LOAVES AND FISHES A NEWSLETTER FOR PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN IN THE SYNOD OF THE SOUTHWEST

ISSUE # 40 APRIL 2015

What a privilege it has been to serve as your moderator for the past 5 years. The most rewarding part has been getting to know Presbyterian Women from all over the Synod of the Southwest. Your dedication and innovative thinking are remarkable. Thank you for staying the course in these controversial times within the PC(USA). We need to remember that we are all one body in Christ. There is room for difference among us. During this term there have been 2 PW Synod gatherings; one in Tucson and the other in Albuquerque. These gatherings give us an opportunity to fellowship and worship with our sisters and to remind us of our connectivity. Remember, we will be meeting once again October 28 - 30, 2016. Put this on your calendar now! I have also had the opportunity to attend PW Presbytery Gatherings in DeCristo, Grand Canyon, Santa Fe and Sierra Blanca. It was a real pleasure to interact with Presbyterian Women across the Synod. Exciting mission is happening everywhere. As moderator, I also served as a commissioner for the Synod of the Southwest. This gives PW voice and vote on synod matters. At the PW Churchwide Gathering in Orlando in 2012, I served as your Synod voting delegate. The Churchwide gatherings are always an inspiration. If you have not had the opportunity to attend such a gathering, please consider registering for the big event in Minneapolis this June. It will be a life changing experience. During the USA Mission Experience, Donna Yordy and I represented the Synod of the Southwest. We were able to interact with Presbyterian Women in Appalachia. We learned the history of the area; and we found out how much the Presbyterian Church helps with education, social services and health related issues there. A workshop will be held at the CW gathering relating the experiences of this USA mission trip. Donna and I have traveled all over the Synod telling our stories and raising awareness of the needs of people in Tennessee and North Carolina. Thanks to all of you for our support and love. We can look forward to a great future under the leadership of Beverly Roselieb as she begins her term as moderator. Continued Blessings, Peggy Free, Past Moderator, PWSSW

��� A big THANK YOU to Peggy Free for her inspiring leadership these past 5 years! You have been a blessing to us all! What footsteps I have to follow and where to begin! Since Mary Danforth led the Installation Service at our Coordinating Team Meeting on March 6, 2015 for Peggy Free as Representative to the Churchwide Coordinating Team, Dixie Loy as Moderator-Elect and me as PW Moderator of Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Southwest, my thoughts, e-mails, phone calls, etc. have quickly shifted. I attended my first Synod Council Meeting March 20-21 at Northminster PC in Tucson. It was a joy to personally meet Conrad Rocha, Synod Executive/Stated Clerk and Robin Thomas, Associate Stated Clerk/Executive Assistant, to see many familiar faces and to meet new friends! We are also truly blessed to have such caring and creative leaders in our Presbyteries, Brad Munroe, Sallie Watson, and Larry Loy. During the meeting, part of our conversation was directed at the possibilities for the focus and structure of our Synods. It will be interesting to see what comes forth and what changes it may present for Presbyterian Women in the coming years. I’m looking to serving with you over the next three years! …Beginning with the June 18-21, 2015 PW Churchwide Gathering in Minneapolis, “One Body, One Spirit”. …. Read on for all the news! Peace and love, Beverly Roselieb, PW Moderator, Synod of the Southwest

I hope many of you have already registered for the Gathering! If not, there’s still time! If you don’t have a registration booklet, you can download a copy at www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pwgathering/ It’s got all the info… hotel, transportation, and registration form.

Why do women enjoy going to PW Gatherings?

FELLOWSHIP INSPIRING PLENARY SPEAKERS WORSHIP GREETING GLOBAL PARTNERS JOYFUL MUSIC EXCITING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES PW RESOURCES SHOPPING (workshops) SPENDING TIME WITH LONG-TIME FRIENDS EXHIBITS SINGING (making new friends!)

