PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,
do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Colossians 3:17

• Calendar of Events
• Circles
• Coordinating Team

At Lewinsville, Presbyterian Women provides opportunities for women to grow together in their faith in Jesus Christ through Bible study, prayer, mission, and fellowship. These opportuonities are created for all women in the church, that they may be encouraged and nurtured in their daily life.

The following is the purpose of Presbyterian Women throughout the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): "Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, we commit outselves:

• To nurture our faith through prayer and Bible Study,
• To support the mission of the church worldwide,
• To work for justice and peace, and
• To build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and witnesses to the promises of God's kingdom."

MISSION:

Presbyterian Women (PW) reaches out in Christ's love to serve our community and the world.

Locally, PW contributes funds and service to The Falls Church/McLean Day Care Center, Lewinsville Retirement Residence, Ingleside at Rock Creek, Church Women United, and the Salvation Army Christmas Stocking program. In the broader community, PW sends money to buy birthday cakes for the youth at the Presbyterian Children’s Home of the Highlands and contributes to the ministry of The Rev. Joe Powlas in the mountains near Booneville, KY.

In the world, PW supports Wycliffe Bible Translators and mission and outreach programs of PW on the Presbytery, Synod and Assembly levels. PW also takes part in the Fellowship of the Least Coin. The "least coin" is collected at gatherings of women in many nations. The offerings support programs of literacy, health, disaster assistance, and justice for women and families around the world.

MEMBERSHIP:

Every female member of Lewinsville is considered a member of this organization. Circles meet regularly to foster continued Bible study, mission work, and to provide opportunities for fellowship, support and service within the church and community.

 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2011-2012

• Advent Reflection and Dessert - Monday evening, December 5th at 7:00 p.m. Rev. Stephany Crosby, Speaker. Stephany is enjoying being back with the people of Lewinsville. She began studies at Wesley Seminary and an internship at First Arlington Presbyterian Church in the late 1990s. Stephany was ordained in 2003. She served as Associate Pastor at St. Andrew in Loudon County, and as interim pastor at three more churches. It's been a joyous vocation, and it all got started with kerygma classes at Lewinsville! Bring your daughters mothers and all the special women in your life and enjoy a wonderful evening of fellowship.
• CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS - Presbyterian Women are again filling Christmas stockings for the Salvation Army. If you are not involved with a Circle and would like to help, there are a few stockings in the Volunteer Room waiting to be picked up. Please return the filled stocking to the Volunteer Room by Sunday, December 4, or bring it with you to the Advent Dessert and Reflections Monday, December 5.
• Presbyterian Women Prayer Breakfast - Saturday, February 18, 2012 at the National Presbyterian Church, 4101 Nebraska Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. More information to come.
• Presbyterian Women's Spring Retreat - Saturday, April 14, 2012 with optional overnight April 13th. Meadowkirk Retreat, Middleburg, VA. More information to come.
• National Capital Presbytery Spring Gathering
• 2012 Mid-Atlantic Synod PW Summer Gathering - 24th Annual. June 8-10, 2012. Massanetta Springs Camp & Conference Center, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
• 2012 Churchwide Gathering - "River of Hope." July 18-22, 2012. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Orlando, Florida

It is a pleasure for Presbyterian Women to provide childcare
for events held at the church. 
Transportation assistance is provided for all PW events.

CIRCLES

"Circles" are small groups of women of all ages who meet together once each month to grow in faith and friendship. Over 100 women at Lewinsville are active in a circle! They welcome new Circle members at any time of year. If you have never been a part of a Circle before, we invite you to join one this year. Various meeting times, dates, and locations are available in the monthly Newsletter and below. For more information, please call any of the Circle leaders. In the 2011-2012 program year, Horizons Bible study, Confessing the Beatitudes, by Margaret Aymer will be used.

The Beatitudes are some of the most beloved teachings of Jesus, yet they may well be some of the most pointed. In this study, Margaret Aymer invites us to consider the Beatitudes as they might have been heard when Jesus spoke them —during the time of the Roman Empire. While great in many respects, Rome was a cruel and brutal regime that did not stop short of executing anyone who challenged its authority. Confessing the Beatitudes is aptly named, as we are invited at the end of each lesson to enter into a process of confession. The ancient practice of confession marks Christians as a people who recognize the truth, learn about the truth, and speak the truth — both about God and about ourselves.

Circle 1 - Second Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Made up primarily of young working women, Circle 1 meets in the Bethany Room (behind the Sanctuary) for Bible study and fellowship. Co-Leaders: Megan Leslie 703-23-8282 and Rachel Russell 703-281-7955.

Circle 3 - Third Mondays at 1:30 p.m. Circle 3 began 30 some years ago as an evening gathering of working women who are delighted and eager to welcome visitors and new members. Meetings are held in members’ homes and include socializing over coffee and dessert. Bible Study and prayer are led by members of the group. Co-Leaders: Connie Schafer 703-860-5823 and Betty Yurkewitch 703-790-9586.

Circle 4 - meets in the Lewinsville Library on the Third Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. The meetings include Bible study, fellowship and refreshments. Co-Leaders: Ruth Bathe 703-635-4892 and Barbara Pope 703-356-7350. (Please note that Circle 2 and Circle 4 have combined and will be known as Circle 4)

Circle 6 - Second & Fourth Mondays at 2:00 p.m. Circle 6 includes residents of Lewinsville Retirement Residence and meets in the East Building Community Room at LRR. Join together and engage in Bible Study and fellowship with friends and neighbors. Leader: Mary Ann Philipp 703 938-2651

Circle 7 - Second Fridays at 10:00 a.m. Second Fridays at 10:00 a.m. Circle 7 includes members of all ages. The circle meets in the Lewinsville Library and child care is provided. Join us for breakfast, Bible Study, and sharing of joys and struggles. Co-Leaders: Alison Jacoby 703 573-6603 and Anne Krieg 703 288-9613.

Circle 8 - Third Mondays at 7:30 p.m. This enthusiastic group meets in members’ homes to join in Bible Study and fellowship. Circle 8 seeks to include those for whom the evening hour is most convenient. Mary Ann Philipp leads the Bible study. Co-Leaders: Jan Jacewicz 703-231-4973 and Mary Ann Philipp 703-938-2651.

Circle 9 - Meeting dates and times are to be announced. This is a group that makes cards that are sold at church events. Proceeds benefit LRR and Ingleside. Leader: Betty Holmes 703-893-8991.

PW COORDINATING TEAM

The Coordinating Team meets the first Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Lewinsville Library.

Moderator:  Sallie Robinson
Vice-Moderator: Lori Mabus
Secretary:  Betty Yurkewitch
Treasurer:  Connie Schafer
Coordinator for Spiritual Life:  Betty Jean Shihda-Kloster
Coordinator for Mission: Jan Jacewicz
Coordinator for Membership:  Vacant
Nominating:  Kay Ancell, Mary Ann Philipp
Representative to Church Women United: Laury Bender
Circle Leaders (listed above)

Updated January 3, 2012