pw synod of the covenant newsletter november 2012...
TRANSCRIPT
MODERATOR - 2014 Judith Oeder 4633 Prestige Lane Hilliard, OH 43026 614-561-9458 [email protected] VICE MOD. STUDIES & SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT - 2012 Sarah Juntune P.O.Box 1072 Bellaire, MI 49615 231-533-9403 [email protected]
VICE MOD. MISSION INTERPRETATION – Claudia Meyke 15045 Grapeland Avenue Cleveland, OH 44111 216-251-5724 (H) 216-926-8564 (C) [email protected] VICE MOD. JUSTICE & PEACE - 2016 Marvella Lambright 2835 Otterbein Avenue Dayton, OH 45406 937-838-3780 (home) 937-278-4203 (work) [email protected]
SECRETARY - 2014 Florence Morrison 14068 Bay View Avenue Traverse City, MI 49686 231-223-7195 [email protected] TREASURER - 2012 Sara Gresh 31729 Commodore Ct. Avon Lake, OH 44012 440-930-2635 (H)
440-541-6308 (C) [email protected]
HISTORIAN - Open
PW Synod of the Covenant Newsletter November 2012 Nurture Faith, Support Mission, Work for Justice and Peace and Build Community
From the Moderator, Judy Oeder It is hard to believe that summer is half over! I always think that I will take some time, relax, get some reading done, and just generally do very little during the summer months. Summer is sort of “me” time. Or is it? Here I am in mid-July wondering where my summer of leisure time has gone. I haven’t even started the projects that I wanted to finish in the spring! I am not really complaining. Life is going just the way I plan it. The PW Synod Gathering was wonderful and very uplifting. A week in Virginia, learning more about my hobby of bobbin lace-making was rewarding. I also spent ten days babysitting for my two youngest grandchildren (ages 4 ½ & 2 ½) while their parents were on a trip. Being grandma is the best. I have been busy and am quite happy and also exhausted. I also wonder where my time with God is in all this busyness. I have heard and read about the importance of Sabbath Keeping: a time set aside to pray, meditate or just listen and be open to God. This morning, I even listened to a segment on the Today Show about how meditating, practicing breathing, and just sitting quietly can benefit your health and well being. In all the busy things that make up my life, I sometimes forget to be still and know that I am in the presence of God. God is always there waiting for me to take the time, to share my life, and to lift me up. Summer, unlike the more structured seasons, seems to be a time when I really need to remind myself of these things. It isn’t “me” time; it should always be “God time”. I hope your summer is going the way you plan it and that you make the time to have God share it all with you.
Blessings,
Judy
From the Vice Moderator for Mission Interpretation, Claudia Meyke
For PW Synod Newsletter:
Many of you who attended the Synod Gathering in Findlay in June were able to participate in “hands on” mission. The yards of fleece that each presbytery brought were edged with fringe. The bright colors and fun prints made this a fun project! There was also a display and information on Little Dresses for Africa. Originally suggested to be made from pillow cases, some women are now purchasing fabric with more expansive patterns and colors for the little girl dresses. Instructions and patterns were available at http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/
You may have purchased the Together in Service Guide at the gathering. It is filled with suggestions for all kinds of mission projects—from local community to national and global as well. In addition, it contains patterns and instructions for the baby gowns and crocheted baby caps. To receive the Guide, contact Carissa Herold, [email protected]. Cost is $6. Continued on page 2
SYNOD REPRESENTATIVE TO THE CHURCHWIDE COORDINATING TEAM - 2014 Carol Winkler 177 Grant Park Drive Dayton, KY 41074 859-781-7662 (H)
859-991-5079 (C) [email protected]
REGISTRAR - 2015 Leela “Lee” Lohr 3864 Long Road Avon, Ohio 44011 440-934-6757 [email protected] COMMUNICATOR - 2014 Louise Davidson 5823 Rushwood Dr. Dublin, OH 43017-8698 614-792-1289 (H) 614-736-0042 (C) [email protected] GATHERING COORD – 2014 Gene McEvoy (Maumee Valley) 2419 Main Street Findlay, OH 45840 419-422-4151 [email protected]. LEADERSHIP COORD. – 2016 Laura Hovland 1003 Anderson Hills Drive Cincinnati, OH 45230 513-232-2783 [email protected] CHURCH WOMEN UNITED MICHIGAN - 2011 Lois Poston (Detroit) 288 Shirley Birmingham, MI 48009 248-646-9574 [email protected] CHURCH WOMEN UNITED OHIO - 2012 Ann Wood (Cincinnati) 9840 Montgomery Rd. #3304 Cincinnati, OH 45242 [email protected]
Special emphasis in April focused on the Roma Project in honor of International Roma Day, April 8th, the third in a series of resources for learning about and praying for the Roma in Europe. For more information about what you can do go to www.pcusa.org/resource/prayer-and-thanksgiving-roma-2013/ for the 2013 resource.
