“Since then, we have such a hope, we act with
great boldness,…”
New Jersey Women of the ELCA 26th Annual
Convention
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Succasunna, New Jersey
September 20-21, 2013
Charleen Walker-Horton
Women of the ELCA CWO Rep
Eleanor Roosevelt states:
“There is no more liberating,
no more exhilarating
experience than to determine
one’s position, state it bravely,
and then to act boldly.”
I AM SHE WHO
HAS AN USUSUAL
SENSE OF KINDNESS TOWARD ALL
CREATED THINGS
I AM SHE WHO
WORKS IN A SOUP
KITCHEN, PRISON,
OR HOSPITAL
I AM SHE WHO
CARES
I AM SHE WHO
TEACHES OTHERS
WHAT I KNOW
I AM SHE WHO
GIVES MY TIME,
TALENT, AND
TREASURE
I AM SHE WHO
LEADS OTHERS
I AM SHE WHO
I AM SHE WHO IS
I AM SHE WHO
WORKS FOR THE
WHO IS CONSCIOUS OBSERVES THINGS
BIG PICTURE THAT OF THE COMMUNITY AROUND ME AND
IS FILLED WITH
AROUND HER
SEE’S GOD AT
HOPE
WORK
I AM SHE WHO IS
I AM SHE WHO
NOT AFRAID OF
SERVES OTHERS
CONFRONTATION
I AM SHE WHO
WHO KNOWS HOW
TO GRACIOUSLY
RECEIVE AS WELL
AS GIVE
I AM SHE WHO
SPEAKS FOR
THOSE WHO HAVE
NO VOICE
I AM SHE WHO IS A I AM SHE WHO
GOOD STEWARD OF TAKES CARE OF
GOD’S CREATION
HERSELF
AND GIFTS
I AM SHE WHO
SHARES THE
GOSPEL IN WORD
AND DEED
I AM SHE WHO HAS
A PASSION FOR
JUSTICE
I AM SHE WHO
GROUNDS HERSELF
IN GOD’S WORD
THROUGH STUDY
AND MEDITATION
I AM SHE WHO
LEARNS AND
GROWS
I AM SHE WHO
DISCOVERS THINGS
ABOUT HERSELF
AND OTHERS
THROUGH OUT LIFE
Service of Communion & Commitment
W. Jeanne Rapp was the first Women of the ELCA President. Jeanne
was a former member of the ALC Women National Board.
Former Congress Woman-Shirley Anita St. Hill
Chisholm(Nov. 30 1924-Jan. 1, 2005)-Guest Speaker
She was a politician, educator, author and first
African American woman elected to Congress.
Bishop
Emeritus Carol S. Hendrix-Lower Susquehanna Synod-Region 8-D
Bishop Wilma S. Kucharek-Slovak Zion Synod-Region 7-G
Bishop Emeritus Andrea S. DeGroot-Nesdahl-South Dakota Synod-Region 3-C
Bishop Marie C. Jerge-Upstate New York Synod-Region 7-D
Bishop Emeritus Margaret G. Payne-New England Synod-Region 7-B
Bishop Emeritus Margarita Martinez-ELCA Caribbean Synod-Region 9-F
Bishop Emeritus April Ulring Larson-LaCrosse (Wis.) Area Synod-Region 5-L
Bishop Elizabeth A. “Liz” Eaton-Northeastern Ohio Synod-Region 6-E
Bishop Ann M. Svennungsen-Minneapolis Area Synod-Region 3-G
Jessica R. Christ-Montana Synod-Region 1-F
Bishop Shelley R. Wickstrom-Alaska Synod-Region 1-A
Bishop Claire S. Burkat-Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod-Region 7-F
Bishop-elect Elizabeth A. Eaton is the first bishop-elect female to serve the
largest Lutheran denomination in North America. She was elected on
August 14, 2013 at the ELCA’s Churchwide Assembly held in Pittsburg,
PA. She will be installed on Oct. 5th and will assume her post as bishop on
November 1, 2013. Kudos to our sister-in-Christ Liz.
Esther Arne was a delegate at the Constituting
Convention for Women of the ELCA. Her
husband, Harry Arne was the founding
president for Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM).
Esther, on the other hand, helped to establish
three levels of giving, regular offerings, thank
offerings and special gifts. As Esther and
Harry grew older, they started thinking about
ways to give back to the church they so loved
and as a result they established through the
ELCA Foundation, the Arne Memorial Fund.
Esther also served as treasurer on the first
Women of the ELCA CWO Executive Board
from 1990-1993.
“Come to the Waters”
Women of the ELCA 7th Triennial Gathering guest
speaker, Sister Joan D. Chittister, is an internationally
known writer and lecturer. In her keynote address she
asked women to reclaim religion. She interjected in her
keynote address, “from a world that calls itself religious
but functions as if it were not.” She is the founder and
executive director of Benetvision, a resource and research
center for contemporary spirituality. She currently serves
as co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women, a
partner organization of the United Nations, facilitating a
worldwide network of women peace builders
particularly in Israel and Palestine. She is the author of
50 books and has received several “Honorary
Doctorates,” and “Catholic Press Association Awards.”
She also has public works of art written in Spanish.
Ten Women received the International Women of Courage Award:
Maryam Durani, Afghanistan; Pricilla de Oliveira Azevedo, Brazil; Zin Mar
Aung, Burma; Jineth Bedoya, Lima, Colombia; Hana El Hebshi, Libya;
Aneesa Ahmed, Maldives; Shad Begum, Pakistan; Samar Badarvi, Saudi
