Women of the ELCA

Wow! My son has graduated from high school. It seems like only yesterday he was toddling along behind his older sisters. Where has the time gone? Before you know it he will be off to college and I will be an empty nester. This is a day that I never truly imagined. It feels like I’ve been a mother all of my life. I’ve had children in and out of my house for 28 years, and now there will be no one at home for me to mother.

The Bible says to train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Knowing this gives me comfort because I know that I have raised my son according to the Word of God. I’ve taught my son to treat others with respect, just as he would want to be treated. Although I won’t be there, I trust him to make wise choices.

A new chapter in my life will unfold. What does this mean for me? What am I going to do?

Well, if things get too quiet at home, I can always invite the grandchildren for a sleepover.

Deborah Powell is the associate executive director of Women of the ELCA.

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A few weeks ago, the ELCA released the Draft Social Statement on Criminal Justice, a document intended to spark conversations throughout the church.

Its timing was significant for me. A month or so earlier, I heard an interview with author Michelle Alexander about her book called The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. Then, I read it. In the book, Alexander observes that the criminal justice system is devastating black communities in America through the war on drugs. This policy, she says, was established in the 1970s and ’80s to control black men by locking them away in prison and labeling them criminals when they are released. You may not agree with her broad conclusion. Regardless, the stories and facts she tells about the criminal justice system are important and compelling.

The war on drugs is especially dangerous, she notes, because it is hidden from the majority. Unlike Jim Crow, which happened out in the open, the war on drugs is happening primarily in poor black neighborhoods, police cars, courthouses and prisons. The book has spent weeks on the best-seller list and is galvanizing readers (including at least one Lutheran pastor).

This blog post is one of my first steps to respond to the book and to contribute to the church’s conversations about criminal justice. I hope Women of the ELCA starts more conversations and shows up where conversations are already happening in our congregations.

We are a community of women that aspires to work against racism.  I hope we bring questions about race to these conversations. Alexander says that Americans are less likely to talk about race today because we’re supposed to be better than that in an age of supposed colorblindness. (As in, “How bad can racism be? We elected a black man president.”) For Women of the ELCA to be “anti-racist” in the age of colorblindness, we have to acknowledge racism where it happens. As Christians, in any age, we are called to shine light on what is hidden. How will you participate?

Emma Crossen is director for stewardship and development.

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Most of us who become parents have that defining moment. You know the one. You are lecturing speaking to your child and an out-of-body experience occurs. You hear yourself saying words that are not your own. From your mouth are coming forth the words of your mother. Words that when you had heard them for the umpteenth time as a child or, more likely, a teenager, you swore you’d never ever utter. But yet, utter you have!

Truth is, moms (and dads and aunties and all those who love us) have some great words of wisdom. We don’t always have to admit it, but it’s true. And it may just be that for most of us, as we age we find out more and more just how much our moms really know (or knew).

In honor of Mother’s Day, we asked our Facebook community to share the best piece of advice received from mom (or a motherly figure). Here are a few nuggets of advice. To read them all, go to our “Advice from Mom” board on Pinterest. To add your own, post a comment below.

Anne’s mom: Pick your battles.

Sharon’s mom: Always remember God loves you!

Judy’s mother: This too shall pass.

Sue’s mom: People are more important than things.

Debbie’s mama: Do something nice for someone everyday and listen more than you speak.

Karen’s mother: Celebrate birthdays — they remind us of the gift of life!

Jeanne’s mom: Enjoy the moment. Time goes by so fast.

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Have you ever had one of those moments when you did something that a few minutes after you thought, “What just happened to me?”  That happened to me today. Just like many of you, I didn’t start out my day cranky, but found myself going through a series of minor hassles and stresses stacked up one after the other until the next person I saw really did not receive me at my best. Turns out it was a young airline agent who was trying to help me get my bags checked in. Unfortunately for her, she had to instruct me to go to another line (after I had already been jostled and transferred and was beginning to think that I would swear off air travel). I confess that while I did not give her a scathing dose of verbal vitriol, my exasperated look and abrupt departure left her in no doubt that I was NOT a happy camper and that somehow I thought it was her fault. She had no idea that she was just bearing the brunt of what really amounted to several small inconveniences I had experienced prior to arriving in her presence.

So, with a grumble and a petulant gait, I ambled over to the next line expecting even more problems.  (Isn’t it funny how sometimes just the atmosphere in an airport can breed discontent?) But, as I stood there I heard the voice of my mother in my head whispering a well-worn verse I remember from my childhood…

“All of us in this life are brothers, none goes this way alone. All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own.”

Perhaps I’m paraphrasing that line a bit, but it was in that moment I thought, “What did I just send into the life of that young woman?” Negativity, censure, disappointment… and she had done nothing. My solution? I changed my demeanor right then. I smiled at the next agent and completed my baggage process. But more importantly, I walked back to that young woman at the ticket counter and I apologized. She was gracious, but I insisted that I was not at my best and I was wrong to take it out on her… (and then I did give her a piece of chocolate in case my personal confession wasn’t sufficient!)

