As part of the ceremony, the following was read to the congregation:
We have the honor today to award the highest recognition given by the Presbyterian
Women, the Honorary Life Membership Award. Honorary Life Membership began as a
tradition in 1912, which makes this membership a part of a select group who have been
honored over several generations. A person is chosen for their commitment to Christ,
the mission of the church and their faithful service.
Today it is a privilege for our Presbyterian women to present this award to a deserving
woman who has served our church, her family and the community with a servant’s heart
in many dedicated ways.
The honoree has served in many different areas of our church over the years. While doing research on her and looking at the Women’s history books our committee found it best to list “some” of our award winner’s areas of involvement. She has been an Elder, Women’s Moderator, VBS helper, been HEAD of the Property Committee and served on it, sung in the choir, been on the Missions Committee and gone on Missions trips, done Meals-on-Wheels, small group bible leader, taught Sunday School for both children and adults and is now on the Fellowship Ministry. This is NOT a complete list!
Our special lady and her husband both grew up in Mebane and were high school
sweethearts. She was a cheerleader. They were married right here at Mebane
Presbyterian and have two grown sons. She is now an author and leading a women’s
Sunday School class, along with helping her husband cook some wonderful food for the
Fellowship Ministry events!
As a mother, this exceptional lady was given extra challenges that turned into a blessing. She could have chosen to retreat from church involvement. Not our honoree! Her faith and service grew, rather than diminished and we all know what a successful mother she is. There can be no better proof of a woman’s Christian devotion. Today we honor Brenda Haley.
Please join me in congratulating her on this very special honor. As Brenda is coming forward, I’d like to recognize her family and ask them to stand. Thank you for being here worshiping with us today.
As Amy Tate is putting on your membership pin, I’d like to read from the certificate the
meaning of the design. The caring, supportive hands represent women who seek to
build an inclusive community of Presbyterian Women. The leaf represents growth of our
personal and corporate response to Jesus Christ as we nurture our faith. The dove
indicates our work for peace in our own lives and throughout the world. At the center of
the design is the cross, by which our sins are forgiven and we are freed to live in Christ,
who is at the center of our lives. The overall design is of a butterfly, a symbol of newness
in Christ and the emergence of a new creation, Presbyterian Women.
Brenda, thank you for your on-going service to the Lord and to Mebane Presbyterian
Church.
Presbyterian Women