Episcopal Church Women

Standing commission calls for churchwide input as it eyes changes to Title IV disciplinary canons

The disciplinary canons apply to all clergy, though critics say the process for receiving and responding to complaints against bishops has not ensured equal accountability.

Meet Our New Pastor for Digital Ministry, The Rev. Jo Owens

Jo’s passion is finding strategies to tell the good news of the gospel in creative and innovative ways.

Southern Ohio Bishop-Elect’s Church Roots Go Deep

Kristin Uffelman, a future priest, felt her first call to the pulpit at the age of 3.

Kelly Brown Douglas: Resurrection Hope & A Future Where Black Lives Matter

She won the 2023 Grawemeyer Award in Religion for her newest book, Resurrection Hope

Lay Preachers Meet Growing Need

The Lay Preacher Training Initiative (LPTI) of the Episcopal Preaching Foundation is completing a two-year training pilot program

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Arkansas ECW Fall Gathering – Oct 13 – 14

Fall Gathering is ECW’s statewide annual meeting and a time for fun and fellowship. This year, we are honored to have the Rev. Susanne Methven of Tulsa, OK, as our speaker. We are excited that St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church will host our annual Fall Gathering! All events Saturday will be held in the parish hall and sanctuary. To register and more info

Episcopal Church Women Diocese of Mississippi Annual/Fall Conference

Saturday, October 21, 2023

SPEAKER: Rev. Deacon Becca Walton,Curate, All Saints, Tupelo Presentation: My experience as a mbr of the Community of St Anslem, a new monastic RSVP by October 4, 2023 to:episcopalchurchwomenms@gmail.com

Using Picture Books for Racial Healing

Registration is now open for Dismantling Racism training sessions in August, September, October, and November. Miriam McKenney leads the trainings, which take place on Zoom.

Choose 1 month:

• October (17, 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
• November (1, 8, 15 from 1 to 3 p.m.). Sign up here.

“The dismantling racism course is terrific,” Lisa Barker of St. Patrick’s, Dublin, says. “The use of storytelling and scripture brings things into focus that, for me, had been unacknowledged. Another wonderful aspect of this course is the formation of community among the participants. Miriam and Emma made the course easy to access, consistent with the Four-Fold Path of Love, and I truly looked forward to the sessions. Our discussion times flew by as the topics were thought-provoking. I highly recommend this course!”

Email Director of Dismantling Racism in Southern Ohio, Miriam McKenney, to learn more.

2023 Fall Speaker Series – ECW Diocese of Chicago

by Zoom – Register here

October 11 – Springboard Kitchen: Helping People Reach Next Stage Culinary Dreams

October 18 – Sustainable Gardening

Episcopal Church Women of North Carolina Annual Meeting 

November 10, 2023 – Online 7:00 – 9:00 pm.

The program will focus on the theme: “Adapting to a Changing Landscape: How Do We Grow Membership and Keep Members Engaged?

Featured presenters include

The Rev. Stephen Elkins-Williams, Priest-in-Residence, St. Stephens, Durham, “FORGIVENESS IS NEVER GOING TO BE EASY”

The Rev. Lindsey Ardrey, New Canon Missioner for Diocesan Reparations and Restitution Ministry, will discuss resources to support several goals within the diocesan mission strategy priority of Racial Reckoning, Justice and Healing

The Rev. Lisa G. Fischbeck, Priest Associate, St. Philip’s Church Durham, Author, Behold What You Are: Becoming the Body of Christ, founder of Pee Wee Homes, and launching vicar of The Episcopal Church of the Advocate, Chapel Hill

To register for the Zoom link, go to www.ecw-nc.org

View Past Women in Action News Blasts

Episcopalians plan range of events, liturgies, prayers for Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 9

“It is an honor to have the Monacan Nation in our diocese and we want to continue and strengthen our relationship with our Native American siblings.”

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry released from hospital, resting at home

Curry is expected to resume domestic travel on a reduced work schedule in November.

Local artist displays new collection at All Angels gallery

Liz Cole’s “Color Paths” depicts her world travels via acrylic and handmade collages. – Longboat Key, FL

New Orleans parish to welcome ‘Little Amal,’ a refugee and human rights symbol

“The message is about bringing awareness to refugees through this refugee child, but it’s also a celebration of immigration…

Things to know about the Vatican’s big meeting on the future of the Catholic Church

This synod marks the first time laypeople, including women, have been granted voting rights.

