Sometimes church leaders are obvious: pastors, council members, the regular volunteers, etc. Sometimes our leaders are Lutherans living out their values in their daily lives: their vocation, their community roles, etc. We want to use this year to lift up and honor the many diverse and exceptional leaders in our synod. Follow along with us to celebrate some of the remarkable members of the body of Christ! – Brenda Blackhawk, Congregational Organizer for Racial Justice

 

This edition of the Celebration Series celebrates Ms. Marie Wiegert. Read more about her contributions to this community and beyond.

What role(s) do you take on (in the synod and beyond)? What identities are important to you to highlight?
  •  I am currently the President of the MAS-SWO (Minneapolis Area Synod Synodical Women’s Organization aka WELCA).  I am also an RN, involved in many professional organizations–American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses(ASPAN), Evangelistic Parish Nurses Association(ELPNA), Nurses Christian Fellowship, Faith Community Nurses International, Transcultural Nursing Society, and Spiritual Care Association, Nursing Division. I have a Master of Arts in Nursing from Augsburg University in Transcultural Nursing and Community Health. I have 2 certifications for perianesthesia nursing and ambulatory nursing. Further, in my congregation, I taught Sunday School prior to the pandemic, and am currently involved in a circle, have led Bible Studies, Prayer team ministry, healing prayers, health team, Fine Art ministry, and Quilts for Lutheran World Relief.
Which, if any, congregation do you belong to?
  • I am a member of Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis
Thinking about the ELCA or the Minneapolis Area Synod, what part of its mission resonates the most with you/your work?
  • The Mission. One of the things we are doing is anti-racism work. MAS-SWO has a book discussion in progress–A Good Time for the Truth, a series of 16 essays by Minnesota writers. We have had zoom discussions in the past 2 months. The next discussion will be Saturday, March 26, 9:30-11:30 on essays 9-12. We plan on concluding the book in April. If interested, email womenoftheelca.mas@gmail.com for a zoom invite.
Is there anything else you want to add or emphasize?
  • [I’d encourage women to] participate in Women of the ELCA. The women are supported and cared for through many activities and there are many resources online to support members. This is illustrated in 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.” Now would be good to see more women getting involved. It may be time to revive your groups if they have sort of disappeared. As Esther was told by her cousin, “perhaps you were born for such a time as this.”