wfn.org | ELCA Women Unveil Triennial Theme, 'Live God's Justice'

[News News <news@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 9, 1999

ELCA WOMEN UNVEIL TRIENNIAL THEME, 'LIVE GOD'S JUSTICE'
99-WO-06-LS

     ST. LOUIS (ELCA) -- Within a setting of worship and reflection,
members of the executive staff of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA), presented programs and resources on the
organization's theme for the next three years.  The theme "Live God's
Justice" -- based on the Bible verse Micah 6:8 -- was presented to
nearly 4,000 convention participants here July 8.
     The Fourth Triennial Convention of Women of the ELCA is meeting
July 8-11 at the America's Center.  The theme is unveiled at the
convention amid Bible study, keynote addresses, workshops, business
sessions and elections.
     The theme was "presented within a 'Live God's Justice' ritual,"
said Doris Streiter, a program team leader for Women of the ELCA.
During the ritual, leaders lit candles and led participants in song and
liturgy.  Members of the executive staff of the Women of the ELCA,
Chicago, discussed the meaning of the theme.  Streiter said the ritual
helped women connect the theme of the last triennium, "Proclaim God's
Peace," to the new theme "Live God's Justice."
     "We will seek to increase understanding of justice issues," said
Faith Fretheim, a program director for the Women of the ELCA.  Fretheim
said Women of the ELCA will "become effective advocates of justice in
our society."
     Leaders of the presentation ritual included Fretheim; Streiter;
Marlene Joseph, associate executive director; and Lynn Frank, leadership
development specialist.
     Streiter outlined the executive committee's four goals for
emphasis in the next three years. Programs will center on stewardship,
spirituality, worship and anti-racism.
     "Together, we will 'Live God's Justice' as we face the challenges,
the hope and the promise of a new millennium," Streiter said.
     The presentation featured a video set in 2001 with a woman named
Maria reflecting on how the Fourth Triennial Convention in St. Louis
changed her life. The video highlighted resources women can use to learn
and grow in the theme of "Live God's Justice."
     More than 20 resources will be available, many in Spanish as well
as English.  Resources include: part three of the "Witness of Women," an
evangelism strategy; "Eye-Openers," programs and activities for
congregational units; "For Your Liberation and Mine," a resource about
women and children in poverty; "Reaching aCross," a cross-cultural study
series; and "Feasting at Katie's Table," a video and study guide.
     The presentation concluded with prayer petitions, song and
liturgy.  In a dark room, women held tiny flashlights in the air and
heard words about being a positive light in the world.
     "Our light will shine in the church, the society and the world,"
worship leaders said in unison.
     "We will 'Live God's Justice.' We will hold God's people in our
hearts," the congregation responded.

(Editor's note: "Reaching aCross" is the correct spelling.)

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