Committee on Women and the Church of PWNY Address “Abundant Life” 

On Saturday, March 7, nearly 30 women from across the Presbytery, and one from the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, took time from their usual Saturday routines for a conversation sponsored by COWAC (the Committee on Women and the Church of the Presbytery of Western New York) about what Christ’s words about abundant life have meant and will mean for women.  The Rev. Dr. Stephanie Sauvé, a Presbyterian minister and Dean of the Program for the Study of Women and Gender at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, told the gathered women that this is the time for a new women’s movement, honoring what women have to offer that will save the world and its inhabitants.  According to Sauvé, women have wisdom to offer, and their voices are needed. She would call the movement “wise womaning,” acknowledging the light and life of each woman.  The movement would celebrate the wisdom of ancient women and help all women claim the imago dei –-the image of God in which they are created.  Women would be encouraged to love themselves, to honor God, to lift up their voice, and to take time just to be.

Dr. Sauvé stated that there are seasons of “wise womaning,” each with differing gifts and tasks.  The time of the maiden includes discerning call, trying on wisdom, and being open and playful.  The season of the mother (in its largest sense) is a time of honoring one’s voice, claiming one’s self, a time of birthing passion and family.  The season of crone (a word difficult for some present to accept) involves claiming one’s voice, speaking the truth, and easing another’s passage

Sauvé called on women to say what needs to be said, to build networks, to call communities together, to take stands in the city square, to mentor other women, and to claim their spirit-filled voice.  God is in our midst, waking up this generation of women.

Panelists added their thoughts on life abundant from their own life experience.  The Rev. Tracy Daub pointed out that one cannot do it all, which calls for discerning choices to be made.  Lavera Johnson talked about the importance of self- actualization.  Cornelia Dopkins urged women to read short stories about women, friendship and support.  Kate Boswell lifted up the knowledge that the choices that she makes affect the rest of her life.  She also noted that mentors are very helpful in the process of discernment, echoing Dr. Sauvé’s earlier comments on the importance of mentoring.

Small groups of 4-5 women practiced mutual invitation, offering one another wisdom on life abundant. Closing comments were made by the participants. After prayer and singing, the group enjoyed more conversation around a simple meal and left for home refreshed.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Mohlke