When the Rev. Lucy Turner asked me to serve as moderator of Presbyterian Women, I immediately started planning luncheons, retreats and events. I had no idea that there was so much more. Presbyterian Women work in unexpected ways to build faith and community. The purpose of Presbyterian Women is more than fellowship. We are: Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to nurture our faith through prayer 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.
Many people have asked, “Who are Presbyterian Women?” YOU! Yes, all of the women of IPC are Presbyterian Women. “What do we do?” Presbyterian Women support ministry through teaching, study, baking, knitting, praying, yoga, centering prayer, Grace Groups, lectures, luncheons, book swaps, polishing silver and brass, singing, arranging flowers, greeting, and sending notes.
This year, PW hosted a Christmas in July’party to kick off our Season of the 70th, celebrating 70 years of the Holiday House Tour. Ladies enjoyed Christmas music and fellowship. PW also started a Free Little Library outside the Lukens Library. Anyone is welcome to take or leave a book. PW started two new Circles groups following the national PW study of Rev. Eugenia Gamble's "Love Carved in Stone" to connect all PW through one study. We are ALL connected. Circle I meets on the second Tuesday morning of each month Sept – May. Circle II meets on the second Sunday of each month following 5 pm worship. The annual Womens’ Holiday Luncheon with architect Bobby McAlpine sold out. We ended our 70th annual Holiday House Tour with record attendance and revenue for The Children's Fresh Air Farm, STAIR, and First Light.
In 2020, we have the Women’s Retreat January 24-25 with the Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan speaking on Lent. We are also excited to host the Rev. Gamble for our Spring Gathering with our entire Presbytery and the Presbytery of South Alabama on Saturday, March 7. We will have a morning lecture and luncheon. I attended the Fall Gathering at Westminster Presbyterian and their hospitality moved me to offer to host this event at IPC. If their church can host an amazing gathering why can’t we? IPC is the largest church in our Presbytery. It is important to be a part of more community gatherings.
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12: 10-13.
It’s the little things that make a great impact. Why not be kind and spread more joy?
