In a blog post for Women of the ELCA’s Café, Becca Ehrlich shares her journey from an interfaith upbringing to discovering the Lutheran emphasis on salvation by grace through faith. Her story explores the challenges of not fitting into traditional boxes of what being Lutheran is "supposed to look like," and invites us to reflect on how our own expectations may limit the work of the Holy Spirit.
Read MoreIn her compelling reflection in Women of the ELCA’s Café blog post, Wanda Frenchman shares her journey from a non-Christian Indigenous upbringing to embracing Lutheran faith. Raised in a Lakota household, she highlights the significance of community, food, and genuine welcome in her transition to Grace Lutheran Church.
As a leader in Native American Urban Ministry, Wanda emphasizes the need for authentic inclusion in the church, encouraging congregations to embrace newcomers’ diverse traditions and identities. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the love of Christ and the importance of welcoming all people into our faith communities.
Read MoreOn September 30, the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools invites us to honor Indigenous survivors and their families. Wearing orange is a powerful symbol of solidarity with those affected by the trauma of forced assimilation. Learn how you can participate and engage with the ELCA’s ongoing Truth and Healing initiatives in this post from Wanda K. Frenchman, vicar for Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix.
Read MoreFinal days to register! Join women from across the Grand Canyon Synod at the Women of the ELCA Fall Retreat in Tucson on October 4-5. With powerful speakers, networking events, and unique shopping opportunities, this retreat promises to renew your spirit and connect you with a vibrant community. Register by September 21 at www.grandcanyonwomen.org/events.
Read MoreThis is a transitional year! Women of the ELCA has an interim executive director. We are going to hit our goal for fundraising for Katie’s Fund! And we are all wondering about the next steps for the future of WELCA. You are invited to participate in a survey to gather ideas about what WELCA is and can be! We will use this time to reflect, dream and prepare together. Take the survey, share the survey and download the QR code!
Read MoreIn a recent blog post for the Women of the ELCA, seminarian Wanda K. Frenchman reflects on what she learned about God and ministry from her mother.
Read MoreThe May/June 2024 issue of Gather magazine spotlights the topic of mental health and wellness through articles, reflections and a free, downloadable devotional called, “Compassionate companions.” Share this resource with members of your congregation or use it in your home or Bible study group in May to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. Learn how to subscribe to Gather here.
Read MoreYou are invited to Servant Leader: Present, Equipped, Here—this year’s churchwide-sponsored leadership online event—Saturday, May 4 from 11am – 3:30pm PST/MDT. It’s open to all, whether involved in Women of the ELCA or not.
Including worship, Bible study, speakers and breakout sessions, this year’s leadership event will reintroduce the servant leader concept and its connection to relationships and community while acknowledging the many challenges facing organizations like ours in our current context.
Read MoreLinda Post Bushkofsky, executive director of Women of the ELCA, announces her retirement effective June 30, 2024, after 22 years of transformative leadership. During her tenure, she spearheaded major initiatives such as the Katie’s Fund capital campaign and maintained organizational stability through the pandemic, leaving a lasting legacy of growth and service within the church. Read more at the Women of the ELCA site.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA are all about acting boldly on our faith in Jesus Christ. And at least once a year they celebrate that boldness, whether it's a quiet and persistent bold or a loud and brash bold. How will you celebrate Bold Women's Day on March 3?
They’ve got lots of resources to consider, from FB cover photos to a brand new litany to program ideas. You can celebrate in community or in your daily devotion. What's important is celebrating boldness, so if March 3 doesn't work for you, pick another date!
Read MoreFrom Women of the ELCA’s Boldcafe blog, Rev. Ralen M. Robinson shares two writings for Lent.
Finding God in desolate places: We are called to step into the season of Lent for 40 days to fast, reflect, repent and sacrifice like Jesus did in the desert. We are called to find God in desolate places. Where are you finding God this winter?
Faith reflections: Finding something in nothing: How often do we challenge ourselves to see potential in the impossible? That is what we are called to do this Lenten season.
Read MoreEmbrace a day of spiritual growth and eco-conscious learning with Rev. Sara Olson-Smith’s Bible Study, "Scripture and nature: Teachers of faith," on February 3, 2024, 9:30 am, at American Lutheran Church. Dive deep into how weather, creatures, rivers, and food can enhance our faith and kinship with the earth. Register now for a transformative morning followed by fellowship over lunch. For more information and to register, please visit GrandCanyonwomen.org/Events.
Read MoreThe latest edition of the Women of the ELCA’s Bold Cafe focuses on the concept of Sabbath and rest. We highlight two articles: Sabbath for this year and beyond, and Five steps for creating rest in a world of busyness.
Read MoreThe next churchwide gathering of Women of the ELCA will be held July 16-19, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. You can register now at an early-bird holiday rate of $315 through December 31, 2023. Over 200 have already pre-registered! Click here to register.
Read MoreNearly 800 women from across the country converged on the Phoenix Convention Center to learn, grow, worship and serve together during Women of the ELCA’s 2023 Just Love Gathering, Sept. 21-24, 2023. Workshops, Bible studies and plenaries covered a range of topics, including immigration, human trafficking, climate change, the Truth and Healing Movement and allyship. View photos of the event here and read a full summary here.
Servant events allowed women to give back by donating blood, making quilts for Lutheran World Relief, participating in the “Run, Walk and Roll” 5K to benefit Women of the ELCA’s Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls initiative, donating in-kind gifts for Phoenix-area non-profits, and knitting and crocheting “Knitted Knockers” breast prostheses.
Read MoreMyrna Wells-Ulland has been elected as the president of the Women of the ELCA for the 2023-2026 term at the Twelfth Triennial Convention in Phoenix. Read further updates to discover more about her vision and the organization's future pursuits.
Read MoreExplore the transformative power of tension in our spiritual lives. Dive deep into biblical narratives and daily experiences with BoldCafe.org's insights this month on navigating and embracing tension as a force for spiritual growth.
Read MoreNavigating the Just Love Gathering? Here's a detailed insider's guide to make the most of your experience, from sessions to attend, networking, and some essential tips for a smooth journey. Read more from Women of the ELCA about their triennial gathering.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod Women of the ELCA will be electing all four (4) officers and eight (8) board members at the upcoming convention on November 10-11, 2023. Click here for job descriptions and a nomination form in PDF format or as a Word document.
Read MoreThe board of directors of the Grand Canyon Synod Women of the ELCA invite you to join us at the BiAnnual Convention and Gathering. It will be held November 10-12, 2023 at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Mesa.
Read More
