On October 15 and 16, nearly eighty women gathered virtually to “Preach Like Pauli,” during RCWMS’ ninth annual Homegrown: NC Women’s Preaching Festival. Over a day and a half, an intergenerational group of women gathered from across denominations to worship, learn from each other in workshops and lectures, and get inspired by watching phenomenal preaching.
In her two lectures, Dr. Donyelle McCray spoke powerfully about the life and preaching of civil rights champion and Episcopal priest Pauli Murray. Nicole Williams and Karen Ziegler preached powerfully on doing justice in these times and how someone like Pauli Murray can be called to the ministry. The workshops further explored Pauli Murray’s vision in the context of the issues and challenges of today.
Chelsea Yarborough led Spirituality and the Practice of the Enneagram, while Grace Hackney explored Sabbath Life & Work on the Land as Spiritual Practice. Margie Quinn shared how “colorblind Christianity” has historically hurt women of color (and continues to do so) in her workshop, Beyond Sisterhood is Still Racism. Also exploring racism in the church, Angie Hong led Anti-Racism, Racial Justice, and Decolonial Thinking in Worship. Rounding out the workshops were Deborah Williams’ Poetry: Movement Toward the Embodiment of Liturgy, and Keeping and Preaching Faith in Troubled Times, led by Susan Steinberg.
Although participants missed singing and being together in person, they appreciated the chance to spend this intentional time together, albeit distantly. One participant said, “I truly loved all of it. I especially loved any moments where sharing was possible, like at mealtimes and during breakout rooms. The preaching was phenomenal.”
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