PWPP GRAPEVINE March 2010

Presbyterian Women in the Pittsburgh Presbytery

Please join us at the Spring Gathering

For

Mission: Possible with God’s Gifts And the Installation of Officers

Saturday, April 17, 2010 Registsration begin ata 9:00 a.m.

Luncheon Program begins at 9:30 a.m. Bidwell United Presbyterian Church

Susan Mummert,

Vice Moderator of Synod will be our guest

Your Presence is Requested at the Prayer Breakfast

Saturday, March 20, 2010 Registration from 8:30—9:00 a.m.

Brunch and Program begin at 9:00 a.m. Riverview United Presbyterian Church

Please join us for a prayerful and enlightening morning as we welcome : The Reverend Jean Henderson leading both lesson and worship:

Prayer: Hearing the Answer

Registration forms and directions are available at the back of this publication.

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Moderator’s Message Dear Sisters in Christ, Almost two years! Where did the months go? I received a remarkable gift serving as your Moderator. So many wonderful Christian friendships developed. To my Coordinating Team, my deep appreciation for their dedication and service in planning interesting Gatherings and working to fulfill our purpose. As Presbyterian Women we commit ourselves to nurture our faith, support the mission for the church, to work for justice and peace, and to build an inclusive caring community of women. Everyone is blessed with a special gifts or talents. In your prayers ask for guidance and consider sharing yours by serving Presbyterian Women in your congregation or at the Presbytery, Synod, or PCUSA level. Remember to check us out through the Home Page of Pittsburgh Presbytery www.pghpresbytery.org. Scroll down to Presbyterian Women on the right hand side of the page and click on Presbyterian Women”.. Read our newsletter, “Grapevine”, to find information of all our Gatherings, news from other churches as well as from Synod and Church-wide. If you do not have access to a computer, ask someone at your church or another friend tor librarian to show you the PWPP website. It’s cool!! Mark your calendar and come join us for these special Gatherings. And remember to bring a friend, newly retired, stay at home mom or seminary student. See the last page of the “Grapevine” for directions, information and reservation forms. The Prayer Breakfast, “Prayer...Hearing the Answer” March 20, 2010 at Riverview United Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Jean Henderson will be our guest. The 22nd Annual Spring Gathering, “Mission Possible with God’s Gifts” April 17, 2010 at Bidwell United Presbyterian Church. Susan Mummert, Vice Moderator of Synod will be our guest. At this Gathering, I will pass the gavel to Judith Jerry, Moderator-elect. Synod Gathering June 17-19, 2010 at Waynesburg University. Thanks you for the honor of serving as your Moderator. Joyfully in Christ, Barbara King

PWPP News www.pghpresbytery.org March 2010

PWPP Coordinating Team

Barbara King Moderator

Judith Jerry

Moderator Elect PW Enabler Coordinator

Judy Mershon

Vice-Moderator for Issues

Betsy Teti Vice Moderator for Mission

Elizabeth Urbaitis

Recording Secretary

Wilma McKinney Corresponding Secretary

Communications Coordinator

Virginia Barnes Contingent Treasurer

Alfreda Overton Mission Treasurer

Charlesettta McKinney Finance Coordinator

Esther Miles

Hospitality Coordinator

Daphnie Milam Literature/Visual Aids Coordinator

Charlesetta McKinney

Parliamentarian

Communications Team

Grapevine Editor Diane Donovan

4065 LeTort Lane Allison Park, PA 15101-3133

412-487-6560 grapevine4diane@aol.com

Grapevine Distribution Coordinator

Dora Michael 724-224-0419

Grapevine Mailing List Coordinator

Roberta Giles 1204 Silver Lane

McKees Rocks, PA 15136 412-859-0816

Directory Editor

Mary Howe 456 Duquesne Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15243

412-344-5142

Mission Displays at the Annual Spring Gathering Presbyterian Women in the Congregation can help make the Annual Spring Gathering exciting! The Planning Committee for the Annual Spring Gathering, April 17, 2010, is in the process of making plans for the Gathering. The theme is “Mission Possible with God’s Gifts.” The Planning Committee wants to develop this theme to the fullest so all Presbyterian Women in the Congregation are invited to share with others what they are doing in mission by having a creative mission display at the Gathering. This is an opportunity to express how Presbyterian Women are “Together in Service” ministering to God’s people. If a PW in the Congregation is interested in having a dis-play, contact Charlesetta McKinney (412-362-1526) or Mary Lou English (412-487-6619) or Barbara King (412-341-5854) by Thursday, April 1. Whoever is responsible for setting up the display should be at Bidwell United Presbyterian Church at 8:30 a.m. on April 17. Please bring everything that will be needed for the mission display. The Planning Committee is looking forward to having many favorable Responses, making this an interesting event, to be sure!

