Official Newsletter of the Central States Women of the ELCA March 2012. Volume 23 Issue 1. (rev. 032712)
Download: March Walking in the Word.
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Update from the President …
By Susie Borgstrom (04/12)
Consider the Lilies
In the book of Matthew, chapter 6, we read a little about “not worrying” We are ask to consider the beauty of nature around us and how splendid it all is without labor or spinning…at one point we are to look and see how the lilies of the field grow. How many times have we read this verse? How many of us have actually walked up to a field of lilies? One lily…an Easter lily is all I need to see…It has a really strong long stem with lots of leaves and holds a few white, trumpet shaped, fragrant blooms. For us as Christians, it represents life resurrected, victory over death, and the promise of eternity in the presence of our Lord.
There are many different kinds of lilies and some of them hold special meaning, like the Easter lily, others have been given notoriety and have been used as signs and symbols for an assortment of things…there is one in particular that I would like to point out: The water lily, part of the logo for the Women of the ELCA. The cross, the water, and the white water lily identify the women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as children of God; baptized, forgiven, adopted into God’s family, and full of grace and hope in eternal life. It is a reminder of the growth, beauty, and vitality that rises out of that life-giving baptismal water. It is also a reminder of the mission of the church to “Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28: 19)
Back in Jesus’ day, lilies were up and blooming and beautiful. Jesus simply states that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. I believe that there are many Women of the ELCA who are up and blooming and beautiful. They are the ones who stay after everyone is gone and tidy up, they are the ones that finish the last piece on the quilt so it can get on the truck in time. They are the ones that put forth the hospitality when new folks enter the room. They are strong, they are volunteers, they are respected by others around them. These women have vision for their lives and seek new possibilities for service, new beginnings as they strive to make a difference in the world. Women of the ELCA are bold, bright, baptized, believers, who keep the faith by building bridges, easing burdens, and loving the Lord with all their heart.
Consider the lilies how they grow…consider the women’s organization and how it grows…We tend our friendships with attention and care just as a gardener tends the lilies all in a row. We rely on God above for the strength and courage to carry on our mission and goals just as the lilies rely on the sunshine and rain to nourish and support them. We are grounded in the “Word of God” and strive to fulfill the calling that each and every one of us has from God above and… we grow. Each lily is here for a short blooming season…We have been blessed with life eternal. My prayer for us all this season is that we may rejoice and sing to the lord with all our hearts and be thankful for everything that God has given us! AMEN
Board Members for the Central States Women of the ELCA. From left: Lois Viebrock, Mary Kern, Cheryl Taylor, Gloria Sharp, and Rhonda Templing.
Convention, September 23-25, 2011 — Great Bend, Kan.
CENTRAL STATES SYNODICAL ORGANIZATION
WOMEN OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
The Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Central States Synodical Organization met for their 24th annual convention, September 23-25, 2011 at the the Highland Hotel and Convention Center, Great Bend, Kansas. Theme was “Rejoice” and the scripture selection, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:4-5.
Download Convention Minutes: SWO Convention Minutes
Synodical Women’s Organization Constitution
Download Constitution (Rev. 1111): SWO Constitution
Purpose Statement for Women of the ELCA:
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.
