Reflections from the Presbyterian Women Churchwide Gathering
Nancy Carlton
First off, I would like to send my most heartfelt THANK YOU for you all (the Presbytery of St. Augustine) for allowing me to represent you and Presbyterian Women.
The 2024 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women was held in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 8 through 11 with Business Meeting on Wednesday, August 7.
This year marked the return of an in-person Churchwide Gathering, and it did not disappoint. There was lots of energy and enthusiasm. We had 10 attendees from our presbytery attend; I was very proud of that!
The business meeting consisted of a few changes to the by-laws, report of the audit, the budget and election of new officers.
Participants of The Gathering came together as we reflected, learned new things, felt new things, celebrated and were inspired and, hopefully, inspired others over the few days we were together. Workshops were plentiful and and focused on various topics such as Bible study topics for the next few years; Justice; Empowering Women and Girls; Prayers, Litanies and Blessings; and Uncharted Water: Faith Formations.
Each day we opened with Morning Plenary and ended with Evening Plenary.
There is something heart warming and peaceful about being around a thousand women worshiping, shopping at the bookstore, sharing a cup of coffee, riding the elevator and just simply having a conversation. Again, thank you for this opportunity.