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The Pilgrimage page 1
The PilgrimageThe Newsletter of the Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Pacific
From our ModeratorWhat’s Inside this Issue ...
Churchwide Gathering 2018….…5
CT listing… New 2017-2019……13
Global Exchange 2017………..…3
Guatamala, Panajachel……..…8-9
Justice & Peace Notes………..…2
Leadership Enhancement….……4
Mission Report…………….….…..7
Mod+1 Gathering…………………6
Moderator’s Letter……….….……1
Search Committee……….….….10
Syria………………………….…..12
Treasurer’s Report………….…..11
Dear Sisters in Christ:
The weekend after installation as Moderator of PW of the SOP, I drove to Pendleton to attend the fundraising event for Mary Lemm Davis who is the Synod of the Pacific Global Exchange representative to Indonesia September 12-29, 2017. It was a lively event with both silent and live auctions; Mary’s brother was the bono fide auctioneer. Barbara Clark, a previous Global Exchange representative to India, introduced Lori Powell, Moderator of the local church, Jo Carmichael, Moderator of the Presbytery of Eastern Oregon, and Jacquelyn Benjamin, Moderator of the Synod of the Pacific!
Barbara has an upcoming trip to Lebanon and Syria. She is excited to be going! When she shared that she was going with friends, she was baffled that some commented, ‘Why would you go there under the current circumstances?’ Without thinking, I responded to Barbara, ‘You are going as an Ambassador of Christ!’ (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Yes, all of us as baptized Christians are to be Ambassadors of Christ wherever we go, whatever we do. We who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, who believe that in Jesus we find our purpose for living, cannot do otherwise than joyfully share this Good News, the Message, with others!
Another journey that I have been traveling during the months of 2017 is grieving for my husband, Immanuel Benjamin, who died on January 8, 2017. I was fortunate to have a hospice nurse come to our home, giving me time to be with Immanuel for those last few minutes before his body was removed by the mortician. What a terrible emptiness!!
We each travel our individual journey through caretaking and loss. To help in my healing process a good friend sent me a book of daily meditations entitled Healing After Loss by Martha Whitmore Hickman. I saw Sheryl Sandberg on TV and am reading her book Option B. Then there is music. My most favorite CD of all time is “Troubadour of the Great King” sung by John Michael Talbot. When I listen to the voice/music I am transported to places of great delight.
Please make your personal and group offerings for the Global Exchange Indonesia trip of Mary Lemm Davis. Send donations to PW Synod Treasurer Vicki Hautala, 31865 Little Valley Road, Fort Bragg, CA 95437.
For your summer reading, may I suggest the 13 chapters of the Book of Hebrews, once, twice or more, in preparation for the Horizons Bible Study ‘Cloud of Witnesses’ coming up next fall.
And remember, we are called individually and as groups to be Ambassadors of Christ, in all we do, whether we are leaders or followers. May God be with you and richly bless each of you!
Jackie Jackie Benjamin, PWS Moderator
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Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it.
I want fairness—rivers of it.
That’s what I want. That’s all I want.
—God
(Amos 5:21-24, The Message) Thank you so much for the opportunity to attend the Compassion, Peace, and Justice Training Day at New York
Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C. as well as Ecumenical Advocacy Days on April 21-24, 2017. We worshipped, we listened, we learned, we continued connecting with Congress to witness to God’s Kingdom. I was thrilled to see young Presbyterian women of every ethnic group taking the lead at every level of the ministries of PC(USA). Their passion, competence and courage astound me. We Presbyterian Women have done our mentoring well. We have given these women examples to follow. They may have chosen to work in venues other than PW to build inclusive, caring communities, but we need to continue to support them by listening to them, encouraging them, and seeing that their financial needs are met, so they can continue the work we cannot always do because of age and health realities.