Things to do and remember for the Churchwide Gathering! (Cont’d)

PW SYNOD OF THE SOUTHWEST LUNCHEON

0n Friday, June 19, from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m., we’ll be having the Synod Luncheon at Westminster Presbyterian Church (which is directly across the street from the Hyatt). (The registration form for the Luncheon is included at the end of this newsletter. Be sure to get your reservation in ASAP so that we can give our count to the church!) On the day of the luncheon, June 19, come to Heller Commons (which is near the Chapel) within the church. There will be lots of women there because we will be holding our luncheon with women from the Synods of Southern California/Hawaii and Mid-

America! So…..look for our CORAL AND BLUE TEE-SHIRTS and check in with SUSAN McMICHAEL, our PW Synod Treasurer. Following the luncheon we’ll try to get together for group pictures!!

SILENT AUCTION ITEMS THANK YOU to Mary Danforth for donating a beautiful Communion Plate designed by Lois A. Martinez from the Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico to the Silent Auction. Gathering attendees will have the opportunity to bid on exquisite handmade crafts, one-of-a-kind experiences and other fun gems. All proceeds will benefit the Mission Pledge, which funds nearly every PW program. Additional Silent Auction items may still be donated. If you have an item you would like to have included in the Silent Auction (whether or not you will be attending the Gathering), please contact Katie Blume at kdb616@gmail.com. She is handling the Silent Auction. Then get in touch with your Presbytery PW Moderator if you need help getting your item to the Gathering!

SCRAPBOOK PAGES

Thanks also to Dixie Loy who is working on scrapbook pages for our PWSSW. Have you made plans to prepare 1 - 3 pages for the Mission Project Scrapbook for your Presbytery? or 1 page for your local PW group? The pages will be displayed during the Gathering, but will not be returned to you. For further information, contact Dixie at nanniehatter@outlook.com.

One Small Gift (Card!)

Another way you can participate in the Gathering (whether or not you attend) is through $10 Target

gift card(s). The gift cards will be given to the American Indian Family Center (AIFC) in St. Paul. This program supports Native American families by valuing and strengthening the American Indian community and its culture. The AIFC runs the Wakanyeja Kin Wakan Pi (Our Children Are Sacred) Program, which provides direct services to Native American women during the prenatal and postnatal periods. Culturally-specific case management services help ensure healthy birth outcomes and good health for the mother and baby. Wakanyeja Kin Wakan Pi coordinates mothrs’ support groups and offers classes on parenting, nutrition and good health. Should you wish to donate more than $10, please purchases additional gift cards in the amount of $10 each. If you will not be attending the Gathering, please send get in touch with the PW Moderator in your Presbytery. These small cards are easy to pack, but they pack a very big impact! THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT in purchasing TARGET gift cards!

VISIT FROM GLOBAL PARTNERS

The week prior to the PW Gathering in Minneapolis, June 10-17, two women from Jamaica will be visiting in Arizona and New Mexico. Thank you to Lola Blackwell, Santa Fe, and Dixie Loy, Sierra Blanca, for making arrangements for hosting Rev. Sadekie Little-Forbes during her stay in New Mexico. Thanks also to Bonnie Thompson, DeCristo, and Mary Danforth, Grand Canyon, for arranging for the stay of Leslene Laing in Arizona. In November 2014, Bonnie Thompson represented PWSSW during the Global Exchange to the Caribbean. Now these two Jamaican women will be here for the PW Gathering to tell there stories to North American women. Contact the Moderator in your Presbytery if you’d like to participate or help out while they visit here in our Synod.

NEWS FROM PW in the PRESBYTERY of DE CRISTO

On October 25, Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of de Cristo celebrated their fall gathering at Community Presbyterian Church in Benson. At the gathering we heard from Joan Fenton, a representative of the Peace and Justice Ministry. She shared significant information and a dynamic simulation on domestic violence.

Our next gathering is April 18, 2015 at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Tucson. The presenter will be Bonnie Thompson, the Global Exchange Representative to the Caribbean. The PWP de Cristo Coordinating Team held meetings on January 21 and March 18, 2015.

