Grace Lutheran Church Who Is

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 symbol—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, and make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"

THE THEME FOR THE TRIENNIUM
During the 2005 - 2008 Triennium, Women of the ELCA will focus on the theme "Act Boldly".

Adah means "beauty" in Hebrew. One of Lamech's wives was named Adah. (Genesis 4:19) One of Esau's wives was also called Adah. (Genesis 36:2)

Meets at the church in the parish hall the first Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. Members make lap robes for shut-ins and residents of nursing homes. After a brown bag lunch, they have a business meeting followed by a devotional period.

Dorcas means "gazelle." Dorcas was the woman of Joppa whom Peter raised from the dead. She was known as a person devoted to good works and to acts of charity. (Acts 9:36 )

Meets at the church in the parish hall the second Thursday of the month at 2:00 p.m. Members have refreshments, a business meeting, and devotions. Three offerings are received: a circle offering, a Sunshine Fund offering, and an offering of the Least Coin, a project sponsored by Church Women United. The circle also fills Love Cans for Mainstay. Quarterly, circle members take refreshments and favors to residents of a local nursing home, have brief devotions, and sing songs.

Leah means "weary" in Hebrew. Leah was the first wife of Jacob, older sister of Rachel. (Genesis 29)

Meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the church or in member's homes. After a brief business meeting and refreshments, the circle has Bible study, using the material in Lutheran Woman Today magazine. The circle also discusses advocacy issues and focuses on one issue to bring to the attention of the congregation each month through the Gracevine.

Meets at the church the first Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. After refreshments and fellowship, the circle has a brief business meeting, then Bible study using the material in Lutheran Woman Today. A love offering is collected in addition to a general offering. From the love offering, the circle donates funds each month for four Bibles which are distributed by the American Bible Society. Other gifts are selected throughout the year.

Rachel means "ewe." Rachel was the daughter of Laban, the wife of Jacob, and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, the younger sister of Leah (Genesis 29:5)

Meets the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the church or at members' homes. After refreshments and a brief business meeting, the circle has Bible study. In addition to their regular circle offering, members contribute to a fund which is used at Christmas to purchase coats for the needy.

Sarah means "princess." She was a woman of faith and the wife of Abraham. She became the mother of a nation and ancestor of Jesus. (Genesis 17:15-16)

Meets the third Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at the church. After refreshments and fellowship, the members meet for a brief business meeting followed by a Bible-related study. The circle has formed small groups and visits area Care Centers. An offering Is received for the Grace Unit general fund, and members also contribute to the Christmas Coat Fund.

Meets at the church January, March, May, July, September, and November on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m ; for book review, reflection, and fellowship. in December, the group has a festive dinner together at a local restaurant. Books to be discussed are listed several months ahead in = The GraceVine. Newcomers are always welcome to join the group.

Women gather in the parish hall on the third Tuesday of each month (except December) to do simple quilting and to enjoy fellowship. Steps include cutting squares; machine sewing squares for quilt tops (at home); assembling tops, filler, and backing; tying; and sewing edges. Quilts are donated to Lutheran World Relief; Interfaith Assistance Ministry and to other agencies as needed.



Home Staff Grace Vine Committees Women of ELCA Music Christian Ed Youth Preschool Our History	WOMEN OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA PURPOSE STATEMENT 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. ABOUT THE WOMEN OF THE ELCA LOGO The symbol—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, and 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 The New Jerusalem Bible THE THEME FOR THE TRIENNIUM During the 2005 - 2008 Triennium, Women of the ELCA will focus on the theme "Act Boldly". ABOUT OUR CIRCLES Adah Circle Adah means "beauty" in Hebrew. One of Lamech's wives was named Adah. (Genesis 4:19) One of Esau's wives was also called Adah. (Genesis 36:2) Meets at the church in the parish hall the first Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. Members make lap robes for shut-ins and residents of nursing homes. After a brown bag lunch, they have a business meeting followed by a devotional period. Dorcas Circle . Dorcas means "gazelle." Dorcas was the woman of Joppa whom Peter raised from the dead. She was known as a person devoted to good works and to acts of charity. (Acts 9:36 ) Meets at the church in the parish hall the second Thursday of the month at 2:00 p.m. Members have refreshments, a business meeting, and devotions. Three offerings are received: a circle offering, a Sunshine Fund offering, and an offering of the Least Coin, a project sponsored by Church Women United. The circle also fills Love Cans for Mainstay. Quarterly, circle members take refreshments and favors to residents of a local nursing home, have brief devotions, and sing songs. Leah Circle Leah means "weary" in Hebrew. Leah was the first wife of Jacob, older sister of Rachel. (Genesis 29) Meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the church or in member's homes. After a brief business meeting and refreshments, the circle has Bible study, using the material in *Lutheran Woman Today* magazine. The circle also discusses advocacy issues and focuses on one issue to bring to the attention of the congregation each month through the Gracevine. Naomi Circle Naomi means "my delight.." Naomi was the mother-in-law of Ruth. (Ruth 1:2) Meets at the church the first Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. After refreshments and fellowship, the circle has a brief business meeting, then Bible study using the material in *Lutheran Woman Today.* A love offering is collected in addition to a general offering. From the love offering, the circle donates funds each month for four Bibles which are distributed by the American Bible Society. Other gifts are selected throughout the year. Rachel Circle Rachel means "ewe." Rachel was the daughter of Laban, the wife of Jacob, and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, the younger sister of Leah (Genesis 29:5) Meets the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the church or at members' homes. After refreshments and a brief business meeting, the circle has Bible study. In addition to their regular circle offering, members contribute to a fund which is used at Christmas to purchase coats for the needy. Sarah Circle Sarah means "princess." She was a woman of faith and the wife of Abraham. She became the mother of a nation and ancestor of Jesus. (Genesis 17:15-16) Meets the third Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at the church. After refreshments and fellowship, the members meet for a brief business meeting followed by a Bible-related study. The circle has formed small groups and visits area Care Centers. An offering Is received for the Grace Unit general fund, and members also contribute to the Christmas Coat Fund. BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP Meets at the church January, March, May, July, September, and November on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m ; for book review, reflection, and fellowship. in December, the group has a festive dinner together at a local restaurant. Books to be discussed are listed several months ahead in = The GraceVine. Newcomers are always welcome to join the group. QUILTING GROUP Women gather in the parish hall on the third Tuesday of each month (except December) to do simple quilting and to enjoy fellowship. Steps include cutting squares; machine sewing squares for quilt tops (at home); assembling tops, filler, and backing; tying; and sewing edges. Quilts are donated to Lutheran World Relief; Interfaith Assistance Ministry and to other agencies as needed.