CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will meet July 8-11 at the America's Center in St. Louis for its Fourth Triennial Convention. The convention will bring together thousands of participants who will explore the theme "Live God's Justice" through worship services, speeches, Bible studies, workshops and business meetings.
"It's a time to be challenged, equipped, supported and sent forth to live God's justice," said Catherine I. H. Braasch, executive director of Women of the ELCA. "Whether you're a longtime member or new to this organization, there's something here for you."
Anti-racism, stewardship, worship and spirituality are the four ends, or goals, that will be addressed at the convention and through 2002, Braasch said. Participants will be asked to "look at these ends through the lens of God's justice," she said. The convention will introduce thematic programs and resources for the next three years. These materials will "teach Christian faith and inspire and equip women for service in church and society," Braasch said.
Keynote speakers include Myrlie Evers-Williams, former chair of the national board of directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and widow of slain civil rights worker Medgar Evers; former U.S. Senator Paul Simon (D-Ill.); and Frances Hesselbein, 1998 winner of the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom and chair of the board of governors of the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management.
Speakers will address the convention's theme, "Live God's Justice," based on the Bible verse Micah 6:8.
"Speakers were selected to challenge and inspire us to live God's justice from three unique perspectives," Braasch said.
Mercy Oduyoye, founder of the Institute of Women in Religion and Culture, Trinity Theological College, Accra, Ghana, will preach at the convention's opening worship service; the Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, will preach at closing worship.
Some 500 delegates from the 64 synodical women's organizations across the United States and the Caribbean will elect a new president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and 17 members to the churchwide executive board. Other business will include consideration of a budget for the year 2000, recommendations from the executive board on issues dealing with women and children and memorials from the synodical women's organizations. Memorials are issues that synodical organizations have requested be discussed at the convention.
Participants are encouraged to act for justice by bringing in-kind gifts to the convention. Suggested offerings include personal hygiene items and school supplies. Participants are also encouraged to write letters of advocacy to public officials on behalf of legislation to support women and children in crisis.
"Women of the ELCA wants to be a witness in the communities where we meet," Braasch said. Ministries, schools and social agencies will distribute these gifts in the St. Louis area.
Women of the ELCA can also learn from the community, Braasch said. Participants can experience the "Convention Without Walls" by traveling off-site to visit local community programs, congregations and social service organizations. Sites this year include Sts. Peter and Paul Ministries, a men's shelter; Caring Communities, schools working together with churches and communities; Community Stabilization, communities working with churches and the city; Habitat for Humanity, building houses for low-income families; The Good Samaritan House, grass roots advocate center; Hannah's Daughters, mentoring program for girls and young African American women (ages 8-18); Parish Partnership Transitional Housing, program rehabilitates vacant buildings for use as transitional housing for homeless families; and Prison Ministry, with Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Workshops will be offered to explore the theme, "Live God's Justice," more deeply. Participants can choose from 45 workshops that will follow five tracks: discerning God's call to live justly, journeying with God throughout life, uniting with women and children in need, living God's justice and moving into the 21st century.
A Women of Color Gathering will precede the convention July 5-7 in St. Louis with the theme "For Such a Time as This." Based on the Bible verses Esther 4:13-14, the gathering will help women of color share and discuss issues that affect their lives, said Inez Torres Davis, director of organization and development services for Women of the ELCA and coordinator of the Women of Color Gathering.
The gathering seeks to build bridges and unite women of all races and ethnicities against racism, Davis said. "Anti-racism is a partnership," she said. "It requires all of us."
Women in nearly 8,600 churches and inter-congregational units make up Women of the ELCA, existing as an integral partner with the wider church. The group has three mission areas -- community, growth and action -- that unite in one mission to proclaim the grace of Jesus Christ throughout the world, said Braasch.
[*"Lisa Smith is a senior at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. This
summer, she is an intern with ELCA News and Information."]
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.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
