Presbyterian Women (PW)

Presbyterian Women is a church wide organization whose membership is open to all women. Presbyterian Women (PW) members are those who participate in or are supportive of Presbyterian Women in any way. Presbyterian Women is organized on the presbytery, synod, and church wide level. All women of the church are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Our 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 world wide

•  To work for justice and peace, and

•  To build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (USA) and witnesses to the promise of God's kingdom.

Meetings:
PW of Wright Memorial Presbyterian Church elects its own leadership, plans and implements a yearly program, determines its own organization, and maintains ongoing activities such as Bible Study, mission interpretation, fundraising, and special ministries within the world, the nation, the state, and the community.

Currently the PW business meetings are held on the first Mondays of the month at 12:30 PM at the church, except for July, August, and January when the Executive Board meets. At these meetings, all of our planning is done for: fund-raising; mission involvement, and social events. Each meeting includes refreshments, business, and a short program.

Women are invited to join a Circle group. Currently, we have two Circle groups. Friendship n' Gracious Circle meets for Bible study at the church on the third Monday of most months at 12:30 PM. Ruth Circle is studying the book “Bad Girls of the Bible” by Liz Curtis Higgs. It meets at the church at 7:00 PM on the third Tuesday of most months.

While not organized into circles, many women are involved in knitting for our Prayer Shawl ministry. This involves praying for such things as strength, comfort, and healing, while knitting shawls for ill members and friends of the church. PW will provide yarn and directions for knitters. Those interested in knitting or receiving such a shawl should contact Lillian Helmich.

Another group works every other Tuesday morning (10-12) while making crafts to be sold in the fall at our Luncheon and Bake Sale. All are encouraged to attend this relaxing and fun group.

A Prayer chain is in place. Those needing additional prayers are asked to contact June Glover.

Missions:
One way PW supports the mission of the church worldwide is through our annual donations to Monmouth Presbytery for the Birthday Offering, the Least Coin Offering, and the Thank Offerings. Additional monies were given this past year to Ocean Harbor House, a home for troubled teens in Toms River; Americans Helping Americans in Appalachia; Blanket Sunday of Church World Service; the Katrina Relief Fund; the Presbyterian Assistance Distribution Center of Gulf Port, Miss.; and the Wright Memorial Presbyterian Church Building Fund. We are very proud of what this wonderful group of dedicated servants has been able to do in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Officers:
Sandy Konrad, Moderator
Lois Lepley, Vice-moderator
Janet Tenhor , Secretary
Dottie Myers, Treasurer
Lillian Helmich, Prayer Shawls & Sunshine
Mission – Carolyn Chadwick

Circle leaders:
Friendship n' Gracious Circle – June Glover
Ruth Circle – Sandy Konrad

FUND-RAISING OPPORTUNITIES

The majority of our fund-raising has come through two annual events:
The Spring and Fall Luncheon and Bake Sale.
Items include all homemade soups, sandwiches, desserts, and baked goods. A rummage sale table was included this spring and arts and crafts will be added to the fall sale. A great time is had by all. Think about joining us either as a helper or a diner.
The fall date has been set for Saturday, October 28 th . from 10 AM to 2 PM at the church.