Arabia; Hana Aballah Mohammed Salih, Sudan; and Safak Pavey, Turkey.
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Leymah Gbowee
Tawakkul Karman of
Yemen
“Nobel Peace Prize Recognize Women Rights Activists”
All three women were recognized for their “non-violent struggle for the safety of
women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.”
“President Sirleaf is Liberia’s first female elected head of state; Leymah Gbowee is
a Liberian peace activist; and Tawakul Karman is a leading figure in Yemen’s
pro-democracy movement.”
Tawakkul Karman, Leymah Gbowee & President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf
Resolution adopted by the Churchwide Executive Board of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran in
America, meeting in Charlotte, NC, Oct. 19-20, 2012
Whereas, American Lutheran women have a long standing relationship with our Liberian Lutheran
sisters, having prayed for and with each other over the decades, together, each in our own mission
fields, sharing the redeeming and transforming love of God through Jesus Christ; and
Whereas, our commitment to stand with our Liberian Lutheran sisters is more critical today than
ever as they restore peace to their war-ridden land. Their struggle is our struggle, their quest for
peace is our quest for peace; and
Whereas, since at least 1916, American Lutheran women have shared financial support in Liberia,
with Women of the ELCA serving as the current custodian of two endowment funds created for
support of education and health ministries in Liberia; and
Whereas, as one means of observing the 25th anniversary of Women of the ELCA, our organization is sponsoring a
trip to Liberia where we will accompany women of the National Lutheran Church Women Fellowship of
Liberia (the women’s organization of the Lutheran Church in Liberia); and
Whereas, the 57th Commission on the Status of Women of the United Nations (March 4-15, 2013) will address the
elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls; and
Whereas, in its 1994 Message on Community Violence, the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) stated that it is often “those in power” who extend “their racial, sexual, economic, and/or
political domination through violent means” and it has been largely women and the girl child that have
suffered from rape in Liberia, knowing that “Short-term measures to counter violence are needed, as well as
long term measures to counter social and economic inequalities and the brokeness that contributes to
violence…” and
Whereas, we echo the ELCA’s Social Statement “For Peace in God’s World,” in that “we share with people
everywhere hope for a more peaceful and just world,” and where it is further stated that it is “through the
Law” that “the sovereign God of the nations holds all responsible for their neighbor, protects community, and
blesses ever anew…,” and
Whereas, the “For Peace in God’s World” social statement also reminds us that “The Gospel of peace (Ephesians
6:15) heals our broken relationship with God, removing the ultimate root of violence and injustice” as it
“breaks down the dividing walls of hostility among people,” showing that it is “The peace of the Gospel (that)
is the final peace God intends for all;”
Whereas, this statement also reminds us that the people of God and the church are to be a faithful presence fulfilling the “the
mandates of its divine calling” as “it helps in word and deed to create an environment conducive to peace” and “through
the cross of Christ, God calls us to serve the needs of our neighbor, especially of those groups and individuals who suffer
and are vulnerable” and that “the cross assures us that even in our vulnerability, suffering, and death, God’s power is
active through us” and “in the cross we recognize that forgiveness, reconciliation, and love of enemy are essential to our
efforts to build earthly peace;” and
Whereas, the United Nations reports that women’s voices and their participation in all aspects of society are more important
than ever and has called on the world leaders to advance women’s involvement in politics and empower them
economically; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the churchwide executive board of Women of the ELCA, the women’s ministry of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, on behalf of the whole organization, expresses it solidarity with the elected leadership of
Liberia from President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to the Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee and church leaders such
