wfn.org | ELCA Women Celebrate 10 Years

[ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF

June 2, 1997

ELCA WOMEN CELEBRATE 10 YEARS

Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the women's
organization of the ELCA, is inviting women of all ages and
backgrounds to celebrate 10 years of "grace and mercy."  A "Creative
Works Contest," contributions to "Katie's Fund" and a "card shower"
are three immediate ways ELCA women are getting involved.  The theme,
"Tables," provides the visual imagery for the 10th anniversary
year-long celebration.  "It was and is the kitchen table where many
women begin their day with devotions and Bible study.  It was not
and now is around the Table of the Lord that women pastors preside
over Holy Communion," said Bonnie B. Belasic, director for
communication, Women of the ELCA.  Women who choose to participate in
the "Creative Works Contest" will submit photographs, drawings,
devotional material, songs/hymns, poetry and short stories using the
"Tables" theme.  Selected entries, due Oct. 10, will be included in a
book to be published in 1998.  Katie's Fund is a permanent endowment
fund named after Katharine "Katie" von Bora, wife of Martin Luther,
the 16th century German church reformer.  The objective of the fund is
to insure programming, resources and opportunities for women in the
areas of global sharing, leadership development and growing in faith.
Women are also invited to send anniversary cards with greetings on the
occasion of the anniversary.  Women of the ELCA became an official
organization when 2,500 women from three former Lutheran church bodies
gathered in a constituting convention in Milwaukee, July 11-14, 1987.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html