The Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (W/ELCA) is the separately incorporated, official women’s organization of the Evangelical Lutheran in America (ELCA). Women of the ELCA is not an auxiliary but an integral part of and partner in the ministries of the ELCA. Like the ELCA, Women of the ELCA have three legislative expressions.  These are:

1. Units (congregational, inter-congregational and special comprising local women who are the heart and front line of the organization.
    

2. Synodical organizations - 64 in geographical areas throughout the U.S.
    

3. Churchwide organization (the entire organization) - elected Executive Board.

Our symbol, the cross, water and the water lily, identifies the women of the ELCA as children of God; baptized, forgiven, adopted into God’s family.  It is a reminder of the growth, beauty, and vitality that rises out of that live-giving baptismal water. It is also a reminder of the mission of the church to “Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19)

Independently funded, Women of the ELCA is also a unit of the church. We mobilize women to boldly act upon their faith in Jesus Christ.  Throughout its history, Women of the ELCA has provided an important, often prophetic voice and as well serve Christ by covering the cold with quilts, visiting the imprisoned, tutoring, feeding and clothing the poor, visiting the orphans and the widows, housing the homeless, providing refuge for refugees, mentoring young mothers and children – the list goes on. Our women impact lives by providing spiritual and knowledge feasts for others with amazing service and love through workshops, Bible study, seminars and shared service projects (to name a few).

Women of the ELCA also change lives as women boldly express their thanksgiving for God’s blessings with financial offerings within the units, clusters/conferences, Synodical women’s organizations and church wide events. Their offerings support multiple ministries and mission, assure the continued development of women as disciples, and entrusts this organization to future generations of women.

In the Southeast Synod we have 135 churches.  Women of the ELCA have active Units in 103 of them. We support all the goals and objectives of the Church wide organization and, as well, support our local and global ministries as need arises.  In the last two years Southeast Michigan Synod Women of the ELCA have established the “Southeast Michigan Synod Women of the ELCA fund for Leaders in Mission” – a ministry scholarship endowment, funded by our Unit women’s efforts in raising over $30,000.