ELCA Women Are like a Kaleidoscope, Says President Bernahl

ST. LOUIS (ELCA) -- Sharroll Bernahl, Fort Morgan, Colo., president of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), compared the church's women's organization to a kaleidoscope, in her final report as president.
The Fourth Triennial Convention of Women of the ELCA is meeting July 8-11 here at the America's Center. The organization's three-year theme, "Live God's Justice," is unveiled at the convention amid Bible study, keynote addresses, workshops, business sessions and elections.
After the first ballot was taken in the election of a new president, Bernahl presented her report to the convention. At the start of the election process there are no nominations; the first ballot is a nominating ballot.
If a nominating committee had asked her in 1996 to be nominated for president, Bernahl said she would have said "no." Instead of politics, the process relies on God's Holy Spirit, and trusting God guided her through a three-year term as president, she said.
Bernahl compared Women of the ELCA to a beautiful brass kaleidoscope that she received as a gift. Looking into the kaleidoscope, one sees a host of sparkling flecks of light and "each is needed for that magnificent picture," she said.
"The challenge in the kaleidoscope is that we do not control the final picture," said Bernahl. "God is in control."
Like a kaleidoscope, Women of the ELCA is "continually changing -- a community on a journey," she said. God is the organization's strong, central focal point, Bernahl said.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html