The theme of both conferences says it all: Confronting Chaos, Forging Community — Battling Racism, Materialism, and Militarism. The last three topics really sounds like a lot, but it really comes down to one thing: not loving our neighbor as ourselves. The consequences are fear and isolation. And the antidote is community. Of course, this is nothing new to Presbyterian Women. We remember our purpose is to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens not only the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), but the church worldwide, witnessing to the promise of God’s kingdom. That means we work for justice and peace.
One experience continues to resound in my consciousness. I encourage everyone to view the twelve-minute documentary “Facing the Human Tragedy in Syria”. You might recognize one of the narrators: Mary Mikhael, the author of our 2009-2010 Horizons Bible Study of Joshua: A Journey of Faith. The video can be found on the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance website at http://pda.pcusa.org/pda/resource/facing-the-human-tragedy-in-syria/. One of our church leaders said to the audience of the 1,000 people of faith, “Jesus did not call us to worship Him, but He calls us to follow Him.” Another pastor said, “Following Jesus demands self-purification; anything else is only church membership.” We are forgiven and freed, but only if we are willing to honestly examine our place of privilege, so we can courageously stand alongside our sisters and brothers under attack.
These are risky and costly times, but we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to enjoy this day. Please continue to send news of your gatherings. I am so happy to hear about all the ways you are living out our mission to be radically hospitable, generous, and reconciling to combat the “isms” that obstruct our view of the kingdom of God, our true home.
Thanks be to God. CherylCheryl Hunt, Justice and Peace Coordinator [email protected]
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Global Exchange Representative to Indonesia
Presbyterian Women Synod of the Pacific
Mary Lemm Davis, member of the First Presbyterian Church, Pendleton, Oregon, will represent Presbyterian Women in the 2017 Global Exchange to Indonesia, September 12-29. Mary will join 15 additional PW representatives from across the US who will travel together to the world’s fourth most populous country. Indonesia covers more than 17,000 islands, has more than 300 languages, and has six officially accepted religions: Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
Mary is a native of Montana where she was raised with two sisters and a brother in the small community of Twin Bridges, located along the Beaverhead River in the SW corner of the state. She graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman and received her Master’s degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Mary is a registered dietitian nutritionist. She and her husband, Paul, have two grown children, Scott and Jennifer. Mary and Paul proudly consider themselves Oregonians as they have lived in Pendleton for a number of years. Mary has had the opportunity to travel abroad in the past and looks forward to learning about the people and cultures of Indonesia.
She particularly would like to hear from Presbyterian Women across the Synod about their interests in and questions about Indonesia.
Please contact her at [email protected].
Upon return she will visit church communities in our Synod to share her experiences of Indonesia.
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Leadership Enhancement
Leadership Enhancement, what does that mean?
I asked Cathy Ures, the previous holder of this title, “what do you do?” Her answer, “There are no guidelines, so I made it up as I went along.” Guess that is what I shall do also.
I have been either president/moderator 9 times since my first term in 1972 of my local Women’s Association/United Presbyterian Women/Presbyterian Women. In addition I have held every office several times. You learn a lot over time and with evolution of the organization.
In addition I have been Vice Moderator, and Moderator of the Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery as well as several other offices.
I believe that listening, watching and gleaning information and resources as you attend various PW events is one of the best educational tools that you can use. Also, if you are in the labor force in the business world you will learn much that enables you to do a good job for PW and visa versa. Taking leadership roles in other organizations enhances what you do with PW.
I believe that the Horizon magazine and the Bible Study are the top resources for local PWs. The Synod and Presbyteries produce newsletters. Be sure when you circulate your edition of a newsletter that it is sent to all the other Presbyteries. I receive the Synod “Pilgrimage” from the editor and it only takes me about 10 minutes to forward it to the list of about 175 address that receive it by e-mail. Thirty-three women receive it by USPS, this entails taking the copy to a local print shop, addressing it and going to the Post Office. Please, please forward what you receive to your PWP and local congregations.
