SERVING OTHERS

Presbyterian Women in the congregation exists to build community, affirm women's calls to leadership, publicize and receive special offerings of mission opportunities, raise concerns and channel information to and from Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly.

Thank Offering - The PW Thank Offering originated in the late 1800's with Eliza Clokey of Springfield Ohio.  Her plan was to ask each woman to give a gift in addition to her usual contribution to the Women's General Missionary Society of the United Presbyterian Church of North America as a "thank offering to our Lord."  In 1888, the women designated a day for prayer and thanksgiving when this special offering should be received.

As a part of Celebration Giving, the Thank Offering continues to be given by Presbyterian Women.  Forty percent of this offering is used to support hospitals and community health programs that place priority in helping the most needy members of God's community.  The remaining sixty percent  is used for new creative ideas for mission, undesignated in advance.

Birthday Offering - 2005 marks the 83rd anniversary of this tradition known as the Birthday Offering.  Presbyterian Women has given more than $28,505,445 in support of mission projects throughout the world.  This offering funds projects that are not included in ongoing General Assembly mission support, such as agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence, and women's concerns.

Missionaries to Haiti - Rodney and Sharyn Babe are mission co-workers appointed to service in Haiti.  They have served in Haiti since 1987, first with Project HELP and since 1991 with the Presbyterian Church (USA).

By invitation of the Episcopal church of Haiti, Rodney serves as advisor to the Agricultural Development Program of the Comprehensive Development Project (CODEP), formerly known as Cormiers Development Project.  Sharyn is an educational advisor for CODEP).

The ambitious ten-year project is designed to improve the lives of the residents of Cormiers through long-term education, health, and agricultural development programs.  Residents are directly involved in all aspects of the program, and receive training and support in planning and executing the various programs.

Due to safety concerns, Rodney and Sharyn have temporarily left Haiti to continue their agricultural education at North Carolina A & %.

You may contact them by mail:  RD 1, Box 291 Tyrone, PA  16686

By email:  codephaiti@yahoo.com.

Blanket Sunday - Church World Service "Blanket & Tools"  Contributions go to Church World Service, a ministry of the National Council of Churches, which provide Clean-up Kits, Health Kits, tools and blankets to those affected by natural disasters.

Sewing Sisters of St. Andrews is a group of women who gather for fellowship and service to others through sewing for the following agencies:  Renova Center (for families needing assistance and medical care for children with mental and physical challenges), Domestic Violence Intervention, WIC (Women, Infants and Children) & Boost.

St. Andrews Presbyterian Church  600 S. 12th St. Lebanon, PA 17042 (717)272-9933