August 2024

Compassionate dialogue and a focus on civility for this Fall

Did you know August is National Civility Month? This issue of Bold Connections offers resources to help you and your congregation engage in compassionate dialogue and civility in your community.

Civility Toolbox

At our August 1 Boldcafe monthly dinner, Dr. Jennifer Hockenbery, WELCA interim executive director, led a conversation about civility, explaining ways we can engage in compassionate dialogue. She also demonstrated how to build a Civility Toolbox. Watch some of the dinner conversation here.

“After Certainty” Bible study

The Summer 2024 Gather Bible study, “After Certainty,” by the Rev. Dr. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, focuses on curiosity, community and compassion—values needed for civility to take root in our lives and our communities. Congregations and groups can use this free, downloadable three-session study as an adult education resource or even a half-day retreat any time during the year, but it is especially useful during contentious times.

Download “After Certainty” sessions

Here’s a complete list of these and other resources (Bible study sessions, reflections, sermon helps and events) compiled by Women of the ELCA to help you encourage community, civility and compassion, not just during the 2024 U.S. election season, but year-round. Read more.

August devotion: The strength in embracing yourself

"We are all created to stand boldly in our bodies, embracing our rough edges and smooth surfaces. . . You are enough. You are created in the image of God." Read this month's stewardship devotion written by the Rev. Ralen M. Robinson.

Read the August stewardship devotion.

September Boldcafe Monthly Dinner: Starting over

Join us for our next Boldcafe Monthly Dinner (B. Y. O. D.) via Zoom, Thursday, September 5, at 7 p.m. CDT.

The Rev. Meredith Harber will lead our conversation on the topic of starting over. Participants are encouraged to bring their friends!

Please use the link below to register and be sure to pass this invitation along!

https://boldcafe.org/dinner

Do you know about WELCA events? Check out our calendar and see how you can get involved!

See our photos from the ELCA Youth Gathering!

Women of the ELCA connected with Adult Leaders at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans last month. Churchwide executive staff Eva Yeo and Gabriela Contreras and Churchwide executive board president Myrna Wells-Ulland shared ways to deepen one's connection to Women of the ELCA. View our photos here.

Honor Linda's 22 years of service with a gift to Katie's Fund.

Linda Post Bushkofsky has retired from serving as executive director of Women of the ELCA. To honor Linda’s 22 years of service, you are invited to make a gift to 2122: Growing Katie’s Fund for the next 100 years, the campaign to raise $1 million for the Katie’s Fund endowment.

Katie’s Fund supports ministries focused on global sharing, leadership development, and faith in daily life. Linda has focused her leadership in these areas, too. So a gift to Katie’s Fund in honor of Linda’s leadership is a natural way to say “thanks.”

Will you consider a gift today, to show your gratitude and support for the future of Women of the ELCA? Learn more.

Called to be political

Like it or not, Christians are called to be political. This resource explores the personal reflections of four Lutheran women, the Bible, and Martin Luther's writings. How are you, a Christian, called to be politically active? This resource can be used by an individual or adapted for a small group. Download it today!

Download "Called to be political"

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. Learn more at welca.org/dailygrace.

Most recent blog posts

God has a friendly heart

Sharing our whole selves

Friendships refresh the soul

Support our ministry

Women of the ELCA | 773-380-2730 | women.elca@elca.org | welca.org

STAY CONNECTED