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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 10, 1999

ELCA WOMEN COMPLETE LEADERSHIP TEAM
99-WO-11-JB

     ST. LOUIS (ELCA) -- Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) completed its leadership team for the next three years by
electing a vice president, secretary and treasurer July 9. The previous
day, delegates elected Linda M. Chinnia, Baltimore, to a three-year term
as president.
     The Fourth Triennial Convention of Women of the ELCA is meeting
here July 8-11 at the America's Center.  The organization's three-year
theme, "Live God's Justice," is unveiled at the convention amid Bible
study, keynote addresses, workshops, business sessions and elections.
     Janet L. Brewer, a member of Central Lutheran Church, Anchorage,
Alaska, was elected vice president with 229 votes on the second ballot.
Runner-up was Jackie Hinkle Chattopadhyay, Tustin, Calif., with 99
votes.  More than 30 women were nominated on the first ballot.
     Brewer, 52, is office manager for the Justice Center, University
of Alaska Anchorage.  She is a member of the Women of the ELCA executive
board and was president of the Alaska Synod women's organization. Brewer
is active in her congregation as a teacher.  Brewer and her husband,
John, are the parents of one daughter, Keri.
     Elected secretary was Joyce M. Opjorden, Ventura, Calif.
Delegates elected Opjorden 241-216 over Carolyn R. Cook, Forest Grove,
Ore.  Opjorden, 59, is a registered nurse and has worked in emergency
room and critical care nursing.  She is a member of Trinity Lutheran
Church, Ventura.  She formerly was president of the Southern California
(West) Synod women's organization and held other leadership posts as
well.
     She was a guest columnist for Church Women United News. Opjorden
and her husband, Ronald, have two children, Dawn and John..
     Delegates elected Sally C. Frank, Beaver, Pa., treasurer.  She
received 310 votes on the first ballot.  Carole A. Dinning, Bonner
Ferry, Idaho, received 57 votes, and Judith L. Kulma of Mentor, Ohio,
received 38 votes.
     Frank, 54, is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, New Brighton,
Pa.  She is a tax collector for the Beaver (Pa.) Area School District.
Presently, she serves on the Women of the ELCA executive board.
Previously, Frank was vice president and treasurer for the Southwestern
Pennsylvania Synod women's organization.  She is active in her synod and
congregation and served as a Red Cross swimming instructor for 30 years.
     Frank and her husband, Curtis, have two children, James and Susan.

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