This Friday and Saturday, about 200 Lutheran women will gather in Grass Valley for a district convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The district of the Sierra Pacific Synod stretches from the border of Northern California south past Fresno and from the coast into Nevada.

Grass Valley is centrally located to all the congregations of this women's churchwide organization.

The purpose of the women's organization and the convention is to bring together women of faith to grow, affirm, support and empower one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, our society, and the world.

The convention will feature numerous workshops, including “Spread Your Roots,” “Nourish Your Growth” and “Surviving the Drought” — all unified in the convention theme of “Get Grounded!”

Women from Peace Lutheran Church in Gras Valley are organizing meals and hospitality in the church's new fellowship center, and local hotels are providing accommodations for the attendees.

For entertainment, local groups performing are Peace Players, the Classic String Trio, the Foothill Children's Chorus and the Bethel AME Gospel Choir from Marysville.

The convention's keynote speaker is Dr. Marva Dawn, internationally renowned theologian, popular preacher and speaker, and author of 20 Christian books.

Dawn also will be the guest preacher at Peace Lutheran Church for the 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services on Sunday, Nov. 15. All are welcome. The church is at 828 W. Main St., Grass Valley.

Diann Lane is a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Grass Valley.