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How to befriend someone
By Kathryn Haueisen Friends don’t just magically appear. We make friends from among the strangers all around us. Since no two people are alike, no two people approach making friends the same way. Here are seven suggestions: Accept variations. Even Jesus, who we sing...
August 2025: “Where two or more are gathered: Flourishing in relationships” video supplement 3
Watch the video. (August) Session Three: Relationships that push us to grow: For such a time as this Relationships aren’t always comfortable. There are times when we find ourselves navigating the painful work of growing and changing in our relationships. This session...
July 2025: “Where two or more are gathered: Flourishing in relationships” video supplement 2
Watch the video. (July) Session Two: Relationships that sustain us: Where you go, I will go One cannot get far in this life without encountering suffering. Loss, betrayal and tragedy show up in our own lives and in the lives of those we love. In this Bible study, we...
Conflict and boundaries
One of the first words that toddlers learn is “No,” which I used to think this was a bad thing. After all, I’m more of a “yes” person. I want to be helpful. I want to be of service. I don’t want to let people down. I learned this in my family of origin. In some ways,...
And God saw Hagar
I did not expect to hear from the women seated in a makeshift tent at Arkoum refugee camp in eastern Chad, 43 miles from the Sudan border. On that 86-degree day last December, we met with several leaders of newly arrived Sudanese refugees. Many of these leaders were...
A priceless gift
by Stephanie Lape In 1993, my husband and I moved from Southern California where I’d grown up to Berkeley, where I would begin graduate school. I was excited to be on this new adventure with the man who had been my high school sweetheart. We were off on our own, and...
Just prayers
Thank you to those who submitted prayers. You’ll find a variety of prayers for joyous or difficult times, as well as moments when you or others need reassurance. For congregations Gracious and loving God, we thank you for congregations that create sacred spaces where...
Dog days of summer
Shu-shu sprawls at my feet. She exudes a jolly, earthy grace. What a happy accident (or is it divine humor?) that “dog” is “god” spelled backwards! This dog keeps me in the now. This wasn’t my idea. She’s a 2020 COVID puppy. Our family had just moved to Albuquerque,...
June 2025: “Where two or more are gathered: Flourishing in relationships” video supplement 1
Watch the video. Relationships that form us: All in the family Some of our most beloved Bible stories involve siblings and the trials and tribulations of relationships within families. We’ll examine the stories of Jacob and Esau, as well as Mary and Martha, while...
Honor a special woman in your life: Give the gift of Women of the ELCA merchandise!
Item 001: Just Love Gathering Keychain - $4.00002: Just Love Gathering Magnet - 2 for $4.00003: Just Love Meridian Tumbler - $25.00004: Just Love Sticker - $5.00005: Just Love Bistro Coffee Cup - $18.00Just Love Tote Bag - $3.00 - while supplies last. Current...
Honor a special woman in your life: Give the gift of Women of the ELCA jewelry!
Women of the ELCA offers a line of sterling silver jewelry - a necklace, earrings, a charm and a pin - all which feature images of water, cross and lily from the Women of the ELCA logo. The logo, and, in turn, this jewelry, identifies women as children of God;...
Domestic abuse resources
Holiday safety planning tips Create a personal safety plan ELCA Gender-Based Violence study guide for Participants ELCA Gender-Based Violence study guide for Leaders ELCA social message on Child Protection Domestic Violence Awareness Month - National Domestic Violence...
May 2025 “Receiving the Spirit’s flame: Spiritual gifts in the life of the church” video supplement
Watch the video. As we begin to dig into Scripture and talk about our spiritual gifts, it’s important to remind ourselves that these gifts are given to us by Someone who knows us intimately. A spiritual gift is nothing we can ever earn, and usually not something we’d...
A force of nature
Think for a moment about how society has historically portrayed “Christian women.” I bet certain images spring readily to mind. A demure young woman, head bowed in prayer. A kind, motherly, pulled-together lady in a sweater set or a fabulous hat, depending on one’s...
Call for prayers
Women of the ELCA is creating a pocket-size prayer book, “Just Prayers,” for use in a variety of situations—joyous times, difficult times, moments when we need/offer reassurance, days when love and justice are needed. We are looking for prayers written with faith that...
May 2025 – Receiving the Spirit’s flame: Spiritual gifts in the life of the church, by Cara Strickland
As we begin to dig into Scripture and talk about our spiritual gifts, it’s important to remind ourselves that these gifts are given to us by Someone who knows us intimately. A spiritual gift is nothing we can ever earn, and usually not something we’d think to ask for,...
April 2025 “Faithfulness” Bible study video supplement Session 4
Watch the video. (April) Session Four: Faith risks: Jairus and the Faithful Woman When both Jairus and the woman who is bleeding reach out in their pain and disappointment, Jesus meets them with compassion. Jesus is present in our actions as well, when our listening...
Be not afraid!
March 25th is the celebration of the Annunciation. On this day, we remember the angel coming to Mary with the words, “Be not afraid.” By most accounts, Mary had many reasons to be afraid. Simply encountering a powerful spiritual being is cause for one to tremble. In...