Programs

Presbyterian Women

Who we are

Presbyterian Women is our denomination-wide organization for women. It exists at all levels of the Presbyterian Church (USA) − in local congregations, presbyteries, synods and in the General Assembly. At the local level, the work of PW makes a significant contribution to the life and ministry of the individual church.

Presbyterian Women at FPC is a very active organization. We are strongly committed to the PW Purpose of nourishing our faith through Bible study and to putting that faith into action through service. Our activities support the members and programs of our local congregation, as well as missions in our community and beyond.

How to join

All women who are members of First Presbyterian Church automatically become members of Presbyterian Women. As is the case throughout our denomination, much of PW’s local work is done through the combined efforts of its smaller groups, called “circles.” Each FPC woman is encouraged to join a monthly PW circle group. Those who are unable to belong to a circle are classified “associate members” and are invited to support and participate in any PW activity they can.

When and where circles meet

At FPC we currently have four regular circles and the Sewing Circle. Circles meet monthly throughout the year, usually during the week following the second full week of the month:

• Sunday Morning Circle: 8 a.m., at the church

• Monday Morning Circle: 11:30 a.m. at the church

• Monday Afternoon Circle: 2 p.m., at the church

• Tuesday Night Circle: 7:30 p.m., at a member’s home

A nursery is provided where needed.

See the church calendar (link here to) for more information.

A typical circle meeting includes:

• Bible study.

• A designated study leader for the month teaches the Bible lesson for all four circles. The 2005-06 PW Bible study is entitled For Everything, A Season: A Study of the Liturgical Calendar.

• A brief business meeting.

• Collection of offerings for our monthly and ongoing missions.

• Fellowship time.

The Sewing Circle

The ministry of the Sewing Circle is to make simple baby clothes, bandages and other items needed for missions. This circle meets at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month at the church. Members with easily-portable sewing machines are encouraged to bring them to the meeting. Sewing ability is not a requirement for membership for there is plenty of cutting, pinning and pressing to do.

What we do

PW activities at Starkville FPC include:

• Sponsoring church-wide “diapers and wipes showers” for FPC families with new babies.

• Annually funding a $1,500 scholarship to an FPC student.

• Providing congregational meals during Holy Week.

• Honoring the church staff with dinners at Christmas and during Staff Appreciation month,

• Sponsoring the Cookie Patrol, which maintains a stock of “goodies” for use by the church’s Visitation Committee,

• Supplying helpers for FPC’s monthly Church Night Supper.

• Assisting with meals provided for families before or after funerals.

• Providing volunteers for decorating the church during Easter and Christmas.

• Sewing for missions

• Sponsoring a yearly Ladies’ Bible Study (link here to Ladies’ Bible Study—5.3.1)

• Contributing annually to support the FPC adult exercise class, the Presbyterian Campus Ministry, the FPC Childcare Center (link here to appropriate pages of the site)

• Collecting offerings in support of FPC-sponsored missionaries and of presbytery- and synod-sponsored mission activities