PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN: Annual Report

 St. Mark Presbyterian Women is an organization for women within our church. We enjoy fellowship, Bible study and supporting local, national and international missions. Our challenge is to accept the gifts God has given us and to use those gifts to assist in the life and work of the Church. The Board of Presbyterian Women meets the first Wednesday of each month and is made up of women who serve as officers, Circle leaders, and project chairs. 

As 2021 comes to a close, our Presbyterian Women has 5 Circles and approximately 80+ active members. Martha Circle was disbanded due to declining numbers and the inability to meet either virtually or in person. Most Circles meet on the third Wednesday or Thursday of the month from September to May; Ruth Circle meets year-round. Three circles meet during the day and two meet in the evening. One circle meets monthly on dates determined by its members. Three circles are using the Horizon Bible Study and two circles use other materials. Most circles have returned to meeting in person. 

Presbyterian women continue to participate in the monthly book club. Members meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 9:30 am for discussion of a book selected by the group, with no meetings in July or November. The club has resumed meeting in person with Zoom available for those who prefer. 

The mission work of PW is funded through individual gifts and fund raising. As happened in 2020, the Christmas Boutique and candy sale were unfortunately cancelled due to Covid-19. However, in December PW sponsored a “Teddy Bear” fundraiser which has raised over $700 to date. The board will meet early in January of 2022 and determine how much money they can distribute and to which charities. We hope to resume our two major fundraising events in 2022. Additionally, PW continues to contribute to the work of the Presbyterian Church USA through our annual pledge and offerings.

PW was able to hold layette drives in the spring and fall. Many beautiful items were donated and gifted to Newborns in Need. 

Once again, programming during Covid-19 presented its own special challenges. Mary Beth Powell was more than up to the task and we were able to provide all our yearly programming events. A January Tea was held virtually on January 27, featuring Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House on Rocky Ridge Far. All women of the church were invited to participate via Zoom and about 40 attended.

 PW hosted a virtual retreat Friday evening February 26 and Saturday morning February 27. Again, all women of the church were invited to attend via Zoom. On Friday we opened with worship, followed by announcements and an activity. Our special guest and speaker was Wendi Lou Lee, one of the actresses who portrayed Grace on the Little House on the Prairie series. On Saturday we broke into smaller groups for breakout sessions and a break activity. There was a craft activity which came in a packet that each participant picked up at church earlier in the week. There was no cost to participants but an opportunity was provided for a free will offering. Overall it was a wonderful experience and a great opportunity to get “recharged” in the midst of COVID-19 and winter isolation. PW is planning to hold its 2022 retreat virtually again because of the new rise in Covid-19 numbers. 

Our very creative Mary Beth Powell and Pastor MP organized and presented the second annual virtual brunch on September 10: “Praying with Teddy”. It was pre-recorded and made available on YouTube so that women who missed the “premiere” could view it at a later time. 

Our November fall outing was to Kohn’s Kosher Deli and Bakery for lunch and a presentation on Kosher Food. Everyone agreed the food and presentation were both outstanding. In December the PW circles worked with the Mission Committee to provide 60 gifts for the Presbyterian Home and Children’s Services (PCHAS). 

The board was able to hold its December board meeting at The Hearth Room in Town and Country. Together we celebrated the close of another spiritually fulfilling year through devotion, fellowship, and of course good food! A very special thanks to Pastor MP who continues to be an invaluable resource in keeping our women connected and spiritually healthy. We are so very blessed to have her.

 Respectfully submitted, Sharon Tharp, Moderator