Beautifully Woven: Recent Episodes
Karen Stenberg
Welcome to Beautifully Woven- a WMCLB podcast! God faithfully weaves a beautiful tapestry as he forms us individually and together as His Church. Here we will share our beautiful, messy stories and practical ways to encourage you in ministry.
Karen and Heather talk to Stephanie from Mt. Bethel Church about women’s ministries at her church and how it has developed over the years. Like many of our churches, women’s ministries has thrived and then slowed, which has started the conversation of “what does it look like to make it healthy again. What do our women need?”
Stephanie shares her journey of the joys and struggles of getting things going with the women again. They have events about once a month. They love to have a woman speak about what God is doing in her life. This group is still in the beginning phases of getting this going. Stephanie shares that it’s not always easy to work with others, but God is faithful, and he has continued to work through conflict for his glory.
We also talk about Thrivent Financial and the opportunity to get a gift card through them for special events hosted by the Church.
Mt. Bethel Church: https://www.mountbethelchurch.org/adults
Thrivent: https://www.thrivent.com/giving-back
WMCLB Website: wmclb.org
Karen and Heather talk with Rachel and Taylor from Bethany in East Hartland, CT, about the playgroup they run at their church. Rachel shares how it got started and why it has continued to grow.
It is not only connecting women at the church but also connecting women in the community. They keep it simple which has made it easy to hand off to the next leader so as life changes it just keeps running. They also continue to keep on the look out for women they can invite, inside and outside the church.
Ministry doesn’t have to be complicated; sometimes simplicity is just what is needed!
Women’s Ministries Website: wmclb.org
Find our Podcast @ https://clbforge.org/podcasts
Karen and Heather talk to Carissa Stauss and Kaylie Risbrudt about where they serve at their church, Triumph. They share what led them into the ministries they are doing now. God’s leading comes in so many different ways.
We talk about hiking and God’s creation, and dream about a women’s ministry trip where we meet together to hike!
Kaylie serves as the leader of the women’s ministries of their church, and Carissa serves as the coordinator of the everyday functioning in the church with all the different ministries. She says she ‘connects people.’
You can check out their church website here: https://www.triumphlbc.org/
Women’s Ministries Website: wmclb.org
Karen and Heather talk to Cindy and Kristen about women gathering in their church in Bethesda.
We talk about what women’s ministries has looked like through the years at their church and what led them to get involved. They have different monthly events. The ladies share with us what makes their year of events function so well and not be overwhelming.
You can check out their church website here: https://c3ec.org/womens-ministry
Women’s Ministries Website: wmclb.org
Karen and Heather talk to Joanna about her life and the different ways ministry has taken place for her and her family.
She shares about the school "Lighthouse" that she and her husband run in Brazil. We talk about how it started and where that journey has taken them. With God at work, he often gives us big dreams and then breathes life into them. That was certainly the case for Joanna and the school.
We talk about how ministry and how it is not compartmentalized, God is at work in all aspects of our lives. We talk about our family in ministry and God caring for the needs that arise.
Joanna's husband is currently a student at Lutheran Brethren Seminary and she is working at Hillcrest in Fergus Falls. They continue to oversee the school in Brazil.
Lighthouse School: http://www.lighthousebilingue.com.br
Hillcrest Academy : https://www.ffhillcrest.org/
WMCLB Website: https://www.wmclb.org/
Karen and Heather talk with Greg and Janet about their start in ministry. It is often not what we were anticipating and can come as quite a surprise as God brings things together. This was the case for the Andersons. Greg and Janet share openly about the joys and struggles of entering into camp ministry at Inspiration Point.
We talk about some of the different ways God calls and how he humbles us at times. We talk about what they love doing in camp ministry and what can be a challenge. They share about the importance of the local church in the lives of the campers and what an impact both make in tandem.
They also share a few amazing stories of God at work in hard situations.
Find out more information about Inspiration Point here: https://ipoint.org/
WMCLB Website: https://www.wmclb.org
Karen and Heather talked to Roger and Jenny about Rooted, the gap year program for young adults that launched this past fall. We kick it off with a great icebreaker question and listen in to hear Jenny's secret skill.
