Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Issue link: http://horizons.epubxp.com/i/481579
a man whom she perceives could be t he Christ who spoke to her. That day, Jesus transforms the woman's life; he gives her a voice to speak. What a burst of confidence! Affirmed and Celebrated Jesus breaks convention by talking with women, but goes even farther by teaching them and welcoming them, equally with men, as his fol- lowers. Women are among his first followers (Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna and others, as mentioned in Luke 8:1–3). Female and male followers of Jesus are present at the crucifixion. And a group of women are the first to the tomb. Maybe, because they were not seen as a threat, they were not stopped from g oing but, regardless, it was an act of bravery and commitment. In addition to instances of indi- vidual women's empowerment, I see a significant moment of empower- ment on the day of Pentecost. In Acts 2:17–18, Peter recalls the words of the prophet Joel: "In the days to come—it is our God who speaks—I will pour out my Spirit on all humankind. Your daughters and sons will prophesy, your young people will see visions, and your elders shall dream dreams. Even on the most insignificant of my people, both women and men, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." 8 Resources Learn more about women in scripture. Two of the PW/Horizons Bible studies specifically examine women's (vital!) roles in our faith history. The Face Is Familiar: Remembering Unnamed Women in Scripture By Louise, Mary and Sue Westfall This study examines biblical women's spiritual experiences and relationship with God. What can we learn about their lives and God's hopes for each of us, keeping in mind that the biblical narrative took place in social, political and religious spheres that were dominated by men. What She Said: Quotable Women in Scripture By Dale Lindsay Morgan The Face Is Familiar shows us what women did in scripture, but this study focuses on what women notably said in scripture. Learn more about Deborah, Martha, Mary and numerous other biblical women. Order these two studies through Presbyterian Distribution Service (PDS), 800/524-2612. Prices do not include shipping and handling. The Face Is Familiar: English—item HZN03100; $4; Large print—item HZN03150, $5; Audio CD—item HZN03181, $9; Spanish—item HZN03110, $4; Korean—item HZN03120, $4 What She Said: English—item HZN04100, $6; Audio CD—item HZN04181, $10; Spanish—item HZN04110, $6; Arabic—item HZN06130, $6; CD-ROM with teaching and study aids, video clips of author and more—item HZN04103, $15 Well Chosen Words Inclusive language allows all God's children to be one in Christ Jesus. This guide was developed by the Racial Ethnic and Women's Ministries/PW ministry area in consultation with the Advocacy Committee on Women's Concerns. Use it and share with others to promote a vision of full community. Download for free at www.pcusa.org/resource/well- chosen-words or order item 2752112001 from PDS; free, but shipping charges may apply. A A Gentile woman's persistent plea inspires welcoming, healing and a new understanding of mission. Art by Stephen Schildbach from the PW/Horizons Bible study, The Face Is Familiar.