Women of the ELCA can include all these activities and more. When you hear "Women of the ELCA," we hope you think about how this organization provides a home for women of all ages, with all their varied interests and activities. This is not a "one size fits all" organization, and, although at one time we were considered an auxiliary, this has not been the case since the formation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1987: We are a part of the whole church, doing our part for the sake of the Gospel, with a focus on women.

What is our part?
Consider our mission statement: "To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ."

Look at our purpose statement, which amplifies the mission statement: "As a community of women, created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world."

Without really knowing it, many women in your congregation are already fulfilling the purpose and mission statements. And by bringing all their ministries together under the umbrella of Women of the ELCA, all can reap even more benefits in support of both their ministries and personal growth.

What’s in it for you?
Get together with the other women in your congregation and talk about the fact that all of you are about the business of acting on your faith in Jesus Christ. And as part of that, you desire to affirm more fully one another’s gifts and to support one another in your callings. It is said that "many can accomplish what the few cannot." Imagine the potential in carrying out the mission and purpose statements by consolidating your efforts: It could revitalize all your ministries, offer new opportunities for women’s ministry in places without any formal connection to Women of the ELCA, and result in greater enthusiasm and diversity in ministry with the strength of numbers. And you can make both local and global connections.

You will learn about resources for programs and retreats. You’ll get leadership support through Interchange, the organization’s newsletter, from your synodical women’s leadership, and from various events of the entire organization. You’ll be inspired, motivated, and supported on your faith journey with Lutheran Woman Today magazine through its articles, updates on Women of the ELCA activities, and Bible studies. You also may be elected a delegate to your synodical convention or even the triennial convention, where major decisions for the organization are made.

Wouldn’t it be fun and interesting to get together every few months to hear what each of the groups is doing — to share needs and accomplishments and to help each other when you can? (Many existing units of Women of the ELCA call these "general meetings," and they hold them two or three times a year. During the rest of the year the women gather in small groups to carry out their varied ministries.)

How do you proceed?
If you’d like to explore the possibility of bringing all the women’s ministries in your congregation under one umbrella for mutual support and encouragement, invite women to talk about the possibilities together. Try a Sunday forum between worship services, a weekend or evening "tea," or perhaps even a retreat. Or develop some survey questions and take them to every woman in the congregation — much like your congregation does in its annual stewardship and pledge emphasis. Then decide on what structure will best suit your needs. (See sample ways to organize or create your own model.) If you aren’t already a Women of the ELCA unit, check the Web site for a model constitution and create a unit.

What does it take?
Forming a unit is fairly simple. The Approved Model Constitution and Bylaws for Congregational or Intercongregational Units states: "To accomplish the purpose of Women of the ELCA women in this unit shall commit themselves to (a) come together for study, support, and action; (b) participate in the ministry of Women of the ELCA beyond the congregation; (c) support financially the total program of Women of the ELCA; and (d) designate leadership that shall be in communication with the synodical and churchwide women’s organization" (Article II, Section 2).

For an overview of what participants in Women of the ELCA are doing and what’s available to support you in your ministries, explore this Web site. If you need help with organizing or just want to talk to someone about this, call me at 800-638-3522, ext. 2727. I’ll be happy to listen and to share ideas.

This is what it’s all about — women of the church working together to make a difference!