1. Since then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness,… New Jersey Women of the ELCA 26 th Annual Convention Redeemer Lutheran Church Succasunna, New Jersey September 20-21, 2013 Charleen Walker-Horton Women of the ELCA CWO Rep

2. Eleanor Roosevelt states: There is no more liberating, no more exhilarating experience than to determine ones position, state it bravely, and then to act boldly.

3. I AM SHE WHO I AM SHE WHO I AM SHE WHO I AM SHE WHO I AM SHE WHO HAS AN USUSUAL WORKS IN A SOUP CARES TEACHES OTHERS GROUNDS HERSELF SENSE OF KIND- KITCHEN, PRISON, WHAT I KNOW IN GODS WORD NESS TOWARD ALL OR HOSPITAL THROUGH STUDY CREATED THINGS AND MEDITATION I AM SHE WHO I AM SHE WHO I AM SHE WHO I AM SHE WHO IS I AM SHE WHO GIVES MY TIME, LEADS OTHERS WORKS FOR THE WHO IS CONSCIOUS OBSERVES THINGS TALENT, AND BIG PICTURE THAT OF THE COMMUNITY AROUND ME AND TREASURE IS FILLED WITH AROUND HER SEES GOD AT HOPE WORK I AM SHE WHO IS I AM SHE WHO I AM SHE WHO I AM SHE WHO HAS I AM SHE WHO NOT AFRAID OF SERVES OTHERS WHO KNOWS HOW A PASSION FOR LEARNS AND CONFRONTATION TO GRACIOUSLY JUSTICE GROWS RECEIVE AS WELL AS GIVE I AM SHE WHO I AM SHE WHO I AM SHE WHO IS A I AM SHE WHO I AM SHE WHO SPEAKS FOR SHARES THE GOOD STEWARD OF TAKES CARE OF DISCOVERS THINGS THOSE WHO HAVE GOSPEL IN WORD GODS CREATION HERSELF ABOUT HERSELF NO VOICE AND DEED AND GIFTS AND OTHERS THROUGH OUT LIFE

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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 ELCAs Churchwide Assembly held in Pittsburg, PA. She will be installed on Oct. 5 th and will assume her post as bishop on November 1, 2013. Kudos to our sister-in-Christ Liz.

9. 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.

10. Come to the Waters Women of the ELCA 7 th 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.

11. 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.

12. 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 womens rights to full participation in peace-building work. President Sirleaf is Liberias first female elected head of state; Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist; and Tawakul Karman is a leading figure in Yemens pro-democracy movement.

13. Tawakkul Karman, Leymah Gbowee & President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

14. 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

15. Whereas, as one means of observing the 25 th 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 womens organization of the Lutheran Church in Liberia); and Whereas, the 57 th 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 ELCAs Social Statement For Peace in Gods 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 Gods 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;

16. 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, Gods 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 womens voices and their participation in all aspects of society are more important than ever and has called on the world leaders to advance womens involvement in politics and empower them economically; therefore BE IT RESOLVED that the churchwide executive board of Women of the ELCA, the womens 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 57 th 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.

17. 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 Luthers 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.

18. 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.

19. 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 19 th amendment to the U. S. Constitution. Genevieves boldness and fearlessness along with other advocates and supporters like Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone, and Elizabeth Cady Stantons intervention culminated in the reinforcement of the passage of the 19 th amendment giving women the right to vote and run for public office. The 19 th 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…

20. 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.

23. A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Womens Organization 1800-Predecessor Church Bodies: Womens organizations give women a voice in the church when they have none. 1987-Predecessor Church Bodies: The womens organizations of the American Lutheran Church (ALCALCW); the Lutheran Church in America (LCW); and the womens movement of the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches /Women in Action for Mission (AELCWAM), 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 Gods 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).

24. A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Womens 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. 1990-1 st Triennial Convention held in Anaheim, CA; theme: Celebrate Gods Creation. Multicultural Gathering held. Care for creation emphasized (1990-1993); tree donated to Anaheim, CA. 20 th anniversary of womens ordination celebration.

25. 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.

27. A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Womens Organizations Infant formula education and action around World Health Organization (WHO) standards becomes focus. Van given to womens 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. 1993-2 nd Triennial Convention held in Washington, D. C. Theme: Gods 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.

28. A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Womens 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. 1996-3 rd Triennial Convention held in Minneapolis, MN; theme: Proclaim Gods Peace. Women of Color Gathering held. Women and Children in Crisis emphasis begun. Campaign to end land mines launched. Rachels 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.

29. A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Womens 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 organizations anti-racism efforts. Catherine I. H. Braasch named executive director. 1998-Katharina von Bora Luther Endowment (Katies Fund) founded. Synodical anti-racism training affirmed. Representation on LIRS board gives a presentation on immigration and refugee issues. Feasting at Katies Table events held. Global education seminar travels to Malaysia.

30. A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Womens Organizations 1999-4 th Triennial Convention held St. Louis, MO; theme: Live Gods Justice. Women of Color Gathering held. Intercambio debuts. Todays Dream: Tomorrows 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 Katies Table. Synodical leadership cycle, cycle 2, held. Global education seminar travels to Kenya.

31. A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Womens Organizations 2001-LWT is redesigned from digest into a full-size format. Organization co-sponsors ELCA Womens 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. 2002-5 th 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.

32. A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Womens 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. www.lutheranwomantoday.org 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.

33. A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Womens Organization 2005-6 th Triennial Convention and Gathering held San Antonio, TX; theme Act Boldly. Raising up Healthy Women and Girls initiative launches. 35 th anniversary of womens 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.

34. A Timeline of the Growth of Lutheran Womens 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 Womens Day launches. 2008-7 th 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.

35. A Timeline of Growth of Lutheran Womens Organizations Beth Wrenn elected president. 20 th anniversary gift of $25,000 given to Augusta Victoria Hospital in Palestine; 20 th anniversary and 7 th 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.

36. A Timeline of Growth of Lutheran Womens Organizations 2010-Women of the ELCA travels to World Day of Prayer held in Cameroon, Central Africa. Women of the ELCA partner with the Womens Funding Network in an ongoing effort to recycle cell phones. Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls new seed grant health initiative launched. 8 th 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 8 th 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 8 th Triennial Convention-Women of Faith and Climate Change.

37. A Timeline of Growth of Lutheran Womens Organizations 2011-Women of the ELCA join forces with the ELCA to help fight Malaria in sub- Saharan 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 9 th Triennial Convention in 2014. Jennifer Michael elected president. 2012-5 th Cross Cultural immersion offer at Rocky Boys Chippewa Cree Reservation, Montana. Women of the ELCA presents Café at the ELCAs Youth Gathering in New Orleans.

38. 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.

39. 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.