Blog Grid Layout
For a full width blog, use the full-width blog module.
Chalk blessings
For several years, our suburban Philadelphia ELCA congregation had a practice of setting out a big basket in our narthex with a different special item that people could take with them after worship. Back then, I was in charge of coming up with the items, alongside my...
Seen. Heard. Welcomed.
Do you ever go to church hoping you have enough snacks and “stuff” to keep your child quiet and occupied throughout the worship service? Many of us are familiar with the stigmatizing saying that children “should be seen and not heard,” in places that often include...
Building Advent traditions
Every Advent, mom would drag the yule log out of storage and place it on the kitchen table. She’d made the dusty birch centerpiece herself, complete with greenery and holes to anchor the Advent candles. Although I can no longer remember if we lit one or all the...
Redeeming grace
Coupons, rainchecks and rebates were my dad’s way of saving money on groceries and other household items. Because of this, even as a young child I understood what “redeeming” meant. Dad redeemed coupons a little like he played cards. He knew just what coupon to play,...
My favorite hymns
Gather readers share their beloved songs, carols and anthems. "How Great Thou Art," "It is Well with My Soul," A Mighty Fortress is Our God".... I've enjoyed these, and many other traditional hymns, since childhood. They are not only spiritually welcome, but they...
Women’s History Month resources
The Martyrdom of Saints Perpetua and Felicitas Saint Birgitta of Sweden: paving the way for female writers and philosophers Hildegarde of Bingen Catherine of Siena Women of the ELCA Women’s History Month video series, “The living history of faith-filled women” ...
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
Read Gather's 2024 Advent devotional, "In God's Garden." View the devotional video supplement. Read “A sacred season,” an article from November/December 2024 issue of Gather that features 23 Advent disciplines. Download Advent resources from Women of the...
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...
Living backwards
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” (Mark 10:14). I’m so curious about my last day on earth. (Aren’t we all?) I expect that my swan song will include a rehash of my time here,...
Tell us: How do you help others identify and use their spiritual gifts?
Does your Women of the ELCA unit or congregation help people (youth too!) identify – and use – their spiritual gifts? Have you recently discovered your spiritual gifts and found a way to use them in your congregation and community? If so, we would love to hear from...
Fall 2024 “Receiving grace: A study of Ephesians” Bible study video supplement Session 3
Session three: Living as children of the Light Watch the video 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?
Register for the digital issue
Please note: You will need to have an email address associated with your subscription account to access Gather’s digital issues. Check your account here. On the right side of the page, under “Log into your account,” enter your account number and zip code in the top...
Tell us: How do you support those with developmental disabilities and their families?
Does your congregation provide a welcoming environment for those living with developmental disabilities and their families? Do you offer sensory-friendly worship services, provide respite care for family caregivers or have those with developmental disabilities help...
Fall 2024 “Receiving grace: A study of Ephesians” Bible study video supplement Session 2
Session two: Grace-filled living—ancient and new What did the writer of Ephesians imagine grace would look like in Christian life and relationships? How can we live from grace in our own time, reading this letter through our cultural lenses and experiences? Watch the...
Trenches and flowers
The power of hope in Kharkiv, Ukraine People were planting flowers next to trenches along the main road leading into Kharkiv, a city in eastern Ukraine, when our Lutheran World Federation (LWF) delegation visited in May 2024. Checkpoints, concrete blocks and...
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...
The gift of grace
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…” (Ephesians 2:8) This was one of the scripture readings at our wedding. This was one of the Scripture readings at our wedding. We didn’t exactly choose it. We were...