We often struggle with the idea of self-love, yet Scripture reminds us of a deeper truth: we are already God’s beloved. Bishop Kristen Kuempel reflects on the mystery of this love—one that doesn’t rely on our perfection but instead finds joy in who we truly are. In baptism, we are claimed as God’s children, and no flaw, failure, or self-doubt can change that. Read more in her powerful reflection on the Women of the ELCA’s Café blog. Click here to read.
Read MoreJesus calls us to love—our friends, our neighbors, and even our enemies. But what does that look like in practice? In Faith Reflections: The Labor of Love, Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni explores love as a verb, a call to action rather than mere emotion. Reflecting on the parable of the Good Samaritan, she reminds us that loving others doesn’t always mean feeling affection—it means working for their well-being, even through prayer. Click here to read the full reflection on Boldcafe.
Read MoreDiscover why balance might not be the answer to modern life’s demands. Pastor Angela Denker shares a New Year’s reflection on embracing the grace of an unbalanced, purpose-driven life rooted in Jesus’ call to mission. In this post from Café, learn how to prioritize what truly matters and give yourself—and others—permission to let go of the illusion of balance.
Read MoreReflecting on her weight-loss journey, ELCA Pastor Angela T. !Khabeb shares a powerful testimony of hope and transformation through faith. While her efforts to change physically were met with challenges, she discovered the deeper need for spiritual and mental renewal. Drawing on Paul’s metaphor of clay and the potter, Pastor !Khabeb reminds us that our successes and failures are tools in God’s hands, shaping us into works of art still under construction. Her reflections inspire us to embrace transformation with courage, trust in God’s promises, and lean into the grace that sustains us. Read more on the Café blog.
Read MoreIn a blog post for Women of the ELCA’s Café, Becca Ehrlich shares her journey from an interfaith upbringing to discovering the Lutheran emphasis on salvation by grace through faith. Her story explores the challenges of not fitting into traditional boxes of what being Lutheran is "supposed to look like," and invites us to reflect on how our own expectations may limit the work of the Holy Spirit.
Read MoreIn her compelling reflection in Women of the ELCA’s Café blog post, Wanda Frenchman shares her journey from a non-Christian Indigenous upbringing to embracing Lutheran faith. Raised in a Lakota household, she highlights the significance of community, food, and genuine welcome in her transition to Grace Lutheran Church.
As a leader in Native American Urban Ministry, Wanda emphasizes the need for authentic inclusion in the church, encouraging congregations to embrace newcomers’ diverse traditions and identities. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the love of Christ and the importance of welcoming all people into our faith communities.
Read MoreThe latest edition of the Women of the ELCA’s Bold Cafe focuses on the concept of Sabbath and rest. We highlight two articles: Sabbath for this year and beyond, and Five steps for creating rest in a world of busyness.
Read MoreExplore the transformative power of tension in our spiritual lives. Dive deep into biblical narratives and daily experiences with BoldCafe.org's insights this month on navigating and embracing tension as a force for spiritual growth.
Read MoreThe June 2023 version of the Women of the ELCA’s monthly newsletter Café is available, under the theme Art as Activism, featuring : Beating Swords into Plowshares (and Guitars), Art activism, Litany of Freedom: Juneteenth Colorful Family; and Boldcafe dinner.
Read MoreThe March, 2023 version of the Women of the ELCA’s monthly newsletter Café is available, including: Feeling my feelings as spiritual practice; Blessed are those who grieve; monthly dinner; podcast; and more. View all posts at boldcafe.org.
Read MoreThe January, 2023 version of the Women of the ELCA’s monthly newsletter Café is available, featuring: art as healing; made in the image of a creative God; Boldcafe monthly dinner on February 2 2023, and the Boldcafe podcast. View all posts at boldcafe.org.
Read MoreThe December, 2022 version of the Women of the ELCA’s monthly newsletter Café is available, featuring Advent reflections on being overwhelmed, as well as the importance of sharing conversations during Advent. View all posts at boldcafe.org.
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