Newsletter of Presbyterian Women Synod of the Pacific Pilgrimage Spring 2009

Transcription

1 Newsletter of Presbyterian Women Synod of the Pacific Pilgrimage Spring 2009 Lines from Lea there were also women Mark 15: 40 All four Gospels tell us that women accompanied Jesus in his ministry. Some are named, most are not. They are often an afterthought in the text, but they followed they ministered they bore witness they came up to Jerusalem. In this Lenten season leading to Easter, there are also women we have encountered who are accompanying Jesus in his ministry. Celebrate the Gifts of Women Sunday is a time to honor women and perhaps some men, who by following, ministering, witnessing and coming up to challenges, contribute their gifts to the church and community. Held on the Sunday closest to International Women s Day but also celebrated on other Sundays, it is also a time to lift up issues of women s rights. I have just returned from New York City where I have been part of a Presbyterian Women s delegation to the Fifty-third Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW53). The CSW was established by the UN Economic and Social Justice Council in 1946 and meets annually during the first two weeks of March to formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and advancement of women s rights. There are CSW delegations from 192 UN member state governments. The principal output of the CSW is the agreed conclusions on the theme set for each year. This year our delegation joined with Ecumenical Women and 203 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from around the globe to advocate for The equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including care-giving in the context of HIV/AIDS. In addition to interaction with government delegations, hundreds of NGO-organized parallel events, briefings and caucuses are scheduled to provide information and coalition-building. Why should Presbyterian Women be involved? As a community of faith, we are commonly united in our desire to serve and minister to the most vulnerable and those considered, the least of these. Participation at CSW is one way for Christians to live into our confession of faith as those called to a ministry of reconciliation, truth and justice. CSW lets us voice our concerns about global inequalities, and lets us bear witness to the suffering through the lens of faith and mission partnerships. I would love to tell you more about this powerful experience and meeting some incredible uppity women but, more than that, I would encourage each of you to be part of CSW54 and see the work of our PC(USA) UN office and the United Nations for yourselves. continued on page 7

2 Justice and Peace Are you familiar with number 386 in the Presbyterian Hymnal?* O for a world where everyone respects each other s ways, Where truth is lived and all is done with justice and with praise. Since that world has not yet arrived, we, as Presbyterian women, must continue to live up to that part of our Purpose which says, to work for justice and peace. Where do we start? What can we do? Can we make a difference? A readily available place to start is by education. For example, each of us may need to learn more about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child or the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. A great source of information is readily available on the PC(USA) website ( Look for such headings as the Peacemaking Program or the United Nations Office. If you do not want to do an online search, call the Presbyterian UN Office at and ask for information. We can contribute to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Fund, not only to send relief to stricken areas in our nation but also to those in other nations. For example, there are two PDA funds that are responding to the strife-torn Gaza Strip. One of these funds is number E86231 the purpose of which is to support the Ahli Arab Hospital. (For more information, go online or call International Health Ministries at x5279.) Another fund, numbered E051793, assists Atfaluna, the organization which aids hearing impaired youth in Gaza. (For information search, online or call Victor Makari at x 5314.) Can we make a difference? Absolutely! Margaret Mead, the noted anthropologist said, Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. This is proven in the documentary film released in November, 2008 entitled Pray the Devil Back to Hell. It is the inspiring story of ordinary Christian and Muslim women in Liberia who formed the Liberian Mass Action for Peace. Their efforts and their prayers helped put an end to Liberia s civil war. We, also, can pray: O for a world preparing for God s glorious reign of peace, When time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease. Peace, shalom, salaam Joan D. Runyeon Justice and Peace Coordinator *The hymn number 386 is entitled O for a World 2

