wfn.org | ELCA Women's Fourth Triennial Convention to Meet in St. Louis

[NEWS <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 15, 1999

ELCA WOMEN'S FOURTH TRIENNIAL CONVENTION TO MEET IN ST. LOUIS JULY 8-11
99-160-LS*

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) will meet July 8-11 at the America's Center in St. Louis
for its Fourth Triennial Convention.  The convention will bring together
thousands of participants who will explore the theme "Live God's
Justice" through worship services, speeches, Bible studies, workshops
and business meetings.
     "It's a time to be challenged, equipped, supported and sent forth
to live God's justice," said Catherine I. H. Braasch, executive director
of Women of the ELCA.  "Whether you're a longtime member or new to this
organization, there's something here for you."
     Anti-racism, stewardship, worship and spirituality are the four
ends, or goals, that will be addressed at the convention and through
2002, Braasch said.  Participants will be asked to "look at these ends
through the lens of God's justice," she said.  The convention will
introduce thematic programs and resources for the next three years.
These materials will "teach Christian faith and inspire and equip women
for service in church and society," Braasch said.
     Keynote speakers include Myrlie Evers-Williams, former chair of
the national board of directors of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and widow of slain civil rights
worker Medgar Evers; former U.S. Senator Paul Simon (D-Ill.); and
Frances Hesselbein, 1998 winner of the U.S. Presidential Medal of
Freedom and chair of the board of governors of the Peter F. Drucker
Foundation for Nonprofit Management.
     Speakers will address the convention's theme, "Live God's
Justice," based on the Bible verse Micah 6:8.
     "Speakers were selected to challenge and inspire us to live God's
justice from three unique perspectives," Braasch said.
     Mercy Oduyoye, founder of the Institute of Women in Religion and
Culture, Trinity Theological College, Accra, Ghana, will preach at the
convention's opening worship service; the Rev. H. George Anderson,
presiding bishop of the ELCA, will preach at closing worship.
     Some 500 delegates from the 64 synodical women's organizations
across the United States and the Caribbean will elect a new president,
vice president, secretary, treasurer and 17 members to the churchwide
executive board.  Other business will include consideration of a budget
for the year 2000, recommendations from the executive board on issues
dealing with women and children and memorials from the synodical women's
organizations.  Memorials are issues that synodical organizations have
requested be discussed at the convention.
     Participants are encouraged to act for justice by bringing in-kind
gifts to the convention. Suggested offerings include personal hygiene
items and school supplies.  Participants are also encouraged to write
letters of advocacy to public officials on behalf of legislation to
support women and children in crisis.
      "Women of the ELCA wants to be a witness in the communities where
we meet," Braasch said. Ministries, schools and social agencies will
distribute these gifts in the St. Louis area.
     Women of the ELCA can also learn from the community, Braasch said.
Participants can experience the "Convention Without Walls" by traveling
off-site to visit local community programs, congregations and social
service organizations.  Sites this year include Sts. Peter and Paul
Ministries, a men's shelter; Caring Communities, schools working
together with churches and communities; Community Stabilization,
communities working with churches and the city; Habitat for Humanity,
building houses for low-income families; The Good Samaritan House, grass
roots advocate center; Hannah's Daughters, mentoring program for girls
and young African American women (ages 8-18); Parish Partnership
Transitional Housing, program rehabilitates vacant buildings for use as
transitional housing for homeless families; and Prison Ministry, with
Immanuel Lutheran Church.
     Workshops will be offered to explore the theme, "Live God's
Justice," more deeply. Participants can choose from 45 workshops that
will follow five tracks:  discerning God's call to live justly,
journeying with God throughout life, uniting with women and children in
need, living God's justice and moving into the 21st century.
     A Women of Color Gathering will precede the convention July 5-7 in
St. Louis with the theme "For Such a Time as This." Based on the Bible
verses Esther 4:13-14, the gathering will help women of color share and
discuss issues that affect their lives, said Inez Torres Davis, director
of organization and development services for Women of the ELCA and
coordinator of the Women of Color Gathering.
     The gathering seeks to build bridges and unite women of all races
and ethnicities against racism, Davis said. "Anti-racism is a
partnership," she said. "It requires all of us."
     Women in nearly 8,600 churches and inter-congregational units make
up Women of the ELCA, existing as an integral partner with the wider
church. The group has three mission areas --  community, growth and
action -- that unite in one mission to proclaim the grace of Jesus
Christ throughout the world, said Braasch.

[*"Lisa Smith is a senior at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa.  This
summer, she is an intern with ELCA News and Information."]

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