This can be a reminder to all of us that there is no substitute for civility and kindness in our society today. In a hurting world there is always a need for grace and mercy no matter what hardships we have experienced in our lives. And I think we best model Christ’s image when we are ever mindful of what we send into the lives of those we encounter on our life’s journey each and every day. I am grateful God gave me a “do-over” with that young woman today. And I pray that in the future I will work harder to get it right the first time!

Jenny Michael, of Pensacola, Florida, is the churchwide president of Women of the ELCA.

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With Memorial 1 of the Eighth Triennial Convention (2011), Women of the ELCA delegates asked us to consider the changes we need to make to preserve our planet as the climate changes. Our ecological footprints clearly show that we cannot hope to maintain the consumptive lifestyles currently lived. It is a matter of eco-justice. Too often we “first-worlders” prove ourselves to be determined to live as the pigs of the planet (sorry, pigs!) by the way some of us continue to spout unrealistic arguments “there is no such thing” and ideas about how technology can solve the problems of climate change. Attention! There will be no “save the polar bear” app!

According to the World Wildlife Fund, an average U.S. citizen requires 10 hectares of the planet to support his or her lifestyle, while an average European needs over five hectares. A hectare is a metric unit of area defined as 10,000 square meters (100 m by 100 m). The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) cited by National Geographic News, based on the work of some 2,500 scientists in more than 130 countries, concluded that humans have caused all or most of the current planetary warming.  In 2007, the UN’s IPCC forecast that strong hurricanes, droughts, heat waves, wildfires and other natural disasters may become commonplace in many parts of the world. The growth of deserts may also cause food shortages in many places.

Solutions are argued as well as discussed. Like many others looking into eco-justice and climate change, I see now as the time to learn to grow more of our own food and learn to barter for what we do not grow or make, to reduce the fossil fuel needed to bring fresh produce to us. We can become more effective recyclers and begin to see our homes as the first place in which to recycle. Buy from secondhand shops. Instead of purchasing plastic containers or baggies for leftovers, reuse glass food jars and plastic shredded cheese containers, use cloth grocery bags, refuse products over-wrapped in plastic, find other uses for items that no longer serve their intended purpose and forget about buying new stuff for a new look for either body or home! Care for creation begins in the mind. Our faith provides the energy!

Inez Torres Davis is Women of the ELCA director for justice.

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While I’m not a professional educator or researcher in the area of grandparents raising grandchildren, I’m seeing an example of such first-hand. My husband and I have very good friends well into their seventies who are temporarily (at this time) raising their grandchildren. The children range in age from 6-18 years old. It’s a growing challenge for our friends and many grandparents today.

It seems that family units are broken for many reasons. That’s nothing new. Those of us who are grandparents cannot assume we won’t need to raise our grandchildren either temporarily or with permanent placement.

Statistically the majority of grandparents are under 65 years of age and are employed. Most grandchildren in need are under six years of age. The raising of grandchildren may often come at a time when one is looking forward to a more leisurely life with less responsibility. Raising grandchildren requires emotional, financial, health and legal support.

It is often difficult to be a supportive parent and grandparent. Are you the parent to your adult child and your grandchildren or are you the saving grace to a child? Grandparents lives are changed forever by the decision to raise these children. You may have to relinquish that grandparent *magic* to create a safe environment for the child. A grandparent is suddenly immersed in schoolwork and soccer games. The grandparent role changes, but the grandchildren generally understand the sacrifices of their grandparents and respect those efforts. The rewarding aspect of safety far outweighs the burdens.

Each of us is called upon to react in kindness and compassion for the families involved. Can we offer a meal delivered, an afternoon of childcare, homework tutoring, trips to the library or gift cards to help with unexpected expenses?

Raising a grandchild is complicated. It is a life changing and emotionally charged decision. It is my hope that we will respond as Jesus would have us do-with support, advocacy and love for our neighbors, the friends and family raising their grandchildren.

Syd Brinkman, a doting grandmother in Allison, Iowa, is serving her second term on the churchwide executive board.

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Yesterday, I finally did it. Shortly after moving to Chicago in October, I started attending church at a congregation near my apartment. It is very near. My average Sunday-morning commute is 3 minutes — on foot. Maybe the path to church was too easy. Most Sundays, I did not have to think ahead and prepare for how to get there or what to bring. Consequently, every Sunday, I found myself sitting in the sanctuary without cash or a check. So, when the offering plate came, I did not have a way to give. And, every Sunday, I thought, “I’ve been meaning to make my offering through the congregation’s website.” Then, yesterday, I went to the church website and signed up to make a monthly donation that will be automatically deducted from my bank account. This simple action took all of 5 minutes. Finally, I turned “I’ve been meaning to” into “I did.”

