About
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.
Join for free!
Sign-up for Gather’s free monthly e-newsletter and receive thought-provoking articles, online exclusives and bonus offers in your inbox!
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....
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis: Get tools for use in your congregation or community
In 2021, the ELCA Church council adopted a Declaration to American Indian and Alaska Native People by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. That document reads, in part: "We commit to advocacy for and being in solidarity with Tribal Nations, MMIWGR...
Greed and the Christian life
by Laura Alexander When the “Varsity Blues” scandal came to light in 2019, I wrote about the problem of greed in human life. The Varsity Blues scandal involved wealthy parents of high schoolers who hired a “consultant” to help their children cheat their way into elite...
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...
Serve, learn, grow: Make a difference this March
MARCH HAS ARRIVED. That means it’s time to celebrate women! Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions women have made to our nation over time. And Bold Women’s Day, observed on the first Sunday in March, commemorates...
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,...