Gather, Learn, Give Thanks: Women of the ELCA Events This Fall

Women of the ELCA invites congregations and individuals to worship, learn, connect, and advocate through several September and October opportunities. From the 2026 Thankoffering Service to conversations on racial justice, these resources offer meaningful ways to grow in faith and serve our neighbors.

Thankoffering Service: October 15

The 2026 Women of the ELCA Thankoffering Service will be livestreamed Thursday, October 15, at 9:50 a.m. CDT from Concordia College Campus Ministry in Moorhead, Minn. Congregations and women’s groups may also download the service in English or Spanish for use in their own settings.

Thankofferings are a tangible expression of gratitude for God’s abundance and a shared commitment to ministry with women around the church and world.

Connect, study, and learn

Boldcafe’s next monthly dinner is Thursday, September 17, at 7 p.m. CDT. WELCA Campus Ambassadors Lila Woodard and Rebeca Amaro Trevino will share reflections from the 2026 triennial gathering. Bring your own dinner and join the faith-filled conversation; register to attend.

WELCA Reads begins Monday, September 21, with Thinking Woman by Dr. Jennifer Hockenbery. The Monday evening book study explores how women have understood themselves throughout history and invites participants to bring their questions, stories, and ideas.

A Thrivent-sponsored webinar, “Your Retirement, Your Way: Learn 5 Keys to Retiring Fearlessly,” will be held Tuesday, September 22, at 7 p.m. CDT. Financial Advisor Michelle Yaniskivis, RICPr, will offer practical strategies for considering retirement needs and planning with confidence. Download the flyer.

Advocacy and Bible study

The Racial Justice Advocacy Network’s Fourth Thursday Series continues September 24 at 7 p.m. CDT with a presentation on Indian boarding schools by Vance Blackfox. Register for the online gathering. This learning opportunity comes ahead of the National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools on September 30.

Finally, the Rev. Tiffany Chaney’s new three-session Gather Bible study, “Bold faith on an unexpected journey,” follows Hagar, Ruth, and Mary Magdalene as women of courageous faith. Their stories remind us that God sees, sustains, and sends God’s people—even in unfamiliar or difficult seasons. Explore the fall Bible study.