Episcopal Church Women, Author at National Episcopal Church Women

Mary, did you ever feel overwhelmed?

Mary,

Did you ever feel overwhelmed?
Did the weight of it all press on your chest
in the middle of the night
when no one else was awake but you and God?

Did you ever ask Him, quietly,
Are you sure I’m enough for this?

Did you kiss his small feet,
that had yet to touch the ground,
Not knowing they would one day press into waves and steady them?

Did your lips linger there, unaware that all creation would be waiting for those steps?

Did you hold his hands,
guiding them through ordinary days,
Not knowing those same hands would heal the sick, would lift the broken, would bless and be
broken themselves?

Were there moments you longed to be ordinary?

To have a son whose life stayed small,
whose dangers were limited to skinned knees and not prophecy?
I worry about the small things…
am I patient enough, gentle enough,
doing this right?

And you were entrusted with the Savior of the world and still had to learn motherhood
one day at a time.
When you felt overwhelmed, when you felt inadequate,
did you remind yourself
that even the Savior of the world
first needed a mother
to simply hold him?

This Christmas, I see you differently.
Not only as the one who said yes,
but as the mother who held that yes
through every ordinary day.

I’m so grateful for these days,
for the weight of a child on my chest every night, for the small holiness of being needed.
And yet, I cannot imagine the weight you carried, to love a son so completely while knowing the
world would ask everything of Him.

By Isabel Krauss Enloe

Episcopal Church Women2025-12-23T15:55:17+00:00December 23rd, 2025|

Acting in Hope Prayers and Witness Prayer Meeting

Acting in Hope: Prayers and witness to a safer world for women and girls, an online prayer gathering on December 10 will commemorate both International Human Rights Day and the end of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign. It will feature speakers from Liberia, India, and Papua New Guinea on the challenges in their region on gender-based violence, the work being done to address it, and the hope they hold for the well-being of women and girls.

Featured speakers are Ernest Cajuste, Senior Program Officer, Trauma and Resilience, Episcopal Relief and Development who works with Liberia; Revd Moumita Biswas, Human Rights Worker in Calcutta, the Church of North India, has worked on matters of violence against women and girls for many years and will address issues of technology and digital violence; and Thelma Guni, who is Assistant to the Primate, Anglican Church of New Guinea, a region where gender-based violence has been significant.

The online event will include scripture, poetry, hymnody and music, and time for reflection where attendees can add prayer requests. It is sponsored by three Anglican Communion networks—the Anglican Peace and Justice International Anglican Family Network (IAFN) and the International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN)—and is open to anyone to attend.

You can join in by registering in advance for either of two meeting times:

10 December, 2025 08:00-09:15 UTC (London) https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/hAfo8S0uSDisftpHBUr3DA

10 December, 2025 18:00-19:15 UTC (London) https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DUdDvAFsT96yTa3w2ZxlUg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting. Join us as we come together as a global Anglican community of faith.

Episcopal Church Women2025-11-20T15:47:20+00:00November 20th, 2025|

Saying No to Gender Violence

Saying ‘No’ to Gender Violence
The Rape of Tamar

Thursday – December 4, 2025

5 pm – 6:30 pm (eastern)

Zoom Workshop

Link will be sent via email

Workshop will be recorded and posted to the NECW YouTube channel.

Say no to gender violence Too often gender violence is condoned or ignored because “it’s in the Bible.” In our current time when there are voices that want to return woman and girls to the state of property and ignore the rights of our trans and non-gendered siblings, it is time to debunk hurtful myths and provide resources so all can have lives free of gender violence.

This session will be facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Gayle Fisher-Stewart, national ECW chaplain. Bring your questions and resources to share on this most important topic.

Episcopal Church Women2025-10-31T16:39:44+00:00October 31st, 2025|

Balancing Act: Master the Art of ECW Budgeting

Jane Schenck October 18th at 11:00am central

Our next presenter will be Jane Schenck presenting on creating a budget.

Jane is a relative newcomer to ECW, but a long-time professional accountant. She worked for Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago, Illinois for 32 years doing budgeting and accounting. Her relevant education and credentials are a Master of Management degree in Finance and Accounting from Kellogg Graduate School of Management (Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois) and a CPA from Illinois. After attending the Triennial in Austin in 2018 and joining the ECW-Diocese of Chicago board later that summer, she was elected treasurer the following year and served until becoming president in 2022. She has also been her parish’s treasurer/bookkeeper for the last 13 years (All Saints in Western Springs, Illinois), as well as team leader for the parish’s Endowment Fund since 2009. Recently, she has served on the board of Episcopal Charities as their Secretary, and just joined the Finance Committee. She aspires to help each of these organizations work towards financial sustainability.