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Keep in Touch! One of the sadder things in life is watching our dear friends move away. The ease of picking up the phone for a brief chat, or the pleasure of seeing each other at the grocery store are gone. But good things are worth a little effort and so we bring to you

these address and phone changes of our friends! Gloria Armstrong 800-A Southerly Road, Apt 923 Towson, MD 21286 Jane Sampson 1901 Onion Creek Parkway, #12102 Austin, TX 78748 Phone: 1-512-551-8976 And sometimes people just move—no more grocery store sightings, but a visit is possible. Here’s a change you may need! Wilberta Pickett 17 Winding Way Verona, PA 15147 412-826-4797

PW in the Synod www.syntrinity.org March 2010

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” II Corinthians 9:15

Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Trinity

Synod Gathering June 17-19, 2010

Waynesburg University

Registration due by May 22, 2010 Download Registration Forms at

www.syntrinityorg and www.pghpresbytery.org

Don’t Forget! Synod Mission Projects 2009/2010 to be dedicated at the Gathering

Susquehanna Safe Harbor, Harrisburg, PA – to help buy furnishings A new community program to house 65 homeless individuals, 25 permanent housing units and 40 overnight beds located close to easy walking employment and community services.

Navajo Development Project Kayenta Presbyterian Church, Arizona – to buy equipment A program to help the Navajo people with the purchase of 10 sewing machines to teach sewing skills, 3 pellet stoves, 3 electric water heaters and 2 refrigerators to improve living conditions on the

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Synod Gathering www.syntrinity.org March 2010

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A Letter from our Mission Coordinator (edited for the “Grapevine”) Good Morning! The Administrative Team would like to share information about the 2010 Gathering, Celebrate the Ultimate Gift, June 17-18-19, at Waynesburg University, Waynesburg, PA. Chris Wolf, Vice Moderator for Justice & Peace will be our keynote speaker and will be leading the workshop on women at the crossroads. Rev. Pam Maloney, from Sharon, will be leading the Bible Study workshop and doing the plenary presentations. She has studied Revelation extensively and feels it is a book of hope and promise. She is excited to be joining us! Registration for the weekend is $225, $200 for first time attendees, $40 per day for commuters with a maximum of $70. Registration includes the room for 2 nights with linens (1 blanket, 2 sheets, 2 washcloths, 2 bath towels, and 2 hand towels—per person), 5 meals, 2 snacks (including the Christmas Tea on Friday), 4 plenary sessions, use of golf carts, and choice of 2 workshops from the following: Women at the Crossroads—reaching out to Newly Retired Women Lead, Follow or HELP ME! - Reinventing PW in your congregation or Presbytery (Kris Gerling & Mertie Woolcock will lead) The Gift of Diversity Gifts to Share—Handmade from the Heart Spiritual Practices and Spaces Enriching and Sharing the Gifts Whose Birthday Is It Anyway? - Alternative gifts for congregations and families Journeys Through Revelation Navajo Life & Spirituality Past & Present (Rev. Norma McCabe) The Gift of Education (Veeda Javaida, Executive Director, Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan) As you can see by the title of the weekend, Celebrate the Ultimate Gift, we will be focusing on Christmas at the Gathering. Please plan to join us for the Friday evening Christmas Tea as we participate in a “White Christmas for Greene County.” We will be collecting paper napkins, paper towels, and canned goods all to be wrapped in white paper for distribution in Greene County, PA. In addition, there will be fellowship rooms for people who share interests in hobbies to spend some time talking with each other as they pursue those interests. They include: Needlework (knitting, crocheting, counted cross stitch, etc.), Rubber Stamping (make a card for a small fee or bring cards to swap, or both), Quilting (just sit with each other and work on your latest project), bookworms (share your favorite book or the one you’re currently reading). There will also be a Spirituality Room and a quiet room to just hang out. We are seeking women who are willing to help someone else learn to knit or crochet in the Gifts to Share workshop. Hopefully we will have enough volunteers that you will only have to teach at one session and will be able to attend the other session of their choice. Please contact your Moderator if you are able to help. Blessings! Sue Mummert

PWPCUSA Mission www.pcusa.org/pw March 2010

Generosity Calls For More Generosity The Mother’s Day Project, a mission activity championed since 2001, is being expanded in 2010. Due to faithful and generous giving, the NetWorkers Malaria Prevention Program will now benefit other health projects to protect and care for women a and children, in addition to the malaria prevention.

