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Presbyterian Women |
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Quarterly mailing for PW moderators, leadership coordinators, CCT and staff |
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Second Quarter, 2007 |
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Share this Quarterly Mailing with your PW Coordinating Teams, post it on your congregations’ bulletin boards and use the information in your newsletters.
Let us know what you think! This mailing is intended to be your leadership tool. Which parts are really great and helpful? What would you like more of? Anything you could do without? With your help, we make this communication link suit your needs. Email suggestions to Cheri Harper.
Download this newsletter |
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Contents in this issue. |
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Search Committee seeks nominations
The Search Committee of the Churchwide Coordinating Team is looking for leaders for the 2009–2012 triennium. The leadership roles to be filled are moderator, vice moderator for justice and peace, vice moderator for mission relationships, secretary, historian, search committee moderator and six racial ethnic members-at-large. Nominees should be energetic, capable, racially diverse women who can serve as leaders who are committed to the PW Purpose. Candidates should work well as team players and be open to growth, change and travel. Anyone may nominate a candidate using the Endorsement for Nomination form. Learn more about the roles to be filled or contact Carolyn Jordan, moderator of the Search Committee, 1508 Verdure Cove, Birmingham, AL 35226. |
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Leadership Training Event a success!
The PW leadership-training event in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was exciting, informative and inspirational for all involved. Along with worship and community building, the event offered forums, plenary presentations and leaders’ workshops on topics related to Presbyterian Women. Six leaders from each synod participated, and they will now help provide training in their own areas. Contact your PW synod leadership to find out when your training will be offered. |
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Apply now for the 2008 Global Exchange to Eastern Europe and the USA Mission Experience to El Paso and Ciudad Juarez
In 2008 Presbyterian Women will have the opportunity to participate in two separate travel experiences. The Global Exchange will continue its tradition of offering meaningful international trips while the USA Mission Experience will offer a new program in which women can take a shorter trip closer to home.
The Global Exchange and the USA Mission Experience have different application forms but the same deadlines. Each applicant must return her completed application form to the moderator of Presbyterian Women in her synod by June 1, 2007.
Help spread the word about the Global Exchange and the new USA Mission Experience. Share promotional materials with your PW groups. Learn more and download materials for both the Global Exchange and the USA Mission Experience. |
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News from CCT committees
Creative Ministries Offering Committee
Grants totaling $983,194 have been approved from the 2006 Thank Offering. Projects were chosen from 77 proposals.
New this year in the 2007 Thank Offering promotional packet — a CD that can be used to help interpret the Thank Offering and the application to apply for Thank Offering funds.
New range amounts for 2008: $5,000–$50,000
The 2007 Thank Offering materials will be ready to order through Presbyterian Distribution Service by the end of June 2007. A list of materials will be online in June and on the outside back cover of the July/August issue of Horizons.
We need your help! Please encourage ministries in your area that may qualify for a grant from the Thank Offering or Birthday Offering of Presbyterian Women to apply. Get the criteria and grant application for the Birthday Offering and the Thank Offering.
Communications Committee
- The 2010–2011 Bible study on Revelation will be written by Barbara Rossing, author of The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation published by Westview Press in 2005.
- The 2008 Bible Study Committee is seeking author nominations for the 2011–2012 Bible study on the Beatitudes. The committee is looking for a Presbyterian/Reformed woman author who specializes in New Testament and is informed about women’s issues. Nominations are due by February 1, 2008. Email nominations to Susan Jackson Dowd or mail to Susan Jackson Dowd, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202. A nomination form should be accompanied by writing samples pertinent to the assignment.
- PW is seeking nominations for Bible study field-testing groups. Ten to 12 groups are used for each study. The next study to be tested is Joshua by Mary Mikhael. Field-testing will begin in November 2007 and end in February 2008. Field-testing will begin in November 2007 and end in February 2008. Learn more and download an application to field test.
