Published 10 May 2024
Finishing the semester well
A blog post Women Scholars and Professionals
The month of May brings fresh flowers, strawberries, Mother’s Day — and for many of us, the final days of the semester. There is hard work to be done inside while the earth’s growing season comes alive outside our windows — work that takes time, skill, and emotional presence. Anna Moseley Gissing’s piece on the angst that accompanies all of the grading opens us up to the challenges of this task and refreshes our understanding of God’s presence in our callings.
“I pray for freedom from bias and wisdom in my judgment. When I take a break, I pause again and pay attention to my own thoughts and emotions. Am I feeling discouraged? Frustrated? Prideful? God can help me see the dignity and value of each student wholly apart from their work. ”
The work of teaching (and its associated tasks) brings us face to face with our own powerlessness at times — which can be a good thing, as long as we receive it as an invitation to bring our needs to God. We’re reminded of this prayer for the end of the semester by Carmen Imes with its gentle way of placing this past season into God’s hands and turning to look toward the next season with a holy expectancy. Perhaps your semester has finished weeks ago, or perhaps you’re turning in grades right now, or perhaps you still have another month of teaching — for all of you, we pray blessings in these days!
“Whether you’re joyful about the change of pace or too exhausted to care, here is a prayer to usher in a season of replenishing and retooling.”
You’re Invited!
Join us for Weekly Prayer! Prayer meetings bring joy and connection for all! For more information visit The Well. We hope to see you there! The final prayer meetings of this school year will take place on May 10. Meetings will resume in the fall.
Women, Work & Calling — Summer Book Club. Join us for a special two-session book club this June 6 & 20 as we discuss Women, Work & Calling (IVP 2024). Joanna Meyer provides a theological framework for women's work and influence and offers resources for the challenges of working life. Click through to register!
Moms at the Well — Summer Book Club. Join us for a special single-session book club this June 10 as we discuss Moms at the Well. This seven-week Bible study offers a modern-day "well" for mothers. We invite you to “take a sip with us” by joining us to do the first chapter. If there is enough interest, we will figure out how to do the rest together! Click through to register!
IVP Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy for InterVarsity Press titles adopted for classroom use up to three times a year. Your free exam or desk copy will be sent to you within four weeks. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!
Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.
Are you a Christian woman working in a STEMM field? WISH (Women in Science & Humanities) aims to encourage and support Christian women in STEMM. Check out their new website, support them by filling out their survey, and forward to your networks of women who might also be interested in participating in the WISH project.
Flourish: How Asian Americans Can Flourish in their Mental Health. In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month and recognition of Mental Health Awareness month in May, AACC invites ministry leaders and individuals alike to join us for two webinars scheduled on May 16 and 23, with more to come in the following months. Click through for details and registration.
Jesus Works Through Nurses. Celebrate National Nurses Month with a new Bible study from Nurses Christian Fellowship "Jesus Works Through Nurses." Share this with nursing students, nursing faculty, and ministry partners as you celebrate all the nurses in your life this month!
More for Nurses. Join Nurses Christian Fellowship on Thursday, May 16 at 7:00 pm (central) for a unique hour of community, Bible exploration, prayer, and a Blessing of the Hands ceremony as we celebrate faith in nursing and encourage one another.
Four More Things We Loved This Week
Some U.S. universities have found amicable solutions to student protests through negotiation.
“What to Say on Mother’s Day” — Bible verses for those rejoicing, those grieving, and those in the in-between places.
“Seven ideas to perk up your last day of class.” (If your semester has already concluded, bookmark this for next year!)
Some of us are considering making this rich chocolate budino on Saturday as a gift to ourselves this Sunday — whether we are mothers or not!