Episcopal Church Women2025-10-16T19:10:12+00:00September 6th, 2025|

National ECW Rejoices: Episcopal Church Welcomes Missionary Diocese of Navajoland

St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Bluff, Utah The National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) join in joyful celebration and thanksgiving with the Episcopal Church as it welcomes its newest diocese — the Missionary Diocese of Navajoland — a historic and Spirit-filled step affirmed on June 24, 2025. After decades of faithful ministry, prayer, and perseverance, Navajoland is no longer just an area mission—it is now a fully recognized missionary diocese, embracing its sacred identity while moving boldly toward self-determination and leadership within the wider church.

For the women of the ECW, whose hearts are deeply rooted in supporting ministries that uplift communities through faith and service, this moment is cause for heartfelt rejoicing. The elevation of Navajoland is not just an institutional change; it is a powerful recognition of a people who have long lived into the Gospel with cultural integrity, resilient hope, and deep reverence for the traditions of the Diné people.

The National ECW gives glory to God for this milestone. We rejoice with our sisters and brothers in Navajoland, whose faith, perseverance, and vision now shine as a beacon to the whole church. We especially give thanks for our Province VIII ECW President, Madeline Sampson, and her family’s involvement in bringing about this historic event.

Episcopal Church Women2025-07-03T16:18:21+00:00July 3rd, 2025|

Episcopal Church Women Stand in Solidarity with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

The National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) is called to action in support of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), a crisis affecting Indigenous communities across the United States and beyond. As faithful women of prayer, compassion, and advocacy, the ECW recognizes the urgency of raising awareness, supporting healing, and partnering with Indigenous leaders to bring justice and protection to Native sisters and their families.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Indigenous women face murder rates more than ten times the national average in some areas, and thousands of Native women and girls have gone missing or been murdered with little attention or resolution. The crisis is a complex and ongoing issue rooted in historical injustices, systemic violence, and jurisdictional challenges.

How ECW Can Make a Difference

Amplify Indigenous Voices
ECW groups across provinces, dioceses, and parishes are encouraged to learn from and partner with Native leaders and organizations already working tirelessly on the front lines. Listening to Native voices, inviting Indigenous speakers to ECW events, and sharing their stories can help center those most impacted.
Host Awareness Events
Local ECWs can organize prayer vigils, red dress installations, or film screenings to shed light on MMIW. The red dress has become a national symbol of remembrance and visibility. Hosting an event during Indigenous Peoples’ Month in November can bring communities together in sacred remembrance and advocacy.
Support Indigenous Ministries
Many Episcopal dioceses—including the Missionary Diocese of Navajoland and the Diocese of Alaska—have ministries deeply connected to Native communities. ECW can support these ministries with prayer, presence, financial resources, and grant applications dedicated to empowering Indigenous women and children.
Pray
The power of prayer remains at the heart of ECW’s mission. It is important that we include MMIW victims and their families in our prayers. Creating liturgies or including petitions for MMIW in Sunday services remind congregations of their shared responsibility.

The National ECW is committed to walking alongside our Indigenous sisters, holding space for grief, and lifting up the light of hope. Our baptismal covenant calls us to seek and serve Christ in all persons and strive for justice and peace among all people.

Episcopal Church Women2025-07-03T16:03:48+00:00July 3rd, 2025|

How to be a Prison Volunteer

How to be a Prison Volunteer!

Presents: A Luncheon Workshop

Saturday July 12, 2025

11:00am – 1:00pm CST

Ever wondered how to be effective with prison chaplains, prisoners, and children of prisoners? There are multiple opportunities that take little time but a commitment pays dividends! Programs both inside and outside prison walls exist and need YOU to be a volunteer! This three part presentation with a Q&A will give you inspiration to be THE ONE PACE! The One Person who can change a persons Adverse Childhood Experience into an A-HA moment! From Kairos, a program designed like Cursillo, which is made for prisoners, to New Hope, a children’s Camp and After School program (featured on Good Morning, America!) to Girl Scouts, teaching, sending note cards, and helping with Transitional Housing (like Magdalene Houses) there are so many ways to become a beacon of hope for those with little or no hope!

Matthew 25:36 states “I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”

Workshop Presenter – The Rev. Linda Paul, O. C.

