If possible, arrange seating so that everyone can see one another. Place a table as a focal point, covered with an attractive blue cloth and perhaps a Women of the ELCA silk scarf. Add a candle, perhaps in the Women of the ELCA lotus candle holder, and a glass bowl of water.

Leader: We gather as we always do in the name of the + Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

Leader: For 20 years, we have gathered as bold, faithful Women of the ELCA. We have prayed together and served together. We give thanks to God for those who have gone before us and shown us the way.

All: Thanks be to God.

HYMN: "For All the Faithful Women," Worship Boldly, p. 96; verses 1, 10

Reader: The holy Gospel according to Saint Luke.

The Gospel reading: (Luke 10:38–42)

Reader: The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, O Christ.

Leader: Through our baptism, we are called to take the word of God to heart and empowered to act boldly on our faith in Jesus Christ. Let us place our symbols of the boldness of faithful women close to the water that reminds us of our baptism. One by one, each participant places her symbol on the table and briefly describes what it represents.

After each woman speaks, the group responds:

All: Blessed be God who has called us and empowers us.

At the completion of this action, reflections may be shared by the group or spoken by the leader.

Leader: Let us pray as our Savior Jesus Christ taught us:

All: Our Father . . .

HYMN: "For All the Faithful Women," Worship Boldly, p. 96; verses 3, 4

Leader: May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, be with you.

All: And also with you.

Leader: Let us share a sign of Christ's peace.

All: Thanks be to God.

Refreshments and hospitality may follow.

Audrey Novak Riley, author of this ritual, is associate editor, Lutheran Woman Today magazine.