Compassionate listening can help move survivors of sexual violence from isolation toward belonging. In Café, the Rev. Sara Olson-Smith reflects on truth-telling, the courage of survivors, and our Christian calling to bear one another’s burdens—and to challenge the injustice that causes harm. Read the full faith reflection.
Read MoreHow can Christians help end rape culture? Writing in Café, Women of the ELCA’s online magazine, Dr. Jennifer Hockenbery calls us to name sexual violence as sin, challenge language that normalizes abuse, and honor every person as made in God’s image. Read her call to action.
Read MoreCelebrate being beloved children of God at “We Are Worthy,” November 14, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., at Love of Christ Lutheran’s Compassion Center in Mesa. Enjoy Bible study, music, a keynote, painting, and worship with Communion. All women are welcome. Complimentary registration is available for synod rostered women, with scholarships for lay women of color. Register and bring a friend.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA offers several ways to put faith into action this fall, beginning with resources for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and confidential, 24/7 support for survivors. Upcoming opportunities include the Oct. 15 Thankoffering Service and Boldcafe conversation on consent, an Oct. 22 racial justice gathering, a Nov. 4 tour information session and a new Bible study featuring Hagar, Ruth and Mary Magdalene.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA offers a full September calendar of opportunities for worship, fellowship, study, retirement planning, and racial justice advocacy. Join the September 17 Boldcafe dinner, WELCA Reads beginning September 21, the September 24 Indian boarding schools presentation, and the Thankoffering Service livestream on October 15.
Explore the resources, register where needed, and share these opportunities with your congregation or women’s group.
Read MoreTransitions can leave us between what was and what will be—a disorienting “liminal space” of waiting and uncertainty. Drawing on a difficult mountain hike, Joseph’s years of waiting and the Christian hope of God’s “already, but not yet” reign, the Rev. Becca Ehrlich reminds us that in-between time is not a time for inaction.
Even without a clear view of what lies ahead, we can listen for God, love our neighbors and become guiding lights for one another. Read the full reflection in Café.
Read MoreLife transitions can stir physical sensations, powerful emotions and spiritual questions—even when the change is welcome. The Rev. Dr. Becca Ehrlich introduces somatic awareness as a way to listen to our bodies, practice self-compassion and remain present with God amid change.
Discover how embodied practices can deepen prayer and expand our capacity to love and serve others. Read the full reflection from Café, a publication of Women of the ELCA.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA welcomed 1,000 registered participants to the “I Am Worthy” Triennial Gathering, July 16-19 in Des Moines, following the Thirteenth Triennial Convention. Explore highlights and photos from the gathering—and look ahead to the 2029 Triennial Gathering in Louisville, Kentucky, with pre-registration savings available through September 1.
Read MoreThe Rev. Emily Heitzman reflects on the pressures youth and adults face from negative messages about worth and belonging. Drawing on Scripture, she reminds readers that we are beloved children of God—fearfully and wonderfully made, worthy of love. Read the reflection.
Read MoreIn this Bold Café reflection, the Rev. Dr. Ralen M. Robinson writes about harsh feedback, shame and the baptismal promise that our worth is not achieved but given by God. Her reflection offers encouragement for leaders and communities seeking to build one another up in love. Read the reflection.
Read MoreThe Racial Justice Advocacy Network invites you to a Fourth Thursday conversation on May 28 at 5 PM (AZ/Pacific), featuring the documentary “We Ride for Her” and discussion on the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR).
With over 5,500 Indigenous women and girls reported missing or murdered—and murder a leading cause of death—this gathering offers space for learning, reflection, and faithful action. Register now and join the conversation.
Read MoreApril is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the ELCA is highlighting Unnamed No More, a Lutheran Safe Church ministry supported by a WELCA Katie’s Fund grant. This growing ministry equips congregations to respond to abuse with trauma-informed, faith-based tools—helping churches move from silence to faithful action.
With new ELCA emphasis on child protection and ongoing challenges in congregations, Unnamed No More offers workshops, resources, and support to create safer, more accountable communities. Learn more and explore how your congregation can engage.
Read MoreAfter witnessing a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace led by Buddhist monks, the Rev. Kristen Glass Perez reflects on how peace is not passive—but practiced. Connecting interfaith experience with Christian traditions like the Sharing of the Peace and the Emmaus story, this article calls readers to live out peace intentionally in a divided and fast-moving world. Continue reading at Bold Café.
Read MoreIn this Bold Café reflection, Karris Golden explores what it means to choose happiness even in life’s most difficult seasons. Drawing on personal experience, Scripture, and daily practices of gratitude, she reframes happiness not as a destination, but as a way of living rooted in faith. With thoughtful questions and a closing prayer, this piece invites readers to reflect deeply on joy, resilience, and God’s abiding peace. Read more at Bold Café.
Read MoreYoung adults are invited to a special Women of the ELCA webinar on Wednesday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m. (AZ/NV time). Hear from three young leaders—Naomi Mbise, Rebeca Amaro Trevino, and Bliss Tungnung—who have launched ministries supporting women and girls around the world through Seed Grants.
Learn how they discerned their call, started their work, and how you can make a difference in the church and world. Register now to join this inspiring conversation.
Read MoreYoung adults are invited to a special Women of the ELCA webinar on Wednesday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m. (AZ/NV time). Hear from three young leaders—Naomi Mbise, Rebeca Amaro Trevino, and Bliss Tungnung—who have launched ministries supporting women and girls around the world through Seed Grants.
Learn how they discerned their call, started their work, and how you can make a difference in the church and world. Register now to join this inspiring conversation.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA are offering four scholarships to attend the Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering, July 16–19, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. Each scholarship covers registration plus $500 toward travel and lodging.
Applications are due April 1, 2026, with notifications sent by April 15. Congregations are encouraged to share this opportunity widely. Learn more about the Gathering and how to apply today.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA is offering scholarships for Lutheran laywomen and those preparing for ordained ministry. Applications are due April 30, 2026. These awards support education and leadership across the church.
Read MoreApplications are open for Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls Seed Grants, offering up to $2,000 for wellness-focused ministry projects. Women of the ELCA units are encouraged to apply by April 30, 2026, to support health initiatives in their communities.
Read MoreThe Spring 2026 Gather Bible study, “I AM: God’s holy name and promise,” continues with Session Two focusing on Jesus as the Good Shepherd in John 10. Participants can download materials and watch video supplements to explore God’s guidance and protection in daily life.
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