Carol Ritchie -The Banner Lady

Carol Ritchie- The Banner Lady

It doesn't take very long

 after walking into

 Our Savior Lutheran Church -

 Laurel, Maryland 

to notice that a Visual Artist

is a part of this community.

A Banner for the Ordination 

and Installation of Rev. Derrick Miliner.

The Pentecost Banner

Like most visual learners, 

I see pictures when speakers use words

 that evoke mental images. 

Some Pastors are quite adept 

at bringing images to mind as they speak, 

and I usually draw in my bulletin 

when I’m moved by the words they’ve used. 

The doodles, though quite small, 

often remain virtually unchanged 

when translated into a 

full-size design for a banner. 

The Pastor’s words become my

 “homilies on the wall”. 

 I prefer not to include words, so many are left to be interpreted by those who stop to see them, 

though I do offer an explanation

 in the bulletin when they are first used. 

Some ideas spend quite

 a long time being worked and reworked 

in my head before being made,

 others seem to come fully ready

 for immediate pattern design.

 On the other hand, a number of my banners

 have grown out of

 LWML convention themes 

when I was asked to create

 a banner for that purpose. 

Those designs developed as I worked

 with how each particular theme 

could best be portrayed.

Christ has set YOU free!

I’ve used many materials in the banners 

I’ve made but continue

 to appreciate the base structure

 able to be achieved with well-made felt. 

Some banners have many layers, some are quilted,

 many are three dimensional. 

Our banner stands require a six-inch casing

 at the top, and felt can be squared

 to hang properly without fear of its stretching in some undesirable way.

 I use stitching or fusible web between layers -

 I don’t use glue. 

On one banner, I couched endless yards

 of decorative yarn

 into intricate patterns by hand 

while sitting on the floor on top of the banner. 

Ideas can sometimes get out of hand that way!

For a church celebration- anniversary.

For the Grief-Share Ministry

Celebrating ministry with children.

A Lenten Altar setting prepares
hearts and minds for worship.
Carol certainly sees how all things-
visual- fit together.


Carol is a member of 
Our Savior Lutheran Church,
Laurel, Maryland.
We give thanks for her God-given talent
 and her work that gives Glory to her Creator.

Celebrating Connections

It is important to remember 

what every flower looks

 like as an individual.

There is often a different story 

when we are seen all together.

Today we celebrate on this blog-

the gathering of stories.
This blog of posts of the 
Women of the Southeastern District
 was started on April 23, 2013.
As of today there have been 271 posts
 highlighting the women, 
events, and communities of the SED.

There have been 75,000 page

 views of the individual posts.

Not bad, for a small share of cyberspace.

That may not seem like a huge number.

There are about 60,000 total Lutheran members

 in the churches we claim 

as our own in this District.

But, it is also interesting to note

 that those reading the stories 

collected here are beyond our District.

This week the posts have been viewed

 in these countries:

We might think our reach is limited,

or not of interest to others.

These numbers daily give another picture.

We are all connected to women 

that have lived

 or are living amazing stories.

Our stories are amazing because 

we have been redeemed by a Savior

 who loves us, 

and remembered by a Lord 

who thinks of us.

There are stories of faith-

hard times that have forged both 

softness and courage.

Stories of those who bless others 

with words of encouragement and 

gift hope in small ways.

Won't you think about someone 

whose story would lift others up?

Maybe YOU are ready 

to share a part of YOUR story.

You may reach me at:

condoit@aol.com

to share a story.

Erika Radke- Visual Faith Coach

Erika Radke - Visual Faith Coach

Erika has worked in the Visual Arts for a long time.

In fact, I have always thought of her as an artist.

She is trained that way- using her God-given talents.

But, then sometimes folks think
 if that isn't your degree,

or your "gift", 

then there isn't an open door for exploration.

Erika has faithfully gathered folks

 in community to walk with them

 in "trying out and discovery"

 with Bible Journaling.

