A Note from the President
June 5, 2020
Dear Sisters,
Recently, a friend of mine stated that “the only thing certain in these times is uncertainty .” In our Synod, we have been going through weeks and weeks of uncertainty due to the overwhelming tragedy of COVID-19. We have experienced an array of emotions during these weeks from grief and sadness and fear, to hope and the joy of celebrating the small things of life. Without BEING TOGETHER, we have COME TOGETHER with prayers, phone calls, prayers, food distributions, prayers, birthday parades, prayers, virtual Church Services, prayers, notes and cards, and more prayers. I know that many W-ELCA members have been leaders in all of these things.
But, life is still uncertain right now. Your Synod Board has listened intently to the news and recommendations from the CDC and our national office in Chicago regarding COVID-19 and large gatherings. Therefore, we have decided to CANCEL our 2020 Synod Convention ( scheduled for September 19th) .This was a sad, but we feel a prudent decision. Also, there will be no Fall Fun and Service Event this year. Your safety is our primary concern. We also encourage Cluster leaders to assess their situations and make prayerful decisions regarding Cluster events.
Our theme for our 2020 convention was to be from John 13:34…..”A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another ; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” As we go through these difficult, troubled, tumultuous and uncertain times, think of these words of Jesus. LOVE one another. Choose LOVE . Just LOVE. It is His command.
Your Sister in Christ,
Lenna
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.