3 Thank Offering The Thank Offering began in 1888 when Eliza Clokey of Springfield, Ohio, urged each woman to give one dollar over and above her usual contribution to the Women s General Missionary Society of the United Presbyterian Church of North America as a thank offering to her Lord. A day was set aside for meetings as a concert of prayer and praise and the gathering of the Thank Offering. The gifts presented at the convention represented much soul-searching and self-sacrifice on the part of many women. The impact they made was immeasurable. It has been said that women s giving saved the worldwide missionary movement at that time. The thrust of how and where the money was used changed over the years, but a thank offering to her Lord continued to be an important part of women s giving by United Presbyterian Women. This expression of thanksgiving is now an important part of Presbyterian Women. The Thank Offering is now one of two special monetary offerings by Presbyterian Women and should be seen as an extension of, and separate from, Presbyterian Women s mission pledge support. At least 40 percent of this offering supports hospitals and other health ministries that provide services for women and children throughout the world. The offering is received in the fall. It should be sent to the Treasurer of Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery. This year the contributions to the Thank Offering maintained, for which we are grateful. However we still ask you to promote the Thank Offering in your presbyteries and congregations, encouraging women to support this important offering which supports women and children. Birthday Offering We have a God who equips us for mission, unifies us with a cause and restores hope in our world through this offering. This is a description of the Birthday Offering sponsored by Presbyterian Women. It is one of two special monetary offerings of Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and should be seen as an extension of, and separate from, our mission pledge support. The Birthday Offering began in 1922 to celebrate the 10 th anniversary of the Woman s Auxiliary (PCUS). It was decided the offering should be made for a definite cause. Women were challenged to give one penny for each year of their lives (or a dollar if a woman preferred not to reveal her age) as a birthday gift. Because of changes in the value of money since 1922, it is now suggested that each person give 10 cents for each year lived (or $10.00 if she prefers not to reveal her age). This year the Birthday Offering did not meet the challenge goal. The Creative Ministries Offering Committee was not able to fully fund what we had promised to our 2008 recipients. We encourage you to promote the Birthday Offering to your presbyteries and congregations. Do you need ideas for promoting the Birthday Offering in your church? Contact Cindy Goodman, 888/ , ext. 5387; cgoodman@pcusa.org; or Cindy Goodman, c/o Presbyterian Women, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY, Promotional materials for the offering may be ordered from Presbyterian Distribution Service (PDS), 800/ Mary Lou Williams, Synod Representative 3

4 Churchwide Coordinating Representative Report The Churchwide Coordinating Team met February 17-22, 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky. It was followed by meetings of the Gathering Planning Teams for the July 2009 Churchwide Gathering and then by the Creative Ministries Offering Committee meeting. It was a long 10 days! In addition to the business and committee meetings, the CCT had education modules on funds development, healthy transitioning, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and evangelism. Marta Rodriguez, Alice Wyatt and Chris Wolf, CCT moderator team nominees, attended the CCT meeting as guests. The CCT had a lengthy presentation and discussion on incorporation of Presbyterian Women, including an overview of the Articles of Incorporation and adjusted bylaws. This will be a major piece at the business meeting at the Churchwide Gathering. Blessings without Boundaries will be the theme for the 2009 Mission Pledge. The packet will be available at the Churchwide Gathering in July. Immigration as seen through Exodus and Deuteronomy will be the topic for the Bible study. Our Synod proposal to the Leadership Enhancement Fund for the Sisters Stand and Walk Together Program was funded at the requested amount of $4400. It is an exciting idea for leadership training for racial ethnic women and/or immigrant women. Our particular project will focus on Asian women, endeavoring to include women from various Asian cultures. The Congo Palm Project has been a huge success. In addition to the $20,000 initial seed money, $57, has been received for Palm plants. When including money for mattresses and bicycles, $84, has been disbursed to the Congo. The Gathering Planning Teams spent two busy days completing plans. As a member of the Hospitality Team, I am in charge of the Information Centers. Fortunately the volunteers are being provided locally. I have to furnish maps and answers to questions for each of three centers in the Kentucky International Convention Center. The Creative Ministries Offering Committee met to award Thank Offering grants. We decided to distribute $684,900 to 27 Thank Offering projects. We had to make the hard decision to inform the 2008 Birthday Offering recipients that we would not be able to completely fund the second half of their payments because of a shortfall in funds. The Birthday Offering contributions did not meet our challenge goal. In fact, while wanting to award $750,000 to our two projects, we were able to fund only $478,000. This is a good opportunity for each of you to go to your presbyteries and congregations and remind them of the purpose and importance of the Birthday Offering. CMOC also chose the scripture and theme for the 2009 Thank Offering packets. From II Chronicles 29:36 All the people rejoiced because of what God had done for the people. The theme will be Rejoice with Thanksgiving. Thank Offering packets will be available at the Churchwide Gathering. Continued on bottom of page 5 4

