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Reflections
on the PW Churchwide Gathering "Sanctify
yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you"
Joshua 3:5 was the theme for the Gathering. The plenary worship
sessions focused on the Wonder of God, Wonder of Community, Wonder
of Creation, Wonder of Missions, Wonder of Hope, Wonder of Grace,
and Wonder of Discipleship. Our time together culminated in a Celebration
of Wonders with Communion. We were challenged and inspired while
being reminded that it is the Lord who works in and through us.
Ruth Marshall, Moderator, Shenango PW As a pastor,
it was truly a privilege for me to join with over 2,500 Presbyterian
Women from around the world to celebrate the great things that are
being accomplished for God's Kingdom. Other than a personal issue
with too many biscuits served, everything during the four days in
Louisville was a blessing. I was inspired by the worship services,
learned many new and creative things in the workshops, and found
the fellowship with my sisters in Christ to truly be a joy-filled
experience. I would encourage my colleagues in ministry, if not
already involved and encouraging of your local PW to find out more
and embrace the good work these women of the church are doing. As
the theme of the week reminded us... God will do wonders among you! It was wonderful to see roughly 3,000 Presbyterian women from around the world, worshipping Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord, together. The choir, made up of volunteers, truly sounded like the voices of angels. The collegial aire of the gathering was inspiring as was learning of the many, many ways in which Presbyterian women make a difference in the world...certainly there are no borders or bounderies on love. I was grately uplifted and inspired by most aspects of the gathering. There was, however, a subtle but strong More Light influence. first time attendee, M. Robbie Arnold, CLP, Bethlehem Church Photos from the Darfur Rally in Washington D.C. Fall 2009 Perspectives Course Criteria for Funding Mission Projects A few congregations have had questions as to how to choose which mission project to fund when there are so many choices out there. East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City has developed a set of criteria, which work for them and may help you. Dear all, warmest greetings. Two of us visited Darfur during 11-14,March,2009. We visited Fashir, the Capital of Northern Darfur State. Fashir is surrounded by many camps for displaced people. So we went out to visit these camps. The situation is very difficult. People started to move again after the government of Sudan kicked out western Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that meet 60% of the total need of the displaced people in camps in Darfur. People are looking for the food, water, and shelter. The other NGOs, which are left in Darfur are not able to meet the big need of the displaced. Even these those remaining are not operating because they are afraid of being kicked out. People are suffering in the desert and have nothing to eat or drink. They started to look for the leaves of the trees to eat or dead animals to feed themselves. There are no trees, it's the desert, and no dead animals have been left. It's the disaster of this century. You cannot believe what you see or hear. One of the displaced people said: "I wish that I could die rather than see my wife and children starving and crying for food and water." You will see the photos attached that the need is very great and it's above our abilities. Hundreds of thousands of people are dying like animals. It's one of the biggest disaster on earth. What shall we do then? Let's do something for the people of Darfur and be like the child who gave what he has to Jesus and then Jesus blessed that and hand it to the people (John 6:1-13). Let's do something for the needy people in Darfur today and not tomorrow. "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Fur people will arise from another place...and who knows but that you have come to this (position) for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). Let's join together with the Lord and be the vessels for Him to do all these things through us if we give what we have, even if it's little to Him with happy and joyful heart. We were able to give out food for the people there at the camps. These funds came from the churches of Shenango Presbytery. Many thanks to you because 372 people received food. We are planning to get there again as soon as we receive funds. Here is what we are going to do if God provides for funds: (1) 100 sacks
of Wheat @ $ 70 = $ 7,000 ------ Total $ 28,000 God is working in Darfur. We met many believers. The people study the Bible, pray, and worship in their own languages (Fur languages). We selected two strong leaders to be sent to Gereif West Bible School this July, 2009. In the midst of this difficult situation, God is still working and draws people to Him. May God bless you as you are serving Him. Amen. Darfur mission Committee team [names omitted for security] Summer Announcements from CAPNWP The Camping Association is looking for summer staff at Camp Lambec and Westminster Highlands. In addition, CAPNWP has released a glimpse of their outdoor ministries for the coming months...download the PDF.
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