Philadelphia 11 documentary recalls ‘ruckus,’ sets ordinations within larger justice struggles

Remembering the scene in the church nearly 50 years ago when the ordination of 11 women deacons as priests touched off a firestorm in the church.

Ann Ritonia consecrated bishop suffragan for armed forces and federal ministries

“God has been preparing [Ritonia] for just this kind of holy work — holy work rounded above all else in her baptism where she was claimed his Christ home forever.”

Kristin Uffelman White elected 10th bishop of Southern Ohio

“I can’t wait to be with you, and until that time, please know that you are on my heart and in my prayers. God bless you all, and I will see you soon,” she said.

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ECW of Delaware ECW Annual Meeting, Luncheon and Worship

October 7, 2023.

The Program will include brief talks from Mathy Downing, UTO Province III member of the National UTO Board. Cindy Mohr, ECW Province III member of the National ECW Board. A representative from Primeros Pasos, our outreach target for this year. • The Business Meeting will include election of President and Vice-President. Questions contact:Beth FitzPatrick, gr8art@outlook.com

Arkansas ECW Fall Gathering – Oct 13 – 14

Fall Gathering is ECW’s statewide annual meeting and a time for fun and fellowship. This year, we are honored to have the Rev. Susanne Methven of Tulsa, OK, as our speaker. We are excited that St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church will host our annual Fall Gathering! All events Saturday will be held in the parish hall and sanctuary. To register and more info

Episcopal Church Women Diocese of Mississippi Annual/Fall Conference

Saturday, October 21, 2023

SPEAKER: Rev. Deacon Becca Walton,Curate, All Saints, Tupelo Presentation: My experience as a mbr of the Community of St Anslem, a new monastic RSVP by October 4, 2023 to:episcopalchurchwomenms@gmail.com

Using Picture Books for Racial Healing

Registration is now open for Dismantling Racism training sessions in August, September, October, and November. Miriam McKenney leads the trainings, which take place on Zoom.

Choose 1 month:

• October (10, 17, 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
• November (1, 8, 15 from 1 to 3 p.m.). Sign up here.

“The dismantling racism course is terrific,” Lisa Barker of St. Patrick’s, Dublin, says. “The use of storytelling and scripture brings things into focus that, for me, had been unacknowledged. Another wonderful aspect of this course is the formation of community among the participants. Miriam and Emma made the course easy to access, consistent with the Four-Fold Path of Love, and I truly looked forward to the sessions. Our discussion times flew by as the topics were thought-provoking. I highly recommend this course!”

Email Director of Dismantling Racism in Southern Ohio, Miriam McKenney, to learn more.

2023 Fall Speaker Series – ECW Diocese of Chicago

by Zoom – Register here

October 11 – Springboard Kitchen: Helping People Reach Next Stage Culinary Dreams

October 18 – Sustainable Gardening

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View Past Women in Action News Blasts

Los Angeles-area church celebrates ‘win for everyone’ affordable housing groundbreaking

For Patricia Jebens, celebrating the  groundbreaking for Orchard View Gardens – a was a dream come true. – Buena Park, CA

Episcopal mobile ministry distributes necessities to people displaced by Maui wildfires

Last week’s wildfires prompted the evacuation of more than 32,000 residents and tourists. More than 1,000 people remain missing.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church welcomes new rector after 2 year search

Reverend Ashley Gurling has been giving sermons at the church every Sunday since starting in June, and worshipers have noticed the waning practice is seeing a restored energy many are attributing to her services. – Park City, UT

No Confirmed Episcopal Casualties in Maui Fire — Yet

The Rev. Sandy Graham, canon to the Bishop of Hawaii, told TLC that as of August 15, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties,  But he cautions that much is still unknown.

More local women choose to join clergy

“If you told me 15 years ago that I would be a deacon, I would probably have my doubts,” said Colleen Rutherford. –  The Villages, FL

Backpack Buddies Ministry At St. George’s Summerville Receives Grant

The National ECW Board has awarded a grant of $1,000 for the Backpack Buddies Ministry at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Summerville. Sue Lessenberry submitted the grant request after learning about the opportunity from Jeanne Plecenik, NECW treasurer.  The Backpack Buddies Ministry at St. George’s provides weekend meals for children in need at six schools in the local area. The church recently announced that in addition to ongoing help they receive from Good Shepherd, Summerville, another Summerville church is joining in as well: Epiphany, Summerville, SC.