5 SEARCH COMMITTEE REPORT; The Search Committee wishes to thank those who submitted names of qualified Candidates, those who approved having their names considered for vacancies and the electors from each Presbytery who participated in electing these three individuals for three year terms ( ) and one individual for a one year term ( ). JOAN RUNYEON, San Francisco - Vice Moderator/Historian ( ) CECILIA MORAN, Stockton Justice and Peace Coordinator ( ) MYRA LIVELY, Kendall Search Committee Moderator ( ) KATHY MATTSON, Boise Mission Interpretation Coordinator ( ) Each person has met the qualifications of the office she has been elected for. The SCT is excited to present this new slate of officers to you. They will be installed at the Synod luncheon of the CHURCHWIDE GATHERING. The Search Committee will be seeking officers for SECRETARY, MISSION INTERPRETA- TION COORDINATOR, AND LEADER ENHANCEMENT COORDINATOR for Please be on the lookout for these new leaders and cooperate with the Search Committee to elect these new leaders. I pray you will be able to attend CHURCHWIDE GATHERING and will give ALL leaders your prayer support, financial support, and personal support. We look forward to working with this SCT group. Barbara Pletcher, Search Committee Moderator Myra Lively, Kendall Kay Roddick, Redwoods Marsha Landrith, Cascades Cecilia Moran, Stockton Continued from page 4 Churchwide Gathering: Encourage your members to attend the Churchwide Gathering. Remind them to make reservations for the Synod luncheon. Promote the $20 gift cards which are to be brought for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Remember that each congregation or presbytery attending the Gathering can submit a poster to highlight one of your special mission projects. Details are on page 16 of the Gathering Registration Booklet. PROMOTE THE GATH- ERING! The 2015 Churchwide Gathering will be in Minneapolis, Minnesota. So mark your calendars: 2009 Louisville, Kentucky; 2012 Orlando, Florida; 2015 Minneapolis, Minnesota Mary Lou Williams, Synod Representative 5

6 PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN IN THE SYNOD OF THE PACIFIC Annual Report April 2008 to March 2009 SYNODWIDE GATHERING. With the theme of Good News! and with angels as the motif, P W in the Synod of the Pacific met at Best Western Grosvenor Hotel, South San Francisco, CA, April 4-6, Keynote speaker, The Reverend Judy Wrought, former Women s Ministries Program Area Staff to PW Synod of Pacific, introduced the Bible Study, Jubilee! Luke s Gospel for the Poor. Doreen Der-McLeod, Executive Director of Cameron House San Francisco, The Rev. Glenda Hope, Executive Director of Network Ministries, San Francisco, and The Rev. Sharon Stanley, Executive Director of FIRM in Fresno, CA led workshops. Also featured: Cecilia Moran s USA Mission Experience to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Officers were installed: Moderator Lea Lawrence, Vice-Moderator Historian Marian Hardin, Secretary Anore Shaw, Treasurer Jeanette Huie, CCT Representative Mary Lou Williams, Search Committee Moderator Barbara Pletcher, Coordinators for Mission Interpretation: Cecilia Moran; Justice and Peace, Joan Runyeon; Leader Enhancement, Joan McCune. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE MEETINGS: July 15: Churchwide Gathering, including PWS Luncheon Sept. 12: Bible Study at San Francisco Theological Seminary, San Anselmo, California October: PWS CT meeting April: PW Synodwide Gathering and CT Meeting October: PWS CT Meeting (US Mission) April: PWS Gathering with Moderators and Communicators October: PWS CT Meeting (Global Exchange) April: PWS CT Meeting July: Churchwide Gathering COORDINATING TEAM. The PWSCT met twice for business sessions: April 2-4, and November 14-16, at Mercy Center, Burlingame, California. The Racial/Ethnic Dialogue Group met concurrently, separately for their sessions, and with the SCT for worship, discussion and meals. RACIAL/ETHNIC DIALOGUE. Two meetings of the Synod of Pacific s RED were held: (1) at Faith Presbyterian Church, Oakland, California, on June 14; (2) at Mercy Center, Burlingame, CA, November The latter concluded the three- year term, Women from seven different ethnic groups participated: African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, Korean American, European American, Middle Eastern American and Native American. We hope our people will attempt to form local PW RED groups and continue the dialogue. SYNOD NEWSLETTER. The Pilgrimage newsletter, composed of articles written by the SCT, is published twice yearly. Electronic communication of the newsletter is economical and largely successful. Printed copies are sent via US Postal to those women without access to the Internet. We feel that communication is vital: through exchange of ideas and information, we hear and share God s call. The PWP Moderators reports at the Synodwide Gathering demonstrated clearly that our Synod of Pacific Presbyterian Women continue their faithful devotion throughout their gatherings, mission support, devoted service projects, Bible study and vibrant fellowship. Marian Hardin, Vice-Moderator/Historian 6