Presbyterian women in local congregations are continuing to support Healthy Women Healthy Families by purchasing Mother’s Day Cards. This year the program is being expanded from the original four African countries to include other countries around the world where Presbyterians work with partner churches helping families struggling in poverty. Plan ahead for 2014. Mother’s Day cards are available at no cost by contacting Toni Roppel in World Mission: [email protected] or 800-728-7228 x5279.
A joint program of PC(USA) World Mission and Presbyterian Women, the Mother’s Day Project is a simple and meaningful mission activity that Presbyterians have supported since 2001.
I am hoping to hear about what women in your local congregation are doing in the way of mission projects. We need to share this information with one another. (Editor: Contact information on page 1.)
From the Vice Moderator for Studies and Spiritual Development, Sarah Juntune
The Spirituality Center at the Synod Gathering in Findlay was well received. The most common comment was appreciation for the quiet time and quiet activities, allowing for personal spiritual reflection. The variety of activities allowed for both solitude and quiet togetherness. Some women made prayer bracelets or worked on mandalas. Others walked the Labyrinth or the Stations of the Cross. Many wrote a prayer to post on the Prayer Wall. Please take a moment and share some of their prayers yourself.
“Thank you, God, for all your forgiveness and your love and kindness.” “Gracious God, I admit to my sins. Please forgive me.” “You are the Great I AM, Lord.” “Why, O God, must our people suffer.” “O God, please help me to help others learn your ways.” “Loving God, I pray for all our friends who have been ill and depressed.” “I pray for healing for my (husband / son / daughter / sister / friend).” “I praise you, great Creator, for nature, which reminds me that we need to take time to renew ourselves.” “Dear Lord, Forgive me for my judgmental attitude.” “Why, O Lord, do I hurt all the time?” “Father, I admit that I want to please others, when I only need to please you.” “Loving God, I pray for all those who are hungry and lonely.” “Thank you, O God, for all our leaders, from great to small. Be with them all; give them quiet moments and be with each one.” “Help me continue on without my husband. “I pray, Loving God, for all those who are seeking jobs without success and are discouraged.” “Why, Lord, are temptations so difficult to pass up?” “Lord, please help me be quiet and patient, so I can wait and hear your answers to my prayers.” ”Thank you for calling women of faith together to learn more about you and each other.”
“Please help me in my faith journey.” Sarah Page 2
SEARCH COMMITTEE CHAIR - 2014 Nancy Duffield (Detroit) 3730 Lakewood Drive Waterford, MI 48329 248-673-3403 [email protected] SEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2015 Chris Wolf (Lake Huron) 3651 S. Sandusky Rd. Peck, MI 48466 810-378-4955 (h) /989-635-3325 (church) [email protected]
Alyce Ann Schmidt (Maumee Valley) 1708 Oak Dr Fremont, OH 43420 419-332-9664 [email protected] SEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2016 Jan Hart (Western Reserve) 400 Parkside Dr. Bay Village, OH 44140 440-871-9056 [email protected] Pat Scheid (Lake Michigan) 1095 North Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49017 296-963-5431 269-967-8074 (cell) [email protected]
From the Vice Moderator for Justice and Peace, Marvella Lambright
As the new Vice-Moderator of Peace and Justice, I would like to introduce myself by commenting on several Peace and Justice Issues:
Church Leaders of the PCUSA are reacting to the verdict of the six jurors in the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman Case. Some pastors are preaching sermons, churches are having dialogues and church members are trying to adjust to demonstrations being held in their own or nearby cities. I will be working on a Resolution with several Board Members of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus to present for a vote at our 2013 Convention at the Big Tent.
