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« Back to WELCA Blog

“Just love” Gathering 2020 logo reminds we are part of one body
by Elizabeth McBride

2.26.2019
17 Comments
|
Gathering 2021, News

At the triennial gathering 2017 closing worship service, the Rev. Angela Khabeb exclaimed: “News flash! Christianity is not comfortable. If you are comfortable in Jesus, you’re doing it wrong.”

Following Jesus is messy. Loving one another is justice. We are not perfect, we are often broken, sometimes we don’t fit. Sometimes our edges are rough—but we are one body in Christ.

The inspiration for Women of the ELCA Gathering logo came as I walked around downtown Phoenix, the site of the 2020 gathering. I noticed a mural outside of the convention hotel. Its collection of broken mirrors, tiles, shards of plates and painted rocks ebbed and flowed in a kinetic frenzy of color and textures.

We are The body of Christ

The mural reminded me of the body of Christ and how we are all misshapen pieces in one glorious and beautiful work of art.

The palette of deep purple and bright green in the new gathering logo is reflective of the scenery of the valley in the Phoenix area. Along the streets of this city, dusty earth tones are punctuated with bright purple flowers and vibrant green cacti. The turquoise color connects to the history of native cultures in Arizona and the southwest region. Red signifies love. The shade of red in our gathering logo is not one of fire or caution, but rather one of joy.

As we embrace the theme “Just love” we remember the words of the Rev. Alexia Salvatierra at the gathering in 2017 in Minneapolis: “I believe that if we follow mercy all the way, go deep into mercy, we end up at justice.”

The Gathering 2020 will be held in Phoenix, Ariz., July 16-19, 2020. Watch for information about registration on welcatg.org in late summer.

Elizabeth McBride, director for intergenerational programs and editor of Café, designed the Gathering 2020 logo. She has a bachelor of arts degree from Arizona State University and has designed graphics for Women of the ELCA since 2000.

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Comments (17)
  • Lynn Bemer Coble says:
    4/21/2019

    I went to DC in 1993. I hope that I’ll be able to go to Gathering 2020 in Phoenix. On my way driving from Greensboro, NC, to Washington DC in 1993, a tornado hit one of the cities on my route through Virginia. My four roommates at the hotel greeted me with, “Are you OK?” I had no idea what they were talking about until they told me about the tornado. It hit the Virginia City and crossed the highway I was on either 20 minutes before or 20 minutes after I drove through there. DC in 1993 was a great experience! I’m sure this one will be as well.

    Reply
  • Jean Minkin says:
    4/12/2019

    I can hardly wait for July 16, 2020! It will be a blessing for us all to be together again and feel the love!

    Reply
  • Karen Ronchetti says:
    3/18/2019

    LOVE IT! What can I do to help spread the word about being BOLD and to participate in this amazing event. (for those who are NOT registered).

    Reply
  • Jacqueline Cutshall says:
    3/17/2019

    What is the theme Bible verse for the gathering “Just Love”?

    Reply
  • Lydia Davila says:
    3/13/2019

    Loved touch me ,thank you very much!!!!

    Reply
  • Phyllis Christi4e says:
    3/2/2019

    loved the wholeness of the broken pieces, looking forward to the 2020 triennial – already registered Yeah!!!

    Reply
    • Terri Lackey says:
      3/2/2019

      Yah! We’ll see you there. Invite your friends!

      Reply
  • Bev Bockenhauer says:
    3/1/2019

    Just like the song, “All we need is LOVE”!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth says:
      3/12/2019

      Yes!

      Reply
  • Shirley Paulson says:
    3/1/2019

    I love the logo and Elizabeth’s explanation adds so much! It makes me even more excited for the Triennial. Good work!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth McBride says:
      3/12/2019

      Thanks Shirley! It’s going to be a great time!

      Reply
  • Phyllis Borchardt says:
    3/1/2019

    At our recent tea for Women’s Ministry at Spirit of Grace Cyndy Warnier of Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree offered a devotion God’s Love Wardrobe. Compassion, Kindness, Patience, Humility, Gentleness, Forgiveness and LOVE! As Suki shared, the whole world needs Love. The broken tile is reminiscent of our broken plate exercise at our Grand Canyon Synod Fall Convention/Gathering. Great logo

    Reply
    • Elizabeth says:
      3/12/2019

      Yes, Phyllis! I still have my plate! I loved that exercise!

      Reply
  • Suki says:
    3/1/2019

    The logo says it all. . . .just what the whole world needs! Love your description of the desert. . .

    Reply
    • Elizabeth says:
      3/12/2019

      Totally. Thanks, Suki!

      Reply
  • Susan Humphrey says:
    2/26/2019

    Love it Beth!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth McBride says:
      2/27/2019

      Thanks, Susan!

      Reply

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