Árdís - 01.01.1966, Blaðsíða 11

Ársrit Bandalags lúterskra kvenna
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— where I think we had the largest attendance, on one occasion,
that ever registered at a convention. A sincere welcome was ex-
tended to all. Then, last but not ieast, we think of our many con-
ventions held in the Firsi Luiheran Church in Winnipeg, — the
fine musical programs and the genuine hospitality extended to all.
Its doors were always open for a convention in case no other place
had sent an invitation.
These conventions have also enriched us by the friendly spirit
and Christian fellowship that existed between the delegates and
others present. We had the opportunity of fraternizing with so
many women with common interests and of forming friendship
that have lasted through the years and enriched our lives.
As we look back, we may recall some instance when the sail-
ing was not as smooth as we could have wished for. At such times
there were always many willing hands to take hold of oars and
thus get our craft into calm waters again. No organization of our
size gets through a span of forty years without experiencing the
difference of opinion. That is a natural way to develop and to
learn to respect one another.
At this stage of our existence we take note of the many changes
we have witnessed. In 1961 the Icelandic Synod joined the great
merger and the following year thc Synod disbanded and joined the
Central Canada Synod of the Lutheran Church in America. Since
then our Ladies Aid have been advised to disband and become
“Lutheran Church Women’’ and affiliate with the central organiza-
tion in Philadelphia and none other. Many have followed that
advice and as a result we have seen them, one by one, leaves us.
But there are some fine groups loyal to our League and still remain
as members. So the Lutheran Women’s League still exists. But
we have seen and know how to interpret “the handwriting on the
wall”.
And finally, the last question: What has our organization ac-
complished? That I will not attempt to answer. I chose to leave
that with Him who seeth and knoweth all things and in whose
vinyard we have attampted to be faithful workers. His verdict is
all that matters to us.