IMPORTANT: Click here for a complete and frequently updated FAQ sheet.

When is the ELW office and organization closing?
As of June 30, Catherine Pate moved on to other endeavors. Gerlinde Berglund will be concluding her work in the office on September 10 and Ruth Magnuson will be wrapping things up on September 30. However, ELW Board members will be taking on responsibilites which include financial management, communication, negotiation with ELCIC regarding the endowment fund and the legal responsibilities for dissolution. This may require a couple of trips to the Winnipeg ELCIC offices for a couple of people. The organization will actually exist in a dormant state for quite some time. A 2010 audit will need to be completed in 2011.  In about a year, the lawyer will then be able to declare it dissolved.

What do we do with Grace Gifts?
ELWs are asked to be as generous as they can with Grace Gifts so that ELW can meet its financial obligations as an organization. For now, continue to send these gifts to your Synodical treasurer until September 30, 2010. As of October 1, final remittances should be sent to the ELW office. Cheques payable to ELW.

What about doing the Praise Offering service in the fall?
The ELCIC has budgeted for this money for 2010. We ask that Co-ELWs continue to hold their services and send money to their Synodical treasurers until September 30. Similar to Grace Gifts, money collected after October 1, should be sent to the ELW office. Cheques payable to ELW.

Will there be a Bible study for 2011?
The 2011 study will be completed and posted on the website by Nov. 1, 2010. There will be no Leader's Guide however some supplementary resources will be suggested.

Are we getting the last Esprit?
The Fall issue will not be produced. This will be a $6.25 loss to the subscriber. We ask for your forgiveness in not being able to fulfill this subscription.

What will we call our women's group?
There are groups who have been using names other than ELW. Feel free to give your group a new name. There are still groups around who call themselves ‘Ladies Aid’ even though that organizational name has not been official for many, many years.
 
What do we do with the money in the Co-ELW bank account?
Co-ELWs are encouraged to send in some money as per usual. This will help to cover commitments until the office and organization are finally closed. This process will take some time. Your group is part of your congregation and you will need to discuss having a separate bank account with your Church Council and abide by its policies.

How long will we keep the Co-ELW bank account associated with ELW name?
Co-ELW's need to discuss bank accounts with their congregations. Some congregations have policies in place about small groups within the church maintaining accounts. Please talk to your Church Council. Church Councils are encouraged, as well, to discuss this with their women's group.

Do we still pay into the biennial travel fund? No.

What happens to the assets (money in accounts) of the National/Synodical and Conference ELW?
All financial resources from Conference ELWs and Synodical ELWs need to be marshaled towards the ELW office as these funds belong to the organization. ELW does not own property but the goal is to have enough money left to start an endowment fund to which women can continue to give. This fund will be under the administration of the ELCIC with terms negotiated between the ELCIC and the ELW board. Grants will be made available from this fund for the ELCIC and women’s ministry. All terms are yet to be determined.

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