Empowering Women in 24 Hours sums up the unique Presbyterian Women in the Synod Gatherings recently held in Columbus, Ohio (April 5-6) and Clare, Michigan (May 17-18). This year’s events were regionally-centered in two hotel locations. While the same program was offered at both locations, over 125 women from ALL OVER the synod were welcomed and treated to leadership from regional leaders as well as the synod gathering planning team.

The events were two-fold, a new idea to give women a chance to create their own experience. Leadership training for PW leaders was offered along with a spiritual renewal program. With the flexible schedule, all the women had the opportunity to experience both if they chose. The evaluations were informative and it looks like the gatherings were successful.

Five women from the synod went to a leadership training event in Albuquerque in 2007. The information they received was shared with presbytery leaders and the women attending the gatherings through workshops and panel presentations. In addition there were workshops for developing new leaders, motivating participation, and examining new leadership styles such as consensus. Hopefully, this leadership training will continue in the presbyteries for the local PW leaders. The information will make Presbyterian Women stronger and better informed.

If women didn’t chose leadership training, they had the opportunity to experience a time of spiritual renewal led by Christel Hilgarth, Vice Moderator for Studies & Spiritual Development. She led the women in discernment and spiritual practices. Christel created a spirituality center where the women had a tremendous time experiencing what they chose of the offerings: the labyrinth, worship center, knitting prayer shawls, making prayer bracelets and creating mandalas as well as other spiritual experiences.


Katie Kinnison stirred our interest at the Ohio gathering with her introduction to the new HORIZONS Bible study on Luke. The women in Michigan were energized and introduced to Luke by Chris Wolf. Both talented women gave the attendees a hunger for the Bible study. Several women were overheard saying they would be willing to lead the study thanks to these wonderful introductions.

During the business meetings, Presbyterian women in the Synod elected Florence Morrison as Moderator, Martha Pool as Synod Representative to the PW Churchwide Coordinating Team, Carol Reed as Secretary, and Sylvia Will as Communicator. Installations were held at both locations, thanks to Louise Davidson and Carol Hylkema. The event was rounded out with fellowship and worship. The Reverend Yvette Dalton led worship in Ohio with remembrances of The Aroma Therapy Woman. In Michigan the women were awed by glimpses of the Reverend Brenda Jarvis’ recent trip to Israel. The Palm Project will receive over $1200 from the offering.

Thanks to Sylvia Jones and Winona Willing for sharing their music gifts in leading music. As synod gathering coordinator, I want to thank all of the women highlighted above as well as a very talented planning team. Without them, these gatherings would not have happened: Mary Jane Boettcher, Goldie Burrier, Patsy Gaines, Jennifer Grumelot, Christel Hilgarth, Carol Pierce, Martha Pool, and Jean Snyder.

Each event was truly an empowering 24 hours of meaningful experiences for all.

submitted by Carol Winkler, Gathering Coordinator