Name: 2025 Women’s Connection
Start: 2025-08-08
End: 2025-08-10
Location: Montreat Conference Center

Leadership

Amy-Jill Levine – Keynote Speaker

Amy Jill Levine (“AJ”) is Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace and University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies Emerita and Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies Emerita, at Vanderbilt.

Her publications include The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus, Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi; Jesus for Everyone, Not Just Christians, six children’s books (with Sandy Sasso); The Gospel of Luke (with Ben Witherington III, the first biblical commentary by a Jew and an Evangelical); The Jewish Annotated New Testament (co-edited with Marc Brettler), The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently (with Marc Brettler), The Pharisees (co-edited with Joseph Sievers), and thirteen edited volumes of the Feminist Companions to the New Testament and Early Christian Literature. Her Beginner’s Guide series includes Sermon on the Mount, Light of the World, Entering the Passion of Jesus, The Difficult Words of Jesus, Witness at the Cross, Signs and Wonders, The Gospel of Mark, and The Gospel of John.

The first Jew to teach New Testament at Rome’s Pontifical Biblical Institute, an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas, the first winner of the Seelisberg Prize awarded by the International Council of Christians and Jews, and the 2023 recipient of the H. Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation from Archbishop of Canterbury, AJ describes herself as an unorthodox member of an Orthodox synagogue and a Yankee Jewish feminist who works to counter biblical interpretations that exclude and oppress.

Lolimarta Reiter – Preacher

Lolimarta (“Loli”) Reiter has been the pastor at the Presbyterian Church of Seffner for 17 years. She received her B.S.W. (social work) from the University of South Florida and began considering ministry after her work as a camp counselor at Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center where she met her husband, John, who is also a pastor.

She received her M.Div. and M.A. in Christian Education from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA. During her 23 years of ministry she has served the larger church as speaker, preacher, and workshop leader at a number of retreats and conferences, including Montreat Middle and Senior High Youth Conferences.

John and Loli enjoy spending time with their 2 amazing daughters, eating good food with friends, and going to the beach.

Jacqueline Lapsley – Biblical Scholar

Jacqueline ("Jacq") Lapsley is President of Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA and Charlotte, NC. She was called to the position in 2023 after serving at Princeton Theological Seminary for 25 years.

A noted Old Testament scholar, Dr. Lapsley earned her Ph.D. from Emory University, an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, an M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her A.B. from Smith College.

Dr. Lapsley’s bold vision for theological education is intentionally focused. “The diversity of the world God creates, redeems, and sustains must be reflected on our campuses in order to shape leaders for the world God so loves. The gospel calls us to speak into the difficult challenges facing society, including issues of justice, equity, and belonging. Theological education helps people thrive wherever they are called.”

Jacq Lapsley is married to Rev. Greg Bezilla, an Episcopal priest; they have two adult children. She is a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Sofia Friedley Fernandez – Music Leader

Sofia is a dedicated worship leader and musician serving various Central Florida United Methodist Church congregations in worship and administrative roles. Residing in Orlando, Florida, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Florida State University and has been leading worship for over eight years. Currently pursuing her Master of Divinity in Christian Ethics at Mercer University, she brings a thoughtful and creative approach to ministry, seeking to bridge musical worship and moral formation.

When not leading worship, you can find Sofia songwriting, making (and enjoying) coffee, spending time with her friends and family, and working with advocacy groups in her community. Sofia and her wife, Olivia, enjoy building a life together rooted in faith and service.

Other Housing Options & Refund Policy

Other Housing Options in the Town of Montreat*

- Greybeard Rentals (Mandi Pike, mandi@greybeardrentals.com, 828.228.8008)Vacation Rentals (groups of 3 or more)
- VRBO, Airbnb

*Montreat Conference Center is not responsible for the rental of these properties or the condition of the premises. Arrangements must be made by the renter, directly with the property owner/manager or realtor.

Other Housing Options in the Town of Black Mountain

The Monte Vista Hotel
Quality Inn
Hampton Inn - Using this link, guests receive a 12% discount off of the best available rate.
Super 8 Motel

Refund Policy

Cancellations must be received by June 25 to receive a full refund less a $25 service charge. Cancellations received after June 25 but on or before July 25 will receive a 50% refund of the conference fee and payments made toward room and meal charges (if applicable) less $40. No refunds will be issued after July 25. All requests must be in writing and received via email, fax, or U.S. mail.

Contact the Registrar

Questions about conference registration, housing, or meals? Please email justinkp@montreat.org or call 828.419.9829.

Tentative Schedule

*Please note this is a tentative schedule and is subject to change.

Friday, August 8, 2025
4:00–6:00 pm	Registration & Check-in (room check-in at 3pm)
5:30–6:30 pm	Dinner
7:30 pm	Opening Worship in Anderson Auditorium
9:00 pm	Social Gathering
Saturday, August 9, 2025
7:30–8:30 am	Breakfast
9:00 am	Morning Gathering
10:15 am	Break
10:30 am	Workshop Session I
12:00–1:00 pm	Lunch
2:00	Workshop Session II
3:30 pm	Free Time
5:30–6:30 pm	Dinner
6:00 pm	Will Call in Lobby of Anderson Auditorium
7:15 pm	Doors to Anderson Auditorium Open
7:30 pm	Keynote Presentation
9:00 pm	Social Gathering
Sunday, August 10, 2025
7:30–8:30 am	Breakfast
9:00 am	Closing Worship in Anderson Auditorium
11:00 am	Check-out time

Lunch is on your own. Safe travels, and see you next year!

Workshops

We are actively working to recruit talented workshop leaders so we can offer an exciting lineup of great workshops!

Workshop registration will open sometime in May. All participants will receive an email with more details soon, so keep an eye on your inbox!

2025 Women’s Connection

Pull Up a Chair

Leadership

Other Housing Options & Refund Policy

Tentative Schedule

Workshops