Pioneers are hard to come by these days. Yet, women clergy come close. Since breaking the Methodist ecclesial glass ceiling in 1956, women have boldly and courageously stood for their rightful place in the church and in faith.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the full clergy rights for women with this book of prayers, essays, devotional reflections, and personal stories by women clergy from within The United Methodist Church.

Clergywomen witness to their deep emotional and spiritual growth through their lives and ministries. These writers give voice to the inspiring, challenging, and comforting stories that the greater church needs to hear. These spiritual and lyrical writings witness to struggles and sustaining hope in Christ.

"All my adult life I have balanced a baby on one hip or trailed a teenager in the great juggling act of being wife, mother, and pastor," one clergywoman writes. "I have been the first woman in every position I have held and am getting used to breaking in congregations to women in ministry. As a little girl I said yes to Jesus and yes to ministry, having never seen a woman in ministry."

Fifty years ago, 22 women took the initial steps toward full clergy rights. Today, nearly 12,000 clergywomen serve The United Methodist Church. Celebrate! "The daughters have prophesied and the old women have seen visions!"