Do you know who your Horizons rep is? Make sure Carissa Herold knows too!
Funds Development Task Group
This task group was formed in response to a referral from the 2006 Churchwide Business Meeting concerning increasing PW giving by 5 percent.
They are working on a funding strategy that will raise awareness about Celebration Giving and lead to increased giving. The strategy includes a triennial theme for the mission pledge and a new Celebration Giving packet that will be available in August 2007. Use the Celebration Giving PowerPoint presentation to help interpret the many projects that receive funding through Celebration Giving.
The 2007–2009 theme for Celebrating Mission through Women’s Pledges is “Blessings without Boundaries” based on Luke 13:29, “People will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down at the feast in the kingdom of God” (TEV).
Watch for Celebration Giving articles annually in the May/June issue of Horizons.
History Committee
The 20th Anniversary of PW is coming!
2008 marks the 20th anniversary of Presbyterian Women, which came into existence on July 15, 1988. The January/February 2008 issue of Horizons will focus on this event. Start planning now to celebrate 20 years of PW!
A revised History Exhibit Kit is being prepared, replacing the old Traveling History Exhibit. A promotional bookmark announcing the kit is available to order.
Mission Relationships Committee
The MRC encourages PW at all levels to promote and support the “Homes for Christmas” Project (Presbytery of Southern Louisiana goal of rebuilding 300 homes in 2007).
Mission Challenge ’07 is of vital importance to the missionaries of the PC(USA). All PWs should contact their presbyteries to see if it is a part of the Mission Challenge. If not, please volunteer to organize your presbytery’s participation. Learn more about Mission Challenge ’07.
Nurture Committee
The Churchwide Coordinating Team of Presbyterian Women has created several devotionals for its meetings and encourages women at all levels of PW to use and share these resources. Get the closing, morning and evening devotionals for download. New devotionals will be available each time the CCT meets!
Leadership Enhancement Committee
LEC's survey of the number of PW organizations in synods revealed that 50 percent of PC(USA) churches have an active PW group, with the exception of the Synod of Mid-Atlantic, where more than 80 percent of the churches have one.
Justice and Peace Committee
A new issue of Justice & Peace Links is published every other month. A shorter version now appears in the “Working for Justice and Peace” department of Horizons. Look for it!
The committee encourages participation in these upcoming conferences:
The Coalition of Immokalee Workers will hold a MacDonald’s Truth Tour from Immokalee, Florida, to the McDonald’s headquarters in suburban Chicago in April. The group will leave Immokalee April 7 and hold events in Chicago on April 13 and 14. Find more information on the Coalition of Immokalee Workers’ Web site.
Participate in the Mothers’ Day Standing Women observance of silence in support of peace and wholeness for all the world’s children. Visit the Standing Women Web site for more information. Email Louise Davidson, vice moderator for justice and peace, with your plans for the observance. |
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A New DVD!
Becoming the Beloved Community:People of Faith Working Together to Eradicate Racism is a new PW audio-visual resource to help strengthen PW’s commitment to creating a beloved community among us and beyond. You will see and hear on the DVD a circle of eight PW sisters — Grace Atkinson, Wilma Bennett, Lydia Hernandez, Catrelia Hunter, Ann Beran Jones, Eun-Hyey Park, Jo Smith and Eveline Steele — telling their stories with frankness and conviction about their experiences of racism and commitment to creating God’s beloved community. Divided into four 15-minute segments and accompanied by a helpful study guide, this $20.00 DVD is an excellent resource that promises to encourage meaningful dialogue on this topic. Order item PWR-06-120. |
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New PW resources available
Call Presbyterian Distribution Service at (800) 524-2612.
