10/13/2025
Crossroads Conference WELCA held their Fall Leadership Training at Eastside Lutheran Church yesterday. The speakers were excellent and I (Erika Lehmann) recommend them if you are looking for informative presenters in the future.
First we had Mike Turner who founded Owen’s Outfitters in Sioux Falls. When his son Owen developed severe medical issues as a young child they had to spend a great deal of money on special equipment despite having private insurance and Medicaid. After his death they were left with that equipment and the desire to develop a nonprofit where people could donate their hospital beds, crutches, medical equipment of all kinds and it would be passed along to those who need it at no charge or financial restrictions.
Secondly, we had Susanne Gale from Feeding South Dakota who gave an overview of the needs for food for children, families, senior citizens, and those in every county in the state and how Feeding SD helps fight hunger.
Finally we had Pastor Laura Phillips, recently called to be the assistant pastor of St. Dysmas of SD. She gave a beautiful Bible study and reflection on our theme “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread.”
Interspersed throughout the day we heard from all the conference officers, sang, ate, and visited. We even did a bit of exercise! It was a very good day.
Please share who presented at your fall conference meeting! If you want to write something up to be a post like this, you can message me through this page, or just post something in the comments.
