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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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Fall 2026: “Bold faith on an unexpected journey,” by the Rev. Tiffany Chaney
Faith often leads us down paths we didn’t expect—into wilderness places, across unfamiliar lands, and through seasons of grief and hope. This three-session study takes us on a journey with Hagar, Ruth and Mary Magdalene, women whose bold faith transformed their...
Patterns of war: Tracing the ways women and children are most affected
By Laura Gifford Chin trudged wearily along the wilderness trail. She was hungry, cold and terribly alone. Chin thought she had experienced the worst when the white settlers came and took her family’s home. Chin, her husband, and her three young children had set off...
I wanted to sit comfortably and safely.
By Carolyn Bolz Has anyone in your congregation ever done something for you that was so kind it brought tears to your eyes? That recently happened to me at the Lutheran congregation in Riverside, California, where I’m a member. I live with a physical disability, where...
Planting seeds in their lives
By Venice Williams I hadn’t yet checked the ride-sharing app on my cellphone to see who had accepted my request for transportation. That is normally my practice. But that evening, I was tired, irritable and hungry. I simply wanted to leave a community culinary event...
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...
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...