LAKEPORT – Should women be ordained as pastors? Some churches will answer this question with a resounding "No!" while others have been ordaining women from their very beginning, or quite close to it, such as the Salvation Army, Assemblies of God, Quakers and the Disciples of Christ.

The United Methodist Church, The Presbyterian Church (USA) and a number of other mainline denominations began ordaining women in the 1950s. Still other churches have been ordaining women since the 1970s and more recently, such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the Episcopalian Church and others. But should they?

 

Why do some churches ordain women, and others do not? What does the Bible say and what does it show us about our mothers in faith? Is there a difference between what God said and what some of the early church leaders said about women in ministry? What did Jesus say?

You are invited to join United Christian Parish (UCP) for Mother's Day, May 9, to explore the history and tradition of women preachers, our mothers in faith.

Among other texts, we will examine Paul’s oft-quoted statement in 1st Timothy 2:12, “I do not permit a woman to teach” versus his statement in Galatians 3:28 when he said there was “neither male nor female in Christ.”

 

At the 9 a.m. Mother's Day Service music will be led by the band “Wing and a Prayer.” Their contemporary style is a blend of the hymns you remember, the contemporary songs you hear on the radio and folk music tradition.

There is a special time for the children and while there will not be time for questions during the service, anyone who attends at 9 a.m. is welcome to a 10 a.m. Bible study which will begin with any questions people have about the Bible and women's ordination.

 

The 11 a.m. service is more traditional in style and music will be led by our Chancel Choir, accompanied by organist Mel Taylor.

People planning to attend the 11 a.m. service are invited to come early for the 10 a.m. discussion and Bible Study.

 

Child care is provided during both services and Sunday School is offered for all ages from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

UCP is located at 745 N. Brush St. in Lakeport. For more details call 707-263-4788.