Presbyterian Women's Association

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PWA Projects

PWA supports various projects through the Birthday Thank Offering Fund. Each year this fund focuses on areas of specific need. PWA members are encouraged to give to it in gratitude for their birthdays.

The PWA projects for 2007/08 will be to support the following:

Deaconess Training

The Women's Home Mission was formed in 1944 in view of the need for trained women workers in the Presbyterian Church. Candidates for Deaconess work (formerly known as Church Sisters) were trained at St Colms in Edinburgh until the year 2000.

Since 2000 Deaconess training has taken place at Union Theological College, usually over a two-year period. During the two years at college as well as study, there is also an opportunity to gain practical experience through a placement programme. The programme of training leads to a Diploma in Diaconate Studies.

Following the completion of the diploma course they undertake a Probationary Year working in a congregation. Deaconesses make a valuable contribution to the life and work of our Presbyterian Church, and are employed in congregations, hospitals, the community and prison service. At the present time there are 27 serving Deaconesses and 3 trainee Deaconesses.

It takes £12,578 to cover the cost of 2 years training at Union Theological College. Through the Birthday Thank Offering Fund PWA members will have the opportunity to contribute to the training of deaconesses so that this important work can be maintained.

YWG Projects

The YWG special projects for 2007/08 will be to support the following:

Home: YWG, through their Home Project, and PWA, through their Birthday Thank Offering, will have the opportunity to contribute to the training of Deaconesses. Young Women's Group recognize the valuable contribution that Deaconesses make to the life and work of the Presbyterian Church.

Overseas: Vocational Bible School, Vyara, Southern Gujarat. VBS has been run for the past twenty years by a lady who trains young women to teach the Bible and run courses. This project will help to support the work and will provide for some of the needs that exist in this deprived region of India.