Lessons from our Grandmothers
Location
The Abbey
About
Facilitator: Rev'd Dr Merryl Blair OAM
Matthew 1, the genealogy of Jesus, gives us some intriguing names: five women who are 'outsiders' in the main story of Israel. What are they doing here, in Jesus' family tree? What do their stories teach us about who Jesus is, and who might they invite us to become?
In these sessions, we will listen to the stories of some of these lesser-known women (particularly Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth), and allow their wisdom to engage with our own life stories. We will consider the lessons we have learned from those who have gone before us; the lessons we may learn from 'outsiders'; and the lessons we ourselves may be leaving for those who follow us.
Rev Dr Merryl Blair OAM: Nurse, youth minister, Old Testament lecturer – perhaps not the normal career path! Merryl has found God gently nudging her in interesting directions throughout her working life, 25 years of which she has spent as Senior Lecturer in Old Testament studies at Stirling Theological College (part of the University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia). During sabbaticals, Merryl and her late husband, Graeme, also taught at Northrise University, in northern Zambia. Merryl has represented Churches of Christ on ecumenical councils at State, national, and international levels. In ‘retirement’ she continues to present Bible studies at women’s conferences and is a professional supervisor to people engaged in a variety of ministries. Merryl is passionate about the power of story to engage and open the imagination. Her long journey with Hebrew Scripture stories never ceases to surprise and challenge her, and she loves to share this with others.
Matthew 1, the genealogy of Jesus, gives us some intriguing names: five women who are 'outsiders' in the main story of Israel. What are they doing here, in Jesus' family tree? What do their stories teach us about who Jesus is, and who might they invite us to become?
In these sessions, we will listen to the stories of some of these lesser-known women (particularly Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth), and allow their wisdom to engage with our own life stories. We will consider the lessons we have learned from those who have gone before us; the lessons we may learn from 'outsiders'; and the lessons we ourselves may be leaving for those who follow us.
Rev Dr Merryl Blair OAM: Nurse, youth minister, Old Testament lecturer – perhaps not the normal career path! Merryl has found God gently nudging her in interesting directions throughout her working life, 25 years of which she has spent as Senior Lecturer in Old Testament studies at Stirling Theological College (part of the University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia). During sabbaticals, Merryl and her late husband, Graeme, also taught at Northrise University, in northern Zambia. Merryl has represented Churches of Christ on ecumenical councils at State, national, and international levels. In ‘retirement’ she continues to present Bible studies at women’s conferences and is a professional supervisor to people engaged in a variety of ministries. Merryl is passionate about the power of story to engage and open the imagination. Her long journey with Hebrew Scripture stories never ceases to surprise and challenge her, and she loves to share this with others.