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Gathering

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An Awesome Task

The 2000 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women was an exciting event that nourished the spirits of those who attended from all parts of the United States and around the world. Through workshops, plenary sessions, forums, mission experiences, meals, Bible study and the fellowship of 5000 youth, women and men, the Gathering theme sounded the trumpets and proclaimed Jubilee! On the heels of this amazing experience, I was asked by the Churchwide Coordinating Team of Presbyterian Women (CCT/PW) to chair the planning team for the next Churchwide Gathering to be held in Louisville, Kentucky, July 9-13, 2003. Like anyone with common sense, I was overwhelmed by the thought of such an undertaking. However, I knew I would not be working alone and would be surrounded by great leadership and commitment from the staff, chairpersons and volunteers working on this event.

The process of planning the 2003 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women began as all Gatherings begin-with prayer and Bible study. The CCT/PW met in Columbus, Ohio, in February of 2001 and spent a day looking at various scripture passages. The group was moved by Ephesians 4:1--6, a passage that spoke to many hearts and connected with the purpose of Presbyterian Women. The next phases of the process began when the Gathering Planning Team (GPT) met in June 2001 and worked with Janice Catron (later selected as the Bible study leader for the 2003 Gathering) to select the Gathering's theme. After much discussion and prayer, "God's Vision-Our Calling" was chosen and later approved by the CCT/PW. Then following daily themes were chosen:

God's Vision-Our Calling
Heirs of the Household
The Bond of Peace
Called Back to the Center
Here I Am

Once committee members were selected and a budget formed, the Gathering committees began working on the countless details required for an event of this magnitude. The 2003 Churchwide Gathering committees include Arrangements, Business Meeting, Finance, Global Partners, Nurture and Plenary. Including chairpersons and staff members, more than 50 persons are engaged in planning. Due to budget and time constraints, only four face-to-face committee meetings are scheduled, with much of the work done by fax and email.

Needless to say, excitement is mounting as this team works together. Will the Gathering be the same as 2000? Yes, and No.Yes, because plans are being made for 5000 participants to gather July 9--13, 2003, in Louisville, Kentucky. No, because the theme is different, new committee members are adding their voice and each committee is open and listening for God's will for this Gathering. Plan now to attend and experience this amazing event, as women of the church and Presbyterian Women.

Watch this space in future issues of Horizons as each committee reports on its progress and plans for their parts of the Gathering. The registration form will be available in the September/ October 2002 issue of Horizons; registration will open January 15, 2003. Additional registration forms may be ordered through Presbyterian Distribution Service by calling 800/524-2612 and requesting PDS # CWG-03-005.

Florence Morrison is the chairperson for the 2003 Gathering Planning Team. She served as secretary for the 1997--2000 Churchwide Coordinating Team of Presbyterian Women and chairperson of the Horizons Board, 1998--2000. Florence lives in Traverse City, Michigan.

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Gathering Scholarships

$100,000 in scholarships is available for the 2003 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women.

Eligible recipients include racial ethnic women, young Presbyterian women (under 40), church professionals (including clergy women, lay pastors and church administrators/personnel), and daughters (ages 13--29) attending with mother and/or grandmother. Scholarships can be applied toward the cost of the Gathering registration fee.

Scholarship application forms will be available March 1, 2002 and may be requested through the moderator for PW in your presbytery, the moderator for PW in your synod and through your PW Enabler.

The deadline to apply for a gathering scholarship is October 15, 2002. For more information, contact Ann Olson, 651/644-2848 or a_molson@unidial.com.

Gods Vision Our Calling

·A time for renewal, a call to serve

·More than 5000 women and men from around the world gather to sing, pray, work, learn, play and worship in Louisville's Kentucky International Convention Center

·Inspiring and prophetic leaders:

-Bible study leader: Janice Catron

-Plenary Presenters: Joan Chittister, Joan Martin, Elizabeth Tapia, Gloria Tate

· Workshops for all interests, including Horizons Bible study 2003--2004: The Face Looks Familiar: Remembering Unnamed Women in Scripture

· Great Room filled with music, art, mission projects, conversation and creativity

· Programs for children and teens

· Exhibits, resources, bookstore, SERRV

· Election and installation of PW leaders (2003--2006)

· Business meeting of Presbyterian Women

· Registration for the full event includes six meals, all programs and materials. A one-year subscription to Horizons is included with all registration packages.

· Registration forms available September 2002-included in the September/October 2002 issue of Horizons or call Presbyterian Distribution Service, 800/524- 2612, and request PDS item # CWG-03-005 to order forms for your group

· Registration begins January 15, 2003

· Registration Fees

-Early (on or before April 15, 2003), Full-$270, Weekend-$200

-Late (after April 15, 2003), Full-$300, Weekend-$225

-One day registration-$100

· Gathering Scholarship deadline is October 15, 2002. For information, contact the PW synod or presbytery moderator or PW Enabler in your area, or Ann Olson, 651/644-2848.

For more information
visit the PW Web site, http://www.pcusa.org/pw
and the Gathering Web site, http://www.pcusa.org/pwgathering

More information will appear in upcoming issues of Horizons magazine (watch this space through May/June 2003)

"I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father* of all, who is above all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:1--6

*The Inclusive Language Lectionary, Readings for Year B, suggests "[Mother] and Father of us all."

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