October 2, 2007
Volume 1, Issue 32

Editor: Rick Scherger

Organizational Redevelopment Process
Over the past two years surveys have been conducted exploring the usage of resources, purposes for gatherings, readership of Esprit and the magazine's purpose as well as demographics. Focus Groups have been conducted across the country that encouraged its participants to think about a way forward to consider what an organization might look like that is faith-based, the barriers to achieving that organization and then knowing the barriers, how could it happen.Preliminary findings suggest there is a desire for gatherings, biblical reflection and worship incorporating people of mixed groups and generations.

All this information has been assessed and at this time needs further reflection to determine a way forward. The redevelopment process requires looking at the mission/vision, structure, program and finances to determine how the organization might look as well as asking what its unique purpose is as a way of serving within the ELCIC. An Advisory Group will be established to review the collected information and to look at models for the future that the ELW and ELCIC might consider feasible.

Disbanded ELWs and New ELWs
ELW has lost some ELWs for various reasons. We thank the women of the following congregations for their support and participation over the years:
Shepherd of the Hills, Calgary AB
Zion Lutheran, Beausejour MB
Zion Lutheran, Thunder Bay ON

We rejoice at the beginnings of an ELW at Grace Lutheran Church in Victoria BC. This group is celebrating its interest in being part of a community of women and their intergenerational gift--women in their 20s to age 70 are coming together for Bible study and other activities. A hearty welcome to the women at Grace!

Approval of 2008 Budget
The National Board had to make some very tough decisions to balance the 2008 Budget.
It was necessary to make financial cuts. The largest area of reduction will be to staff salaries. Consequently, the ELW executive director will be determining staffing needs for 2008 and make the appropriate cuts to staff time and salaries. This will have some impact on service and programs. A topical resource will not be produced in 2008 but you can look forward to the Bible study and Esprit and are encouraged to use the on-line resources as well as the programs What’s Enough? and No Place Like Home available by calling 204.984.9160.

The National ELW President and the executive director travel budgets have also been eliminated. If there is a desire to have one of these representatives available at an event, it will be at the cost of the local event. Similarly, there will be no more travel in 2007.

The National ELW Board will be funding its March 2008 Board meeting from the Quadrennial Convention Fund rather than using Grace Gifts.

The Esprit is also in a significant deficit position. The only way this can change is through increased purchase of subscriptions. Do you subscribe? Do you know of someone in your congregation who might enjoy a subscription?

These decisions were made in the hope that the National ELW Board is acting as a good and faithful steward of the gifts that have been given for the ministry of ELW.

Resources Available
ELW has some great resources available for many groups within the church. What's Enough? and No Place Like Home are excellent resources that can be used to stimulate discussion in youth groups, women's groups. Small portions could be used as opening conversation for church counsels and other adult study groups.

Check the ELW website for many different programs that can be used in your congregation. Go to www.elw.ca and click on Resources as a gateway for some great ideas. The number of resources available on the site is expanding. In November 2007, the 2008 devotions and Advent program will also be made available.

Be Not Afraid Women's Convention
Consider promoting and attending this event July 10-13, 2008 in Calgary. Unlike other conventions, the business sessions will be held in the first part of the morning. The rest of each day will be filled with keynote presentations by Kelly Fryer, author, as well as participating in conversations and experiential workshops that will motivate, uplift and energize each person. Registration information will be up on the ELW website within a few days and other information will be made available as plans unfold.

Nominations for National ELW Board members are welcomed. Talk to your regional nomination committee member regarding positions available. Position descriptions and nomination forms are available on the website.

For Calgary Stampede enthusiasts--this event takes place July 4-13, 2008. Accommodations can be made at the University of Calgary if you should want to take in the Stampede as well as Be Not Afraid. The on-line registration for Be Not Afraid and accommodations will be on the ELW website within days.

The ELW Board asks for your prayers for the organization and its leaders at all levels from Congregational leaders to the National ELW Board members as it moves through these times of financial complications as well as asking "How is God calling ELW to serve?"