Pew Sisters: A Women's Small-group Bible Study

by Katie Schuermann

This 12-session Bible study for women goes and tells what God has done in the lives of real women in the church today. From alcoholism to postpartum depression to cancer, twelve different women generously share the story of God's faithfulness in their lives for the consolation of their sisters in Christ.

Each session begins with a scripture reading followed by a narrative of an individual woman s real-life story. Eight study questions, designed for both personal and group study, help the reader apply the reading and narrative to her own life in Christ. A meditative hymn stanza and collect complete each session.

The goal of this study is to encourage and build up the faith of our Christian sisters. Every woman sitting in the pew has a story to share of God s faithfulness in her life, and women love nothing more than to hear a good story and to delight in the sisterhood of believers.

Genres: Religion

208 pages, Paperback

First published December 18, 2012

About the author

Katie Schuermann is "a first-class storyteller” (Cameron MacKenzie, 2023) whose “earthy and joyful” (Mark A. Miller, 2014) voice is as refreshing and invigorating as the Midwestern sunshine in which she was raised. Writing in vignettes which so perfectly suit the charm of small-town life, Schuermann's stories call to mind the warmth and realism of Montgomery's Avonlea as well as the grounded sense of place and community of Berry’s Port William.

When not writing, Schuermann can be found singing, gardening, cooking, holding babies, or trying to climb the nearest tree.

Reviews

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great study for a multigenerational group - even though I went through it with women in similar life stages. Variety of topics covered so there is something for everyone. Theologically sound study guide in the back written by pastors.

[Ronelle Widenhofer · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were multiple scenarios with which we can identify... either personally or through a person/people we know. Each offered a positive way of dealing with a situation of our own, or reaching out to assist someone else navigate a difficult situation in their life. This book has many very valuable, strengthening suggestions for our everyday use.

[Brigitta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theologically sound women’s study that encourages discussion with minimal cringe worthy moments. Not much more you can ask for within this genre.
The format fits well for an hour long discussion each week, people can prepare ahead of time or not and the discussion doesn’t suffer.

[Janet Nicol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this for a Ladies Bible Study and we did enjoy it. The only comment from my group was they wished there were more Bible passages to look up in the question section however, I thought it was thought provoking and it did promote good discussion. I think the ladies in my study group at the time were uncomfortable with discussion type studies. They were used to being in a bible class with Pastor.

[Suzanne McAfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pew Sisters, by Katie Schuermann, is a 12 week Bible Study. Small Groups and individuals both, will be enlightened by these teachings. Each week starts out with a Bible verse, followed by a short story, a hymn to medicate on, a prayer to accompany that weeks teaching, before some insightful questions, ending with a summery of the story including the rationales for the questions. Each lesson is based on a difficult situation women can deal with in their life.



Have you suffered from someone else's sins, brought into your life, angry and unforgiving? "Forgiveness is not a feeling, it is a gift that is given to you regardless of how you feel." Praying for guidance and emotions needed to forgive, is just one of the learned lessons in this study guide. Pray and then "tell satin to go to hell", I love that line! Other subjects covered are depression, grieving, anxiety, sickness, low self esteem, loss of talent, worry, children are God's gifts, and not judging others. There are other lessons within a lesson also that can be obtained it you spend the time to really study with this book. You will find the answers to the questions to each chapter in the back of the book, not answered from the author but by the authors Preacher Pastor McGuire. Not only does each lesson relate to one's life but it also shows how to give comfort to our "Pew Sisters", our sisters in Christ, who struggle and need our shoulders to lean on.

I found this book to be insightful, not only for my own daily needs, but to help support others who are also in need. I liked the set up of the lessons, and enjoyed the hymns that went along with each chapter. I can find many ways to use this material now, in my daily life for me and for others I care for. Each subject is a quick read, with lots of knowledge to be obtained, all followed up with scriptures and where to find them in the Bible. I would recommend this book to my other Sisters in Christ, not only for their daily lives but to support our other sisters in the body.

[Debora Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the Bible study.

[Allison Mackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for my our small group Bible study! Lots of women's Bible studies have too much "fluff" for my taste, but most women in our group don't want to dig too much into more advanced theology. This is the perfect compromise: deep enough that we could talk about some challenging issues, but light enough that no one was overwhelmed.

[Rochelle chandler · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did this with my women’s small group as a bible study. It was alright. It was really shallow and for us didn’t cultivate good deep conversation. Several of the stories felt almost forced or fake. The first half was definitely better than the latter half.

[Kayleigh Stahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Went through this book with my Sunday School class and really enjoyed it! It was very Lutheran influenced, some of which I didn't really agree with so I recommend using discernment, but overall it was very interesting and the discussion it created was great!

[Barbara Ruuska · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been using this as a small group Bible study with my mother. She is elderly and doesn't understand why she is still living. I was hoping that there would be a scenario in this book to give her hope and understanding of the grace she has received her entire life.

2/7/20 - We are currently at the half way point. We have enjoyed reading five the first six chapters. We found the sixth chapter didn't seem to fit into the theme of women in church facing life challenges. No where in this story of Anna was there any reference to her believing in God, praying to God, or going to church to pray for the healing of her baby Elizabeth. Considering this was written by a LCMS pastor's wife and reviewed by two LCMS pastors, I would have thought that more emphasis on going to church and praying. We will finish this study and I will determine my final rating when I have finished the book.

9/18/20 - Due to the COVID-19 crisis of 2020, it took us MONTHS to get together to finish the last chapter in this book. There were some really good studies in this book and only one that was not up to the quality of the rest of the book (Anna). Each chapter or bible study included a hymn stanza and a collect (prayer). They were nice additions to the scripture reading and essays about Christians living today.

[Malia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish that the book would include a bit more of the after stories... there's a woman with cancer, what happens? But all in all, a great Bible study book. It brought out some great discussion.