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Presbyterian Leaders’ Forum

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May/June, 1999

Clifton Kirkpatrick

A Message from the Stated Clerk

One of the special joys of serving as Stated Clerk is the opportunity to visit with many different groups that make such a positive contribution to the life of our church. None make a greater impact than one of the oldest and largest – Presbyterian Women. Presbyterian Women has its roots in the women’s missionary societies of the last century and today has over 300,000 members with organizations in the majority of our congregations, as well as in every presbytery and synod and at the level of the General Assembly. This month I want to ask you to join me in giving a special word of thanks to the many members of Presbyterian Women for all that they do for our church and its witness to the world.

You undoubtedly know members of Presbyterian Women in your local congregation. Indeed, you may be one! If so, you know first hand of the important contributions they make to the renewal and mission of our local congregations through prayer and Bible study, community service, and the promotion of generous giving for mission causes at home and abroad. What you may be less aware of is the important contribution Presbyterian Women make to the broader church and to people in need in the United States and around the world.

Let me share a few examples with you:

• In an era when special interest groups are often drawing resources away from our common ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Presbyterian Women contribute over six million dollars annually to our denomination’s mission program.

• Every third year PW brings 5000 women together for a Churchwide Gathering which provides worship, inspiration, bible study, fellowship, and a tremendous energy for the renewal and mission of our church. The next Churchwide Gathering will be in Louisville from July 15-19, 2000.

• Presbyterian Women sponsor what is probably our church’s largest Bible study effort through the annual Horizons Bible Study which is used by PW groups and others across the church.

• The concern for global mission is still very much alive in Presbyterian Women. Through their Global Exchanges, support for hundreds of international health ministry projects, and special grants to strengthen the ministry of women around the world Presbyterian Women is one of the most significant organizations we have to share the gospel in word and deed around the world.

• Presbyterian Women is a vital partner with other women’s ministries in our denomination. Working in close partnership with ministries that serve church employed women, women of color, college women, and those working on advocacy for women’s concerns, PW is a vital expression of our church’s commitment to the active involvement of women in all ministries of the church. Without the rich and varied ministry of Presbyterian Women we would be much less vital and faithful as a church. Please join me in extending a special word of appreciation to those women who make such a positive contribution to our life together through Presbyterian Women.

Clifton Kirkpatrick
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