Some of us are concerned that this case is as critical to race relations as the death of Emmit Till or the murders of the Civil Rights Workers, Goodman, Chaney, and Swerner. Last year, during Black History Month, I heard a college professor state that these killings became the “turning point” in the Civil Rights Movement. People realized that there were some injustices that could not continue to happen. Now is the time for the dialogue to begin in our homes, churches, civic organizations and State Legislatures. I am reading various resources to become more familiar with this issue. Here are several that have been recommended by PC(USA). Let’s start the dialogue.
Church leaders issued statements on the George Zimmerman trial - Please cut and paste the links below in your browser to see a statement from Gradye Parsons, Linda Valentine and Neal Presa on the George Zimmerman trial: http://www.pcusa.org/news/2013/7/15/church-leaders-issue-statement-george-zimmerman-tr/ This statement is also posted on the www.pcusa.org<http://www.pcusa.org> website, click on "View All News" or click on: http://www.pcusa.org/news/archives/2013/7/ Also, please visit the Racial Justice website - http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/racialjustice/ and see a pastoral letter from Nancy Benson-Nicol and also a copy of A Service of Prayer and Scripture in Response to Tragedy. Or cut and paste, the links below: Pastoral Letter: http://www.presbyterianmission.org/media/uploads/news/pdfs/trayvon_pastoral_letter.pdf A Service of Prayer and Scripture in Response to Tragedy: the Trayvon Martin Shooting Death Verdict http://www.presbyterianmission.org/media/uploads/news/pdfs/service_of_prayer_and_scripture_trayvon_martin
“Why is it so Difficult to Talk About Racism?” by Michelle Hwang and Nancy Ramsay: http://www.thethoughtfulchristian.com/Products/TC0378/why-is-it-so-difficult-to-talk-about-racism.aspx
Resources from Presbyterian Women - Coming soon - Please check back on the Presbyterian Women Website for a link to the downloadable resource] "Practicing God’s Radical Hospitality: Exploring Difference, Change and Leadership Through the Spiritual Discipline of Hospitality." written by Rev. Dr. Teresa Chavez Sauceda, edited by Rev. Dr. Unzu Lee.
A resolution on fostering inclusive and diverse communities—Structural Review of Presbyterian Women from an Antiracist Perspective Report and Recommendations (Approved by the Voting Representatives 2003 Churchwide Business Meeting): http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/pw/pdfs/2012resstrucrev.pdf Page 3
Marvella Lambright, continued.
“Unto These Hills” Mission to the USA Experience was taken by 26 Presbyterian Women from all over the USA. We had the most amazing time. I can hardly wait to share it with you and the women of your Presbytery, congregation or circle. We arrived in Asheville, NC, traveled to Greenville, TN and back again. We witnessed and listened to representatives from over a dozen inspirational and spiritual Presbyterian and community groups for ten days. I cannot share with you in such a small space here. I really want you to invite me to share this Appalachian experiential exhibit, Blue Grass music and factors of poverty simulation. You will be led on an emotional, but uplifting journey with us.
Another topic I’d like to share relates to my trip to Ireland, Peacemaking in the Celtic Tradition in April 2013 with the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. We met with and were the guests of the most phenomenal people. I am preparing an exhibit at the Dayton International Peace Museum in November 2013 for school children and the general public. Stay in touch. A link will be given out so you can get more information later.
