ELCA NEWS SERVICE

November 6, 2003

Budget Projections Positive for Women of the ELCA
03-200-MR/DB*

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The executive board of Women of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) learned that the
organization's financial outlook is positive when it met Oct. 23-
26 in San Antonio, Texas.
     Income is up 6 percent compared to this time last year, said
Carmen Richards, Hope, N.D., Women of the ELCA's treasurer.
Given the current giving patterns, Women of the ELCA will have a
"strong year-end," she said.
     To date, Women of the ELCA received $1,133,228 in
contributed revenue and other sources of income, said Richards.
Two-thirds of the organization's $3.3 million budget has
historically been received in the final quarter of the fiscal
year, she added.
     "The women of this organization are very loyal. Their giving
reflects that, even in the challenging economic times in which we
find ourselves.  The women of this organization are highly
committed to our mission -- mobilizing women to act boldly on
their faith in Jesus Christ -- and continue to support the
mission with their financial gifts," said Linda Post Bushkofsky,
executive director, Women of the ELCA.
     Although "regular offerings" from women of the organization
is down 4 percent, "thankofferings" -- gifts given from
individuals in gratitude for "God's blessings" -- are up 11
percent.
     "Bequest income is more than twice the amount it was last
year at this time.  This represents a final act of faithful
stewardship of women who have been active in the women's
organization," Bushkofsky said.
     Earlier this year Women of the ELCA announced a
reconfiguration of its ministry to better meet the goals and
mission of the organization, address its financial realities and
partner with other units of the church.  The reorganization led
to staff reductions.  In her report to the board, Bushkofsky said
the organization has shown signs of "vitality and strength" as it
"lived into the reduction in force and reorganization of staff,
including the hiring of three new staff members."
     In other business the board approved a working budget of
$3.4 million for 2004.  That budget reflects a conservative
income projection coupled with the need to expand work in areas
of ministry that have been identified as organizational
priorities, said Richards.  To achieve that the board reduced
expenditures by decreasing its annual financial gift to the ELCA;
decreasing the amount of funds allocated for the organization's
gathering and convention, which takes place every three years;
and freezing staff salaries at their current levels.
     In addition to approving the 2004 budget, the board
recommended that "if income exceeds expenses at fiscal year-end,
the gift to the ELCA may be increased by board action in an
amount up to $200,000 with the total gift to the ELCA not to
exceed $700,000."
     The 2003 budgeted gift to the ELCA is $700,000.  The budget
for 2004 provides for a $500,000 gift, said Bushkofsky.
     "The gift stands as a tangible manifestation of the
partnership that exists between Women of the ELCA and the ELCA.
A portion of our purpose statements says that Women of the ELCA
'will promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society
and the world.'  The organization's gift to the ELCA is one way
in which we seek to achieve that purpose," Bushkofsky said.
     The board also recommended that "if the $700,000 gift to the
ELCA is achieved," it "may choose to designate some or all of
excess income" to Women of the ELCA's Triennial Gathering and
Convention reserves.
     In other business, the board:
     + Worked through a section of "Journey Together Faithfully,
Part 2:  The Church and Homosexuality."  Last year the board endorsed
the ELCA's study process and encouraged women of the organization
to participate in the study, as well as to foster and encourage
participation in their congregations.
     In 2001 the ELCA Churchwide Assembly asked the church to
enter into a study on homosexuality.   The 49-page study guide is
designed to help the ELCA's 5 million members consider how the
church will respond in 2005 to specific questions about blessing
same-sex relationships and accepting lay and ordained ministers
in such relationships.
     + Relayed a message to the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop
of the ELCA, in response to a proposal of restructuring the ELCA
churchwide organization.  On Sept. 15 Hanson made the proposal
public but formally withdrew it on Oct. 20.  Rather than respond
to what had been withdrawn, Women of the ELCA's executive board
told Hanson:  "We have treasured the church's commitment to
inclusivity and diversity.  As your office takes this church into
the future, we humbly and confidently encourage you to call upon
Women of the ELCA to offer vital input in the process of
reorganizing.  Women of the ELCA brings expertise in anti-racism,
inclusivity, hospitality, and participatory decision-making.  We
will continue to keep you and the church in our prayers."
     + Selected Women of the ELCA's 2005-2008 theme, "Act Boldly."
The theme, derived from the organization's mission statement,
will be unveiled at Women of the ELCA's Sixth Triennial Gathering
and Convention, July 6-10, 2005, San Antonio, Texas.
-- -- --
*Information provided by Deb Bogaert, director of
communication, Women of the ELCA.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
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