List of Models and Costumes n 1994, Presbyterian IWomen from Presbyte- I Eve—nude body suit or ballet leotard, fig-leaf apron Bathsheba—bathing suit and cover-up, carrying a towel rian Church of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, Ms. Noah—hip boots, fishing vest, fishing hat and Esther—regal-looking woman, long skirts, crown shared a resource created fish net Mary, Mother of Jesus—an obviously pregnant woman by their group. Noting that Sarah—colorful poncho or robe, skirt, veil (scarf), sandals (or a woman with a pillow stuffed in her clothes!), dressed “finding new and interesting Ms. Lot—head to toe in a white sheet (our pillar of salt) in white and blue ideas for a program for Presbyte- Rebekah—sandals or bare feet, long skirt, headpiece, Anna—an older woman or someone wearing a gray wig, rian Women is the bane of all plan- carrying a jug shawl and long skirt ning committees,” their group Salome—preteen or teenager wearing dance attire (belly Biblical created a biblical women fash- Miriam—long skirt, peasant blouse, tambourine, jewelry dancer, ballet dancer, hip hop dancer—you decide!) ion show to stage as the group (Ideally, someone who will move with the music or sing received the Birthday Offering. a cappella.) Martha—housedress or other comfortable clothing, Since that time, the resource Deborah—minister’s black robe, gavel (Ideally, a woman apron, rubber gloves, headscarf, carrying a feather duster has been requested year in who can look stern and loving at the same time.) Mary Magdalene—all black clothing, covered in black Women and year out by other PW Delilah—flowy dress with pockets, worn off-the-shoulder, cloak or robe groups (who either saw it or carrying a pair of scissors and braid of hair (Samson’s), bag Eunice—long skirts, layered, apron or smock with many have heard legend of it!). of money pockets (like an artist’s or teacher’s apron) FASHION SHOW It’s a piece that offers a Ruth—hiking boots, large cape that can double as a Dorcas—caftan with embroidery, carrying an embroidery funny yet faithful look at our bedroll hoop BY CHARLOTTE LYON AND biblical foremothers . . . and the BARBARA LODWICK fashions that were a part of Hannah—caftan, holding a small child’s coat Priscilla—non-wrinkling suit, tote bag, Greek sorority their legacy. While not all of the Woman of Endor—headscarf, flowy dress, large jewelry, letters on shirt or mug, sensible shoes, understated jewelry women are role models, they holding a crystal ball Lydia—all in purple, carrying a basket filled with purple model the ways that we struggle dye or purple cloth with or succeed in opening our- selves to God’s presence. They The Script show the various gifts we can share with God’s people in service to Jesus’ message of radical love. It’s also a way to live into the joy of being God’s children. A narrator describes each model as she face, you look and feel like a princess. In this Despite our flaws and foibles, the ways we convince ourselves comes out. sturdy but elegant array, you can travel for days and still feel refreshed. Find it in Genesis stores we’re bit players (at best), and the injustices of the world, God Eve, our first model, shows us hints of how around the Fertile Crescent and south along the works through each of us. our God wanted us to look in the world. Consider staging this biblical women fashion show for your next PW event. But then, Adam and Eve ate the forbidden Mediterranean. The PW group from Clarks Summit said, “The models were chosen from apple. Now Eve wears a fig leaf apron—the And now Ms. Lot, a worldly, selfish, woman throughout the congregation. Our [primary pool] was, of course, Presbyterian hottest new fashion in the Garden of Eden. who spent lavishly and entertained elaborately. Women in the Congregation. We also chose adult women not currently active in Eve Note her column dress of sparkly crystals. She PW, teenagers and younger girls. The show lasted 20 minutes. Part of the enjoy- Ms. Noah is next. Can you believe that you married her daughters off to Sodomite men of ment was seeing which ‘modern’ woman was which biblical woman.” would be asked by your spouse to go on a low ethical ideals and morals. Ms. Lot shows us Some of the casting notes include age recommendations (based on scrip- houseboat excursion, and not only with him what can happen when you disobey the angel of ture), but you can always be flexible! The costume notes also are up for adapta- and your family, but with umpteen animals, God. ZAP! You’re a pillar of salt. tion; some costumes aim for historical accuracy, while others take a more too? And you agree to the trip, knowing that modern “tongue in cheek” approach. it will rain for 40 days and nights? Our Rebekah is next. A thirsty traveler met Rebekah Many thanks to PW at Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit—particularly PW model shows us the latest fashion for those as she was drawing water from the well. When moderator Nelsen Gregory who had the idea and Charlotte Lyon and Barbara rainy days and nights. he asked for a drink from her pitcher, she poured Lodwick, who wrote the script. And because Presbyterian Women love Bible Next, Sarah displays this power poncho, it for him and then drew water for his camels. study, some of the women’s stories have been examined through additional ready for the road, yet lovely enough to Rebekah Little did Rebekah realize that the traveler was on lenses than at the time the script was created. The script has been adjusted in wear to a tent-side brunch. Covered in this a mission from Abraham to find Isaac a wife. She’s light of these new interpretations.* colorful topper, and a veil that partially covers the wearing the latest fashion from Mesopotamia.

