SJA Hosts Sister Parish Board Meeting

Sister Parish Inc's Board of Directors

Arlene Reed from Peace Lutheran Church in Danville, CA, and the longest serving member on the board, complimented the parishioners at St. Joan’s saying, “St. Joan’s has been a leader for Sister Parish with leadership and support.” This has been the third assembly that has been hosted at St. Joan of Arc.

What is Sister Parish and what is the Mission Statement?

Sister Parish exists to foster mutual understanding and commitment to peace and justice among people in the United States and Latin America. This objective is pursued through intentional linking between churches and Christian communities in the United States and in Latin America. Delegation travel to the North and South with home stays is an essential aspect in enhancing awareness and understanding and in nurturing closer relationships.

What is the history ofSister Parish, Inc.?

Sister Parish, Inc. was co-founded by the Reverend Richard Fenske and Vickie Schmidt, following life-changing personal experience each had independent of one another. After traveling around Central America in 1984 Richard had the idea of linking U.S. Churches with communities in Central America as a means of addressing the gross inequities he had witnessed during his trip. In a similar reaction to what she’d experienced in Central America while visiting, Vicki was seeking a way to expose others to the realities of life there, in an effort to build awareness and mutual understanding. In 1987 Vickie and Richard met for the first time while attending a national social ministry conference sponsored by the Lutheran Church in America in Miami, FL. A lively dialogue ensued and the outcome of that historic meeting was the fundamental precepts of Sister Parish, Inc. The articles of corporation and bylaws were signed into action on the 31st of May in 1988, and a board of directors was appointed.

A Coming Together at SJA

On November 3rd -5th, St. Joan’s hosted the delegates as they worked on changes needed for the functioning of the organization. The three day work plan included finding ways to continue the structure to maintain a large organization.

The agenda:

1. Orienting four new board members on an eleven person International Board.
2. Discussing the committees of the board and their connection to volunteers and Sister Parish Inc. staff members.
3. Seeking means to find long term commitments for larger donations to supplement the limited monies.

Louise Eidsmoe from St. Joan’s has worked with the Sister Parish since the inception at St. Joan’s and has represented St. Joan’s as a delegate to TN2 five times. Her in-depth planning has helped to cement the workings of this 2006 conference for the Board members. These assets have led to the present Board electing Louise to be the newly elected vice-president of the group. By accepting this office, Louise is making a commitment to be the President of the Sister Parish Board of Directors starting in November, 2007.

Mindy Ahler-Olmstead became an active member in 1996 and has been a leader in spirit and action during the twelve year period of St. Joan’s involvement. After being on the international board Mindy has been Chairwomen for St. Joan’s Sister Parish Committee for five years. Mindy will now step down and Ross Starkson will replace her in this position. Mindy will continue to be a vital member of the group.

In August of 2006, together with leader Michael Branigan, ten delegates from St. Joan’s participated in a delegation to TN2 which consisted of a ten day stay in Guatemala including several nights with families in St. Joan’s sister parish.. These delegates were present at the Saturday night pot-luck to share their experiences and continue the link.

Jeff and Rita Nohner

Jeff Nohner presented his video of the delegates’ experiences in Guatemala. The presentation was rich in feelings. Jeff had interviewed the delegates and their feelings and experiences were shown with musical and scenic backgrounds. Jeff and Rita Nohner were delegates for the 2006 trip to TN2. With their expertise in photography and videography they were automatic historians and documentators for the group. Their willingness to give of their time and record the trip has made that experience more meaningful for all people involved.

Alejandro Alfaro, Sister Parish staff member in Guatemala, was present at this meeting. He led the St. Joan’s delegates on their visit in August. He and Shannon Lockhart are co-executive directors for Sister Parish. This entails leadership in Guatemala and also traveling to educate and encourage new Sister Parish enrollees from Guatemala, El Salvador and the United States. Participants from the United States are from Iowa, Minnesota, North Carolina, California, North Dakota, Illinois and Pennsylvania.

Shannon Lockhart was present for the Board meeting. Traveling with Shannon from Guatemala are her husband, Luis, and their new baby Liam. She has been on staff for five years in Guatemala. Shannon is returning from her maternity leave to continue with her strong leadership.

SJA's Don Hall, Bob Heberle, Mindy Ahler-Olmstead and Louise Eidsmoe(L to R) join other board members

Linda Mashburn, an officer on the Sister Parish Board of Directors, and Bob Heberle, member of the Board and one of St. Joan’s own, were honored at the potluck dinner for their witness to nonviolence. The Board of Directors celebrated a foot-washing ceremony for three of its members.

Sister Parish has two Assembles, or divisions, one in the North and the other in the South. As the organization links North American churches with Central American ones, it also provides them the opportunity of sharing and exchanging with churches from their own country. You can learn and teach to others beyond the borders of your country but also beyond the walls of your church.

One of the things that are shared among the churches in the North when they have the Northern Assembly Board is the focus on Solidarity instead of Charity. It is easy to write a check but it takes a commitment to give from your personal time and friendship.

Presently, Sister Parish, Inc. consists of seventeen linkages, but it is looking forward to recruiting more churches so it can expand its mission and vision.

Avis Von Eschen is involved with many projects at St. Joan's but her true love is the bridge club where she has met most of her St. Joan friends. Avis is a bridge Life Master. Her love for bridge and people has contributed to many happy times and friends..

Rita Nohner is a long-time parishioner of SJA and considers St. Joan of Arc her spiritual home. She enjoys being involved in the Bible Study, Soup Suppers, Team Oz and international ministries. Rita's passions are traveling and photography. She and her husband Jeff have a small photography and video business which keeps them both very busy. She can be reached at rita@lifeimagellc.com.