Presbyterian Women for July

As I write this, we are being represented at the Church-wide Gathering of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by Diane Nestlebush and Ida Borhauer. We look forward to hearing their reports during the fall.

During the summer months it’s a quiet time for PW here at First Church. Monthly gatherings with special programs will resume in September. The new directory will bring us up to date.

The Grand Canyon Presbytery PW Fall Gathering is planned for Saturday, October 24, 2015, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., with registration at 8:30. First Presbyterian of Mesa is host for this meeting. The theme is Mission matters because God’s people matter. Please plan to attend. A car pool will be organized for the trip.

Also, we are awaiting the details about a Synod-wide PW Gathering to be held in at a Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Remember our recommended PW summer reading. Be sure to have a look at the available books on the shelf in the PW Book Corner. It’s just inside the entrance to Swain Hall.

This year’s Horizon Bible Study promises to be one of the best ever: Come to the Waters takes us through the many instances in the Bible where water has special significance. Copies of the Bible study booklet are being ordered this summer. If you have not yet indicated that you need a copy, please have Sherry Gearhart, coordinator (602)509-2684, add your name to the list.

We need to grow our Circles! Ask any member of our two Bible study Circles to tell you how much belonging means. I remember joining my Circle back in 2004. Our meetings were in the early evening because many of us were still employed or involved in volunteer work during the day. It would take a special effort to leave home after dinner to join the group. It would have been tempting to just stay home and rest! But without fail, during the meeting (devotions, business, and a member-led Bible study) the energy level came back and I was so glad I came! Many lasting friendships have resulted from these meetings and shared PW projects/responsibilities.

We hope more of our ladies will consider belonging to a Circle. Meetings, starting again in the fall in the Annex:

• Rachel Circle meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 2:30 p.m.
• Lydia Circle meets on the second Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.

Blessings and Peace,
Marge Hagerman, Co-Moderator (with Lois Rotenberger and Gail Bickel)