Turn in memorials by November 30
What’s the difference between a resolution and a memorial? We use the term resolution when individuals are bringing a piece of business to the floor of a synodical or triennial convention. We use the term memorial when one expression is raising an issue (or “talking”) to another expression, as when a synodical convention wishes to bring a matter to the triennial convention. A resolution brought to a synodical convention could turn into a memorial from the synodical convention to the triennial convention if it asks the churchwide organization to do something. (See the spring issue of Interchange for a longer explanation.) Since 48 synodical organizations are holding conventions in 2016, now is the time to consider any matters that should come before the Tenth Triennial Convention (2017). The deadline to submit memorials is November 30, 2016.
Working toward “Faith, Sexism, Justice”
The ELCA is in the process of developing a social statement on women and justice, as called for by the Churchwide Assembly in 2009. For the next year, until August 31, 2017, everyone in the church has an opportunity to participate in the process by engaging in a study called Faith, Sexism, Justice: Conversations toward a Social Statement. The study works well in an adult forum or in a monthly circle setting. Complete one or all of the individual sessions on topics such as addressing violence against women and girls and sexism and gender discrimination in the workplace. For more information, go to elca.org/womenandjustice. The study is available as a free downloadable PDF and print copies can be obtained through the ELCA e-store.
Find us at the Grace Gathering in August
Will you be at the Grace Gathering this August in New Orleans? Or are you a voting member to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly? Women of the ELCA will be there! The Grace Gathering, happening at the same time as the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, will help Lutherans prepare to observe the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. Visit the Women of the ELCA booth and look for further gatherings sponsored by Women of the ELCA. Both our executive director, Linda Post Bushkofsky, and the president for the 2014-2017 triennium, Patti Austin, will be present. For more information, visit the web page: Grace Gathering.