By Marge Snater
Oh, what an adventure United Presbyterian Women (UPW) and Women of the Church (WOC) have had through the years we’ve been joined! As a delegate to the initial meeting of UPW and WOC in St. Louis nearly 30 years ago, I can say the journey has been a challenging and rewarding trip.
As I search my memory of that exciting beginning, I find that truly God’s hand was ever at the helm, calming, challenging, placating, innovating, but always giving the reassurance that it would be—could be—the right path for all. The openness of the women, both UPW and WOC, had to be the work of the Spirit, guiding us to listen to each other. I remember long hours spent in dialogue, as we worked through our diverse views, each cherishing our own heritage. And I clearly see that Isaiah 43:18–19 brings the clarity we still need to adjust to change. New things are ever before us; do we accept them with an eye of faith?
“Joining for the Journey” was the challenge that started us on our way, united in faith as Presbyterian Women in the PC(USA).
Marge Snater is past moderator of PW in Prospect Hill Presbytery and PW in the Des Moines Presbytery. She is now active in Presbytery of the Redwoods.
