Big Girls Bible Club Learn Lessons From Joanna

I had never studied Joanna, from Luke 8:1-3 and 24:1-10 in depth before. She is a new favorite of all the women we have studied. Joanna was married to Chuz, steward of King Herod's court. A woman of high standing left it all to support Jesus and His disciples, along with Mary Magdalene, Mary, Susanna, and some other women. She went from being served to serving. The Jews hated the Herodians who heavily taxed them. The Bible says Joanna was healed from an illness or demon possession. Her gratitude led her to servitude. That's appreciation! Where did the money come from? In those days, women did not have take charge of the family money -the men did. It is unlikely that a Herodian would give his wife the money to support Jesus. According to commentaries I read, the most likely place Joanna got the money is from a divorce payment called kettubah. Perhaps her husband divorced her because of her illness or demon possession. The money is so that she could attract another husband. Jesus was surrounded by all kinds from all backgrounds. Jesus crossed all social, gender, and economic barriers. He died for for those from all kinds of backgrounds as well. Joanna was there. Joanna was with the women who took spices for Jesus' body. When Jesus was resurrected, Joanna was there. Those women chose to leave their lives and support Jesus. It couldn't have been an easy life -to go from high caste to low caste. Great was her faith and appreciation for what Christ did for her.
I want to follow Jesus with the same devotion Joanna showed.

 Hearing the story

 Measuring the mix for Potato Pancakes

 Making the craft: Butterflies, which remind us of new life in Christ

 Enjoying the pancakes they made -just like the ones the Jews make for special days.

 Finished products

 

Potato Pancakes

Ingredients

• Potatoes grated - 2 cups
• Onion grated - 1/4 cup
• Maida - 1 cup
• Black Pepper - 1/4 tsp or to taste
• Salt - 1 tsp or to taste.
• Milk and/or water - 1/2 cup
• Vegetable oil - 1 tbsp
• Baking powder - 1/2 tsp
• Baking soda- a small pinch

Preparation :

• Mix together the grated potatoes, onion.
• Mix flour, salt, pepper powder, baking powder and baking soda.
• Add the potato onion mix to the flour mixture.
• Add milk or water as needed. The potatoes and onions would release some liquid too.
• The batter should be of thick pouring consistency. Do not make it too watery.
• Do not beat the mixture too much after you add the liquid. Just mix it.

Making - Cooking Potato Pancakes

1. Heat a frying pan / girdle or a nonstick pan / tava. Keep the heat medium.
2. Add a tsp of oil and spread it on the pan.
3. Pour a big ladle ful of batter on the heated pan. Spread into a thick circle. Do not make it too thin. The size and thickness will depend on your liking and the size of your pan.
4. Cook for about 2 minutes of till it is golden brown.
5. Turn and cook the other side the same way.

Serve hot with your choice of fillings and accompaniment such as tomato ketchup, jam, marmelade, chutney, vegetable curry, your favorite relish etc.

For the Jewish Chanukah, potato latkes are served with applesauce, powdered sugar or sour cream.