Narvella Note: Marvella’s contact information is on page 1. Her home address is changing so use her cell phone or email address until we have the new information.
From the Search Committee Moderator, Nancy Duffield The Search Committee is looking for a number of good women … women who are willing to give some time, thought and effort to keeping PWSOC strong and a viable part of the Presbyterian Church’s presence in this often chaotic world of ours. Many of you have been scrap-booking and a lot of you are interested in history. We have an opening for a Historian. Historians can take photos, collect memorabilia and put them together in a book that can be displayed at any of our meetings. It will serve well to preserve our history and make us mindful of what we do and what we have done. Please let me know if you have these interests. In a couple of weeks, there are a number of other jobs that are coming available and you will soon be hearing from one of the Search Committee members. Please be receptive of their request and prayerfully consider being a part of the PW in the Synod of the Covenant Coordinating Team. You will love the work and the comradeship. Give it a try! Call Nancy, 248-673-3403, to give her your own name and the names of other women who can provide leadership for our future. Other Search Committee members are Jan Hart, Chris Wolf, Alice Ann Schmidt and Pat Scheid. See page 3 for contact information. “PW in the Synod are definitely generous!” So said Sara Gresh in reporting the Offering of Presbyterian Women in the Synod as they gathered in Findlay in June.
The Gathering Offering was to be divided with 10% given in thanks to Findlay First Presbyterian Church for its hospitality during the event. The remaining 90% will be given to support the work of End Child Prostitution, Trafficking and Pornography. Better known as ECPAT, the organization has worked in the US and across the globe to end the trafficking of children into sexual slavery.
Since 1996 when the Global Exchange studied tourism and child prostitution in Southeast Asia, PW has worked at ending this terrible human rights violation. ECPAT has been effective in getting laws passed in many nations to stop the abuse. Thank you, PW for helping ECPAT continue its work! Page 4
Marvella reads about the Paint Clan of Indians on the
Cherokee Indian Reservation, Cherokee, NC.
The Synod Gathering In Findlay Was a Joyful Event
Lois Rogers, Betty Kennedy Claudia Meyke, Joann Clever, Sarah Juntune and Alyce Ann Schmitt share a happy moment at the PWSoC Coordinating Team meeting!
Song Leaders,Laurel Labbe and DeniseHowell were wonderful!!
Keynoter Betsy Ensign-George taught us about the Bible
Horizons Study and leading it! A glowing presence!!
Laurel and Denise kept us moving!
Denise led the Gathering Choir with Laurel’s
accompaniment.
We shopped! Carissa Herold, second from the right, brought PW resources from the Bible Study to PW aprons!
The Coordinating Team: Left to right, Front: Sarah Juntune, Pat Schied, Claudia Meyke, Alyce Ann Schmidt, Carol Winkler, Back: Gene McEvoy, Judy Oeder, Laura Hovland, Lee Lohr, Florence Morrison, Sara Gresh, and Louise Davidson.
Page 5
More Gathering Moments
Dana Bourne, Maumee Valley PW Moderator and hardworking staff at Findlay First Presbyterian! Thanks, Dana!!
Meagan Manas, Staff Specialist for Justice and Peace on the Churchwide Staff of Presbyterian Women, led two workshops.
Tied fleece blankets for nursing homes and little dresses for Africa provided hands on mission (blankets) and an idea for a mission project (dresses) to benefit young African girls.
The Rev. Darcy Metcalfe and Sarah Juntune were our worship leaders.
We had a wonderful time!! See you next year!
