Women of the ELCA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explanation of the logo – The symbol—with cross, water, and a white lily—identifies the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as children of God; baptized, forgiven, adopted into God's family, full of grace and hope in eternal life. It is a reminder of the growth, beauty, and vitality that rise out of that lifegiving baptism water. It is also a reminder of the mission of the church to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19 NRSV)

 

 

Mission: Community – To enable each woman to value herself and others as created in God's image and redeemed through Christ; and to build up and celebrate relationships that are global, diverse and interdependent.

 

Mission: Growth -  To provide a variety of learning experiences that strengthen each woman as a whole person, develop her potential and equip her for ministry.

 

Mission: Action -  To enable women to articulate and act upon their faith as disciples of Christ in all areas of life.

 

 

Women of the ELCA (WELCA) is the women's organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. As one of the units of the church, WELCA is no longer an auxiliary but an integral part of and partner in the ministries of the ELCA. As a partner in the total ministry of the church, the organization affirms, supports and challenges women in their daily ministries at home and around the world.

Each year the women's organization gives a gift to the ELCA of more than $1 million as an expression of this partnership in mission. 

WELCA, while a unit of the church, is also an independently-funded organization. The organization has three legislative expressions: the congregational or intercongregational unit (CU's), the synodical women's organization and the churchwide women's organization. Clusters, or conferences, are program arms of the synodical women's organization. WELCA has 64 synodical women's organizations and 600 clusters/conferences. Both the synodical organization and the cluster/conference are geographically defined in accord with the ELCA structure.

The Congregational Unit of Holy Trinity is a member of the Florida-Bahamas Synodical Women's Organization, and we are in the Panhandle Conference which extends from Pensacola to Tallahassee.

 

 

The congregational unit is the member of the organization. Currently there are 8,596 member units in the U.S. and the Caribbean. Individual women are called "participants." The organization is very flexible in how it defines participation. "Participation in this organization shall be open to all women in the ELCA and other women who subscribe to the purpose statement of this organization."

 

 

 

Ruth Circle meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the Upper Building. This Circle meets for Bible Study. Join them for study and fellowship. For more information, contact Shirley Bow.

Mary/Martha Circle meets at 10:00 a.m. on the second Monday of each month in the Upper Building. This Circle is involved in making quilts for Lutheran World Relief and local organizations. Join them to help in this project and for fellowship. For more information, contact Pat Swanson or Jan Knutson.

Eve Circle meets at 6:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month. This Circle meets in members’ homes for Bible Study. For more information, contact Sandy See.

 

 

OFFICERS: President, Billie Chappell; Vice-President, Jean Dutton; Secretary, Kathy Smith; and Treasurer, Marilyn Dial.

 

 

Lutheran Woman Today, the magazine of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, offers stories that inform, challenge, comfort, and encourage. Our award-winning Bible study brings together women of all ages and ways of life to explore God's word. Regular columns on prayer, health, the church calendar, and useful resources supplement the Bible study and faith-in-action articles.