NT-NL News: January 2018, Fifth Monday

Women of the ELCA

Leslie Jenkins, member of First, Longview, wrote the article, Women of the ELCA – Past, Present and Future, and asks some thoughtful questions of us all.

“…Martin Luther shook up the world 500 years ago, and almost from the start of this thing we call the Lutheran church, there have been bold women of faith in ministry….

Our past is full of strong women active in ministry. From the history page of Women of the ELCA website:

“Lutheran women in the United States have been gathering in mission since the 1800s, and we owe much to our foremothers who responded to God’s call, created a place and lived out a purpose when women had no voice in the church.”

…While many of us raise money for community outreach, how often do we step off church grounds and help put those funds to work? I know I am guilty of just writing a check. My younger daughter pointed out that her generation wants to be actively involved, to do more than get together to talk and raise money….”

Click here to read, and reflect on, the full article.

Bold Women’s Day

Sunday, February 25

Bold Women’s Day, observed annually on the fourth Sunday of February, celebrates all Lutheran women who have acted, or are acting, boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ. Some women are bold in their unceasing prayers. Other women are bold in their service to those in need. Still other women are bold in their advocacy or through their hospitality. Whether we live out our bold story of faith in the workplace, family, home, or community, our faith compels us to make a difference in the lives of others. It’s all about living out our baptismal call, about being a disciple of Christ. Are you bold?

To celebrate with us, add a Facebook cover photo, download ideas to celebrate and promote Bold Women’s Day in your congregation.

CELEBRATE BOLD WOMEN’S DAY

Honor and celebrate the bold women in your congregation and community with this resource on Bold Women’s Day, Sunday, February 25, 2018. Read ways that you and congregation can celebrate with ideas and litanies that you can use. Available also En Español.

DOWNLOAD THE RESOURCE

SHARE BOLD WOMEN’S DAY CERTIFICATES

DOWNLOAD THE CERTIFICATE

PROMOTE THIS EVENT IN YOUR CONGREGATION

Download a poster to hang at church and an ad to feature in your bulletin. Spread the word!

DOWNLOAD THE POSTER

DOWNLOAD THE AD FOR A BULLETIN

International Women’s Day

Thursday, March 8

International Women’s Day (celebrated annually on March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. International Women’s Day (IWD) has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD run by the Suffragettes in 1911. IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group, or organisation specific.

internationalwomensday.com

#IWD2018 #PressforProgress

The ELCA has resources available as well:

IWD 2018 booklet

IWD 2018 bulletin insert

Justice for Women resources