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   HerStory

    A Conference for Women of Faith

     

HerStory 2008
Women Who Testify:
Proclaiming the Gospel in Our Own Voice

March 28-30, 2008
          Massanetta Springs Conference Center - Harrisonburg, VA
Map & Directions
Information about Massanetta Springs

   Keynote Speaker: Anna Carter Florence

Theme
Keynote
Workshops
Schedule
Directions
HerStory 2008 Theme                                                                                   Back

Women of all ages are crying out for a deeper rootedness in the biblical text, a deeper embodiment which is to say, a living out, in full view, of the theological questions.  As we become more enlightened, we ask, “Can I really say that?”  Learn that we can, as Anna uses biblical and historical models of girls and women.   She will revisit some familiar texts including Exodus 2 (Miriam in the reeds, watching her baby brother and standing in for her mother), Luke 1 (Mary and the annunciation), the story of Mary and Martha,  Acts 12 ( the story of Rhoda), and parts of the Song of Songs .

The testimonies of these girls and women give us hope and permission to stand behind what we say and what we truly believe.
                                                                                                                   

Anna Carter Florence
Keynote Speaker -
More Information

Anna Carter Florence
is an Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary. Anna is interested in historical,
theological, aesthetic, and performative dimensions of preaching and the ways preaching engages other fields and different traditions. Her research focuses on testimony, feminist theology, the role of experience in preaching, and the history of preaching women.
                                                                                                               
Workshops/Features

Worshipping Barefoot: Being Young and Restless in the Church
Amy Summers-Minette & Teri Peterson lead a frank constructive dialogue as the  “missing generation” -young adults who can be found in church. 

Exploring the Feminine face of God:
Sally Robinson explores scripture presenting God as female using classics: The Divine Feminine, Reimagining God and A God Who Looks Like Me.

Spirituality & Aging
Kay Goodman will lead an exploration of how the wisdom of our years enhances our lives.  As crones we dance to a tune born of our life experiences

Can I Say That?  Sermon Prep for Plain Folks:
Do not fear! Jean Rodenbough will give tips on how to prepare a presentation/sermon that witnesses both to your faith and also to the scriptures.

Diversity, by God (Inclusivity is up to us):
Emma Chattin takes us to where spiritual majorities and sexual minorities meet.  Weaving GLTBQ folks into the fabric of Christian Communities.

Book discussion:  Leaving Church by Barbara Brown Taylor
Beth Roberts leads a discussion of  the author’s spiritual journey and her apparent conflict between the call to serve God and the call to be fully human.

Back from Baghdad and Beyond:  One Woman's Peacemaking Journey in Iraq
Beth Pyles leads a presentation on peacemaking in Iraq, CPT (Christian Peacemaker Teams) and what 'ordinary Christians' can do towards peacemaking.

BodyPrayer: Recovering a Spirituality of the Body through Movement & Dance
Kathryn Sparks will lead this “fleshing out” of your faith through movement and dance as prayer.  Prepare a simple movement piece for worship.

Making a Prayer Shawl
A prayer shawl is knitted with prayers for the recipient, joining two souls together.  Carol Griffin will lead this hands-on workshop and sell supplies.

Features

Labyrinth An ancient tool for prayer and meditation – walk the walk & pray the prayer.

Meditation Center A quiet, inviting space for prayer, reflection, and reading.

Shower of Stoles A display of liturgical stoles from people of faith from across North America, who because of their sexual orientation have either been barred from active service or forced to live in silence to save their livelihoods.

Massage and Energy Treatments – extra fee required.   Body work treatments using a variety of techniques by professional massage and reflexology therapists.

Turning Points Video A  Covenant Network video which presents stories of life and change by faithful people who learn to know a gay or lesbian person.  

Books, Resources, Art Cokesbury and the Resource Center of Shenandoah Presbytery will offer books and resources related to women and faith.  In addition, a number of women artists will have their work displayed for sale.

For more inforamation about HerStory 2008 contact Beverly Riddell, Registrar at briddell@verizon.net or (540)255-8039.

If you wish to be added to the mailing list, please contact Beverly Riddell briddell@verizon.net  or (540) 255-8039.
                                                                                                                               
Conference Schedule

Friday, March 28
4:00-6:00 p.m.   Registration
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Worship
7:45-9 Anna Carter Florence: Introduction
Saturday, March 29
8:00 Breakfast
8:45 Morning Prayer and Singing
9:30-11:30 Plenary Session – Anna Carter Florence                     
11:30 Meditation & Reflection Time
12:30 Lunch
1:30-3 Workshops I
3:15-4:45 Workshops 2
4:45 Meditation & Prayer Time
6:00 Dinner
7:30-9:00 Worship followed by Hymn Sing
Sunday, March 30
8:00 Breakfast
8:45 Morning Prayer & Singing
9:30-11:30 Plenary Session – Anna Carter Florence
12:00 Hotel Check-out     
                                                                                                                               
Directions to Massanetta Springs

The Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center is located at Harrisonburg, Virginia in western Virginia.  The center may be reached from any direction via Interstate Route 81.

Take Exit 247A from I-81 onto Route 33 East. Go to the 6th stoplight (about 2.5 miles) and turn right on Massanetta Springs Road (Route 687). The main parking lot for the conference center is approximately a half mile on the right. (Look for the stone wall on the right and if you have passed the flashing light you have gone too far.) Follow the sidewalk into the main doors of the hotel and you will find the reception desk in the lobby.

Download Map and Directions.  Map & Directions.