Synod of South Atlantic

Presbyterian Women Gathering

October 21~23, 2016

Epworth by the Sea,

St. Simons Island, Georgia ___________________________________

You are invited to attend the 10th Triennial Gathering of Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the

South Atlantic! The Planning Team has been busy planning three incredible days for Presbyterian

Women to retreat, renew, and rejuvenate. A place apart to fellowship with women, connect with our

mission partners, build your spirituality, gain insights of the Bible study, experience meaningful

worship, have options for twenty-three inspiring workshops, build relationships, and connect with

synod churches and the churchwide organization. All of this at Epworth by the Sea, a relaxing and

natural retreat center on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

St. Simons Island is off the southern coast of Georgia and is an easy drive from anywhere in the

synod. Find some friends and enjoy the road trip! Our goal is for someone from every church to

attend so check with your neighboring PW groups and start planning the journey.

This time the conference begins with lunch on Friday and ends with worship on Sunday. Plan to

arrive by 11:30 am on Friday, October 21, to take advantage of the first set of workshops. The two

Friday workshops are Leadership Development for presbytery and church level leaders or

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Preparation Training – useful to all churches in case of an

emergency. Is your church ready to care for their congregation or help their community in an

emergency situation? Learn the importance of being prepared.

The synod business meeting begins at 4:00 pm Friday for voting members. This is where bylaw

changes and updates are validated and new synod leadership is nominated and elected.

After plenary time Friday, our tradition is an ice cream social with one of the cottages from Thornwell

Home for Children. The girls from Berkele Cottage are excited to come and meet with us! Saturday

evening join the Dessert Bar and a time to fellowship and unwind. The schedule includes time to

experience the Contemplation Center, visit the Mercado, take a St. Simons Trolley ride or a Jekyll

Island Boat Tour.

The Mercado is a place to learn about our mission partners, purchase fair trade items, Horizons

magazine and PW items, be creative in the craft corner, and more. This area will be open Friday

afternoon and Saturday so visit early and often.

A self-paced contemplation area will be available for you to experience some different spiritual

practices. Make sure to check it out during your stay and take some of what you learn back to your

church.

Robin Powell, Synod Vice-Moderator/Planner

727.443.6879 robin@ewfw.org

Looking at through a Different Lens

2016 SYNOD GATHERING

HELPFUL INFORMATION Epworth by the Sea, 100 Arthur J Moore Rd, St Simons Island GA 31522

Phone: 912-638-8688 Website: www.epworthbythesea.org

EVENT SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

10:30a-1p Registration

11:45a-1p Lunch

1:15p-3pm “A” Workshops

1:15p thru Sat. 5:30p

Contemplation Center & Mercado open

3p-5:30p Registration

4p-5p Business Meeting

5:30p-7p Dinner

6:45p-7:15p Choir

7:15p-7:30p Gathering Songfest

7:30p-9:30p Plenary After Plenary Ice Cream/Thornwell

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2016

7a-8:30a Breakfast

8:45a-9am Gathering Songfest

9a-10:30a Plenary 10:45-11:45a “B” Workshops

11:45a-1p Lunch

1:15-2:15p “C” Workshops

2:30p-5:30p Activities of Choice

5:30p-7p Dinner

6:45p-7:15p Choir

7:15p-7:30p Gathering Songfest

7:30p-9:30p Plenary After Plenary Fellowship

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016

7a-8:30a Breakfast

9a-9:30a Choir Rehearsal

9:30-11:30a Plenary/Worship

Looking at through a Different Lens

“A” WORKSHOP OPTIONS on Friday, October 21st, 1:15pm-3pm

Leadership Development for Presbytery and Church-level Leaders

OR PDA - \ Disaster Preparedness Training

AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES of CHOICE, Saturday, October 22nd

3:00p – 5:00p Trolley Tour - $20 pp, maximum 40 passengers

2:30p - 530p Boat Ride - $20 pp, maximum 49 passengers

3:00p – 5:00p Paper Cutting Experience, no fee, limited to 16

(Bring an Olfa-type cutting mat & an Exacto knife or box cutter, if you have them.)

NOTE: Please pre-register for the above activities on your registration form.

MORE FREE-TIME SUGGESTIONS: Dialogue with Partners in Ministry: Thornwell,

Villa International, Mission Haven, Columbia Seminary, Horizons; shop in the

Mercado or in downtown St. Simons or Epworth’s gift shop; visit the Contemplation

Center or meditate on the lovely grounds; nap; take a drive around the island….