Above and Beyond: Hearing God’s Call in Jonah and Ruth; HZN-07-100 ($6 plus shipping)
Above and Beyond Workshop for Leaders; HZN-07-101, free or download
PW Manual, revised 2007; PWR-07-101 ($6 plus shipping)
Becoming the Beloved Community; PWR-06-120 ($20 plus shipping)
PW Logo Charm; PWR-07-400 ($6 plus shipping)
Birthday Offering Bulletin Covers; PWR-07-452, free
Birthday Offering Poster; PWR-07-454, free (one per church)
Birthday Offering Placemats; PWR-07-453 ($4/pkg 25 plus shipping)
Birthday Offering Promotional Packet; PWR-07-451, free
Horizons subscription brochure; HZN-06-431, free
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Presbyterian Outlook/Horizons promo flier; HZN-07-300, free
PW/Horizons Order Form; PWR-07-001, free
·PW Budget Brochure, revised 2007; PWR-07-100, free
PW History Bookmark; PWR-07-136, free
Global Exchange flier; PWR-07-165, free
USA Mission Experience flier; PWR-07-161, free
Annie the Kitchen Queen promo flier; HZN-07-303, free
Some free items will have handling and shipping charges — see your PW/Horizons Order Form for details.
The Fellowship of the Least Coin prayer card is no longer available to order, but may be downloaded. |
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Stories from PC(USA) Worldwide
“A Better Life from Bees and Earthworms” is a Minute for Mission about a Honduran beekeeper who was enabled to provide for his family and send his children to school. Read and download other Minute for Mission bulletin inserts.
Mission workers Choon and Yen Hee Lim took a praise team of 30 students to Taipei to participate in the National College Gospel Song Contest. Since the team goes to a mountain village church and holds a special praise night twice a year, they were well prepared-and won first prize! Read about it. Read other mission workers’ letters.
Like these stories? Subscribe to “PCUSA Worldwide", a monthly email newsletter about the PC(USA)’s international mission. |
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The National Network of Presbyterian College Women is now accepting applications for its coordinating committee
The work of the National Network of Presbyterian College Women is guided by a coordinating committee (CoCo) of 12 college women from around the country. Each year four new CoCo members are selected for a three-year term. New members must be enrolled as undergraduate students and be willing to serve for three years, attend a four-day meeting twice a year and engage in NNPCW activities between meetings. Applications will be accepted until August 15.
Leadership Questions and Answers
Compiled by the Leadership Enhancement Committee of the Churchwide Coordinating Team for Presbyterian Women
Is there only one Leadership Coordinator per synod?
Yes, one position has been titled “Leadership Coordinator.” The Leadership Coordinator has voice and vote on the PWSCT. Synods are asked to elect her by July 2009. She will serve as one of three members of the Leadership Team (including the PWSCT Moderator and the Synod Rep to the CCT) for decision-making in between Synod Coordinating Team meetings. This collegial decision-making brings new life to synods once dependent on regional staff for leadership. Email Cheri Harper, program associate for synod support, with any questions. For some synods, this new role will combine the previous duties of the Synod PW Enabler Coordinator and the Leadership Development Coordinator.
What is the real difference between the Synod PW Enabler Coordinator (1988) and the Leadership Coordinator (2009)?
In short, the leadership opportunity in this position is being inverted — now coming from bottom up — rising to, not being led by the synod in thought. More inflow and outflow was deemed necessary with flexibility and simplicity. Each presbytery will have a different combination of needs and leadership styles. Clusters and direct link information models can reside in the same presbytery when needed. The result will be observed by the Leadership Coordinator and resources tailored to meet that regionalism — not national wishes. Instead of teaching presbyteries how they should function, the new system allows for enhancement of how certain presbyteries process things well. Some presbyteries will function in clusters. Some will allow independent activity with resources coming direct from CCT/PW committees. Some will establish a cluster for churches wishing limited contact and where PW groups have not worked for them yet still need some resources. These clusters are targets for future growth. The end result can be a blessing to PW in realizing that in our differences we bring much to the whole. Training outlines will not be presented as mandates and reporting will be greatly reduced. Modify as needed. Simplify.
