February 2017
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Don't forget to follow @Boldcafe (Boldcafe.org) on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. You never know what you'll find.
Be boldly creative on this special day 

Women of the ELCA's annual Bold Women's Day is Sunday, February 26, 2017. When it comes to celebrating Bold Women's Day, let your imagination and creativity take the lead. Involve the women of your congregational unit or invite all the women of your congregation to participate. You can expand your celebrations to include women of other congregations or throughout your community. Email us and let us know 
where your bold thinking takes you as you celebrate Bold Women's Day 2017. 
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND THE TRIENNIAL GATHERING? ASK ELY!
 
Why should you attend the triennial gathering?

Women of the ELCA Executive Board Treasurer Ely Smith shares packing tips for the Tenth Triennial Gathering in Minneapolis, Minn., July 13-16.
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE IS FEB. 15   
 
Women of the ELCA is accepting scholarship applications through Feb. 15. Scholarships support Lutheran women of all ages in pursuing their vocations as ministers, teachers, doctors, business leaders and scientists. Hear from one woman who received a scholarship.
DEVOTIONAL: PLENTY TO SHARE
 
I think a lot of us, whether we grew up with hand-me-downs or the very best of everything, carry around an old message of not enough to some degree, in some variation. Read the devotional. 
SHAME: THE ENEMY OF BAPTISM 

Many people think about what they will sacrifice for Lent, what to give up in order to journey deeper into relationship with God. A few years ago, this Cafe author began the practice of intentionally and mindfully taking something on, something that would challenge her to create a habit that would help deepen here faith. Read the Cafe article. 
GATHER CELEBRATES 500 YEARS

Gather's January/February issue kicks off the new year with a celebration of reformation in the church, in the world and in our lives.

In addition to a new Bible study, you'll read about Women of the ELCA's continuing efforts to end human trafficking , stories of women reforming their habits, closets and expectations and even  a special article from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton   about what it means to be Lutheran in 2017.  
INSPIRING OTHERS TO ACTION
 
Jennie Hodge and Nancy Franz want to help you make a positive impact in your community, so they've written a book.

Changing the World One Backpack at a Time  outlines the history of a feeding program housed at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Blacksburg, Va.

Jody Smiley, Women of the ELCA executive board vice president, said the program began in her congregation, St. Michael, "but has grown more into a community effort." Read the article.
USE YOUR IMAGINATION IN LENT
 
Lent: Penitence, Pilgrimage, Preparation  is an imaginative exploration of three aspects of the season of Lent: penitence, pilgrimage and preparation for baptism and is intended for use in groups. Download the free resource.
GATHERING WORKSHOP: YOU. GOD'S CHILDREN. END TRAFFICKING
 
Child sex trafficking is a horrible injustice, and Women of the ELCA has made a strong commitment to ending it. 
Come learn ideas and best practices, gleaned from congregations using Cherish All Children's mission model: Pray, Educate, Connect and Act. You will leave with resources to help you get started or deepen what you are already doing to end human trafficking. Amy Hartman, national director,  Cherish All Children, Minneapolis, Minn., will lead the workshop at the Tenth Triennial Gathering in Minneapolis, July 13-16. Register now!
HARD-WORKING COMMITTEE 
 
Women of the ELCA's nominating committee was hard at work Jan. 27-28, putting together a slate of nominees for the churchwide board to be elected at the triennial convention in July 2017. 

From left starting head of table are:  Vickie Murph, 6F-Southern Ohio; Jennifer Armstrong-Schaefer, 8B-Southwestern Pennsylvania; Rebecca A. Olson, 3D-Northwestern Minnesota; Jackie Wilson, 4C-Arkansas-Oklahoma; Sydney Brinkman (chair); 5F-Northeastern Iowa; Anna Thompson, 2E-Rocky Mountain; Camille Trott, 9D-Southeastern; Joy Grace, 7F-Southeastern Pennsylvania; and Margaret L. Ungrodt, 1A-Alaska.
BOLDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF 
 
The best way to identify yourself as a Women of the ELCA participant when we gather in July in Minneapolis is to wear All Anew proudly. 

And nothing goes better with the Tenth Triennial Gathering logo than our gorgeous sterling silver jewelry.
When you see a woman in the airport, on a train or in a Minneapolis restaurant wearing our identity items, introduce yourself boldly.

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