WHAT TO BRING? Casual clothes, jacket, comfortable walking shoes, Bible,

Horizons Bible Study book, umbrella, insect repellant, money for offerings and

purchases, evidence of medical insurance coverage, smiles and enthusiasm.

NOTE: There is lots of walking between buildings;

scooters are available. Indicate need on registration form.

CONTEMPLATION CENTER: A room for attendees who would like to take time to sit & pray or reflect or journal. Devotional and prayer resources will be available & other meditative helps like finger labyrinths. Take time out to enjoy the quiet.

THE MERCADO: Located in Jones center, this is a place to visit with our mission partners, meet with our denominational family of services, shop for fair trade goods, get crafty, visit & converse. Open Friday after 1:15pm & Saturday until 5:30pm.

African Ministries/Kenya Days for Girls/Santi Panties PW-PDA & FLAPDAN

Author’s Corner Horizons Thornwell Home

Cleveland PW Lifeboat Project USAME

Crafts with Molly Mayan Works Villa International

Creations of Hope/Haiti Mission Haven Westminster Homes

Mail your registration form BEFORE September 10, 2016 with your

$100 registration fee plus any optional fees to: Registrar Ellen Stoup,

2101 Sunset Point Rd, #2501, Clearwater FL 33765

Cell phone: 727-415-6585 Email: ellen.stoup@gmail.com

Include your check payable to PW Synod Gathering 2016

Late Fee: $125 registration fee if received after September 10, 2016.

Cancellation before October 15th – registration fee will be refunded less

a $20 administrative charge. No Refunds after October 15, 2016.

Confirmations will be emailed to you.

DIRECTIONS TO EPWORTH: Epworth is located on St. Simons

Island, GA approximately 1 hr. from

both Savannah, GA and Jacksonville,

FL. After reaching Brunswick, GA

cross the F.J. Tomas Causeway onto

St. Simons Island and veer left as you

approach the island. Then turn left at

the first traffic light onto Sea Island

Rd. Turn left at the first street marked

Hamilton Rd. and then right onto

Arthur J. Moore Dr.

Plenary Leaders: Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he

asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" Mark 8:27

Rev. Judy Yates Siker teaches New Testament at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Her current teaching includes classes both in New Testament and Christian Origins and in Psychology, Spirituality and Transformation. Judy is married to the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Siker, and they have five children, one grandson and one granddaughter.

Rev. Hailey Braden Lynch is the Associate Pastor for Education & Children’s Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Pensacola where she works closely with their socio-economically integrated childcare center. She and her husband, Ben, have two wonderful, rambunctious children, She holds degrees from Trinity University and Princeton Theological Seminary.

Rev. Sharol Hayner grew up in Pasadena, California, Sharol majored in music at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. She began seminary at age 48 and ultimately graduated with an MDiv from Columbia Theological Seminary. She currently serves as a Parish Associate at Kairos Church in Atlanta. Sharol lives in Decatur and has three children and five grandchildren, all of whom live in the South. – Sharol will be in the Mercado for a book signing.

Rev. Betsy Turner is the pastor of Luther Hays Presbyterian Church, a sweet, faithful congregation that meets in a picturesque, historic little white church in the cow fields of Hayston, GA. She and her husband, Ian, have two children: Lucia, age 4, who calls herself "Ladybug Girl," and William, age 1, who loves bananas more than anything. Betsy holds a BA from Presbyterian College and her M.Div. from Columbia Theological Seminary.

Looking at through a Different Lens

 Synod of South Atlantic Presbyterian Women 10th Triennial Gathering  October 21­23, 2016  Saturday Workshops 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

 1.  Be Equipped to Connect and Support:  A Moderators Workshop______ ____Morning and Afternoon Sessions__ Leader:  Ann Barnwell, Past Synod PW Moderator, Synod of South Atlantic, York, SC.  Moderators and women interested in leadership, bring an empty 2" or 3" binder for information and resources to equip you to connect to and support PW on all levels.  

 2.  Facilities Safety in Disaster Preparation                                                                Morning Session     _________________  Leader:  Dr. Ken McKenzie, Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church, Pooler, GA;  Chaplain, Memorial University Medical Center, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Consultant/Trainer for Disaster Preparation, Mitigation, and Response, Synod of South Atlantic, National Response Team Member, PDA, Savannah, GA.     Have you taken a safety survey of your church facility?  This workshop will feature a “safety tour” of a church and give tips on record­keeping, fire suppression, and security, in and around the church plant.  

