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Quarterly mailing for PW moderators, leadership coordinators, CCT and staff
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Churchwide Gathering
Planning ahead — Orlando in 2012
Creative Ministries Offering Committee
Mission Relations Committee
Together in Service (TIS)
Justice and Peace Committee
Horizons Magazine
PC(USA) Mission
Leadership Enhancement
Gathering Goodies
Attention, Horizons reps!
PW Leadership Resources
Two PW Presbyterian Disaster Assistance work trips are being planned for the Texas Gulf Coast area and the area in Iowa recovering from flooding. The Gulf Coast group will be assisting with recovery from Hurricane Ike, which hit the area in 2008. Stay tuned for more news and dates for each of these trips. In the meantime, if you are interested in participating in either one of these mission opportunities in partnership with PDA, we have been advised that Lowe’s and Home Depot offer classes on how to do such things as install drywall.
Final plans are underway for locations to be visited during the September 9–16, 2010, USA Mission Experience to the Dakotas. Several Native American reservations, schools, churches and tribal colleges are on the list as well as some historical sites. More information about the 2010 USAME will be available by year’s end.
Justice and Peace Committee
Churchwide Gathering
Presbyterian Women approved incorporation, elected its first Hispanic Latin American moderator, celebrated more than 20 years as an organization, added a seat to the CCT and said goodbye (at least temporarily) to Louisville, Kentucky, as the site of the Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women.
Marta Rodríguez of the Synod of Puerto Rico was elected moderator of Presbyterian Women, in a waving sea of blue consent slips at the Churchwide Business Meeting, July 14. The roomful of 400-plus voting representatives and guests erupted in tears, cheers and a standing ovation as Catrelia Hunter passed the gavel to Marta, the first Hispanic Latin American to be elected to the post.
Marta, a member of Hato Rey Presbyterian Church in San Juan, appeared emotional but poised, as her pastor, José M. Capella-Pratts, offered words of congratulations. Presbyterian women from the Synod of Puerto Rico flooded the stage to surround her and cameras flashed to record the historic moment.
The new CCT includes Marta Rodríguez, moderator; Alice Wyatt, vice moderator for mission relationships, South Carolina; Chris Wolf, vice moderator for justice and peace, Michigan; Joanne Schnaudt, secretary, New Jersey; Joan Berglund, historian, Nebraska; Joyce Smith, financial secretary, Ohio; Ruth Mason Lowe, African American member at large, Georgia; Janice Takeda, Asian American member at large, Calilfornia; Nydia Murphy, Hispanic Latin American member at large, New York; Jenny Lee, Korean American member at large, New Jersey; Leila Abdul Karim, Middle Eastern American member at large, Arizona; Janis Quinn, Native American member at large, New York; and Esperanza Guajardo, Search Committee moderator, Texas.
Synod representatives are Dottie Villesvik, Alaska/Northwest; Martha Pool, Covenant; LaDonna Fay, Lakes and Prairies; Eda Nuñez, Lincoln Trails; Martha Knichel, Living Waters; Mary Jorgensen, Mid-America; Margaret Anderson, Mid-Atlantic; Virginia Champlin, Northeast; Mary Lou Williams, Pacific; Florence Vargas, Puerto Rico; Marilynn Collins, Rocky Mountains; Ann Barnwell, South Atlantic; Bobbie Rubin, Southern California/Hawaii; Jean Montgomery, Southwest; Karene Jones, Sun; and Mertie Woolcock, Trinity.
Voting representatives to the Churchwide Business Meeting of Presbyterian Women approved articles of incorporation that establish PW as a publicly supported integrated auxiliary of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
National PW leaders had been studying incorporation since 2006. During its February 2009 meeting, the Churchwide Coordinating Team of Presbyterian Women laid the groundwork for the vote by approving proposed articles of incorporation and new bylaws that were then sent as a recommendation to the 2009 voting representatives.
2006–2009 PW moderator Catrelia Hunter says incorporation allows PW to establish clear and separate accounting practices and ensure good stewardship of PW funds.
The women’s organization has a covenantal relationship with the PC(USA) that will not change. Key points:
- PC(USA) has the authority to appoint or remove one of PW’s officers or directors (e.g., CCT member).
- The name of the organization indicates an institutional relationship with PC(USA).
- PW reports at least annually on its financial and general operations to PC(USA).
- An institutional relationship between PW and PC(USA) is affirmed by the church.
