(Note: The following is an account of this year's WELCA conference, attended by Unity's women and expressed by April Webb.)

The theme of this year’s trienniel Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA) was "Come to the Waters".  And that is exactly what Marilyn Oonk, Pat Ligon, Pastor Karen Scherer, and April Webb did for several days in July.  They joined 2,000 other women of ELCA in Salt Lake City, Utah at the Seventh Triennial Gathering.  During the four days of this gathering, they were immersed in Bible study, inspired by awesome speakers, included in service projects, and absorbed into a global community.  The contemporary praise music was lead by the ‘Gathering’ musicians, a gifted group of young people who were our guides to singing God's praises as we came to the waters each day.

There were wonderful workshops on prayer and how to personalize a prayer journal.  As well as numerous opportunities to listen to many real women from all over the United States who are doing many of the same things that we are doing here at Unity to assist others.  These are bold women.  Other women who came from other parts of the world shared their stories.  They too are busy.  They too are trying to make a difference.  They too are pretty bold!   Their challenges are great.  Famines and lack of water abound in their countries.   And, they need our help.  Unity has started a new program at church.  We are recycling cell phones.  That program is to help women and families in poverty and to combat climate change.  There are many more areas of concern and ideas to share in the coming months.

-- April Webb