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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 2010-2011 (All Circle meetings will be held at the church, except as
otherwise noted.)
- Ella Payne Circle
Meets first Monday of each month (2nd Monday in Sept.), 12:30
p.m. in Sr. High room. Members, who are all senior citizens, bring a bag
lunch and participate in the PW Bible Study. In addition, members send
cards to home-bound, contribute to the Giving Tree at Christmas, and
give to the fellowship of the Least Coin offering. Circle Chair: Helen
Minor -
Elizabeth Circle (#5)
Meets
first Tuesday of each month, 12:30 p.m. in the Conference Room. Those
attending can bring a bag lunch; dessert and drinks are provided. Our
projects include: purchasing books and Christmas gifts for scholarship
pre-schoolers, providing backpacks and school supplies for scholarship
kindergarteners, being on call for birthday cakes for pre-school, giving
a monetary contribution to support Forman Christian College, sharing in
the Least Coin Offering, and postage stamp ministry (funds go for
seminary books in the Congo and Jamaica). This is an inclusive, caring
group where the sharing of joys and concerns complements the opportunity
for spiritual growth. Circle Chair: Barbara Worrell. - Circle 6
Meets 2nd Tuesday of each month, 1:00 p.m. in Room 115. The
women of Circle 6 enjoy fellowship, thought-provoking discussions,
developing close friendships and sharing Christ’s love through serving
others. This year’s study is Justo L. Gonzalez’ book Three Months with
Revelation. Our mission activities include the Least Coin Offering, the
Salvation Army Day Care (providing snacks, craft materials and other
special needs), and helping in small ways where we can. We look forward
to having new member and new friends. Circle Co-Chairs: Kathy Croll,
Karen Dougald. - Evening Circle
(#4)
Meets
3rd Wednesday of each month, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. We enjoy fellowship and
learning through Bible Study. Our focus this year is the book of
Revelation with alternative references available. For those who choose
to bring a light dinner or have a group pizza, we eat dinner and share
our lives with each other from 5:30-6:30. Our study is held from
6:30-7:30. The Mission focus this year will be helping with supplies
for the women at PACEM. Circle Chair: Ginny Lindsey.
More PW
Opportunities
- Prayer Shawl Ministry
This ministry is an opportunity for individuals who enjoy knitting
and/or crocheting to create lovely prayer shawls for those facing a
health or life challenge. Knitting and crocheting takes place at the
Church (in the Senior High room) 3 times during the school year, usually
at 10:00 a.m. on a defined Tuesday. Prayer shawl instructions and
prayers are provided. The group meetings provide instructions as well as
support. Chair: Barbara Isaacs
- Ruth Circle - Support Group
This is a group of widows that has come together to gain insight and
support from one another. The group meets on different days and the time
also varies. There are guest speakers that come to offer their thoughts
and perspective. Please call Chris Kennedy for more information on this
special group.
- Quilt Sowers
Quilt Sowers of First Presbyterian Church are a group of ladies who are
interested in quilting. We started meeting at the Church in Christian
fellowship and working on special projects. In time, we began thinking
about and searching for a local mission project in order to put our
hands and talents to work for others. We meet and work the second Friday
of each month (and at home during the rest of the month) to make lap
quilts for mothers and children in Madeleine’s House, a shelter for the
abused in southwest Virginia. Chair: Judy Spangler.
- 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. Chair: Pam Simpson.
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. |