22 May/June 2019 23 Miriam is next. With Pharaoh’s chariots Like Bathsheba, you will be a smash at any supplies for the work she did to welcome works and acts of charity.” We can be sure her and horsemen in hot pursuit, God delivered waterside event in this attractive swimsuit. For Jesus! nimble fingers have made clothing for those in the Hebrews across the Red Sea and onto bathing or sunning, wearing this garment, you’ll need—prayer shawls to comfort those who need Mary Magdalene shows us that the best dry land. For comfortable travel Miriam healing, baby items to welcome newborns, and so dazzle even kings! And it has enough stretch for accessory is self-worth. Seen and beloved by chose a loose-fitting garment that also much more. your early trimesters, should you find yourself Jesus, Mary Magdalene knows her true turned out to be perfect for dancing! In a expecting! A lovely cover-up is available to shield worth is as a child of God. Her simple, classic Priscilla, first convert (along with her spouse burst of thankfulness, she led the women Deliliah you if your next pool party is rooftop! attire lets her inner beauty shine forth! And Aquila), is a weaver, tentmaker, missionary and in song and dance. She’s now the first Esther has stars in her eyes, love and courage in the timeless black attire is perfect for day or instructor of the word. She is wearing a lovely female singer on record! Dorcas her heart and a crown on her head. She graciously night, work or worship! traveling suit. Perfect for the missionary on the Now, Deborah. In a land where most of go, this nonwrinkle fabric and simple lines are accepts kudos from her people for a triumphant Eunice, like her mother before her, was a the power was held by men, this woman’s all the rage this season in Corinth and Athens. deliverance from a massacre. She’s wearing a teacher of the Word. Here, she sports a smart faith carried the Israelites forward unafraid. Sailing to Rome is a breeze in this charming Mordecai design. You can find this piece in smock with large pockets to hold stone Like judges everywhere she was forced to apparel! Empire Ltd. shops throughout the land. tablets, parchment, paper—whatever is avail- make difficult decisions. So folks, “Here Mary, able! Her ever-at-the-ready scriptures are also And last in our fashion parade comes Lydia, the comes the judge! Here comes the judge!” who is with child, wears this serviceable but stylish garment for her journey with Joseph accommodated by her roomy pocketed savvy businesswoman you may know as “Our Delilah here is obviously beautiful, but she’s Ruth to Bethlehem. Suitable for riding or walking, smock. This handy little number comes in Lady of the Lavenders.” An inspiration for us all, also fiercely independent, determined to this durable maternity outfit sheds dust and pink, light blue and lush lavender. she welcomed God into her life and set an exam- make her way in the world without a man ple for her family. Despite being a hardworking keeps the wearer warm. A must for mothers-to- Dorcas (you may know her as Tabitha) is a Lydia controlling her! The hidden pockets in her merchant, this faithful woman supports God’s be during the Advent season or for those chilly good woman, a believer in Christ, and, like her dress allow her easy access to her tools and work in all the ways that she can! summer evenings in the mountains. Sold exclu- Lord, loves the poor and is eager to serve. Her life payments. sively at Star in the East market centers. can be given in eight words: “devoted to good Ruth , a dedicated daughter-in-law to You’ve likely seen Anna in the temple and heard Note Naomi, a sturdy hiker, and a strong har- her praying and thanking God. To ward off the *The Women’s Bible Commentary, edited by Carol A. Newsom and Sharon H. Ringe (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 1992); 2003–2004 PW/Horizons vester, is wearing a lovely cape that easily dampness and chill of the temple, Anna wears a Bible study, The Face Is Familiar: Remembering Unnamed Women in Scripture by Louise, Mary and Sue Westfall; and the 2004–2005 PW/Horizons Bible study What She Said: Quotable Women in Scripture by Dale Lindsay Morgan becomes a sleeping bag. Useful for protec- shawl. Notice the beautiful stitchery and the tion from the inclement weather, this Woman of Endor lovely the drape of the fabric. It’s an essential for versatile outfit rolls out so one can snuggle anyone sitting inside a chilly temple with its down in it at the foot of a bed or on the rugged stone walls, awaiting the arrival of the floor. Two items in one! A must for the Lord in, day in and day out. thrifty but classic woman! Special thanks to Myra Cook and Here is the beautiful Salome, ready to dance at the Like Sarah before her, Hannah grieved Presbyterian Women at Briarwood birthday celebration of King Herod, coached by Presbyterian Church in Jackson, because she was childless. She prayed to her mother, Herodias. Her dancewear will allow Mississippi, for providing the individual the LORD, “If you will give me a son, I will portrait photos of their Biblical Women her to enchant King Herod and the entire court. give him to the Lord all the days of his life Fashion show, and to Susan Leiber and Your wish, too, can come true in this alluring cos- and no razor shall touch his head.” Samuel Presbyterian Women of First United tume. All heads will turn your way. Careful Presbyterian Church of DePere, was born to Hannah and she gave him to Esther though—don’t lose yours! Wisconsin (left), for photos of their Eli, the priest in the tabernacle. Each year, fashion show. she would sew a new coat and bring it to him. For Martha, there’s always work to be done! If you need to do some cooking, cleaning or Oh, the Woman of Endor! The road to tidying, consider these comfortable clothes and Endor is the oldest road and craziest road of essential tools! On the day that Martha pre- all. Straight it runs to the witch’s abode, as it pared a lavish meal for Jesus, he was more did in the days of Saul. In her magic, she interested in food for the broke laws set down for the people of Israel. soul than food for The day after King Saul visited her, he was the body. Our beheaded by the Philistines. Let this be a Salome Martha at least had lesson to you today—beware of visiting the the right attire and Woman of Endor, lest you lose your head.

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