A Note from the President
March 24, 2020
Dear Sisters,
When General Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington at Yorktown in 1781, the British band played a song entitled “The World Turned Upside Down. ” I’m certain that the British Army could not imagine what had just taken place with the little, but determined American Army.
Today, we are living in a world turned upside-down. Businesses closed, empty shelves at the grocery, incomes limited, sheltering at home, social distancing, and worry and fret seem to be parts of this new, and very strange world. It’s time for us to Act Boldly to do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
To that end, your W-ELCA Board has canceled the Justice Event scheduled for March 28th. We took action just this weekend to postpone our Synod W-ELCA Convention until Saturday, September 19th. (Please mark that date in your calendars. ) I encourage Clusters and Church units to cancel or reschedule all planned activities and meetings for the immediate future.
Just a few months ago, we were celebrating the Christmas joy of “Emmanuel “….God With Us.
So, pray. Wash your hands. Pray. Sing “Jesus Loves Me “…all three verses. Pray. Shelter in place. Pray. Check on each other regularly. Pray.
Find Emmanuel who is living in your hearts. This earthly world may be turned upside-down, but God…Emmanuel…is with us.
Peace,
Lenna Harris
President, W-ELCA NEPA
Our Mission and 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.
Synodical women’s organizations (SWOs) like ours establish a partnership with units in their geographic areas and with the churchwide women’s organization. SWOs exist to support women in congregations. Each SWO has a board whose members are elected at an annual or biennial convention by delegates from units. Each SWO establishes clusters or conferences of units within its geographic area.
Through various program areas, Women of the ELCA’s community of women provide services in their churches, communities, and even the world. We engage in ministry; we take action through advocacy; we promote healing and wholeness; and we support one another in our callings. We offer anti-racism training; address domestic violence, commercial sexual exploitation, and human trafficking; and support families with special needs. We assist participants in their desire to discern God’s call in their lives and to discover their spiritual gifts through workshops, retreats, resources, scholarships, and global education. We offer grants to not-for-profit organizations, both domestic and international, that support healing and wholeness for women of all ages through the affirmation and advancement of women’s emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
PV for Phebe Project Update
The Illsababy Foundation has approved a grant request for $25,000 and expressed an interest in working with RREAL in the future. The Project still needs about $233,000 by November. Dr. Sibley, medical director at Phebe, has submitted a funding request to Global Health Ministries to help with procuring a new generator at Phebe so they can use the solar array again.
Please continue to spread the word and encourage folks to donate. Check out the new updated www.skipthegrid.org website.