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PWA Annual Meetings

Come and See

Charlotte Stevenson, PWA Development Officer, reports on thethe Annual Rally, when the PWA members filled the Assembly HAll twice over with committed ladies.

Thursday 3rd May arrived and what a beautiful day it was. Hearts filled with expectancy as almost 2,500 women travelled from across Ireland to the 2007 PWA Annual Meetings.

The large numbers attending means the meeting has to be held twice - afternoon and evening. The meeting, focusing on the theme Come and See, commenced with a time of praise led by Graham Hawthorne, Caroline's brother-in-law, not her husband as many supposed! In the afternoon Graham played the piano and sang a beautiful solo; in the evening he was joined by members of Woodlands Presbyterian Praise Band. We are indebted to them for the way they led the praise.

The Central President, Maureen Weir, welcomed everyone, including our guests, and invited us to join in praise using the words of Jesus is Lord.

The Moderator, Dr. David Clarke brought greetings from the General Assembly. He thanked the women for all their work within our congregations and their support of missions, and said that as he had been married to a PWA President for thirty years, he understood the dedication necessary.

The update on the Birthday Thank Offering Projects was given by Zena McAllister. She reported that the final sum for 2005/2006 was £53,000, with £15,000 going to furnish a Contemplation Room in Sunnyside House, Bangor and the remainder going to two overseas projects - supporting two Sudanese students studying at the East Africa Bible College in Nairobi and supporting the School of Women's Ministry at Zomba Theological College, Malawi.

The fund for 2006/2007 stands at £32,000 and this will help the rubbish tip community in Olinda, Brazil by purchasing a mobile unit with several rooms for Bible studies, medical consultations and a crèche. Support will also be given to provide resources for South Belfast Friendship House.

The 2007/2008 project is the Deaconess Training Fund.

Zena thanked the women for giving generously to the projects and our Mission Fund and encouraged the women to keep up the good work.

Sheila Fell then updated us on the Way Ahead proposals. She said it was 36 years since we took the name PWA and during that time society had changed massively, so it was imperative that we examine the way we conduct our women's ministry and mission. She further said that the name Presbyterian Women had been suggested, which offered flexibility to suit all situations along with the strapline, Living for Jesus - important in these days when the uniqueness of Jesus is being questioned. The proposed mission statement demonstrated our reason for existing as an organization, Presbyterian Women encourages women to become disciples of Christ. Sheila said that what we do must be compatible with God's Word, and therefore it was our aim to achieve our purpose by:

1. obeying God in every area of our lives
2. developing a heart for mission both locally and globally
3. encouraging Christian living and spiritual maturity
4. showing love and unity in our relationships
5. serving God and others using our unique gifts

Sheila said, "We are part of something much greater than our PWA and YWG - God is building a Kingdom here, let us get a bigger picture of what He is doing and let us also realize that He has given us a specific task in building that Kingdom as we minister to women. We look forward to further responses from branches."

Caroline Hawthorne paid tribute to Ruth Henry who had recently retired as a Deaconess and thanked her for her dedication and commitment.

A DVD from Brazil was shown in which Naomi Keefe interviewed Pastor Sergio Lyra, who thanked PWA for supporting the Proclamação Project. He said providing social care and evangelism were like two arms coming from the one body - they were both necessary as we reach out the people of Olinda.

Dorothy Marshall takes over from Joan Hanna as Overseas Vice-President as Joan becomes Central President. Maureen Weir, outgoing Central President, spoke of her enjoyment as she attended many branch meetings, church services, rallies and celebration dinners and thanked everyone for their friendship, support and prayers as she handed over the chain of office to Joan who, in turn, thanked Maureen for her commitment during the year, speaking at meetings, and travelling to Romania and Hungary to encourage the work there and also for the countless committee meetings she had attended. Joan asked for the prayers and support of members for the coming year.

Angela Mills, who is from Capernwray Christian Conference Centre in Lancashire, was the main speaker. She spoke on the new theme Come and See as she invited all present to:
-- Come and See the Place... where He lived, where He died, where He lay.
-- Come and see the Man... who broke through barriers to speak to one woman... who differentiated between... a well and a spring; working for something or a gift; a place and a person; religion and reality... who revealed truth to her... who gave her hope, self-worth, dignity, purpose and a change of priorities.

In her conclusion, Angela challenged everyone to step out of their comfort zone and reach into their congregations and communities.

The meeting was brought to a conclusion with tremendous praise as we sang
There is a higher throne, than all this world has known,
Where faithful ones from every tongue will one day come.

Everyone left feeling challenged and refreshed knowing that their time had been well spent in God's presence.

Here is a copy of the 2007 Report from the Presbyterian Herald in PDF format the text of which is given above.