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 Presbyterian Women
History
Women's organizations have existed within the Presbyterian Church in this
country ever since 1789, when the Presbyterian Church in the United States
was established. Women gathered to sew and quilt and to send boxed of useful
items to missionaries. They recognized the poor and needy in their
neighborhoods and tired to teach the ignorant a better way of life. Although
technology and lifestyles have changed, the need to be responsible
participants in the religious community had remained strong.
The unification of the UPCUSA (United
Presbyterian Church USA) and the PCUS (Presbyterian Church US) occurred in
1983. In 1988 the Presbyterian Women (PW) organization was conceived.
Churchwomen working together was and is the model of operation; Bible study
is the most common activity.
An Invitation to You
Presbyterian Women (PW) is a church-wide organization whose membership is
open to all women of First Presbyterian Church who choose to participate in
or be supportive of the organization in any way. It is our desire that our
membership include all local ethnic and racial groups. Thereby PW will
reflect a vision of the whole church as a community of mutual
interdependence in which diversity contributes to wholeness.
It is in Circle that church
acquaintances become good friends and a support group. We currently
have four circles at FPC. Feel free and welcome to visit and/or join
a Circle that fits your time and interests.
Circles for 2007-2008 (All Circle meetings will be held at the church, except as
otherwise noted.)
- Ella Payne Circle
Meets meets first Monday of each month (2nd Monday in Sept.),
12:30 p.m. in Sr. High room. Horizon Bible Study: Hearing God’s Call in
Jonah & Ruth, Circle Leader: Helen Minor -
Elizabeth Circle (#5)
Meets
meets first Tuesday of each month, 12:30 p.m. in the Conference Room.
Horizon Bible Study: Hearing God’s Call in Jonah & Ruth, Circle Leaders:
Lavale Reddick and Elaine Miller - Circle 6
Meets 2nd Tuesday of each month, 12:30 p.m. in Room 115. Bible
Study: Ten Commandments for Today, by Walter Harrelson. Circle Leader:
Katie Paterson - Evening Circle
(#4)
Meets 3rd Wednesday of each month, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (following Kirk
Night dinner). Two studies will be offered: discussion of the book,
"When the Heart Waits" and later a video and discussion of Believing
God.
More PW
Opportunities
- Ruth Circle
Will begin another group on Wednesday,
September 12, from 11:30-1:00 p.m. in Room 116. This PW Circle is for
widows and will meet for support and fellowship. Although the Circle is
primarily designed for those who have experienced widowhood in the last
few years, any widow who feels that the Circle might be of support would
be welcome to attend. We will meet for six sessions, on the second and
fourth Wednesdays, for discussion on various books. Dr. Charles Pickell
will be
speaking at several of the sessions. Please feel free to bring a bag
lunch and your own beverage.
- Mission Sewing
The Mission Sewing
Group is a group of women from FPC who join other Christian women in the
United States in providing items such as hospital gowns, bandages, mosquito
netting and layette items to mission hospitals throughout the world. Sewing
is done to help fulfill the pledge of our Presbyterian Women, Presbytery of
the James. All contributions are processed and distributed through Church
World Service. Stitchers, pressers and pinners are welcome to join in the
fun and fellowship. The group meets periodically and is announced in
advance.
Offerings
- Least Coin Offering
The least coin becomes the symbol of prayer for peace and
reconciliation. Shanit Solomon began it in India in 1965. Women
everywhere can have a sense of being a part of a worldwide family as
they pray and set aside the least coin of their country. An
international committee for special projects throughout the world makes
grants. Our Least Coin Offering is collected at individual Circle
meetings.
- Thank Offering
The Thank Offering began in the late 1800's as a "Thank Offering to the
Lord." The Presbyterian Women at First Presbyterian Church collect this
offering at our annual Fall~Winter Gathering. Forty percent of the
offering is used to support medical missions worldwide and the remaining
sixty percent is used for selected mission projects
- Birthday Offering
The Birthday Offering is received at our annual Spring Gathering and is
for mission projects selected by the Creative Ministries Offering
Committee. The Offering is in celebration of the birthday of
Presbyterian Women. Since the inception of the offering in 1922, over 22
million dollars have been given by Presbyterian Women to meet the needs
of hurting people.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN PURPOSE
Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ,
and empowered by the Holy Spirit,
We commit ourselves:
To nurture our faith through prayers and Bible Study,
to support the mission of the church worldwide,
to work for justice and peace, and
to build an inclusive, caring community of women
that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (USA) and
witnesses to the promise of God's Kingdom. |
