An Invitation to the Churchwide Gathering in St. Louis
My participation in Presbyterian Women (PW) has helped me to form a more vital connection with God, my sisters in faith around the globe, and those with whom I live and serve. Joining with other women in Horizons Bible Studies and sharing our deepest hopes, sorrows, and dreams in prayer and service, I have been able to form deep and abiding friendships that remain touchstones in my life of faith.
Having served the church and in a variety of ways in New Mexico, Alaska, Tennessee, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and now in the presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery, I have come to know amazing women who “do everything in love” and
who stop at nothing to accomplish God’s work of healing and liberation. Participating in the Churchwide Gathering offers the chance to renew old friendships and to form new connections with women of faith across the globe.
The Churchwide Gathering this August will be the convergence of years of prayerful planning and discerning the leading of the Holy Spirit. Taste and see the goodness of our Creator who has spread a great banquet where we may find nourishment for our individual and corporate lives of faith.
Hear inspiring preaching from such women as Reverend CeCe Armstrong out of South Carolina, Reverend Evelyn Torres, a bi-vocational pastor from Puerto Rico, Reverend Mariko Cheifetz, Assistant Dean at Vanderbilt University, and Reverend Cindy Kohlmann, co-moderator of the 223rd General Assembly! Their preaching along with plenary speakers will help to expand our vision of a global, inclusive church and show us how we can offer support and solidarity with those facing injustice. The Gathering offers a plethora of workshops on everything from how to preserve local PW history to ways to demonstrate love in action through promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Please do not miss this chance to be part of something so big and empowering right here in our backyard. Here are ways to participate. You can come for the day, join online or volunteer. To learn more and register: https://2024pwcwg.org. If you would like to volunteer, look for the sign-up genius in future newsletters. Volunteering is a wonderful way to experience the Churchwide Gathering first-hand and be of service. Those who volunteer may attend worship and plenary sessions at no cost. For more information on volunteering, contact Carol Gruber: at 636-583-2329
Rev. Janet Riley
Co-Moderator of Presbyterian Women of Giddings-Lovejoy
Retired At Large Member of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