Whether we are gathered under 

wings of protection,

 giving thanks for a love so great,

 or contemplating the intricate plans of weaving

 in God's master Plan for His people.

We have dreamed of "in the beginning",

 sat by a tree in hope,

 given thanks that in Christ 

we live as a "new creation",

 wondered about Jesus 

who calms the storms of live,

 and breathed deep 

that He hears us in our distress.

 Erika meets every "new artist" 

right where they are 
and gives encouragement.

A carefully planned out approach 

helps to make everyone successful.

 Erika will be a presenter for 

Visual Faith -Bible Journaling

 at the Southeastern District- LCMS- 

Tending the Flame event this August.

 Maybe this is the very opportunity that YOU 

have been waiting for to explore 

the fun and creativity of reading and responding

 to God's text message to us.

 You don't want to miss out.

 This milestone faith marking- 

just might be the very legacy

 you want to give to your family.

And this HOSANNA blessing

 might just be the very gift 

waiting for each of your neighbors.

More INFO HERE:

Creative Faith- Tending the Flame

Erika is a busy mom 

of two little boys and blogs here:

Faithfully created.

Vernice Sittmann- In Memory

In Memory of

Vernice Bumgarner Sittmann

November 6, 1929 - June 13, 2017

Vernice Elizabeth Sittmann (nee Bumgarner), 87, 

wife of the late Rev. Gustav E. Sittmann, Jr., 

went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 13, 2017

 at Catawba Hospice and Palliative Care in Newton.

Born in Catawba County on November 6, 1929, 

Vernice Bumgarner Sittmann was the daughter

of the late Vernon George Bumgarner and Flora Belle Hollar Bumgarner. 

She spent her early years in Hickory, NC 

and later attended Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN.

After her studies, Vernice returned to Hickory 

where she met her future husband, Gustav Edward Sittmann, Jr.  

He was serving as a Vicar and elementary school teacher

 at St. Stephens Lutheran Church LCMS. 

They were married on May 28, 1950. 

Together they raised four children and lived in South Carolina, Tennessee, 

Missouri, and Arkansas. During these years, she worked 

as a school and church secretary. 

Upon retirement, they returned to Hickory, NC.

In addition to her parents, Vernice was preceded in death

by her loving husband of 64 years, Rev. Gustav "Gus" Edward Sittmann, Jr., 

two of her brothers, George and Dennis Bumgarner, 

one of her sons, Gustav Edward Sittmann, III 

and one of her daughters, Leslie Ellen Roberts.

She is survived by:

son Stanton Sittmann and wife, Linda of St. Louis, MO; 

daughter, Lucinda Stephens and husband, Randy of Hickory, NC; 

daughter-in-law, Cynthia Sittmann of St. Louis, MO; 

grandchildren,

Bradley Roberts and wife, Kayla of St. Louis, MO, 

Eric Roberts and wife, Kelli of Dupo, IL, 

Jennifer Willis and husband, Matt of St. Louis, MO, 

Claudia Sittmann of St. Louis, MO, 

Benjamin Stephens of Hickory, NC, 

Elizabeth Stephens, of Hickory, NC,

Katia Sittmann of Olathe, KS; 

great-grandchildren Ava Mae Willis, 

Luke Roberts and Anistin Roberts (due to arrive in July); 

brother Charles Bumgarner and wife, Joan;

brother Conrad Bumgarner and wife, Billie;

sister-in-law Nancy Bumgarner;

sister-in-law Peggy Bumgarner; 

sister-in-law Marguerite Scarpa 

and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 17, 2017 

at Concordia Lutheran Church in Conniver.

 Pastors Mark Schudde and Gavin Mize will officiate. 

Burial will follow at St. Stephens Lutheran Church Cemetery in Hickory.

The family will receive friends prior to the service

 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church in Conover.

Memorials may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church, 

or Concordia Christian Day School, 

215 5th Ave., SE, Conover, NC 28613.

These last 3 photos were taken from the 

funeral service bulletin that was sent in the mail.

We give thanks for the servant heart of Vernice 

as she served her family and friends and in all the ministry settings.

