"Celebrate the Gifts of Women" Recap

Davie Street Presbyterian Church and West Raleigh Presbyterian Church were so grateful to “Celebrate the Gifts of Women” together on March 15th & 16th!

West Raleigh Presbyterian Women enjoyed delicious food and lively conversation at the Davie Street PW's Women's Brunch on Saturday, March 15th.  Davie Street PW Circle 1 prepared the delicious food. Special guests included Pastors Katherine Rick-Miller of WRPC and Cecelia "Cece" Armstrong from St. James Presbyterian Church, St. James Island, Charleston SC. During brunch we enjoyed connecting with our Davie Street sisters and getting to know 10 new friends from St. James PC.

Sojourner Truth (Pauline Goza) delivered her phenomenal speech "Ain’t I a Woman,"  one of the most abolitionist and pro-women's rights speeches in American history. How well do you know your Gospel songs? The gathering really came alive playing Gospel Song Bingo! As we gathered for a group picture, all agreed that we are blessed by the gifts of women who preceded us and gifts of those who surround us.

On Sunday, March 16th Davie Street Deacons welcomed members and guests of WRPC and St. James Presbyterian Church. Prior to the service, Backpack Buddy donations for Bugg Elementary School were collected. Guests also viewed an informative Women's History Month display. 

Liturgist Frances Turner led the service, along with Presbyterian Women from WRPC and Davie Street.  Pauline Goza and Anne Bromby offered a reading of "Wise Women Also Came" while Susan Randolph and Pauline Goza read traditional and contemporary versions of the Lord's Prayer. 

Our West Raleigh pastors, Rev. Katherine Rick-Miller and Rev. Dr. Kat Kussmaul wrapped their arms around us offering the Assurance of Pardon and Prayer of Intercession. The Rev. Cecelia D. Armstrong, co-moderator of the 226th PCUSA General Assembly and Associate Pastor of St. James Presbyterian Church, "came home" to preach a compassionate and thought provoking sermon titled "Saints and Widows." 

Throughout the service beautiful musical selections, performed by the combined Davie Street and WRPC choirs, led us through meditation and joyous celebrations.  We are grateful for the gifts and talents of the choir members and Music Directors, Dr. Candance Laughinghouse and Jen Wolfe. 

Surely the spirit leads the way when our congregations come together.