Be Not Afraid Women's Convention
Much of the meeting was focused on the planning for Be Not Afraid , the sixth quadrennial convention of the ELW®. Features of this event include many learning opportunities ranging from taking a carbon Sabbath, a conversation with a person from Mozambique, discovering more about restorative justice, to line dancing (We will be in Calgary during the Stampede so put on those boots and hat and start dancing!). These are only a few of the very interesting options for learning.

Kelly Fryer our keynote speaker will be addressing the participants on several occasions. We will be making art and music together as well as taking time out for quiet prayer and meditation.

Visit www.elw.ca for more convention information. This event is open to anyone interested in attending. Bring a friend!

Financial Update
The National Board recognizes and give thanks for some extra special contributions that significantly helped the organization in 2007. The BC and Eastern Synodical ELWs sent in funds over their budgeted amounts. GHDA provided $2000 towards the No Place Like Home resource and the What's Enough? resource was developed in partnership with Lutheran Planned Giving. There was an increase of funds coming from Conference ELWs and individuals who directed financial gifts directly to the national office. Without these extra gifts and supports, there would have been a significant deficit.

The Esprit Sustaining Supporter program had the most subscribers ever in 2007. People who enjoy reading Esprit become a Sustaining Supporter by sending in a contribution of $60 or more. First time supporters receive a pendant which has been ordered by ELW through CLWR Four Corners Alternative Trade program. Thank you to the 2007 Sustaining Supporters. Without your support, Esprit magazine would not have met its budget in 2007. Become a Sustaining Supporter by visiting www.elw.ca/Sustaining_Supporter.aspx

This is all very good news. However, it is important to note that the budget is developed on the basis of pledged amounts by Synodical ELWs. Unfortunately, the actual income from those budgeted amounts is not enough to meet the increasing demand of expenses. There is still no money for creative programming or development of new programs. All the special contributions and partnerships mentioned above are those unexpected presents that bring a sigh of relief. It is impossible though, to predict them when the budget is developed.

ELW was again able to provide the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada with $100,000 from its Praise Offering. Another $16,000 was designated to special projects which will be announced at a later date.

What is God Calling us to do? To Be? Update
The National Board still struggles with how the organization can continue to operate from a financial and programmatic perspective. It was challenged with defining a 2009 budget that can be presented to the convention delegates. The goal is to be honest about what is possible and what is desired to meeting the changing demographics and long-time supporter expectations. After reviewing some visionary pathways and accompanying budgets, Executive Director Ruth Vince was charged with drafting another budget option that expresses the conversation at this board meeting. The goal is to develop a budget and mission discussion document that Congregational ELWs and convention delegates can consider prior to the convention. In this way, it is hoped that there will be some understanding of why certain changes will need to be implemented from a budget perspective and more importantly from our discernment of what God is calling ELW to.

It is expected that there will be changes in terms of staffing and how the Esprit and the Bible study are produced and distributed. There was also discussion about an alternative income structure.

Disbanding ELWs and Associates
A few ELWs were acknowledged to have disbanded over the past six months. We thank the women in these congregations who have given so much of themselves over the years in their ministry within ELW and in the church.
Several Associates were recognized. Associates are women who attend an ELW group at a church that is not their regular worshipping community. An Associate is eligible for leadership and delegate opportunities.

ELW®
The acronym 'ELW' is a registered trademark. In Canada, it is not to be used to refer to anything but the organization Evangelical Lutheran Women. If you see it being used in your church to refer to the Evangelical Lutheran Worship, kindly inform those producing newsletters, bulletins, etc to refer to the worship hymnal by: using the full name Evangelical Lutheran Worship or; Worship and changing the font size as needed or; WH (worship hymnal). Thank you.

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Ruth Vince
Executive Director
Evangelical Lutheran Women Inc.
302-393 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9163
www.elw.ca