Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)


	Quarterly mailing for PW moderators, leadership coordinators, CCT and staff Download this newsletter. First Quarter, 2008 (January 2008–April 2008) Honorary Life Membership Program Sees Changes PW on the Road Blessings Without Boundaries God Will Do Wonders Among You! Quilt Blocks Needed for Global Partners New PW Groups Are Forming! UN Commission on the Status of Women Building an Inclusive Community Through Dialogue PW Congo Project Grows Third New Orleans Work Trip Planned Fair Trade Sales at Your PW Presbytery or PW Synod Events Two New PW Logo Items Available from the PW Marketing Office 1988–2008: Time to Celebrate 20 Years of PW! Horizons Reps’ Corner Upcoming Conferences and Events


	Honorary Life Membership Program Sees Changes For the first time since its inception in 1988, the Honorary Life Membership (HLM) program has seen some change. You may now choose between the traditional silver pin or the new gold pin. Download the HLM form . Be sure to check the box for a gold or silver pin and enclose the correct amount. Note: After 20 years PW has had to increase the cost the silver pin from $75 to $95. Applications received without full payment will be processed and the bestowing group will be billed for the additional $20. After March 1 applications cannot be processed without full payment. Please spread the word!


	PW on the Road In 2008, Presbyterian Women will travel to the U.S./Mexico border in April for the U.S.A. Mission Experience and to Eastern Europe in September for the Global Exchange. Learn more about the trips and study resources for the U.S.A. Mission Experience and for the Global Exchange. Representatives from your synod for each trip will have cards with information about the trips to distribute at PW synod and presbytery gatherings. Encourage congregations to support participants, pray for them during their travels and invite them to speak when they return home. Look for follow-up on both trips in Horizons (September/October 2008 and March/April 2009).


	Blessings Without Boundaries If you haven’t sent your Blessings without Boundaries Mission Pledge form to Theresa Slaiman, CCT/PW treasurer, there is still time. Theresa is compiling the pledge totals. Mail to Theresa Slaiman, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202 right away. Note to Treasurers : The PW synod and presbytery treasurers mailing with 2008 forms will be sent by February 15, 2008.


	God Will Do Wonders Among You! God will work wonders among Presbyterian women July 11–15, 2009, at the triennial Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women. Save the date and start saving a few dollars each week so that you will be present to celebrate the joys of God at work in our lives. Watch for the Gathering Promotional Packet (Also available through PDS, #CWG-09-32, free) that will be sent in February to PW synod and presbytery moderators and cluster leaders. It’s full of ideas to help you let every Presbyterian woman know about the Gathering and the exciting new things the planning teams are preparing for you next summer.


	Quilt Blocks Needed for Global Partners Quilt blocks given to our Global Partners at the last two Churchwide Gatherings have been popular. This time, the Global Partners Team requests that each PW in the Synod send in six quilt blocks. Synod moderators will receive additional information by email. There are two major changes: an earlier deadline (January 20, 2009) and omitting special backing. Because there is no special backing, quilt blocks can be finished and sent in advance. Quilt blocks must be 12" by 12". Quilt blocks may be created in either traditional or innovative designs. Sewing may be done either by machine, by hand, or both. Send finished quilt blocks to Roberta Mansfield, 20 Lerner Street, Warwick, RI 02888-2505. Include the name, address and email address of each quilter with each block. Global partners always wish to thank the quilters personally. Think of all the beautiful quilt squares decorating homes around the world as a visible reminder of our friendship and solidarity with our global partners. Questions? Contact Roberta at (401) 781-1628 or by email.


	New PW Groups Are Forming! A big welcome to new groups joining their sisters in Christ in PW. Approximately 3,500 letters were mailed in December 2007 to churches without PW organizations. Also, an invitation to join PW was put on PW’s Web pages. Within five weeks, five groups had written requesting information about joining. One group said, “We want to rejoin and revitalize the church and attract new members. We are hungry for the word of God to help us in our daily lives.” PW is reaching out to these groups. Ann Barnwell, Synod of South Atlantic representative to CCT and member of the Leadership Enhancement Committee, has written material on “How to Start a Presbyterian Women’s Group.” It gives new groups step-by-step information on who we are; how to organize or revitalize groups; how to fulfill the PW purpose and how to do end of the year evaluations. *Thank You!* A special thank you to all the PW synod and presbytery moderators and leaders who helped to gather the list of those congregations without active Presbyterian Women groups. Now comes the next challenge —working together through the PW Leaders Network to nurture new and renewed PW circles!


	UN Commission on the Status of Women For the second year, a delegation of Presbyterian Women will attend the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York. The PC(USA) UN office helps coordinate their attendance. Women from around the world attend to observe the commission at work and network with others on issues of common concern. The CCT Justice and Peace Committee hopes the delegation will grow each year and soon connect with other women from our Reformed partners in the United States and around the world for a strong presence. The delegates are committed to improving the lives of women and pay their own expenses to attend the meetings.


