The ladies group at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in the town of Lessor has been in existence since 1872, when the church began. The Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (WELCA) work side by side with the entire parish to help others.
“The whole church is involved and everyone contributes and helps,” said JoAnn Thiede, secretary of WELCA and former church secretary for 11 years.
Their next big event, and the group’s primary fundraiser, is the chili supper from 4-7 p.m. Thursday.
Thiede and her husband, Mike, make the chili. “It’s good old-fashioned chili with noodles,” she said.
Hot ham sandwiches, cheese, homemade pies and tortes, coffee and milk also are on the menu. Prices are $7 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12, and free for 5 and younger.
The men of the parish help with all the dinners.
All women of the parish are members of WELCA, but about 12 members are the most active.
“They make beautiful pies,” said Jane Stiede. “I like to associate with them. I like to work for my church. Everybody works well together. Every lady is a good cook.”
In November, the women have a Thanks and Giving Dinner, and in December, they host a candlelight Christmas Eve service. They also donate to different churches and charities in December.
In February, WELCA has a Caring Hearts Dinner in honor of Valentine’s Day. Proceeds benefit a family in need.
“They don’t have to be a member,” Stiede said.
The women join with the United Methodist Church in Bonduel in June to help with Church on the Farm. The service is held at someone’s barn or shed and followed by a potluck supper. There is also a Polka Fest in June that includes free-will donations.
The Link Family Bluegrass Band from Missouri has been coming to the church for several years after a church member saw the group in Green Bay.
“They like our church so well they always want to come back,” Thiede said.
This past April the church had a benefit for its former pastor, Philip Kurtz, who left to be with his ill son in California.
“We had a real successful day,” Thiede said.
“That was really wonderful,” Stiede said. “We want to thank everyone.”
The church women are known for their delicious funeral dinners, taking turns making the meal.
“Everything is homemade,” Thiede said.
Other WELCA officers are Carol Simac, president, and Joann Jarock, treasurer — for 15 years. Sue Boerst is the unofficial record keeper of all the events.
The women meet the first Wednesday of the month either at church, someone’s home or a restaurant. For more information, call Thiede at 920-213-2609.
Rev. Natalie Kramer has been at the church since June. She also is the co-pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour.
The church holds Sunday services at 10 a.m. and Sunday School at 8:45 a.m.
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