Respond to a call for peace in a land called ‘holy’ Presbyterian Peacemaking Conference
April 28 – May 10, 2014 The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program’s Mosaic of Peace conference invites Presbyterians to experience Israel/Palestine, encounter its diverse people, explore its rich history and complex current situation, and engage with those who seek its peace. As participants in the conference, individuals will be: Inspired by the stories of Christian peacemakers in the Holy Land, walk in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace and encounter contemporary Palestinians and Israelis; Equipped by engagement with Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders, experience contextual theology and study peacemaking practices within the framework of PC(USA) policy; Connected with global and local partners to take meaningful action for a just and lasting peace in the region. For information: http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/peacemaking/mosaic-peace/ Page 6
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN IN THE SYNOD OF THE COVENANT AUGUST 1, 2012 TO JUNE 7, 2013 – GENERAL ACCOUNT
STATEMENT OF INCOME & EXPENSE
From the Treasurer, Sara Gresh
8/1/11 to 7/31/12
ACTUAL
8/1/12 to 7/31/13
BUDGET
8/1/12 to 6/7/13
ACTUAL
BUDGET 8-1-13 to 7-31-
14
INCOME PW Presbytery Pledges $3,278.40 $3,000.00 $1,712.67 $3,000.00
USA Mission Experience Donations 0.00 2,000.00 300.00 0.00
Global Exchange Donations 300.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Global Exchange Reserve - (from equity) 0.00 350.00 350.00 350.00
PW Churchwide Reserve - (from equity) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Web-Site Fees Collected 50.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Contributions In-Kind 609.10 500.00 484.16 500.00
CT Catering Reimbursements 3.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Calvert Fdn. (Oiko Credit) Interest Earned 117.25 0.00 0.00 0.00
Calvert Fdn. (Oiko Credit) CD Term due $5,743.12 0.00 0.00 0.00
Synod Mission Collected (not PW pledge) 676.78 0.00 0.00 0.00
Presby. Fdn Investment Withdrawal (approved 10/2011) 0.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 2,070.00
TOTAL INCOME $10,777.65 $11,850.00 $8,846.83 $5,920.00
EXPENSES Global Exchange Donations / Subsidy 300.00 350.00 350.00 350.00
USA Mission Experience Donations 0.00 2,000.00 300.00 0.00
Program 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
PW Synod Gathering Committee 0.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00
PW Synod Nominees 0.00 800.00 0.00 800.00
PW Churchwide Reserve 5,995.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00
Church Women United MI 200.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
Church Women United OH 0.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
Honorary Life Memberships 0.00 95.00 0.00 0.00
Administrative: Donation to CT host church (Perrysburg Presbyterian) 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
CT Meeting Lodging 722.15 800.00 744.64 800.00
CT Meeting Meals 385.73 500.00 284.66 350.00
CT Travel 298.58 500.00 255.32 350.00
CT Expenses In-Kind 609.10 500.00 484.16 500.00
Postage 20.91 45.00 44.75 20.00
Printing & Supplies 0.00 50.00 0.00 50.00
Newsletter / Web Site Fees 95.47 288.00 302.00 100.00
Search Committee 0.00 50.00 0.00 50.00
Synod Representative 0.00 0.00 0.00 100.00
Accounting Fees / Review 0.00 150.00 0.00 150.00
Moderator Expenses-ChurchWide Reg. 480.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Synod Mission Collected (not PW pledge) 1,660.53 0.00 0.00 0.00
TOTAL EXPENSES $10,867.47 $8,428.00 $5,065.53 $5,920.00
EXPENSES TO INCOME -$89.82 $3,422.00 $3,781.30 $0.00
2012-2013 budget approved 9/22/12
8/1/12 to 7/31/13
BUDGET
8/1/12 to 6/7/13
ACTUAL Page 7
EQUITY ACCOUNTS Martha Martin Scholarship Fund $5,664.71 $5,664.71
EQUITY ACCOUNTS Martha Martin Scholarship Fund
$5,664.71 $5,664.71 Leadership Development Fund
$1,100.00 $1,100.00
Churchwide Reserve Fund (3 year cycle) year 1 $3,000.00
-$2,000.00
Global Exchange Reserve Fund (3 year cycle) year 1 $1,050.00 -$700.00 TOTAL
$10,814.71 $4,064.71
FYI Presbyterian Investment & Loan (8/1/14) $12,143.82
(24 month note - fixed rate) Interest Earned (1.09%) $98.63 (8/12-5/13)
Checking Account-Fifth Third Bank 6/7/13 $17,021.52 FYI - 5 of the 11 Presbyteries submitting pledges 2012-
2013
Sara reminds us that each Presbytery PW has dues owed to the Synod of the Covenant Presbyterian Women annually to support their meetings and scholarship funds for events. The amount owed is 1½ percent of the total Mission Pledge of the PWP to the Mission Pledge Fund of Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
News of Presbyterian Women in the Presbyteries Western Reserve Presbytery, Sara Gresh, Moderator
PW of Western Reserve Presbytery was graciously hosted by Lakewood Presbyterian Church in Lakewood Ohio on Saturday April 24 for the Spring Gathering, "Nurturing Our Seeds of Faith."
