Women’s Ministries Canadian Presbyterial By Jennifer Hovestadt I
t was a warmish September afternoon, I was standing with a pot and a tea towel in my hand drying dishes from sup- per in my then pastors’ kitchen, with his wife as she was bouncing a baby on one hip. She was talking on the phone to someone from the Women’s Ministry Board who was looking for someone to be the Canadian Representative. “I can’t do it’ she said, “but I know just the person… hold on,” and with the biggest, most mischievous grin, she passed me the phone. “Hello… you’d like me to come to Bonclarken for a Women’s Ministry Board meeting?” While it feels like just yesterday, it was already 23 years ago! Quickly after becoming the Canadian Representative, I was put under the care of the Congregational Life Committee of the Canadian Presbytery, which was another huge bless- ing. I knew that if ever anything came up, I could turn to the men whose care I was under and get their counsel. Over the years, I was able to help plan our Ladies’ Conferences, which continue to see relationships grow even if the women see each other only once a year. For several years, I wrote a newsletter called The ARP Encourager, which focused on how to encourage the groups that fall through the cracks in our churches (those going through infertility, adoption, chronic illness, singleness, old age, etc.).
One of the biggest blessings has been being able to meet so many wonderful women from so many of the ARP church- es, not only in Canada but the US. I can’t even count how many friendships I’ve been able to make; how many hours have been spent praying, crying, talking, laughing, and rocking in those chairs at Bonclarken. Though I had to attend many meetings by Zoom (I didn’t realize how big I was on the screen until I was there and saw others on the BIG screen!!!) or miss them entirely (Y’all had a meeting on our Thanksgiving weekend). It was always good to read the reports and see what was happening in all the other Presbyteries. Though not with you anymore, you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, as you serve with the churches in en- couraging the women to serve Christ, the saints, and their families. Thank you for so many wonderful years.
you are invited to attend the Silver T a
July/August 2025
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