dakota
About the South Dakota WELCA community
Women of the ELCA in South Dakota is a bold and joyful community of women committed to growing in faith, deepening discipleship, and serving others. Whether you're part of a long-standing Unit or just beginning to explore your place in this Spirit-led sisterhood, you are welcome here. Together, we support one another, engage in ministry, and live out our faith in action—locally and globally.
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 calling, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the Church, the society and the world.
Our MISSION Statement:
To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.
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Community at a glance
- Introduce yourself to friends far and wide!
- Share helpful resources
- Connect across the miles
What is WELCA?
WELCA stands for Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America—a community of Lutheran women who gather in thousands of places across the U.S. and the Caribbean. Together, we serve, learn, advocate, and grow in faith through fellowship and action. Women of the ELCA welcomes women of all ages and backgrounds into ministries that support our shared mission: to act boldly on our faith in Jesus Christ.
How is WELCA organized?
Women of the ELCA is a three-tiered organization, structured to support ministry at every level:
Local Units form the heart of the organization. These may be based in a single congregation or shared between multiple congregations, and they provide the primary space for women to connect, study, serve, and live out their baptismal calling.
Synodical Women’s Organizations (SWOs) exist in nearly every ELCA synod and serve to strengthen and connect local Units. Each SWO is guided by an elected board and may create smaller groups—called clusters or conferences—to encourage leadership, build community, and coordinate regional ministries.
The Churchwide Women’s Organization includes all local and synodical expressions. It meets every three years in a triennial convention to set priorities and policies, elect leaders, and discern direction. Between conventions, a volunteer executive board manages the work of the organization, alongside a small team of professional staff.
WELCA is the official women’s ministry organization of the ELCA. It is a separately incorporated body—financially independent, led by volunteers, and sustained by the generous gifts of individuals and groups who believe in its mission.
Links to WELCA Resources
South Dakota Synod's WELCA Page
Events, Officers, Resources
Discover how women across South Dakota are living out their faith through community, service, and bold action. Visit our Women of the ELCA (WELCA) page to explore upcoming events, ministry opportunities, and ways to connect with others in your region. Find the "who's who" for your local WELCA team
WELCA
Discover Tools, Stories, and Support at the worldwide WELCA Site
To explore even more, visit the Women of the ELCA Churchwide website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources including Bible studies, leadership tools, event ideas, justice initiatives, and stories of women living out their faith. Whether you're looking for inspiration, guidance, or practical support, there’s something for every woman ready to grow and serve.
WELCA "Belong"
Sign up for more WELCA resources
Women of the ELCA (WELCA) includes Lutheran women who gather in more than 4,500 locations in the U.S. and the Caribbean, for service, study, advocacy, fellowship and more!
Through Gather magazine, BoldCafe.org, our online magazine, Daily Grace devotions, social media, in-person meetings with a local WELCA group and virtual dinner discussions, retreats and conventions at the Synod and National level, and quiet coffees with a woman mentor in your neighborhood—we are here to support you—just as you are.
Tools for Leaders
Everything you need to lead your WELCA unit!
Click the button to find model constitutions, logo information, “A Place for You” PowerPoints in Spanish and English, congregational unit update information, synodical web page links and leaders report forms, treasurer information, synodical leader’s guide, convention dates, offering information, and a “how to write resolutions” document.