Purpose Statement for the Women of the ELCA
As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit we commit ourselves to grow in fiath, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, society, and the world.
You may not be alone in asking, “What is WELCA and why should I get involved?” Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a women's group that is much more than the ladies staked out in the kitchen or the organizers of annual church quilt drives or a monthly coffee clutch.
Here in the Florida-Bahamas Synod we can be proud that our Women of the ELCA members are involved at unprecedented levels beyond what their foremothers envisioned before them. We are a diverse group of mothers, grandmothers, sisters and daughters that have found a common purpose in serving within and beyond our church walls.
All women of the Florida-Bahamas Synod are encouraged to join us in becoming more involved in the fellowship of the Women of the ELCA. We sponsor uplifting and renewing retreats, we gather together at conference events, and we delight in sharing ministry as well as ourselves. If you are wondering where to begin, please contact us for more information.
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WE WANT TO CONNECT WITH YOU
Women of the ELCA connects with participants in many ways. We use magazines, e-zines, e-newsletters and paper newsletters to tell others how the organization (and that means all of us) is acting boldly on our faith in Jesus Christ.
| Gather - Gather, the magazine of Women of the ELCA , offers a miz of articles, theological reflections, devotions, and stories of comfort and challenge that help readers grow in faith and engage in ministry and action. Gather is published 10 times a year with combined issues in January/February and July/Augus. Many women (and enlightened men) in Lutheran and full communion partner congregations read the magazine. Subscribe to Gather today! http://www.womenoftheelca.org/gather-magazine-pages-49.php
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Cafe - Cafe is an award-winning web-based magazine for young adult women (and older women) who want to build community, participate in advocacy, and strenghthen their faith. It incorporates a Lutheran perspective but is a great read for any woman who is interested in how faith can relate to every-day life. http://www.boldcafe.org/
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Installation of Redeemer's WELCA Officers
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On Sunday, February 10, 2013, Redeemer welcomed the new leadership of their Women of the ELCA board. Loraine VanHaecke, Heart of Florida Conference President, installed Harriett Frey, President; Terri Blom, Vice President; Shirley Swordes, Treasurer; Nancy Given, Secretary. We look forward to their insight, enthusiasm, and dedication as we move forward in our Women's ministries.
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PRAY THE DEVIL
BACK TO HELL
Nancy Given heard from many who were not able to see the movie viewing on June 2nd were very much interested in watching the film, so she went online and purchased the DVD. We will be able to share it in a 'check-out' process. It is not to be viewed for school or public viewing. Many men would appreciate this message as well and we feel that it is good for a group viewing where you are focused on the message and not doing chores while watching.
Pray the Devil Back to Hell is the inspiring story of a group of ordinary women who came together - Muslim and Christian, rich and poor, urban and rural - to bring peace to their war-torn Liberia. They prayed for peace and staged a silent protest outside the presidential palace in order to end a bloody civil war and to bring peace to their country. Leymah Gbowee was recently one of three women awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for her "non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women's rights to full participation in peace building work." (72 minutes running time)
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