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~ Purpose of PW and National Symbol
~ Coastal Carolina PW Symbol
~ Vision Statement
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S PURPOSE
And Symbol Meaning
Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ
And empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves:
To nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study,
To support the mission of the church worldwide,
To work for justice and peace, and
To build an inclusive, caring community of women
That strengthens the Presbyterian Church (USA)
Guided by our purpose, we witness to the reality of God’s realm.
Forgiven and freed by grace through faith, the central figure stands in praise.
Rooted in faith, the trio of women emerge. The outline of the central figure forms a cross. We are Presbyterian Women engrafted in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us.
The right figure holds a book to guide her reading, studying, praying, or meditating.
The left figure reaches out to care for others, as she shares, nurtures, and heals. The circle represents the church worldwide where women offer their gifts and talents in the midst of the global community.
The uplifted arms of the central figure reach out to embrace a just peace. The relationship between the three figures depicts lives of wholeness rather than turmoil.
The three women have no distinct features. They represent all women. The shapes surrounding them express energy, strength, and openness.
Our name, Presbyterian Women, ties us to our denomination. The Bible resembles the Bible depicted in the PC(USA) Seal. And witnesses to the promise of God’s kingdom.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN PRESBYTERY OF COASTAL CAROLINA SYMBOL
According to legend, the pelican, which has the greatest love of all
creatures for its offspring, pierces its breast to feed them with its own
blood. It is on the basis of this legend that the pelican came to
symbolize Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, because of His love for all
mankind. In this sense, it also symbolizes the Eucharistic Sacrament.
This interpretation is supported by Psalm 102:16, “I am like a pelican of
the wilderness,” which is an accepted allusion to Christ. The pelican
is sometimes shown nesting on top of the cross.
VISION STATEMENT
The Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina will be seen as maturing trees bearing fruits of the Holy Spirit—LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GOODNESS, GENTLENESS, AND SELF-CONTROL.
These trees are being shaped and nurtured by faithful prayer, Bible study, worship, mission, service, and training.
The wind emanating from these trees is adrift throughout the land, entering hearts, and enhancing the spread of the Gospel.
