Come Into The Word with Sarah Christmyer | Bible Study | Lectio Divina | Journals | Retreat

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Speaking
Speaking

Speaking

My greatest joy is to draw people into the word of God and make it accessible — whether through formal study, practical workshops, or talks that connect faith with everyday life. I bring a passionate love of the Bible from my Protestant background, together with over 20 years of experience developing Catholic Bible study material and teaching, to talks on many topics related to Scripture and the Catholic faith. Below is a sampling of talks I have given and can give again, or feel free to propose a topic of your own.

“Sarah Christmyer brings grace, wit and intelligence to her presentations. As a speaker, she is very accessible to her audience and at the same time her words are full of substance and depth. Sarah’s love for Christ is obvious, particularly Christ’s presence in the Scriptures, and in this way she teaches both by word and example. I highly recommend her as a speaker.”

– Meghan Cokeley, Director, Office for the New Evangelization, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Invite Sarah to speak

Speaking

Speaking topics

Thank you for considering me as a speaker for your parish, Bible study or women’s group, conference or retreat.

joy

Joy in Trials

The Power of Joy

What IS joy – true joy – and how is it different from happiness? We often find that joy is fleeting, but we are made for joy that abides. Learn why we can rejoice even in sorrow and trials and discover ways to cultivate joy in your life. Sarah Christmyer finds wisdom from the book of James and looks at the awesome power of joy to transform the way we face life’s difficulties.

Clean Heart

Psalms for Lent

Create in me a clean heart

Learn how praying with the Penitential Psalms can harness the power of God’s word to read our hearts and draw us into a deeper relationship with the Lord. A step-by-step plan for using lectio divina with these seven psalms is included.

Listen to an interview with Sarah about lectio divina and the penitential psalms.

come to the manger

Advent Peace

Come to the Manger

Given the busyness of Advent, how can we “come to the manger” and find the Prince of Peace? Two thousand years ago, shepherds and magi went to the manger and did just that. Sarah shares five things we can learn from them as we try to do the same: Come and see … Come as you are … Come to the manger … Come bearing gifts … and Come and find peace.

discipleship

Discipleship

Come to the Well: An Invitation to Discipleship

The Samaritan Woman was drawn to Jesus by his love . . . and sent on fire to witness! What happened between the drawing and the sending made all the difference. “Come to the Well” and learn from this woman’s transformative encounter with the Lord. (This talk also touches on the men who went with Jesus to the well and can be tailored to for women’s groups or a mixed audience.)

God's Love

God’s Love

Finding the God of Love in the Old Testament

It’s easy to see God’s love in the New Testament, but where is it in the Old? And how can we reconcile a God who is Love with one who sends floods and plagues and has His people wipe out their enemies? God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Discover how God’s love is revealed in the Old Testament and learn what significance that has for us today.

finding the word

Lectio Divina

Finding the Word in the words of Scripture: Learning to Pray with Lectio Divina

Scripture is more than a “how-to guide” for the Christian life. It is a living word that has power to change us from the inside out. Learn how the ancient practice of lectio divina (“divine reading”) can help you hear God speak to your life as you meditate on Scripture; receive the Word deeply into your heart; respond to what you hear; and bear the Lord’s fruit in your life.

Click here for a complete list of talks

Speaking Schedule

Bible Conference

Sarah is currently scheduling events beginning in Fall 2023. To see a sampling of past events, click here.

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Invite Sarah to speak: click here to inquire about availability and fees.

