Women’s Studies 2025–2026

Women of all ages are welcome to any or all of these gatherings! To RSVP, please contact Jo Nan Hester through Realm or through the church at life@fpcasheville.org.

Purpose Statement

Women’s Studies at FPCA is a forum where women of all ages can gather for learning, conversation, and growth. Together this group explores issues that impact women in our congregation, our local community, and around the world—deepening our understanding, expanding our compassion, and inspiring meaningful action. Through shared learning and connection, we seek to nurture both personal faith and collective engagement with the needs and hopes of women everywhere.

November 20, 10:30 a.m. – BeLoved Asheville

We’ll meet at FPCA at 10:00 a.m. to carpool to BeLoved’s Tiny Home Village in East Asheville (15 Overbrook Place). Amy Cantrell will share about the Village and the broader work of BeLoved Asheville, especially in response to Hurricane Helene. Afterward, we’ll gather for lunch at a nearby restaurant.

January 15, 10:30 a.m. – Book Discussion of Happy Land

We’ll gather for a potluck brunch at the home of JoNan Hester and discuss Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, led by Margaret Whitt. This dual-timeline novel explores the true story of formerly enslaved people who created a self-governing kingdom in the NC mountains in the 1870s, while following a contemporary descendant uncovering her family’s legacy of land, loss, and resilience.

February 19, 10:30 a.m. – Pisgah Legal Services

Join us for a potluck brunch at the home of Mary Ellen Porter as we welcome Tracey Gruver from Pisgah Legal Services. Tracey will share about Pisgah’s vital work providing free civil legal aid and advocacy for low-income people in WNC. Come enjoy good food, warm fellowship, and an inspiring program on how justice and compassion come alive in our community.

March 19, 10:30 a.m. – Liturgical Arts at FPCA

After a potluck brunch at the church, members of FPCA’s Liturgical Arts Team will lead us to their second-floor workspace. We’ll explore the banners, textiles, and installations that enhance our worship and see how the team weaves together scripture, music, prayer, and visual art as a bridge to deeper faith.

April 30 (5th Thursday), 10:30 a.m. – Helpmate

We’ll enjoy a potluck brunch at the home of Donna Ensley and hear from April Burgess-Johnson, Executive Director of Helpmate. Serving survivors of domestic violence for nearly 50 years, Helpmate provides critical services in Buncombe County. April will share the history of the organization, current needs, and bold plans for the future.

May 21 – Field Trip to Jonesborough, TN

We’ll depart from FPCA at 10:00 a.m. to carpool to Jonesborough, TN—the state’s oldest town and the storytelling capital of the world. We’ll enjoy lunch, explore the historic downtown, and attend the 2:00p.m. storytelling program at the new 95-seat center. Tickets are $10 if we have10+ participants (sign up at the April meeting). We plan to return by 4:30 p.m. Don’t miss this fun day trip of history, fellowship, and story!