New Jersey         

Click here to download a copy of the Board Contact List for their addresses & phone numbers.  

Joanne's Bio:

A very energetic 49-year-old married women, no children but I do have two fur babies and fish.  My occupation currently is an administrative biller for a petroleum company here in NJ. I am a middle child of two sisters and one brother, proud aunt of six nieces and nephews and one great niece.  Active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Bayonne NJ. A firm believer and journey walker in the WELCA and our Lutheran Heritage.

Vice President - Valerie Slack

2019 - 2021

Congregation - Trinity, Jersey City
vslack14@yahoo.com

201-705-4943

Valerie's Bio: 

Devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jersey City, New JerseyChurch Council member – serving as Capital Fund Secretary of Finance Committee Choir Member, Communion Assistant and Former Sunday School Superintendent.
Currently serving as Vice President of local WELCA unit and also serving as Vice President of State WELCA board.

Personal background:
My employment is that of an Administrative Assistant at Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School.  I am a married woman just celebrating 38 years of blessed happiness, a devoted Mother and Grandmother.

Linda's Bio:

I grew up in the over 150-year-old congregation of Our Savior's Lutheran in Edison.  The journey of this church reflects the changes of our society and times.  It grew from a small group of Danish immigrants in Perth Amboy to a larger church that needed to move where the families were in the suburbs. Now the worship has dwindled to less than 25 worshiping.  A constant in the years has been the contribution of the women. From the Ladies' Aid to WELCA to simply the women in the church they have been there for their church family. My husband and I will celebrate 49 years of marriage.  I have two grown children and a perfect granddaughter.  Retired from IRS and want devoting time to promoting and supporting this wonderful organization.

                               Secretary - Julia Hong Sabella 

2018 - 2020  

Congregation - Good Shepherd, Somerville

lionsharejhs@aol.com

908-630-9297

Julia's Bio:

Retired from U.S. Census Bureau.  Member of American Statistical Assoc. 

Married to James for 48 years-am a parent and grandparent. 

Education-Columbia Univ-Barnard College, Columbia Graduate Faculties.  Past Pres., Fund Chair,  of Class, past College Fair Alumna Rep, member of Class of 1971 Advisors.  Supporter of Women's Rights. 

Member of various Call Committees including Pastor, Music/Choir Director.  Voting delegate to Greater NY Metro Synod (ELCA)when residing on L.I.  Performed various church duties incl. Sunday school, VBS teacher, reader, Praise group etc.

 LWML- Retired Pres. ( Society level), Vice-Pres (Zone level),Sec'y (Zone Level), Banner Dir. (National Convention)-I had dual membership since our township only has an LCMS church.  Lutheran Brotherhood Board member, Thrivent Financial Central N.J. Chapter Leader for numerous years-transferred back to full-membership at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (ELCA), Diakonia graduate (ELCA).

Board Member - Gwendolyn Henderson 

2019 - 2021 

 Congregation - Trenton Deliverance Center, Trenton

Gwendolyn's Bio:
I am a retired Licensed Practical Nurse. I am active in my local church. I am blessed to serve as musician for the Trenton Deliverance Center Gospel choir.My home town is Suffolk Va. I was educated in the Trenton public school system. In 1978, I graduated from Mercer Country Vocational school as an LPN.

Board Member - Wannetta Phillips 

2019 - 2021

Congregation - Prince of Peace, Denville/Rockaway

Wannetta's Bio:

I am a retired accountant who worked for American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) for more than 37 years, in New York, New Jersey and Atlanta.  I also served on national and local Boards of Directors of Women of AT&T for several years and also received several top awards and commendations while working there.  I earned my Master's Degree, have made significant contribution to community development both in Guyana and in the United States.  I have also been recognized by many organizations for my dedication to community service.  I travel to Guyana, South America once a year with family members to give back to the community.I am a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Denville/Rockaway where I serve as the current Council President.  I am a Community Advocate who have received local and state awards and citations for my community service.  I continue to serve on various Board of Directors and Advisory Councils in New Jersey. I have twin daughters and two grandchildren.  I am an avid quilter and have received awards for my quilts.  I believe in giving back to our communities, a legacy which was handed down to my family by our late parents.

 Website Editor: Charlene Rollins 

   njwelca@yahoo.com 

    908-698-1454

One & Two year term Board positions are available!!

Youth Board position - One year term available!!

Please consider serving on the board so that the cares & concerns of NJ Women throughout the Synod are represented!