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Click here to access the November/December 2024 issue of Gather.

See November Bible study session, “Living as children of the Light.”

What concrete advice can Ephesians give us on how to live a fuller, happier life? What poetic inspiration can it offer us for living as Christians?

Download the study.

Watch the video

See December devotional, “In God’s garden.”

Download the devotional.

See video supplement for December devotional.

This Advent, we’ll learn from some surprising teachers: fig trees. Astonishingly vibrant, fig trees have a zest for life. Their roots have even been known to bust through plumbing and climb walls like ivy! Yet fig trees also have a dormant period—a time when they do not grow or bear fruit. But this period of waiting and rest isn’t a time of waiting around. It’s a time of pruning and fertilizing and watering; a time to prepare for the fruitful season ahead.

As we prepare the way of the Lord in this season, we are in our own dormant period of waiting and anticipation. Still, Jesus calls us to “keep awake” and to prepare ourselves for God’s coming.

Join us to explore what fig trees can teach us about waiting and preparing for God’s coming!

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Gather, the magazine of Women of the ELCA, offers a mix of articles, theological reflections, devotions and stories of comfort and challenge that help readers grow in faith and engage in ministry and action.

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Tell us: What is your favorite hymn?

Tell us: What is your favorite hymn?

What is your favorite hymn? Perhaps it's a life-long favorite that provides peace and solace whenever you are going through a tough time. Or maybe this special hymn adds joy or helps to deepen your worship experience. By Nov. 22, send a brief story (1-2 paragraphs)...

Journey with us through Advent

Journey with us through Advent

Order Gather’s “Advent words” coloring book devotional.  Gather’s “Advent words” devotional coloring booklet makes a great gift for a friend—or for yourself! Featuring 25 daily devotionals—one for each day of Advent—each page contains an image for coloring, a passage...

Prayer book submissions welcome

Prayer book submissions welcome

We are producing a new resource designed to enhance your prayer and meditation life. The Women of the ELCA “Just Prayers” coloring book will feature prayers that can be used in a variety of circumstances, including (but not limited to): Start and end of day Before and...

Getting it right (or not) with kids’ faith questions

Getting it right (or not) with kids’ faith questions

“Will God and Jesus ever die?” “When will Jesus come back to earth?”  “Why did God make flowers?” “Is everyone in heaven a grown-up?” “Why can’t people come back from heaven?” Eight years ago, I opened a Word document to record the questions my kids asked me about God...

Holding to God’s promise

Holding to God’s promise

When my husband, Joe, and I moved into our first house In May 2014, we spied squash vines growing along a wooden fence next to our driveway. Being new homeowners—and not exactly avid gardeners—we decided to let the vines grow and see what would result. That June, to...

Nothing can separate us

Nothing can separate us

Holy and abiding presence, out of the depths, I cry to you! Like so many before me, I wonder: “How long?” “Why me?” “Why them?” “Why now?” “Where are you?” and “Why have you forsaken us?” If I were to rend my garments each time these thoughts come, I would no longer...