News from the Women’s Association

In last month’s newsletter, you received an envelope for the Birthday Offering. By this time, many of you will have returned it with your donation--many thanks. The Birthday Offering was begun in 1922 by the Women’s Auxiliary of the Presbyterian Church. Hallie Paxson Winsborough realized the needs of a Japanese girls’ school and challenged auxiliary members to give one penny for each year of their age (or a dollar if they didn’t want their age known!), as a birthday gift to the school. The Birthday Offering has been a tradition ever since.

The Presbyterian Women Creative Ministries Committee reviews proposals and selects no more
than five recipients annually. This year, they chose only two projects so the grants could be larger. These projects involve several areas of ministry-education, healing, hospitality and nutrition and are:
"Building a Strong Future for the Congo", Democratic Republic of Congo
Students in many rural areas of Congo study in unsafe conditions. These communities want to build or renovate schools and classrooms, but cannot afford the materials. The 2008 Birthday Offering monies will supply roofing for 19 schools, build five new structures, supply teachers with textbooks and teaching materials, provide motorbikes to educational supervisors and offer training seminars for instructors.

"Lakeview Presbyterian Church Weekday School Restoration", New Orleans, Louisiana
In August 2005, during Hurricane Katrina, a break in New Orleans 17th Street Canal flood
wall flooded Lakeview Presbyterian Church’s Weekday School with more than eight feet of
water. The water stayed inside the school for two and a half weeks, destroying everything but the outside shell of the building. The Birthday Offering grant will be used to help rebuild the facility and expand its services, allowing the school to serve even younger children than before (in addition to its usual age groups). The grant also will be used to buy equipment suitable for the younger age group, replace equipment for the other groups, and restore outdoor play areas.

Please consider returning your Birthday Offering envelope by the end of April. Thanks.

MOTHERS, MALARIA, AND MOSQUITO NETS
What do these have in common? Malaria is the leading cause of death among children under five in Africa. Pregnant women are three times as likely to develop severe malaria as non-pregnant women. Covering beds with insecticide-treated mosquito nets can significantly reduce mother and infant deaths from malaria in Africa. The NetWorkers Malaria Prevention Program was developed by the Presbyterian Church International Health Ministries. Mother’s Day is coming up, so consider being a part of the Mother’s Day project, with a suggested contribution of $10 in exchange for a Mother’s Day card to send to your loved one. Honor your mother, grandmother, a favorite aunt, daughters, or someone special to you. Contributions in any amount are welcome, with the cost of one mosquito net at $10. We will have the cards available after church on each Sunday in April. Your donation will purchase mosquito nets and help train and equip volunteer malaria prevention educators in Africa.

Mission Committee

What to come to the meetings? The Circles always meet on the third Monday of the month.

Mary-Martha Circle will meet at noon on Monday, September 17, beginning with a pot-luck meal. This is followed by a brief business meeting and the Bible Study.
Officers for this Circle are: Moderator: Yvonne Gilbert
Vice-Moderator: Hazel Biglow
Secretary: Marge Walworth
Treasurer: Lois Lightner
Mission Interpreter: Peg Nafey
Bible Study leader: Kathryn Teener
During the rest of the year, meetings are held at 1:00.

Deborah Circle will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 17. Dessert is enjoyed first,
followed by a brief business meeting and the Bible Study.
Vice-Moderator: position open
Mission Interpreter: Carol Eder
Bible Study leader: Carol Eder

An occasional meeting is held in the home of one of the Circle members. Any changes are usually noted in the church bulletin and/or the Area Reports column of the Daily Press.

The 2007-2008 Horizons Bible Study is: Above and Beyond: Hearing God’s Call in Jonah and Ruth.

If you would like to take part in this Bible study, whether in a Circle or on your own, a copy may be obtained by contacting Karen Czapiga in the Church office. The cost of the study book is $6.00.

During the Circle meeting, we also give money to fund our Fellowship. This includes
remembering Circle members who are shut-in or in a nursing home at Easter and Christmas. We also remember those who have had an operation or are ill. If you know of anyone who should receive a card or note, let one of the Moderator know. Each of the following is a part of the women’s “second mile” giving.
A penny, wrapped in a prayer, for Least Coin is given.
A donation to the prizes for Game Day at Court Manor is given.
$1.00, we call it dues, is given, which goes toward the Association’s pledge to
Presbyterian Women.

Plan to join us if you can. We get to know each other better through working and studying
together.