Join us for a special evening with Paula Gooder as we explore the women of the Nativity story together

Following on from her bestselling Women of Holy Week, Paula Gooder uses her extensive biblical expertise and storytelling skills to recreate the events of the nativity, from the promise of a future people to Sarah, to the presentation in the temple and the encounter with Anna, the prophet.

The story is told from the perspective of nine women in all including Mary, Elizabeth, Rachel, and others whom scripture records or tradition has imagined, such as the innkeeper’s wife. As we hear the familiar stories afresh through their words, the wonder of the incarnation and its consequences for good and for ill, come to vivid life in a new way.

Each story is accompanied by a painting by the priest-artist, Ally Barrett. This will be widely welcomed by all who love Paula’s writing and respect her biblical expertise as well as those looking for fresh inspiration for seasonal services from Advent to Candlemas.

Paula will be in conversation with Reverend Canon Kathryn Fleming, Precentor at Southwark Cathedral and after their conversation we will be joined by the Cathedral Merbecke Choir who will be singing some beautiful Advent songs.

Paula Gooder is one of the UK’s leading biblical scholars and writers and is passionate about making the best of that scholarship accessible to a wide audience. She is Canon Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral, London, a Reader in the Church of England, and is the author of many bestselling titles.

Copies of Women of the Nativity: An Advent and Christmas Journey in Nine Stories will be avilable to purchase on the evening.

This event will take place in the Cathedral and is in-person only and won't be recorded or streamed.