This lively group of women gathered at Transformations on May 25, 2005, for the 7th Annual PALMS Appreciation Luncheon and were delighted with a presentation by Sister Sue Tracy on "Humor 'n' Hee-Hee-Healing: It's Laffter You're After!!"

What in the World Is PALMS?

PALMS (Presbyterian Association of Lake Michigan Secretaries) started meeting March 1998 and developed this mission statement:

The Presbyterian Association of Lake Michigan Secretaries (PALMS) gathers to provide support through prayer, education and resources as we develop and use our gifts to the glory of God in ministry to the church, congregations, and communities within the Presbytery of Lake Michigan.

PALMS is a group of people (all women at this point) who serve the churches of the Presbytery of Lake Michigan with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.

They are the people who answer the phone when you call the church office; prepare bulletins, newsletters, and a myriad of other jobs that use up reams of paper; fix the copier, computer, fax machine, (oh, for an IT department); balance the books; clean the coffeemaker; refill the paper towel dispenser; and deal with a variety of personalities.

Programs over the years have covered many topics: postal service regulations, innovations in office supplies, newsletters, Meyers-Briggs testing, web and computer training, communicating with people who are grieving, PC(USA) 101, and many others. As one member of the group said, “Leave it to a group of church secretaries to handle the hosting/lunch/program details without having to form a committee!”

These dedicated, energetic church employees learn much from each other and support each other as they share the joys and frustrations of serving the Church.