We often struggle with the idea of self-love, yet Scripture reminds us of a deeper truth: we are already God’s beloved. Bishop Kristen Kuempel reflects on the mystery of this love—one that doesn’t rely on our perfection but instead finds joy in who we truly are. In baptism, we are claimed as God’s children, and no flaw, failure, or self-doubt can change that. Read more in her powerful reflection on the Women of the ELCA’s Café blog. Click here to read.
Read MoreJesus calls us to love—our friends, our neighbors, and even our enemies. But what does that look like in practice? In Faith Reflections: The Labor of Love, Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni explores love as a verb, a call to action rather than mere emotion. Reflecting on the parable of the Good Samaritan, she reminds us that loving others doesn’t always mean feeling affection—it means working for their well-being, even through prayer. Click here to read the full reflection on Boldcafe.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran women across the Grand Canyon Synod for the Cactus Conference Spring Gathering on March 22 in Yuma, AZ. This year’s theme, “Peace and Unity: Borders and Neighbors,” will feature a keynote by Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls, highlighting the region’s connections with Mexico. The gathering will also support Hunter’s Army, an organization aiding families and children in need. Registration is $15, due by March 17—carpool with friends for a day of fellowship, learning, and faith in action!
Read MoreJoin us as we celebrate Black History Month this February and Bold Women’s Day during Women’s History Month in March.
Read MoreDiscover why balance might not be the answer to modern life’s demands. Pastor Angela Denker shares a New Year’s reflection on embracing the grace of an unbalanced, purpose-driven life rooted in Jesus’ call to mission. In this post from Café, learn how to prioritize what truly matters and give yourself—and others—permission to let go of the illusion of balance.
Read MoreReflecting on her weight-loss journey, ELCA Pastor Angela T. !Khabeb shares a powerful testimony of hope and transformation through faith. While her efforts to change physically were met with challenges, she discovered the deeper need for spiritual and mental renewal. Drawing on Paul’s metaphor of clay and the potter, Pastor !Khabeb reminds us that our successes and failures are tools in God’s hands, shaping us into works of art still under construction. Her reflections inspire us to embrace transformation with courage, trust in God’s promises, and lean into the grace that sustains us. Read more on the Café blog.
Read MoreSeventy-one percent of victims of human trafficking are women and girls. National Human Trafficking Prevention Month is an opportunity to educate others about identifying human trafficking, prevention and supporting victims. This blog post contained articles and resources from Women of the ELCA to raise awareness of human trafficking and engage in advocacy in your congregation and community.
Read MoreBaptism gives us all the forgiveness we need to live as followers of Christ, even in the midst of sin and brokenness. Rev. AmyJo Mattheis reflects on her journey through anger and pain, finding healing through the sacraments of baptism and communion. Forgiven by God, we are called to forgive others, break down walls of division, and confront the realities of sin and injustice with Christ’s grace. Read more to explore how living forgiveness transforms us and the world around us in this Café blog post from Women of the ELCA.
Read MoreForgiveness is both a spiritual practice and a path to renewal as we begin the new year. Rooted in God’s abundant grace, it frees us to let go of anger, pursue justice with love, and extend compassion to ourselves and others. Explore how forgiveness can transform your life and strengthen your faith in 2024 in this Café blog post from the Women of the ELCA.
Read MoreLa escritora y artista Kristina Díaz crea una experiencia de Adviento centrada en objetos que nos conectan con las personas que amamos. Ella escribe: "Sentarse con objetos que guardan recuerdos puede recordarnos nuestra historia y hacernos volver a los momentos y seres queridos que extrañamos". Participe en esta acción especial de Adviento descargando un calendario de Adviento semanal disponible en inglés y en español. Leer más.
Writer and artist Kristina Diaz creates an Advent experience focused on objects that connect us to the people we love. She writes, "Sitting with objects that hold memories can remind us of our story and bring us back to the moments and loved ones we miss." Participate in this special Advent action by downloading a weekly Advent calendar available in English and Spanish. Read more.
Read MoreIn 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!
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