Testimonials & Endorsements

“Sarah Christmyer is a clear, engaging, passionate teacher of Sacred Scripture, equipping people to encounter God’s word in prayer, study and fellowship. She brings decades of experience leading and writing Bible studies. I recommend her to anyone looking for a great Catholic teacher of the Bible, whether it be training people to lead Scripture studies or presenting to Catholic audiences on the Bible itself.”
– Dr. Edward Sri, S.T.D., Vice-President Mission and Outreach, The Augustine Institute
“I have had the pleasure of working together with Sarah Christmyer for over fourteen years. It is rare that I find someone with her set of gifts. Sarah is thorough when researching faith related topics, brilliant at writing bible studies and inspiring when communicating the faith. Her teaching evokes confidence and conviction and provides practical ways for others to enter the world of scripture. The Great Adventure Bible studies would not be nearly as successful today if it had not been for years of dedication by Sarah. When you hear Sarah teach, you are listening to a master who cares both for the content and her students.”
– Jeff Cavins, Creator of The Bible Timeline and President, The Great Adventure Catholic Bible Study Program
“The Archdiocese of Philadelphia needed just the right person to speak to our priests and parish staffs on the sacramentality of Christian Marriage as part of its pastoral initiative, Remain in My Love. Sarah Christmyer was just the right person. Her presentation kept the listeners riveted as she carefully and creatively wove together her many insights gleaned from biblical scholarship, a real grasp of the teachings of Christ and the Church, and her own lived experience as a married Christian woman. Her audience was well served by her engaging and sincere presentation. I highly recommend Sarah as a presenter and look forward to a future collaboration with her.”
— Father Dennis Gill, Director of the Office for Divine Worship, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
“Sarah Christmyer possesses a keen grasp of the Story of God’s Word and an ability to powerfully and passionately communicate that Story’s relevance to Catholic audiences across the U.S. She is a model of the “feminine genius,” sharing her insights, wisdom and gifts for the upbuilding of the Church.”
– Thomas Smith, Catholic evangelist and speaker
“As Pope Francis calls the Church to a more evangelical Catholicism, Sarah Christmyer embodies this through her passion for Sacred Scripture, desire for growth in personal holiness, and zeal for renewal in our Church.”
– Fr. Chris Walsh, Pastor, St. Raymond of Penafort, Philadelphia
“Please accept my gratitude for the wonderful work that you are doing, both in Scripture and evangelization.”
– Most Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli, STD, SSL, DD, Bishop of Paterson, NJ
“I feel like a whole new world is opening up to me [since hearing you speak at the Cathedral]…. It’s not that I was a stranger to Scripture, but my praying with them is growing, and I love it! Thanks for your encouragement and example!”
—Sarah D, St. Paul, MN
“We waited for two years for Sarah to give us the retreat. It was worth the wait! Sarah presents the women of the Old Testament in a way that I can relate to and strive to use their courageous traits in my own life. It was a wonderful time of reflection.”
—Pam S, Los Alamos, NM

Reviews & Interviews

Lectio Divina
In this Thriving in the Trenches podcast, I talk with Megan Schrieber and Becky Traylor Carter about lectio divina, why hanging out with God in Scripture is so important to me and how I came to value the penitential side of Lent (plus a simple how-to for praying with Scripture using lectio divina).

Iowa Catholic Radio
“Lectio Divina Interview” Interview on Catholic Women Now of Iowa Catholic Radio. Julie Nelson and Chris Magruder interview Sarah about praying with Scripture using lectio divina.

Catholic Philly
Gia Myers profiles Sarah and her book Becoming Women of the Word: How to Answer God’s Call with Purpose and Joy for CatholicPhilly.com, the newsletter of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia: “Author, Teacher Tells How to Hang Out with Women of Bible.”

Hearts Aflame Scripture Study
“Hearts on Fire – Making Time for the Word of God” By Lisa M. Hendey
An Author Interview with Gayle Somers and Sarah Christmyer, Hearts Aflame Scripture Study

OSV Newsweekly
“Diving into the Word” The number of Catholic Bible studies are on the rise as more and more Catholics are discovering the beauty of delving into Scripture.
By Emily Stimpson – OSV Newsweekly, 7/7/2013

Past Events

2022

January 27, 2022 — Two Testaments, One Book. Institute for Christian Formation, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia. For information: School of Theological Studies
March 26, 2022 — Becoming Women of the Word: A Special Lenten Retreat for Women,
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Los Alamos, NM
September 17, 2022 — Companions on the Journey Women’s Retreat, Holy Spirit Parish, Palmyra, PA
September 2022 through February 2023, First Saturday of the month, “Coffee and Conversation” about Becoming Women of the Word with Stephanie Weinert of Mother & Home. For information:  motherandhome.co