	Building an Inclusive Community Through Dialogue Several areas of the country are forming Racial Ethnic Dialogue groups. Love Your Neighbor — The Road Less Traveled is one such group. The day-long workshop will be February 9 in Franklin, Tennessee, Synod of Living Waters. Small groups will have dialogue on Being “The Other”; Cultural Geography; Immigration; Race, Ethnicity and Reconciliation. If you would like information on how to set up a workshop like this one, contact Unzu Lee, (888)728-7228, x5778. Check out these PW resources for more about dialogue, antiracism and diversity: PWR-06-120: Becoming the Beloved Community antiracism DVD/study guide, $20 + shipping PWR-03-121: Building an Inclusive, Caring Community Through Dialogue, $3.50 + shipping, (10 more copies $2.50 each) PWR-04-11: Diversity Set — Etchings in Diversity, No Longer Strangers puzzle game, and Building an Inclusive, Caring Community Through Dialogue, $6 + shipping PWR-05-145: Building Community Set — Communication Basics and Building an Inclusive, Caring Community Through Dialogue, $6 + shipping

	PW Congo Project Grows The PW Congo Project started with one idea, a PW Palm Project to replant palm trees in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project has taken wings and grown — just like the seedling palm trees are doing. Since its inception last summer, Presbyterian women have contributed over $16,000 to the Palm Project alone. $20,000 will fund 80 hectares of palms that will generate $200,000 per year for 30 years. Last fall the Creative Offering Committee selected the Presbyterian Church of Congo and the Presbyterian Church of Kinshasa to receive a large Birthday Offering grant. PW has had a long history of mission involvement in the Congo. The Congo Project and the 2008 Birthday Offering grant continue that involvement. Learn more about PW’s Together in Service in Congo Project or order brochures from PDS, (800)524-2612, item PWR-07-420, free.


	Third New Orleans Work Trip Planned The Churchwide Coordinating Team of Presbyterian Women (CCT/PW) is planning a third work trip to work RHINO, a ministry of St. Charles Presbyterian Church in New Orleans. The trip is open to anyone who wants to work side by side with her PW sisters to “Rebuild Hope in New Orleans.” If you are interested in joining the “builders” May 11 through 17, contact Veronica Green, (888)728-7228, x5884 for registration information. Cost of the trip is $200 and includes housing, meals and ground transportation while in New Orleans. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to New Orleans. See Horizons November/December 2006 or 2007 for stories on past trips.


	Fair Trade Sales at Your PW Presbytery or PW Synod Events Partners for Just Trade (PJT), a nonprofit initiative of PC(USA), is a Fair Trade organization selling products from Peruvian cooperatives strengthened and started with a 2005 PW Birthday Offering Grant. In 2007 PW ordered silver pins with the PW logo from PJT. These pins were crafted by Munay Rumi, one of the artisan cooperatives that started thanks to the PW grant. The PW logo sterling silver pin/pendant (includes both a pin closure and a loop for use on necklace or bracelet) is available for $30 plus shipping; item PWR-07-402. For several years, PJT has had a Partnership Sale at the PW Synod of the Mid-Atlantic meeting. A Partnership Sale is an opportunity to purchase quality, handmade products while supporting economic justice. If you would like a PJT Partnership Sale at your PW Presbytery or Synod event, please contact Ruth Farrell. Ruth, a missionary-in-residence through July 1, can also talk about her nine years in Peru working with trade justice and how the PW Birthday Offering is being used to create the sustainable cooperatives that produce beautiful items. Learn more about Partners for Just Trade.


