Page 40 - PC Winter 2023-24

Connection
WOMEN
Milestone Anniversary for WMS
40
PRESBYTERIAN
WINTER 2023
presbyterian.ca
Eva Murray cut the anniversary cake.
A miniature display of the church and school in Malawi that WMS and church donations have built.
By Kathryn Tew, Auxiliary Secretary, New St. James Presbyterian Church in London, Ont.
The Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) at New St. James Pres- byterian Church in London, Ont., celebrated its 130th anniversa- ry—and we celebrated in style!
On Friday, Oct. 20, WMS auxil- iary members hosted a lunch fol- lowed by worship and a program for 50 guests from across the London Presbytery and Synodical of Southwestern Ontario.
A highlight of the day was hav- ing our most senior member, Eva Murray, 98, cut a cake to mark the occasion. Table favours for all included a mug designed with the WMS logo plus anniversary date, as well as a coaster made of fab- ric from Malawi.
Displays at the event featured articles and photos through the years of the group at New St. James. Also on display were items gifted to the group from mission partners, such as models of a church and school in Malawi and cloth items. These were ac- companied by samples of items supplied to our mission partners for their health, education and im- proved living conditions.
The program for the day includ- ed a hymn based on the WMS purpose written by Helen Hogarth for our 100th anniversary.
Several members described the history of the group and its evolu- tion in mission over the years. It was a Mrs. Talling who intro- duced the WMS organization to the London church in 1893, and it quickly became a significant part
of church life. Elizabeth Harris, a former WMS president who was present for the 100th anniversary, gave insights into the group 30 years ago and encouraged open- ing up to the community in these times when we need peace.
Another special moment was the presentation of a beautiful handmade quilted banner fash- ioned with images of Malawi that were significant to Cathy Reid, our current WMS president. It was gifted in recognition of her tireless dedication, commitment and inspiration to the WMS and our partners in Malawi.
It was a lovely compliment to the WMS that the Women’s Coun- cil provided another celebratory cake for the coffee hour after the church service on Sunday, Oct. 22. That group had also kindly
Kathryn Tew as Mrs. Talling, describing the beginning of the WMS Auxiliary in 1893.
catered the lunch for our Friday celebration.
The work of the WMS at New St. James continues to be vital, meaningful and effective with our mission partners. May it continue for another 130 years!
WMS Presbyterial Fall Rally
WMS President, Cathy Reid, was gifted with this beautiful banner from members of the WMS. The banner contains images and items from her many trips to Malawi.
Speakers (left to right) Anne Matheson, Jane Ashenden, Lisa McLaughlin.
Fall shapes to be added to a group banner. The four Auxilia- ries—Embro, Paris, Simcoe and Woodstock—all had a banner to take home and share with oth- ers. We had decided on a brown bag lunch to limit the amount of preparation needed. By having our own members as speakers, it was wonderful to remember that we all have powerful energy and life events to share within our own ranks. Sometimes, keeping it sim- ple creates a learning opportunity and joyful experience for all.
The day was a wonderful op- portunity to do a little introspec- tion and think about a time when each of us wanted to or needed to Fall back in love with Jesus. Oh, what a friend!
By Deb Melnyk,
WMS Paris Presbyterial
On a rainy October day, a group of women met at Knox Presbyte- rian Church in Woodstock, Ont., to celebrate “Falling back in love with Jesus”! We heated up the hall with praise, pause, prayer and time to play. Shirley Miller opened the meeting, the Rev. Dr. Dong-Ha Kim warmly welcomed us to Knox, and Judy MacIntosh brought greetings from WMS Synodical.
A meaningful worship ser- vice was prepared by Marybel Brenneman. In addition to the custom business meeting, led by President Shirley Miller, three
members—Jane Ashenden, Lisa McLaughlin and Anne Mathe- son—shared personal testimony about how they have connected to this theme. Jane discussed the Front Door Ministry at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Simcoe and how this has enriched her life. Lisa shared the mountain top and valley events in her life, and Anne Matheson shared the energy of Embro’s Vacation Bible School program focusing on lov- ing Jesus.
With Becky Stewart on the keyboard guiding us, we sang many old familiar hymns that we have enjoyed over the years. Small groups formed to discuss the theme and then prepared
A completed banner by Marie McGregor and Elaine Stevens.
Banner making time.