Minute for Mission: Celebrate the Gifts of Women
The Presbyterian Women’s Palm Project provides palm oil and income for women.
In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Sunday closest to March 8, International Women’s Day, is designated as the day to lift up the gifts women bring to the church. While the world acknowledges the role of women in the workplace, the PC(USA) celebrates their role in the building up of Christ’s church.
Presbyterian Women have long been leaders in shaping the mission of the church. One of the newer efforts renews the PC(USA)’s long-standing relationship with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Presbyterian Women’s Palm Project establishes palm plantations in Congo. Years of civil war destroyed the country’s agricultural capabilities. Once the world’s largest producer of palm oil, it now imports oil for its domestic use. Reestablishing palm plantations provides both needed palm oil and income.
With the Palm Project, women’s groups and hospitals in the Presbyterian Community in Congo are planting new varieties of Costa Rican palms that produce three times more palm oil than the current stock of palms. The new, low-growing varieties allow women to participate in the planting, maintenance, and harvest of the crop. One $20,000 investment from Presbyterian Women in the PC(USA) funds sixty hectares of palms that will generate $200,000 per year for thirty years to subsidize educational programs, hospitals and clinics. Together Presbyterian women in the U.S. and in Congo are transforming the quality of life for the Congolese people.
—Elder Ann E. Ferguson, coordinator, Presbyterian Women, General Assembly Council
Gracious God, all that we are and all that we have comes from you. As your son gave his life for us, we give our lives to you. Make us living witnesses to your love. May we all, women and men, use our gifts to transform our communities so that all may share in the abundance of your grace. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Gen. 17:1–7, 15–16
God of The Sparrow
PH 272
God of Our Life
PH 275, HB 108, WB 395
Ps. 22:23–31
We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations
HB 504
Standing on the Promises
MH 374
Rom. 4:13–25
Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
PH 280, HB 275, WB 296
Mark 8:31–38
The Church of Christ in Every Age
PH 421
Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said
PH 393, HB 293
Daily Lectionary
Ps. 84, 150 Ps. 42, 32
Jer. 1:1-10
1 Cor. 3:11-23
Mark 3:31-4:9
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