As Moderator of PWP de Cristo, Bonnie attends Presbytery Ministry on Leadership meetings and Ministry on Witness and Outreach. At the January 23 & 24, 2015 Presbytery Meeting, PW displayed information on Presbyterian Women’s missions at the mission fair and handed out orange ribbons to create awareness of domestic violence.

Bonnie Thompson, PWP Moderator

� NEWS FROM PW IN THE PRESBYTERY OF SANTA FE

In September 2014, we very much enjoyed having Peggy Free tell - and show - about the PW USA Mission Experience to Appalachia. We also had the Director of the Blue Corn Mothers Alliance (recipient of the Birthday Offering) speak to us. We also heard a report about the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Sharon Oler, a past PW Moderator, prepared “Anti-Meltdown” kits for everyone. Santa Fe Presbytery PW is excited that we have quite a few people going to Churchwide. We’re especially delighted that June Lorenzo from Laguna will be part of the program. Our Spring Gathering was held March 21, 2015 at Second Presbytery Church in Albuquerque, a church known for its fantastic Mexican food dinners! Bonnie Thompson shared her experiences about the PW Global Exchange to the Caribbean. An attorney and therapist spoke about how to handle situations where we suspect - or know about - domestic violence or other abuse. The offering was sent to Christina Kent Children’s Day Care Center. Lola Blackwell led a Commissioning Service for the women from Santa Fe Presbytery who will be attending the Churchwide Gathering. She presented each participant with a shell, symbolic of the “One Body, One Spirit” logo. Lola Blackwell, PWP Moderator

YOU’RE INVITED TO HEAR HORIZONS BIBLE STUDY

AUTHOR, JUDY RECORD FLETCHER The pleasure of your company is requested at a special program being held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Gallup, NM, June 26, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Judy Record Fletcher, author of the 2015 - 2016 HORIZONS Bible Study “Come to the Waters”, will be the guest speaker. She is a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) She has served as a director of Christian Education in North Carolina and as pastor in churches in Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. She will offer insights into how the rich imagery of water throughout the Bible helps us understand and articulate our faith. Just as water nourishes our bodies, so the scriptures on water nourish our souls. For further information about this special opportunity, contact Judith Todd at judithatodd@aol.com. Reservations due by June 23rd.

NEWS FROM PW in the PRESBYTERY of GRAND CANYON

On January 31, 2015 women from 19 churches gathered at University PC for our Moderator’s Luncheon. Personal invitations had been sent and there were several women who were attending a PWP event for the first time. Focusing on the PW PURPOSE, the morning was spent in groups discussing mission and programs their churches were involved with and any problems they were having with their group. Our speaker was Rev. Brad Munroe, Presbytery Pastor for De Cristo and Grand Canyon Presbyteries. It was a new experience for him and a wonderful opportunity for the women to meet and hear from him. Mary Danforth shared information about Horizons Bible Studies. On March 7, 2015 we held our Spring Gathering at Desert Palms Presbyterian Church in Sun City West. Guest speakers were Jerry Traylor and Fred and Judy Davis. They all shared inspirational messages on the theme “One Can Make a Difference, Many Can Change the World.” Reading awards were presented to women who had read five or more books from the PWP Reading List. An Installation Service was held for the new leaders, including Carole Jean Soine, PWP Moderator. It has been my pleasure to work with you and to serve the women of Presbytery of Grand Canyon. Donna Yordy, Past PWP Moderator

A special shout out of THANKS! to Jean Montgomery for handling the ordering of our Synod of the Southwest Coral and Blue Tee shirts for the Churchwide Gathering!

