May 2021

Despite reductions, executive director has hope
Despite an upcoming reduction in staff and a budget deficit, Women of the ELCA’s executive director says she’s hopeful.

During the April 24 online meeting, the churchwide executive board approved a new Women of the ELCA special unit, recommended a 2022 budget, and participated in a lengthy discussion about what comes next after the staff dwindles to two full-time and one part-time in September. Read the story.
Women of the ELCA publications win 15 communicator awards
Women of the ELCA publications won 15 awards for 2020 communications work from the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) and the Associated Church Press (ACP). Gather won RCC’s top award: Best in Class for the design of its December 2020 issue.
Devotion: What's important to you and how do you take care of it?
Lydia is a worldly, wealthy woman, yet she still cares enough about the work of the church and her community to respond with generosity and an eye to the future.

Study this devotion with women in your community and answer the discussion questions at the end.
Talk about what matters in your life. Attend Cafe's B.Y.O.D.
The Rev. Sarah S. Scherschligt is the guest speaker for the May 6 monthly Café B.Y.O.D. (bring your own dinner).

A popular writer and preacher, she will focus on what matters. She is the writer of one of Café's most popular articles, “Just one tunic.”

Register here to join the group at 7 p.m. CT. Don't miss this exciting and easy way to connect with new friends.
Rachel's Day is observed the first Sunday in May (or any time)
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. Our Rachel’s Day resource includes a litany for use in a special Rachel’s Day service. How will you observe this day of mourning?

Download the resource in English or Spanish.
Visit Gather's resources page for Bible study videos and more
Violet Cucciniello Little author of Gather's May 2021 devotional, “Waiting to be unwrapped,” has created a video to accompany the study.

You will find several other Bible study videos and resources on the page.
Sign up for Daily Grace
Daily Grace is an on-the-go companion for your spiritual journey, offering a faith reflection every day. Encounter God’s extravagant, boundless, and often surprising grace by signing up for a daily email message. You can also download the app for your IOS and Android devices. Learn more at welca.org/dailygrace.
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