by Deborah Calvert
The 2017 Conference of Presidents (COP) will take place in Chicago at the Lutheran Center, February 17–19, 2017.
The Churchwide Constitution of Women of the ELCA, in Article XV, Section 2, Items 1–4, sets out the goals of the annual Conference of Synodical Presidents:
1. To provide and receive information related to emphases, priorities and projected programs of Women of the ELCA.
2. To make recommendations to the executive board.
3. To develop leadership skills.
4. To foster community and renewal.
The planning team for this event has come up with some creative ideas to get our message across. The theme for the conference is “Do You See This Woman?” and our Scripture passage is from Luke 7:36–50.
Congregational units and individuals may participate in the in-kind offering by donating gift cards (Visa, Wal-Mart or Target) in any amount. The gift cards will be given o an organization that supports homeless youth. You may send them to your synodical president and she will bring them with her, or you may send them directly to churchwide. Presidents will also be invited to bring their SWO’s a generous offering at worship during the meeting.
Please cover our 64 synodical presidents and the six executive board members with traveling mercies and grace as they journey to Chicago for leadership development, spiritual revival and community renewal.
Also, let us keep our newly elected synodical treasurers in prayer as they step into their new roles on February 1.
Deborah Calvert ([email protected]) is associate executive director for Women of the ELCA.
Photo from the 2016 Conference of Presidents