If there is a new congregation in the PWP, ask if you can be of assistance in getting organized. For those congregations that have left our denomination there may be women who want to continue with PW, welcome them. They must understand our Purpose, to support the Mission of the PCUSA.
Please contact me if you think I could be of help. Eunice
Eunice Brabec, Leadership Enhancement Coordinator [email protected] 461 Dellbrook Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080-1231 home 650-583-4985, cell 650-922-2460
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Churchwide Gathering 2018
The 2018 PW Churchwide Gatheringwill be held August 2–5, 2018, at the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky. Rooms start at $144/night, suites start at $159, not including taxes; registration is $425.
Is there a song in your heart?
Consider writing the Gathering theme song! PW would love to hear your song that embodies the Gathering theme, “Arise, shine, your light has come” and/or Isaiah 60. Mail submissions by August 1, 2017, to Darci McKinnon, [email protected]. Details at www.presbyterianwomen.org/gathering
Don’t Miss a Bit of News!
PW celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2018, too! Beginning March 30, 2016 (30 months before the Gathering), those on our email list began receiving a series of “Gathering Quest” emails to help them prepare, promote and plan for the 2018 Gathering. Be sure you are on our email list so you don’t miss one bit of news about the Gathering! Email patricia [email protected].
She’s a Horse, of course!
Minnie (the Moose) was PW’s “moose-cot” for the 2015 Churchwide Gathering. She was an excellent spokesmoose for PW and enjoyed her travels to gatherings, regional and churchwide!
Although Minnie is making plans to attend the 2018 Churchwide Gathering, she isleaving mascot duties behind for a time. Louisville (the home of the 2018 Gathering) is often referred to as Derby City, thanks tohistoric Churchill Downs and the horse farms that dot the Kentucky countryside. That’s why the 2018 mascot for the CWG is a lovely filly. But she remains unnamed! Send your ideas to [email protected]!
Finally, order Save the Date magnets (item CWG18029, free) from PDS, limit 50.
Silent Auction Items Needed
As you make plans to attend the 2018 Churchwide Gathering, consider contributing something to the Silent Auction. Did out the paintbrush, knitting needles, or kistkas, and make PW-inspired piece. Proceeds benefit the Mission Pledge, PW’s annual fund. More to come!
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Mod+1 Gathering 2017
The Presbyterian Women Synod of the Pacific Moderator +1 Gathering was held on April 28-30, 2017 at Mercy Center in Burlingame, California.
27 attended overnight and two for one day. Nine presbyteries were represented.
The gathering began on Friday evening with the introduction of Carol Winkler, CCT Moderator. A Human Bingo Ice Breaker set the stage for participants to meet each other and have fun getting to know one another .
A presentation by Eunice Brabec and Cecilia Moran on Presbyterian Assistance Disaster reminded everyone of the importance of being prepared ahead of time for emergencies. Please contact Eunice or Cecilia for valuable information for your PW/Church.
Moderators of our presbyteries shared news of their individual PWs , and what has been challenging and exciting as their role as moderator . Yes, a decrease in participation was articulated by some moderators, but valuable projects and ministries of PW continues to thrive and serve.
Saturday morning began with a presentation, “PW – Carrying Our Light Into The Future,” by Carol Winkler, CCT Moderator. Her message was inspiring and insightful.
Denia Segrest—First Presbyterian Church, Livermore, CA, presented our new 2017-2018 Bible Study, Cloud of Witnesses The Community of Christ in Hebrews. Her well-organized and dynamic presentation provided a perfect platform and beginning for our next Horizon Bible Study.
On Saturday afternoon we heard a presentation by Reverend Floyd Thompkins of the San Francisco Theological Seminary Center for Innovation in Ministry.
Carol Winkler conducted a valuable segment on Leadership Training from our new manual: PW Manual: Guide for PW Groups. Each PWP Moderator received a copy of the manual, and everyone was thrilled with how helpful and concise it is. For purchase and download editions, go to: www.pcusa.org/store and search for PW Manual.
