How much do you know about these women?
COVER STORY—In this season when women’s leadership is emerging as a crucial issue in American life, we invite our readers to remember some pioneering women in our nation’s religious life. First, enjoy this column about the sometimes forgotten women who represent the backbone of American religion. Then, test your knowledge of women in American religion with this 12-question quiz. Please, share this week’s cover story with friends!
.
..
.
FARM FAMILY TURNS TO A WOMAN
GodSigns—Suzy Farbman’s column this week tells the story of Michigan dairy farmer Stephanie Weil, who is emerging as the third generation of her family to run the family farm. It took Stephanie years to remember her true vocation—then she rediscovered it while looking through her earliest writings. (Did you know women make up a third of American farmers?)
TU B’SHEVAT—And, did you know the Jewish agricultural festival that’s also known as “The New Year of the Trees” is coming soon? Stephanie Fenton has the story.
.
..
TAKE ACTION
RESILIENCY PLEDGE—One of many grassroots efforts on behalf of diversity emerging nationwide this month comes from the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit. This nationally known group has crafted a prayerful affirmation of resiliency.
.
.
.
HOLIDAYS / MILESTONES
CHECK OUT ALL OF 2017’s SPECIAL DAYS—It’s as simple as visiting www.InterfaithHolidays.org where you’ll find all of 2017’s major observances listed. Please, alert us if you spot an occasion we’ve missed.
.
GROUNDHOG DAY—And it’s much more than that! Stephanie Fenton describes the complex array of traditions on display February 2, this year. There’s Candlemas and honoring of St. Brighid and in the pagan world, it’s Imbolc in the Northern Hemisphere and Lughnassadh in the Southern Hemisphere.
.
PLAN AHEAD! Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it. Stephanie Fenton has the story about this very popular holiday and its ancient roots.
.
.
.
FILM, FAITH
& POPULAR CULTURE
ED McNULTY—Enjoy all of the free resources from Ed McNulty’s faith-and-film website: VisualParables.org. In addition, please consider supporting Ed’s ongoing work by subscribing to his long-running magazine, Visual Parables Journal. Widely used by clergy, teachers and individuals who want to reflect on the spiritual themes in movies, the new January 2017 issue is packed with complete study guides.
Among Ed’s latest free movie reviews are:
- SILENCE—Ed gives this powerful film about faith and doubt 5 out of 5 stars and calls it exceptional.
- A MONSTER CALLS—It’s great. Don’t mistake this for just another “kid’s movie.” There are fascinating twists and turns in this unusual story that provide a great opportunity for conversations across the generations, Ed says. (5 stars)
- PATRIOTS DAY—The gripping story of police tracking down Boston bombing suspects. (4 stars)
- HIDDEN FIGURES—Don’t miss this terrific movie about African-American women long forgotten in the NASA story. (5 stars)
- THE FOUNDER—A fascinating, fictionalized version of the life of the founder of the world’s biggest hamburger chain.
- LA LA LAND—Ed gives the hit musical 5 stars. A must see for the holiday season!
- PATERSON—Don’t miss this small film by Jim Jarmusch about a bus driver. (5 stars)
- ROGUE ONE—Go see it, says Ed. This is a great new edition to the Star Wars saga. (4.5 stars)
- ARRIVAL—One of the best science fiction films in quite a while, says Ed. (5 stars)
- FENCES—Denzel Washington and Viola Davis make August Wilson’s Tony-Award-winning play a terrific movie! (5 stars)
.
.
.
.
..