Women’s Studies 2026–2027
Women of all ages are welcome to any or all of these gatherings! To RSVP and to receive directions for meetings off site, 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.
October 15 – Navigating Conflict with Wisdom
FPCA Fellowship Hall – 10:30 am potluck brunch
Dr. Pam Baker, psychiatrist; Rev. Bill Lowrey, pastor and mediator; and Sarah Thornburg, attorney and chair of the Asheville City Schools Board of Education, will share what their work has taught them about listening, responding, disagreeing, and moving forward in the midst of conflict. Together, we’ll consider what we can learn from their experience as we navigate difficult conversations in our own lives.
November 19 – The Things We Never Say
Home of Margaret Whitt. – 10:30 am potluck brunchInstructions for carpooling and directions will be given to those who RSVP.
Margaret Whitt will lead us in a discussion of The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout. Whether you’ve finished the book or simply want to join the conversation, we’d love to have you with us.
No meeting in December.
January 21 – Decluttering & Downsizing
FPCA Fellowship Hall – 10:30 am potluck brunch
A new year often has us thinking about what we really need and what we may be ready to let go. Join us for a practical and encouraging conversation about decluttering, downsizing, and making thoughtful decisions about the things we’ve accumulated over the years.
February 18 – In the Lake of the Woods
At JoNan Hester’s home. – 10:30 am potluck brunch. Directions will be given to those who RSVP.
JoNan Hester will lead us in a discussion of Tim O’Brien’s In the Lake of the Woods, a compelling novel exploring memory, truth, relationships, and the stories we tell ourselves and one another.
March 18 – Death, Grief, Pallative Care, and Hospice
FPCA Fellowship Hall – 10:30 am potluck brunch
We have all be in a position to care for a loved one who is grieving. But when the experience is closer to home and we need to be the one making decisions, or walking with those who are making the decisions, there are some things that can support us during these really difficult days. This panel discussion will be a very practical overview of this challenging topic.
April 15 – Reflections from Shannon’s Sabbatical
FPCA Fellowship Hall
Rev. Shannon Jordan will share stories, photographs, and reflections from her sabbatical journey, including some of what she discovered along the way about rest, renewal, travel, and returning home.
May meeting is still TBD!