Episcopal Church Women, Author at National Episcopal Church Women

Gratitude as a Spiritual Practice

Janet Strickler

A 2-hour Mini-Retreat – online workshop

Presented by: Janet Strickler

January 11th, 2025 – 1 PM Eastern

Get your New Year off to an inspiring start with this mini-retreat on Zoom. Most of us have heard that a practice of gratitude is supposed to be good for our health and happiness, and even the Bible encourages us to “give thanks in all circumstances,” (I Thess 5:18) but many of us have tried that and run out of steam after a few days. Get a fresh start with this fun retreat, in which we’ll explore gratitude beyond the usual things we think of being grateful for, and incorporate elements of play, art, poetry, and song.

Janet Strickler is an artist and a Franciscan, and has lived in Colorado for nearly all of her life. For over 20 years she has made gratitude an important part of her daily spiritual practice, eventually spending several summers studying with Brother David Steindl-Rast, the founder of gratefulness.org.

Janet is author of The Little Handbook of Spiritual Practices, and Grateful Every Day; a set of 60 inspiration cards for gratefulness. She was Artist in Residence at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Longmont CO for many years, and often has a booth selling her art at General Convention and other church conferences.

This workshop will be video recorded

Zoom meeting link will be sent to those who register.

Workshop is limited to the first 100 persons who join the Zoom meeting the day of the event.

Supplies Needed

Please have something to write on and something to write with.

A notebook, journal, or scratch paper are all fine, and if you have favorite pens or even colored pencils, have them handy. Since this is a mini-retreat time, you might also want to choose something to create a little sacred space, like a candle or icon, and clear your space of extra distractions.

For Additional Information

Contact Ginny Guzman-Walsh, Chair
NECW ZOOM WORSHOPS SERIES
ginnygw@icloud.com

Episcopal Church Women2024-12-12T18:46:15+00:00December 5th, 2024|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 12-07-24

A message to The Episcopal Church from Executive Council

Executive Council members gathered for our first meeting of this triennium

New Jersey convent welcomes its first new postulants in over a dozen years; TikTok played a role

Two new postulants to the century-old convent building in Mendham, New Jersey.

For the Daughertys, cooking over 200 Thanksgiving meals at All Saints Episcopal Church for North County seniors is a family tradition

The program started 40 years ago.

Episcopal Church loses nearly 40K members, but sees worship attendance grow

For the second consecutive year, the denomination saw a rise in average Sunday worship attendance

New Jersey parents explore ways to talk to adult children about their disinterest in church

There is a largely unspoken tension between parents and their adult children in many Episcopal families.

Sean Rowe wants to realign the Episcopal Church

Rowe’s been chosen to bring some fiscal and organizational restructuring to a denomination in decline.

How a Baptist found common grace in the Episcopal Church

“We sing to the same God, even if our approach to the Lord’s Supper, baptism and leadership differs wildly.”

Former Green Bay, Wisconsin, church becomes new home for women and families in recovery

Amanda’s House is more than just a residence; it is a safe haven where women and their children can find the support they need to reclaim their lives.

Midwinter Student / Young Adult Retreat

February 7-9, 2025 Chicago, IL

Open to students in higher education and young adults Registration

Friday, Feb 7: 4 pm – Arrive at the HI Chicago Hostel (24 E Ida B. Wells Drive) and check in any time after 4pm.

6:30 pm- Program Begins – Snacks, fellowship, and music in the Nichols Room.

Sunday, Feb 9: 12 noon-ish – end after Eucharist on Sunday Morning

Trafficking: Faithful Response and Support

Join this online course to learn how to recognize human trafficking and support those reentering our community after human exploitation. This 90 minute course will introduce participants to the basics of trafficking, how to respond when trafficking is suspected, and how their community can help those on their journey from surviving to thriving.

Monday, Jan 13, 2025, 7-8:30 pm ET / 6-7:30 pm CT

Registration link

Thursday, Jan 30, 2025, 7:30-9 pm ET / 6:30- 8 pm CT

Registration link

———

View Past Women in Action News Blasts

Episcopal Church Women2024-12-04T17:31:21+00:00December 4th, 2024|

Moving Forward in Faith and Service

My dear sisters in Christ,

As we reflect on the conclusion of another election season, we are reminded that the work of our faith is never tied to any political cycle or earthly division. Our purpose as women of the Episcopal Church transcends the temporary shifts of the world around us. In this moment, let us take a collective breath and move forward with hearts full of faith, love, and understanding, trusting that God’s call remains steady and unchanging.