- PW continues to be the single largest contributor of undesignated funds to church mission through the General Assembly Mission Council budget.
Jemimah Ngatia, the CCT’s representative for new immigrant women, was introduced at the Churchwide Business Meeting of Presbyterian Women. She introduced Charity Wainaina, a recent immigrant from Kenya to the Atlanta area.
Charity is moderator of a group of Kenyan American women who organized with Jemimah’s help a year ago, and with support from Presbyterian Women and the New Immigrant Congregational Support Office of the PC(USA). She told the voting reps, “Without you, we’d never be here. You are our mothers and our sisters, our aunties and nieces and daughters. The love of God has made us one.”
Other highlights of the Business Meeting
- A new 31-month budget was approved. Presbyterian Women, Inc. is adopting a fiscal year budget rather than a calendar year budget, so that the budget corresponds to the program year. However, the current calendar year budget will be in effect through the end of 2009. The new fiscal year budget begins January 1, 2010, and ends July 31, 2012. At the 2012 Business Meeting, a 36-month budget will be approved, to begin on August 1, 2012.
- Hana Slavícková, of the Czech Republic, spoke on behalf of the women who came as Global Partners from Czech Republic, Ukraine and Hungary. She said, “I greet you on behalf of the women’s ecumenical group in Prague.” She prompted laughter and applause when she said, “I have never seen so many women in one place!” She explained, “Women’s ecumenical work is not so widespread in Eastern Europe.” Finally, she expressed deep gratitude to Presbyterian Women for inviting the Global Partners and concluded with “Thank you, sisters.”
- Jessie Ben Fubara-Manuel, an elder and wife of the former principal clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, also addressed the voting representatives, telling them, “PW, you make things happen! You made Tumeketana happen in 2007, and because of that, we have a network of women walking together, helping each other, working together for peace and healing. You give us so much, yet you don’t make us feel small. ‘Thank you’ seems so inadequate.” Tumeketana is a conference of women from PC(USA) partner churches across Africa. The next Tumeketana will be held in 2010.
- In her moderator’s report, Catrelia Hunter highlighted the many accomplishments of Presbyterian Women over the last triennium — among those, a record of the triennium itself, the Presbyterian Women triennial report (enclosed). Published for the first time in Presbyterian Women’s 20-year history, the triennial report highlights Presbyterian Women’s many accomplishments over the last triennium — award-winning publications; Together in Service and the PW Palm Project; the Thank and Birthday Offerings; mission trips to Eastern Europe, the U.S./Mexico border and the Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast; ecumenical work with World Day of Prayer and Fellowship of the Least Coin; advocacy work with the UN Commission on the Status of Women; PW’s antiracism initiative and antiracism facilitator training; the Racial Ethnic Dialog and Women of Color Consultation; and work with networks of young Presbyterian racial ethnic and college women. Order PDS item PWR-09-238.
- Sherry Flyr’s report focused on the work of Mission Relations, including Together in Service, Global Exchange, work groups to the Gulf Coast, and the USA Mission Experience. She reminded voting representatives and visitors, “There is still lots of work to do. Go to Galveston, go to New Orleans, go to the Gulf Coast or Iowa.” She said, “We are called to do something. Over 400,000 people die daily from preventable causes, worldwide. If you don’t do something, someone continues to suffer.”
- Louise Davidson’s report offered three challenges:
“First, take seriously the point of the Purpose that says work for justice and peace. PW is a nurturing and caring organization. Read Horizons. Educate yourselves about local, regional, national and international needs. Learn about issues like human trafficking, violence, the environment, hunger and poverty, and racism.
“Second, PW has access to an international voice, the UN Commission on the Status of Women. We can affect the wording of international agreements on women’s rights. Advocate for strong statements and help set standards that inform laws in countries where human rights abuses occur. Join the March 2010 envoy.
“Finally, with the sorry state of the world, your power is needed. You have strong voices. You have communication skills. Use your gifts, your voices to feed the hungry, take care of children, love those who are different. Changing unjust systems is essential; get on with the work of creating justice and peace. Go with God."
- More than one report, recommendation and discussion centered on attracting and involving younger women in the work of Presbyterian Women. The Leadership Enhancement Committee recommended making newly retired women a focus for the next triennium. In the report of the LEC, Mary Wong Leong called newly retired women an untapped resource that “holds rich potential for PW.” She reported that the Newly Retired Women’s Task Group, composed of six newly retired women and one CCT member, examined key questions: Who are newly retired women? What are our strengths? What about PW attracts us? How could PW become more relevant to women of our generation? Recommendations of the task group included creating a database of women with interests and skills, publicizing PW’s flexibility and publishing a resource for congregations with lists of alternative activities.
