Sub-Total: $0.00
Women of the Bible (Free)
Women of the Bible is a ten-day pilgrimage course focusing on the roles, images, and contributions of women in the Old and New Testaments and the sites and stories associated with them.
Featuring guest course lecturer, Dr Paula Gooder of St Paul’s Cathedral, London, Women of the Bible is a ten-day pilgrimage course focusing on the roles, images, and contributions of women in the Old and New Testaments and the sites and stories associated with them. Attention will be given to the places, traditions, and images of many different women both named and unnamed in the Bible, from Mary the mother of Jesus to the prophet Hulda, from the woman who anointed Jesus to those who supported him financially. The course also recognizes historical women who have contributed to the Holy Land in the post-biblical period as well as the experience of contemporary women living in the land.
A transformational journey of faith in the footsteps of female figures, Women of the Bible incorporates classroom lectures, on-site visits, a residential pilgrim community, the voices of others, prayer, worship, and personal time and reflection. The course includes a three-day, two-night excursion to the Galilee.
Women of the Bible is open to everyone, both men and women, individuals as well as parish and diocesan groups.
$0.00
All-inclusive Absent Airfare
Featuring guest course lecturer Dr. Paula Gooder of St Paul’s Cathedral, London, Women of the Bible is an immersive 10‑day study pilgrimage (11 calendar days) exploring the roles, images, and contributions of women in the Old and New Testaments, together with the sites and stories associated with them. In addition to prominent figures such as Mary, the mother of Jesus, the course highlights minor and unnamed women whose witness shapes the biblical narrative.
The program also considers historical women who have influenced the Holy Land in the post‑biblical period, as well as the experiences of contemporary women living in the land today. Women of the Bible is open to individuals—both men and women—as well as parish and diocesan groups.
Based at St George’s College in Jerusalem, the program consists of site visits to locations associated with women of the Bible, including day trips to Bethlehem, Bethany, Tel Be’er Sheva, Jaffa (with a sunset dinner), and—when possible—Nablus and Hebron. The course also includes a 3‑day/2‑night excursion to the Galilee.
Old Testament Figures and Sites
Participants engage the stories and landscapes of women from the Old Testament, including:
- Sarah and the matriarchs. Hebron and the Oak of Mamre
- Hagar. Tel Be’er Sheva
- Rahab. Jericho
- Rachel, Ruth, and Naomi. Bethlehem
- Jael, Jezebel, and Deborah. Samaria and the Jezreel Valley.
- Queen of Sheba and Bathsheba. Jerusalem
New Testament Figures and Sites
The program also explores women in the life and ministry of Jesus and the early Church, including:
- Women of the Nativity stories. Ann, Mary, Elizabeth, Anna
- Mary. Cana
- The Samaritan Woman. Jacob’s Well (Nablus)
- Women of Capernaum. Peter’s mother‑in‑law, Jairus’ daughter
- Mary Magdalene. Migdal
- Women in Jesus’ parables. The Lost Coin and the Widow’s Mite
- Mary and Martha. Bethany
- Women of the Passion and Resurrection. Jerusalem
- Women of the Book of Acts, including Dorcus. Jaffa
Post‑Biblical Figures and Contemporary Voices
The course also highlights influential women from the post‑biblical period, including:
- St Helena
- Empress Eudocia
- Mary the Egyptian
- Queen Melisende
Participants also meet local female speakers and guides, including women serving in ministry, who offer insight into the lived experience of contemporary women in the Holy Land.
The course integrates biblical study, spiritual reflection, and engagement with contemporary realities in the Holy Land. Participants will:
- Study biblical women.
Explore the roles, images, and contributions of women in the Old and New Testaments, including their influence on the early Church.
- Explore the witness of women in Scripture.
Engage the various portrayals of women in the biblical narrative, including the diverse images of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
- Encounter biblical stories in place.
Deepen understanding of biblical faith through embodied learning at sites where the stories of women unfolded.
- Listen to contemporary women’s voices.
Hear from women in the land today—Christian, Jewish, and Muslim—reflecting on their experiences, ministries, and perspectives.
- Engage contemporary issues.
Explore contemporary realities in Israel and Palestine through the words and witness of local women, considering the land’s struggles, hopes, and promises.
- Explore the Holy Land as Christian pilgrims.
Integrate biblical and contextual study with spiritual reflection, prayer, and worship as Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land.
- Return renewed in faith.
Carry home insights and encounters that enrich personal life, ministry, and community engagement.
Guest Course Lecturer: Dr Paula Gooder
A lecturer in biblical studies with an emphasis on the New Testament, Dr Paula Gooder is the Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral, London, where she has oversight of their education programme. She has previously been a freelance speaker and writer, the Theologian in Residence for the Bible Society, and the Director of Mission Learning and Development for the Birmingham Diocese. Paula is the author of several books, including Parables (2020), Women of Holy Week (2022), Phoebe: A Story (2018) and Lydia: A Story (2022).
Course Facilitator: The Revd Rodney Aist
Rodney Aist, course director at St George’s College, will serve as course facilitator and co‑leader. A scholar of Holy Land pilgrimage, he is the author of Jerusalem Bound: How to Be a Pilgrim in the Holy Land (2020) and Pilgrim Spirituality (2022).
Program Team
The program team includes Dean Richard Sewell and a course chaplain, with additional guest speakers contributing to the learning experience throughout the course.
A recommended list of optional readings will be provided upon registration. No readings are required. Alongside book by Paula Gooder (listed above), additional suggested resources include:
The Virgin Mary: A Very Short Introduction, Mary Joan Winn Leith
Reading the Women of the Bible, Tikva Frymer-Kensky
Women’s Bible Commentary, Carol A. Newsom and Sharon H. Ringe (eds.)
Not Counting Women and Children, Megan McKenna
She Who Is, Elizabeth A. Johnson
Whispering the Word, Jacqueline Lapsley
Contact
For questions about the program, contact Course Director Rodney Aist at coursedirector@sgcjerusalem.org.
In the Words of Our Pilgrims
“This was so much more than visiting the places I had read about. Scripture, worship and community came together in a way I will carry with me.”
Now, I can see and understand what I had heard all of my life. The experience was beyond comparison; it was humbling, and I received such a blessing.
The Venerable Caleb Nyereyegona Archdeacon of Gweru, Diocese of Central Zimbabwe Student in the Zimbabwe Special Course
We rode the gondola up and walked down. It was an excellent day and incredible views and a nice dip in the Dead Sea. I was the lone Canadian with many Aussies and a few Americans. Incredible memories!
Jackie, Reflection on Masada
Don’t miss this opportunity. It can be an amazing God-filled experience.