Beginning this year, the Mother’s Day Project will be called the Healthy Women Healthy Families Mother’s Day Project. This new entity will support a variety of programs that address the critical health needs of women and children in Africa, including: For Women: For Children: Obstetrical Care Nutritional Support Fistula Surgery Primary Health Care Cervical Cancer Screening Immunizations Health Education Health Screening Malaria Prevention Malaria Treatment The decision to change the well-established Mother’s Day Project was done in consultation with Presbyterian Women and World Mission, because we want to do a better job of supporting our African church partners’ health programs for women and children. While malaria continues to be a pervasive health threat, there are other important issues as well. Education on hygiene, the prevention or detection of disease, and care when sick or injured are major foci in this new project. A new Mother’s Day card for 2010 and a selection of fresh new resources for promoting the Healthy Women Healthy Families Mother’s Day Project are ready. Visit www.pcusa.org/health/international to learn more, or call Gail Bingham, Associate for Constituency Relations, International Health & Development, PCUSA, toll free at 888-728-7228, ext. 5573.

Haiti Disaster Relief Continues PWs looking for ways to help the Haitians affected by the earthquake have the following Options: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the Medical Benevolence Foundation are accepting monetary donations. Visit the website for more information Church World Service has recently responded to the earthquake by sending Hygiene Kits and Baby Kits. Their supplies are now depleted. If you wish to collect tangible items as a PW project, visit www.churchworldservice.org for more information. Hygiene Kits include—(most needed) - 1 hand towel 16”x20”, 1 washcloth, 1 wide-toothed comb, 1 nail clipper, 1 bath size bar of soap in wrapper, 1 toothbrush in original package, 6 band aids. Don’t send toothpaste as it is added at the time of distribution. Seal all items in a one-gallon plastic bag with a zipper closure. Baby Kits include—6 cloth diapers, 2 T-shirts or undershirts (no onesies) 2 washcloths, 2 gowns or sleepers, 2 diaper pins, 1 sweater or sweatshirt, 2receiving blankets (1 can be hand knitted or crocheted baby blanket). All items should be new. Wrap items inside one of the receiving blankets and secure with both diaper pins. You can download patterns on the website. Pack CWS Kits in boxes with only one type kit in each box. Post Office shipping boxes are easy to use, more expensive, but can hold a number of these kits. Please give at least $2 for each kit to cover sorting, packing and insurance as well as shipping costs to their final destination. Complete the Kits Coupon, downloaded via the CWS website and enclose one inside the top of each box. Clearly indicate the type of Kit on the outside of each box and secure with packing tape. Provide a return address on the box. Ship kits to: Church World Service, Brethren Service Center Annex, 601 Mail Street, PW Box 188, New Windsor MD 21775-0188. Thank you for anything your PW or congregation can do. Page 6

PWUSA Mission 2010 March 2010

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The Birthday Offering Has a Local Connection Recently the Kirkuk Church Kindergarten and Child Care Center in Kirkuk, Iraq was chosen to be one of two recipients of the 2010 Presbyterian Women’s Birthday Offering. Started in 2004, the Kirkuk Church Kindergarten now has an enrollment of 170 students. Children of many faiths attend this school. The school- -operated under Christian principles of love, peace, tolerance and nonviolence- -is favorably changing early education in the town of Kirkuk. Dedicated Christian teachers provide the highest levels of instruction in general knowledge, health, art and music to kindergarten children. Requests for enrollment far exceed its present capacity of 170 children. Parents are asking the center to expand to a primary school so their children may continue to receive the highest level of education. The current kindergarten building is now for sale. If the birthday Offering reaches its goal, the grant that the Kirkuk Church Kindergarten receives will fully fund the purchase of the kindergarten building plus fund the purchase of a neighboring building to house a new primary school. This will enable more children and their families to benefit from the faithful education at the center In June 2009, the pastor of the Kirkuk Presbyterian Church visited us here in Pittsburgh, and spoke at Pittsburgh Presbytery and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He also preached at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. He and his wife expressed the fact that not many Presbyterians in the U.S. know that there are Presbyterian churches in Iraq. Upon hearing the news that the Kirkuk church Kindergarten would be a grant recipient of the PW Birthday offering, the pastor wrote these words: “ Our hearts are full and we wept with joy over hearing the wonderful news that we have been selected to receive the PW Birthday Offering grant. With your help, God has provided a way for us to bless the children and bless our community. More important even than the gift of money, is the comfort we receive by knowing we have not been forgotten. Our hearts are encouraged because someone in the body of Christ knows we are here and is praying for us. Truly our Lord is wonderful and has an-swered our prayers more than we could ask or imagine!” We can let our brothers and sisters in Christ in Kirkuk, Iraq know that we have not forgotten them by supporting them and giving generously to the PW Birthday Offering. Please help the Kirkuk Church Kindergarten and Child Care Center achieve its goal. Donations may be made through your circle, or by writing a check to PW Birthday Offering and mailing it to: PC/USA Birthday Offering 2010, PW Remittance processing, PO Box 643652, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3652. You may also find information about this project on the PW website: www.pcusa.org/pw/birthday, or simply Google: PW Birthday Offering. Donations may also be made online. Carol Haeussner, a member of Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, has a personal connection with the Kirkuk Church Kindergarten. Her father founded the Kirkuk Presbyterian Church in 1930 in Iraq. Carol has been in close contact with the minister of the Kirkuk Church. When she learned last year that the church needed funds to buy the kindergarten building and also a neighboring building in order to expand into a primary school, she applied for a grant from the PW Birthday Offering. Last October she received the good news that the Kirkuk Church Kindergarten had been selected as a grant recipient of the 2010 Birthday Offering. The amount that the kindergarten will receive, however, is dependent upon the amount collected in the 2010 Birthday Offering. Carol is giving PowerPoint presentations to PW gatherings in order to inform people about the Kirkuk Church Kindergarten, and stimulate giving to the Birthday Offering. If you are interested in having her speak at your church, she will be available from May to September. You may contact her by email at cfhcgh@earthlink.net, or by phone at 412-963-8734.

