Fall 2021
It’s a special edition of Bold Connections because we can’t wait to share the good news!
Chocolate, coffee and tea can aid migrant minors
Equal Exchange, a long-time partner of Women of the ELCA, is celebrating 25 years of working with all faiths to bring Fair Trade products to individuals. Turns out Lutherans lead the way in hosting congregational sales of Equal Exchange products. As a thank you for that support, Equal Exchange has a special offer for Lutherans, available now through November 5. A portion of Lutheran sales will benefit AMMPARO, the ELCA commitment to accompanying migrant minors that Women of the ELCA has long supported.

It’s a win (support Fair Trade farmers), win (support AMMPARO), win (eat great chocolate) situation! Everyone benefits. You can even do some Christmas shopping and check that off your list.

Place an order on the Equal Exchange webstore through November 5th and enter the code WELCA21 during check out. Ten percent of your purchase will be set aside as a donation to Women of the ELCA for AMMPARO, the ELCA commitment to accompanying migrant minors. Learn more.
Does your congregation support Equal Exchange?
Through the partnership between Women of the ELCA and Equal Exchange, churches and individuals purchase organic, fairly traded products at wholesale case prices. High quality, ethically sourced coffee, tea, chocolate, olive oil, snacks, and grocery staples are available.
Many congregations offer sales during the fellowship hour. Sales might occur once a month or even weekly. Learn more about how your congregation can get involved.
Celebrate God's grace through Thankofferings
Lutheran women traditionally come together each autumn to celebrate God’s grace by collecting up their Thankofferings. Just as Women of the ELCA is not a one-size-fits-all organization, Thankofferings are collected up in different ways.

In some congregations a Thankoffering service is held on a Sunday morning and all worshippers are invited to participate.
In other places, the women of the congregational unit gather together and bring their Thankofferings.

This year you’re invited to use the 2020 materials again in 2021. Modify them in ways that work in your setting. Be creative! Also, share Giving Thanks to God with women, exploring ways to think of Thankofferings in our everyday lives. To order Thankoffering envelopes, call 800-638-3522, ext. 2730 or send an email.
New to Thankofferings?
Thankofferings are gifts made in response to God’s grace. They are a way to say thank you to God in both significant and ordinary moments. Lutheran women have been making Thankofferings since the 19th century. Join the legacy of our foremothers by adopting the spiritual discipline of Thankofferings.

All congregational units of Women of the ELCA are encouraged to collect Thankofferings.
Thankofferings support the annual budget of the churchwide women’s organization.You can learn more about Thankofferings online or in two resources: All About Thankofferings and Giving Thanks to God: All Day, Every Day.

You are also invited to experience virtual Thankoffering services! One active unit, Northeast Ohio Synodical Women's Organization (NEOSWO) is holding their Thankoffering event online, via Facebook Live, November 21st at 3 pm (EST) and the public is invited.
Women of the ELCA | 773-380-2730 | women.elca@elca.org | welca.org