Some presbyteries are beginning to use the Cluster Leader position. Who will coordinate their efforts?
For the most part, the PW Presbytery Moderator will receive the latest news from CCT and tailor it to the needs of the presbytery. Some presbyteries are seeing that incorporating the oversight of Cluster Leaders into the job description of the Vice Moderator or Moderator-elect at the presbytery level is excellent leadership training for everyone. For clarification: remember that the Leadership Coordinator title is recommended to be reserved for the synod position in communication with CCT. When an additional person is available in the presbytery to coordinate the efforts of the Cluster Leaders, some will call her a Cluster Coordinator, or the name of your choice. Clusters reside only at the presbytery level.
NOTE: In an effort to move even closer to the women in the pew, PW wants to celebrate the varying leadership styles that are making things happen across the nation. Different methods work better in some areas than others. Work to your strengths. PW Synod and PW Presbytery Moderators will be the immediate contacts to and from churchwide. However, CCT warmly requests individual success stories from all congregations as a model to enhance the leadership skills everywhere. Email Cheri Harper with your leadership model and style. We are coming closer to our goal of direct congregational electronic communication. Coordinating teams are not being replaced by email. They are rather being greatly enhanced with timely data delivery. Thank you for broadening the Internet base to allow communication from CCT to each local church as a cost-cutting effort and time saver.
At the direction of the 2006 PW Business Meeting, presbyteries were directed by their consensus vote to ask “What name fits our area best for facilitation of PW work?” and “How do we best communicate?” To this end all leaders were targeted for training. This training began in Albuquerque, N.M. March 11–15, 2007. The six women who traveled to that national training on your behalf are now planning the next step for each synod. Look for the details in your area and attend! |
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Women’s connection gives women space for themselves
The 2007 Montreat Women’s Connection, “Come Hide and Go Seek: The Connection,” July 28–August 1, 2007, provides a refreshing opportunity to hide away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina for four days of reflection and relaxation while connecting with women from across the country.
The Women’s Connection puts a conference for women back in the Montreat Conference Center calendar. In addition to an inspirational plenary presentation by Dr. Cynthia Hale, the Connection’s schedule includes morning Bible study, “spiritual stretching,” daily discussion of the Horizons Bible study, a concert by Emmy award winner Barbara Bailey Hutchinson, a book signing by Linda Douty and evening worship with Linda Morgan-Clement, Alice Ridgill and Ella Busby. Ann Miles is the music leader and Sarah Sanderson-Doughty is the conference pastor. Visit the Montreat Web site for schedule details. |
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A Racial Ethnic Multicultural Event
The Spirit of Wholeness in Christ: A Racial Ethnic Multicultural Eventwill be held at Los Angeles Airport Marriott hotel, Los Angeles, California, July 12-15, 2007. Jointly sponsored by the four sister denominations in the reformed family, this event lifts up models in racial ethnic and multicultural leadership development, evangelism and outreach. This event is family oriented — bring the kids! For registration and hotel reservation, contact the registrar, Jenny Wu, by email or by phone at (773) 380-2444. For more information, contact Laverne Rhodes by email or by phone at (888) 728-7228 x5695. |
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REYWT Pre-Conference Luncheon for the 2007 Racial Ethnic Multicultural Event
Racial Ethnic Young Women Together (REYWT) will host a pre-conference luncheon on July 12 at noon before the Racial Ethnic Multicultural event. All racial ethnic young women between the ages of 18 and 35 are invited to attend. Email Bridgett Green, associate for REYWT, for more information or to reserve a space at the luncheon. |
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REYWT Leadership Retreat
Loving Ourselves: Discovering Our Identities & Exploring Our Places
October 4–7, 2007
Racial Ethnic Young Women Together (REYWT) will host a retreat for racial ethnic young women between the ages of 18 and 35. At this retreat young women will explore their identities, places and vocations as Christian women. For more information, email REYWT. |
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Sowing Seeds: Growing a Movement
Join Bread for the World and thousands of people of faith who will gather to launch a renewed movement to end hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world. The event will offer opportunities to develop skills for motivating others and mobilizing faith communities; to strategize ways to best influence decision-makers; and to visit your representative’s and senators’ offices to speak out for hungry people. The conference will be June 9–12, 2007, at American University in Washington, D.C.