2021

February 4, 2021 — Sacred Scripture:  Two Testaments, One Book,  Institute for Christian Formation, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia. Click here for information and to register. 
February 8, 2021 — Becoming Women of the Word, Virtual Bible Study guest appearance, Women’s Bible study group, Poughkeepsie, NY (closed)
February 11-13, 2021 — Finding the God of Love in the Old Testament and How to Live in Your Bible, The Word 2021 International Bible Summit (virtual)
March 3, 2021 — Archdiocesan Rosary Campaign, Philadelphia
March 15, 2021 — The Power of Joy in Tough Times (virtual retreat), Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, Watchung, NJ. For information: https://www.msmhope.org/
April 17, 2021, Rejoice and Be Thankful! Keynote, Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women annual convention
April 26, 2021 — Guest, Ave Spotlight Podcast, Making the Bible Your Own
April 27, 2021 — How to Understand the Bible — and meet the Word in the words, Professional Development Webinar for Parish Ministers, Ave Maria Press
May 7, 2021 — Becoming Women of the Word, Catholic Evidence League, Baltimore, MD
May 19, 2021 — Guest on CatholicTV talk show, This is the Day
June 9 – 17, 2021, Walking with Mary and Jesus in the Holy Land, Pilgrimage to Israel with Dr. Edward Sri. For information: edwardsri.com/holy-land-pilgrimage – cancelled
June 29, 2021 — Guest, The Augustine Institute Show with Dr. Tim Gray, Women Called by God
July 16, 2021 — Be It Done Unto Me According to Thy Word, guided lectio divina, Embrace Summer Retreat for Catholic Moms
September 18, 2021 — The Lord is Near; Don’t be Anxious! guided lectio divina, Embrace Fall Retreat for Catholic Moms
September 22, 2021 — Podcast guest, Ave Explores: the Bible, The Real Stories behind the Gospels
October 19, 2021 — St. Paul’s Five-Point Plan for Peace, Metanoia Young Adults Theology on Tap
November 4 – 12, 2021, Walking with Mary and Jesus in the Holy Land, Pilgrimage to Israel with Dr. Edward Sri. For information: edwardsri.com/holy-land-pilgrimage – cancelled
November 9, 2021 — Catholic Grandparents Group, St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, West Chester, PA (virtual)
December 4, 2021 — Keynote Speaker, Women’s Advent Breakfast, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Doylestown, PA
December 6, 2021 — Advent by Candlelight, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, West Chester, PA
December 14, 2021 — Advent Evening for Women, St. Thomas More Parish, Pottstown, PA

2020

February 4, 2020, The Role of Scripture in Cultivating Fruitful Disciples — Professional Development Webinar, Ave Maria Press. Video available here.
February 22, 2020, Women’s Lenten Retreat, Mother of Divine Providence Parish, King of Prussia, PA
March 4, 2020,
Parish Lenten Soup Night, Our Lady of the Assumption, Strafford, PA
POSTPONED, DATE TBD
Becoming Women of the Word — A Special Lenten Retreat for Women, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Los Alamos, NM
April 24, 2020, Joy in the Face of Trials, Virtual Faculty Retreat, Conwell-Egan High School, Fairless Hills, PA
POSTPONED April 25, 2020, Rejoice and Be Thankful! Keynote, Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women annual convention
May 22, 2020 Finding Peace in Anxious Times — Virtual Theology on Tap, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Los Alamos, NM
June 12-14, 2020, Be Anxious For Nothing, International Eucharistic Congress (Complete set of talks available for purchase at the link)
CANCELLED September 30 – October 8, 2020, Walking with Mary and Jesus in the Holy Land, Pilgrimage to Israel with Dr. Edward Sri. For information: edwardsri.com/holy-land-pilgrimage
CANCELLED November 6 – 14, 2020, Walking with Mary and Jesus in the Holy Land, Pilgrimage to Israel with Dr. Edward Sri. For information: edwardsri.com/holy-land-pilgrimage
November 13-15, 2020, Once a Mother, Always a Mother: For Better or Worse!, The Catholic Moms Summit (Virtual). Free. Complete set of talks available for purchase at this link (follow links on tab “Access the Summit”).

