Upper Ohio Valley Presbyterian Women. Mingo Jct., OH Emery Avenue

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Upper Ohio Valley Presbyterian Women. Mingo Jct., OH Emery Avenue"

Joshua Owens
6 years ago
Views:

1 THE CONNECTING LINK Upper Ohio Valley Presbyterian Women % Karen Edwards 102 Emery Avenue Mingo Jct., OH 43938

For Presbyterian Women of Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery Issue 2 June 2017 Grace to you and peace from God, our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:13 Does this sound familiar?

When I became moderator in April, this word and all it implies became uppermost in my mind.

2 For Presbyterian Women of Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery Issue 2 June 2017 Grace to you and peace from God, our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:13 Does this sound familiar? Well, of course, it is one of Paul s greetings to his fellow workers for Christ. You will be hearing more about grace in the next year or two. When I became moderator in April, this word and all it implies became uppermost in my mind. We have become saved by Grace (the unmerited and abundant gift of God s love) and we are asked to show Grace (unmerited love) to those about us. I am looking forward to working with all of you in your churches, Presbyterian Women s associations and with out C.T. board. We ask God to Lead usin our Bible Studies, Mission projects, and programs. We will listen to Him as He speaks to us through prayers, His Word, and others He sends to us, so that we can let His work to be done through us as we show grace to each other and those we serve. We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 Corinthians 6:1. I am looking forward to seeing you at our Gatherings and Workshops! In His Love, -Judy Miller

The Spring Gathering met at Rock Hill Church in Bellaire, on April 22. After a delightful brunch, the ladies adjourned to the sanctuary for our meeting.

3 The Spring Gathering met at Rock Hill Church in Bellaire, on April 22. After a delightful brunch, the ladies adjourned to the sanctuary for our meeting. Moderator opened the meeting and Mary McElroy lead the worship service. Installation of our new officers followed. Karen Edwards introduced and installed Judy Miller as our new moderator for Pictured above are the leaders: row one:mary Lou Cowen, Search Committee; Catherine Maxwell, Treasurer ; Judy Miller, Moderator, Cindy James, Secretary; Mary McElroy, Historian. Row 2: Janice Jancura, Cluster 2 Leader; Phyllis Conley, Cluster 1 Leader; Karen Edwards, Spiritual Enrichment/ Connecting Link; Nancy DeStefano, Mission Interpretation; and Betty Jane Myers, Cluster 3 Leader. Our other leaders not present are Kim McIntyre and Linda Barlow, Resources/Issues. Judy Miller will continue as Together in Service coordinator. Following the installation and a short meeting, the ladies adjourned once again to the church basement where the program was to be held.

As the ladies arrived in the basement for the remainder of the program, projects were already awaiting them.

gift. During this time Mary McElroy was able to capture their attention to explain and discuss the Bread of Life, starting with the story of

by Jesus;-when we spend time with God; and -when we serve others.

We are looking forward to stories about the sharing of the pancakes! Pictured above are the recipients of the 20 year.

She is always willing to h through the time of her husband Dan lin Chapel and the Wheeling Soup Kitche House Carpenters. ant!

4 As the ladies arrived in the basement for the remainder of the program, projects were already awaiting them. Bookmarks of lace and burlap needed to be assembled; Bags needed to be decorated and readied for the pancake flower to be assembled for a gift. During this time Mary McElroy was able to capture their attention to explain and discuss the Bread of Life, starting with the story of the Elijah and he woman of Zeraphath teaching us that Life is Sweet -when we trust God;-when we make time for friends; -when we are nourished by Jesus;-when we spend time with God; and -when we serve others. Following the lesson we were each give a bag of cinnamon pancake mix to share with a friend or shut-in. We are looking forward to stories about the sharing of the pancakes! Pictured above are the recipients of the 20 year. From l Piney Fork; el; Rock Hill; and Certificate along with a Stars Liz Naranch ing as Treasurer. She is always willing to h through the time of her husband Dan lin Chapel and the Wheeling Soup Kitche House Carpenters. ant! Louise Dowdell Church. Sis Dowdle assumed the job of he she was Treasurer of the Piney Fork Presby became full time Treasurer, so we are estim about ten years. She has been so faithful time and sometimes even early. We feel so the finances for the Piney Fork PW. She i lady and is dearly loved by those who know Mary Wiggins than 50 years. Mary has held every office in

5 Pictured above are the recipients of the 2017 Presbyterian Women of the year. From l-r: Liz Naranch, Vance Memorial; Louise (Sis) Dowdell, Piney Fork; Mary Wiggins, Woodsfield; Billie Weaver, Salineville Bethel; Mary Alice Meyer, Toronto Hilltop; Catherine Maxwell, Bellaire Rock Hill; and Rose Bridgeman, New Martinsville. Each woman was presented a Presbyterian Woman of the Year Certificate along with a Star balloon signifying that they truly are the Stars that help the PW Mission! Liz Naranch has been a faithful member of PW at Vance Memorial, serving as Treasurer. She is always willing to help with anything needed, even through the time of her husband Dan s illness. She volunteered at Laughlin Chapel and the Wheeling Soup Kitchen. She delivers things to the House Carpenters. Liz has been a wonderful willing and faithful servant! Louise Dowdell is a faithful member of the Piney Fork Presbyterian Church. Sis Dowdle assumed the job of helping Lucille Piergallini when she was Treasurer of the Piney Fork Presbyterian Women. She gradually became full time Treasurer, so we are estimating she has had the job for about ten years. She has been so faithful and sends all the money in on time and sometimes even early. We feel so fortunate to have her handling the finances for the Piney Fork PW. She is a loyal, wonderful, Christian lady and is dearly loved by those who know her. Mary Wiggins has been very active in the Presbyterian Women for more than 50 years. Mary has held every office in our PW group.

