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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 2026 Advent devotional: “The anchor I choose: Hope,” by Kristina Diaz Rivera
What happens when hope becomes a choice? Sometimes, choosing hope is an act of courage; sometimes, singing is an act of resistance; and sometimes, when we allow ourselves to be fully present in the darkness, beautiful things can be revealed. Advent is an invitation...
I am worthy
By Elyssa Salinas-Lazarski When I heard the phrase “I am worthy,” I thought about how I use the concept of worth in my daily life. I go to the store, pick out a shirt and consider whether the price makes it worth buying. Looking at the clock, I consider whether an...
When the music stopped
By Zarah van Dyk That Monday afternoon in my junior year felt like any other. I was majoring in music, and halfway through the second semester, still clinging to the dream I’d carried since childhood. Music had always been the plan—the only plan I’d ever really...
Tanzania: A WELCA-supported mentoring and scholarship program for girls
As part of Women of the ELCA’s global engagement trip to Arusha and Meru, Tanzania, Valora Starr, director of discipleship; Eva Yeo, director of membership; and Nola Smith, a WELCA participant; join women and girls from the African Girls Scholarship & Mentorship...
Summer 2026: “I am worthy” video supplement 3
Watch video. (August 2026) “I am because you are: We need one another.” Our individual identities are always bound up in community. Jesus describes this vision using a vine and branches. Paul talks about a body with many parts. The prophets describe communities of...
Advent 2026 playlist
(1) ADVENT - Hope 2026 - YouTube Advent Playlist - Hope - playlist by Kristina Diaz | Spotify Eleanor Rigby - song and lyrics by Cody Fry | Spotify Hasta la Raíz - song and lyrics by Natalia Lafourcade | Spotify Big Love, Small Moments - song and lyrics by JJ Heller |...
Getting to know Mary Magdalene
By Cara Strickland Years ago, I spoke to a pastor friend as Easter approached. She hadn’t decided on the theme of her sermon, but at least one point was clear. “I’m going to make sure people know that Mary Magdalene wasn’t a prostitute,” she said. Did these words...