 3.  Feeding Our Souls_____________________________________________________________  Morning and Afternoon Sessions__ Leader:  Rev. Leeann Scarbrough, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Talladega, AL.      This workshop will explore pathways to inner peace through different prayer practices and share stories of some of the ways God can surprise us through scripture, answered prayer, and grace.  

 4.  Greetings Out of Darkness …  And Into the Light__                                             Afternoon Session_________________ Leader:  Karen Hamilton,   Synod of South Atlantic PW 2016 USA Mission Experience, Presbytery of  Central Florida PW Moderator, Altamonte Springs, FL.       Karen will discuss the September 2016 USA Mission Experience (USAME) in the San Francisco Bay Area which focused on human trafficking, immigration, and domestic violence issues in the Presbyteries of San Francisco and San Jose.    

 5.  How To Be a Bible Moderator__________________________________________________Afternoon Session_________________ Leader: Rev. Hailey Braden Lynch, Associate Pastor for Education and Children’s Ministry, First Presbyterian Church, Pensacola, FL.      Anyone can teach the Bible!  Join Hailey for tips and skillful ways for teaching a Bible study.  Hailey is also the Leader and Bible Moderator for Tabitha Circle in her church, which is made up of multi­church young adults, single, married, and with or without children.  

 6.  Human Trafficking:  Does It Really Impact Us?_______________________________ Morning and Afternoon Sessions_ Leader:  Jill Bolander Cohen, Synod of South Atlantic PW Justice & Peace, 2015 and 2016 United Nations Commission on the Status of Women,  Apopka, FL.      With an emphasis on human trafficking, Jill will share the “How To” of her Central Florida Lifeboat Project and her new brainchild: a mobile gaming app for children and teens to combat human trafficking, adopted by the PC(USA).  

 7.  Jesus Through a Popular Lens:  Lamb Book Club_______________                        Morning Session___________________ Leader:  Trinity Whitley, Presbyterian Campus Minister, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL.    As we enter into a year of studying Jesus through a new lens, the class will look at Christopher Moore's irreverent portrayal of the Messiah in  Lamb:  The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal,  how it might be reflected in our own understanding of Christ, and connect to both canonical and non­canonical stories of Jesus.  Participants are encouraged to read the book prior to the gathering.  

 8.  Jewelry For Missions____________________________________________________________Morning and Afternoon Sessions_ Leader:  Carrie Milligan, St. Augustine Presbytery PW Coordinating Team, Orange Park Presbyterian Church PW Leader, Orange Park, FL.      Come join this ‘cradle' presbyterian and to learn to make jewelry from church bulletins for mission projects and financial support for your PW.    

 9.  Little Women Circles ­ Children in Our Churches ­ Are They Important?    Morning and Afternoon Sessions_ Leader:  Nancy E. Carlton, Corporate Trainer, Black Knight Financial Services, St. Augustine Presbytery PW Coordinating Team, Lakewood Presbyterian Church PW Leader, Jacksonville, FL.    This workshop will focus on the objectives of Little Women Circles, activities, and bridging the gap between Presbyterian Women and children of the church.    

10.  Local Church Histories ­ Past, Present, Future:  a “How To" Workshop__   Morning and Afternoon Sessions_ Leader:  Emily Corbin, Interim Archivist, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA.      This workshop will examine the strong relationship between PW and the Archives at CTS, look back at some PW Histories, and glance into the future for the histories for the archives.  What are the best practices for submitting histories? Practical requirements?  Guidelines?  Questions?  Learn about the rich historical resource CTS now holds thanks to PW.  

11.  Looking At Death and Dying Through the Lens of Care, Compassion, and Caretaker_ Morning and Afternoon Sessions        Leader:  Dr. Don Winslett, Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor,  Director, Center for Clergy Care and Education, Pensacola, FL.  This workshop is designed to suggest and demonstrate appropriate concepts of caring for the critically ill and dying, and their families.    

12.  Music/Choir Workshop______________________________________________________Morning and Afternoon Sessions___ Leader:  Lynn McCoy, Director of Music Ministries, First Presbyterian Church, Winter Haven, FL.   Come join in the singing, led and accompanied by Lynn, who spent most of her career in public education teaching music in grades K ­ 12.    

13.  Nourished By Wonder  ­  Nurtured By Transformed Faith  ____________   _Morning and Afternoon Sessions___ Leader:  Rev. Kathryn Threadgill, Associate Pastor for Youth and Christian Education, Government Street Presbyterian Church, Mobile, AL.        Kathryn‘s workshop will look at what drives the spiritual practices in today’s church as more and more of the people of God wander from the church.  