- Jennifer Ashbaugh gave the report for the Younger Women’s Task Group. She thanked the CCT for asking questions regarding younger women, but also told the Business Meeting, “The answers to some of the questions are harsh. Some of them will require you to change.” She said, “Avoid the temptation to say, ‘We will decide how PW will change, and we will let you know.’ Do you want your numbers to go up? Think about how you will change the PW box to allow younger women to fit in. You are not alone in wanting to get women my age engaged. If you want to help our church find space for women who are questioning, settling down, establishing families, then I think we can work together.”
- Ellen Newbold and the Funds Development Task Group reported the establishment of the PW Legacy program (through the Presbyterian Foundation). They also emphasized a need to educate Presbyterian women about all aspects of the Celebration Giving program:
- PW and church support through the Mission Pledge
- Creative Ministries Offerings
- Celebration of Believers (Honorary Life memberships, and more)
- Celebration of Christian Community (Fellowship of the Least Coin, World Day of Prayer, undesignated funds in support of the denomination)
- Together in Service (Networkers, Bread for the World, etc.)
The Task Group reported that the new Celebration Giving position for presbyteries and synods is responsible for ensuring that Celebration Giving information, including Offering materials and Mission Pledge materials, are distributed and used within the congregations and presbyteries. Ellen said, “The intention is to increase giving. Period.”
- A consensus was reached quickly to adopt a recommendation from the Justice and Peace Committee that Presbyterian women become informed about the use of rape as a form of genocide and as a weapon of war in the Sudan and other areas of conflict, and take action to support women and others who are working toward peaceful solutions.
The new CCT received their ceremonial stoles from the 2006–2009 CCT. The 2009–2012 moderatorial team offered their gratitude and inspiration on being elected.
Marta Rodríguez, moderator, said, “It is a great honor for me to be here at this moment and to accept the responsibility as the eighth moderator of the Churchwide Coordinating Team of Presbyterian Women. I humbly accept this honor, remembering that it is He who requires us all to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly. Totally relying on God, I commit myself to serving Him and the church through Presbyterian Women. Alice, Chris and I are fully committed to serving Presbyterian Women. In doing this, we need your prayers, your strength, your faith and also your hands in collaboration, to fulfill both the mission and purpose of PW.”
Chris Wolf, vice moderator for justice and peace, added, “It is our goal, as your moderatorial team, to continue to live into our PW Purpose. It is a marvelous theological piece. It tells us who we are, whose we are, and what we are to be about. So let us spend our time in prayer and Bible study, for when we spend time with God, we experience God's peace. When we know God's peace, we work for justice for all. It is God's gift and God's calling for us.”
Alice Wyatt, vice moderator for mission relationships, concluded, “Our journey together began 20 years ago. I invite you to walk with me and the other moderators as we strive to fulfill the purpose of Presbyterian Women once again. I pray that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can carry out Christ's Great Commission. Presbyterian women have always heeded the call to give above and beyond, and my desire is for this to continue throughout this triennium. God bless you and God bless Presbyterian Women.”
Past moderators were honored at a CCT reunion breakfast and during plenary session. They include:
1982–1984 biennium: Martha Tissington, WOCC moderator
1984–1986 biennium: Catherine Vaughn, WOCC moderator
1988–1991 triennium, PW: Cleda Locey, moderator; Emily Wigger and Wilda Stephenson, vice moderators
1991–1994 triennium: Jinny Miller, vice moderator
1994–1997 triennium: Hazel Furhmeister, moderator; Una Stevenson and Elaine McRobbie, vice moderators
1997–2000 triennium: Diana Lim, moderator; Carol Hylkema and Ann Beran Jones, vice moderators
2000–2003 triennium: Karen Fritsch, moderator; Ann McFarlane and Gerry Tayler, vice moderators
2003–2006 triennium: Kristen Gerling, moderator; Kathryn Baker and Lillian Oates, vice moderators
Also recognized:
1991–1994 triennium: Sara Brown Cordery, moderator, deceased; Ann Wattman, vice moderator, deceased
2006–2009 Churchwide Coordinating Team
Bienvenido, bemvinda, mercî ... whatever the language, a spirit of welcome, thanksgiving and praise to God pervaded the Global Gala on Friday evening of the Gathering. The Global Gala is “an important tradition,” Catrelia Hunter, outgoing Churchwide moderator, said in her opening welcome. “We come from north, south, east and west to feast in God’s love,” she said.