Our day began with a continental breakfast and was followed by election of leaders. The program was a highly informative and entertaining “PW History through Hats” led by former PW Moderator Jan Hart and friends. This program was extremely well received.
Everyone participated in the two workshops held next. The first was on Centering Prayer led by Lee Hart of Fairmount Presbyterian Church. Lee led us in a discussion of the various types of prayer and explained Centering Prayer. She then gave us the opportunity to experience this through an exercise. The second workshop, Art With a Purpose, was offered by Gladys Kershaw of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. There were various art projects focusing on the PW Purpose.
We then shared a delicious soup and salad lunch and fellowship. The worship service included installation of the newly elected leaders, receiving and dedicating the Least Coin and Birthday Offerings, and commissioning women planning to attend the Synod Gathering.
The newly elected leaders are working on plans for our Fall Gathering to be held Saturday, October 19 and hosted by First Presbyterian in Willoughby, Ohio. Our working theme is "Hunger, Justice, and Peace."
Scioto Valley Presbytery, Betty Kennedy, Moderator An Abiding Hope is the theme chosen by our CT for the year 2013-14. An abiding Hope for Study and Spiritual Development, Mission Interpretation, Justice and Peace and Leadership Development will be presented this year.
Mary Jorgenson, Churchwide Moderator, Noelle Damico, Associate for Fair Food for Presbyterian Hunger Program and Coordinator for PC(USA) campaign for Fair Food and Esther Wakeman, serving Christ in Thailand will be some of the presenters at Gatherings.
Celebrating 25 years of PW, the CT has challenged women to participate in the $25 for 25 campaign! At the Fall Gathering, churches will be invited to bring items they are selling for mission projects so we can help each other raise funds.
Plans are complete for programs, places to meet and the slate of leaders is almost complete. Looking for women to help lead us is on-going. Many women have wonderful leadership skills and PW helps discover and develop these.
The Bible Study, An Abiding Hope, will be presented at the Summer Gathering with a packet of "helps" for leaders, along with copies of the Bible Study to purchase.
We are looking forward to a year filled with new information, leadership support and ideas for the mission and ministry of Presbyterian Women here. Page 8
Mackinac Presbytery, Sarah Juntune, Moderator The Spring Gathering was held at the Pickford Church, and the focus was on the Hospice program and the new Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie. New leaders were elected, and the revised bylaws were also approved. Many thanks to the Pickford women for all their hard work. Lake Huron Presbytery, Joanne Clever, Moderator Plans are ongoing for the Fall Gathering in Lake Huron. The event will take place on October 19, 2013 at Westminister Presbyterian Church in Bay City, Michigan. The theme for the day is “Half the Sky—Human Trafficking”. The guest speaker is Katharine Reeves, associate for mission—Churchwide Presbyterian Women in Louisville, KY. The day will begin at 9:30 AM with registration, followed by a brief business meeting and two workshops from 9:30 until 11:45. Lunch will be served from 11:45 until 12:30. Workshops and worship will follow lunch. The workshop topics are “Education” and “Advocacy”. The day ends at 2:45 PM. From Dr. Ernestine Jackson, Lake Huron PW South Area Representative, Chair of Mission, Peace and Justice I am very excited to share with you the mission projects that have taken place during the past two years in the South Area of Lake Huron PW. I am happy to report the mission projects have been planned and implemented by “doing mission” the PW way – responding in love to the needs of God’s people—and by giving PW and other churches, organizations and individuals opportunities to give. In Flint, Trinity United Presbyterian Women and Pastor Desiree Lawson were deeply involved in a Fall Gathering on October 15, 2011 with “Mission in a Handbag”. New and gently used handbags were filled with personal needs items for women who were temporarily housed in emergency shelters in Flint. The handbags (purses) were collected and personally delivered by PW women. We received over 350 purses from women throughout the Lake Huron Presbytery. The highlight of this project was a panel discussion on “Domestic Violence”. The panelist included speakers who were staff members, victims, and a mother of a deceased victim. Louise Brokaw, Lake Huron general presbyter discussed the role of the church in addressing domestic violence. A brief question and answer period followed whereby attendees were given an opportunity
