CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Thousands of women from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will have the opportunity in 1999 to "develop a deep and biblical understanding of God's justice" at the Women of the ELCA Fourth Triennial Convention. The organization's executive board met here March 12-15 and identified goals for the convention.
The event is set for July 8-11, 1999, in St. Louis. About 6,000 participants are expected to register.
The convention will enhance community among participating women and among women throughout ELCA, according to Marlene S. Joseph, associate executive director for the organization.
The triennial convention is the chief legislative authority of Women of the ELCA and the occasion for election of new officers. "Besides business, the convention provides opportunities for Bible study, theological reflection and worship that praise and glorify God and encourage spiritual growth," said Sharroll Bernahl, president, Fort Morgan, Colo.
One goal of the event is "to foster and strengthen women's understanding of themselves as partners in the mission and ministry of the organization and to provide opportunities for them to engage in discussion and decision-making on issues that will influence the future of Women of the ELCA," said Joseph.
Every three years Women of the ELCA sets a theme for its next triennium. "Live God's Justice," the 1999 to 2002 theme, will be launched at the convention. It is based on the biblical text Micah 6:8. Related resources and programs will be introduced at the event.
"The convention will equip women to live in God's justice in all arenas of life. They will come to strengthen their skills, increase their understanding of justice issues, especially those related to women, and become effective advocates for healing and wholeness in all of society," said Joseph.
"I think when participants walk into a gathering such as this and see many women of different backgrounds and age groups, they are overwhelmed," said Judy Wagner St. Pierre, a board member from Newport News, Va. "At the same time, you are comforted because you are part of something so big you couldn't imagine it at home," she said.
The convention will also "foster a sense of global, multicultural community and a willingness to stand with other women in all circumstances," said Joseph.
A Women of Color Gathering will precede the convention July 5-7 in St. Louis. That event provides an opportunity "for women to come together to hear the voices of other women of color, to support each other and validate the fact that we have leadership skills and something to offer the organization," said Linda Chinnia, a board member from Baltimore.
"This gathering will encourage women of color to feel a sisterhood and to be more visible at the larger Women of the ELCA convention. It is very easy to disappear among 6,000 participants," Chinnia said.
In other business, the executive board voted to budget more money in 1999 to provide anti-racism training for presidents of the 64 ELCA synod women organizations. Women of ELCA established an anti-racism network in 1997.
"The board examines the budget with four priorities in mind: spirituality, stewardship, anti-racism and worship," said Chinnia. "As the board examines the budget we are really looking to see how these priorities play out in programs of Women of the ELCA," she said.
The $3.9 million budget for 1998 reflects program expense of $1.7 million, a $1 million gift to the ELCA, $520,000 for administration, $304,200 for grants and scholarships and $90,000 for the work of the executive board and travel.
Women from across the church have responded to "Katie's Fund" with gifts totaling more than $110,000, Executive Director Catherine I.H. Braasch told the board. Katie's Fund, established last year to mark the tenth anniversary of Women of the ELCA, is a permanent endowment fund that provides programs, resources and opportunities for women in the areas of global sharing, leadership development and faith. The fund is named after Katharina (Katie) von Bora, wife of 16th century German reformer Martin Luther.
There are 8,596 Women of the ELCA units in ELCA congregations.
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
