Florida Bahamas Synod ELCA

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Purpose Statement for the Women of the ELCA

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.

You may not be alone in asking, “What is WELCA and why should I get involved?” Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a women's group that is much more than the ladies staked out in the kitchen or the organizers of annual church quilt drives or a monthly coffee clutch.

Here in the Florida-Bahamas Synod we can be proud that our Women of the ELCA members are involved at unprecedented levels beyond what their foremothers envisioned before them. We are a diverse group of mothers, grandmothers, sisters and daughters that have found a common purpose in serving within and beyond our church walls.

All women of the Florida-Bahamas Synod are encouraged to join us in becoming more involved in the fellowship of the Women of the ELCA. We sponsor uplifting and renewing retreats, we gather together at conference events, and we delight in sharing ministry as well as ourselves. If you are wondering where to begin, please contact us for more information.

News and Upcoming Events

NEW! 2009 SWO Fall Gathering Information and Registration
- Registration is now open for our SWO Fall Gathering at Lake Yale scheduled for Friday afternoon, November 13, through Sunday, November 15. Click here to learn about this year’s inspirational weekend. We encourage all women to attend. Take courage and join us this year.
NEW! Win a FREE TRIP: The SWO's Nominating Committee WANTS YOU!!!
- Be a National Convention Delegate.
- Be a leader on the Board of the SWO.
Is your unit entitled to send a voting delegate to the SWO Fall Gathering? (Download PDF) or (Download MSWord)
SWO Leadership Manual: (Download PDF) or (Download MSWord)
2009 Lutheran World Relief Totals
SWO Fall Gathering 2009: Mark your calendars. Our 2009 Fall Gathering will be held November 13^th – 15^th at the Lake Yale Baptist Retreat Center in Leesburg, FL. Please note that 2009 is a convention year and we encourage each unit to send a delegate to the convention. We will post specific details and registration information as in later months. Watch the Video

If you are having trouble downloading a PDF document, please make certain that you have the latest version of Adobe Reader. Download it for free here.

Many documents are also available in Microsoft Word . You must have MS Word 1997 or newer to view these documents. You can download MS Word Viewer for free here.

Contact our Interim President – Raeann Purcell: raeannpurcell@hotmail.com

Treasurer's Page - resources for the local congregational unit treasurer.

NEW! Tapestry Newsletter - The official newsletter of the Florida-Bahamas Synod Women of the ELCA

SWO History: A message from our Historian

Synodical Women’s Organization Brochure - More information regarding the organization.

Synodical Women’s Organization Executive Board (PDF)

Conference Officers

2009 Lutheran World Relief Totals

“Raising Up Healthy Women & Girls” Health Initiative – Encourage Legislators to Support the HEART for Women Act.

Leadership Manual or MS Word

NEW! SWO Constitution or MS Word

Link to national Women of the ELCA website