The Pilgrimage
The Newsletter of the Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Pacific
What’s Inside this Issue ...
Dear Sisters in Christ,Charles Dickens opens his book A Tale of Two Cities with “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times” This could be said for our country where the recent election has confirmed that we are a divided nation. The progress in race relations, women’s rights, religious rights, equal rights for all that we assumed was the common hope of all Americans seem to be in jeopardy. Even as half our nation rejoiced in the outcome of the election, the other half was stunned and in mourning.
We forget that Jesus was born into troubled times when Jerusalem was occupied by the Romans. Herod, the appointed ruler, was so threatened by Jesus that he had all male children under the age of two killed in hopes of killing the messiah’s whose birth was foretold by three wisemen passing through. These are troubled times and we are called to be prophetic, called to dialogue with those whom we may not agree. As long as we demonize “the other”, we will remain polarized and forever separated by a great divide. We are also called to act and speak out against unjust situations where the poor, people of color, women, children, or Muslims are further marginalized and basic rights or services like health care is lost by millions of people through repeal of the Affordable Health Care Act.
As people of faith, we acknowledge the sovereignty of God. We know ultimately that God will reign, but he/she does things in his/her own time. Although we may feel despair, we remember the hope embodied in the birth of Christ which we just celebrated.
This year the Synod Gathering aka Mod + 1 will be held at Mercy Center. This will be open to all Presbytery Moderators or their designee plus one other person from your Presbytery. Carolyn Winkler, moderator of PWCCT will be with us. Next year is the Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women which will be held in Louisville from August 2-5, 2018. Save the date and start saving your money to attend this triennial gathering.
The last Horizons highlighted the USAME held September 22-29th in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sandra Weganius was our representative from Synod of the Pacific. She is available to come to your church or Presbytery to share her experience so please invite her to speak at your PW or church Gathering. The Global Exchange to Indonesia with the theme of “Building Bridges of Understanding” will occur this year in September. Our
representative on this exchange will be Mary Lemm Davis from Pendleton, OR. Please support her by sending in donations earmarked for the USAME to Vicki Hautala, our treasurer.
Mildred Hall, our search committee moderator, is looking for persons to serve as Synod Moderator, Search committee chair and representative to CCT. Please give careful consideration if you are nominated or feel free to let her know if you are willing to serve in one of these three positions. Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as your moderator for the past three years.
Doreen Der-McLeod
From our Moderator
Churchwide CT Report…………5
Faith Into Action ………..4
Geneva Jensen Fund……..……6
Justice & Peace Notes…………2
Mission……….………….7
Moderator’s Letter………1
Mod+1 Gathering……….………3
Nominating Form………..9-10
Search Committee………8
O Come and bless us, Lord
of every season of our lives!
May we please you in word
Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it.
I want fairness—rivers of it.
That’s what I want. That’s
all
I want.
—God
(Amos 5:21-24, The Message)
Justice Embracing Peace
The World Council of Churches has issued an ecumenical call for a Just Peace. This the first paragraph: Justice embracing peace. Without peace, can there be justice? Without justice, can there be peace? Too often, we pursue justice at the expense of peace, and peace at the expense of justice. To conceive peace apart from justice is to compromise the hope that “justice and peace shall embrace” (Ps. 85:10). When justice and peace are lacking, or set in opposition, we need to reform our ways. Let us rise, therefore, and work together for peace and justice.
The election is over. Big changes have been promised by the new leadership of our nation. However, our God and our purpose as God’s forgiven and freed people has not changed. Our denomination has adopted the clear call of Jesus in Matthew 25 to care for our neighbors. Though we are smaller in numbers, as Rick and Emily of Presbyterian Peace Fellowship havetaught us, “A church that is small and fierce is preferable to a church tied to the dominant culture, complicit in the world’s injustices.”
Michael Frost, a voice of the Missional Movement, has repeatedly said that there are five questions we should ask. The first four are tied together. To whom (what people group) is God sending me? Where should I go? To those suffering from the consequences of racism, mass incarceration, lack of fair wages and respectful jobs, lack of medical care, gun violence, destruction of homes and environment, inhospitable immigration policies, addictions, loneliness? What does church look like there…in the realities of God’s vulnerable people? What does the universal reign of God look like? Do you ask yourself these questions every day? To whom are we sent to “Be the Balm”?
The last question is “With whom should I go?” Sometimes those fellow ‘missionaries” are not in our own congregations or our neighborhood. Thankfully, as Presbyterian women, we connect to a larger community. We can connect in our Presbyteries, our Synods, the Presbyterian Mission Agency, Compassion Peace and Justice. There are so many places to find companions in the building of God’s Kingdom.
Here is just one example. One gift that comes to most women naturally is the gift of hospitality. At our church we used to do coffee hour. Now we are greeters. But perhaps we are called to “provide real sanctuary.” Check out the Welcoming Refugee Pages at Presbyterian Disaster Assistance website http://pda.pcusa.org/page/refugee/
If you have thoughts or questions or answers, my email is always open: [email protected] I so love to hear what you are doing.