They share about how Rooted is going now that it is up off the ground and running. They talk about surprises, the things they are loving, and some of the challenges. We hear about what they are learning and some of the trips they have gone on.
We hear how God is at work and impacting these students through this program and why that is so encouraging as we look forward. Roger also shares some of the hopes for the future of the Rooted program.
If you are interested in being a part of the program or know someone you think would be interested, find out more information here. https://rootedgapyear.com
WMCLB Website: https://www.wmclb.org
Karen and Heather talk to Dan about our Focus Project, the new school in Chad,Gethsemane de N’Djamena-Bousso.Dan shares the history of how the first school was started and the need for a second school.
We talk about what a day is like going to school at Gethsemane. God is at work in equipping these kids to read, write, do math, and other things. But more than that, the kids are learning about the Bible and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dan talks about the relationship between the town and the school and the inroads that are made to share faith.
He shares that they are still looking for more who will hear the call to do mission in Chad! If that is you, please contact, Dan Venberg who is the director of LBIM: https://clba.org/lbim
Please check your email for your newsletter for all the information for COB. If you do not receive the newsletter please email: wmclbcontact@gmail.com
You can find what Oh Crepe is up to on their Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094325597247
WMCLB Website: https://www.wmclb.org
Karen and Heather talk with Tara about Exhale, a program for moms of young children.
Podcast Ideas for women’s call into ministry:
Tara shared about what the ministry is, how she got involved, and how she was impacted by this ministry. Heather has also been involved with Exhale, and they share testimony of the positive ways God is working in the lives of women who attend. Exhale also has something they call “mentor moms,” this brings in a multi-generational ministry, where moms will be encouraged by women who have "been there."
We talk about what you need to run the program and what might it look like in a small church setting.
Exhale Registration link:https://sites.google.com/view/ffexhalemoms
Information through Bethel Church:https://bethellutheran.church/exhale
WMCLB Website: wmclb.org
Listen wherever you listen to podcasts or on the CLB Forge :https://clbforge.org/podcast/beautifully-woven/
Karen talks with Kim Goodman and Ashley Fauquet about Women’s Ministries in the Pacific Northwest.
Kim and Ashley share why they have a heart for Women’s Ministries and what brought them to serve in that ministry at their local churches as well as the regional board.
We talk about what the WM groups are doing together in their region. Their churches have been working to identify places they can serve in their communities, and they share about how they are doing that. Women’s Ministries in the PNW have intentionally come alongside two different projects to partner with the host church of the event, and they talk about what that looked like for each project.
We also talk about the importance of intergenerational relationships and what are some ways we can encourage those to grow.
For more information or to connect with Kim and Ashley please email:
WMCLBDirector@gmail.com
wmclb.org
Karen and Heather interview Michelle Solberg about Military Chaplain Ministry and life.
Michelle is a Military Chaplain’s wife as well as a mom. In this episode, we talk about what a Military Chaplain does and what life is like. We talk about the struggles and the joys. Michelle shares about the journey of moving to a new place during the pandemic and connecting the women through bible study; this ministry went from a few people meeting over Zoom to the large, thriving, multigenerational ministry that it is now.
We talk about the challenges of needing to trust others even when we don’t know them well and how God meets our needs.
wmclb.org
https://clbforge.org/podcast/beautifully-woven/
In this episode, Grace for the Grind and Beautifully Woven team up to interview David Zahl.
David Zahl is the author of the book “Low Anthropology.” He is passionate about communicating deep theological truths in a way we can all understand.
In this podcast, David shares why he wrote the book. We talk about what anthropology is and how our understanding of that frames the way we see the world and people. We talk about why a high anthropology divides but a low anthropology unites and how this helps us love our neighbor.
“Low Anthropology” is the book WMCLB is using for our cohorts this fall. It was also one of the books that was given as a resource to all of our leaders at the Elevate youth convention.
https://mbird.com
https://mbird.com/shop/books/low-anthropology/ (Link to the book, you can also find it on Amazon.)
https://clbforge.org/all-podcasts/
wmclb.org
In this episode, Karen and Heather interview Josiah Militzer and Ashley Krog about the CLB youth convention ‘Elevate.’
