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9 Lumens & Illuminate

Phoebe, Buried in Romans 16

Published about 10 hours ago • 2 min read

September 2026

Reader

A couple of years ago, I watched a documentary about mosaics in Zeugma being uncovered- two-thousand-year-old pieces of art, buried for centuries, now being brought back into the light. One shot stayed with me: the camera zoomed in on a woman's face in the tiles, a mythological figure, stunning in her own right.

Then the camera pulled back as they began brushing away more of the earth and silt. She was one piece of an enormous mosaic. The larger mythological tale unfolds.

Maybe you know what it's like to feel covered over. A season, a change, a version of life you didn't choose, and somewhere underneath it, you're left wondering who you actually are now, in Christ.

Consider this your invitation. A Friday evening and all day Saturday, exploring the women in Paul's writings alongside your own story, with time to reflect and engage with God on what He wants to uncover in you.

Friday night, we start with Phoebe.

"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae... for she has been the patron of many and of myself as well." — Romans 16:1-2

Paul uses three specific words to describe her: Deacon. Patron. When you dig into these words and understand them in their own context, they reveal a remarkable woman who didn't leave her sphere as a follower of Christ. She used her sphere to serve Christ.

By the end of the weekend, my hope is you'll walk away with three words of your own, maybe more, true descriptors of who you are in Christ, uncovered.
​

Illuminate Immersion: Women Who Co-Labored with Paul to Birth the Church
​ October 16–17 · Tacoma (hybrid)

Meals included. In-person is limited to the size of my dining room table; 7 spots left. Zoom is unlimited. For the fuller details, please see link below. Can't join the Living Room? The Zoom Room will be open and recorded so all registrants can access the recordings.

$129.00

Women Who Co-Labored with Paul to Birth the Church

October 16 evening & all day Oct 17, 2026.
An immersive weekend of learning, reflection, and community.
There has been... Read more
​

$29.00

Virtual illuminate Immersion

Women Who Co-Labored with Paul to Birth the Church
An immersive weekend of learning, reflection, and community.
There... Read more
​

Any questions? Please don't hesitate to let me know.

Linda Hannigan

​
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9 Lumens & Illuminate

I tell the stories of women and Scripture. I hold space for the kind of thinking that changes perspective and direction. I work where understanding and change overlap.

I’m a coach and educator exploring faith, Scripture, and personal development. Through two newsletters (9 Lumens & Illuminate), I tell the stories of women and Scripture and hold space for the kind of thinking that leads to meaningful change for women, pastors, and leaders.

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