Making space
As a parish pastor, I am called to lead my congregation through growth and change. While I often know what
Boldcafe.org: Getting through starting over
The Rev. Meredith Harber shares tips for beginning in a new place.
The Rev. Meredith Harber shares tips for beginning in a new place.
“As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.”
You are invited to attend the 2024 Women of the ELCA (WELCA) Thankoffering worship service led by the Rev. Betsy Hoium and the students of Gustavus Adolphus College Campus Ministry. This in-person Thankoffering service will take place at Christ Chapel on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College (800 West College Avenue, St Peter, MN 56082) on Sunday, November 10, at 6:30 pm (CDT). Women of the ELCA interim executive director, Jennifer Hockenbery, will also attend.
A copy of the 2024 Thankoffering Service will be available on the Women of the ELCA website November 1.
Learn how to have a Thankoffering Service with your congregation
As a parish pastor, I am called to lead my congregation through growth and change. While I often know what
This is a transitional year! There is an interim Executive Director, we are going to hit our goal for fundraising for Katie’s Fund (aspiration!), and we are all wondering about the next steps. Please share this form as we gather ideas about what WELCA is and can be! This is a time to reflect and dream and prepare together. Download the QR code
Linda Post Bushkofsky, former executive director, retired in June. To honor Linda’s 22 years of service to Women of the ELCA, you are invited to make a gift to 2122: Growing Katie’s Fund for the next 100 years, the campaign to raise $1 million for this endowment.
Katie’s Fund supports ministries focused on global sharing, leadership development, and faith in daily life. Linda has focused her leadership in these areas, too. So, a gift to Katie’s Fund in honor of Linda’s leadership is a natural way to say “thanks.”
Will you consider a gift today to show your gratitude and support for the future of Women of the ELCA?
Mujeres de la ELCA ofrece recursos de programas gratuitos y descargables, todos en inglés y muchos en español, para ayudarlo a crecer en la fe y participar en el ministerio y la acción.
Learn about upcoming events like the 2026 Triennial Gathering, Boldcafe Monthly Dinners, leadership events and more by visiting our events page!
Katharina von Bora Luther was a practical and bold woman of faith. Through Katie’s Fund, Women of the ELCA honors her life by supporting global connections, leadership development and living theology.
2122 is a $1 million campaign for Katie’s Fund that is designed to support the organization into the next 100 years of mission and ministry. Learn ways you can give to the campaign.
Do you take time out of your busy schedule to rest? The Rev. Ralen M. Robinson cautions us in this month’s stewardship devotion about keeping our schedules too packed.
Stay connected with Bold Connections
View the latest issue of Bold Connections, the monthly e-newsletter that features the latest news and information about our programs and activities. Bold Connections is delivered via e-mail on the first of every month. Subscribe now.
Read past issues of Bold Connections
Southwestern TexasEight participants from the Southwestern Texas Synodical Women’s Organization attended the Texas United Women of Faith/Texas Impact Legislative Event with the seed grant dollars. These eight participants are supporting Project Radical Hospitality, a synod-wide effort to foster a deeper understanding of community by direct, tangible actions of hospitality. While at the event, participants studied current Texas legislatives issues related to Immigration, women’s (maternal) health and reproductive rights, climate action, and gun violence, among other topics. “As we begin our next strategic plan’s cycle, Project Radical Hospitality members are concentrating on service to immigrants/communities/services along with education and legislative priorities,” reports Lisa Lopez, SWO president. Read more stories.
Eastern North DakotaThe Eastern North Dakota Synodical Women’s Organization took its seed grant, combined it with its fund for cluster gatherings and created one large “Round-Up” on April 20, 2024. The entire day was offered free of charge to attendees, and registration was at least four times greater than in past years. A catered noon meal was provided by Casa de Fe, a mission group that funds an orphanage in Central America. The group shared their story and mission goals. Read more stories.
Saint Paul Area
The Saint Paul Area Synodical Women’s Organization held a “thank you dinner” for women who had been involved with the SWO over the years and asked each of them to bring someone with them. “It was great to thank those who have been involved … and get them back in the feel that our SWO is alive and well and that we need them to once again be active in our SWO,” reports SWO president Becky Maier. “Since this event we have seen a rise in participation at cluster meetings and at our SWO Soup Lunch and have seen excitement in what is to come.” Read more stories.
Rachel’s Day is observed by Women of the ELCA annually on the first Sunday in May, though it can be observed any time of the year. It is a time set aside to mourn the loss of our children and to renounce the forces of violence and fear. The resource includes a litany for use in a special Rachel’s Day service. Download it here.
A litany of lament and hope for Rachel’s Day
Learn more ways to combat gun violence
The Twelfth Triennial Convention of Women of the ELCA was held in Phoenix, Az, September 19-21, 2023.
Trigger warning, CW: Rape, domestic violence If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is
by Jennifer Hockenbery Preface: I ended my August blog with this one last note: “Being a woman is exhausting! We
by the Rev. Ralen M. Robinson Read Luke 5:16: “Meanwhile, he would slip away to deserted places and pray.” I