I should really stop using this phrase – “I’ve been meaning to.” Do you know it? As in, I’ve been meaning to call a friend, send an email, start praying more often, give to the church. After all, my faith does not call me to intend to act. My faith calls me to act. Either I did give to my church or I did not give to my church.

Did you read the article by Peter Marty in the March issue of Gather? He reflects on the Biblical story of the poor widow (in Mark 12:41-44) who puts two small copper coins in the temple offering and is commended by Jesus because she gave all that she had to give. Marty writes, “It could be that she used her offering that day not to demonstrate to God the person she was, but to begin the process of becoming the person she wanted to be.” Marty thinks this is the kind of giving act that Jesus calls us to: “Jesus does not tell us that our treasure follows the path of our hearts. Instead he indicates that our hearts typically follow the path of our treasure.”

I’m excited about my monthly donation to the church. I am excited because, by taking this step, I am beginning the process of becoming a person who gives money to her congregation. No matter what I have intended, until yesterday, that was not me.

This weekend, I will gather with 18 women who have taken on the task of helping us all to become the kind of givers we want to be. They are new treasurers for the synodical women’s organizations, and they are coming to Chicago for the 2012 Treasurers Training Event. Please hold us in prayer. And, please join us in reflection and preparation as we strive to inspire and support women to act boldly on their faith. That is our mission as Women of the ELCA. How will we replace stewardship intentions with stewardship actions?

Emma Crossen is director for stewardship and development.

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“Always be prepared” is a saying attributed to Scouting, but long before its advent Jesus told the disciples a parable about foolish maidens who ran out of oil for their lamps. I think about the parable every time I hear a report of a disaster. Last weekend 110 tornadoes touched down in eight states in the Midwest, destroying entire communities.

On July 23, 2010 at 6:30 a.m. Chicago experienced flooding, the third largest disaster in the nation according to FEMA. It was my first lazy Saturday and I was up with my coffee and blanket on the sofa to enjoy the rain against the window and a few episodes of “Law and Order.” Suddenly I heard what sounded like an explosion and as I got to the basement door I could see furniture, appliances and keepsakes swirling around in 2 feet of fast moving water in my basement. I quickly learned that I was not prepared to handle this catastrophe. And, the city and its workers that were supposed to protect and serve were flooded too!

My point? Before this personal experience, reports of disasters were just reports. It was news and quickly forgotten news. But each disaster brings with it years of recovery— there are still people on the Southside of Chicago with the dreaded black mold growing in their basements.

I think back on that day and the following 72 hours. It wasn’t the hauling of ruined belongings out of basements that is appreciated. It was the encouraging words and sharing cell phones to call relatives or a cup of water that is remembered.

People of faith must take and offer preparedness training for natural disasters and the spiritual ones that come with them. To get prepared start with these questions—

• Do you know what kinds of natural disasters your area is vulnerable to?
• What is your first line of defense?
• Do you know who to call?
• Does your family and community have an evacuation plan?

Valora K Starr is director for discipleship.

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Like other women in their 20s and 30s (the largest group of users to embrace the popular social networking site), I am addicted to Pinterest. I rely on this virtual “scrapboard” or “pinboard” for recipes, decorating ideas and, lately, Do-It-Yourself (DIYs) cleaners that help me to reduce my use of chemicals that hurt the environment and my body. The environment is especially on my mind this week, as we prepare to celebrate Earth Day on April 22.

All of my friends are interested in saving money and reducing their impact on the environment. Pinterest is an excellent source for recipes for old-fashioned, chemical-free cleaners. I’ve listed some on Women of the ELCA’s “Earth Friendly” board. Do you have recipes that you could share?

And it’s not just cleaning products. Are you a plastiholic? Research has suggested that some chemicals that come in plastic are dangerous for our health. “Pesticides and plasticizers such as bisphenon-a (or BPA, used in cans, thermal receipt paper and baby bottles), can disrupt the endocrine system by changing how we regulate insulin or when girls begin puberty. Environmental factors such as these can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease.” (Horizons, November/December 2011.) Also, our waterways have become polluted with excess plastic shopping bags and debris. This plastic mass kills the fish and other algae and life forms that are necessary for a stable eco-system. Check out this list of  “16 ways to limit plastic waste.” Will you go on a “plastic diet” this month?

The National Council of Churches’ Eco-Justice Group offers many resources that you can use in your church and community this Earth Day.  Women of the ELCA and others in the ELCA also offer resources for your church and group to celebrate the Earth this year.

Good stewardship of the earth is our responsibility, and it is what God calls us to do.

I encourage you to check out a list of eco-friendly cleaners and other clever DIY ways to save water. How will you resolve to make a difference for the planet and for your health on Earth Day and beyond?

I hope you will join me in celebrating Earth Day by visiting the “Earth Friendly” board on Women of the ELCA’s page on pinterest.com. Also, connect with us on our Facebook page and let us know what you are doing.

Elizabeth McBride is the director for intergenerational programs and editor of Café.

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