as the Rev. D Jensen Seyenkulo, bishop of the Lutheran Church in Liberia, and the women of the National Lutheran
Church Women Fellowship of Liberia as they continue the work of peace-building in Liberia; and
BE IT RESOLVED that this organization, within all of its expressions, hold Liberia and its civic and religious leaders in deep
prayer so they will not grow weary or become unduly discouraged in their invaluable work of forging a new nation; and
BE IT RESOLVED that Women of the ELCA, in all of its expressions, advocate for justice as may be requested by these leaders;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Women of the ELCA participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the
work of the 57th Commission on the Status of Women of the United Nations so that they may support the elimination
and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls throughout the world.
Katharina von Bora Luther, affectionately called, “Lord
Katie” by Martin Luther, was a woman ahead of her
time. Today, she is remembered as a person of great faith
who was industrious, frugal, and practical; skilled in the
management of people, money, and resources. An
integral partner in Luther’s ministry, she managed the
40-room, former Augustinian monastery in Wittenberg,
Germany, that she and Martin Luther called home. In
her role as dedicated wife and mother, she raised six
children and helped care for a number of nieces,
nephews, and orphaned children. She also boarded
university students and hosted many guests. As the
financial administrator of the household, Katie ran the
kitchen, brewery, and stables, while maintaining several
gardens and raising livestock. Luther called her “the
Morning Star of Wittenberg,” because she rose daily at 4
a. m. to begin her work.
Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity
(1950-1997), formerly known as Sisters of Loreto
(1928-1950), a Roman Catholic religious
congregation. The congregation consisted of over
4,500 sisters that were active in 133 countries. Their
charitable work included running hospice facilities
and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy and
tuberculosis; soup kitchens; children and family
counseling programs; orphanages and schools.
Members of the Missionaries of Charity were bound
to vows of chastity, poverty and obedience and to
give “wholehearted and free service to the poorest
of the poor.”
Mother Teresa was the recipient of numerous
honors including the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize.
Suffragist Genevieve Clark (30 Nov. 1894-Feb. 1981),
daughter of Speaker of the House of
Representatives, James Beauchamp Clark (7 March
1850-2 March 1921) were the responsible parties for
the passage of the 19th amendment to the U. S.
Constitution. Genevieve’s boldness and
fearlessness along with other advocates and
supporters like Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone, and
Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s intervention culminated in
the reinforcement of the passage of the 19th
amendment giving women the right to vote and run
for public office. The 19th amendment was passed
on August 18, 1920. Since that time women have
made great strides in both the secular and sacred
arenas. The struggle continues…
The American Lutheran Church (ALC)
formed in 1960, and merged in 1987 becoming
a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America.
Association of Evangelical Lutheran
Churches (AELC) formed in 1976 and merged
in 1987 becoming a part of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America.
Lutheran Church in America (LCA)formed
in 1962, and merged in 1987 becoming a part
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America.
A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Women’s Organization
1800-Predecessor Church Bodies: Women’s organizations give women a voice in the
church when they have none.
1987-Predecessor Church Bodies: The women’s organizations of the American Lutheran
Church (ALC—ALCW); the Lutheran Church in America (LCW); and the women’s
movement of the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches /Women in
Action for Mission (AELC—WAM), come together to form the Women of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Women of the ELCA/WELCA). The
Constituting Convention took place on June 12-14, 1987 in Milwaukee, WI. The
theme: Embrace God’s World. Jeanne W. Rapp is elected the first president of
Women of the ELCA. Betty Lee Nyhus is named executive director.
1988-Ecumenical Decade for Churches in Solidarity with Women (1988-1998)

