PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN (PW)

 

 The purpose of Presbyterian Women states:  "Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves:  (1) to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study, (2) to support the mission of the church worldwide, (3) to work for justice and peace, and (4) to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and witnesses to the promise of God's kingdom."

 

 To accomplish the purposes below, a circle of Presbyterian Women meet each month.  In 2005, the Ruth and Esther circles were combined into one circle of Presbyterian Women. The PW Circle meets January through June on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 PM in the parlor. The special gatherings are the same time and place in September, December and June. 

 

    Purpose (1) to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study:  Our bible study for 2006/2007 is In the Beginning: Perspectives on Genesis by Celia Brewer Sinclair (part of the Horizons Bible Study published by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  Monthly meetings open and close with prayer and individual prayer celebrations and concerns are addressed. 

 

    Purpose (2) to support the mission of the church worldwide:  All of the money raised through various fundraisers and donations goes to support mission work either locally, nationally, or internationally. Some of the 2005 Fundraisers have been Soup to Go, Entertainment books; Pot Lucks, the Mother Daughter Banquet, and the Garage Sale. 2005 was the 18^th anniversary of the Church Garage Sale which over the years has generated over $32,000.

 

Mission support examples include: Funeral meals, Good Samaritan Fund, Youth Armory, Food Thru Faith, Help House, Habitat for Humanity  (local missions); Smith Memorial Women's Association, Westminster Thurber, KIC Mission Trip, Adopt a Bill, Bridgehaven (state or national missions); and Birthday Offering, Thank Offering, Food for the Hungry, Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and Mission Pledge (national and international missions).  

 

    Purpose (3) to work for justice and peace:  In addition to mission giving that supports these goals PW invites guest speakers who broaden our horizons.  In 2005 we were fortunate to have Ginger Hays, a licensed massage therapist and Yoga instructor who spoke on the importance of identifying stress.  She guided our bodies through many “Stress Busting” techniques. 

 

    Purpose (4) to build an inclusive, caring community of women :  All women of the church are invited to attend the monthly circle meetings and gatherings.  Women who are unable to be active in a circle are considered "Associate Members" and are encouraged to support PW with their prayers, contributions, and part-time help.

 

This past Spring, London Presbyterian Women and many helpful church members hosted over 110 women at the Scioto Valley Presbyterian Women’s Gathering focusing on the History of PW.  A dozen Presbyterian Women spent over 6 months sewing the nine new banners in the church narthex. The 30 year old banners were taken apart for patterns and replaced with colorful new materials. Four additional banners were made and sent to select African missions. Also in 2005, the Quilters of the Presbyterian Church and  non-denominational community Friends started making baby quilts to be given to children upon their Baptisms.  Each quilt is unique and is embroidered with “For this child we (the congregation) have prayed”.  Six quilts have been presented in 2005.

 

In addition to the mission projects mentioned above, PW through donations and fundraisers has been able to donate $5,056.58 this year to mission projects. To date, this is the largest amount donated for purely mission.