March 8, 2010

It is not easy being on the Board of Directors of a national orgnaization. Crucial decisions must be made which every person around the table knows will affect the membership. The National ELW Board had to make a final decision about the future of Esprit, the national magazine of the ELW, and with sadness it has to come to an end. There will be future decisions to be made about the best way to communicate with the membership of the organization and what form that will take.

Although the magazine is loved by many, it is our hope as staff and Board that the real relationships within the organization are with each other and with God. The stories and poems in the magazine have inspired many along the way and perhaps there are ways that these can still be expressed. As Christians we are called to challenge women in our communities to be in relationship. As a church based organization we have a role in providing opportunities to create safe and intimate spaces where women can pause, breathe, reflect, sing, lament and be joyful.

Its difficult to let go of the magazine. It will mean changes for many of us. But it is exciting to think that as an organization our greatest gift is that of ourselves in relationship with each other.

Ruth Magnuson
Executive Director