This past July, the CLB held its Biennial Youth Convention in Estes Park, CO, at the YMCA of the Rockies. Josiah and Ashley were both there as youth leaders with their youth groups. Josiah went with a large youth group from Bethel Lutheran Church, and Ashley went with a smaller youth group from Elim Lutheran Brethren Church.
We talk about their different experiences, what they loved, what benefitted their youth kids, and how they raised funds to go!
Join us for this fun conversation and learn more about what God is doing in our youth! We hope your youth group considers coming to Elevate 2026!
At our WMCLB Convention we heard from three different women share about Together in Mission. Here is our final speaker from that day, Mandy Bronson.
Mandy shares about Together in Mission in a Family.
WMCLB.org
At our WMCLB Biennial Convention we heard from three different women share about Together in Mission. In this episode we will hear from Joyce Rust.
Joyce shares about the Ministry of "Welcome"
WMCLB.org
At our WMCLB Convention we heard from three different women share about Together in Mission. Here is the first of our speakers from that day, Katie Koplin.
Katie shares about Together in Mission in Vocation: God's Work and Our Hands
WMCLB.org
Live Podcast with Grace for the Grind and Beautifully Woven.
Karen, Heather, Dan and Mike sit down at Biennial 2024 for our first live podcast event! In this episode we field questions from our live audience on the spot. The questions ranged from “what are our most embarrassing ministry moments?”, “are the Stenberg’s hoping for another baby?”, “does God control everything in my life and if so does that mean I can’t make my own decisions?”, to “what are somethings we do to build healthy culture in our churches?”
We have a lot of laughs as well as a few serious thoughts on this episode.
A big thanks to O’Crepe who catered our event!
WMCLB Website: https://www.wmclb.org
Oh Crepe Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094325597247"
Grace for the Grind: https://clbforge.org/all-podcasts/
We have another joint episode with Beautifully Woven and Grace for the Grind. Karen and her husband Daniel host a joint podcast as they interview Carl and Emily Juhl, our church planting couple in Lincoln, ND.
We talk about what ministry looks like at their church plant, the ups and downs of ministry, and some ways they are getting into their community and connecting with people.
They also share about how life has changed since adding some wonderful foster children to their family.
You can find out more about our CLB church plants here: https://clba.org/churchplanting
You can find 'Grace for the Grind' here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grace-for-the-grind/id1518916698
and here: https://clbforge.org/podcast/
Sign up for our WMCLB Biennial here: wmclb.org
Karen and Gianna finish our mini series talking about how mental health affects our vocations.
God calls us to love others and participate in our churches and communities, how do we do this when we don't feel like it?
We talk about our church culture, how do we know if we have a healthy church culture regarding mental health?
Gianna give us some practical questions to think about when it comes to our church culture.
Contact us at WMCLB.org
Also sign up for our BC24 WMCLB Biennial on that same website. We are looking forward to being together!
Karen continues in our Mental Health and Our Faith series with Gianna Reese as we dive into the topic of anxiety. We talk about the healthy function of anxiety and when it crosses over into an unhealthy function.
How do we understand Scripture in context when it tells us to not be anxious. If we can't stop ourselves from dealing with feelings of anxiety is that a failure in our faith?
Gianna explains what it means to live in the "and". This helps us understand our inner battles that we face.
No matter your mental state, leave feeling encouraged that Christ has fulfilled the law on your behalf. We are whole in Christ as he walks with us through our battle.
Find Gianna Reese on Tic Toc @the.millenniel.therapist
Register for our 2024 Biennial on June 8th @ https://www.wmclb.org/
Karen sits down with Gianna as we start our series on Mental Health and Our Faith. Gianna shares how God created our feelings, they are important to acknowledge and not avoid.
In this episode we talk about the struggles of depression and how our faith intersects with our mental health. Gianna shares about how our faith and God's Word is not meant to crush us with how we are failing in our struggle, but rather encourage us and speak to us in our struggle.
Dealing with depression is as real as someone dealing with a broken arm, but harder to understand as it's not something you can visually see. We need grace for ourselves and grace for others as we walk through mental health struggles, whether it's our own or coming alongside someone.