Linda is currently writing a book “The Social Implications of Incarceration.” She began speaking on this topic at Rotary and Church meetings three years ago. Zoom presentations or traveling upon request.

deaconlbpaul@gmail.com

ECW Diocesan Board Member, Chaplain
Trinity- Tulsa, Oklahoma
Eddie Warrior Correctional Center, Instructor
Nat’l Speaker “Social Implications of Incarceration”
Deacon- Retired Diocese of Oklahoma

View and Share the Workshop Flyer

Volunteer opportunities in all States!

Kairos – Intensive weekend for inmates similar to Cursillo or A Walk to Emmaus kairosprisonministry.org
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars – programs both inside and outside to help mothers reunite with their daughters and learn good parenting skills. gseok.org
Approved Short Courses that shorten time:
Anger Management, Unlock Your Thinking, Safe Sexual Practices, Building Social Networks, Better Communications, Teaching background not required but helpful. (Texas Institute of Behavioral Research TCU)
Postcard, Christmas Card, Pen Pal programs – Usually must be preapproved by the Warden and Chaplain(s).
AA or CR – Alcoholics Anonymous or Celebrate Recovery meetings need leaders.
Play Day – volunteer to be present to help moms and their children for one day during spring break.
Message Project – Video moms reading books to be sent to their children, along with the book. themessagesproject.org
Poetic Justice – Arts and creative writing instruction – printing of newsletters. Can have scholarship opportunities. poeticjustice.org
Church Sponsored Picnic for families! Grill hotdogs and hamburgers outside, bring inside with tables for trimmings, salads and DESSERT! Play games, karaoke. (great idea for Youth Group or Scout Troup for Community Service time!)
New Hope – Originally a Deacon led program to provide Summer led programming for child of incarcerated parents, this was featured on ABC Good Moring, America, several years ago for its work with children newhopeoklahoma.org
Church Services – both Lay and Clergy as well as Bible Study
Choirs, plays, performances – talk with the Chaplain to be approved. Paperwork will include a background check.

Diversion and Housing

Diversion Programs – Drug Court, Post Release, transitional programs for women, Helping Women Recovery by gkff.org
Exodus Homes cjamm.org/exodushouse
Oxford House oxfordhouse.org private church programs.
Magdalene House By The Rev. Becca Stevens, and Episcopal priest and the current chaplain of Saint Augustine’s Chapel at Vanderbilt University. Through their work they have established 60 Sister Houses in 50 States, transitionalhousing.com/Magdalene-house and Thistle Farms for International! thistlefarms.org

Episcopal Church Women2025-07-12T16:47:34+00:00June 6th, 2025|

Celebrating Faith and Fellowship in Taiwan

National ECW Officials Visit the Episcopal Diocese of Taiwan

In a journey marked by grace, hospitality, and shared faith, Lisa Bortner, National President of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), recently visited the Episcopal Church in Taiwan. During her ten-day visit, Bortner expressed heartfelt gratitude for the vitality and spirit she witnessed throughout the Diocese. She was accompanied by Ginny Guzman-Walsh, Province VIII ECW Representative to the National Board, and the Rev. Canon Bruce Woodcock, the Episcopal Church’s Partnership Officer for Asia and the Pacific.

Warmly welcomed by clergy and lay leaders alike, the National ECW delegation engaged deeply with ECW ministries across the Diocese. “It was an honor and a joy to visit numerous Episcopal churches and witness firsthand the devotion and vitality within the ECW ministries,” Bortner said. “The hospitality and spiritual vibrancy I experienced left a lasting impression.”

A key highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Diocese’s vision for Women’s Ministry, led by Regina Chang, Diocesan ECW President. Chang outlined three guiding pillars: strengthening the life of faith, promoting a culture of gratitude, and supporting the mission of the church. Bortner noted that these principles offer an inspiring framework for women’s ministries around the world.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Diocese plans to build on this foundation with a continued focus on spiritual formation, relational connection, and grateful action. One notable expression of this approach is the women’s Line Group, titled Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, which encourages members to slow down and center their lives on Christ amid the demands of daily life.

The Diocesan ECW’s leadership was also evident in their Lenten program, inspired by Father Anselm Grün’s book Rediscovering the Source of Life in 40 Days, which invited participants across the Diocese into a meaningful journey of spiritual renewal.

Bortner shared her admiration for the joy and creativity that marked every gathering—from cheerful kindergarten performances and rhythmic African drumming to the grace of Praise Dancing. “Every moment was filled with a sense of shared joy and purpose,” she said.

The success of the visit was made possible by the coordination and warmth of many local leaders. Bortner expressed deep appreciation for Bishop Lennon Yuan-Rung Chang and his wife, Hannah; Catherine Lee, their gracious hostess; and the many clergy and lay leaders who welcomed the delegation and made the experience so memorable.