2017 MOD+ONE
GATHERING
PW Synod of the Pacific April 28, 29, 30, 2017
Presbyterian Women
Going Forward
Mercy Center 2300 Adeline Drive Burlingame CA
Registration : 3:00 p.m. Friday April 28 Depart for home: 1:00 p.m. Sunday April 30
Questions? Please Contact Moderator Doreen Der McLeod [email protected]
“I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the
light of life.”
RSV John 8:12
Registration Form: Payments:
Name_______________________________________ _____ no charge - "Mod" Attendee Address_____________________________________ _____ $280 - "Plus One" Attendee City____________________________ State_____ _____ $150 - "Plus One" Commuter Rate Phone/Cell_________________________________
E-mail______________________________________ REGISTRATION DEADLINE . . . MARCH 15, 2017 Emergency Contact #_______________________ Please send this form with your payment to
Presbyterian Women / Synod of the Pacific c/o Vicki Hautala, Treasurer
Faith Into Action
On November 1, 2016, I attended a lecture by Sister Joan Chittister: a Benedictine nun, author, speaker , and an international leader for peace and justice.
Each morning I read one of her books, “The Breath of the Soul.” I find her messages inspiring and relevant, and it was a wonderful experience to hear her in person.
A major theme of Sister Joan’s presentation on November 1st, was the importance of small groups of people
having the potential of influencing our world in many important ways.
Sister Joan stated over and over again, that we need to be aware of the spiritual values of the actions we take. She emphasized the need to have wisdom to our actions and action to our wisdom, if we are going to build a positive future which can deal with the chaos of our present world.
This dynamic woman gave examples from history that small groups make a difference. What we do, how we act, and how we treat each other are the basic foundation of building a more compassionate society. She reminded us ,“You and I have to do the work.”
Her message highlighted the need for each person to have total commitment to the human condition around us. We need new wisdom for new action in this dizzying , mobile , world. Sister Joan gave examples of the power of just one person doing good— can bring about positive change.
I believe the work performed by Presbyterian Women — and their friends— aligns with her messages. As we reach out to others outside of our church and invite them to work with us for the good of all, reflects several of the important components of her presentation.
The theme of our 2015 churchwide gathering : One Body, One Spirit, is an excellent example of our needing to be God’s hands and feet. Each of us matters, and each of us can work towards building a more compassionate and caring society.
Blessings,
Churchwide Coordinating Team Report
One of the most exciting events that recently happened was the local 2016 USA Mission Experience .
Twenty-two women from across the nation met at Mercy Center (Burlingame) in late September.
Our theme was “Out of Darkness…into the Light.” (John 1:5
We heard presentations—some of which you heard on Saturday, September 24. We had come to learn about
immigration, domestic violence, human trafficking, and other related injustices and to witness the faithful work
of those who had decided to stop being bystanders and had dedicated themselves to becoming part of the
solution. For the remainder of the week, we heard more speakers and visited an array of projects/agencies. The
January/February issue of Horizons will focus on this experience.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the fall meeting of the CCT, thus I have extrapolated information from the
summary report.
Some Highlights from the Fall 2016 CCT meeting:
The
CCT
voted to hold one face-to –face meeting in 2017. The spring meeting will be held electronically.
Antiracism Committee
will organize an Antiracism Roundtable conference to be held four times
a year.
Creative Ministries Offering Committee
(CMOC) Voted to change the distribution schedule for the
Birthday Offering to mirror the Thank Offering. Both offerings will now be received before
Recipients are selected and grants provided.
Justice and Peace Committee
voted to set aside Leadership Development Grants to help
Committee members attend the Commission on the Status of Women (two grants) and
Ecumenical Advocacy Days (five grants). J&P also recommends including youth in the CCT’s triennial focus
on children’s education. PW will focus on child and youth literacy during Children’s Book Week, May 1-7,
2017.
Mission Relationships Committee
(MRC) will sponsor the following mission trips: Presbyterian Home for
Children in Talladega, Alabama—March 27-31, 2017; Reformation tour in fall of 2017 and the
USAME trip in 2019 will be held in the Northeast.
Personnel Committee
reviewed and approved a job description for a new staff position—PW Associate for
Outreach and Development.
Upcoming Events:
March 27-31, 2017
Mission trip to Presbyterian Home for Children Talladega, Alabama
August 2-5, 2018
Churchwide Gathering: “Arise, Shine! Your Light Has Come” (Is.60:1) Galt House,
Louisville, Kentucky. Registration: $425 Hotel: $149
Are you saving monthly so you can go ???
GENEVA M. JENSEN TRUST FUND
Winter 2017
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 has been
granted on alternate years between national and overseas mission needs. Grants have been are awarded
annually at the fall meeting of the PW Synod of the Pacific Coordinating Team.
