One of the great surprise gifts of the pandemic season has been the beautiful development of our ecumenical relationships. Throughout those days of lockdown and sheltering in place, many of us gathered on Zoom to explore issues concerning scripture, culture, theology, and spiritual life. From those easy conversations, deep relationships formed, and a supportive, committed community developed. On Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at 7:00 pm on Zoom, we start our weekly gatherings for an exciting fall together. Up first are sessions entitled, “KNOW YOUR MOTHERS.” The Know Your Mothers Project is dedicated to uncovering the buried stories of Christian women over the centuries whose stories reveal to us encouragement and fresh insights. These women show us the importance of fearless female leadership critical for women’s equality in the church today. The art is a significant part of this project and seeks to honor these women in a visually dynamic way. Inspired by the icons venerated in Eastern Orthodox and Catholic church traditions, these “modern icons” hope to aid in elevating these women to a place of honor as a part of worship.  The “Know Your Mothers Project” was developed by Cara Quin. Here is how she introduces herself :

I’m Cara, the creator of Know Your Mothers. I received my Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2019. I’m an ex-advertising creative, illustrator/designer, wife, and mother of four kids ages 11, 9, 6, and 2. I serve as the Executive Pastor at Pacific City Church in Santa Monica, California.

As you read through these stories and view these portraits, I hope you find encouragement and inspiration. I expect these stories will challenge you at times, but I hope you sense the liberation that you are invited into, either for yourself or for those women in your life that you love.

.PLAN TO JOIN ON ZOOM as we regather and celebrate God’s gift of friendship.