Held at each Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women, the Global Gala celebrates the exchange of faith and understanding between Presbyterian women and its mission partners all over the world, particularly those visited during the Global Exchange of the prior year.
And a tradition it is. As at past Global Galas, the international guests entertain with music and dance from their respective cultures. When the Asia/Pacific guests performed this year, they asked everyone to sing in concert, in their native tongue. There was a sense that, literally and figuratively, everyone was singing the same song, regardless of language differences.
This year, women from 30 nations, including the United States, attended the Gathering.
For the first time, the National Association of Presbyterian Clergywomen held its triennial meeting in conjunction with the Gathering, offering new ways for PW and NAPC to connect.
As has been said before, Presbyterian women never miss an opportunity to care much and give generously.
Gathering participants gave $70,355 in gift cards and cash for Bellewood Presbyterian Homes for Children and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Gathering participants offered $3,541.87 in change for Cents-Ability, a Presbyterian Hunger Program initiative.
Finally, Gathering participants gave more than $51,000 to the Gathering Offering, which will be used to help women (particularly, women of color) pursue theological education in one of the PC(USA)’s related seminaries.
Gathering totes offer women of Thai village options
The totebags for this year’s Churchwide Gathering were hand crafted by women in the village of Huai Khrai, who are part of The Women’s Handiwork Project, founded by Sirirat Pusurinkham, a 1997 graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary. Sirirat was born in the village and saw girlfriends sold into prostitution by their families. She vowed to work to end the practice, and returned after seminary to address the problem. With the help of PW Thank Offering grants, Sirirat also founded two orphanages. To learn more about the women’s cooperative, see page 38 of the September/October issue of Horizons. To order a bag, see the back page of this newsletter.
The Great Room Garden offered opportunities for education, shopping, building awareness, participating in arts and crafts, and even a talent show. Joyce MacKichan-Walker reported daily on some of the rich offerings available for take-home from the PW Patio, the Resource Mart and the Global Marketplace. Just a few of those offerings:
- The Becoming the Beloved Community antiracism packet sampler (CWG-09-102; free)
- Contact information for a coffee klatch fundraiser for the Near East School of Theology (email Carol Dolezal-Ng )
- Ideas from the Spirituality Center, such as a Prayer Wall, where visitors can write or draw their prayers, or a prayer meeting with Gregorian chant and Taizé prayers
- Anita Gutschick’s Women of the Bible DVD
- Repairers of the Breach: Five Bible Studies on Social Justice Issues in New Orleans in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina, by Margaret Aymer, author of the 2011–2012 Horizons Bible study (free; order PDS item 2753608002)
- Children’s Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, each two-page spread including a domestic and an internation mission story, a Bible verse, a prayer, and word of the week plus games, puzzles, recipes, crafts and other activities
- PW Amazing Heritage History Exhibit Kit 2009, with material from the history exhibits at the last three Gatherings, in pdf format for local printing and display; includes the 200 Years of Presbyterian Women video and the new racial ethnic display from the 2009 Heritage Fair.
- Table Talk placemats from Family and Single Adult Ministries of the PC(USA), designed to assist church families in getting to know one another
In the Horizons “library,” Gathering participants literally saw themselves as members of Forbearance Presbyterian Church’s choir. They also met with Mary Mikhael, author of the 2009–2010 Horizons Bible study, Joshua: A Journey of Faith, who answered questions about the study not only in workshops but in small group discussions in the Horizons space. And new and renewing subscribers got their photos on the “cover” of Horizons. Not Rolling Stone, granted, but popular, nonetheless.
Gathering participants found inspiration, laughter, challenges and spiritual growth during the plenary sessions, which included keynote speakers, Bible study and celebrations of the work of PW during the last 21 years.
Margaret Aymer, author of the 2011–2012 Horizons Bible study on the Beatitudes, reflected on Mark 2:1–12, suggesting that the good news of this passage is that in its teaching, and in the actions of Jesus, the beloved community is called to a ministry of meddlin’. See pages 4–7 of the September/October issue of Horizons for an excerpt.
Nancy Benson-Nicol, author of the 2013–2014 Horizons Bible study on The Epistles, led a two-part Bible study on Joshua.