2019

March 22, 2019, “Create in Me a Clean Heart”, Military Council of Catholic Women, Northeast Regional Retreat, Malvern, PA
March 27, 2019, Camden Convocation for Catholic Leaders: “The Joy of the Gospel in South Jersey”, Atlantic City, NJ
April 3, 2019, Women’s Lenten Day of Prayer, St. John Vianney Parish, Houston, TX
April 9, 2019, “Create in Me A Clean Heart”, Legatus, Wilmington, DE
June 7-9, 2019, Flourish! Retreat for Women: “Life in the Vine”, Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA
July 30, 2019, Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show Event Luncheon, Lancaster, PA
October 5, 2019, Allentown, PA, Diocese 2019 Women’s Conference, Chosen to Bear Fruit!
November 10-18, 2019 Walking with Mary and Jesus in the Holy Land, Pilgrimage to Israel with Dr. Edward Sri. For information: edwardsri.com/holy-land-pilgrimage

2018

January 26-28, 2018 Come to the Water, Women’s Resurrection Experience, Braedenton, FL
February 15, 2018 Create in Me a Clean Heart, Walking with Purpose, St. Monica’s Parish, Berwyn, PA
March 8-9, 2018 Walk in Her Sandals, “Women, Wine & Wisdom” groups W.I.N.E. (Women in the New Evangelization), New Orleans, LA
April 9, 2018 Marriage: Created by God, for God, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, PA, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
May 1, 2018 Marriage: Created by God, for God, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, PA, Sts. Simon and Jude Parish, West Chester, PA
May 3, 2018 Marriage: Created by God, for God, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, PA Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Warminster, PA
May 6, 2018 The Power of Joy!, Women’s Tea, Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA
May 11-12, 2018 Flourish, Women’s Retreat, St. Anne’s Parish, Broken Arrow, OK
September 28, 2018, St. Agnes Catholic Church, Sellersville, PA
November 13, 2018 “Come to the Manger”, Upper Providence, PA
November 26, 2018 St. Norbert Parish RCIA, Paoli, PA
December 2-11, 2018 Walking with Mary and Jesus in the Holy Land, Pilgrimage to Israel with Dr. Edward Sri, For information: edwardsri.com/holy-land-pilgrimage

2017

February 21, 2017 Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God, Legatus, Harrisburg Chapter, Harrisburg, PA
May 5-6, 2017 National Catholic Bible Conference, Discipleship: Taking the Word to Heart, St. John Vianney Parish, Houston, TX
May 15, 2017 The Bible in an Hour, St Elizabeth’s Parish, Exton, PA
June 13, 2017 The Bible Made Easy, Legatus, Wilmington Chapter, Wilmington, PA
October 21, 2017 Come to the Well, National Catholic Women’s Conference, Women in the New Evangelization (WINE)
Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, PA, For information: W.I.N.E. National Women’s Conference
November 4, 2017 Sarah and Rahab—How to Gain Faith that Gives Hope, Women of Wonder Annual Women’s Conference, Cary, NC
November 5-13, 2017 “Walking with Mary and Jesus in the Holy Land” Pilgrimage with Dr. Edward Sri, For information: edwardsri.com/holyland-pilgrimages
December 7, 2017 Advent by Candlelight, St. Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square, PA
December 9, 2017 Come to the Manger, Inaugural Women’s Advent Breakfast, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Doylestown, PA

2016

March 19, 2016 Lenten Women’s Retreat, St. Magdalene Parish, Flemington, NJ
April 4, 2016 The Bible in an Hour, Theology on Tap, Exton, PA
April 23-26, 2016 Mercy, Me! Finding God’s Mercy and Making it Ours, Parish Mission, St. Elizabeth Parish
April 30, 2016 Culture Project Annual Brunch, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, PA
May 18, 2016 Lectio Divina, Theology on Tap, Lancaster City, PA
September 22, 2016 Works of Mercy, Sacrament Parish Forum, St. Joseph Parish, Downington, PA
September 27, 2016 Introduction to Acts, St. Alphonsus Parish, Maple Glen, PA
October 15, 2016 Cornerstone Women’s Retreat, Stirling, NJ
October 23 – 30, 2016 “Walking with Mary and Jesus in the Holy Land”, Pilgrimage with Dr. Edward Sri, For information: edwardsri.com/holyland-pilgrimages
November 21, 2016 Introduction to the Bible, St. Norbert Parish, Paoli, PA

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  • About
  • Blog
    △
    • Scripture Reflection
    • Prayer & Lectio Divina
    • Bible Reading & Study
    • Holidays and Holy Days
    • Discipleship
    • Women of the Bible
  • Resources
    △
    • New Release
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    • How-tos & Reading Plans
  • Speaking
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    • Speaking Topics
    • Schedule
    • Testimonials
    • Reviews & Interviews
    • Past Events
  • Contact