Following
is a description of the Departments that embody the Women of the Church:
Spiritual Life Department
- Encourage and advance the spiritual growth of the Women of the Church through Bible
Study, Prayer, family worship, observance of the Lord's Day, and a deeper commitment to
Christ. Plan "Week of Prayer" program and encourage observance of
"World Day of Prayer" in March. Promote work of the American Bible
Society and encourage special offerings throughout the year. Encourage the use of
(and provide help when needed) the Bible Study Book, We Believe and Teach by Rev. E.
Gettys, D.D. and Rev. William C. Alexander (with new study notes by Rev. John Ball) and
the Westminster shorter Catechism. The Department Chairman is responsible for
January devotions.
Witness and Outreach Department -
Keep women up-to-date on church extension and the mission churches in our denomination.
Plan projects of local outreach and Christian ministry in which the congregation
can participate. Serve as contact person for the Women of the Church to Crisis
Assistance Ministry of Gastonia. Have devotions at the April meeting. Serve as
Chairman of Membership and Visitation Committee.
World Mission Department - Keep
informed on our missionaries in Mexico and Pakistan and their needs, and pass this
information on to the Women of the church and congregation through articles in The Pisgah
Post, local programs, a missions center, and items of interest on church bulletin boards.
Take the "Prayer Warrior" and "The A.R. Presbyterian."
Study World Missions. Plan for the "Jubilee Birthday Party" and encourage
the "One Great Hour of Sharing Offering" at Easter. Have devotions at
March meeting.
Leadership Training department -
Publicize and encourage attendance for all leadership training opportunities. Attend
Women's Conference at Bonclarken, Synodical and Presbyterial meetings. See that
delegates from Women of the Church are appointed to these meetings. Encourage women
to support the Bonclarken Gift Shop and see that gift items are taken to Bonclarken.
Have devotions at the September meeting. Serve on the Finance Committee.
Christian Higher Education -
Promote and encourage ministry to all college students in the church through the circles.
Provide information on Erskine College and Seminary to young people and parents.
Emphasize High School Weekend at Erskine. Remind Women of the Church of
Erskine Seminary Day and special offerings. Have devotions at the November meeting.
Youth Department - Make the
youth feel that they are an important part of the church. Encourage the Junior and
Senior High Youth Groups to select and carry out a service project in our church or
community. Promote attendance and offer assistance to youth at conferences and
retreats. Serve on local Christian Education Committee. Keep women informed on
activities and needs of the youth of our church. Order Bibles for communicants'
Class members who make their profession of faith and devotional guides for graduating high
school seniors. Have devotions at the June meeting.
Family Living Department -
Encourage family altars, Bible reading and study, and prayers in the home. Encourage
use of Church Library. Suggest Christian literature for families. Urge
attendance at midweek program and other family-oriented Church activities. Remind
Women of the church that our senior citizens and shut-ins are under our care. Be
co-chairman of the Bereavement Committee - to plan and serve a meal to the family upon the
death of a member of Pisgah A.R.P. Church or the death of a person living in the home of a
member of the church. Promote Family Living study books, Keeping Your Family
Together when the World is Falling Apart by Dr. Kevin Leland and The Future of the
American Family by George Barna. Have devotions at the October meeting. Serve
on the Finance Committee.
Current News and History Department
- A history of the events and special projects of the women of the Church and of the
church shall be written each year and presented at the January meeting of the following
year. A scrapbook containing all clippings and items of interest to the church will
be kept each year. Local history will be sent to Presbyterial current news and
history chairman by February 15. Mail names of deceased Women of the Church members
to Presbyterial Memorial chairman by September. Be responsible for sending in Life
Members and Memorials and Love Gifts and distributing pins and certificates at Women of
the Church meetings. Have devotions at July meeting.
Women of the Church are also responsible for or involved with the following:
Sanctuary Flowers, Greeter, and Rosebud Distribution; Kitchen Custodians; Table Linens,
Punch Bowls, Plates and Cups Coordinator; Meals-On-Wheels Coordinator; Midweek Dessert
Coordinator; Representation on the following committees: Benevolent Finance,
Membership and Visitation, Christian Education
Women of the Church members meet quarterly with separate meetings
attended by executive board members. If you are interested in learning more about
the Women of the Church please contact the church office.