Welca group..very underutilized
Soul cafe was made to be a tool and networking venue for region one members and others interested in connecting better outside of the 4 walls. This is the only Women's group that I've identified within the Soul Cafe website but appears to be underutilized. Could this be a good place to post your Congregational WELCA events, synod wide gatherings, a friendlydebate or conversation on bible studies or sharing of devotionals and books that inspire? I plan on posting a poll similar to the men's study group about which bible character (female, in this case) do you relate to best. And why? To be posted in discussions. I have to do my homework, though...I am not really well-readin the bible but I have reference now! Would anyone object? In the meantime, it might be nice to suggest this website and group to other women in your congregation...Let us be known and utilize this tool to share the good news and love of Christ with our Sisters in Christ!
WELCA group...very underutilized
Thanks, Lisa,
I'm just reading about "groups" and was wondering how to connect the OR Women into a discussion group. I know that each synod is unique with some commonalities. Yesterday, I attended the Oregon Synod Vineyard cluster Springspiration Event. A great event with only woman (55 and older) attending. The two speakers were in the 20-40 age. At the Oregon Synod Assembly, there was a workshop on the same issue, "why aren't they coming?" I left that workshop wondering if I should persue a Senior Citizen ministry in my congregation or if I should just sit back and let the church pass me by - I just turned 65.
There is a lot I can do, as one of our ethnic pastors told me, they need me (us) to walk along side of their young immigrants who are living in two worlds...the one they left behind and this new country. I was leading the adult forum, I was the oldest. The story we were studying was Jesus sermon on the mount - the beatitudes. Blessed are you. When I shared my thoughts about being useless, one woman shared that she looks forward to seeing me every Sunday as I am a blessing to her.
What a rich diverse community of followers! As Women of the ELCA, our resources, our wisdom, our encouragement are not only for the women in our WELCA groups but for all women. We know that when women are nurtured the whole community / family is nurtured
I just heard that our sisters in Southwestern Washington Synod are hosting a Region 1 Gathering in Vancouver, WA in June or July next year. I look forward to our dynamic women from Region 1, gathering together, supporting each other, sharing their stories, their uniquness and our commonalities.
Inthemeantime...I'd like to also hear what others have to say.
Thank you.
Hi LIsa & Cathie, I too need
Hi LIsa & Cathie,
I too need to connect to my Sister's in Christ in a new way, and wonder if this might be the venue best suited for me at this time, when I can't attend a Lutheran church regularly. I like the challenge to find/discuss which female biblical character I can relate to best. I will need to do some homework on that too!
I have 3 daughters, all raised in the Lutheran church, none of whom attend or belong to a congregation at this time. It is a sorrow for me. I know the coming generation is not going to be the one that stumps God, but I too wonder 'why they aren't coming'. They would be such wonderful assets to a body of women & people...
Mostly, I know our faith is defined by how we reach out. That is what folks are watching. After my time on the M/V Chrsitian, I know the model of 'walking alongside' is meaningful & fruitful....I guess I just need to pray & listen to how I should do that in this new time & place, while I wait for my husband to discern his next call as well.
Anyway, this is my first reach out in a 'virtual' way, to find resources & sisterhood & connection :-)
Peace,
Sharon
Responding to Sharon's request for resources & online community
Hello sisters in Region 1. Two thoughts came to mind as I read Sharon's post.
As for resources, Women of the ELCA has some wonderful resources available online, free of charge, that you can download. They can be used by an individual for personal devotions and reflections or they can be used by a group. You could even use one online here where everybody downloads and reads it and then someone leads a discussion of it. Go to www.womenoftheelca.org for more information. You'll see that we're currently highlighting a resource on Katie von Bora Luther. At the end of that description you'll find an A to Z link that will take you to our complete list.
As for online community, I'd encourage you to check out the Women of the ELCA Facebook community. We have over 6,250 people in that community and we have some lively discussions on various topics. You can respond to other's ideas or post your own inquiry or comment. And nearly 70% of those in that community are under 50 -- so it changes the flavor of the community from what a traditional unit of Women of the ELCA might look like in a congregation. So, go to www.facebook.com/WomenoftheELCA.
And you might want to check out the organization on Pinterest too -- www.pinterest.com/WomenoftheELCA
Linda Post Bushkofsky
Executive Director, Women of the ELCA