6 She is currently our Secretary. Mary always assumes the responsibility for the Easter Flowers. She also makes sure we have our lesson books. Mary is very active in our church, and most of all, Mary always has a smile for everyone! Billie Weaver is a recent joining member of PW at Salineville. She attended the last Gathering and was impressed. Billie has been very active in her church, teaching Sunday School and leading Bible Studies. She is an elder and has been a member for about 25 years. She has also served as a Deacon and sends cards for the Deacons. She does the church bulletins; coordinates between choir and minister. She is always ready to help with church dinners; bazaar tables. Billie is a willing and helpful servant. Mary Alice Meyer has been a member of Hilltop for 50+ years. She was an elder when it was Island Creek. She has been PW Treasurer and a member of the choir. She is also active in the Couples Group, both locally and nationally; and is Skipper of the Mariners. Mary Alice is a retired educator of mostly first graders in Edison school District. Catherine Maxwell is a member of Rock Hill Presbyterian Church, Bellaire. She has been a Sunday School Teacher, VBS Teacher and Coordinator, on the Pulpit Committee, Nominating Committee, a Deacon, an Elder and a Choir member. She is presently serving on the Hospitality Committee. Catherine is the Moderator for the P.W. in the church. She has also been the Missions Coordinator and is now Treasurer for the Upper Ohio Valley P.W. She has chaired the Mission Interpretation Committee, has been a Cluster Leader. Rose Bridgeman is the Moderator of her PW at New Martinsville First. They now have 8 members and meet monthly for study, business, and lunch. They are currently study- ing All you Ever wanted to Be by Winn Green. Her circle helps with church property upkeep and clean- ing. They contributed to Helping Hands Food Pantry in Wetzel County. Rose has been

Due to health reasons or other commitments, 4 of our honorees were unable to attend the Spring Gathering.

Linda Barlow, a 60 year member of Two Ridges Presbyterian Church, has been a member of PW for about 50 years. She has served as Moderator, Secretary, Circle moderator, and leader of Bible Study.

Ridges Choir. Leah Bosco was the Moderator of the Grace Church PW in 91&92, and Secretary for 29 years, Of our two Circles, Leah has been leader of one Circle for 31 years.

7 Due to health reasons or other commitments, 4 of our honorees were unable to attend the Spring Gathering. They are Linda Barlow, Wintersville Two Ridges; Leah Bosco, East Liverpool Grace; Eleanor Cline, Weirton Cove; and Clara Leatherberry, Wellsville Oak Ridge. Linda Barlow, a 60 year member of Two Ridges Presbyterian Church, has been a member of PW for about 50 years. She has served as Moderator, Secretary, Circle moderator, and leader of Bible Study. She recently completed a term as Vice-Moderator for the UOV PW. Linda has served for years as PW helped in the kitchen serving dinners; her circle has provided desserts for the Soup Kitchen at St. Paul s Episcopal Church. Linda has also served the church as an Elder,; she is certified from Bethel Bible Study; she has taught both Sunday School for children and adult classes; and she is a dedicated member of the Two Ridges Choir. Leah Bosco was the Moderator of the Grace Church PW in 91&92, and Secretary for 29 years, Of our two Circles, Leah has been leader of one Circle for 31 years. Our PW continues with 16 faithful members. As a dedicated member of Grace, she is now and has been a Deacon and she produces the church newsletter. Eleanor Cline has enjoyed being a member of Cove Presbyterian Church for 59 years. She has contributed to many wonderful organizations and projects that were teaching situations, beginning with her own children in Nursery. She recently retired as the teacher for the Myrtle McHendry Class for women which was organized 94 years ago. She has served as Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Leader, and organized Vacation Bible School.

Eleanor is also active in and served as President of Church Women of Weirton, an interdenominational group. She is most proud of years that she was a Scout Mom with her husband, Wayne.

