1993 Second Triennial Convention, Washington, DC

“God’s Gift of Hope” is the fulfillment of God’s promise through Jesus Christ. We remember the words of Jeremiah 29:11: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

1996 Third Triennial Convention, Minneapolis

The theme, “Proclaim God’s Peace,” comes from Ephesians 6:23: ‘Peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The verse reminds us we can find peace in a world of confusion and chaos.

1999 Fourth Triennial Convention, Saint Louis

The theme comes from Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Triennial participants learned about justice issues and strengthened their skills to become effective advocates.

2002 Fifth Triennial Gathering, Philadelphia

With God’s help and by God’s grace, we can learn to listen for what God has called us to do. “Listen God is Calling” encourages us to be kind and tenderhearted toward one another, forgiving others as God in Christ has forgiven us.

2005 Sixth Triennial Gathering, San Antonio, Texas

A cross formed by hands reminds us that through baptism we are called to “Act Boldly.” Sound familiar? The Women of the ELCA mission statement, adopted at the previous triennial convention in 2002, brought this theme to life. Some participants felt that adding a period at the end of the theme added gravitas to the words.

2008 Seventh Triennial Gathering, Salt Lake City, Utah

At “Come to the Waters,” participants celebrated the life-giving waters of their baptism and recalled Jesus’ words in John 7:37b, 38: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” Participants left the event with an overflowing sense of love, life, and hope.

2011 Eighth Triennial Gathering, Spokane, Washington

Fun fact: Organizers used the logo to have cookies made for all registrants. Each cookie was decorated to match one of the three “Renew, Respond, Rejoice!” circles. Individually wrapped and included in participants’ registration bags, the logo cookies were a big hit!

Artist: Judy Higgins

2014 Ninth Triennial Gathering, Charlotte, North Carolina

The theme “Of many generations,” recognizes that Women of the ELCA is made up of women of many ages, places and experiences, mobilizing one other another to act boldly on faith in Jesus Christ.

Artist: Judy Higgins

2017 Tenth Triennial Gathering, Minneapolis

This colorful “All anew” image acknowledges that the Holy Spirit changes us. In 2017, the church celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The “All Anew” gathering explored ways that reformation and transformation have happened and continue to happen within the community of women known as Women of the ELCA.

Artist: Judy Higgins

2023 Twelfth Triennial Gathering, Phoenix, Arizona

“Just Love” connects the “All Anew” gathering’s focus on reformation and justice with Jesus’s commandment to love one another. Elizabeth McBride, Café editor and director for intergenerational programs for Women of the ELCA, created this logo, inspired by a large, colorful mural she saw in Phoenix. “The mural reminded me of the body of Christ,” McBride said. “We are all misshapen pieces in one glorious and beautiful work of art.” To learn more about how she developed and created this logo, visit:  womenoftheelca.org/blog/news/just-love.