Barbara Rossing, author of the 2010–2011 Horizons Bible study on Revelation, spoke on environmental issues. She said “Each of you has experienced the wonder and beauty of God’s creation ... realizing in thanks that you are a part of an amazing and varied web of life ... But all is not well with that web of life.”
She heard Desmond Tutu speak at an international gathering of scientists and world leaders in 2007. “He chose as his text Moses’ speech from Deuteronomy: ‘Behold I set before you life and death. Therefore, choose life, that you and your descendants may live.’ He testified regarding the urgent need for all of us to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels, reduce our carbon footprint, for the sake of future generations.” Barbara continued, “Bishop Tutu knows how great is our responsibility for the choices we face in this moment. The science makes clear that we live at an urgent moment for our planet, facing important choices that will mean the difference between life and death ...
“You may not be feeling climate change yet, but the fact is that many of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people are. All of us face fundamental questions such as how to restructure our economy for a renewable energy future, how to grow our food more sustainably, how to deal with global conflicts as resources become scarce, how to revitalize our local communities. How will we — our churches, our world — face this moment, and cross over to a more sustainable way of life before it is too late?
“I believe the church has an amazing opportunity to claim this moment for good, for helping people discover the true meaning of abundant life not as more and more stuff, not as bigger and bigger houses ... but as something deeper — as community, as the sense of meaning and purpose, as the church Jesus taught us to be ...
“Environmentalist Bill McKibben lays out some of the social science research on happiness in his book Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future. What makes people happy past a pretty low monetary threshold, it turns out, is not more money, but relationships, community, a sense of purpose ... This is something the church can build on!
“The climate crisis can be an opportunity for evangelism, for sharing that message of true abundance — God’s abundance — with the world. Limestone Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware, has put 180 solar panels on the roof of their church, and now new people are being drawn into church! Caring for creation is revitalizing ... churches all across the country are working together on nurturing community and nurturing creation.
“Bible study, too, can awaken us to the wonder of creation. I’m honored to be writing your Bible study for 2010–2011 on the book of Revelation. I believe the Bible — the book of Revelation — its vision of transformation can help us find the healing we need ... The river of life, the tree of life, the shepherding Lamb who wipes away our tears — these beautiful images of renewal and healing from Revelation can give us vision and courage, as we stand ready to cross over into a new future.”
Magdalena I. García, writer of the plenary liturgy, reflected on Joshua 3:1–5 and Acts 2:42–47 in “Sanctify Yourselves.”
Charlotte Johnstone, author of “Dispatch from Forbearance Presbyterian Church,” shared stories from Forbearance. She received an Honorary Life Membership for her years of moving Horizons readers to tears, laughter and insights into what all churches have in common.
Jean Marie Peacock, associate presbyter for congregation development and disaster recovery for the Presbytery of South Louisiana, brought stories of faith, hope and new life in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Carol Smolenski, executive director of ECPAT-USA (End Child Prostitution and Trafficking) spoke on the realities of human trafficking, nationally and internationally.
Julia Thorne, attorney in the PC(USA)’s office of immigration, shared stories of Presbyterian brothers and sisters suffering under current immigration legislation.
Twenty PC(USA) mission coworkers, soon to serve in places ranging from Nicaragua to Taiwan, and two Young Adult Volunteers, were commissioned to their work.
Guss Yellow Hair and Fern Cloud performed a moving tribute to their 17-year-old son who had been slated to perform hoop dance at the Gathering but died in December 2008.
Looking for more on the 2009 Churchwide Gathering? Visit the Gathering Web site for highlights, interviews, stories and photos galleries as well as video clips of Gathering plenary presentations, Horizons skits and scripts of plenary presentations, with accompanying PowerPoint slides, Scripts and PowerPoint presentations will be available for download. Visit frequently for updates!
Also, read the September/October 2009 issue of Horizons, which features Gathering highlights, as well as text from Margaret Aymer’s plenary presentation and a devotional by Marta Rodríguez, newly elected PW moderator.
A Gathering wrap-up video will not be produced, due to budget concerns. However, a new promotional DVD will be created for the 2012 Gathering in Orlando, Florida. Clips from the 2009 Gathering will be part of that DVD. Feel free to contact Susan Jackson Dowd with questions or concerns.
Planning ahead — Orlando in 2012
Your new Churchwide Coordinating Team has already begun work on the next Gathering! Even as you read this newsletter, committees are being formed to plan that Gathering, which will be held in Orlando, Florida, July 22–26! The 2012 Gathering Planning Team will meet in Louisville in September to choose a theme and begin work within committees.
