 About This Issue
The Power of Story
Once upon a time . . . . Like the stories they introduce, those four words are powerful and laced with layers of meaning. As they tumble out of a storyteller’s mouth, there is no question about what is coming next. More than lectures, sermons, speeches or public addresses, a good story is guaranteed to stay with us long after the teller stops talking.
Presbyterian Women has always appreciated the power of story, and in 2006 PW will embrace this medium to communicate some of the most important messages for the next triennium, using stories and storytellers throughout the 2006 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women. This issue of Horizons celebrates and explores this powerful form of communication. And like all good stories, it’s hoped that what you hear (well, read) in these pages will be shared for generations to come.
About the Art
Many stories could only be told during the long winter nights. The people began the telling of these stories every night, after an evening meal. Young ones would gather around an elder storyteller to listen. Each generation made sure that the stories were passed on, as they heard them from the old ones when they were young.
Warm and content, the adults would also sit quietly and listen. The stories always sounded fresh and immediate, although some had been part of their heritage for over a thousand years.
—Sharron Lorre, cover artist
How to Use This Magazine
Horizons is the magazine of Presbyterian Women. It is planned
and designed for individuals and PW circles, newcomers and longtime
participants in the organization. You'll notice resources are
scattered throughout the magazine—in sidebars, boxes and sometimes
entire articles—because Presbyterian Women is made up of leaders,
both current leaders and women with leadership potential. Participants
in Presbyterian Women are also active—in their congregation,
community and world-so we work to include ways you can respond
to what you read in Horizons.
The purpose of Horizons magazine is the same as the purpose
of our publisher, Presbyterian Women:
Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit
we commit ourselves:
- to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible
study
- to support the mission of the church worldwide
- to work for justice and peace
- to build an inclusive, caring community of women
that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and witnesses
to the promise of God's kingdom
Back to top | November/December
Index |
