Church Women United

In Rochester & Vicinity, Inc.

"Celebrating 88 years of Ecumenical Prayer and Service"
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2009

What delightful gathering of Church Women United on Friday, October 2nd. We met at the First Baptist Church located on Allen’s Creek Road in Pittsford at 9:15 am to begin “a time for self-care.” We began our time with hospitality… coffee, tea, fresh cider, home-made cookies and sweet breads. We were made welcome by host church representative Sally Dodgson, Our CWUR President Audrey Davidson, and Day of Reflection chair Rev. Sue Forsyth. Our Executive Director, Rev. Patrina Freeman, blessed us as we began our self-care program.

Our Bible focus was the brief story of Martha and Mary, found in the Gospel of Luke, 10:38-42. Rev. Patrina Freeman led an interactive ice breaker which included keeping multiple balloons in the air. This activity helped us understand the many responsibilities we are trying to balance in our busy lives. Our Bible study workshop was led by Reverends Sue Forsyth and Patrina Freeman. A second workshop, “Self-Care: Balancing Your Inner Martha and Mary,” led by Dr. Stephanie Sauve, Chair of Women and Gender Studies at Colgate Rochester, Crozer Divinity School, was well received.

The Valiant Woman Award was presented to Rev. Sue Forsyth and Joan Clark by our President, Audrey Davidson. This national award is given for service to CWU and the greater community. A complimentary lunch was served following the presentations. There was a brief feedback time (comments were all positive!!!) and a final blessing was given by our President, Audrey Davidson.

It was a pleasure to serve as chair of this delightful program and I thank my committee for all of their support. l offer a special thank you to Shirley London and Sue Clarcq for preparing and serving us a delicious lunch, to Gloria Klink who took care of registration, to Sally Dodgson and the First Baptist Church for graciously welcoming us into their church, to Sally Brown and Barb Alexander for their delicious breads, and to Keith Alexander who helped with kitchen duty. Blessing one and all! - Rev. Sue Forsyth, Day of Reflection Chair

2008

"Our Day of Reflection speaker, Reverend Deborah L. Hughes, afforded us the opportunity to reflect on women who had a positive effect on our personal lives, and women in history who courageously risked their lives for all women’s rights in society. Thanks to Sally and her committee for a wonderful celebration." - Except's from December 2008/January 2009 Sundial "From the President" article written by Audrey Davidson, CWU President

2006

This year's celebration was held October 6, 2006, 9:30-12:30 at the Legacy at Cranberry Landing. Entitled: "Jesus Christ Our Light" and based on the spirituality of Taize, including song, prayer and scripture. The program was a very successful introduction to the peaceful meditation of Taize as well as an encouragement to Christians service as we had an update on the immigration situation.

Church Women United is a racially, culturally, theologically inclusive Christian Women’s Movement, celebrating unity in diversity and working for a world of peace and justice.

644 Titus Ave, Rochester, New York 14617-3939, 585.342.2790