As those who lead churches today know, the economic life of a church is as necessary to sustain as its spiritual life. The early Jesus movement and Paul’s groups also required material sustenance to operate. How did these groups support themselves financially? If we look closely, there are several women who are named in our New Testament sources as financial sponsors of the Gospel: Phoebe, Lydia, Mary Magdalene, Susanna, and others. Join us as we dig into the ways women appear, again and again, across early Christian writings as the primary investors in the Gospel.

Dr. Brigidda Zapata is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Moravian Theological Seminary. She holds a BA, MA, and PhD from the University of Toronto. Her research examines how people in the ancient world understood the divine to permeate into everyday life. Recently, she has been writing about the role of New Testament women in ritual life, both as participants and sponsors.

Theology with a Twist meets at the Kutztown Tavern at 272 W Main St, Kutztown, PA 19530. We gather in the upper room of the tavern the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm for a time of learning and discussion about a variety of spiritual, religious, and theological topics presented by local experts in their field. The event is free but food and drink can be purchased in the restaurant downstairs and brought up to our event space. Parking is available in the community lot behind the tavern or on Main Street. All are welcome!