2025 Lenten Series
Soup supper served at 6pm, program starts at 6:15pm
*Supper Host sign-up sheet posted on bulletin board in Parish Hall
For our 2025 Lenten series, we will explore five “feminist killjoys” of the Hebrew Bible: biblical women whose disruptive unhappiness threatens the simple black-and-white morality of the stories around them. Although their tales are ancient, these five “antiheroes” can still teach us how to wrestle faithfully with God’s word. This class will be taught by Dr. Esther Brownsmith, an assistant professor of Hebrew Bible at the University of Dayton and a Christ Episcopal Church parishioner.
Sample the Series on Sunday, March 16, 9 am — Hagar the Uppity
As an Egyptian slave impregnated by Abraham, Hagar’s life was not easy—particularly after Sarah accused her of being too “uppity” and drove her away to the desert. Yet even at the lowest point of her life, the Bible preserves her voice and gives her a remarkable honor. We will use this story to reflect on how women’s voices—particularly those from the African diaspora—have spoken uncomfortable truths from the ancient world to the present.
Wednesday, March 19, 6:15pm — Tamar the Brazen
Mistreated by her in-laws, the biblical Tamar concocted a bold, scandalous plan to achieve the security and family that she dreamed of. In the brazenness of this ancestor of Jesus, we will find inspiration to insist on justice and act for equity, even when it means challenging and outwitting those in power.
Wednesday, March 26, 6:15pm — Miriam the Proud
As the sister of Abraham and Aaron, Miriam the prophetess had a position of honor. But when she dared to speak against those in authority, she was punished and silenced. Together, we will uncover Miriam’s story and legacy, reflecting together on the endurance of women’s proud prophetic voices.
Wednesday, April 2, 6:15pm — Michal the Offended
Michal, the daughter of King Saul and wife of King David, spoke up against David—and paid the price for it. Within the Bible’s careful curation of David’s image, Michal’s offended unhappiness preserves an alternative view. We will sit with Michal, listening to her stories, and discuss our responses when our own “killjoy” impulses resist a simplistic reading of God’s word.
Wednesday, April 9, 6:15pm — Jezebel the Harlot
Everyone thinks they know the story of Queen Jezebel: a seductive idolater who challenged God’s prophets and led Israel into sin. But how much of that story is history, and how much is later propaganda? In this final week, we will discuss the legacies of history’s feminist killjoys; we’ll study Scripture “at a slant” to locate traces of our foremothers, and we’ll share strategies to read the Bible faithfully while honoring those traces.