7 God Will Do Wonders Among You PW Churchwide Gathering, Louisville, KY 5 pm, July 11 to 10:30 am, July 15, Come for uplifting music, drama and worship, inspiring speakers, workshops and forums, fun in the Great Room, shopping at the Global marketplace, the resource area and Cokesbury bookstore! Come to nurture your faith, to be in community with other women, to learn about current issues in the church and the world, to learn about missions and mission opportunities, to participate in worship and Bible study, to meet women from around the country and around the world. Registration (before May 15th $380; on or after May 15th $430) includes 10 meals, all programs, tote bag and program book. Hotel, travel and Tuesday Synod Lunch are additional. Get more information and registration booklets from Moderators in the Presbyteries or at Continued from page 1 There are also women in the Synod of the Pacific that I look forward to meeting at our Synod Luncheon on Tuesday, July 14 during the Churchwide Gathering. As there is no Synod Gathering this spring, the luncheon will serve as our annual meeting and provide time to elect and install our new leaders on the PWS Coordinating Team. Also at San Francisco Theological Seminary Auxiliary events Seminary for a Day, May 1, 2009 and Horizons Bible Study Day, September 13, 2009 when Dr. Mary Mikhael, author of the PW Bible Study, introduces us to Joshua: A Journey of Faith. There were also women who accompanied Jesus---there are also women today Presbyterian Women - who follow Jesus, minister in his name, bear witness to suffering and truth and come up to the challenges of living as a community of faith. Blessings for the journey. Peace and blessings Lea Lawrence, Moderator, Synod Coordinating Team 7

8 News from Your Leadership Coordinator Greetings All: Hope this finds you all looking forward to spring and planting a garden. The garden I would like to see bloom is for all of you to be using the Leadership resources available to you on the Presbyterian Women web-site. So, let us just walk through the process of finding things useful to you. First, using whatever method you use to search the World Wide Web, type What will come up on your screen is the Presbyterian Women Home Page. On the right hand side you will see a colorful bird with the word SOAR over it. If you click on this bird it will take you to where you can soar in leadership! The first item on this page is What is Leadership? If you click on learn more you will be taken to a site where you can learn about leadership. The next item is Leadership Training. This is what occurred in Synod of the Pacific last Spring at the Gathering in San Francisco, or in some Presbyteries at their own gatherings at other times since The next item is Apply for Leadership Grants. Did you know that there is money available for: individuals to attend Leadership Training Events, for a Group to hold a Leadership training event and for International events? Explore these at this site. The next item is a new program from national called Sisters Stand and Walk Together. This is a program designed to develop the leadership potential of racial ethnic and/or immigrant women so that they may become leaders in PW. To receive one of these grants, a group must be sponsored by a Synod. The first round of these grants was held in February 2009, and our Synod sponsored a proposal the Northern California Asian Presbyterian Women. We were awarded a grant of $4400. The next item is Leading a PW Group. Here you will find information from how to form a new group, to how to evaluate an existing group, to ways to live out the PW Purpose, to Community Building, to Teaching Tips, and to planning events. Something which is not available on the site, but which is under study by the Newly Retired Women s Task Group is how to involve newly-retired women in PW. Look for something soon. And finally, click on Resources just above the Bird and you will find so many things available to you. I will be looking forward to hearing from you about all of the experiences you have had on Do me and let me know what you find useful and what more would be useful to you. Peace, Joan McCune mccujoan@isu.edu 8

9 Mission Musings As I have itinerated throughout our Synod, sharing my experience with the Beyond Borders Mission Experience I have become keenly aware of the importance and role of Mission in the lives of Presbyterian Women. It appears that Mission is what gives many of our groups-- heart and a genuine purpose. I have taken the liberty of sharing with you, a couple of thoughts of our Presbyterian Women, Mission Matters website: pcusa.org/pw/missionmatters/index.htm Mission matters to Presbyterian Women. In addition to being one of the points of the PW Purpose, support for mission is a thread running through all the work PW does in congregations, presbyteries, synods and churchwide. Mission takes many forms for Presbyterian women participation in or support of the Global Exchange, giving money to PW and ecumenical offerings as well as the PW mission pledge and sharing in hands-on mission activities. The diversity of mission programs encourages participation of women at all stages of their lives. We tell the story of mission to others. We offer emotional and financial support to mission workers and projects around the world. We pledge through our congregations and the PW organization. We make and purchase hospital supplies for Malawi, Congo and Haiti. We promote special offerings, such the Fellowship of the Least Coin and the Presbyterian Hunger Fund, along with our own Birthday and Thank Offerings. We provide much-needed assistance to projects in our own communities. All of these forms of service show how PW can live out Mission Matters. Let us remember to whom much is given, much is required. Cecilia Moran Mission Interpretation Coordinator GENEVA M. JENSEN TRUST FUND The Coordinating Team is pleased to announce the awards of the 2008 Geneva M. Jensen Trust Fund grants to the Communities in Schools School Breakfast Weekend Backpack Program in Elko, Nevada, for $700 and the Expansion of Free Community Dinner Program in Columbia, California for $1,500. Geneva M. Jensen was a Presbyterian woman who had a deep interest in the mission needs of our synod. In her will, she established the Geneva M. Jensen Trust Fund. Approximately $1,500 from the fund alternates yearly between national and overseas mission needs. Grants are awarded annually at the fall meeting of the PW Synod of the Pacific Coordinating Team. The 2009 grants will be for mission projects outside the USA. The application deadline is October 1, Applications must be endorsed by Presbyterian Women in the Congregations or Presbyteries within the Synod. Applicants may use the 2008 forms. Project Proposal Forms are available from: Lea Lawrence, Poppy Lane #1, Los Gatos, CA

