March 2020

Presidents ask, 'What's God calling you to do?'
A recent immersion trip to the southern border of the United States was a “life-changing experience,” Women of the ELCA’s executive board president Lisa Plorin told women at the Conference of Presidents’ meeting in Chicago, Feb. 21-23.

When asked by presidents what God is calling her to do next, Plorin said she wants to “help AMMPARO help others.” Read about what happened at the Conference of Presidents.
As Christians, we must see Jesus in all who cross the border
They left their homes in Mexico because of violence, and they wanted to provide a safe and healthy upbringing for their children. They know they’ll get paid more in America though they’ll likely need to work two or three jobs to provide for their families. Read about the stories Elizabeth McBride saw and heard while on a Feb. 1-5 immersion trip to the border between El Paso, Texas, Las Cruces, New Mexico, and
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
Meaningful ways to observe Lent
I wonder why in the world God would be satisfied with my giving up chocolate eggs when there are so many richer, deeper, more significant ways to observe a holy Lent. For centuries and centuries, people have observed Lent with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Read the monthly devotion.
Sign up for Interchange/Intercambio
Do you want to receive Interchange or Intercambio, our quarterly newsletter for Women of the ELCA leaders (in English and Spanish)? The digital newsletter will be emailed in April. Sign up for it on our Publications page or from the button below.
This World Day of Prayer, let's travel to Zimbabwe!
Would you like to travel to Zimbabwe this March? You can, if you participate in the March 6, 2020, World Day of Prayer (WDP) service written by women in Zimbabwe. With this service, these bold Zimbabwean sisters call their country and our world into action. Central to this call, they ask: “Do we humans want to be healed? Will we rise, take our mats and walk?” (Read John 5:2-9a.) Read the full article.
Trinity women found new way to purse-ue Bold Women's Day
“Go for it” is Elva Cope’s philosophy about God, service, and Bold Women’s Day.
That attitude plays out every fourth Sunday in February as women of Trinity Lutheran Church, San Antonio, Texas, consider what they’ll do to celebrate Women of the ELCA’s special day recognizing bold women. Bold Women's Day was Feb. 23. Read the story.
Get free copies of Gather for your congregation or ministry
You can introduce your congregation, school, ministry, or other organization to  Gather magazine by providing free copies of the next published issue! It’s simple, with no obligation to you. Here’s how it works:

You can order a bundle of free copies (minimum order is 25 copies) of the next issue at no cost. Submit your request here , and we’ll get a bundle of free copies over to you when the next issue is printed.
Celebrate National Quilting Day
National Quilting Day (NQD) is observed annually on the third Saturday in March. This year, it’s on March 21. NQD is celebrated around the country with special quilting shows, classes, open museums and much more. Spend this day recognizing and appreciating quilt makers, along with their long labor, love and skill that goes into the making of each quilt. Learn more.
Unit treasurers: Would you be interested in online training?
As a congregational unit treasurer, would you be interested in an online video training session customized for your needs?

It would take only a little more than half an hour. If so, please email Audrey Riley, audrey.riley@elca.org, and leave a note to say so. If there is enough interest, we'll put one together this spring.

Read how online video training for the treasurers of synodical women's organizations is a big hit.
Please download the Guide for Unit Treasurers and copies of Form A and Form B from our website! They're available for free at welca.org/toolsforleaders (scroll down a bit).
Horseshoe Bend
Phoenix area tours enhance experience at Gathering 2020
Phoenix in July is a cool place to be, even in the summer—especially when you’re in an air-conditioned building, tour bus, or steamboat.

Find out how you can participate in one of our tour offerings and enhance the fun you will have at the Gathering 2020, July 16-19, by enjoying top sites in Arizona.
Read our popular blogs
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