The things we let go
Copyright © 2025 Women of the ELCA. Reprint permission is granted for use in Women of the ELCA units, clusters/conferences
Read the Current issue of Bold Connections, our monthly newsletter
“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.”
TAKE ACTION NOW:
ELCA Action Center – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: Protect Medicaid
Today, we say this universally, and we say it especially to our siblings of color, our siblings in the queer community, our siblings who are immigrants and migrants. Each of you matter. Each of you are a creature of God in God’s image. Each of you are beloved. We stand with you in just love.
Join us at the Triennial Gathering, July 16-19, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa! Register today!
Visit the gathering website to learn about speakers, reserve your hotel, and more! Plus, we are looking for sponsors, vendors and exhibitors!
Check out ways to promote the Gathering in your congregation and Synod!
Promote the Gathering with a flyer, Bulletin and Zoom Background!
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Staci Stought has created new resources for congregations to use for prayer and advocacy. Since 2005, Women of the ELCA has been actively working to end human trafficking. Visit the Human Trafficking Advocacy page to download Daily Prayers, Worship materials and a Toolkit for Church Leaders
Below are daily prayers for one week, lifting before God all those impacted by sex and labor trafficking. It includes prayers for those doing the harm, those in active situations of harm, those healing from it, for churches to engage, and for our response to indifference. Let us join together in prayer and in action, seeking transformation. Each prayer is accompanied by a verse from scripture that helped shape it.
There are many ways to honor Katharina Von Bora’s 527th birthday this year! Plan a brunch and invite all of your friends! Then make a gift to the SALT Appeal in Katie’s honor. Read more about ideas for celebrating brunch with your WELCA unit. Plus, if you throw a Katie’s Birthday Brunch, please tag us (@womenoftheelca) on social!
The 2026 Conference of Synodical Women’s Organization (SWO) Presidents is scheduled to occur via Zoom, February 21, 2026 from 12 noon to 4 pm CST. The theme for the conference is, “Wisdom & Worth” based on Psalm 107:43, “Let those who are wise pay attention to these things. Let them think about the love of God.”
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REGISTER NOW
Katie’s Fund Grants are allocated to support programs, resources, and opportunities in the areas named when the Fund was first begun. These grants in the amount of $500-$5,000 are designed to support project resources, and opportunities in the areas of leadership development, global sharing and living theology. Learn more and see how you and your congregation can make a difference in the church, society and world through a grant from Katie’s Fund!
The Campus Ambassador program aims to connect young adult students with girls aged 7-12 and women active in WELCA within ELCA congregations. Thus, creating opportunities for learning about life and faith, and bridging the age gap from girls and young women to women over 55.
Learn more, Apply to be a Campus Ambassador and Refer a congregation
Nuestro Servicio de Navidad Azul ofrece un espacio seguro para compartir el dolor, el miedo y la pérdida. No se pierda el Servicio de Navidad Azul 2025. Sábado 21 de diciembre de 2025.
Our Blue Christmas Service offers a safe place to bring grief, fear, and loss. Watch the 2025 Blue Christmas Service. Saturday, December 21, 2025
Thank you to those listed below who have contributed to the SALT Appeal for Giving Tuesday! Consider adding your name to the list below and make a gift to SALT today!
Bob Clemens in honor of Gwen Edwards
Christ the King WELCA
Joyce Uber
Diane Brauer
Marylou Haas
Carmen Richards
Shirley McKinnis in honor of Anna Avers
Denise Phillippe
Barbara Klein
Alice Schneider
Cheryl Lundeen
Robin Fuerst
Marie Geissler
Nancy Nelson
Norma Reed
Nancy Kingston
Sandra Knutson
Nancy Rollins
Patricia Nicholson
Linda Bassett
Cynthia Dozier
John Pearson
Noel Nesheim
Marilyn Grandstrand
Ann Hein
Karil Drake
Mary Schlumberger in honor of Anne Storan
Jacqueline Haynick in honor of Monica Munson
Ruth Rose
Donna Peterson
Marietta Meyer
Lila Woodard
Myrna Wells-Ulland in honor of Grand Canyon Synodical Women
Renee Anderson
Melanie Hobden
Jenell Zweifel
Carole Fitch
Connie Picken
Kim Mesun
Pamela Johnsen in honor of Mona Lee Trego
Cheryl Wasson
Jade Mueller
Jennifer Armstrong-Schaefer in honor of Linda Armstrong on her birthday
Copyright © 2025 Women of the ELCA. Reprint permission is granted for use in Women of the ELCA units, clusters/conferences
Nominations open October 20, 2025
Assembly 2026 is a once-every-four-years gathering of women committed to faith, empowerment, and making a difference. Picture a weekend that uplifts your soul, strengthens your faith, and brings you together with an unstoppable sisterhood. Listen to keynote speakers, Stacey Abrams, the Rev. Carolyn Abrams and our interim executive director, Dr. Jennifer Hockenbery!
by Gwendolynn Edwards Every day, people ask each other how they are doing, how their day is going, and similar
by Elizabeth McBride Last year after attending the ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza Conference, while driving back to Chicago with WELCA
by Jennifer Armstrong-Schaefer To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Women of the ELCA, the SWO of the Southwestern Pennsylvania