During our Saturday evening Bible study, we heard and participated in an interesting and informative presentation by Denia Segrest on the book of Hebrews.
(left to right) Jacquelyn Benjamin, Barbara Clark, Lori Powell and Jo Carmichael.
Jacquelyn, Lori and Jo were the three moderators I mentioned in the first paragraph of the Moderator's report.
This picture were taken by Kathy Keener, Pastor, Pendleton Presbyterian Church.
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Mission Interpretation
Presbyterian women (PW) have been involved in mission work and given generously to mission opportunities for more than 200 years and they continue to give generously. As we are part of the body of Christ in many forms, we work together as one to help those in need.
I had the privilege of meeting Mary Lemm at the Gathering in Burlingame. Mary will be going to Indonesia as part of the Global Exchange Program. She will be leaving on September 12, 2017, and returning to the States on September 29, 2017. The trip cost $5,000, and if you like you can take up a collection to support her mission trip whether through the Church you are attending or an individual donation. It is up to you. She is very excited about her trip and is busy preparing for it. If you would like to donate to Mary’s trip, please send your donations to Vicki Hautala at 31865 Little Valley Road, Fort Bragg, CA 95437.
Loaves and Fishes or other programs in your areas that assist the homeless. Every day is a struggle for those that are homeless, whether they are single, a married couple or not, families with children, and teens. Now that summer has arrived, the need for bottled water is of the upmost importance. At Bethany, we have a water drive every year and we take the water bottle donations to Loaves and Fishes. However, sometimes that is not enough. Most teens and homeless families will not go to Loaves and Fishes. Nevertheless, there are other shelters that you can also donate bottled water too in your area. I would like to suggest that if you can find some places that are in need of bottled water then please donate. If you can consider carrying bottled water in your car to hand out to those in need, for I have seen one too many times, small children walking around looking beet red. I carry four bottles of water in my backpack, (that is all I can carry) and offer bottled water to the parents. Sometimes we take things for granted. One night I woke up really really thirsty, (I felt like I had the desert in my mouth), got out of my bed, walked to my fridge, and grabbed some cold water. I realized at that moment how very lucky and grateful I am to be able to do that. Others are not so fortunate.
WEBSITE AND RESOURCES:
The Water Project: “Bright futures begin with clean water. The Water Project provides access to clean, safe and reliable water across sub-Saharan Africa and with your help we could end the water crisis and restore hope, one community at a time.” The Water Project not only provides safe and reliable water sources for sub-Saharan Africa as well as Kenya, Uganda and Lierra Leone but they build water wells, small dams, and springs. The water project also protects its water resources. The water project also helps to create jobs, which means training, consultation, monitoring and repair work. Clean water also cuts down on illnesses and deaths due to not having a clean water source. Please see the website for more information http://www.thewaterproject.org
Constance
Constance Rubio – [email protected]
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Making Tortillas With Love and Laughter
On March 18, 2017, I had the wonderful experience of going on my fifth trip to Guatemala with the group —Living Water World Missions— from Visalia, California. The site for the water filtration system installation was in Panajachel, Guatemala which is located in the southwestern Guatemalan Highlands, less than 90 miles from Guatemala City. This was the 52nd installation of water filtration systems in Guatemala by Living Water World Missions.
I have found that each of the mission trips I have taken with this outstanding group of people is always different in many ways; there is something new to learn, see, taste, or even touch on each new adventure.
One of my favorite parts of the day is having lunch with the people from the school, our team who does the educational component, and the people who work on the installation of the system. Delicious home made tortillas are always a part of our meal.
Attempting to learn how to make tortillas was one of my highlights on this trip. On the first day at the church, early in the morning , I visited the kitchen and met five women who were already beginning the preparation of our noon meal.
In the beginning, the women in the small kitchen appeared to have difficulty accepting our help with the food preparations, and the setting up of the tables to feed approximately 25 people. It is always a joy for me to observe that by the end of the first day, these women who are dressed so eloquently in their native attire, are already showing us what they want us to do as they begin teaching us how to prepare something for the lunch. They take pride in their cooking and in setting the tables a certain way. As usual, the meals we shared at this site were delicious.
