In a specially called meeting December 23, Women of the ELCA’s executive board decided how and when to hold the organization’s convention and gathering.
The meeting and Just Love Gathering were initially scheduled for July 14-16, 2020. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, the board, in its April 2020 meeting, rescheduled the convention and gathering for early August 2021.
“Since the April board meeting, the coronavirus has spread in ways that few would have imagined,” said Linda Post Bushkofsky, churchwide executive director.
As of December 23, more than 323,000 people have died in the United States due to the coronavirus, she said. More than 18.2 million people have been infected to date in the U.S. Leading epidemiologists describe the current trajectory of the virus as a “surge upon surge upon surge.”
Three recommendations
Therefore, believing that in-person meetings will be unsafe into 2021, the executive board approved three recommendations:
- That the Eleventh Triennial Convention, currently scheduled for August 3-5, 2021, be held virtually (or digitally) on those same dates.
“The triennial convention cannot meet virtually until the 2017 voting members amend the constitution to allow for virtual meetings,” said Bushkofsky.
Before the organization can hold a virtual convention, she said, voting members of the Tenth Triennial Convention (2017) must approve it. “So, the staff will take steps necessary to be in touch with the voting members regarding proposed changes to the constitution.” Those proposed changes were made by the executive board at its October 2020 meeting.
- That the Just Love Gathering, currently scheduled for August 5-8, 2021, be postponed and registration refunds be offered. Staff will then find other ways to build community and bring women together virtually in 2021 and 2022.
- That the Twelfth Triennial Convention and a Gathering be held in Phoenix, Arizona, during the week of September 18, 2023.
“The executive board recognizes that the recommendations carry with them several other implications,” Bushkofsky said. “Despite the challenges, we feel that these are the best options at the current time.”
Feature photo: Voting machines at the 2017 Triennial Convention in Minneapolis
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Thanks to all who have commented, offering your prayers and support to the board and staff during these challenging times. We were gratified to read your comments. Those who have registered for what was to be the 2021 gathering will be contacted via email within the next two weeks or so. Look for that email which will spell out the various options available to you. You can also keep posted by regularly consulting with this blog. Again, thank you. And may this new year be filled with hope, healing and God’s justice.
I praise and thank you for these wise changes. God Bless You All. Keeping you in my Prayers, Genie Hanson Albert Lea, Mn Central Freeborn Lutheran Church
We, as WELCA members have to put our trust in the executive boards decisions. We are many women of race and color. Our trust is in their decision.
It saddens me not to be meeting in person for either the convention or the gathering, but above all is the safety of our women, guests and community around us. As for the registrations, instead of a refund, can it be held over and applied to the next gathering?
My prayers, love and appreciation to the churchwide board for their time and energy to make these difficult decisions.
While I will miss the interaction and excitement of being with everyone, I am ecstatic and grateful that the board has taken these measures. You have shared God’s healing and protection to us all. Thank you for all that you do and I pray that you are all safe and healthy as well.
The executive board has everyone’s health and best interests in mind. I have given up traveling to the conventions so now maybe I can still be part of the convention and hear the wonderful speakers. Those of us who would like to attend should still be charged something. We just will not have travel and hotel expenses.
I echo what already has been stated. The Board members are in our prayers and we know that their decision is made with thoughts of keeping everyone safe and healthy. We will look forward to the next convention we can hold in person while still experiencing virtually this year the warm renewing friendships we have had in the past. Blessings to all our WELCA sisters.
I trust the board to make this difficult decision. If the Gathering is held in September then some people won’t be able to attend. It would be better if we could have it in the summer before school starts back.
I have served on each of the boards in all expressions of Women of the ELCA. I know about making hard decisions. None is so hard as saying we can’t do something we would like to do or have happen.
I applaud the churchwide board for tackling the question of having a digital Gathering. I was not a delegate in 2017 so I have no vote in making a digital gathering possible. However, I would encourage all 2017 delegates to consider having a digital Gathering. I would also encourage the convention to be made available to any women who would like to be an observer of the business sessions be made possible.
I, too, will miss the many women I have met over the years at conventions/gatherings. The connections I have made make me feel a part of the whole organization not just my local unit which I believe is important.