Gianna Reese is a licensed counselor with a passion for helping others. She is married to Eric Reese, Eric is now pastoring in East Heartland, Connecticut.
Contact us or find our more about us at: wmclb.org
Karen and Katie talk about the pressures of motherhood, and the importance of the encouragement given to us through the work of Christ.
Katie has a devotional releasing April 9th called: Encouragement for Motherhood - Devotional Writings on the Work of Christ
(Karen Stenberg as well as Gretchen Ronnevik are two of the contributors.)
We talk about what inspired her to put this together. We discuss why we feel like we need to have it together as mothers. She shares about vulnerability, why it's scary but also important in creating deep friendships. How do we go about establishing those friendships?
Being a parent comes with an exhausting physical, mental and emotional load whatever age you child is. We talk about this and how the work of Christ ultimately carries that burden for us and for our children.
Link for 'Encouragement for Motherhood':
https://www.amazon.com/Encouragement-Motherhood-Devotional-Writings-Christ/dp/1956658882/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JBOBMI6DFY1A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QWg7i0W7B4HyHz8mVwJNmIMDYFfs-9HyrPZi1v32HvAlL-6fycsJjxrzdeD7imCcb2wtbTkNzE-jf0YZv8CzxQnAjfv_sbBMOTOPdXSSFYmUTxFxEnsboO2Eo-5TbtQSTzOOQT8ZqzzTRzP8M2zKH2RQL7NLzCdfY351TfF0-qH3AHtuJ3qBU9RwhwFsYI8fEQYt4qXWej8xib_tcwBW3N7KVNXgewbKCwVRxQ5nZns.G_bVfYNGV44uBk0KB3MXTSHR0du9L9vDZMlcDvoTJuc&dib_tag=se&keywords=encouragement+for+motherhood&qid=1711549376&sprefix=encouragement+for+%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-1
Katie's Podcast Freely Given: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/freelygiven
Women's Ministries Biennial June 8th:https://www.wmclb.org/2024-womens-convention.html
Our first ever cross over podcast with our sister podcast Beautifully Woven! Karen and Mike sit down and talk with Carol and Ashley from Bloom to hear more about their ministry and how it is impacting women in their area.
https://bloomforwomen.org/
Find 'Grace for the Grind' here: https://clbforge.org/podcast/
wmclb.org
Karen and Heather share their stories about how they became passionate about theology and why it’s important.
We talk about how it influences our parenting, our marriages, and our friendships.
We also talk about what happens when you throw out theology to become more palatable to those in our communities and culture.
Heather is married to Clint Knutson, who is a professor at LBS.
Find more about LBS here: https://www.lbs.edu
Information for Cup Of Blessing can be found here: https://www.wmclb.org
Karen talks with Beka about why she fell in love with ministry and theology. Beka shares her journey of being discipled and brought into ministry throughout her growing up years. Ministry is not always easy and we talk about navigating hurt that inevitably comes.
Beka is a student of Lutheran Brethren Seminary she shares why she felt called to further her education through seminary. And encourages all of us to sit and learn at the feet of Jesus.
If you are interested in hearing more about LBS you can find more information here: https://www.lbs.edu
And if you are interested in connecting with Beka herself you can email: wmclbcontact@gmail.com
Cup Of Blessing information can be found here: https://www.wmclb.org
Karen talks with Clint and Heather Knutson about Clint's call to teach at the Lutheran Brethren Seminary, otherwise known as LBS.
We also talk about how our view of the Bible affects the way we see different aspects of life. How do we view our neighbor? How do we view God in our suffering?
We talk about leaving behind our agendas and taking a humble view as we approach God's Word and what he desires to communicate through it.
God desires for us to read his Word on our own and as a church body. Our theology gives us the framework as we live life and interpret scripture.
Find our more about LBS Here:https://www.lbs.edu
Cup Of Blessing resources can be found here: https://www.wmclb.org
Karen Stenberg and Heather Knutson are today's hosts as they interview Julie Gundersen who is a Parish Nurse at Bethel Church.
