News Archive

October 2016

PASTOR POINTS: THANK YOU, PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN!

For more than two hundred years, women’s groups have strengthened the Presbyterian Church and played a major role in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and witnessing to the promise of God’s kingdom. 

The Hokendauqua church’s chapter of Presbyterian Women disbanded on September 13, at the home of Moderator Lila Bowman, after partaking of the Lord’s Supper together and sharing memories of dear friends and good times. Favorite snacks—including the traditional treat, “Port Wine Cheese,” and trays of fruit and crackers, were served. Each member shared a humorous memory of a past PW meeting, and after those stories were told, I related my favorite memory of each PW member at the meeting.

In our church, a faith and fellowship group for women has been in existence since the 1890’s, to support the mission of the church. According to Elder Barbara Quigg, our group in the Hokendauqua church first met as the “Ladies’ Missionary Society.” In January 1969, they took the name, “Women’s Association” and divided into circles. In circles, the women read and discussed the annual Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study of the scriptures and collected offerings to support missions. Some members have regularly attended the Lehigh Presbytery’s Women’s gatherings and represented our Presbytery at Synod meetings.

Each month, Presbyterian Women made offerings for international mission projects. Their offerings have supported many causes, including education for needy students and food and clothing for communities devastated by natural disaster. Most recently, 75 “Little Dresses for Africa” were created from colorful pillowcases by Sally Klingler and mailed to Louisville to be distributed among poor families in Africa—with remaining funds from Hokey PW’s treasury. Each dress was different—beautifully crafted with a pocket and decorations.

Leaders of the group decided to disband our chapter because a majority of active members are no longer able to attend meetings. God has blessed the work of these women over the years. Several projects will continue. For example, Redner’s receipts, which have been placed in the large plastic bottle in the Social Room, will continue to be turned for cash at the local store to benefit the church’s Sunday School. Thank you, Presbyterian Women, for your dedication.

Pastor Joyce

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