Presbyterian Women began in the 1800s and is open to all women of the church. These women are involved in Bible study, prayer, outreach and fellowship. At First Presbyterian Church Dallas, approximately 200 women meet in smaller groups called Circles. Of the eleven Circles, three meet at the church and seven in members' homes. The meetings are Monday, Tuesday, and one meeting on a Thursday evening.

Thank you, Presbyterian Women
This letter was received recently from Vidya Ayyr, coordinator of volunteer services at Children’s Medical Center, by Projects chair Jo Frances Hickey:

"I went one Friday (as I do most Fridays) to deliver the wonderful handmade items that kind individuals like yourself make for us. As I do my rounds on each patient floor, I am forever greeted by happy, smiling, gracious children that are eager to receive their new blankie, wiggly worm, stuffed animal or pillow … But on this particular day, one child stood out in his appreciation. He was a young boy of 3, and he was all alone in his room. I came up to the door and peeked in and saw piercing blue eyes staring quietly back at me. I walked up and asked him his favorite color. He smiled and replied in a hushed voice, “Yel-low.” Out of my wagon, I chose a soft, yellow blanket, and as I was getting ready to tuck him in, he cried, “No, no, this is my hair.” He placed the blanket upon his bare head and in a movement, got up and danced around his crib. Indeed, the imagination of a child is never ceasing. This goes to show that the possibilities and the many uses for the items you donate are endless!"

For this past year 2008-2009, 25 bed-sheets were made for Good Shepherd School; we sent the U. S. troops 900 finger puppets and 8 helmet liners; Children’s Medical Center received 1,379 animals and pillows, 280 baby blankets, 4,100 finger puppets, 144 hand puppets. These materials add up to a value of $15,256.

The formal purpose of Presbyterian Women (Presbyterian Church U.S.A.):

Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, We commit ourselves:

• to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible Study;
• to support the mission of the church worldwide;
• to work for justice and peace; and
• to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) and witnesses to the promise of God's kingdom.

Each year new officers are installed in May and serve for one year. The year's calendar will include council meetings, Bible moderator lessons, Circle meetings that include Bible study and prayer, and five luncheon meetings and programs. The programs are both entertaining and educational.

Presbyterian Women continue to serve the church's larger mission. We participate in Brazos de Cristo (formerly Latin American Auxiliary) and Los Amigos. These groups work to support educational opportunities to Hispanic children and youth in Dallas County. This includes: collecting Campbells Soup product labels and paper and material showers for Good Shepherd Community Preschool in West Dallas, as well as a scholarship contribution.

Grace Presbyterian Village continues to be a major mission of Presbyterian Women. Baked goods are provided for birthday parties, the Fall Bazaar, Christmas parties and the Mad Hatter Tea. Circle members gather in early December to decorate one wing in the assisted living area.

Presbyterian Women have a budget that comes from pledges of the individual participants. The majority of this money goes to support mission and scholarship gifts. Salary assistance is given to Rev. Gerald Stacy, Border Ministries of Texas; Missionaries Daniel and Carol Adams in Korea, and Priscilla Abbot in Japan. Scholarship money is given to students at: Austin Theological Seminary, Trinity University, First Presbyterian Day Care, Good Shepherd Itasca Children's Home and Pan American School.

The Presbyterian Women of FPC graciously provide baked goods for many functions at the church, such as the Advent Festival and Christmas reception. In recent years they have also baked cookies for Pastor's Aides and A-Team to distribute to some 500 boys at the Dallas Detention Center.

Presbyterian Women of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Dallas, Texas, exists because of the diligent, hard-working members of the coordinating committee, the  Circle chairs, co-chairs, officers and Bible moderators and our faithful staff advisor, the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Logan.

Projects

Projects takes place on the fourth Tuesday of each month, September through June, in the Koinonia room. This is a relaxed time of fellowship while making pillows, lap robes, and finger puppets that are then distributed to Dallas Children's Medical Center, Grace Presbyterian Village, and other church members. Projects has continued to benefit from monies granted by the Sparks Foundation. This ministry began more than 45 years ago! No particular sewing talent is required, and much of this work can be done at home if needed. For more information or to join Presbyterian Women Projects, call 214-748-8051, or e-mail us at fpcdallas@firstpresdallas.org. You can also contact Bonnie Edwards or Kathy Price for more information on Presbyterian Women Circle meetings.

In 2004, Projects was recognized by Children's Medical Center, which named them Outstanding Volunteers.