wfn.org | Women of the ELCA Develops New Series Called "Eye Openers"

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

December 17, 1999

WOMEN OF THE ELCA DEVELOPS NEW SERIES CALLED "EYE OPENERS"
99-314-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "Revelation, Rapture and the New Jerusalem" is
the first of a new series called "Eye Openers," one-hour programs
designed to initiate discussion on topics of interest to women.  The
program was developed by Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA), the women's organization of the church.
     "The series will include topics of interest to women, such as
women in church history, cross-cultural awareness, Bible study, ways to
involve young women in church life, justice issues and self-care," wrote
Lynn Frank in the Fall 1999 Women of the ELCA Interchange, the
newsletter of the women's organization.  Frank is leadership development
specialist for Women of the ELCA.
     Frank said the Eye Openers programs are intended to challenge
current or common thinking, "to help us open our eyes a little wider."
     Revelation, Rapture, and the New Jerusalem presents a Lutheran
perspective of the "rapture" and the new millennium to come, Frank said.
     "Rapture refers to the time when all believers will be taken up
from earth into the air to meet Jesus Christ. The most common
interpretation of the rapture is that it ushers in a 1,000-year reign of
Christ.  Those who are left alive on earth will face chaos and
tribulation for 42 months, or 3-and-a-half years, until they are
destroyed at Harmagedon," said Frank.  "Harmagedon is the spelling in
the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible for what has commonly been
called Armageddon," she said.
     Revelation, Rapture and the New Jerusalem is available in the Fall
1999 Interchange.  Each program will also be made available from Women
of the ELCA on the Web site www.elca.org/wo.
     Coming in early 2000 are programs on advocacy for children,
Rachel's Day (reflection on violence against children) and cultural
diversity, said Frank.  She said all programs will contain guides for
leaders and a list of needed materials.
     "Although the programs are intended to be one-hour long, most will
include options for lengthening or shortening," said Frank.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html