to express concerns and ask questions. In Fenton, Tyrone Community Presbyterian Church and Pastor Linda Living-Hawley demonstrated efficient and effective planning and implementation of the South Area Spring Gathering on May 25, 2012. The mission project was a Youth Summit. Topics included bullying, peer pressure, drug usage, and alternative life styles. Two speakers addressed these topics. Afterward the attendees were divided into four groups to address these topics. Each group recorded and reported back their discussion findings. Focuses questions were:
How does the church help our young people?
How do we assist in presentation of positive and affirming support to our youth?
How are we contributing to our youth? Holly Presbyterian Church hosted the South Area Gathering on May 18, 2013. Laura Parker and Pastor Sharlyn Gates were very actively involved with “The Teens for Christ” in a very unique mission project. The mission project was to give added support to “In the Beginning Baby Pantry”, a ministry of the church and the teenagers who spearheaded this project. With the support of their congregation, a baby pantry is available as a free resource to parents of infants and toddlers who are experiencing “tough times”. Presbyterian women throughout Lake Huron responded to the great demand for baby diapers at this time. There was a great outpouring of donations of diapers and money to purchase diapers and other baby items. Local churches, women’s groups, and individuals responded to the need. The teens led the group on a tour of the Baby Pantry. A delicious lunch followed the program. From Marcia Garcia, Lake Huron Presbytery PW secretary The Spring Gathering in Beaverton at First Presbyterian Church was held on May 11, 2013. The featured guests were the children from the Second Mile Center. This marked the third time Beaverton PW has presented this program. The event was well attended. A donation of $650 was collected and given to the Second Mile Center. Plans for the 2014 Spring Gathering are already being made for May 5, 2014. The theme will be “Women of the Bible”.
Page 9
Presbytery of Detroit, Janet Morton, Past Moderator Presbyterian Women are always busy wherever they are located. Here in the Detroit Presbytery we are now taking a break from meetings. However, as I wrote in my First Quarter report in May we elected Joan Lockard to be our new moderator. It was a wonderful gathering. Later in May, Joan held a leaders training retreat where the past officers and the new one met to learn about the new theme for the 2013-2014 season. Joan took her theme from Galatians 5:22-23. Love: seeks the highest good of others. Joy: gladness that is not based on circumstances. Peace: Contentment, Unity between people. Patience: Thinking. Kindness: Being merciful. Goodness: Generous and Open Hearted. Faithfulness: Loyal and full of Trust. Gentleness: Calm and not threatening, and Self-control: Well behaved. In June 18 women from the Presbytery of Detroit went to the Synod Gathering in Findlay, Ohio. It was a wonderful gathering being with women from our Synod and renewing friendships. This is the last report that I will be doing as Joan will be reporting the next quarter. Thank you all so much for the warm welcome that I received at the Coordinating Team meeting just before the gathering. I will miss each of you, but look forward to Synod and Churchwide gatherings to renew our friendships. God be with you all. Presbytery of Cincinnati, Lois Rogers, Moderator Our Search Committee did a bang-up job finding willing workers for our CT. The new recruits are hitting the ground running, creating the new Yearbook and planning for the August and October gatherings. We will hold our summer gathering on Saturday, August 17th at Pleasant Ridge PC. After a continental breakfast and fellowship, we will have worship, followed by an overview of the 2012-13 Horizons Bible study presented by Rev. Marsha Webster, interim pastor at Westwood PC. We will break into leadership training sessions on various topics. For leadership training, we are preparing folders for the gathering participants with lots of current PW info that can be taken home and shared with their local PW coordinating teams. Our Together in Service project will be a collection of school supplies for a local agency called Crayons to Computers. It is a free store for teachers with low incomestudents where the teachers can choose the items most needed by their students.
