Women of the ELCA is diving deep into the coloring craze. And we invite you to join us by exploring the theme of the Tenth Triennial Gathering (2017) through devotion and coloring.
You can now download five coloring devotions that will deepen your understanding of the All Anew theme and its accompanying verses.
“These devotions offer the opportunity to reflect on our theme verses, engage Scripture through reflection and discussion and join together in prayer,” said Linda Post Bushkofsky, executive director of Women of the ELCA. “We don’t just show up in Minneapolis at the gathering. We prepare for the gathering in many ways.”
ELCA pastor Melissa Bills, associate pastor at First Lutheran Church, Decorah, Iowa, wrote the five devotionals that accompany the theme verses. “Working on these devotions reminded me that the heart of our faith is grounded in imagination, hope and seeing God’s newness in the world,” said Bills, a graduate of St. Olaf College and Princeton Theological Seminary. “I have a special interest in the intersection of faith, ministry and the arts.”
Whether used in a congregational setting, at a synodical event or in the quiet of one’s home, these five devotions are important groundwork for women coming to the Tenth Triennial Gathering.
“For those who would like to be with us in Minneapolis next July but can’t, these devotions offer a means of connecting with sisters across the miles, reflecting and praying,” Post Bushkofsky said. “We hope you enjoy the meditative practice of coloring as part of the devotions.”
The theme verse in each devotion is based on The Message, a contemporary biblical paraphrase written by Eugene H. Peterson.
The devotions include:
- Renewal of Creation (Psalms 104:30)
- Renewal of Sight (Isaiah 43:19)
- Renewal of Spirit (Romans 12:2)
- Renewal of Hope (2 Corinthians 4:16)
- Renewal of Life (Titus 3:4-5)
If you enjoy the five free coloring devotions, and would like more, consider purchasing a month-long devotional coloring book that supports the ministry of Gather, the magazine of Women of the ELCA.