As she returned home, Bortner reflected on the richness of the journey. “I return deeply encouraged and grateful for the opportunity to witness such a vibrant expression of faith and community in the Diocese of Taiwan,” she said. “May the work of the ECW continue to flourish and inspire others, as they lead with grace, wisdom, and hearts attuned to God.”

This visit stands as a testament to the enduring strength of faith-based fellowship across cultures and continents—and the transformative power of women’s ministry in the life of the Church.

Episcopal Church Women2025-06-06T16:56:27+00:00June 6th, 2025|

Standing Together Against Violence: The Girls’ Friendly Society Leads the Charge

Girls Friendly Society THE GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY

The Girls’ Friendly Society (GFS) has long been a beacon of hope, empowerment, and advocacy for girls and women worldwide. Now, with the launch of the “Orange Days” campaign, GFS is amplifying its voice to bring awareness to the urgent and persistent issue of violence against girls and women and the collective refusal to tolerate it any longer.

Every 25th of the month, members of GFS across the nation and around the globe unite by wearing orange, a vibrant symbol of solidarity and determination. This simple yet powerful gesture serves as a reminder that gender-based violence is a global crisis that demands attention, action, and change. The message is clear: violence of any kind will not be tolerated, and the voices of girls and women will resound loud and clear in the fight for justice and equality.

Orange Days” is not just a campaign, it’s a movement. It calls upon individuals, communities, and organizations to stand together in advocacy and awareness. By wearing orange, engaging in discussions, and supporting initiatives that address gender injustice, each person plays a role in creating a safer and more equitable world for all.

As GFS members come together in solidarity, their message is strengthened by the collective determination to end violence and foster environments where girls and women can thrive. Through education, empowerment, and advocacy, GFS continues to lead efforts to dismantle systems of oppression and build communities rooted in respect and equity.

We warmly invite the Episcopal Church Women to join us in this important initiative. join the spirit of unity and purpose as we stand together for Orange Days. Let us shine a light on gender injustice and empower change your voice and action can make all the difference. Show your support by wearing orange on the 25th of each month and sharing photos on Facebook to amplify the message. Together, we can demonstrate our solidarity and commitment to ending violence against girls and women. Let’s make our voices heard and our presence felt boldly, loudly, and with unwavering determination.

Episcopal Church Women2025-04-23T16:30:19+00:00April 23rd, 2025|

Virtual Event Basic Parliamentary Procedures

Taking Care of Business: Basic Parliamentary Procedures

A Ninety-Minute, Interactive Workshop on Zoom

By Cherise Story, CPA, MBA, PRP, NECW Parliamentarian

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Start Times: 10am PST / 11am MST / 12pm CST / 1pm EST

The Zoom link will be sent via the News Blast the day before the event

Attendees will gain an understanding of why Robert’s Rules of Order is used for effective and efficient meetings. The session will review member and officer roles, rights and privileges, demonstrate the proper form for making motions, review rules of debate and decorum, and examine common misunderstandings.

J CHERISE STORY, PRP is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian and active member of the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP). She currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians and was appointed coordinator for the NAP Leadership Conference in both 2024 and 2025.

Cherise is deeply involved in parliamentary leadership. She serves on the NAP District Six Administrative Team, is President of the Bayshore Unit, and sits on the membership committee of the Green Gavel Electronic Unit.

Her parliamentary consulting clients include a prominent Houston-based nonprofit, a national service organization, and a political organization. Drawing from her experience as a former president and presiding officer of a 1,000-plus member service organization, Cherise understands the power of parliamentary procedure in running effective meetings.

She is a seasoned presenter, having led workshops on parliamentary procedure for NAP membership exam preparation, local units, state association events, national conferences, and other nonprofit groups. She has also served as a professional presider and as a judge for youth parliamentary competitions.

Beyond her parliamentary work, Cherise brings over 40 years of corporate experience in financial services, audit, and corporate trust administration. She has led numerous managerial training programs and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Cherise holds a degree from Southern University and earned her MBA from the University of Wisconsin.

This workshop will be recorded.

Download the Event Flyer

Episcopal Church Women2025-05-02T14:28:06+00:00April 23rd, 2025|

Episcopal Church Women

About Episcopal Church Women

Saying ‘No’ to Gender Violence The Rape of Tamar

How to be a Prison Volunteer!

Volunteer opportunities in all States!

National ECW Officials Visit the Episcopal Diocese of Taiwan

Taking Care of Business: Basic Parliamentary Procedures

Saying ‘No’ to Gender Violence
The Rape of Tamar