Presbyterian Women’s (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.
Presbyterian Women (PW) is an independent organization within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The programming and resource options for the organization offer a variety of ways for women to live out their faith in an inclusive, caring community.
Presbyterian Women (PW): A Brief History
Presbyterian Women is both a national and local organization within the Presbyterian Church that can trace its roots to
predecessor organizations that formed in the USA more than 200 years ago when women had no formal role within the church. At that time, women within our church were limited to doing missionary work, making donations, and providing prayers to those in need. The first national organization of Presbyterian women formed in the northern USA in 1875 and was called the “Women’s General Missionary Society.” This organization largely functioned as a source of monetary support to women missionaries in the field. Approximately 26 years later, the southern Presbyterian Church followed suit and created its “Women of the Church.” Over the years, Presbyterian women have advocated for the rights of women and children, as well as the right to fair pay for blacks, native americans, appalachian workers and immigrants. The 20th Century brought great change to the Presbyterian Church as a whole. Women were allowed to become both elders and ministers, although the timing varied depending on whether you were a part of the northern or southern branches of the Presbyterian Church. When the north and south combined to become the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1983, this led to a consolidation of the women’s groups that each had fostered. “Presbyterian Women” formally was established in 1988. In 2016, Presbyterian Women was added to the Presbyterian Church (USA) Organization for Mission as a related corporation, recognizing its important role in the church. At the same time, the national moderator of Presbyterian Women became a corresponding member of the church’s General Assembly- a seat at the table with a voice but no vote.
predecessor organizations that formed in the USA more than 200 years ago when women had no formal role within the church. At that time, women within our church were limited to doing missionary work, making donations, and providing prayers to those in need. The first national organization of Presbyterian women formed in the northern USA in 1875 and was called the “Women’s General Missionary Society.” This organization largely functioned as a source of monetary support to women missionaries in the field. Approximately 26 years later, the southern Presbyterian Church followed suit and created its “Women of the Church.” Over the years, Presbyterian women have advocated for the rights of women and children, as well as the right to fair pay for blacks, native americans, appalachian workers and immigrants. The 20th Century brought great change to the Presbyterian Church as a whole. Women were allowed to become both elders and ministers, although the timing varied depending on whether you were a part of the northern or southern branches of the Presbyterian Church. When the north and south combined to become the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1983, this led to a consolidation of the women’s groups that each had fostered. “Presbyterian Women” formally was established in 1988. In 2016, Presbyterian Women was added to the Presbyterian Church (USA) Organization for Mission as a related corporation, recognizing its important role in the church. At the same time, the national moderator of Presbyterian Women became a corresponding member of the church’s General Assembly- a seat at the table with a voice but no vote.
Circleville’s Presbyterian Women: Fellowship and Mission
Over the years, Presbyterian Women (PW) in the Circleville Presbyterian Church has dedicated its strength and talents to mission work and fostering fellowship among our church members. All women of the church are considered members whether or not you attend the meetings, or are active in PW events. There are no dues, no sign-ups, etc. ALL are welcome! Some of the events or activities that PW sponsors are:
- Cookie Walk: PW started this beloved community event in 1991; its proceeds support the church kitchen fund which helps with financing the maintenance of our kitchen.
- Strawberry breakfast: Although the youth of the church started this event in the 1950’s, it has transitioned to PW as a social gathering for fellowship.
- Lenten lunches: PW provides a soup and sandwich lunch when it is our church’s turn to host the Lenten service for this ecumenical program among Circleville churches.
It should come as no surprise to fellow Presbyterians that these PW events and fundraisers rely heavily on food, leveraging the formidable cooking talents of our members. Circleville’s PW recognizes that our women members are short on time, with many responsibilities. We welcome your participation at whatever level is appropriate for your circumstances, including those who simply need the fellowship of a caring community. PW is looking to grow with the church and meet its changing needs. PW meetings are held as needed, with the schedule published in the church bulletin. Stop by the next PW meeting or event to take part in the evolution of our church community!
Thank you to Ann Shannon for providing this write up.