June, 2009 e.monarchmessenger

"Called by the Spirit ... to Build"
Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of San Jose

Annual Gathering at The Stone Church of Willow Glen, 1937 Lincoln Ave., San Jose

Sunday, June 7, 2009, 2 - 4 p.m.

THE LADDER PROJECT
Esther Peralez-Dieckmann, Director of the Office of Women's Policy, and Carla Collins, project coordinator, will talk with us about the The Ladder Project that has successfully taught carpentry skills to women incarcerated at the Elmwood Correctional Center for Women in Milpitas. The Rev. David McCreath, working with Habitat for Humanity, had tried to develop the program through Elmwood; when it became clear that an institutional program was not possible, several entities came together to accomplish the task: the Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women, the County Corrections Department, and Habitat for Humanity-Silicon Valley. A Presbyterian Women Thank Offering grant of $15,500 given in 2006 became seed money and was leverage for other money the project received. Five young women started and finished the program that involved working on houses under construction by Habitat for Humanity-Silicon Valley. They also received training in reading and math skills from one of Elmwood's Volunteer librarians. Each woman had a mentor provided by the Jewish Community Relations Council, and the Building and Trades Council helped orient the women to construction.

Following a short business meeting where PWP CT leaders will be elected, women attending the Church-wide Gathering in July will be commissioned, and the 2010 budget will be presented for approval. We will close with the installation of PW CT leaders and the celebration of Communion. The Rev. Marge Palmer, Parish Associate at Stone Church, will lead the installation/Communion service.

Gift Cards: A Mission Project for the Gathering: At the Church-wide Gathering in Louisville, PW will collect $20 gift cards to give to PresbyterianDisaster Assistance and Bellewood Presbyterian Homes for Children. Not going to the Gathering this year? Bring a gift card on Sunday, June 7th and it will be delivered for you! Purchase $20 gifts cards from national retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe's, Target, Kmart. Encourage your local PWs to purchase additional cards for you to bring with you on June 7th.

Fill your car and plan to join us for a lovely and informative afternoon!