Preparing for the gathering

by Eva James Yeo

In less than five weeks the Ninth Triennial Gathering begins! We are checking our “to do lists” and preparing for the tasks ahead of us. It’s all triennial! It is an anxious and exciting time for staff of Women of the ELCA as we finalize plans for many generations of women that will be inspired, involved in new learning opportunities and connecting with one another. Attending this event are awesome worship leaders, featured speakers, international guests, exhibitors, vendors and workshop leaders that are preparing to share and help generations of women and girls to become inspired to rebuild, reclaim and renew themselves.

Arriving daily are in-kind gifts that we are preparing to ship to Charlotte. We have shared on Facebook just a glimpse of the beautiful prayer shawls, creative quilts from the challenge and quilt kits from women in nine synodical regions. The generosity of women that will attend the gathering is always expressed by in-kind gifts received and finally distributed to the host city.  This will be an extraordinary time in Charlotte with over 2,000 women to explore the theme of many generations.

When we gather next month in Charlotte over 700 women will be attending the triennial for the first time. This is great! Can you share your first experience at a triennial gathering?

Eva James Yeo is director for membership. One of her primary tasks at the triennial gathering is coordinating the exhibit hall.

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Pictured here are two of the many challenge quilts received. Ruth Nelson-Lau, of Merrill, Wis., made the top right-hand quilt, and Janice Bell Schmidt, of Coon Rapids, Minn., made the one pictured to the left. Photos by Vanessa Davis-Bragg.