Calvary's Heavenly Hand Cream Project

Many years ago, the Iris Arey Nursing Scholarship Fund was established by members of the Arey family after the death of Iris in 2001. She was a very devoted member of the Pink Ladies, the women's auxiliary of Cabarrus Memorial Hospital, now Atrium Hospital, in Concord. It was the objective of the Fund to award two $500 scholarships annually to one nursing student at each of the nursing colleges in Cabarrus County. Those schools are Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and Rowan Cabarrus Community College. Recipients are invited to one of our church services in November of each year to receive their scholarships.

Approximately seven years ago, funds were low, so Kathy Schiele, a member of the Shepherdess Circle, presented the Heavenly Hand Cream project at a Women of the ELCA meeting as a money making project. A friend of Kathy’s gave her the homemade hand cream and graciously shared her formula.

Kathy purchased ingredients and Women of the ELCA met in Calvary's kitchen armed with large mixing bowls, mixers, and spatulas. The first batch of cream was “whipped” up, packed into jars, and given the name “Heavenly Hand Cream” by Carolyn Lowder. An angel logo was applied, and the cream sold for $5 per jar. The product is very well liked due to its creaminess and wonderful aroma.

It has become a very successful endeavor and we have been able to continue to fund the scholarships. We make around 150 jars at least once a year and continue to sell them at only $5 per jar. Our expenses are covered with the help of Thrivent Financial through their Action Team program and through memorial contributions.

Women of the Evangelical Church in America

THE SYMBOL

The logo, with the cross, water and a white lily, identifies women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as children of God; baptized, forgiven, adopted into God's family, full of grace and hope in eternal life. It is a reminder of the growth, beauty, and vitality that rises out of that life-giving baptismal water. It is also a reminder of the mission of the church to "Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)

BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION

The council minutes of a called meeting on May 6, 1930 mentions the Ladies Aid Society and their request (which was apparently accepted) to furnish the Chancel of the church, then located on Buffalo Street. In August, 1933, the Ladies Aid Society was approved to have painting done on the outside of the church.

By 1946, it was the Ladies Aid and Missionary Societies. In their report for that year, they reported 34 members in the Missionary Society and 39 in the Ladies Aid.

In 1954, Calvary Lutheran moved to their new facility on Lake Concord Road. According to the annual 1956 report and 1957 directory, the United Lutheran Church Women of Calvary had four circles meeting monthly in the homes of the members.

In 2000, Calvary Lutheran relocated to its present facility where Calvary currently has three circles, Ruth Circle, Shepherdess Circle, and Lydia's Quilters.

PURPOSE STATEMENT FOR THE WOMEN OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

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.

COMMITMENT

To accomplish the purpose of Women of the ELCA, women in this unit shall commit themselves to:

Come together for study, support, and action;
Participate in the ministry of Women of the ELCA beyond this congregation;
Support financially the total program of Women of the ELCA, and
Designate leadership that shall be in communication with the synodical and churchwide women’s organization.

LEVELS OF WOMEN OF ELCA

Women of the ELCA is a national organization that follows the Constitution and Bylaws set by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Calvary Lutheran Church Women of the ELCA’s Constitution and Bylaws governs the structure and operation of Calvary’s Women of the ELCA. This document governs the structure and operation of Calvary’s Women of the ELCA and can be found on Calvary’s website under the topic Ministries and Groups, Women Circles, there is a page that has a link to a .pdf file. Copies are also available by request (please contact the church office 704-782-6923).

LEVELS OF Women of the ELCA:

ELCA -Churchwide (National)
Senate-Synod - North Carolina State - (SWO) Statewide Organization
Conference - District (Cabarrus/Stanly)
Congregation (Unit) - Calvary Lutheran Church Women

LINKS

Women of the ELCA—Churchwide Organization:
http://www.womenoftheelca.org

North Carolina Statewide Organization (NCSWO):
http://www.ncwelca.org

ALL Women of Calvary Lutheran are members. Your attendance and participation at business and circle meetings is an opportunity we hope you will consider. All are welcome and needed to serve our Lord.

COMMITTEES AND CIRCLES

COMMITTEES:

CVAN Coordinator
Growing in Faith Committee
Heavenly Hand Cream
Iris Martin Arey Nursing Fund
Mother’s and Father’s Day - Recognition of the Special People in Our Lives
Nominating Committee

CIRCLES:

Shepherdess Circle -Meets the 1st Monday of each month. Check the church enews and Sunday insert for times.
Lydia's Quilters-Meets the 4th Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
Women's Bible Study-Meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. (Sept - May)