14.  Oh No, Not Another Women's Event!________________________________________Morning Session____________________ Leader:  Shelagh Wirth,  Synod of South Atlantic Presbyterian Women Leadership Development Specialist, Columbia, SC.      Planning a gathering, having a women's retreat?  Do you know where to start, when to start? Why does no one attend?  Come join your Presbyterian sisters and discuss how to plan an event that will have your women signing up in record numbers!    

15.  Practicing God's Radical Hospitality________________________________________Morning and Afternoon Sessions___ Leader:  Carol Winkler,  Moderator, PW in the PC(U.S.A.) Inc., Dayton, KY.       Join your sisters to discover how the challenge of difference can enrich your group.  Learning to respond to growth and change in constructive ways offers individuals and organizations the opportunity to more effectively live the gospel message of God's radical hospitality.  Journey with your sisters to develop habits that foster openness to diversity and change which leads to an environment where everyone's gifts are nurtured.  

16.  Presbyterian Disaster Assistance:  Ready, Set, Go Kit _____________________   Afternoon Session    _______________ Leader:  Dr. Ken McKenzie; See Facilities Safety above for info, Savannah, GA.     This workshop will specify the necessary items which need to be available immediately in the event of an evacuation order for the home.  A demonstration kit will be presented along with a listing of special needs for special situations.  

    

17.  Smaller Circles, Bigger Turnouts, PW Where Are You_____________________  Afternoon Session__________________ Leader:  Tedra Poitier, Presbytery of Tropical Florida, Presbyterian Women Moderator, Key West, FL.     Get energized, motivated, encouraged, and on fire for your local PW.  Tedra will share ideas and thoughts to get the attention of your women.  She says, "A challenge I have for you, I will bring one, you will bring one, watch God move.”  

18.  Spiritual Journaling                                                                                                   Morning and Afternoon Sessions__ Leaders: Harriet Riley, Nonfiction Writer/Teacher/Leader, Houston, TX;  and Riley Pickett, Creative Writer, Middle School English Teacher, Pensacola, FL.        This mother­daughter team will explore many ways to journal, going beyond the written word by bringing in images, color, and other collage techniques.  Women will be inspired through guided prompts and images to start their own spiritual journal.  

19.  The Redemptive Work of Thornwell Home for Children________________    Morning and Afternoon Sessions__ Leader: Jean Silva Homrighausen, Florida Mission Advancement Officer, Thornwell Home For Children,  Winter Park, FL.       Come learn how you can partner with God and Thornwell to redeem the lives of abused, abandoned, neglected, and orphaned children and their families!  

20.  Work It:  Exercise Christian Community_______________________________ __    Afternoon Session   _____________  _ _ Leader:  Trinity Whitley, Presbyterian Campus Minister, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL   Join Trinity for a thirty minute workout and hear the story of how FiA (Females in Action) has been a great connection for other women of faith in her town. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

Please select your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices for                 Morning  Session                 Afternoon  Session the morning session and the afternoon session:               1st____#___________________     1st____#_________________                                                                                                                  2nd___#___________________     2nd___ #________________                                                                                                                  3rd___#___________________      3rd____#________________  Name_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  Church____________________________________________________________City____________________________________________________  Presbytery                                                                              _________State___________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

"Synod of South Atlantic Presbyterian Women's Gathering"

October 21 - 23, 2016

Your Name Male Female

Address

City

State Zip Code

Phone Email

Rates are per person per night and include lodging, meals, tax and the state of Georgia motel fee. Please check applicable rate:

LODGING SINGLE

OCCUPANCY DOUBLE

OCCUPANCY TRIPLE

OCCUPANCY QUAD

OCCUPANCY

TURNER LODGE $153.75 $104.87 $89.33 $80.99

ROBERTSON INN $143.75 $95.82 $80.29 $77.60

PITTS/BOOTH $131.12 $89.03 $73.50 $70.87

REYNOLDS MOTEL $118.68 $78.85 $66.71 $64.03

CABIN $48.65 per person per night

Cabin: Bring your own sheets, towels, pillows, and blankets.

Roommate Request: Roommates other than family, complete separate form.

Special Request (Disability, diet, etc.)

Arrival Date Departure Date

Number of Adults in room:

PLEASE INCLUDE TOTAL PAYMENT WITH RESERVATIONS.

Make check payable to Epworth By The Sea.

Check # Amount: $

OR

Charge to: Visa MasterCard Discover Amount to Charge: $

Card Number: Expiration Date:

Name on Card:

Check here to affirm that I am authorized to make these credit card charges

Epworth Cancellation Policy: Full refund prior to September 19, 2016.

