Repentance opens the door

Repentance opens the door

I’d make a terrible career criminal. I have major qualms about taking more than one sample cup of salsa at Costco. I always follow up if I’ve been under-charged for something, and never fail to make good on the transaction. I still burn with shame as I recall my...

Seeing Christ in others

Seeing Christ in others

“I do not eat cats and dogs,” I told my class after the presidential debate last September. A couple of students giggled. The rest of them remained silent. They knew I wasn’t joking. While I wasn’t born in Haiti, I can identify with other American immigrants who face...

Faith in economics

Faith in economics

What is the rule of your household? How do you manage your home? How do you make sure that everyone gets what they need and sometimes what they want? Who feeds the dog or cleans up after the cat? Who does the grocery shopping, and who pays for the groceries? How are...

Bridging the gaps

Bridging the gaps

Ivannav Davila Garcia knows brokenness and where the cracks are. Ivannav, 23, immigrated to the United States from Venezuela in 2016, when she was 14. She traveled with her mother and father, who sought asylum after her mother’s public advocacy and anti-corruption...

Chalk blessings

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.

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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,...