We will also dedicate the Birthday Offering, have a business meeting and have a birthday party with cake and ice cream for Presbyterian Women on the 25th year of its inception.
From the Ohio Church Women United Representative, Ann Wood
OHIO CHURCH WOMEN UNITED Fall Area Meetings: Area A – Chair: Michele Alexander – Wed., Sept. 18, 2013, Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1215 Pierce St., Sandusky
Area B – Chair: Ruth Ellen Moore –Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, Trinity Lutheran Church, 600 S. Water St., Kent, 44220
Area C –Chair: Ina Green –Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013; Dayton 8:30-2:30
Area D –Chair: Jeanine Watters –Friday, Sept. 27, 2013 Olivet Church, 428 E. Main St., Columbus, 43215
Area E – Chair: Bernice Allen – Monday, Sept. 16, 2013 Friendship Baptist Church, 920 Third St. SW, Massillon 44646
World Community Day/Human Rights Day Friday, November 1 at various locations In Cincinnati the meeting will be held at Brown Chapel A.M.E.,
beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Our Moderator, Judy Oeder, has written about a concern. She says, “At the PW Synod Gathering in June, there were some questions about the funding for the USA Mission Experience during the Treasurer’s report. The PW/Synod of the Covenant was represented by Marvella Lambright on this year’s USA mission experience. I have sent two previous e-mail messages about how these mission trips are funded. So far only three PW in the Presbytery have responded with a donation. PW in churches are invited to contribute, too. “I am asking you to consider having your PW donate to the expenses that were incurred for this mission experience in June as we met. Marvella, as our representative, has agreed to speak about her experience around our Synod for the next two years without any honorarium in exchange for support in defraying the expenses, still remaining, for the trip. “Any money that you donate should be sent to Sara Gresh, our PW/SoC Treasurer (contact information, page 1) . Thanks for considering helping us to keep these mission opportunities going for our Synod.” Page 10
Deadlines for articles for this Synod of the Covenant Presbyterian Women’s newsletter are:
October 15, 2013 January 15, 2014
April 15, 2014 July 15, 2015
Send files to Louise Davidson, Communicator
Page 11
Presbyterian Women is 25 years old!
In 1988, Presbyterian Women was created, bringing together the best of the women’s organizations from the two denominations that merged to become the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). So for 25 years now, our beloved organization has been witnessing to the promise of God’s kingdom and transforming lives around the world. And of course, this young group is carrying on the more-than-200-year tradition of Presbyterian women meeting, praying and acting together in shared love of God! So in 2013, celebrate with us!
Order the PW 25th anniversary participation pin—available singly ($4) or in a pack of five ($15). Make a gift of $25 (or more!) to the Mission Pledge to mark 25 years of world-changing work. One Presbytery
PW Coordinating Team offers a challenge grant of $1050! Download the “PW . . . Witnessing to the promise for 25 years” logo for your fliers, bulletin boards, etc. Download the timeline "25 Years of Presbyterian Women" to share at your next event. Tell us how you’re celebrating 25 years of Presbyterian Women! Post photos (with captions, please!) on Presbyterian Women’s 25th anniversary Pinterest board. Or post your
photo on PW’s Facebook page. Research your history and prepare a display celebrating your leaders and activities over the last 25 years. Visit http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pw/about-25years/ for more ideas and resources.