After trying to learn how to make a tortilla, I feel great appreciation for the delicious and perfectly round small tortillas that appear for our lunches all wrapped in a linen cloth in a small colorful straw basket. I finally was able to make a few that slightly resembled the ones they so beautifully created. We all shared some smiles and laughs about my awkward attempt to mirror their graceful actions. I loved every minute of the wonderful exchanges and their kindness.
In the afternoon , it was such fun to put on a couple of little Bible skits for the children. They enjoy watching their American friends put on funny costumes and act out the lesson. Hearing their laughter and chatter is always such a treat; we also entertain them with a bit of pantomime when we teach them that the clean, filtered water is to be used only for : drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and caring for a baby.
continued on next page….
Mission Guatamala
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On the fourth day we returned to the church for an evening celebration of singing, praying, lively marimba music with guitars and keyboard. The outdoor dirt floor had taken on a new inviting look; dark green leaves had been been lightly scattered, and dozens of brightly colored balloons danced above us. I love it when the children come up to us and take our hands wanting us to meet their families. It is a joyful time—it is a true blessing to hear their thank yous, and to see the looks of appreciation on their faces.
During one afternoon we had the special surprise of taking a boat trip across Lake Atitlan where we visited a school that has 300 students enrolled: elementary to high school. One of the key requests the director of the school made when they had their water system installed, was to have an outside water fountain for the children; the Living Water World Missions Team made the request a reality. We were also told how appreciative the people are to have clean water, and now the children didn’t have to receive medication twice a year for deworming. It was wonderful to hear that attendance has gone way up as the children don’t miss school because of illness.
I feel blessed to be able to be a small part of the fine ministry of providing clean water and health instruction to such wonderful and appreciative people.
Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in participating in a mission trip with Living Water World Missions ,or would like more information about this inspiring ministry.
Blessings,
Connie Connie I. Clark [email protected]
Mission Guatamala
Water Purification System
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PW – Synod of the PacificReport of the Search Committee
(PWS Mod+1 Gathering, April 28-30, 2017)
We are glad to present three faithful women who have come forward to serve as new Coordinating Team (CT) members: Jacquelyn Benjamin will be our Moderator; Barbara Clark will serve as Churchwide Coordinating Team (CCT) Representative; and Lea Lawrence-Moiso will serve as Search Committee Moderator.
Jackie is from the Boise Presbytery. She has a fascinating background. Briefly, she was born in Burma, lived in Pakistan, schooled in California, traveled to Turkey. She was confirmed a Roman Catholic but joined the Presbyterian Church after marrying her husband, Immanuel. From that time, she has served in many capacities in her Emmett, Idaho, church. Jackie has recently served on our CT as Mission Interpretation Coordinator. With her strong faith and commitment to work with the CT, we will look forward to our future with confidence.
Barbara lives in Pendleton, Oregon, and has traveled worldwide (47 countries) in her life, serving our country in the Peace Corps, and serving her church and the Presbytery of Eastern Oregon working with PW, youth and adults in various programs. She was selected to be our Synod representative on the 2011 Global Exchange to India. We look forward to hearing PW news from Barbara as she represents us to the CCT.
Lea lives in Portland, Oregon. Lea served as our PWS Moderator a number of years ago. She used to live in California and served her church and PW at that time as well. One of her many activities currently is to work on Human Trafficking awareness to church and community—preparing publicity, appearing at conferences with resources, etc.
Lea wasn’t able to be present for installation of new officers on Sunday, April 30, at our MOD+1 Gathering. However, she was installed in absentia and will be a wonderful addition to the new leadership of our PWSCT! Do give Lea all your love and support as she begins the task that can be daunting, especially with the reality of diminishing PW circles because of aging, health issues, and churches leaving our denomination.