News from PW in the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca

Sierra Blanca Presbyterian Women will also celebrate Spring with their April 18, 2015 PW Gathering “One body, One spirit” 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Together they will learn about the work and missions of the church, explore liberating the oppressed, and worship one with the other! The Gathering will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Ruidoso Presbyterian Church. Their workshops will include: PW 101, how to begin with Presbyterian women, Exercise in the Spirit, Impacting Bullying in our communities, Scrapbooking your PW, Were Adam and Eve in love? Mary Danforth and Peggy Free will represent the PWSSW CT as part of the program. Rebecca Voris will be installed as the new PWP Moderator for Sierra Blanca. Dixie Loy, Past PWP Moderator

A Native American Presbyterian Women’s Conference

“One Body, One Spirit, One Sisterhood” June 17 & 18, 2015

This conference will be held prior to the 2015 PW Churchwide Gathering.

Plan now to attend both the Native American Presbyterian Women’s Conference and the 2015 Presbyterian Women’s Churchwide Gathering.

Additional News from Sierra Blanca

VIRGINIA’S PLACE TRANSITIONAL HOUSING - OUR FIRST FAMILY Virginia’s Place was a recent recipient

of the PW THANK OFFERING

When we told the Shelter staff at the Center of Protective Environment that we were ready to place our first family in Virginia’s Place Transitional Housing Program, our announcement was greeted with great enthusiasm. “We have just the family!” we were told. “The timing is wonderful! This is perfect!” Ms. T and her seven children, aged 2 to 17, were approaching the end of their allotted time in the Emergency Shelter, and the staff was having difficulty in locating alternative housing….”because the family’s so big!” We could see immediately that accepting this family would have the effect of passing that problem with placement on on to our program, but doing so could at least by some time. And so we agreed to work with Ms. T even though she would not be able to meet strict work and savings guidelines. And by the grace of God, what a wonderful decision that was! Since having a “home of her own,” Ms. T has gained a great deal of confidence and experience in her ability to run a household. She loves her home, and so do her children. On every visit, we find the house clean and neat,the children friendly and outgoing. Everyone is doing well in school. Medial needs have been met. Employment has been secured. And plans for permanent housing have been put in place. Alamogordo, NM, is a smaller city of 35,000 residents, about 30% of whom are Hispanic. Although things are changing, our Hispanic population has historically been the poorest and least valued segment of our community. That was the context in which Ms. T was born and raised, and in which she is now raising her own children. We are delighted that the first participant in our Transitional Housing Program is one of our own citizens. And we are grateful to have played a small part in helping her to establish herself as a fully invested child of God here in our community.

THANKS TO ALL WHO GIVE SO GENEROUSLY TO THE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S THANK OFFERING! ! !

It will soon be time to begin accepting applications for the 2016 USA Mission Experience to San Francisco and San Jose, CA.

The theme is “Out of Darkness…into the light” using the scripture passage from John 1:5 “The light shines in

the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

The purpose of the Mission Experience is to: * Raise awareness about human trafficking, domestic violence and immigration issues * Develop skills for implementation and advocacy in local settings * Identify resources to assist Presbyterian Women to help delete slavery and domestic violence * Examine the myths of immigration * Explore personal immigration stories

If you are interested in applying for this exciting USA Mission Experience, please continue to check the Presbyterian Women’s Website at www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pw click on Mission Matters and scroll down to the U.S.A. Mission Experience portion or you can contact Beverly Roselieb at broselieb@cox.net and I will forward the application to you when it becomes available.

Domestic violence will rob children of their childhood, it will deprive women of their spirit, it will strip men of their place in a peaceful world**from the City of Phoenix website. How can you, as an individual become involved in ending domestic violence? Here are several suggestions: * Join your local Coalition Against Domestic Violence, looking it up by state. In Arizona, for example, find it at azcadv.org This website contains valuable and life-saving information for victims and for those who want to be of help.

