Presbyterian Women
The Purpose of Presbyterian Women is to:
- Nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study,
- Support the mission of the church worldwide,
- Work for justice and peace, and
- Build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (USA) and witnesses to the promise of God’s kingdom.
There are three active women’s circle groups that meet monthly from September through June for Bible study. Study books are provided, and you need only bring your Bible. There is a time for refreshments and fellowship at each circle meeting. Circles also participate in various mission projects, both local and worldwide. Their meeting times are as follows:
Martha Garvin Circle – 1:00 pm on the second Thursday in Fellowship Hall (Shoebox Ministry packing at 12:30 pm). Mission Projects: Sweater Collection, Shoebox Ministry
Rebecca Circle – 9:15 am on the third Tuesday in Classroom C. Mission Projects: Village House, Oasis of NWA.
Lydia Circle – 9:30 am on the third Saturday in the home of the hostess. Mission Projects: Bentonville Head Start, Making fleece blankets.
Sewing: Our Presbytery and Synod requirements include sewing for both national and international missions. Some recipients of the sewing projects are: NWA Children’s Shelter, Sunshine School, Concordia Care Center, and Village House. “Cutting days” are scheduled throughout the year, during which patterns are cut and packaged for volunteers to sew at home.
Quilting: Quilters meet as needed during the year. Completed twin-size quilts are donated to the children at Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home.
Knit/Crochet: The knit/crochet group completes prayer shawls for PCBV members who are needing comfort; baby items for Knitting 4 Peace, a PW mission partner; and plastic mats for homeless persons.
Two special offerings are received during the year. The Thank Offering is received in the fall, and funds programs that provide education, safe housing, clean water, health care, and justice for women. The Birthday Offering is received in the spring, and funds programs determined by the PCUSA Creative Ministries Offering Committee.
Cent-Ability originated in 1976 as “Two Cents-a-Meal,” a project begun by Presbyterian Women to involve individuals and families in a response to world hunger. Each month, contributions are collected in a jar located in the Connector Hallway. Monies collected go to programs that alleviate hunger all over the world.
CWU is the custodian for the Fellowship of the Least Coin offering. As “least coins” are collected from around the world, they symbolize our unity in the quest for peace, justice and reconciliation. The “least coins” become grants for special projects of evangelism, service, world relief, ecumenical solidarity, and awareness-building among women.