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Women and Water

The Sixth Triennial Convention asked Women of the ELCA everywhere to take the lead in identifying and educating about water issues where they live. Click on the items below for background information, ideas for building water awareness efforts at home, and educational and worship resources.
 


It's in your hands

This information can help you determine just where you can put your water-related efforts.

Women and Water: Let's Begin

Background information

ELCA social statement: Caring for Creation



Women report

Carol Fossum sent this report from Washington:

At our Southwestern Washington Synod Women of the ELCA Convention two weeks ago, we passed a resolution in support for local and global water issues.  We resolved that we would take actions personally and as an organization to understand water issues; conserve water in our own lives; and contribute in some way to the broader water crisis affecting thousands of God's people around the globe.  So now we need to learn, take action, conserve and contribute.  I'd welcome any suggestions!   We used part of our offering to send to LWR for "water issues"."

Women to support water project for 20th anniversary

Women of the ELCA has chosen a Stand With Africa Water Project as one of the recipients of offerings received in observance of the organization's 20th anniversary.

As you plan and carry out your celebration of 20 years of bold ministry in, with, and through Women of the ELCA, be sure to include an offering for this project.


Worship resources

Church World Service provides a "Worship with the World: Water" resource that may be useful for World Water Day, March 22.

It includes prayers, suggested hymns, and a story about Teresa Dafana, who directs a well-digging crew of five men to create reliable sources of safe water for remote rural villages in Zimbabwe. Get it here.

For prayers for use in various settings, click here.


What if there's not enough water to go around?

Read about the issue of privatization and alternative solutions to water shortage problems. Church World Service offers this resource on water:
www.churchworldservice.
org/pdf_files/EA/water2.pdf


Women of the ELCA
and water

Start by reading Women and Water: Let's Begin, followed by the background information. Then look into World Water Monitoring Day to determine circumstances in your area.

The Earth Day Web site may also be a good place to start in defining water issues in your synod or region. From this page you can get water facts, learn about water issues, and download resources.

Then what?
Once you've defined the water issues in your area, share what you will be doing to educate about and respond to the needs in your area. Inspire others with your plans, stories, and photos (non-returnable); we'll post them on this site.

You also may share your comments on the "women and water" discussion board.


Lutheran World Federation on water

LWF says water is "the challenge of the 21st century" and urges all people to avoid over-consumption of water. Read more.

 
 

March 22, 2005, World Water Day, marked the launch of the International Decade for Action: Water for Life.
 

Mail your stories and non-returnable photos to:
Web Developer
Women of the ELCA
8765 W. Higgins Rd.
Chicago, IL 60631-4101

Include information on how to contact you.