	Two New PW Logo Items Available from the PW Marketing Office The PW Logo Mini Tote Bag (with white embroidered PW logo) This stylish mini tote bag (10 ½" l x 7 ¾" h x 5" w) is the perfect place to carry the many items you need to live the life you lead: your Bible, journal, cell phone, Horizons pen and more. Includes a front pocket and tag that offers a decoration option. Available in February for $15 each + shipping (see below). Red bag with natural decoration Spring green bag with white decoration Navy blue bag with sky blue decoration Pink bag with brown decoration PW Logo Gift-boxed Magnifying Glass Available in brass and silver, the PW Logo Magnifying Glass makes a lovely gift. Perfect for any PW who wants the occasional “optical” assistance! $35 each + shipping (see below). Ordering Information These items are not available from Presbyterian Distribution Service (PDS)! Order from the PW Marketing Associate, 100 Witherspoon St., Room 3063, Louisville, KY 40202; (888)728-7228, x5322. Include your name, complete billing and shipping address, phone number, item (include color or finish requested) and quantity for each item. Checks and major credit cards accepted. Credit card orders must include a billing address, phone number, credit card number and expiration date of card. Shipping is $4.50 on single items. Otherwise, 10% of order total, $4.50 min., $65 max. 1988–2008: Time to Celebrate 20 Years of PW! PW Anniversary Pin This colorful anniversary pin commemorates the first 20 years of PW. PWR-07-404; $6 plus shipping PW History Kit Create your own PW history exhibit with the PW History Exhibit Kit. Includes CD with useful tools for creating your own history exhibit — photos, quotes, a PowerPoint presentation and the PW Timeline, plus the 200 Years of Presbyterian Women video (VHS). PWR-07-137; $19.95 plus shipping PW Scrapbook Kit For PW circles, historians and other individuals who collect and document the history of PW activities. Includes four sheets of background paper and one sheet of frames (all acid-free and of archival quality) plus a PW logo stamp and 100 logo stickers. PWR-06-130; $6.50 plus shipping Horizons Reps’ Corner Greetings, Horizons Reps! Did you receive a survey (“Time for Your Input!”) asking for your input about your work as a Horizons rep? If not, let Carissa Herold know! Your contribution will help us help you in your work as a Horizons representative. A big “thank you!” for the many surveys already completed! To receive your survey, contact Carissa in one of these ways: Mail: Horizons, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202-1396 Email Fax: (502) 569-8085 Talking Points Bible Study News! The 2008–2009 Horizons Bible study, Jubilee! Luke’s Gospel for the Poor, by Dale Lindsay Morgan, will mail to Horizons subscribers on or before March 15. And yes, thanks to the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the last study’s resources found exclusively in Horizons magazine, supplementary Bible study materials for Jubilee! will begin appearing in the July/August 2008 Horizons issue. Of Backstarts and Dollars One of the many great reasons PWs should subscribe to Horizons magazine is because doing so just makes good cents! A one-year subscription to Horizons is $18 and includes the annual Bible study as part of the subscription. Ordering just the Bible study costs $10.50 — $6 for the Bible study + $4.50 shipping. But if one reads the not-so-fine print on the Horizons subscription order form, subscriptions must be postmarked by January 1 to receive that year’s Bible study. The reason? Dollars and cents! Limiting the window on back starts (a fancy way to say subscriptions that are received after the mailing list has been sorted), means that magazines (and Bible studies) can be mailed at a more budget friendly rate. Not doing so translates into many thousands of dollars. Horizons’ $18 rate is competitively priced. Limiting back starts is one great way to stretch PW dollars. Where’s Dale? Select Bible study presentations May 16–18, Stony Point Conference Center, New York June 12–15, PW Gathering, Synod of Mid-Atlantic July 21–23, Mo Ranch Conference Center, Hunt, Texas Dale’s full event calendar will be available on the Horizons Web pages.


	Upcoming Conferences and Events God’s Wisdom Provides New Understanding 2008 World Day of Prayer March 7, 2008 Written by the women of Guyana, the 2008 World Day of Prayer worship service will begin at the first sunrise of March 7, 2008, and will continue until the last sunset. The theme, God’s Wisdom Provides New Understanding, is especially meaningful to the women of Guyana. The writers consider the Bible study, based on the theme and placed within the liturgy, the most important part of the worship service. Join with Christian sisters around the world on March 7 to pray with the women of Guyana and our sisters and brothers. Find a World Day of Prayer in your area. If there isn’t one, plan one. For more information, visit the World Day of Prayer USA Web site or contact Liz Calvin, WDPUSA executive coordinator at (866) 937-8720. Order materials by calling (866) 588-4972. *Moral Statement 2008: Claiming a Vision of True Security* Ecumenical Advocacy Days March 7–10, 2008 Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Alexandria, Virginia “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but our trust in the name of our God” (Ps. 20:7 nkjv). “Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses, but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God” (Ps. 20:7 nrsv). In the language of today, Psalm 20:7 might read: Some trust in violence and take pride in technologies of war, and some in military power, but our trust is in the unfailing love and faithfulness of our saving God. It is time to move beyond the misdirected strategies of the past few years and envision a new pathway to true human security — one that seeks not only the absence of tension, but also the presence of justice (Martin Luther King, Jr.). The 2008 Ecumenical Advocacy Days assembly will explore new visions of security in our homes, our neighborhoods and our world. Download the 2008 conference brochure. *Native American* Women’s Gathering April 4–6, 2008 Cook Conference Center Tempe, Arizona Native American Women in The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will gather April 4–6, 2008, at Cook Conference Center is Tempe, Arizona. The program begins at 3 p.m. on Friday and concludes with worship and communion Sunday morning. During the conference, women will deepen their faith and build community as they hear from speakers and workshop leaders from around the country. Let Native American women in your synod or presbytery know of this event. Contact Sallie Cuaresma for registration information. *Gather All Nations and Tongues* Ninth National Multicultural Conference April 10–13, 2008 Hilton San Antonio Airport San Antonio, Texas The conference focuses on evangelism in a multicultural setting, addressing an urgent need for the whole church, in particular mainline denominations as they struggle with finding new ways and meaningful approaches for communicating the Gospel and reaching out to the increasing diversity in American society. Along with outstanding plenary speakers and workshop leaders, highlights of the event include an evening in a local church, a consulting time for one-on-one conversations with denominational leaders, and a Saturday evening celebration. Learn more or call the Multicultural Office at (888) 728-7228, x5252.


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