2. Jesus made his way through towns and villages preaching, and proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom of God. With him went the Twelve, as well as certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and ailments: Mary surnamed the Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and several others who provided for them out of their own resources.

3. This Gospel reading shows that Jesus saw men and woman as equals. Often, the importance of women in the Church is overlooked but this reading shows us that women, as well as men played a crucial role in the formation of the Christian Church. The Gospels tell us that the women, unlike the Twelve, did not abandon Jesus during his crucifixion. Among them, Mary Magdalene stands out in particular. Not only was she present at the death of Jesus, but she was also the first witness of his resurrection.

4. Jesus taught..... In the Gospel of John...he washed his disciples’ feet-a humble and menial task for slaves and women. In the Gospel of Luke he accepts a woman as a disciple. In the Gospel of Matthew he speaks to women and heals them publically. He touches ‘unclean’ women and meets them alone... SHATTERING the taboos both as a Jewish RABBI (preacher) and a first century male

5. How does this relate to us today? Many of you will hear the word feminism and imagine pictures of angry women shouting about equal rights. However, as society as moved and evolved so has feminism. It is about gender equality, ensuring that woman AND men are treated equally and do not feel that they have to live by stereotypes.

6. Activity/Duty MaleFemale Studying/ going to college or university Cleaning the house Doing the washing up Buying children’s clothes Doing the weekly shopping Cleaning the car Buying a washing machine Collecting children from school Vacuuming the house Cooking Cooking at a BBQ Assembling flat pack furniture Get into the same groups as you were in for last weeks collective worship and fill out the sheet. You must answer each question and you MUST choose either male or female.

8. Father, you have given all peoples one common origin. It is your will that they be gathered together as one family in yourself. Fill the hearts of mankind with the fire of your love and with the desire to ensure justice for all. By sharing the good things you give us, may we secure an equality for all our brothers and sisters throughout the world. May there be an end to division, strife and war. May there be a dawning of a truly human society built on love and peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.