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.
PW Winter Gathering
Buddhism & Christianity: Enlightenment, Salvation, and the Blessings of Being Present
Wed, Jan 28, 7:00 PM in Haverkamp Room and on Zoom
Can learning more about Buddhism make us better Christians? Led by Westminster member and PW Vice Moderator Dr. Shel Johnson, this winter gathering will dive into the many surprising parallels between Buddha and Jesus, while acknowledging the critical differences that set apart these two historical figures as well as the beliefs and practices that have arisen from them. We will consider how the practice of meditation can bring us closer to God, who asks us to “be still,” and to Jesus, who asks us to live a life of loving kindness and nonattachment.
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!
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
November 24: Time of the Child by Niall Williams
December: Christmas Break (no meeting)
January 26: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
February 23: James by Percival Everett
March 23: Flirting with Danger by Janet Wallach
April 27: Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
June 1: Tartufo by Kira Jane Buxton
Nancy Hall Berens, Director of Women's Ministries
Sara DeWitt, PW Moderator, and Shel Johnson, PW Vice Moderator