At this time, approximately, $2000 remains in this trust fund.
It is highly probable that 2017 will be the last time this fund will be able to make a grant.
The 2017 grants will be for mission projects “within the USA”, (maybe one or two grants, depending on
requested amounts).
The application deadline
is October 1, 2017.
Applications must be endorsed by
Presbyterian Women in the Congregations or Presbyteries within the Synod.
Additional information and Project Proposal Forms are available from:
Doreen Der-McLeod, Moderator, PW in the Synod of the Pacific
420 27th Avenue #3
San Francisco, CA 94121
Telephone: (415) 668-5721
e-mail address:
[email protected]
Mission Interpretation
CHEMO CARE TOTE BAGS
A few months ago I met Vicki Goss who created a worthwhile ministry of providing tote bags filled with items
a woman going through chemotherapy would find useful-comforting. The lined cotton tote bag is
approximately 16” wide and 14” tall with handles filled with batting for comfort.
In addition to asking those women who sew to make a tote bag, A few of the items we will ask women at our
church to provide for the totes are:
Journal and pen
Individual tissue packs
Snuggle socks
Lip balm (unflavored)
Lotions (unscented)
Hand Sanitizer
Extra Soft Toothbrushes
Hats and scarves – made with extra soft yarn
Emery boards
Shower Gel and Poufs
Mints and lifesavers
Devotional reading
Personal Throw Blankets (approximately 50x60)
And of course PRAYERS.
We will also include a small stuffed bear donated from our local Good News Bears organization . Your PW can
personalize the tote contents and tote bags in any way.
Karen Vied and I will work with our PW at First Presbyterian in Livermore to have five tote bags made and
filled on our shelf ready to give, and then collect items and make totes to go to Vicki’s ministry.
Please consider having your PW work on this valuable project, and contact me for the pattern of the tote. I
would be happy to talk with you about any questions you may have.
In Peace,
Search Committee
Are you up for a challenge? The monthly PW Gathering Quest emails have challenged us with quizzes, puzzles and links to resources and information. This has been a wonderful
promotional vehicle for the 2018 Churchwide Gathering. If you don’t know what I’m referring to, or your moderator has not forwarded to you or posted on your church bulletin boards, ask her about it, or check the PW website.
In the meantime, for PWS, we have our challenges too. First, we know these challenges are not new: churches leaving the
denomination, aging circles, various health issues, diminishing PW circles and so on. These issues have created a difficult task for the Search Committee. But with God’s help and prayers and support from all of you, we have been successful in finding women including those who have come forward themselves, to serve on Presbyterian Women of the Synod Coordinating Team.
This year the following officers having served their terms will be rotated off their duties: Doreen Der-McLeod, Moderator; Cecilia Moran, CCT Representative; and Mildred Hall, Search Committee Moderator.
As PW, we are tasked with the responsibility to continue doing all we can according to our PW Purpose as well as our abilities and willingness to be a faithful servant -- “Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.”
A Nomination Form is included on the next page for your use. I am confident that each of you will consider women in your local congregation, in your circles and in your presbyteries who are possibilities for nomination—including yourself. Many have served again and again and also on the several levels of PW. But who best to carry on the work than you, with knowledge and wisdom of the church and women … Presbyterian women.
Elsewhere in this issue is a Registration form for the Mod+One Gathering on April 28-30, 2017, at Mercy Center, Burlingame, CA. Please read the details on that form and prepare to attend or you’ll miss the program along with training that will be offered. This gathering is open to the Presbytery Moderators plus one person—from their CT or an at-large member.
We hope that you will pray often that we will seek and find women to lead us into the new year of Presbyterian Women. To repeat, we are looking for a Moderator, a CCT Representative and a Search Committee Moderator. The Nomination Forms are due returned to me by March 17, 2017. Then the voting will happen after which we will inform the newly-elected women who will need to attend the April Gathering for their installation into office.
If you have questions, feel free to write to:
Jo Carmichael,
[email protected]
or Rosaleen Zisch at
[email protected]
or me, Mildred Hall at
[email protected]
— or call me at 415-748-7147 or 415-567-7757.
PWS NOMINATION FORM
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN IN THE SYNOD OF THE PACIFIC
NOMINATION FORM
Please nominate only a Presbyterian woman who has consented to have her name submitted for consideration.
NAME OF NOMINEE: ______________________________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Church: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Presbytery: ________________________________________________________________________________
Nominated by: ____________________________________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 2. --- Nomination Form for PWS
Nominated for the office of: ___________________________________________________________
The Presbyterian Woman I am nominating will be an asset to the Coordinating Team of the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Pacific because she has
(include church experience, PW positions held, community involvement, skills and interests) : Information not limited to space below. Feel free to add another page as needed. THANK YOU.
Please submit this Nomination Form no later than March 17, 2017 to:
Mildred Hall, Search Committee Moderator 2474 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94115