Women of the ELCA , the ELCA Commission for Women and women in Namibia
join in the Campaign in Support of Women in Namibia.

Lutheran Woman Today (LWT) debuts in January; Newsletter in June.

Grants and scholarships programs introduced.

Literacy program launched; Volunteer Reading Aides (1988-1996).
A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Women’s Organizations
Leadership Events held (1998-2002).

Organizations is represented on National Council of Churches of Christ USA
Justice for Women Working Group.

Doris Strieter named interim Executive Director.
1989-LWT circulation reaches high of 300,000.

Mission areas-Mission Growth, Mission Community and Mission Action grow.

Plastic-foam cups banned; women make mug totes and wash coffee cups.

Woman to Woman program launched (1989-1992).

One in Christ program launched (1989-1992).

Speakers Bureau launched (1989-1992.
1990-1st Triennial Convention held in Anaheim, CA; theme: Celebrate God’s Creation.

Multicultural Gathering held.

Care for creation emphasized (1990-1993); tree donated to Anaheim, CA.

20th anniversary of women’s ordination celebration.

Front Row L-R: Mary Sagar, Mayra Carrillo-Cotto, Mary Blake, Ruth Bergstrom,
Gwendolyn Carr-president, Jenine Jordahl, Esther Arne, Gloria Rast, Joyce Breen.
Back Row L-R: Hattie Hammer, Nancy Mitchell, Janet Peterson, Mona Laughlin, Gail
Hendrickson, Jannene Sass, Marlene Raack, Jeanne Rapp-president, Angie Haines,
Joyce Trangsrud and Nan Richard.
A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Women’s Organizations
Infant formula education and action around World Health Organization (WHO)
standards becomes focus.

Van given to women’s organization in the north of Namibia.

Gwen Carr elected president.

Dr. Charlotte E. Fiechter named executive director.
1991-Money, Security and Spirituality events held (1991-1995.
1992-Synodical environment projects take place.

Budget, cross-cultural programming and staff cuts occur.
1993-2nd Triennial Convention held in Washington, D. C. Theme: God’s Gift of Hope.

Multicultural Gathering held.

Women and Children in Poverty emphasis begun.
1994-The Witness of Women evangelism strategy introduced.

Newsletter renamed Interchange.

Domestic violence programming developed.

A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Women’s Organization
1995-Organization represented at the Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing,
China.

Embracing Self and Others leadership events held.

Women of the ELCA Web site inaugurated.
1996-3rd Triennial Convention held in Minneapolis, MN; theme: Proclaim God’s Peace.

Women of Color Gathering held.

Women and Children in Crisis emphasis begun.

Campaign to end land mines launched.

Rachel’s Day initiated (1996-present).

Global education seminars begin (Cyclel: 1996-2005) with a seminar in Mexico.

Sharroll Bernahl elected president.

Agaliece Miller named bridge executive director; and Terry Bowes named interim
executive director.
A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Women’s Organizations
1997-Cross-cultural programming renewed.

Disabilities consultation held.

Global education seminar travels to South Africa.

Anti-racism staff hired; anti-racism education training launches the organization’s
anti-racism efforts.

Catherine I. H. Braasch named executive director.
1998-Katharina von Bora Luther Endowment (Katie’s Fund) founded.

Synodical anti-racism training affirmed.

Representation on LIRS board gives a presentation on immigration and refugee
issues.

Feasting at Katie’s Table events held.

Global education seminar travels to Malaysia.
A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Women’s Organizations
1999-4th Triennial Convention held St. Louis, MO; theme: Live God’s Justice.

Women of Color Gathering held.

Intercambio debuts.

Today’s Dream: Tomorrow’s Reality anti-racism network launched.

Young Women Seeing Visions consultation held.

Syndocial leadership cycle, part 1, held.

Global education seminar travels to Slovakia and Russia.

Special units approved as member category.

Linda Chinnia elected president.
2000-Paths to Wholeness launched.

Organization supports 50 new congregations with gift of “Feasting at Katie’s
Table.”

Synodical leadership cycle, cycle 2, held.

Global education seminar travels to Kenya.
A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Women’s Organizations
2001-LWT is redesigned from digest into a full-size format.

Organization co-sponsors ELCA Women’s Leadership Roundtable.

Women and Children in Crisis consultation held.

Organizational self-assessment goals and mission statement adopted.

Global education seminar travels to Madagascar.

Organization calls for faithfulness to the gospel and refraining from hatred
following attacks of September 11, 2001.
2002-5th Triennial Convention and Gathering held in Philadelphia, PA; theme: Listen,
God is Calling.

Way-Making Women event held.

Women urged to pray on verge of war in Iraq.

Global education seminar travels to Tanzania.

Mary Ellen Kiesner elected president; and Linda Post Bushkofsky named
executive director.
A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Women’s Organizations
2003-90-Ton Challenge launched (2003-2004).

Organization endorses promotion and use of fairly traded coffee.

Café e-zine launched.

Spanish resources consultation held.

Churchwide office undergoes reconfiguration and downsizing.

Global education seminar travels to Cameroon.
2004-Saying Yes! the next step events held.

Cross-cultural immersion held at Rocky Boy Reservation, Montana.

www.lutheranwomantoday.org debuts.

