I would like to thank the Cowan CPWM for its support of my attendance at the Women’s Ministry Convention in Memphis (June 16-18) this year. It was an honor to represent you as a delegate. The events were well planned and well attended. Speakers on the whole were well prepared and delivered informative talks. I must compliment Margie Venderlaan, the music and song leader throughout the WMC. She is an incredible musician and has not only a beautiful voice, but a glowing personality infused with the Light of Jesus Christ. 

 

          I will prepare a more comprehensive report to present at our next meeting, but for purposes of our monthly CHIRP, the following information is being provided:

 

The 2009-2010 Theme is “Gifted to Serve.” 

 

The Purpose Statement is: “As Cumberland Presbyterian Women, we will praise God by recognizing and using our gifts in their many forms to serve God in our words and our actions.” 

 

The Theme Scripture is from 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIrV):

God’s gifts of grace come in many forms. Each of you has received a gift in order to serve others. You should use it faithfully. If you speak, you should do it like one speaking God’s very words. If you serve, you should do it with the strength God provides. Then in all things God will be praised through Jesus Christ. Give him the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

 

Theme Song: “We Are an Offering” (words and music: Dwight Lyles) (The Celebration Hymnal, Words Music/Integrity Music, 1997.) Interesting fact: Dwight Lyles is currently the Pastor of the Mt. Joy CPC and is a professional songwriter. This song was composed in 1983. He writes, “To say that I ‘composed’, ‘wrote’, or ‘created’ this worship chorus almost makes me feel guilty, because the music and lyric happened so quickly. It seemed as if I sang and played it out of nowhere. It felt more that the song was coming through me rather than from me.”

 

          New officers were sworn in. Mary Lyn Childs as Women’s Ministry President. Mary Lyn is a member of Shawnee Mound CPC near Clinton, MO. Martha Chambers as President Elect. Martha is the daughter of a CP minister and is a member of the Camden (AR) CPC. She also works with the Bethesda CPC and the Fellowship CPS. Finally, Peggy West as Secretary. Peggy is a member of Cedar Hill CPC in Greeneville, TN. 

 

          My favorite talk was actually a panel discussion comprised of 6 missionaries (including Kenneth and Delight Hopson). Facilitator Robert Watkins (CP Director of Global Missions) asked questions concerning their gifts – before they went to the mission field, what they discovered after they were there for a period of time, and what they look forward to. I enjoyed hearing their animated and often humorous stories about how they got started and what led them to the mission field. 

 

          Special break-out talks were offered on Thursday. I attended the “Gift of Servanthood” presentation by Rev. Larry Bagby (who is legally blind and an amazing individual). I will provide more info at our next CPWM meeting.

 

          The CPWM luncheon was on Thursday. The emcee was Susan Groves and let me tell you, for the first time ever doing anything like this, she was hilarious and her love for the Lord was contagious! She gave it all (her nervousness and fear) up to God and He delivered right before our eyes! A second presentation was made by Rev. Lisa Anderson, Chaplain, St. Jude Hospital and an offering was collected. Dr. Anderson conveyed wonderful and heart-wrenching stories about some of her patients, family members, friends and other staff members.

 

          Ladies, please attend our next CPWM meeting to learn more about the information presented at the convention. I look forward to sharing this great bounty with you!

~ Alexis Whray
   President-Elect, Cowan CPWM