Council of Lutheran Women
President - Judy Wargo
Background & Purpose:
Founded in 1964, through the efforts of Rev. Kenneth Lindsay, the Council of Lutheran Women (CLW) is the official auxiliary of The Lutheran Center Association. Since 1965, the council has hosted an annual luncheon in January to honor Lutheran Women of the Year chosen by member organizations. Proceeds from the luncheon are directed to seminary students in need of support and to The Lutheran Center Association. In March, the CLW conducts its annual meeting, which includes election of officers, reports of officers and committee chairman, and a guest speaker or program. These meetings are open to all who are interested.
The purpose of the council is to:
- Unite the efforts of affiliated women’s organizations to exert a Christian witness in local communities and in the metro Detroit area.
- Help one another in carrying on significant activities and performing beneficial services.
- Encourage better understanding of the objectives of member organizations.
- Offer educational programs to women’s organizations.
- Cooperate with CLW approved local, community and area groups and agencies.
The CLW cooperates with Operation Layette, American Red Cross, Morality in Media, Heart of Gold, and Detroit area food banks.
Membership:
Membership in the Council of Lutheran Women is open to (1) all LCMS congregational women’s groups (Ladies Aid, LWML, Altar Guild, etc.); (2) Lutheran intercongregational women’s organizations (Lutheran high school guilds/boosters, LWML zones, LFL, etc.) and; (3) individual members of LCMS congregations having no organization affiliated with the CLW (restriction: no more than two individual memberships from one congregation). Annual memberships dues are $15 for organizations and $10 for individuals.
CLW members currently include 15 Detroit and 33 suburban congregations, 16 intercongregational organizations, and 3 individuals.