PCUSA

 First Presbyterian Church


   Portsmouth, VA

 

515 Court Street, 757 397 3622
 Info@FPCPorts.org
Directions to the Church

 

Organizations

Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian Women (PW) is the national women's organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). With a history of more than 200 years, PW is committed to nurturing faith, supporting the church's mission, working for justice and building community. It is organized at all levels of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in congregations, presbyteries and synods as well as General Assembly.

The PW 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.

PW

Some Meanings Found in the PW Symbol

Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ,
 Forgiven and freed by grace through faith, the central figure stands in praise.

and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves:
 Rooted in faith, the trio of women emerge. The outline of the central figure forms a cross. We are Presbyterian women, engrafted in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us.

to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study,
The right figure holds a book to guide her reading, studying, praying, or meditating.

to support the mission of the church worldwide
The left figure reaches out to care for others, as she shares, nurtures, and heals. The circle represents the church worldwide where women offer their gifts and talents in the midst of the global community.

to work for justice and peace,
The uplifted arms of the central figure reach out to embrace a just peace for the world. The relationship between the three figures depicts lives of wholeness rather than turmoil.

and to build an inclusive, caring, community of women
The three women have no distinct features and represent all women. The shapes surrounding them express energy, strength, and openness.

that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Our name, Presbyterian Women, ties us to our denomination. The Bible resembles the Bible depicted in the PC(USA) seal.

and witnesses to the promise of God's Kingdom.
 Guided by our purpose, we witness to the reality of God's realm.

The organization of PW is based on the following principles.

  • Value of persons
    The individual member is a central concern of Presbyterian Women. Alternative programming is provided to meet the needs of individuals, their interests, perspectives, and gifts. PW believes that an environment grounded in Christian beliefs promotes the full growth and expression of the individual. Such an environment renews, strengthens, and empowers the individual to participate in the life and work of the church, the servant community of Jesus Christ in the world.
  • Spiritual development and growth
    In order to do God's work, we must constantly search Scripture and pray for an understanding of God's will for us and the world. PW believes that our spiritual development and growth require us to reflect on our journey of faith, keeping our hearts open to God's call to action and involvement.
  • Supporting the mission of the church
    As part of our tradition in the church, PW supports the mission of the church at home and worldwide. We struggle with humanity's pain and work for justice and peace for all God's people. Opportunities for supporting mission are realized through giving and service.
  • Community life
    In our life together we are committed to the building of an inclusive, caring community in which we call forth the gifts of another. We provide an avenue for women to grow in faith and understanding of individual and cultural differences.
  • Membership
    Membership in Presbyterian Women is open to all women. PW members are those who choose to participate in or be supportive of Presbyterian Women in any way. PW intentionally seeks the membership of women inclusive of all ages, races, ethnicities, and geographical locations so that it may reflect the rich diversity of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Decision making
    Presbyterian Women determines its own leadership, program, and budget. Decisions are made by voting or consensus at gatherings that have representation from appropriate groups.
  • Leadership
    Presbyterian Women develops women's gifts for responsible and visionary leadership through training and experience.
  • Open Communication
    Presbyterian Women values the process of open communication that provides opportunities for free exchange of ideas and perspectives.
  • Flexibility
    Flexibility is encouraged so that groups may determine the structure and programs most appropriate and workable in their church or area. Renewal through evaluation and goal setting will occur annually in order to adapt to changing needs. Goals and objectives will serve as means of accountability by which Presbyterian Women can determine the effectiveness of programming.
  • Giving
    Presbyterian Women challenges women to support the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) beyond their church pledge. Such giving will be channeled through and administered by Presbyterian Women. The basic operating budgets of Presbyterian Women in the congregation, presbytery, synod and churchwide are understood as mission and are included in the Celebration of Mission pledge.

 

Minutes from the 2010 PW Birthday Party

The Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church, Portsmouth held their Annual Spring Gathering/Birthday Party on Saturday, May 22 at the church.  The theme of the gathering was “Christ Hath a Garden” and decorations were patriotic in anticipation of Memorial Day. 

New officers for the 2010-11 program year were elected and installed.  Rev. Kerry Westerwick was in attendance and conducted the installation service.  The officers are: 

  • Co-Moderators – Penny Brangan and Alice Butler;

  • Treasurer – Anne Porter;

  • Search Chairman – Cynthia Deller;

  • Family Outreach – Mike Taylor;

  • Missions Abroad – Pat Sparks;

  • Community Missions – Claudia Laughlin;

  • Circle One Chairman – Agnes McFadden and

  • Circle Two Chairman – Clara Spanos. 

The PW Birthday Offering was collected for a total of $306 (with Sunday’s collection). 

Burma Smith conducted a memorial to those women who had passed away since our last Spring Gathering:  June Culpepper, Minnie Doleman, Irene Hunt, Minnie Riley and Dot Wyman. 

Following the program, the women enjoyed a delicious luncheon. 

The program year will end after the June circle meetings and then resume in September.

PW Circles