More Mission and News March 2010

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Christmas in August at Bidwell Bidwell Presbyterian Church will host their first All Ministries Festival on August 7, the first Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A most extraordinary event hosting different mission agency representatives, a flea market, a fabulous Chinese auction, bake sale, activities for both children and adults, and all topped off with a delicious lunch at the Bidwell Café. All proceeds will be used exclusively for mission and the installation of new stained glass windows in our sanctuary. The church is located at 1025 Liverpool Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. If you need more information or directions (which can be found on page 10 of this publication), please call Daphnie Milam at 412-323-0884 or the church office at 412-231-4664. Mark your calendars now for the August 7 Bidwell Christmas in August!

The Creative Ministries Offering Committee of Presbyterian Women annually reviews proposals and se-lects no more than five recipients before the Birthday Offering is collected. For the 2010 Offering, the committee chose only two projects, so the grants to each could be larger and make more of an impact in their communities. The grant amounts for the two recipients will depend on funds contributed during 2010. The goal for the 2010 Birthday Offering is $900,000. The Kirkuk Church Kindergarten and Child Care Center is one of the recipients. The other is the Peace Presbyterian Church R.I.S.E. Project, detailed below. Please encourage your PW to be generous this year! Peace Presbyterian Church R.I.S.E.(Reach-Improve-Strengthen-Em power) Project Louisville, Kentucky

Peace Presbyterian Church works to be a beacon of light in Louisville’s diverse Newburg community by providing services specifically to children, youth, adults and families identified as at-risk or in need of support during a transitional period. This Birthday Offering grant will strengthen the church’s outreach in the community by expanding the number of people being served by four educational or family service opportunities.

• Kids Café—healthy food, nurturing and educational support through an after-school program predominantly for children who live in single-parent families • Project Hope—food for people who are homeless, as well as Alcohol and Narcotics Anonymous coun-

seling services to women, men and children in need • Family to Family Visitation—supervised visits between children in foster care and their biological parents • Families in Transition—counseling for couples and their children to help them cope more effectively with problems that result from divorce

More Birthday Offering News...PCUSA/PW www.pcusa.org/pw

Navajo Reservation. More on Haiti March 2010

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A Song… Jan Marsh, the Mission Interpretation Coordinator for Presbyterian Women of the Synod, writes, “I was touched by this hymn yesterday in church and wanted to share it with you. It may be used as you ‘gather’ this spring. It is sung to the tune “Saint Christopher”, more frequently known as “Beneath of Cross of Jesus”. It was written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette—copyright 2010, used with permission. Her bio is on the PC(USA) website. 1. In Haiti, there is anguish that seems too much to bear; A land so used to sorrow now knows even more despair. From city streets, the cries of grief rise up to hills above; In all the sorrow, pain and death, where are You, God of love? 2. A woman sifts through rubble, a man has lost his home, A hungry, orphaned toddler sobs, for she is now along. Where are You, Lore, when thousands die—rich, and poorest poor? Were You the very first to cry for all that is no more? 3. O God, You love Your children; You hear each lifted prayer! May all who suffer in that land know You are present there. In moments of compassion shown, in simple acts of grace, May those in pain find healing balm, and know Your love’s embrace. 4. Where are You in the anguish? Lord, may we hear anew That anywhere Your world cries out, You’re there—and suffering too. And may we see, in other’s pain, the cross we’re called to bear; Send out Your Church in Jesus’ name to pray, to serve, to share.

