Celebration Corners/Great Room

By Florence Vargas

Creation! Celebration!
God's Word—Light for the Journey

The dynamic theme for the 2006 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women gives birth to a new place on the PW Gathering map—Celebration Corners/Great Room. At the 2000 and 2003 Gatherings, a visit to the Great Room was essential. Where else could Gathering participants learn about important PW and PC(USA) programs, enjoy performances, meet PW staff, participate in mission projects and shop fair trade? At the 2006 Gathering, Celebration Corners/Great Room will feature many of these same elements, with exciting new opportunities.

Enjoy Creation
At the Community Center in the Village Green, Gathering participants can create their own liturgical art pieces, such as prayer beads, and craft projects that interpret each day's theme. Materials and instructions will be provided.

God's magnificent creation, the diversity of God's people, can be experienced at Casa Internacional, where conversations with Global Partners will take place. Exhibits in Casa Internacional will display items from Global Partners' native countries.

The Enough for Everyone Global Marketplace is a wonderful place to shop for fair trade gifts and souvenirs for friends and family who could not come to the Gathering. Buy unique items while supporting mission projects!

Join the Celebrations
In the Church, exhibits and knowledgeable volunteers will enlighten Gathering participants on mission pledges, mission opportunities and the Birthday and Thank Offerings.

The Mobile Health Education Van will be known as the Clinic. This van, supported by the 2004 Birthday Offering, will be shared by National Health Ministries and Mid-Kentucky and Transylvania Presbyteries. Gathering participants can visit the Clinic for blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and hearing screenings.

The Village Green will be the stage for live entertainment and informal conversations with guest speakers, church officials and presenters.

See, Hear and Read God's Word
The General Store will have PW and PC(USA) program resources. Exhibition Hall/Exposition Center will feature exhibits from church entities and organizations. Horizons will be the Library with creative ideas, displays and materials.

Find Light for the Journey
The Visitor's Bureau, formerly known as the Information Desk, will offer directions to landmarks in Celebration Corners and provide other pertinent Gathering information.

Celebration Corners still will include favorite elements from past Great Rooms. Look for the Health Club which will offer massages and manicures; email stations at the Cyber Café; and refreshments and a place to meet friends in Korner's Kitchen. The much-appreciated Living Logo also will have a special place.

Celebration Corners will be open Friday, Saturday and Monday, July 7, 8 and 10 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 9, 1:30–7:30 p.m. The doors to Celebration Corners/Great Room will open Saturday, July 8 with the Celebration Parade after the morning plenary session. Everyone is invited to attend!

One visit—or several!—to Celebration Corners is a must on the 2006 PW Gathering schedule. Celebrate, envision God's Word and take home resources and new experiences to serve as light for your journey!