8 Eleanor has been the Moderator of PW, taught the Bible Study, and participated in many Mission Projects. UNICEF is one of Eleanor s Mission projects encouraging PW Members to collect money in front of Safeway Grocery each October, (brrr). She coordinated and served bereavement dinners. Eleanor is also active in and served as President of Church Women of Weirton, an interdenominational group. She is most proud of years that she was a Scout Mom with her husband, Wayne. Eleanor is proud to share that, Presbyterian Women has inspired her to be of service to so many others. Clara Leatherberry is Oak Ridge s PW woman of the Year. Clara has been a lifetime member of PW attending with her mother, as a child. Clara has served as Treasurer of Oak Ridge PW for many years on and off. She has also served on the dining room and kitchen committees. Any time the church needs any assistance, Clara is one of the first PW s to show up, and she is always there to support her family. Editorial note: So as you can all see, we have honored some dynamic Women from our Presbytery this year and last. Acknowledging the fact that We are all a part of One Body, that is the Body of Christ, (Cor. 12:27) we must also learn, appreciate, and celebrate the contributions these women have made to the Presbyterian Women of the Upper Ohio Valley. If you believe this Honor to be trivial, try to imagine where your PW might be without their presence throughout the years. Presbyterian Women? Aren t they the ladies in the kitchen after church? Yes, Presbyterian Women have been known to offer hospitality in their congregations. They also boldly work for peace and justice giving voice to the oppressed and standing up for the marginal.

I recently read a couple of articles in the Presbyterian Women s Quarterly that I though I would share with you, Hopefully, you will find them interesting Thank you PW in the congregations,

9 I recently read a couple of articles in the Presbyterian Women s Quarterly that I though I would share with you, Hopefully, you will find them interesting Thank you PW in the congregations, presbyteries and synods for the opportunities to be with you and to learn from you. In every visit I have learned something spectacular that I wanted to share with others. I wish I could pack you up in my backpack and take you with me but instead, I will use this column to share some of the many stories, ideas and possibilities I hear and see. I am often asked how to get women involved in PW. I have shared many times my story of being loved into PW. PW circles are opportunities for women to be in community with one another. A circle is a small group that gathers to provide an inclusive, caring community of women. It is where faith is nurtured and growth takes place, where women are challenged and reach out to others, where Christian leadership is born, nurtured and sent forth. One circle gathers in the church kitchen to share their culinary skills, have conversation and reach out to others. They prepare dinner for themselves as well as leftovers. The leftovers are packed up and frozen, ready to be delivered to a family who needs to be supported. It may be a new baby or a member recently released from the hospital. What about the new folks who have visited the church and haven t joined yet, have no local family support and could use a gesture of kindness? These women are ready with their leftovers. What a great opportunity! Another circle of women the Wine and Horizons circle gather in a home/ local food establishment/bookstore and talk about the articles in Horizons. Their conversations have led them to respond to needs in their communities, often including women who can t be involved in a monthly Bible study. One group arranged for women recently released from incarceration to be the custodians in several of the churches in their community. It connected the women and empowered them all in unique ways.

was graduation draws near for young women in our churches, I offer this idea. What about one or more scholarships for high school girls? Invite them to your spring Birthday Offering celebration.

10 was graduation draws near for young women in our churches, I offer this idea. What about one or more scholarships for high school girls? Invite them to your spring Birthday Offering celebration. Present them with the scholarship for what is next in their life college or job opportunity. But don t stop there. Keep in touch over the next few years with an occasional note/ card, a church bulletin, a picture of church activities, a restaurant gift card, a care package. The young woman who seeks a job rather than college might appreciate a lunch date to see how things are going or an invitation to join your circle. You are building a lifelong relationship and when they are ready, maybe they will create that community of women known as a new PW circle. Carol Winkler PW Circles and their Leadership Presbyterian Women meet at the congregation level in circles. No matter what the activities, as long as women meet to build community, support mission, nurture faith and/or work for justice and peace, those women are forming a circle. No matter how many or how few activities a women s circle undertakes, if they do it on behalf of the PW Purpose (see last newsletter), they are a PW circle. Leadership in single-circle groups at the congregational level ideally consists of a moderator (to provide leadership to the circle and ensure communication among the members and with the congregation and session); a secretary/ historian to record the work of the circle; and a treasurer to maintain the financial records of the circle. But PW is flexible! Circles don t have to be called circles and a team can have leaders who wear more than one [leadership] hat.

11 PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN S ANNUAL PRAYER RETREAT TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY BY MARY MCELROY SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, :30 am 2:00pm ALL women are invited to come and TAKE TIME for some BRING YOUR OWN BIBLE To the SEEDS OF HOPE FARM (3 miles west of Mt. Pleasant) Registration and lunch = $7.00 RSVP by August 7

Gathering: April 21, 2018 Weirton, Cove Churchwide Gathering: August 2-5, 2018 Louisville, KY Editor s Note: To the Two Ridges

12 Coordinating Team Meetings: July 14, 2017 Martins Ferry First November 17, 2017 Martins Ferry First February 9, 2018 Martins Ferry First Prayer Retreat: August 12, 2017 Seeds of Hope Farm Fall Workshop: September 30, 2017 Moundsville, First Spring Gathering: April 21, 2018 Weirton, Cove Churchwide Gathering: August 2-5, 2018 Louisville, KY Editor s Note: To the Two Ridges PW, Thank you all SO much for Folding, sealing, stamping, and Mailing the newsletters while my Arm mends. You are all my Special Sisters!

JULY WORSHIP SERVICES

JULY WORSHIP SERVICES HENDERSON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PO Box 91346 Henderson, NV 89009 A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY THE HENDERSON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Pastor Lee Styer Parish Associate Hilda Pecoraro www.hendersonpres.org