What a joyous time together 276 Presbyterian Women in St. Augustine Presbytery had at their 2012 Annual Gathering!!
Women from more than 30 churches enjoyed gracious hospitality 
provided by the PW members of First Church, Fernandina Beach. Saturday, January 28th was sunny without a cloud in the azure blue sky! The theme, “Fishers of Women, Blessings by the Sea,” was evident in programming, decorations and committee member’s attire.
During a light breakfast, members toured booths that provided information on missions and the PW Churchwide Gathering being held July 18 through 22nd at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee.
Mission representatives provided information, thanks, and encouragement about giving opportunities.
Morning worship included a meditation by the Rev. Becca Gillespie, a daughter of First Church Fernandina.
During the Business meeting Executive Presbyter Paul Hooker presented a straight forward status of the Presbytery.
Honorary Life Memberships bestowed in 2011 were acknowledged; 2012 Kay Beckman Scholarship recipients, Joe and Holly Mederias of Hodges Boulevard church were announced; “Auggie” awards were presented by outgoing Moderator Linda Laine for outstanding Celebration Giving contributions; scholarships were announced for PWP leadership to attend the Churchwide Gathering including one for Susan Jensen (Fort King, Ocala) as an acknowledgement for writing a Hymn that will close worship on Thursday morning, July 19th.
New officers were installed by Past Moderators Betsy Berry and Lee Sickles remembering the woman at the well and how water was a connector for women in the Bible. Each candidate poured a miniature bottle of water into a crystal bowl noting that their water blended with others into a larger body of water so theirs could no longer be identified, signifying what happens when a group works together effectively. Ruthanne Reiss (First, Ocala) was installed as the 2012-2013 PWP Moderator and was presented the Moderator’s gavel, PW banner, and the Stole that has been worn by Moderators since 1988, the start of Presbyterian Women. Other newly installed officers and Coordinators are: Lynn Jones (St. Giles) – Moderator-Elect; Patti Phillips (Branford) – Vice Moderator Planner; Sandi Dunnavant (First, Green Cove Springs) – Secretary/Historian; Jo Brumund (First, Fernandina) – Treasurer; Carrie Milligan (Faith) – Justice and Peace; Jennifer King (Geneva) – Together in Service; Debby Moon (Lakewood) – Scholarship; and Regional Coordinators Carolyn Guerrin (First, Fernandina), Carol Graff (Trinity), Cheryl McDavitt (St. Giles), Donna Groomes (Woodlawn), Gayle Ann Bone (Faith), and Anne Hill (Fort King).
Leadership workshops were conducted by the 2011 Officers/Coordinators related to their specific position. Three member workshops focused on Hymnology, Book Clubs and “Bag Ladies,” making comfort bags for abuse shelters.