Words of Thanks

One of the chores that had to be fit into our schedule the past few weeks has been applying for financial aid for the next school year. Many of you know the drill: prepare your tax returns, then complete innumerable forms while hoping that your application will be selected. I was very pleased to receive notification last week from the Women of the ELCA in North Carolina that I would be receiving the Rainbow Scholarship. The very next day, another phone call came to tell me that I was being awarded the Chilstrom Scholarship from the Women of the ELCA. While neither is huge scholarship, they will each help toward paying for tuition and living expenses for our final year of studies.

Here, in part, is my letter of thanks to the Women of the ELCA. One of the questions asked on the application is “Why should the organization invest in your education?”

As I noted in my application, this scholarship is not a new investment! I have been involved since the formation of the Women of the ELCA: as a participant and officer in my local congregational unit, as a conference leader, synodical committee member, editor of the North Carolina synodical newsletter the Carolina Vine, and a member of the SWO board. I have attended uncounted circle meetings, committee and board meetings, conference and SWO gatherings, Churchwide Triennial Conventions, and retreats. Each of those positions and every one of those events has provided me with opportunities to work, study, and be in community with other women of faith. Women of the ELCA have already invested significantly in my development as a leader and mentor for other women through that involvement.

The Women of the ELCA has – and continues to - provide for me exactly what the purpose statement proclaims, the mission areas support, and the current triennial theme celebrates: A loving and supportive community of faithful women, fostering my growth in faith, and encouraging me to respond to God’s grace through bold action!

Even though I am now unable to regularly attend the circle meetings at my home congregation, I am still able to be part of the community of women in this place and remain connected to the women in North Carolina, who have supported me on this journey with their words of encouragement, prayers, and with scholarship funds.

Blessings to all the women of the ELCA!