A Day Full of Light supported to end commercial sexual exploitation.

First Women-to-Women Coffee Tour to Tanzania takes place.

Global education seminar travels to Peru.
A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Women’s Organization
2005-6th Triennial Convention and Gathering held San Antonio, TX; theme Act Boldly.

Raising up Healthy Women and Girls initiative launches.

35th anniversary of women’s ordination celebrated.

Executive board initiates anti-racism education at each meeting.

Cross-cultural immersion held at Rocky Boy Reservation, Montana.

Global education seminar travels to Cost Rica and Nicaragua.

Women challenged to address water issues.

Organization represented on World Day of Prayer USA Committee; liaison to
Word Day of Prayer International.

Carmen Richards elected president.
2006-www.boldcafe.org debuts.

Mission Investment Fund (MIF) challenge launched.

HEART for Women Act.
A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Women’s Organizations
2007-Second Women-to-Women Coffee Tour to Tanzania takes place.

Tanzania takes place.

Act Boldly events held.

Bold Women of the Reformation tour to Germany organized.

Global education seminar travels to India.

Bold Women’s Day launches.
2008-7th Triennial Convention and Gathering held Salt Lake City, Utah; theme: Come to
the Waters. Guest speaker, Joan Chittister.

Created in the Image of God: A Community of Women DVD introduced.

Global education seminar travels to Namibia, South Africa.

Cross-cultural immersion Rocky Boy Reservation, Montana.

India Endowment grant supported.

Resolution honored to support a web-based link for families with special needs
children.
A Timeline of Growth of Lutheran Women’s Organizations
Beth Wrenn elected president.

20th anniversary gift of $25,000 given to Augusta Victoria Hospital in Palestine; 20 th
anniversary and 7th Triennial gift of $49,467 given to a clean water project in
Zimbabwe; and $24,467 given to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.
2009-Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other, and the Spirit of Transformation by
Pastor Stephanie Spellers, book introduced for web-based discussion.

Women of the ELCA adopt the Stewardship Development Committee.

Global education seminar travels to El Salvador.

ELCA introduces the proposed Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust Studies, request
Women of the ELCA send board members to participate in panel discussion.

Women of the ELCA invite fans to their Facebook blog and tweets on Twitter.

Cross-cultural immersion held at Chippewa Cree, Montana.

Women of the ELCA presents at the ELCA Youth Gathering.

A Timeline of Growth of Lutheran Women’s Organizations
2010-Women of the ELCA travels to World Day of Prayer held in Cameroon, Central
Africa.

Women of the ELCA partner with the Women’s Funding Network in an ongoing
effort to recycle cell phones.

Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls new seed grant health initiative launched.

8th Triennial Gathering agenda approved and offering recipeints designated.
Support for the Lutheran Malaria Initiative affirmed.

Sacred Space retreat offered.

25 non-profit organizations were awarded grants totaling more than $57,000.
2011-Women of the ELCA 8th Triennial Convention and Gathering held in Spokane,
WA; theme: Renew, Respond, Rejoice!. Guest speaker: Peace activist and 2011
Nobel Peace Prize recipient-Leymah Gbowee.

Bishop Mark S. Hansen, question and answer panel discussions.

Lutheran Woman Today magazine name changed to Gather.

Memorial adopted at the 8th Triennial Convention-Women of Faith and Climate
Change.
A Timeline of Growth of Lutheran Women’s Organizations
2011-Women of the ELCA join forces with the ELCA to help fight Malaria in subSaharan Africa.

Women of the ELCA collects prayer shawls and quilts in preparation of the 8 th
Triennial Gathering.

Peacemaker and 2011 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Leymah Gbowee, promotes
book review, Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer and Sex Changed a
Nation at War.

Board propose to reduce the size of the CWO Executive Board to be implemented
at the 9th Triennial Convention in 2014.

Jennifer Michael elected president.
2012-5th Cross Cultural immersion offer at Rocky Boy’s Chippewa Cree Reservation,
Montana.

Women of the ELCA presents Café at the ELCA’s Youth Gathering in New
Orleans.
Front Row (L-R): Deb Bogaert, Eva James Yeo, Valora Starr, Elizabeth McBride, Deborah
Calvert & Terri Lackey. Back Row (L-R): Vanessa Davis, Gabriela Contreras, Linda Post
Bushkofsky, Kate Elliott, Ann Hightower & Inez Torres Davis.
Mission
To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.
Purpose
As a community of women created in the image of God, called to
discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit,
we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support
one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and
promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the
world.