The Women’s Missionary Society plans to present a new award at next year’s National Presbyterian Women’s Gathering in Richmond Hill, Ont.
The Presbyterian Woman of Faith Award will be presented every three years starting at the women’s gathering May 16-19, 2014. It will include a cash prize, although the amount has yet to be determined.
“The award will celebrate a woman’s particular accomplishment or a lifetime of achievement. And it can be church related or community related,” said Rev. Dr. Lynda Reid, a retired Christian education consultant and convener of the award committee. A nominee could be a layperson, elder, diaconal minister, or minister of word and sacraments in the Presbyterian Church, Reid added.
“There are so many accomplishments by women that go unnoticed. There’s always that person who works diligently for years, but you don’t necessarily hear about it,” said Reid.
“I’ve spoken to so many women who say, ‘Oh, this is just something I do.’ They’re not always aware of their contributions to the community. We hope to raise their profile.”
The WMS is calling for nominations endorsed by an official church body, whether it is a session, presbytery, synod or WMS group. Nomination forms should be available on wmspcc.ca or womensgathering.ca in April. They are due by Nov. 30.
Individuals or groups may also contribute toward the cash award.
After reviewing nominations in the fall, an awards committee plans to announce the winner in early 2014.