* Pray for, and involve yourself in community action to change outcomes for victims and their families. * Wear a purple ribbon during the month of October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month). * Speak up when you hear abusive language in the workplace, or among your neighbors, family or friends. Tell men, women and teens that there is no place in a relationship for attitudes of male entitlement, or the need for control in a relationship. Practice and model mutuality and respect in your own relationships. Offer domestic violence education at your church. Contact Joan Fenton at rjfenton5@gmail.com for workshops on TEEN DATING, ELDER ABUSE and FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION. Joan’s workshops, for which there is no fee, cover how to avoid abusive relationships, encourage health and mutuality, all in accord with God’s plan for God’s people to have abundant life. Joan Fenton, PWSSW Justice and Peace Rep

MEET YOUR PWSSW CT

Front Row Left to Right: Lola Blackwell, Jean McElreth, Donna Yordy Back Row Left to Right: Susan McMichael, Joan Fenton, Dixie Loy, Rebecca Voris, Mary Danforth, Bonnie Thompson, Peggy Free and Beverly Roselieb

Beverly Roselieb broselieb@cox.net (C) 630-986-7222 PWSSW Moderator (H) 480-816-9544 Dixie Loy nanniehatter@outlook.com 575-622-1941 PWSSW Moderator-Elect 575-317-2000 Susan McMichael msmcmichael@cox.net (C) 480-287-1169 PWSSW Treasurer (H) 480-969-6482

Leila Abdul-Karim leila317@yahoo.com 928-445-1216 PWSSW Secretary

Jean McElrath jazmcelrath@yahoo.com 520-297-1714 Leadership Enhancement Coordinator/Historian

Mary Danforth marypittsdanforth@gmail.com (C) 480-296-4423 2012-2015 PWSSW Representative to the CCT (H)480-345-0629

Peggy Free freeneazy@cox.net 520-975-3905 2015-2018 PWSSW Representative to the CCT

Bonnie Thompson jobodo@earthlink@net (C) 520-323-8782 PWP Moderator, de Cristo Presbytery (H) 520-465-5463

Carole Jean Soine cjys09jdt@gmail.com 623-546-8403 PWP Moderator, Grand Canyon Presbytery Lola Blackwell stanlola@earthlink.net 505-280-2412 PWP Moderator, Santa Fe Presbytery

Rebecca Voris rsvoris@gmail.com (C) 575-885-2715 PWP Moderator, Sierra Blanca Presbytery (H) 505-315-1159

Arvada Adams vadams0011@hotmail.com 520-307-5762 PWSSW Native American Representative

Joan Fenton rjfenton5@gmail.com 602-451-7926 PWSSW Justice and Peace Representative

Donna Yordy dyordy3@yahoo.com (C) 480-334-4150 PWSSW Newsletter Editor (H) 480-837-6169

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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN IN THE SYNOD OF THE SOUTHWEST DeCristo, Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, Sierra Blanca

SYNOD LUNCHEON DURING THE PW CHURCHWIDE GATHERING

FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2015 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

(Located directly across the street from the Hyatt Hotel)

Cost $15.00

Luncheon Registration Deadline is Friday, May 1, 2015 Make checks payable to PWS, write “Synod Luncheon” on the memo line and send your check and the completed form below to:

Susan McMichael, 227 W 9th Place South, Mesa, AZ 85201 480-969-6482 msmcmichael@cox.net

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NAME__________________________________________________________________________ADDRESS_______________________________________________________________________

PHONE NUMBER_________________________E-MAIL________________________________

CHURCH__________________________________PRESBYTERY_________________________

Lunch Preference: ____ Regular ____ Vegetarian ____Gluten Free

LOOKING AHEAD…….Mark your calendar and plan now for

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN IN THE SYNOD OF THE SOUTHWEST

FALL GATHERING

October 28 - 30, 2016 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ

GATHERING LEADERS

Judy Siker, Horizons Bible Study Author “WHO IS JESUS”

Amy Poling Sutherlun, Horizons Bible Study Author “GOD’S PROMISES”

Kathy Reeves, Presbyterian Women Program Staff

Abbreviations used in this newsletter PW = Presbyterian Women PWC = Presbyterian Women in the Congregation PWP = Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery PWS = Presbyterian Women in the Synod PWSSW = Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Southwest CT = Coordinating Team CCT = Churchwide Coordinating Team PC = Presbyterian Church

And have a wonderful summer!