Presbyterian Women
Nurturing women's faith, friendship, and fellowship.
Presbyterian Women (PW) is a denomination-wide ministry for all women in the church. PW supports the mission of the PC(USA) and nurtures women’s faith, friendship, and fellowship. All women in the church are considered to be Presbyterian Women.
PW is committed to:
- Nurturing faith through prayer and Bible study
- Supporting the mission of the church at home and worldwide
- Working for justice and peace
- Building an inclusive, caring community of women
For more information about Presbyterian Women at Westminster, contact Moderator Sara DeWitt and Vice Moderator Shel Johnson at pw@wpc-alex.org.
Women's Circles
Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, Ruth, Lydia. Who are these women and what do they have in common? They are all important women in the Bible and they also happen to represent the names of each of our seven Women’s Circles. Over 100 women are involved with a circle here at Westminster. We meet monthly for Bible study, fellowship, and mission support. Each year, the Bible study program offers us insight into the meaning of scripture as well as opportunities for discussion of what it means in our daily lives. In addition, each circle takes time to share joys and concerns, casual fellowship conversation, and to reach out to those in need through cards, prayers and offerings.
National Capital Presbytery PW Spring Gathering
Immigration: A Faithful Response
Saturday, April 18 | Fellowship 9:30 AM | Program 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | on Zoom
The speaker will be Erin McKenney, the Executive Director of Just Neighbors (a WPC local mission partner). This event is sponsored by Presbyterian Women and is open to anyone interested in joining!
WPC Women's Luncheon
Courage Through Adversity
Saturday, June 6 at 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Please join us for a luncheon and a time of sharing by Laurie McNamara, Christine Hershey and Lisa Shaw. These three women will be sharing parts of their stories with us around their personal narrative where they've encountered adversity and discovered new and unfounded resilience and courage. Our gathering will also include a chance for group discussion and a short Q&A. Stay tuned for RSVP!
Synod Summer Gathering
We Belong to Each Other!
Thursday, June 11 - Sunday, June 14 (all or just part, as desired) | Massanetta Springs Conference Center
The Synod Gathering will include presentations on the new Bible study for 2026-27 “United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians” as well as a variety of workshops on a wide-range of topics.
2026 Women's Connectoin
Horizon Gazing: Hope in the Here and Now
Friday, August 14 - Sunday, August 16 | Montreat Conference Center
A time for women to connect, share faithful conversation, and experience spiritual nourishment through worship, workshops, and presentations.
Book Groups
The Book Groups typically meet on the fourth Monday of the month on Zoom. Come to either the morning group at 11:00 AM or the evening group at 7:30 PM. Contact Nancy Hall Berens for details.
2025-2026
April 27: Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
June 1: Tartufo by Kira Jane Buxton
Women's Retreat | March 13-15, 2026
Listening as a Spiritual Art: Showing Up with Compassion in All Our Relationships
Listening well is an act of love, essential to living out the prophet’s call to loving kindness and walking humbly. It’s easy to forget that listening is a skill like any other – and we all could use some practice! We’ll discover some of the spirituality behind listening well and have fun practicing becoming better “first responders” in all our conversations.
Our leader, the Rev. Dr. Laura Cunningham (she/her), is an Arlingtonian, a Presbyterian pastor, and a Spiritual Care Volunteer at Inova Alexandria. Completing two recent units of clinical pastoral education (CPE) with Goodwin Living inspired work on her own listening skills!
“Buddhism and Christianity”
If you missed our January 28 Winter Gathering "Buddhism and Christianity: Enlightenment, Salvation, and the Blessings of Being Present" with Shel Johnson, Ph.D. we invite you to view the recording of our time together.
Nancy Hall Berens, Director of Women's Ministries
Sara DeWitt, PW Moderator, and Shel Johnson, PW Vice Moderator
