What would you say if someone asked you why you care about Women of the ELCA? I mean, clearly, you do. You wouldn’t be reading this if you didn’t. But why do you care? What makes you care enough to spend your precious time and thought and energy with the women’s ministry of the church?
What one thing would you say to someone who asked you that question?
Thinking about why we care about something leads to our being able to tell others why we care. And that’s what draws people to come and discover something they can care about too.
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. (Women of the ELCA Purpose Statement)
Okay, I’ll go first.
Here’s one thing I’d tell someone who asked me why I care about Women of the ELCA: Because here I find companions on my faith journey, companions who affirm the way I live my faith, even if their way of living their faith is different than mine. And now, during this time of physical distancing, we need our companions more than ever, don’t we?
For me, I find deep satisfaction in the rituals that have been part of worship for centuries, and my companions at church help me celebrate that, if now only virtually. Yes, I confess, I’m a liturgy nerd. One of my companions on the journey finds her bliss in advocacy and inspiring others to service. Yes, she cheerfully says, she’s a justice junkie. We live our faith in different ways, but together, we affirm and enrich each other’s growth in faith.
That’s one reason I care about Women of the ELCA. Now it’s your turn! What’s one reason you care about Women of the ELCA?
Audrey Novak Riley is director for Stewardship and for Women of the ELCA.
Feature photo by Elizabeth McBride on National Quilting Day
Thank you!
Your generous Thankofferings and “Where Needed Most” gifts help the churchwide women’s organization keep these connections strong. Please give online at welca.org/give, or mail your check, made out to Women of the ELCA with either “Thankoffering” or “Where Needed Most” written on the memo line, to:
Women of the ELCA
c/o ELCA Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 1809
Merrifield VA 22116-8009.
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Here at Bethesda in Ames, Iowa, the women have a long history of “Scandinavian Coffee” in October, with the tea table and traditional baked goods, plus crafts and great community socialization. Well, the pandemic necessitated an imaginary event–and brought in more cash than the previous year! We were able to fulfill the requests made known to us, plus more.
However–the very big however– women of Bethesda and all our sisters need to update ourselves to the mission at hand. We would do well to catch up with our leader-sisters in Chicago, introduce the unaware to ‘gather,’ discover leadership among more in our congregations…invite newbies to learn about the next Gathering! Oh, and 20 years ago Christa Von Zychlin served this parish with her husband, so we can get acquainted (or re-acquainted) with her now through “Journeys with Angels.” Thanks for all you do,
Bless you and yours, Carolyn.
I have been involved in ALCW and WELCA since the 70s. The thing I appreciate the most is the purpose statement of WELCA. This statement has encouraged me and given me strength since it was developed. Brilliant foresight by the women who formulated the mission and purpose statement. I have tried to live my life according to that purpose statement.
That’s beautiful, Margie.
The most important reason for me is that I know that from the North Western part of Alaska to the South Eastern part of Florida there are women just like me who enjoy being with and chatting with other Lutheran Women. We are in one big happy family. I have lunched with a group from Alaska at a Triennial and I had dinner with some women from the Islands south of Florida. There was not one feeling we were different, we might look a little different but in our hearts we love each other. Lutheran and Love both start with that special capital “L” for me.
That’s so nice, Judy. Thank you for sharing.