Visit the Bread for the World Web site to register or to learn more about the conference and the women’s pre-conference. |
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National Network of Presbyterian College Women 2007 Leadership Event
“These are the things that you shall do: speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace … ” (Zechariah 8:16)
Join NNPCW in Washington, D.C., to explore and to build knowledge, skills and friendships in a safe, welcoming and challenging environment. The NNPCW leadership event is a unique opportunity for young women in college to dialogue with and learn from women of faith on Capitol Hill and from other women of faith in college. Participants will celebrate those women who work for justice and fairness and will be equipped with the skills and motivation to get involved and make a difference in their own communities and campuses. The event will be held July 25–29 in Washington, D.C.
Registration is $125 until June 8. After June 8 the cost is $150. In order to make travel to the Leadership Event as affordable as possible for all participants, NNPCW is providing travel scholarships to help cover the cost of airfare. Learn more. |
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Use their resources on the meanings of feminism to celebrate Women ’s History Month. Topics include recognizing the threat of “raunch culture,” supporting women in leadership roles, reflecting on our foremothers’ feminism and celebrating International Women’s Day. |
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Wondering about the 2009 Churchwide Gathering?
Just the facts:
Dates: Saturday, July 11–Wednesday noon, July 15, 2009
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
The Business Meeting will be held during the Gathering, not prior to it as in 2006.
The National Association of Presbyterian Clergywomen (NAPC) will participate. They will hold a separate business meeting, but will be part of PW plenaries, workshops and programming!
The 2009 Gathering is just around the corner — start saving and promoting today! |
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Pray with Christians in the Middle East
Presbyterians are called to pray with their brothers and sisters in this troubled area.
“Pray together … for elderly and ill Middle Eastern Christians as the capacity of their shrinking communities to care for them becomes increasingly fragile.”
“Pray together … that Christians in Iraq will be accepted by their Muslim neighbors and contribute to the rebuilding of the nation.”
These are two of the prayers suggested in “The Cradle of Our Faith,” the resource booklet prepared for the Week of Prayer and Witness with Christians in the Middle East. Presbyterians are invited to celebrate this week between Easter, April 8, and Pentecost, May 27, 2007.
Read and study about the background and the present situation of Christians in Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel/Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. And “pray together that lasting solutions will be found to the problems of the Middle East.” For more information visit the Worldwide Ministries Middle East office’s Web site. |
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Above and Beyond Hearing God’s Call in Jonah and Ruth
The 2007–2008 Bible study, Above and Beyond Hearing God’s Call in Jonah and Ruth by Carol M. Bechtel, is now available. Look for the large print version in late spring, Spanish and audio versions this summer, and the Korean version in the fall. |
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New promotional materials
New promotional materials are available, but they can only be ordered through Carissa Herold, PW Marketing Associate! Email Carissa or call (888) 728-7228 x5322. Ask for the PW promotional folder & PW notepads. |
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AntiRacism Institute at Ghost Ranch
Do you feel a need for more training to live your life as a member of the emerging beloved community? The Ghost Ranch Conference Center has prepared a perfect opportunity for you! On August 6–12, 2007, the Anti-Racism Institute at Ghost Ranch will offer two workshops, “Connecting, Renewing, Recharging: Building the Network for Anti-racism Facilitators” and “Building Community-Dismantling Racism.” Visit the Ghost Ranch Web site later this summer for more information. For information contact Teresa Chavez Sauceda, at (888) 728-7228 x5698, or Unzu Lee at (888) 728-7228 x5778. |
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Why do the versions of the Horizons Bible study vary in price and “look”?