65th Ordination Anniversary- Done Right

Pentecost Sunday was June 4, 2017

 and this was also the celebration day

 for the 65th Anniversary of Ordination

 for Pastor Kenneth Schwengel.

In honor of this landmark-

sixty-five handmade doves

swirled in honor of the 

Pentecost Celebration.

 Pastor Schwengel has been faithfully serving

 (in retirement) 

First Lutheran Church, 

Bowie, Maryland since 1993.

 Deaconess Sally (Meyer) Hiller 

and SED President John Denninger 

bless Pastor Schwengel with prayer.

 A beautiful worship celebration 

and luncheon was put together

 by a congregation currently

  worshipping an average of 10-15 per Sunday.

 The handmade doves were Pinterest inspired 

and made by Chuck and Sally Hiller 

and Sally's sister-Sue Meyer. 

Chuck served as installation engineer.

 Sue Meyer created the beautiful ordination brochure
 and coordinated the stunning floral arrangements. 

Sue serves as the office administrative assistant.

Penny Meyer gathered folks

 to put together a wonderful luncheon

 after the service.

Gordon Meyer serves as usher 

and communion assistant.

Tags were made by the Meyer family

 using Joanne Fink wrapping paper 

and collaged napkins onto tags.

  People could then write blessings and prayers 

for Pastor Schwengel.

This prayer and blessing

 hangs on the walls of the church as you exit.

 This small congregation

 has sent 4 people into full-time ministry.

This Meyer family continues

 to give their gifts, bless the congregation and 

"hold things together."

There is a community/neighborhood

 gathering at the church about every 6 weeks.

Lately, Sister Sally has been introducing

 Visual Faith and Bible Journaling to the group.

Connections go "way-back" 

here for the Meyer- Hiller crew.

Chuck and Sally met here when Sally 

began teaching Sunday school 

after Confirmation and Chuck came to be a "helper."

Both of Chuck's parents and Sally's dad 

are buried in the cemetery out back.

 There is a long-time love 

for the ministry of this location.

There is wondering about what the future holds....

But, in the mean time...

this Meyer family will continue to

serve when needed,

bless all,

love well, 

and keep on celebrating. 

Sierra Burden- Visual Faith Coach

 Bible Journaling can have all sorts of looks.

It can be restricted to the margins

 or be placed as a whole page.

There is no "one way" 

to approach time in God's Word.

 Sierra Burden is a Visual Faith Coach 

that delights in her time 

reading and responding to Scripture.

She also loves sharing the practice how-to's with others.  

This past year she has worked with MOPS groups

 to help them SEE just what this is all about.
Sierra shares:

"I have learned so much from Bible Journaling. 

Looking forward to my Bible study time

 on a daily basis

 has been one of the blessings. 

Visual reminders of where

 I have studied keep me motivated 

and also shows me God's presence in my life. 

He keeps leading me back to passages 

that talk about trusting in Him and not worrying. 

I can tell where I have been spiritually in my art 

(from struggling with my marriage,

 to rejoicing in God's grace, compassion, 

and abundant second chances). 

I am about to archive a full-to-bursting, 

art-filled Bible and start journaling 

in a new one.

 In a year and a half, I have learned 

so much about my God and myself. 

I hope to share that legacy with my girls, 

and I hope to continue to see the Scripture

 in new ways every time I get out my paint."

 stickers and paint

adding in with washi tape

simple and childlike

and a repurposed Over-head projector sheet

Sacred edges- reading in Lisa Hickman's book 

Cutting up a greeting card

Main point- Remain on the Vine

an intimate look at motherhood

 stickers are an easy help

 a tip in with charcoal drawing 

and a pencil drawing right in her Bible

Sierra Burden, 
a busy mom of two little girls
 belongs to 

St. John's Lutheran Church- Franconia, VA.

She will be present as a Visual Faith encourager 

at the Creative Faith Center 
at the 2017 Tending the Faith event in August.
Register Here:
Creative Faith Center