10 Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Pacific Coordinating Team Moderator Justice and Peace Lea Lawrence (2011) Joan Runyeon (2009) Poppy Lane, #1 19 Fernwood Way Los Gatos, CA San Rafael, CA Vice Moderator/Historian Leader Enhancement Coordinator Marian Hardin (2009) Joan McCune (2010) 166 Morningside Drive 30 Colgate Daly City, CA Pocatello, ID Secretary CCT Representative Anore Shaw (2010) Mary Lou Williams (2011) 3429 Bermuda Court NW 26 th Avenue San Ramon, CA Vancouver, WA Treasurer Search Committee Moderator Jeanette Huie (2011) Barbara Pletcher (2009) 5080 Kearney Avenue 6600 Santa Cruz Oakland, CA Boise, ID Mission Interpretation Coordinator Cecilia Moran (2010) 5067 Moss Creek Circle Stockton, CA PILGRIMAGE JOB OPPORTUNITY for er Extraordinare! Presbyterian Woman urgently sought to transmit Pilgrimage newsletter twice yearly. Main duties: 1) set up data base of addresses, 2) receive edited copy, 3) to PWs, 4) mail print copies via USPS. Need not be a member of PWS Coord. Team, no meetings necessary. Requirements: usual PW attributes of follow-through and faithfulness. For more info, contact Lea Lawrence (kentlea@comcast.net) or Marian Hardin (mhardin2@ix.netcom.com). Rewards: Here s your chance to become famous and appreciated. Apply today! 10

11 PW of Synod of the Pacific Income and Expense July 1, 2008 December 31, 2008 Income Synod Support 2, Global Exchange Support US Mission Partnership Support Reimbursement (Geneva Jensen) Synod of the Pacific (Geneva Jensen) 2, Donation 1, Total Income 7, Expense Global Exchange 1, Treasurer Expense Geneva Jensen Fund 2, Newsletter Coordinating Team Fall Meeting 1, Racial Ethnic Dialog Fall Meeting 1, Total Expense 6, Net Income 1, The quilt squares pictured on this page and on pages 1, 2 and 8 are Balance Sheet some of those made by Synod PW As of December 31, 2008 members for the International delegates to the Gathering. ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings PW of the Synod of the Pacific 7, Total Checking/Savings 7, Total Current Assets 7, TOTAL ASSETS 7, LIABILITIES & EQUITY Equity Opening Balance Equity 6, Net Income 1, Total Equity 7, TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 7, Restricted Funds Question about Finance? Global Exchange 1, Jeanette Huie, Treasurer U.S. Mission Project 1, jeanette_huie@yahoo.com Racial Ethnic Dialogue Unrestricted Funds 3,

12 San Francisco Theological Seminary Auxiliary Events Seminary for a Day - Friday, May 1, :30 am Welcome coffee in Montgomery Chapel 10:15 am Morning worship with SFTS Students 11:00 am -- Special lectures - The Rev. Dr. Greg Love & The Rev. Dr. Judy Siker To consider Who is God and Sassy Women of the Gospels 12:30 pm Lunch in Alexander Hall $15 per person Deadline: April 23 Mail check (payable to SFTS Seminary for a Day) with name, address, phone #, , church & number of people to: Sarah Campbell, SFTS, 105 Seminary Rd, San Anselmo, CA Horizons Bible Study Day Saturday, September 12, 2009 Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Pacific 166 Morningside Drive Daly City, CA