As Wilma Bennett and Lois Carter, recent Gathering Planning chairs, can tell you, it takes the entire three years to plan one of these events! They are rich and varied events with so much to experience, the only way to hear all of it is to attend! Plan now to attend the 2012 Gathering in Orlando, July 22–26!
Creative Ministries Offering Committee
By Janet Sullivan
After a decade of war, if there is anything that the teachers and children of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) need, it is encouragement and resources! Presbyterian women have provided both. We of the PC(USA)’s Congo Education Team are very excited about the progress that the schools of the Congo are making because of the support they have received from Presbyterian Women.
In May 2007 and 2008, a team of U.S. Presbyterians, guided by Jeff Boyd, the PC(USA)’s liaison to Central Africa, met with three teams of Congolese Presbyterian educators and church leaders to facilitate a strategic planning process focused on strengthening the 673 Presbyterian primary and secondary schools in the DRC. The Education Excellence Project was born of these meetings. The Congolese identified four critical goals: 1) improving the quality of teaching by developing teacher training programs; 2) equipping teachers with textbooks in all subjects; 3) improving education consultation by providing vehicles for school supervisors; and 4) improving education environments by renovating or replacing more than 300 deteriorating school buildings. This project is a huge undertaking; however, education teams from Kinshasa, East Kasai, West Kasai and the United States believe that "with God all things are possible.
Presbyterian women gave a major boost to the Education Excellence Project by designating part of their 2008 Birthday Offering for Congo's schools. Exciting things are happening as a result: tin roofs are replacing grass thatch on rural schools near Kinshasa; a teacher training institute was held in May and another is planned for August in the Kasais; construction of a new building has begun at Mulunguyi Cha-Cha-Cha primary school; repairs are underway at Institute Presbyterian de Katoka; science books are being purchased for teachers in Mbuji Mayi, Kananga and Mweka; and a motorbike has been purchased for education supervisors, making it possible to carry supplies and provide consultation to remote schools.
Much work remains to be done to improve the quality of education for the 160,000 Congolese students in Presbyterian schools, but the Congolese are greatly encouraged by the support that Presbyterian Women has provided and they plan to continue progressing toward their goals until their schools are strong.
The arrival of Gwenda Fletcher, the new PC(USA) education consultant in the Kasais, has given additional hope to the Kasai educators. Gwenda's presence will be a regular reminder of the love of Christian sisters and brothers in the United States for the people of the Congo.
She will be a collaborator on the educational initiatives of
the Presbyterian Church of the Congo.
Please join in prayer for the teachers, students, parents and church leaders who are trying to see God-given talents flourish and bear fruit for this country in need. Please pray also for an end to the war, which drains life from the Congo and takes resources that ought to build up society rather than destroy it.
Please consider joining the Congo Education Team of the PC(USA) and contributing to the “Education Excellence Project.” For information, contact Jeff Boyd, Gwenda Fletcher or Jan Sullivan.
Mission Relations Committee
The Together in Service Guide revisions are now available.
Two PW Presbyterian Disaster Assistance work trips are being planned for the Texas Gulf Coast area and the area in Iowa recovering from flooding. The Gulf Coast group will be assisting with recovery from Hurricane Ike, which hit the area in 2008. Stay tuned for more news and dates for each of these trips. In the meantime, if you are interested in participating in either one of these mission opportunities in partnership with PDA, we have been advised that Lowe’s and Home Depot offer classes on how to do such things as install drywall.
Final plans are underway for locations to be visited during the September 9–16, 2010, USA Mission Experience to the Dakotas. Several Native American reservations, schools, churches and tribal colleges are on the list as well as some historical sites. More information about the 2010 USAME will be available by year’s end.
Justice and Peace Committee
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) will convene its 54th session on March 1, 2010 to address the theme, review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action and the outcome of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly. Special session participants affirmed |the goals and objectives of the Declaration and pledged to ensure their realization. Presbyterian Women will form a delegation to attend the meeting to work with Ecumenical Women to affect the wording of the Agreed Conclusions of this meeting. Contact Ann Ferguson in September for an application to become part of the delegation.