We talk about, what is a Parish Nurse? How do we care for and connect those in our church who are walking through difficult seasons in their lives?
We talk about the benefits of parish nurse ministry to our congregations, it will look different deepening on the size of your church, but that's ok!
You can find out more about Bethel Church at their website: https://bethellutheran.church
Autumn Blessings at the WMCLB is up and going right now! Find out more about that here: https://www.wmclb.org
Karen talks with Diana about connecting your community to your church. People don't often just come into our churches without connections. It can be difficult to figure out how to connect with people we don't know. Diana shares how doing different types of events opens up those doors. It's easier than we think!
For more info on our Women's Ministries, you can find is here:
https://www.wmclb.org
We also have our Autumn Blessing's Campaign running right now. You can find more info on that at our website as well.
Karen talks with Joyce Rust about the church plant in Red Deer, AB. Called "The River" This is the WMCLB 2023-24 focus project. They have a unique ministry as they church plant in Red Deer. A large part of that ministry is to the refugee population moving into their community. This comes with many needs and more joys, as they serve and love those in their community! Hear Joyce share all about ministry in Red Deer!
https://www.wmclb.org
Today Heather Knutson is your host where she interview's Ellie. They talk about the burden on her heart for mission how that lead to her attending LBS and pursuing a call into the mission field of Chad Africa.
Since this episode was recorded Ellie was very recently married to Matthias Szobody and is now Ellie Szobody! You can check out more about their call together into mission here: https://clba.org/blog/2023/07/14/szobody-and-bourque-engaged-and-called-to-chad
http://www.wmclb.org
Karen talk's with Rachel about Women's Ministries in Canada. Where it's been and the hopes for the future. We talk about the challenges that many of us face when planning ministry events and how they have began to tackle those.
Also if you are curious about Pavlova Rachel talks about here is a recipe I found for it! :) I can't swing by Rachel's kitchen but maybe I'll just have to try it.
https://natashaskitchen.com/pavlova-recipe/
http://www.wmclb.org
This year the WMCLB launched two cohorts this past fall. Hear Alexa, Sharon and Karen talk about the experience of being in a cohort going through the book "Ragged" by Gretchen Ronnevik.
We talk about being able to discuss about the book, where God was a work, where we felt challenged and the relationships we developed with the group.
Please consider joining a cohort this fall! We will be going through "Joining Jesus on His Mission" by Greg Finke.
Reach out at: wmclbcontact@gmail.com
Karen and Barbara jump into talking about studying scripture in context. This is a great thing to understand whether you are leading a study or reading scripture on your own.
Barbara also shares about how impactful reading through the whole Bible has been on her life. She lets us know about an app that has a reading plan to help you read through the whole Bible. Link here:the-bible-app
Leading a Bible Study Videos can be found here: http://www.wmclb.org/training.html
Karen talk's with Barbara about Leading a Bible Study. What to look for when choosing a study, what aids to help in leading and how to disciple and engaging new leaders in Bible Study. It's not always easy but it's worth it!
Check out the How to Lead a Bible Study Video's Here: http://www.wmclb.org/training.html
Daniel, Mike and Karen discuss why we have Bible Study. What are we talking about when we use the words law and gospel. Why is it important? How do we find law and gospel in a text? How do we leave our Bible Studies feeling refreshed?
You can hear more conversations about law and gospel on Grace for the Grind. Search "Grace for the Grind" wherever you listen to podcast's, apple, Spotify, etc.. Or find it here:https://clbforge.org/podcast/
Karen and Alexa talk about where to start when getting a Bible Study going and leading one. Alexa share's her experiences with different studies, what was helpful to her, and why she is so passionate about studying God's Word together.
