Page 35 - PC Fall 2023

Connection
WOMEN
Update from the
Southwestern
Ontario Synodical
presbyterian.ca
FALL 2023
At the Women’s Missionary Society synodical for Southwestern Ontario, par- ticipants watched an historical skit of the first planning meeting that joined Hamilton and London into Southwestern Ontario in the spring of 1947.
Pandemic Project of pocket prayer shawls with attached prayer cards began in early 2020, with knit- ters and crocheters joining in. As of this meeting, over 3,000 little prayer shawls have been distrib- uted to seniors, those in hospitals and added to containers shipped from Stratford Medical Depot. Margaret presented the knitters with appreciation gifts. The Rev. Ian Shaw installed the new execu- tive. The 2024 SWO Synodical will be held at Camp Kintail with Sarnia Presbyterial hosting.
By Shirley Miller,
Paris Presbyterial President
The Women’s Missionary Society Southwestern Ontario Synodical “75+” Anniversary was hosted by Paris Presbyterial and held at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Simcoe, Ont., on April 18–19. Synodical president Margaret McGugan welcomed members and guests to the celebration meeting. Janet Brewer brought greetings from the WMS Council Executive.
An inspirational worship and communion service was led by the Rev. Mikal Schomburg, minister of St. Paul’s Simcoe. Guest speaker Callie Long, Associate Secretary of Communications, shared news of many new changes in the com- munications department of the PCC.
During the two days of meet- ings, an historical committee pro- vided several historical highlights through vignettes. On Tuesday afternoon, four workshops were offered: rock painting, Bible study, Orange Shir t brooch creation and participationinanadhocchoir.
President Margaret introduced dinnerguests:ModeratorofSyn- od, the Rev. Gwen Ament; Mod- eratorofPresbytery,theRev.Mikal Schomburg; the Rev. Ian and Linda Shaw of St. Paul’s; and Missionary Priscilla Anderson. Past President Mary Simmons introduced the Rev. Margaret (Grieg) Rober tson, who read greetings from the Rev. Anne Yee Hibbs as well as past synodical presidents.
The entertainment after dinner was an ad hoc choir organized by Simcoe choir directors Becky Stewar t and Heidi Bowman. A sin-
WMS Honorary Memberships
An appreciation bouquet was given to Mary Duffin for organizing his- torical presentations.
Betty Mitchel.
Margaret Hamilton has been a dedicated treasurer for the South Kinloss WMS for many years. With likeminded commitment, Margaret contributed her many talents planning our Bible stud- ies and other projects. She has given generously of her time to support church programs as an elder, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and shares duties as organist and pianist. A pro- gram that is special to Margaret is the Secret Pal Mailbox, which matches Sunday school children with members in the church. From September to June, letters, cards and gifts are exchanged. Margaret’s kindness and cheerful nature is a gift to all.
Thank you, Betty and Margaret! God bless!
PRESBYTERIAN
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galong of WMS favourite hymns, with introductions by choir mem- bers of the history of each hymn, was performed.
Wednesday morning opened with worship and a memorial ser- vice prepared by Marybel Brenne- man of Embro. President Margaret lit a special candle in memory of Pauline Brown, missionary for 70 years in the Jobat region of India.
A presentation of Camp Kintail was made in the absence of the Rev. Theresa McDonald Lee. Jean Aitcheson of the Stratford Medi- cal Depot gave an update on the supplies needed, and informed us that containers loaded with provi- sions are being shipped to many countries, such as Ukraine, Turkey, South Sudan, Cuba. A Synodical
Cutting the anniversary cake is Southwestern Ontario (SWO) Synodical Presi- dent Margaret McGugan, Council Executive Janet Brewer, and Paris Presbyterial President Shirley Miller.
Photo corner! Several host members gathered around incoming synodical president Judy McIntosh.
Margaret Hamilton, centre.
Maitland Presbyterial Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) was pleased to present WMS Honor- ary Memberships to Betty Mitch- el (Moleswor th) and Margaret Hamilton (South Kinloss) at the Maitland Presbyterial Rally held at Camp Kintail.
Betty Mitchel has served the WMS in many capacities over the years—as president, secre- tary, liaison with other groups, a welcoming hostess, and as an “ideas person.” She encour-
aged our group to par tner with the Sunday school to organize a pancake supper each Shrove Tuesday, and to enable the Sun- day school to move forward on a monthly basis when interest and numbers were dwindling. Betty also helped raise awareness and suppor t for work in Africa. With her leadership, the group bought medical supplies, shoes and paid school fees. Betty is always generous in giving of her time and talents.