September 21
International Day of Peace
September 22
Native American Day
September 27
Evangelism Sunday
October
Domestic Violence Awareness Month*
October 4
World Communion Sunday
October 16
World Food Day
October 18
Children’s Sabbath
November 15–20
United Nations Advocacy Week
* Get a 16-day plan of activism about domestic violence from Rutgers University
Horizons Magazine
Churchwide Gathering attendees, we were happily, joyously overwhelmed by your support of Horizons magazine, demonstrated by lots of new subscriptions, renewals and gift subscriptions! And many of you, subscribers and Horizons reps alike, willingly stepped up to have your photo taken to grace a “cover” of Horizons magazine. Thank you.
If you were not able to pick up your photo at the Gathering and do not receive it in the mail by September 20, call (888) 728-7228 x5322.
A hearty thank-you to all Horizons readers who responded to the recent Horizons reader survey. Your answers will help guide future content of the magazine and also better identify the best fit for future advertisers.
Why advertising? Accepting some advertising will help Horizons stay “on the horizon.” It’s no secret that the economy is pinching the pocketbooks of many magazines (people, too!) as printing and mailing costs continue to escalate. Sharing the expense of these things through even a limited advertising program should help keep the subscription price from escalating at the same pace as expenses; as an added bonus, readers will learn about programs and products of interest. (And yes, this program will be limited and will adhere to the advertising guidelines established by the Horizons Editorial Committee.)
- Tucked into the new Horizons subscription card and renewal letter is an opportunity for Horizons readers to add extra money over and above the subscription price to lend support to the publishing mission of Presbyterian Women. The response just confirms what everyone in the church already knows: Presbyterian women — and Horizons readers, in particular — never miss an opportunity to care much and give generously. (You may donate to the publishing mission of Presbyterian Women each time you renew, subscribe or give a Horizons subscription. You also may give by sending a separate tax-deductible gift to Horizons magazine, “Donation to publishing mission” in the memo line.)
- A special thank-you to the readers who have given a little and a lot to support so much! Your kind generosity ensures that Presbyterian Women will continue to respond to and communicate the needs of the world with relevance, wisdom and love.
PC(USA) Mission
Presbyterian women are invited to support World Mission Challenge 2009. Be sure your presbytery is on board!
Similar to Mission Challenge ’07, the event will send speakers to more than 150 presbyteries to tell stories of how God is at work in and through our mission workers and global partners. Contact Ellen Dozier for more information.
Following World Mission Challenge, hundreds of Presbyterians will gather in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 22–24 for World Mission Celebration ’09: Branches of the Same Vine. If you are passionate about mission, make plans to attend this conference where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with people who share your mission interests. Register now.
The Orphan and Vulnerable Children’s (OVC) wrap, designed by Presbyterian Women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was introduced during the Churchwide Gathering on the Bandstand Stage. Monique Misenga, director of the Department of Women and Children for the Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa (CPK), relayed the dire situation of children in DRC. Attendees were concerned about the increasing number of orphans and what they could do to help. Monique told the crowd, “Pray, and get a wrap to tell the story of the children.” By making a contribution of $50 or more, you can support the children’s programs of PCUSA’s partners in Africa. Learn more about the wraps.
Leadership Enhancement
Now that the 2009–2012 triennium has officially started, the LEC (Leadership Enhancement Committee) wants to share with you some exciting news about the 2010 national PW leadership training event that it is in the process of designing.
PW at its best provides spiritual growth, mission opportunities, fellowship with other women, chances to work for justice and peace, and new and different ways to work for the Presbyterian Church and God’s kingdom. The national PW leadership training is intended to help women of the PC(USA) experience the joy of being a part of PW and become contributing members of this organization by sharing their gifts.
The 2007 training event was wonderful and much of what was hoped for was accomplished, but many women in the congregations still feel the need for help in making PW a meaningful part of their lives. The 2010 event is being planned with this in mind. Its tentative plan includes a time for participants to meet and think together in small groups about how PW is or is not organized and engaged in congregations.
Following assessment, participants will develop strategies for strengthening capacities and creatively and appropriately responding to the needs identified in different types of situations.
Lastly, participants from each synod will meet by themselves and make a plan of action for leading their synod’s efforts to empower women so that they may become active in the life and ministries of Presbyterian Women (PW) at the congregational level. The training event is scheduled to happen immediately preceding the August 2010 Churchwide Coordinating Team meeting.
Gathering Goodies
Yes, you may still purchase several of the goodies you spotted at the Resource Mart during the Churchwide Gathering. Quantities are limited. Order all items from Presbyterian Distribution Service at (800) 524-2612.