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Brotherhood of St. Andrew Online Virtual Silent Auction

The ministry will be hosting an online silent auction “Sharing Our Treasures” beginning August 19 through September 5th. Items being auctioned range from trips, to collector artwork, jewelry, sports memorabilia, gift cards, and much more! All proceeds from this nationwide auction go to support their 7 focus ministries.

Discussion of The Gatherings: Reimagining Indigenous-Settler Relationships 

Province 1 Indigenous People’s Justice Network invites you to join the first in a series of book discussions. The Gatherings shows how Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples can come together to create meaningful and lasting relationships. Indigenous and non-Indigenous people participated in a series of long weekend gatherings over several years, in an Indigenous-led traditional Council format. Assumptions were challenged, perspectives upended, stereotypes shattered, and friendships formed that have lasted many years. Seven Indigenous and seven non-Indigenous authors, collectively Mawopiyane (a Passamaquoddy word that translates “Let us sit together”), share their experiences of the gatherings in their own words.

For additional information about the book discussion or the network, contact Martha Gardner, Missioner for Networking and Formation, Diocese of Massachusetts, at mgardner@diomass.org. Wednesday, September 13

Women’s Retreat at St. Crispin’s September 22-24, 2023

This retreat is sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Oklahoma. We welcome all women who wish to gather in this space for a weekend of prayer, study, renewal, refreshment, and fellowship as we take a break from our everyday lives. St. Crispin’s Conference Center 36302 State Highway 9 Wewoka, OK 74884

Contact Sandra Opalka, treasurer: sandra.opalka@gmail.com

The Nonviolence Institute is pleased to announce our 14th annual Invest in Peace fundraise

September 21, 2023 at Farm Fresh Rhode Island. This year’s event, will again celebrate our Sister Ann Keefe Award winner and our Community Impact Award winners, who will be named in the short future. We look forward to welcoming and gathering with those who care deeply about our work and recognize that this is an opportunity to consider the importance, in this moment, of our Beloved Community, reflective of the actions and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

ECW of Delaware ECW Annual Meeting, Luncheon and Worship

October 7, 2023.

The Program will include brief talks from Mathy Downing, UTO Province III member of the National UTO Board. Cindy Mohr, ECW Province III member of the National ECW Board. A representative from Primeros Pasos, our outreach target for this year. • The Business Meeting will include election of President and Vice-President. Questions contact:Beth FitzPatrick, gr8art@outlook.com

Arkansas ECW Fall Gathering – Oct 13 – 14

Fall Gathering is ECW’s statewide annual meeting and a time for fun and fellowship. This year, we are honored to have the Rev. Susanne Methven of Tulsa, OK, as our speaker. We are excited that St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church will host our annual Fall Gathering! All events Saturday will be held in the parish hall and sanctuary. To register and more info

Using Picture Books for Racial Healing

Registration is now open for Dismantling Racism training sessions in August, September, October, and November. Miriam McKenney leads the trainings, which take place on Zoom.

Choose 1 month:

• September (12, 19, 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
• October (10, 17, 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
• November (1, 8, 15 from 1 to 3 p.m.). Sign up here.

“The dismantling racism course is terrific,” Lisa Barker of St. Patrick’s, Dublin, says. “The use of storytelling and scripture brings things into focus that, for me, had been unacknowledged. Another wonderful aspect of this course is the formation of community among the participants. Miriam and Emma made the course easy to access, consistent with the Four-Fold Path of Love, and I truly looked forward to the sessions. Our discussion times flew by as the topics were thought-provoking. I highly recommend this course!”

Email Director of Dismantling Racism in Southern Ohio, Miriam McKenney, to learn more.

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View Past Women in Action News Blasts

Episcopal church presumed destroyed as wildfires on Hawaiʻi’s Maui kill at least 36

An Aug. 9 post on Holy Innocents’ Facebook page asked parishioners to share how they are doing.

The need for food in the Parkville area is growing. This church has stepped up.

A lot has changed since the pantry first opened in Grace Episcopal Church in the early 1990s. – Hartford, CT

Reconciling her Christian faith with her Indigenous identity

Writer shares the right (and wrong) ways to honor Indigenous spirituality

Renaming liturgy offers a blessing to a North Dakota woman and her new name

It’s not often that a 21st-century Episcopalian knows they are standing in the footsteps of Biblical patriarchs – North
Fargo, ND

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View Past Women in Action News Blasts