But, as I was told, we need to put ourselves in God’s hands confident that God will guide and energize us to share our gifts and grow in community. That has to be the commitment for us as we age and take on responsibilities beyond our knowledge. We look to future searches with hope that women will see the benefit of working together as a team to share their love and gifts through PW.
I thank all of you who have given me support and encouragement in my years of service. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your Search Committee Moderator, and now I will go off knowing that our PWS are in strong, faithful hands with the new CT on board! Thank God for all Presbyterian Women!
Mildred Mildred HallPWS Search Committee Moderator
Search Committee
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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN/SYNOD OF THE PACIFICTREASURER’S REPORT - May 31, 2017
ASSETSBank/Cash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,462.40 Synod on demand acct. . . . . . . . . . . 10,425.54TOTAL ASSETS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,887.94DESIGNATED FUNDSUSAME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (00.00)Global Exchange. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,902.60 Racial Ethnic Dialog.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 939.43Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,842.03Geneva Jensen Fund.. . . . . . . . . . . . 2,163.34(This is in an interest bearing acct with the Synod)ASSETS LESS DESIGNATED FUNDS. $13,045.91Vicki Hautala, Treasurer PW SOP
Global Exchange Overview.. . . . . . . . . . .GEX Payments = $1,500. April 2017 by check #544 $1,500. July 2017 by check #555Outstanding to be paid August 1, 2017 $2,000
Treasurer’s Report
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Dear Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Pacific,
A week ago I was worshipping with Christians in the Northeastern corner of Syria in the town of Kamishli or Qamishli as it is found on some maps. Kamishli is near the three corners of Turkey, Iraq and Syria.
The Christians there who have been through much suffering were incredibly hospitable and wanted me to bring you their greetings. Their one major and foremost
request of we Americans is that we PRAY for them...PRAY for their safety...PRAY for an end to the seven years of war that is taking place on their soil and in their towns.
I am available to share their stories. My phone number is 541-278-1252 and my email is: [email protected]
Salaam,
Barbara Clark,Synod of the Pacific PW CCT Representative traveling with the PC(USA)
Syrian Christians
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PW Synod of the Pacific Coordinating Team 2017-2020
Moderator Leadership Enhancement Coordinator
Jacquelyn Benjamin (2020) Eunice Brabec (2019)Presbytery: Boise Presbytery: San FranciscoP.O. Box 249 461 Dellbrook AvenueEmmett, ID 83617 So. San Francisco, CA 9480-1231208-398-7103 [email protected] [email protected]
Vice Moderator/Historian Search Committee Moderator:
Connie Clark (2018) Lea Lawrence-Moiso (2020)Presbytery: San Francisco Presbytery: Cascades2457 Farnsworth Drive 3556 NE Alameda StreetLivermore, CA 94551 Portland, OR 97212925-443-8046 H:503-281-9981 C:[email protected] [email protected]
Secretary CCT Representative
Marian Stratton (2019) Barbara Clark (2020)Presbytery: Cascades Presbytery: Eastern Oregon8413 Forest Ridge Loop 70787 SW Douglas Drive
Redmond, Oregon 97756 Pendleton, OR 99801541-430-3321 541-671-0204 H: 541-278-1252 C: [email protected] [email protected]
Treasurer: Justice and Peace
Vicki Hautala (2018) Cheryl Hunt (2018)Presbytery: Redwoods Presbytery: Stockton31865 Little Valley Rd 2431 N. Argonaut StreetFort Bragg, CA 95437 Stockton, CA 95204W707-964-2316 C:707-972-8220 707-964-3225 209-463-9483 C: [email protected] [email protected]
Mission Interpretation Coordinator
Constance Rubio (2019)Presbytery: Sacramento5858 62nd StreetSacramento, CA [email protected]
Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Pacific Coordinating Team 2017-2020
5-7-17
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Eunice Brabec461 Dellbrook AvenueSouth San Francisco, CA 94080-1231