May 2016
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Bold women read Gather magazine

Is there a woman in your life who deserves to be pampered this Mother's Day? Why not give her a gift subscription to Gather magazine? Published 10 times a year, the magazine of Women of the ELCA offers articles, theological reflections and devotions to help readers grow in faith and engage in ministry and action. Each issue contains thought-provoking Bible study. Show your love and share Gather
MAKE CONNECTIONS, SHOW YOUR PASSION, WELCA PRESIDENT SAYS 

"Now's the time to connect and show our passion for the organization," said Women of the ELCA executive board president Patti Austin.
Addressing the executive board during its April 21-24 meeting, she said, "We don't have forever. We only have two or three meetings left, and we need to make a difference," referring to the 2014-2017 triennium during which the current board is serving. Read what the board did at its April meeting
SISTERS ACROSS GENERATIONS

In the May issue of Gather, Norma Cook Everist, professor of church and ministry at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, shares an intergenerational Bible study session on Mary and Elizabeth: Sisters across the generations. Read about the Bible studies coming up in the magazine. And download a bulletin insert with the information. 
MOTHERLY DEPICTIONS OF GOD

God as a mother who comforts her child, God as a mama bear, God as a mother eagle, Jesus as a mother hen, God as a woman looking for her lost coin. The Bible includes many references to God as femini ne. Read Michelle Terry's 2013 reflection about God as mother in Café .
DEVOTION: HOLY STEWARDSHIP
  
Planting time, whether we're planting soybeans or summer squash, is a holy time. God's good earth receives the seeds we so hopefully entrust to it, and in the fullness of time (with a little luck) we will see an abundant harvest. Read the devotion.  
YAY! THREE MORE AWARDS 
 
Women of the ELCA took three more awards at the 2016 Associated Church Press convention awards ceremony in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 22.
Last month Women of the ELCA took three DeRose-Hinkhouse awards March 31 at the Religion Communicators Council convention in New York City.
REGISTRATION OPENS SEPT. 6

Registration for the Tenth Triennial Gathering opens Sept. 6. Information will be added to our website, welcatg.org, as we know it. The "All Anew" coloring sheet and poster are both there and ready for you to download.
HAVE YOU DECIDED WHAT TO BUY YOUR NEW GRADUATE? 
 
We can help: jewelry and aprons and mugs and shawls are available in our Women of the ELCA's e-store. Check it out before you leave home to shop for your new graduate. She deserves a special gift.  
COMMUNITY GARDEN GUIDE

Download the new "ELCA World Hunger Community Gardens How-To Guide," filled with wisdom harvested by ELCA congregations whose community gardens have become vital parts of their ministry. You'll find practical tips on logistics, crafting a vision and incorporating your garden into the life of your congregation.

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