Thank you for your decision. I know the voting members from NE MN Synod will be unhappy as they were looking forward to it. I want everyone to be safe and healthy.
I , too, trust the decisions of the executive board and pray that we will be all together in the near future. In God we Trust.
I prayer for the board and the decisions that they need to make. I know whatever they decide will be for the best
I know this was a very hard decision. We have trusted you as an executive board and will continue to do so. While saddened, I agree with Diana Ceballos – there is wisdom and boldness in this difficult decision process. Praying for each of you as well as our Churchwide WELCA organization.
Difficult decisions have had to be made this past year for so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ. I will pray for the Executive Board to make the best decisions for the WELCA. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
This is a quote from my 2020 commencement bulletin from my graduation from ULS (which didn’t happen because of the pandemic. “God is about to do a new thing, but God is also asking them to let go of the past, because our mental maps about the past can cloud our ability to perceive what God is doing. The former things, even when they are God’s things, can blur our vision. And God does not want us to miss the new thing that God is doing.” The Rev. Louise N. Johnson – Keynote Address Prior to this quote, she reference Isaiah 43:18-19.
Isn’t Rev. Louise Johnson a prophet? She has wisdom and forethought that inspires many.
Thank you for sharing.
This is a bold and wisdom decision. I thank you for it and continue support in prayers and offerings.
I can understand the many problems faced by many. I have my own concerns as a delegate to have been for 2020. I have attended all conventions since San Antonio, Tx. My age this yr. 85 and bad knees has caused me to finally make the decision to not attend any more. I will miss the love of all my sisters in Christ.
Phyllis Glasker,
I believe the executive board has made a wise decision. We are BOLD Women indeed. Virtual Conventions may be the norm for 2021 and beyond. I will continue to pray for our Women of the ELCA and their continued guidance. Blessing to all in the New Year! Stay safe and healthy!
Margaret (Peg) Swavely
This is why we elect good, competent women as our leaders. A wise decision, although I will miss seeing my friends from across the US. Virtual works! Thanks for making a difficult decision for everyone’s health.
It is a very difficult decision. Thank you for your prayers and concern for all aspects as this impacts the ministry of the women of the ELCA. God be with you all and keep you safe this new year.
I thank the board for making this decision. I am sure that God does not want us to take any chances with this pandemic. We may still be subject to restrictions well into 2021 because of the increasing number of people being diagnosed with the virus. I will really miss the in-person gathering but I also want to be safe. I hope to see you in Phoenix in 2023.
I, too, was a delegate in 2017 and elected for the 2020 Triennial. Praying for the Board as they wrestle with this decision!
As a 2017 voting member and a 2020 delegate, now 2021, I commend the executive board for their discernment and decision making. Will look for the information that will need action from the 2017 voting members and also to the final decision on our 2021 meeting. I know that all will do everything they can to proceed for a safe, effective solution. God Bless
As a delegate, I was on the fence about going. I think the board is making the right decision to postpone triennial. I feel we should wait till we can meet face to face. Virtually loses the fun and excitement of being with a group of ladies. However, if board or delegates decide virtual I will be good with that decision.
I pray for all the voting members as they work to iron out wrinkles for us women who are out here and needing to see our friends at the triennial. This has to be hard for them. As I read this email I cried. Have met so many wonderful Lutheran Women at out Triennials that my heart has broken now because I cannot get together with them all this August. Then there is that part of me that totally thanks this group of voting members that had to make this very hard decision. God bless Linda Post Bushkofsky for her bold leadership during these difficult times. If any additional assistance is required please feel free to put my name on the list. I am here to help the Women of the ELCA when needed. God bless you all.
Thank you so much for your diligence to keep us safe! Prayers for everyone involved.
I continue to pray for the Board and those involved in the planning to proceed in whatever may be for the the best.
In Christian love,
Elva Villalpando Cope
I trust the executive board will make the best decision for the rest of us. Prayers are with you all.
Karen Skarphol
Thank you for all the wonderful comments, however the board could not have made these decisions without the work of Linda and the staff. They have done amazing work despite our dire financial situation. Their faith and determination makes this organization tick.