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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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December 2025: “Practicing Advent imagination: Matthew’s dreamers and Isaiah’s visions” by the Rev. Sara Olson-Smith
We cannot build a new future that we cannot imagine. The long nights of Advent gift us with time to dream. This study will offer us ways of imagining God’s future for us and all creation through the dreams of Joseph, the Three Wise Men and Isaiah. ...
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...
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,...
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,...
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...
How to befriend someone
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 about in the hymn...