ST. LOUIS (ELCA) -- Within a setting of worship and reflection, members of the executive staff of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), presented programs and resources on the organization's theme for the next three years. The theme "Live God's Justice" -- based on the Bible verse Micah 6:8 -- was presented to nearly 4,000 convention participants here July 8.
The Fourth Triennial Convention of Women of the ELCA is meeting July 8-11 at the America's Center. The theme is unveiled at the convention amid Bible study, keynote addresses, workshops, business sessions and elections.
The theme was "presented within a 'Live God's Justice' ritual," said Doris Streiter, a program team leader for Women of the ELCA. During the ritual, leaders lit candles and led participants in song and liturgy. Members of the executive staff of the Women of the ELCA, Chicago, discussed the meaning of the theme. Streiter said the ritual helped women connect the theme of the last triennium, "Proclaim God's Peace," to the new theme "Live God's Justice."
"We will seek to increase understanding of justice issues," said Faith Fretheim, a program director for the Women of the ELCA. Fretheim said Women of the ELCA will "become effective advocates of justice in our society."
Leaders of the presentation ritual included Fretheim; Streiter; Marlene Joseph, associate executive director; and Lynn Frank, leadership development specialist.
Streiter outlined the executive committee's four goals for emphasis in the next three years. Programs will center on stewardship, spirituality, worship and anti-racism.
"Together, we will 'Live God's Justice' as we face the challenges, the hope and the promise of a new millennium," Streiter said.
The presentation featured a video set in 2001 with a woman named Maria reflecting on how the Fourth Triennial Convention in St. Louis changed her life. The video highlighted resources women can use to learn and grow in the theme of "Live God's Justice."
More than 20 resources will be available, many in Spanish as well as English. Resources include: part three of the "Witness of Women," an evangelism strategy; "Eye-Openers," programs and activities for congregational units; "For Your Liberation and Mine," a resource about women and children in poverty; "Reaching aCross," a cross-cultural study series; and "Feasting at Katie's Table," a video and study guide.
The presentation concluded with prayer petitions, song and liturgy. In a dark room, women held tiny flashlights in the air and heard words about being a positive light in the world.
"Our light will shine in the church, the society and the world," worship leaders said in unison.
"We will 'Live God's Justice.' We will hold God's people in our hearts," the congregation responded.
(Editor's note: "Reaching aCross" is the correct spelling.)
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
