January 2026

It's time to #ENDHUMANTRAFFICKING

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The Rev. Staci Stought has created new resources for congregations to use for prayer and advocacy. Since 2005, Women of the ELCA has been actively working to end human trafficking. At the Eleventh Triennial Convention (2021), the voting members adopted a resolution setting the four weeks prior to the annual NFL Super Bowl as a time of prayer to end human trafficking.

Visit the Human Trafficking Advocacy page to download Daily Prayers, Worship materials and a Toolkit for Church Leader s .

2 days left to enjoy early bird savings for the Gathering!

The EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT expires and rates go up January 6.

Invite your daughters, granddaughters, sisters, friends and more to our Triennial Gathering in Des Moines this July! Share the event and remind them that they are WORTHY!

Register now for inspiring speakers, service and learning opportunities, a 5K Fun Run, and more! Visit the website, click 'Register here,' book your hotel, and plan your Des Moines trip today.

Help us spread the word by sharing event details with your congregation and more. Everyone is invited! Visit our website for tools to promote the Gathering.

View photos from our last Gathering.

YES! I want to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount until Jan. 5

It's Katie's Birthday! Let's celebrate with brunch

There are many ways to honor Katharina Von Bora's 527th birthday this year! Plan a brunch and invite all of your friends! Then make a gift to the SALT Appeal in Katie's honor. Read more about ideas for celebrating brunch with your WELCA unit. Plus, if you throw a Katie's Birthday Brunch, please tag us (@womenoftheelca) on social!

Learn More

January Boldcafe B.Y.O.D.

Kick off the new year by joining us for our next Boldcafe Monthly Dinner, Thursday, January 15, at 7pm CST, hosted by the Rev. Angela T. Khabeb! She will lead our discussion about love in the new year. Granddaughters, daughters, nieces, etc., are encouraged to join! Participants are all encouraged to bring a favorite stuffed toy or doll. Download a special coloring sheet to use during our time together.

SAVE THE DATE: 2026 Conference of Presidents is Feb. 21

The 2026 Conference of Synodical Women's Organization (SWO) Presidents is scheduled to occur via Zoom, February 21, 2026 from 12 noon to 4 pm CST. The theme for the conference is, "Wisdom & Worth" based on Psalm 107:43, "Let those who are wise pay attention to these things. Let them think about the love of God."

Nominations for the Women of the ELCA Churchwide Board are open!

Nominations for the Churchwide Board of Women of the ELCA are open until February 20, 2026! Voting members (elected from 64 Synodical Women's Organizations) at the Thirteenth Triennial Convention will elect leaders for the 2026-2029 triennium.

Access the Nominations Form.

Gather Winter 2026: "Embody prayer" by the Rev. Liv Larson Andrews

Prayer is an important part of our relationship with God, and one of the ways we respond to God speaking in our lives. At the same time, we may carry all kinds of baggage or heavy questions about prayer: Am I doing it “right?” Do I pray enough? Is prayer always done with words? This two-part Bible study looks to Scripture as a guide to explore some different ways we can pray with our bodies—and with the body of the earth.

Download Session One: Praying with our bodies