The largest Presbyerian delegation to attend a meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women gathered at the Church of the Covenant for an orientation today. Thanks to our partners!
Our time together began with prayer for the delegation, the participants in the Commission, and our sisters and brothers around the world. The prayer included a special mention for Cynthia Bolbach, moderator of the 219th General Assembly (2010).
Particpants then introduced themselves. Representatives of Presbyerian Women spoke about their role in engaging the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with the Commission. Staff for Women’s Leadership Development and Young Women’s Leadership Development reflected on their presence. An overview of the Presbyerian Ministry at the United Nations was provided.
After dinner, the agenda featured discussions about the advocacy opportunities with our partners in Ecumenical Women during the Commission, communication strategies during and after the Commission, and practical information about what lies ahead for the next two weeks.
A commissioning service and prayer closed the orientation. The participants then went to their hotels and homes for a good night’s sleep before returning to the Church Center for the United Nations for the Ecumenical Women’s orientation in the morning.
Rhonda Everydke of the Presbytery of Geneva reflected on the day:
So NYC was a misty, chilly day today when I arrived from the long train ride…but this dark weather did not stop of all of us fabulous Presbyterians from being energized and getting down to business on day one!
May God bless all who participate in the Commission on the Status of Women.
Grace Bickers took the picture.