We, the women of the Episcopal Church, have a profound responsibility and a remarkable opportunity to bring Christ’s light to a world in desperate need of hope, justice, and compassion. We stand behind our purpose statement to empower women of the Episcopal Church to carry on Christ’s work throughout the world. Each day, we wake with a renewed yearning to do God’s will, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to be the hands and feet of Christ. As we walk this path of service, we are called not just to look outward in service to others, but also inward, strengthening our own communities and bonds of sisterhood.

As we continue to move forward together, let us do so in unity—supporting each other, lifting one another up in prayer, and working side by side to bring hope to those who are hurting, lost, or in need. Let us be bold in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, knowing that our collective work as women of faith is both a witness to the world and a deep reflection of the love we share with each other.

As we step forward in faith, let us be ever mindful of the words of our Lord, who calls us to love without condition, serve without reservation, and move forward together with hope, joy, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

In Christ’s service,

Lisa Bortner

National ECW President

Episcopal Church Women2024-11-07T20:24:35+00:00November 7th, 2024|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 11-02-24

National Board Meeting October 2024

The National ECW Board met October 18-21, 2024 in Linthicum Heights, Maryland for the first board meeting of the new triennium. The board meeting agenda was packed with items from reviewing the bylaws to new social justice programming to setting the budget. While there the board voted to donate $1000 to the Anna Julia Cooper School in Richmond, VA…

In a time of change, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry says, he kept his eye trained on love

On Thursday (Oct. 31), Curry, 71, completed his nine-year term as presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church

Episcopalians organize prayer vigils, call for peace as tense election season draws to close

“The church has an opportunity to be a voice for justice, love, healing and hope for the whole world.”

Mission Center Builds Up African Ministries in Boston Area

A former church building has found new life as a center for cultural exchange and fellowship among Africans in the Diocese of Massachusetts.

Episcopal Church’s African Descent Ministries launches revised ‘Healing from Internalized Oppression’ curriculum

The Diocese of Maryland will be the first Episcopal entity to use the new curriculum

Episcopal delegation attends UN biodiversity conference as observer for first time

Four women staff members of the Episcopal Church are in Cali for the conference

Election Night Virtual Prayers

November 5

Everyone is invited to join Election Night Virtual Prayers hosted by The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations. Bishop Sean Rowe, who will become presiding bishop on Nov. 1, will offer an opening reflection and prayer. Episcopalians from around the church will hold silence and lead participants in prayers together for peace, the nation, and all people and countries.

Register for Zoom here: iam.ec/envp or watch on Facebook Live: fb.com/TheEPPN

Global 16 Days Campaign against Gender-Based Violence

November 12 – Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Dr. Sarah Deer – Moderator
Dr. Shannon Speed – Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women: Rethinking Human Rights and Tribal Sovereignty
Dr. Sherene H. Razack – Racial Terror: An anti-colonial approach to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

Food Insecurities in the Midst of Plenty

142nd Annual Meeting of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of North Carolina

Friday, November 15, 2024, 7-9 PM Online meeting via Zoom

Program Presenter: Kendra Paiz – Director, Annual Funds for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina

———

View Past Women in Action News Blasts

Episcopal Church Women2024-11-01T16:07:45+00:00November 1st, 2024|

National Board Meeting October 2024

The National ECW Board met October 18-21, 2024 in Linthicum Heights, Maryland for the first board meeting of the new triennium. The board meeting agenda was packed with items from reviewing the bylaws to new social justice programming to setting the budget. While there the board voted to donate $1000 to the Anna Julia Cooper School in Richmond, VA.

The school is an independent faith-based school for kindergarten to 8th grade students of limited economic resources, primarily from Richmond’s East End. It is the tradition of the National ECW Board to make a donation to an organization in the Province in which they are meeting. A $1000 donation was also made to Episcopal Relief and Development to aid the victims of Hurricane Helene and Milton. On the last afternoon of the meeting the board took time out to visit the Washington National Cathedral.

For many of the board, this was the first opportunity they had to visit the Cathedral. Although the board began and ended each day in prayer, visiting such a beautiful memorial to God provided a magnificent way to praise the Lord for the blessings of the board and each and everyone of our members sitting in the pews.

Episcopal Church Women2024-11-01T15:21:28+00:00November 1st, 2024|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 10-26-24

Central Pennsylvania and Bethlehem dioceses approve reunification

The Rt. Rev. Audrey C. Scanlan, Bishop of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, said, “I am delighted that our two dioceses have chosen this way forward reunite…”

From Passion Project to Ministry Partner: The Story of Church Communications

Effective communication in the church is not just about keeping up with trends — it’s about fulfilling our mission in the best way possible.