After September 19, 2016, any individual cancellation will result in forfeiture of $50.00 per person. Cancellations within 72 hours of arrival will forfeit full charges.

Please submit this form online, print & FAX to 912-634-0642, or mail to: Epworth By The Sea ATTN: Renthia Lewis

P. O. Box 20407 St. Simons Island, GA 31522

No phone reservations accepted. No pets or alcohol. Check in: 4:00 p.m. - Check out 11:30 a.m. * CONFIRMATION OF YOUR RESERVATION WILL BE SENT TO YOU *

This form is for Epworth By The Sea ONLY.

More Information:

Synod of South Atlantic

Presbyterian Women Gathering

October 21~23, 2016

Epworth by the Sea,

St. Simons Island, Georgia _________________________________

Paper Cutting Experience

Learn about the art of paper cutting for banners in your church with Mary Ellen Porter, artist and retired art educator. See examples of paper cut banners for various seasons of the church year, and create your own sample cutting to bring home. If you have a quilting cutting board and/or an eXacto cutting knife or box cutter, please bring them. Class size will be limited to 16.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Preparation Training – Is your church ready to care for their congregation or help their community in an emergency situation? Learn the importance of being prepared for emergency situations.

Leadership Development Training is for church and presbytery leadership positions. A session for

area or regional leaders (Enablers, cluster leader, liaisons, etc.) is also planned.

The Mercado is our version of market places around the world where people gather to shop, meet

friends, talk with our mission partners, and shop.

Scooters – If you require a scooter, please contact 912-342-1004 to rent one for the weekend.

Synod Gathering Planning Team: Karen Hamilton, Molly McCarthy, Sue McClew, Sharon Paup, Patty Phillips, Robin Powell, Ellen Stoup, Sandra Winslett, Shelagh Wirth Robin Powell, Synod Vice-Moderator/Planner 727.443.6879 robin@ewfw.org

Looking at through a Different Lens

GATHERING/WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FORM

Synod of South Atlantic Presbyterian Women’s Gathering, October 21-23, 2016

Epworth by the Sea – St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522

Phone: 912-638-8688 Website: www.epworthbythesea.org

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" Mark 8:27

This page is your registration for the Gathering, including workshops. There is a separate form for housing which should be mailed directly to Epworth and is available on their website.

Please Print Legibly to Ensure Accuracy

Name tag should read: First _______________________ Last __________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________

City ___________________________________________ State ________ Zip _______________

(H) phone: _______________ Cell: _________________ Email: __________________________

Church: _________________________________ Presbytery: ____________________________

Emergency Contact Name: _____________________________ Phone #: ___________________

I am lodging at Epworth ___YES ___NO ETA Friday lunch or dinner? __________________

Roommate(s): ___________________________________________________________________

I will need a scooter: YES____ NO____ Dietary restrictions, if any: _______________________

WORKSHOP OPTIONS

Friday “A” Workshop: Leadership Development ____ OR PDA (Being Prepared) ____ (check one)

Review Saturday workshop opportunities available and indicate your 1st, 2nd & 3rd choices for each:

Morning “B” Workshop: 1st choice # _____ 2nd choice # ______ 3rd choice # ______

Afternoon “C” Workshop: 1st choice # _____ 2nd choice # ______ 3rd choice # ______

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES ON SATURDAY

Boat Ride @ $20 pp - maximum 49 passengers YES _____ NO _____

Trolley Tour @ $20 pp - maximum 40 passengers YES _____ NO _____ NOTE: Boat and Trolley tickets will be handed out on site at registration table.

Paper Cutting Experience, no charge, limited to first 16 YES _____ NO _____

_______________________________________________________________________________

Amount Enclosed for REGISTRATION FEE ($100) $_____________ ($125 after 9/10/16)

Amount Enclosed for BOAT RIDE ($20) $_____________

Amount Enclosed for TROLLEY TOUR ($20) $_____________

TOTAL AMOUNT enclosed with this form $_____________ YOUR CHECK #______

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Mail your registration form BEFORE September 10, 2016 with your $100 registration fee plus any optional fees

to: Registrar Ellen Stoup, 2101 Sunset Point Rd, #2501, Clearwater FL 33765

Cell phone: 727-415-6585 Email: ellen.stoup@gmail.com (check payable to PW Synod Gathering 2016)

Late Fee: $125 registration fee if received after September 10, 2016.

Cancellation before October 15th – registration fee will be refunded less a $20 administrative charge.

No Refunds after October 15, 2016. Confirmations will be emailed to you.

Looking at through a Different Lens