WELCA

WELCA OFFICERS 2007

President - Julie Ingram
Vice President - Alice Smith
Secretary - Betty Neighbarger
Treasurer - Marie Holmes

About WELCA
The "Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church" Web Page contains information pertaining to the organization and function of St. Paul's WELCA.  Individual women in the congregation are called "participants" as they participate in the activities of the organization.  NO signing up or joining is required.  Instead the whole congregational chapter or "unit" is a "member" of the church-wide Women of the ELCA.  Names listed on this page are the names of those who regularly participate in WELCA activities, but all women of St. Paul's are welcome to participate.

The symbol (above)--with the cross, water and a white lily--identifies the women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as children of God;  baptized, forgiven, adopted into God's family, 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 nations;  baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).

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.

The Fellowship of the Least Coin
It began in Asia, an Indian woman on a fellowship visit to the Women of East Asia felt the instantaneous warmth of Christian friends everywhere.  She longed for the experience for her village women who never could travel. Here began a "Fellowship of the Least Coin", which since 1956 has spread to thousands of women in more than 50 countries.

It continues with you when you:  pray regularly each month for women in every part of the world;  become an instrument of reconciliation in your family, or neighborhood, or in some act which brings people of other races or nations more nearly in harmony.  Set aside a token of participation ? a least coin.

The Church Women United encourage you to be a part of the Fellowship of the Least Coin.  At each group meeting and general meeting we just ask a penny from all members.  All gifts are sent to the National Treasurer and used for such projects as:  evangelism, service, and ecumenical fellowship among women.
 

2003 WELCA Goals

- Reach out, invite, and involve all women of St. Paul's
- Each circle put together a CWU kit for dedication/presentation in November
- Upgrade the Kitchen