Ever wonder why the various versions — standard-sized print, large print, audio and translations — of the Horizons Bible study vary in price and/or “look”? So your Bible study experience can be the most enriching at the most economical price!
The large-print version costs four dollars more than the standard-sized print version but has twice as many pages and is spiral bound. Since fewer large-print versions are made, the printing costs for each copy is more. Although the pages of the large-print study are printed in black-and-white, the art for the Bible study will be available in full, glorious color in note cards (Above and Beyond note cards, HZN-07-412; $7.50) and as a poster (Above and Beyond art poster, HZN-07-410; free) |
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Horizons Bible study helps in The Presbyterian Outlook
Take advantage of The Presbyterian Outlook’s 10-article series written by Rosalind Banbury, associate pastor for adult ministries at First Presbyterian, Richmond, Virginia. Each article provides additional information on the scripture being studied, related contemporary issues or stories and further questions for reflection. Articles begin with the August 13, 2007, issue.
For a limited time only, The Presbyterian Outlook is offering a special rate to Presbyterian Women for the 10 issues of its publication that include the 2007–2008 Horizons Bible study helps — just $10.00. Group subscriptions (five or more copies sent to the same address) receive a special 10-issue subscription for just $9.00 per subscription.
For all subscription information, contact Gillian Kunkel, circulation manager at (800) 446-6008, or write The Presbyterian Outlook, PO Box 85623, Richmond, VA 23285-5623. |
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Women's Ordination: Past, Present and Future: New two-disc DVD set
Meet the women who paved the road for women’s ordination and leadership in the church as well as those who continue to offer leadership. 2005 and 2006 saw celebrations nationwide of anniversaries of women’s ordinations in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). From the ordination celebration held in Chicago in the fall of 2005 comes this beautiful DVD, full of stories and challenges. $39.95 per copy. Learn more. |
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Story Stoles and Banners Based on the 2007–2008 Horizons Bible Study
Looking for a creative way to engage the stories of Jonah and Ruth? Consider investing in a story stole or parament for Presbyterian Women in your congregation, presbytery or synod!
InStitches: Center for Liturgical Art has created two new story stoles and a banner, based on the 2007–2008 Horizons Bible study, Above and Beyond: Hearing God’s Call in Jonah and Ruth. These colorful, multi-textured pieces of fabric art are handcrafted, with appliqued and embroidered images to prompt the imagination.
Stoles have been used for centuries to designate the yoke of Christ, worn by leaders and members of the Christian community. The banner (often referred to as a parament in the church) is ideal for draping over podiums, pulpits and table fronts, or hanging on a library or office wall. All three pieces serve to keep the story alive each time you meet, study and worship together.
- Give a set of stoles to your pastor (especially if she leads your Bible study group year after year!)
- Give one to your outgoing PW moderator at the presbytery or synod level (a wonderful reminder of her year serving PW!)
- Buy all three and send them on tour among the PW groups in your city or presbytery.
- Use Above and Beyond as the theme for your next synod gathering and display the banner as art for your worship space and keynote presentations.
Jonah Stole Call and Response: The Story of Jonah (STPW 1)
100" long (will fit anyone 5' or taller), $185
Ruth Stole Above and Beyond: The Story of Ruth (STPW 2)
100" long (will fit anyone 5' or taller), $165
Jonah and Ruth Banner (PPW 3)
18" x 30" (standard size), $195
Order from
InStitches: Center for Liturgical Art
17092 Sunset Dr.
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
(205) 727-0092 (fax)
Order forms (to mail or fax) are available on the Web site. |
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- Files marked with this icon can be downloaded in printable Adobe Acrobat format. This file requires the free Acrobat Reader. For best results, right-click the link (or click and hold for Macintosh), select " save target as" and save the document to your desktop for viewing and printing.
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