Today in the United States, we observe Presidents’ Day. Now any talk about presidents can get us into trouble around here, what with our wide range of passionate opinions about U.S. presidents past and present. So we do our best to avoid the topic on social media and in blogs.
But we can all agree that the presidents I want to honor today go above and beyond everyday expectations for dedication and service. These presidents serve our women’s organization with commitment and loyalty.
And I’m excited to greet them in a few days when we meet for the Conference of Presidents here in Chicago, Feb. 23-25. These presidents are the women who serve your synodical women’s organization (SWO).
Why do they serve?
They serve because they care about the future of Women of the ELCA. Many enjoy the lifelong friendships they form with other women of faith.
“I want to live into my role as president of our SWO by encouraging and empowering the women in my synod to continue in the service work they are passionate about,” said MiLisa Gaertner, president of the Texas-Louisiana SWO.
She says Women of the ELCA raises awareness on important local, national and global issues. The organization provides for those in need. It supports continuing education. And, its participants gather to strengthen their relationship with God, she said.
“The good that we do . . . is important to me and why I continue to take part in Women of the ELCA,” she said.
To fulfill our mission
Maureen Mitchell, president of Northwest Washington SWO, believes her role is to “coordinate leadership and to encourage all the women of my synod . . . to fulfill our mission.”
She serves because “I love to be with my sisters of faith–those I know well . . . and the new faces and expressions of God.”
Becky Koch, president of South Carolina SWO, says she encourages and supports the work of the synodical board “as we fulfill the mission and purpose of the organization.”
She loves her church and Women of the ELCA. She stays connected to the organization because “I need and enjoy the fellowship and working side by side with my fellow Lutheran women to serve my Lord, my church, the community, state and world.”
To mentor and encourage
Myrna Wells-Ulland, president of the Grand Canyon Synod SWO, sees her role as providing leadership and support for the current synodical board. It is also to mentor and encourage potential leaders, and to “connect with women in the pews to help them see they are a part of our women’s ministry.” She also hopes to “change those practices that no longer inspire and invite women.”
Myrna said she cherishes the friendships she’s made through Women of the ELCA. She believes in the organization’s purpose “because I see how when we work together such marvelous things happen.”
To make good things happen
MiLisa, of Texas-Louisiana, added she wants women in the church to know that Women of the ELCA is about “doing good.”
“WELCA doesn’t look like it used to. We don’t all have to make quilts or have circles to be a part of this great organization. We need to be doing these things, yes, but we also do so much more.”
Why do you participate in Women of the ELCA?
Terri Lackey is director for communication for Women of the ELCA.
The feature photo is of the quilt, Friendship Star, submitted in the Tenth Triennial Gather’s quilt challenge by JoAnn Rohrs, Auburn, Neb. JoAnn said of her quilt, “My quilt represents the many friendships I have made and the many miles traveled to triennial gatherings. I was so inspired by each event I attended and the many friendships made and especially my first one in Minneapolis.” You can see the full quilt here.
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