Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer

Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer is also is a member of the Board of Directors for Lay Counselor Institute and Biblical Archeology Forum. She has participated in two excavations, Tel Kabri and Tel Akko. An MTS student at Portland Seminary, she is the author of Love Feast (2020).

Added to the difficulty of seeing women in the pages of Scripture is the effort it takes to “hear” their voices and understand their stories. The Bible itself was written largely from the male perspective, concentrating on male heroes and villains.

Only the books of Ruth and Esther focus on a woman, and neither one is written from an explicitly female lens.

Women most often become supporting characters. Without thinking about it, we’ve accepted this point of view, and this unspoken role for women across time.

But a second glance reveals the stories of often-unnamed women as living faithfully and courageously for God. As well as some living powerfully and villainously against God.

Regardless of whose point of view is reflected in Scripture’s stories, women as much as men have contributed to the great narrative of God and humanity.

May their grit and tenacity, their dignity and tragedy embolden you and me to live out our faith to the full.

This Haggadah, the product of nearly thirty years’ research and yearly celebration, incorporates the gospel accounts of Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples. It’s also an explanations for some key elements in the Passover itself, as it is observed today.

The traditional Passover goes long into the night. This Haggadah has been modified so that families with children of all ages can take part, lasting about an hour and a half (including dinner and dancing!).

“Love Feast” includes everything you will need to hold your own Passover Seder. Including the order and flow of the worship service, songs, a menu, a list of items you will need, and speaking parts. It concludes with some thoughts on the First Passover, the Last Supper, and our legacy in the Love Feasts of the Bible.

Grace and peace,

“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude 24-25)