Seeking Nominations for Central/Southern Illinois Synod Women of the ELCA Board Position

Room at the Table

Written by President Pat Caley

Earlier this month, the C/SIS Women of the ELCA Board met for our regular meeting. Like most of our meetings these days, it was held on Zoom. While gathering online isn't quite the same as being in the same room, it was still a joy to see everyone's faces appear on my computer screen.

Two members of our board were unable to attend, however, and their absence was noticeable. I missed hearing their voices, their laughter, and the perspectives they bring to our conversations. It reminded me that every person contributes something unique to the group. When someone is missing, we feel it.

That's true not only of our board but of the church as a whole. God gathers us together and gives each of us gifts to share. Some are leaders. Some are organizers. Some are encouragers. Some are listeners. Some are willing hands behind the scenes. None of us can do everything, but together we can accomplish far more than any of us could alone.

This September, during our Biennial Convention at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Decatur on Sept. 19, we will elect new members to the C/SIS Women of the ELCA Board. Perhaps God is calling you to be one of them.

Serving on the board is an opportunity to work alongside faithful women from across our synod as we plan events, support congregational units, encourage one another, and help strengthen the ministry of the Women of the ELCA. Most of our meetings are held by Zoom, making participation possible no matter where you live in the synod.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you have gifts to offer, the answer is yes.

Call to Action!

We need your voice, your ideas, your experience, and your faith. Please consider completing the nomination form, either using the Word document, or online.

Whether you feel called to run for office or simply want to spend a day with other women of faith, I hope you'll join us at the Biennial Convention at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Decatur on Saturday, Sept. 19. Come reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, worship together, and celebrate the many ways God is at work among the women of our synod.

We are stronger when we gather. And there is always room for one more voice at the table.