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Looking forward
Women of the ELCA changes as it grows — and will continue to do so. And in
the same breath, it loves its traditions and history — and its participants of
all ages, as shown by the new initiative begun in 2005,
Raising Up Healthy Women
and Girls. Indeed, programs may come and go, magazines may change name or
size, budgets wax or wane, and Triennial Conventions morph into triennial
gatherings. Still, the center still holds for the organization: a God who calls
together a community of women and gives each of us gifts that are
irrevocable.
So, how old is Women of the ELCA? Yes, 20 years and counting. However, that’s
just one answer. Another answer could be borrowed from writer Madeleine L’Engle. Once asked her age, she replied, "I’m every age I’ve ever been!"
Likewise, Women of the ELCA. She, too, is every age she’s ever been — and the
age of all her faithful participants, as well as all her foremothers and
sisters of faith in earlier women’s movements and organizations, on whose
shoulders she now stands tall.
As we breathe in the fragrance of 20 years of Women of the ELCA’s
flowering, we do so in deep humility. For there is a danger in composing a
retrospective like this: namely, omitting mention of the ministry that
another holds dear. For such omissions, we beg forgiveness. Yet this is
exactly where you come in. How would you present a history of Women
of the ELCA? What people, projects, pleasures, pains would you point
out as you map the territory? Why not try answering this question with your
circle or congregational group? Talk together about what you come up
with — and enjoy reminiscing. It will be as much a history of the organization
as what you have read here.
If you are not now involved with Women of the ELCA, know this truth: Not
only are you welcome in the organization, but there is already a place for
you at the table — a place that only you can fill, you with your
unique gifts, skills, interests, dreams. Welcome to the table.
Nancy J. Stelling served Women of the ELCA as editor of Lutheran Woman Today magazine from 1987 to
2001.
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