The Women’s Handiwork Project in Huari Khrai, Thailand, created these totes. The Handiwork Project helps keep women and children from falling prey to the sex industry. All totes are black; each has subtle variations in the ribbon detail. Item CWG-09-037; $20.00
This handy highlighter’s “petals” feature five fabulous colors! Perfect for your favorite student, session member, pastor or other busy person! Highlight favorite passages in your Horizons magazine or Bible study. Features the 2009 Churchwide Gathering logo! While supplies last! Item CWG-09-035; $3.00
A half-ounce bottle of hand sanitizer in a blue neoprene sleeve includes a durable snap clip, suitable for attaching to key rings, belt loops, handbags and totes. Blue sleeve features the PW logo and the PW web address. Item CWG-09-033; $3.00
Keep your keyboard free of dust with this brush that includes the words of the theme of the Churchwide Gathering, “God will do wonders among you!” Includes a frosted translucent color case and matching bristles. Brush slides up for use and down for clean storage. Item CWG-09-034; $3.00
Promote Presbyterian Women and Horizons with this inexpensive give-away at your spring and fall meetings. Affordably priced; give one to each member of your circle! One side features the PW Purpose, the other features subscription information for Horizons. The magnet keeps the bookmark in place. Measures 2" x 4.25". Item PWR-09-258; $0.50
Featured in plenary processionals. Aluminum cross with lovely detail. Hand embossed. Each measures 8" x 6". Item CWG-09-040; $15.00
Clear glass ornament with etched CWG logo will dress up any window or Christmas tree. Includes golden cord. Item CWG-09-039; $12.00 (special!) (The PW logo ornament/suncatcher is still available, too; item PWR-08-405; $20.00)
Enjoy the beautiful 2009 Churchwide Gathering logo every day with this full-color stained-glass-like ornament. Measures 4." Item CWG-09-036; $15.00
This PW logo mini coaster fits into many types of auto, RV and boat beverage holders. Measures 2.65" in diameter. Notch allows for easy removal of coaster from holder. Item PWR-09-400; $5.00
Your Gathering t-shirt, of course! $12 plus shipping, while they last.
CWG-09-113; small, black
CWG-09-114; medium, black
CWG-09-115; large, black
CWG-09-116; XL, black
CWG-09-117; 2XL, black
CWG-09-118; 3XL, black
CWG-09-119; small, white
CWG-09-120; medium, white
CWG-09-121; large, white
CWG-09-122; XL, white
CWG-09-124; 3XL, white
Attention, Horizons reps!
The first of Mary Jorgenson’s three brand new Horizons skits premiered on Monday, July 13, at the Churchwide Gathering. Skits Two and Three were performed on Tuesday, July 14. All were received with great acclaim! Want to read these skits for inspiration and sheer enjoyment? Have them performed at an upcoming gathering? If so, you may order your skits (all three together under one staple) from Presbyterian Distribution Service, (800) 524-2612; ask for item CWG-09-038. You may photocopy and perform these skits at any upcoming Presbyterian Women gathering.
Author nominations sought for the 2013–2014 Horizons Bible study on migration in Exodus and Deuteronomy!
It’s hard to believe, but once again, it’s that time of year — time to nominate authors for an upcoming Horizons Bible study! The 2013–2014 study will focus on migration as expressed through the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. Do you know a qualified woman to author such an important study? Then nominate her to be considered by the 2010 Bible study committee of the Churchwide Coordinating Team! The committee will meet in March 2010.
Nomination forms are available on the Horizons Web site or contact Ashley Meyer at (888) 728-7228, x5366. Send your completed nomination forms in by February 1, 2010. And thanks for helping find the best authors out there!
PW Leadership Resources
Preview the Presbyterian Women antiracism program resource packet with this sampler available in limited quantities from Presbyterian Distribution Service (call toll-free (800) 524-2612). The sampler provides an overview of the Racial Ethnic Dialog, the Antiracism Initiative and the Women of Color Consultation. It provides information on training to become an antiracism facilitator and includes information for a variety of support resources available for your antiracism work. Item CWG-09-100; Free
If you or your planning team has ordered promotional materials or other items (such as PW apparel or tote bags) from the PW marketing department, please take a minute to ensure that your invoice for shipping and/or items hasn’t been misplaced under that stack of church bulletins and stray keys adrift in a folder or tote bag. Your effort is much appreciated! Questions? Contact Carissa Herold at (888) 728-7228, x 5322).
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