And a Prayer… Join with others in lifting up the people of Haiti and those seeking to provide aid in this critical time. Let us join our hearts in prayer: God of compassion, please watch over the people of Haiti, and weave out of these terri-ble events wonders of goodness and grace. Surround those who have been affected by tragedy with a sense of your present love, and hold them in faith. Though they are lost in grief, may they find you and be comforted; guide us as a church to find ways of providing assistance that heals wounds and gives hope. Help us to remember that when one of your children suffers, we all suffer. Through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives and rules this world with you. Amen Bruce Reyes-Chow Moderator, 218th General Assembly (2008)

DIRECTIONS TO OUR PWPP EVENTS March 2010

Spring Gathering on Saturday, April 17: Directions to the Bidwell United Presbyterian Church 1025 Liverpool Street Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412-231-4663 www.pghpresbytery.org • From Downtown: cross the Fort Duquesne Bridge and bear left to Heinz Field Exit and the first

stoplight at Allegheny Avenue. Turn right on Allegheny Avenue and proceed through four traffic lights. Turn left at Liverpool Street. Church is located on the left in the first block

• From the East: take Parkway East towards downtown Pittsburgh to Fort Duquesne Bridge Exit. Cross the Fort Duquesne Bridge to exit 7B. Continue as above.

• From the North: follow I-279 towards Pittsburgh. At exit 7A, turn RIGHT onto Ramp. Bear LEFT onto Reedsdale Street. Turn RIGHT (North) onto Allegheny Avenue. Proceed as above

• From Route 28S: at Heinz Plant stay on Route 28S past Heinz Field. Get into left lane to the Reedsdale Street exit. The 1st light is Allegheny Avenue. Proceed as above.

• From the South: come through the Fort Pitt Tunnels then immediately get into the left lane. Take exit 7B to Western Avenue and follow directions from Downtown. • From Route 51: take Route 51 to the West End Circle. Go over the West End Bridge, staying in the right lane. At the end of the bridge, go STRAIGHT onto Western Avenue. Turn left at second traffic light and proceed through next two lights. Turn left onto Liverpool Street to church.

Prayer Breakfast on March 20, 2010: Directions to Riverview Presbyterian Church 3505 Perrysville Avenue Observatory Hill, PA 15214 412-321-7300 www.riverviewupchurch.org From Downtown: Cross the 6th Street Bridge and follow Federal Street around the park and up the hill to the intersection with Perrysville Avenue. Make a right turn and continue to church on left. Street parking available on Riverview Avenue, a left turn at church. From South and East: Cross the Ft. Duquesne Bridge, staying in the left lanes and bear towards Route 65. Follow signs for Route 19N to church. From North Hills: From I-279S take Exit 5, US 19/Perrysville Avenue. Take a left onto Cemetery Lane and another right onto Perrysville Avenue to 3505 and the church. From Rt. 28S: Exit highway at East Ohio Street turning right at the Commons to a right turn onto Federal Street. Continue to right turn onto Perrysville Avenue. Church will be on the left at 3505.

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The Annual Prayer Breakfast Saturday, March 20, 2010, 8:30 a.m. Registration

Breakfast and Program begin at 9:00 Riverview Presbyterian Church

Registration Fee: $8.50 per person Registration Deadline: March 15, 2010

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________ City:____________________________State______Zip Code________________ Phone:__________________E-Mail:____________________________________ Church:___________________________________________________________ #of Guests_____ Total # Attending_____ Total Enclosed:$_________________ Please make your check payable to PWPP and send to: Virginia Barnes, 1416 Columbus Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233-1209 *****************************************************************************

The Spring Gathering Saturday, April 17, 2010 Registration 9:00 a.m.

Program begins at 9:30 a.m. Bidwell United Presbyterian Church 1025 Liverpool Street, Manchester

Registration Fee: $8.50 Registration Deadline: April 13, 2010

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________ City:____________________________State______Zip Code________________ Phone:__________________E-Mail:____________________________________ Church:___________________________________________________________ #of Guests_____ Total # Attending_____ Total Enclosed:$_________________

REGISTRATION FORMS March 2010

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“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me.”

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN IN THE PITTSBURGH PRESBYTERY 901 ALLEGHENY AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA 15233 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: PRAYER BREAKFAST SPRING GATHERING SYNOD GATHERING WORLDWIDE MISSION

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 152

Tarentum, PA 15084

Presbyterian Women

In the

Pittsburgh Presbytery

March 2010