Alexa and Paul Fraser are our newly commissioned missionaries to Japan. https://clba.org/lbim-missionaries
You can find our Bible Study Videos here: http://www.wmclb.org/training.html
The Hosch's are CLB Missionaries who are ministering in Taiwan, in the city of Taichung. Karen and Sara have a conversation about what ministry is like there, how is it different from what we are used to and how is it the same as ministry in North America? Sara also shares about their ministry in the park and the VBS she will be putting on in partnership with their church this July. Women's Ministries is excited to partner with the Hosch's and "Victory Church" in this VBS ministry as we will be sending financial support to this special project to run VBS in the park! Please pray for "Victory Church" and Hosch's as they prepare and do VBS July 4-6th!
http://www.wmclb.org
https://clba.org/lbim-missionaries
Freely Given Podcast Link with Heidi Goehmann:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotions-and-the-gospel/id1528892253?i=1000579595998
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forgotten-emotions-of-jesus/id1528892253?i=1000580264923
Amy Bourque and Karen talk about Cup of Blessing. We talk about what it is, what this year's focus project is, and what some churches have done for this fundraiser. You can hear about the famous "Mustache Challenge"! We also talk about some of the other things we do on the national level of Women's Ministries and what we are working towards for the future. We share more about "The Joseph Project" this years focus project.
Submit your "Get to Know" info to: wmclbinfo@gmail.com
Information needed: Your name, city, state, church you attend, favorite coffee or tea drink, and favorite Bible verse or story.
Sign up for the newsletter at: wmclbcontact@gmail.com
Find more about our projects and resources on WMCLB Website: wmclb.org
Listen to Jenilee and I talk about seeing the need in ministry. We talk about what Women's Ministry looks like at her church, Oak Hill. We talk about ministry that stay's the same and how new ministries popped up. Jenilee also shares about a unique Sunday school family program that sprung up at her church.
Jenilee is married to Ben Bigaouette, they have 3 kids. Jenilee and Ben lived in Minneapolis, MN where Ben pastored at Oak Hill church and Jenilee ran the children's ministries. They recently moved to Moorhead, MN where Ben is now pastoring at Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church.
Sign up for our Newsletter by emailing: wmclbcontact@gmail.com
Give to Cup of Blessing at: wmclb.org
Cup of Blessing support's our special mission project's and also everything we do here at the WMCLB, like this podcast! Thank you for your support!
Join us, as Kirsten and I talk about bridging the generational gap and what conversations took place with her and a woman at their church. We talk about the Prayer Partner ministry that sprung out from those conversations. It's not always easy to bridge those divides, but it is so worth it!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or our website: http://www.wmclb.org/
We always love hearing from you!
Join us today as Karen talks with Kirsten Pierce about a special ministry that she call's "Supper Club". It was so fun to sit down with her and talk about the in's and out's of this ministry. It's been a great way to form deeper conversations and connections with women in her area. Kirsten is married to Dave Pierce and they have 3 kids. They live in Olympia, WA and attend Peace Lutheran Brethren Church.
You can find question's for Supper Club Here: https://www.ifgathering.com/iftable/
Connect with us through Facebook, Instagram and our website: http://www.wmclb.org/
Karen and Dena talk about what is was like for Dena coming back to her church after seminary and looking at church and community with fresh eyes. We also talk about what their women's ministry looks like. Dena is married to Greg Rokos where they live in Camrose, Alberta Canada with their 4 kids. Greg pastors at Resurrection Lutheran Brethren Church.
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or website: www.wmclb.org
Mission is a pretty big deal, and here at WMCLB we believe mission starts in our homes, communities, and our churches, both overseas, and here in North America. God is calling each of us to join Him in His mission. So what could that look like for us? Mary Anderson joins Karen as they discuss the WMCLB Value: Together in Mission.
Relationships can be hard and messy. Building relationships across generations even more so. Amy joins Karen to discuss how the blessings and fruit of authentically sharing struggles, difficulties, joys and victories is so incredibly worth it, as they explore the WMCLB Value: Together in Life.
God’s Word is the foundational truth upon which we stand. We value equipping and training women to study the Word alone, or in groups, as women together. Karen sits down with Gretchen to talk about WMCLB's value "Together in the Word". They discuss how God's Word intersects with daily life, and the importance of a Law/Gospel perspective.
Gretchen is a speaker and author. Pick up her book "Ragged: Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritually Exhausted" here.
Co-Presidents of WMCLB, Karen Stenberg and Barbara Heggland sit down and talk about Women's Ministries in the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. Join Karen and Barb as they discuss where Women's Ministries has been, and what the Vision is moving forward.