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November Newsletter

 

Dear Ladies,
In October, our Joshua Bible study considered the qualities of leadership. I am amazed to think about all I have learned about leadership from Presbyterian Women, from women in this church!  Women lead in so many ways: in their families, among their friends, at work, in their neighborhoods, in their children's schools and activities, in our community and at church in so many ways. And the important thing that Joshua teaches us is this: that it is God who EQUIPS us to lead in those jobs and activities we feel called by God to do. God promises to be with us as we work to faithfully follow Him.
May God richly bless you in those jobs and activities (large and small) where you have been called to lead. Charlotte
BIBLE STUDY UPDATE

 

Joshua: A Journey of Faith, Lesson Two—A Leader Is Called, Joshua 1:2–18; 24:1–15
Key Idea: When God calls us to a position of leadership, God also gives us the strength and courage to follow God's call.
Lesson 2 considered the leadership qualities exemplified by Joshua. In the Third Wednesday Bible Study, Pastor John asked us what questions we had. Some of us wondered ...
How does the model of leadership in Joshua compare to the leadership model practiced in Presbyterian Churches?
How does Joshua's leadership speak to women who are leaders?
We notice that the route into the Promised Land goes up the EAST side of the Jordan River before crossing - why?
Then, John suggested eight qualities of leadership that he felt were exemplified by Joshua in the scriptures. And in these, we find the answers to our questions!
  1. Joshua was faithful
    Does faithfulness require a moral basis, or is it just a bunch of principles? Leadership must be value-based and we need to view those values through the eyes of Christ.
  2. Joshua was called by the Spirit
    Joshua was called and empowered by God to lead the Israelites into the land God had promised to them. In the New Testament, we are ALL called to lead in some particular ministry and God gives us the skills and abilities to do the work God calls us to do.
  3. Joshua had clarity of his purpose
    Joshua had a clear idea about where he stood, what was important. He was not swayed by popular opinion and as a result, his followers had confidence in him.
  4. Joshua was following God's direction
    In the scripture, Joshua was following the direction of God - he was reminded often to keep the law before him, turning neither to the left or to the right. We, as leaders, need to ask ourselves if what we are doing is Biblically-based. Does it conform to Presbyterian heritage and reformed traditions?
  5. Joshua delegated
    In the scripture, Joshua delegates authority to tribal leaders, and they to clan leaders, etc.
  6. Joshua listened
    It is important that followers know that leaders are listening - first to God and then to the followers.
  7. Joshua had a plan
    Followers need to know that there is a plan - they need to have some idea of where they are going. Joshua had a plan, and made it clear to his followers.
  8. Joshua told, and re-told the story of God's action on behalf of His people
    In retelling our stories of God's activity in our lives, we help others to see God at work in their own lives.

     

Audio Files: I have a set of 3 CD's for anyone who would like to listen to the study - also available as MP3 on one disk. Let me know if you would like one - easily copied - we have permission from publisher to do so.

 

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS BAZAAR THIS WEEKEND!
Saturday, November 7, 3 - 6  PM
Sunday, November 8, 9 AM - NOON
Spend your Holiday Gift money on organizations that directly benefit those in need. Last year, donations totaled more than $9,500! All for mission. What can you give that person who has everything? Come and see!

HELP NEEDED: A CASHIER FOR SUNDAY! PLEASE CALL NORI SMITH (338-1679)

ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT
Tables are filling up and sign-up for guests and hostesses must end very soon! If you have not had a chance to sign up, you can do so RIGHT NOW by calling Rosy Latimore (641-8910).

 

LENTEN DEVOTIONAL
Presbyterian Women will again have a Lenten Devotional available in print form on Ash Wednesday, and will again email the devotions daily to those of you on the PW email list and to others who wish to receive it. The individual devotions are a wonderful reflection of the faith life in our church. Call Lois Poston (646-9574) and let her know that you will write a devotion.

 

WORLD COMMUNITY DAY
Church Women United World Community Day at FPC - Friday November 6
A light breakfast, served at 9:30 a.m., will be followed with the 10:30 service and speaker Christine Gannon, Executive Director of Skyline Camp and Retreat Center, Pastoral Associate for FPC. Her theme, "Piecing Earth Together", focuses on the environment and how we are called together to be good stewards of earth's gifts.

Chris is active in GreenFaith an interfaith coalition for the environment, to inspire, educate and mobilize people to rediscover their relationship with the sacred in nature and to restore the earth for future generations.

Breakfast reservations requested by Tues., Nov. 3. Call Vera Harkin (642-7636).
 
 
YOU CAN HELP
Some of the little ministries that PW is involved in, where you can help.
  • Nursery School Hospitality days: Several times a year, PW provides coffee and refreshments so the parents of our Nursery Schools can gather for food and conversation - call Ginnie Spurr.
  • New Member Welcome Receptions: prepare some coffee, bring some treats, tell new members what a great church we have. Call Kim McGlynn
  • Help with mailings - for the church or for Presbyterian Women - call Ginnie Spurr

     

MISSION
Mission Lunch
On October 28, PW gathered in Calvin for a lovely Lasagne Lunch and an opportunity to hear from Virginia Cantrell, a Presbyterian Mission Worker who has worked in Brazil for years. She told of her work with a children's home near Sao Paulo: a moving tale of two very different children whose lives were changed in surprising ways. Surely it was the hand of God working to place these special boys in loving homes. The plight of orphaned children is much the same everywhere and it is good to know that our Presbyterian Church is involved in caring for these little ones.

Opportunity Giving
We also approved $10,025 in Opportunity Giving Grants to some very important projects and organizations. More information about these projects will be available online and at our Christmas Brunch in December.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS
Christmas Brunch
Wednesday, December 16 following Third Wednesday Bible Study (which starts at 10 AM that day). Always a festive occasion!
Good Friday Mens Breakfast
Presbyterian Women have decided to sponsor this popular event next Spring. Watch for details.

 

DIRECTORY UPDATE
Please add: Lois Poston to list of Julia Circle members, Joyce Kapphahn to list of Ruth Circle members, Liz Snyder to list of Associate Members, remove from Julia list; also change her roster designation from Julia to "Associate"
 

 

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PW Statement of Purpose

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 (U.S.A.) and witnesses to the promise of God’s kingdom.