Throughout generations, women gathering at a well was significant as a social center for community and a symbolic location for encountering spiritual truth and receiving living water. This is particularly highlighted in the biblical story of the Samaritan woman at the well who became a messenger of faith. Wells were central for women of all ages gathering for companionship and to share family and community news.
Busy professional and home lives, caring for children and/or aging parents, health or physical restrictions, lives and interactions constricted by virtual social media, feelings of inadequacy or superwoman syndrome often leave us insular and unsupported. We often don’t have or take the time to nurture ourselves or each other.
A solution: An invitation to join an inter-generational women’s group at St. John’s. We will recreate a symbolic “well” devoted to sharing, support and mutual well-being as we each connect on our spiritual journey in and outside of the church. We envision an informal gathering meeting every other week or monthly for 1–2 hours. We want to make this ministry as accessible to as many women in our parish as possible. We would start out at the church but may also meet elsewhere. We would like to begin in November before the holiday distractions and stresses.
If you are interested and have not done so already, please take a moment to click the survey button at right to help us figure out the best day and time for our “Well” gatherings.
We are a small planning group and welcome all who want to join this new ministry at St. John’s. Please reach out to us with questions, ideas etc.
Holly Carter, hcarter@alum.mit.edu 617-610-8508
Caitlin Slodden, Caitlin.Slodden@tufts.edu 617-610-2545
Leanne Jenkins, ljenkinsboston@comcast.net