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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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Summer 2026: “I am worthy,” by the Rev. Sara Olson Smith
This summer, Women of the ELCA participants will gather in Des Moines, Iowa, under the theme “I am worthy.” When Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee spoke in 2017, she invited WELCA participants to reclaim space for women and girls to lead and love in bold ways....
Hey, God!
“A squirrel holds an acorn in its praying hands, offering thanks, it looks like. The broken shells fall on the grass, and the grass looks up and says ‘Hey.’ And the squirrel looks down and says, ‘Hey.’ I have been saying ‘Hey,’ lately too To God. Formalities just...
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,...
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...
December 2025: “Practicing Advent imagination” video supplement
Watch the video. Download Advent devotional. 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...
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,...