Episcopal delegation attends UN biodiversity conference as observer for first time

“By engaging in this dialogue, we aspire to inspire loving, liberating and life-giving relationships with the earth…”

‘Icons in Transformation’: Christian icon-inspired contemporary art on display in Pullman church

In addition to Pawlowska’s paintings, “Icons in Transformation” includes 19 icons on loan from St. Basil’s Monastery in Suzdal, Russia. – Pullman, WA

Developing Young Servant-Leaders

“We recruit recent college graduates to spend nine months giving their lives away, and to start their post-college lives in deep community and serving the church.”

What to know for the investiture of Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe

The Nov 2nd 11 a.m. ET service will also be livestreamed to The Episcopal Church’s Facebook page.

After 24 years of adaptive ministry, Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe faces biggest challenge yet

In the past two decades, membership has dropped from about 2.3 million to under 1.6 million, mirroring trends in other mainline Protestant denominations.

The Rev. Angela Maria Cortiñas elected bishop suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas

She will be consecrated and installed as the seventh bishop suffragan of West Texas on March 29, 2025, pending consents of bishops

Friendship churches forming food sustainability, aging study groups

The What God is Doing in Friendship NY alliance of churches is spearheading the initiative

Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts elects first female diocesan bishop

For the first time in its 240-year history, a woman will be the top bishop – Video

142nd Annual Meeting of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of North Carolina

Theme: Food Insecurities in the Midst of Plenty
Friday, November 15, 2024, 7-9 PM
Online meeting via Zoom – sign up to attend

Our program topic, Food Insecurities in the Midst of Plenty, will include a special presentation by Kendra Paiz, Director of Annual Funds for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. As a lifelong Episcopalian, Ms. Paiz has been at the forefront of the fight against food insecurities. She is a member of St Ambrose Episcopal Church. Ms. Paiz has served on the vestry, including a term as Junior Warden, and is active in the church ECW group. Afterwards, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a follow-up discussion.

———

View Past Women in Action News Blasts

Episcopal Church Women2024-10-25T18:32:14+00:00October 25th, 2024|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 10-19-24

Northern Arapaho Tribe reclaims items long held by the Episcopal Church in Wyoming

Northern Arapaho elder Marian Scott said it was very historical to have the collection back with the tribe.

Family Faith Every Day announces 17 selected congregations for Faith at Home Education program

“We know that nurturing faith in young children starts at home,” said Rev. Traci Smith, Program Director.

A Smaller but More Responsive Church

An example of a small diocese and growth within the Episcopal Church.

The past few years have left clergy burned out and exhausted. But that can change, say experts.

It is crucial for clergy to pay attention to their mental health

Diocese of Taiwan celebrates 70th anniversary

The service and celebration took place Sept. 28 at Centennial Hall at St. John’s University in the Tamsui District of New Taipei City.

Died: Jack Iker, Anglican Who Drew the Line at Women’s Ordination

One female critic said Iker’s nomination as Bishop was “appalling” and predicted he would hold the Episcopal Church “hostage” to misogyny.

You should go to Church – A student’s Opinion

Elizaveta (Lisa) Gorelik is from Moscow, Russia. Going to church forces you to step outside of your bubble and interact with the people around you.

———

View Past Women in Action News Blasts

Episcopal Church Women2024-10-18T16:54:44+00:00October 18th, 2024|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 10-12-24

Throwback Thursday: Not many people know there were Episcopal nuns in Ripon

Sister Charis is a member of the Sisterhood of the Holy Nativity, founded in 1882

Wyoming diocese to return artefacts to Northern Arapaho

“We just came to a recognition that it’s wrong [for the diocese] to have the articles.”

Episcopal churches and dioceses to mark Oct. 14 as Indigenous Peoples Day with a variety of services and events

In 2022, General Convention urged all Episcopal entities to refer to Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day

Los Angeles-area Episcopal church shares ‘holy dumplings’ with community

Jessica Jin participates in a few ministries at the Church of Our Saviour, including the Chinese Lunch Team

Veggie Rx program helping offset the cost of fresh produce

The mobile market on wheels is run out of a local Episcopal church and travels to a number of local farms to pick up the food

Church and Worship Resources – Advent Curriculum

Many resources that include: calendars, videos, Advent and Christmas Digital Invitation Kit…

———

View Past Women in Action News Blasts

Episcopal Church Women2024-10-11T15:02:02+00:00October 11th, 2024|

Province 9 Report for Oct 2024 Board Meeting

Revd. Luz Maria Lambis Garces – Province Report

Central Ecuador, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Litoral Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Venezuela

Episcopal Church Women2024-10-07T15:17:19+00:00October 7th, 2024|

View Past Women in Action News Blasts

Episcopal Church Women2024-10-03T16:56:44+00:00October 3rd, 2024|

Episcopal Church Women

About Episcopal Church Women

Supplies Needed

For Additional Information

Trafficking: Faithful Response and Support

Election Night Virtual Prayers

Revd. Luz Maria Lambis Garces – Province Report