Women of the Bible
These ancient stories of women tell of struggle, joy and tragedy, but always convey the compassion and love of God for his people, experienced then and now.
The course is ideally suited for parish, diocesan or other groups of women and for men who wish to focus on these often overlooked perspectives within the familiar narrative. It is based in two venues, St George’s College in Jerusalem and in a guest house in Galilee.
The itinerary begins in Jerusalem. The course members then travel to Galilee for two nights,in Nazareth, finally winding their way back to Jerusalem via the stories set in the Jezreel valley and Samaria. Pilgrims will encounter Ruth as they look out at the hills of Moab in the distance beyond Bethlehem, Rahab’s bravery will be revisited in Jericho, and the raising of Peter’s mother-in-law is remembered as pilgrims pray together on the Sea of Galilee at Capernaum. Jaffa is the seaside setting for the raising of Dorcas.
This course provides a journey for spiritual retreat and deepened learning through the biblical narratives. Daily time will be spent in private reflection and journaling, and community fellowship will develop during meals and daily worship.
Course content
Particular course itineraries vary, but typically many of the following places would feature in the schedule.
- Ein Kerem, the village where Elizabeth lived and where she met Mary when they were both pregnant
- The place of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem
- Jesus’ childhood home and the site of the Annunciation in Nazareth
- The site of Christ’s baptism (where there is an opportunity to renew baptismal vows)
- The Judean desert where Jesus was tempted after his baptism
- The Sea of Galilee, including Jesus “own town” (Matt. 9.1), Capernaum
- The Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14.32–49)
- The remains of the Jerusalem Temple complex from Jesus’ day (i.e. the Western Wall and special excavations south and west of the Temple’s retaining wall
- The Way of the Cross, the site of the crucifixion and Jesus’ tomb.
- Emmaus, where Christ appeared after his resurrection (Luke 24.13-31)
- Visit St Anne’s Church, Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-18)
- Worship with the local Anglican community