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Love Is Contagious – Back Door Ministry

Back Door Ministry Donations The Back Door Ministry, connected with Christ Church in Rolla, Missouri and its ECW members, is showing the community that there is also a spreading of love during the current COVID-19 pandemic. When social distancing mandates went into effect, the parish was unable to offer a sit-down Sunday meal via their existing Open Door ministry. How could Christ Church members continue to offer conversation and a kind face to those facing food insecurity and homelessness to the community as they previously had before?

Open Door moved to takeout meals only, and literally became a ministry out the back door. The Back Door Ministry utilized a $2500 grant Open Door had received from the New Ventures in Community Ministry program under the Diocese of Missouri. With some hard work and creative ingenuity, the ministry not only tries to help the food insecurity their patrons face, but they also take requests for personal care items, which are filled by donations through online shopping and delivery. Parish members support the requests through Ingatherings. Their first Ingathering was accomplished while the church was closed to worship because of COVID-19. Parishioners bought underwear, socks, and batteries online, and had them shipped to the church.

Although Christ Church members are no longer able to sit down with the people that utilize the program, their meal teams still provide nutritious food from the back door, and Sharon and Larry Meusch still offer that kind face and the contagious love that Christ Church and ECW members offer, literally placing meals and requested items outside the back door of the church every Sunday.

The love of Christ flows though those who meet challenges with new ideas for ministry. Indeed, love is contagious!

Submitted by Deborah Caby, President,

ECW Board, Diocese of Missouri

Episcopal Church Women2020-08-17T19:35:06+00:00July 21st, 2020|

UTO: United Thank Offering Outpourings and Ingatherings

For I have learned, whatever state I am in, therein to be content. Phil. 4:10

Difficult times bring out both the best and worst in us. The COVID-19 pandemic and self-isolation are doing just that. Some people hoarded hand sanitizer and toilet paper that they then tried to sell to desperate people at a huge profit. A few truly troubled souls have walked around grocery stores licking packages to try to spread the virus as widely as possible. As a grace to our humanity, for every person behaving selfishly, there are thousands doing their best to help others. They are staying home alone, sewing and giving away facemasks, delivering food to people who need it, and connecting with others through online media in innovative ways. The worst will eventually pass and we will return to life as usual, but some things may be changed forever—some for the better and some for the worse.

UTO too is being affected by this pandemic, and the UTO Board and Staff are planning for the long recovery period to come. First, many of you have expressed concern about collecting the Spring Ingathering when churches are not meeting in person, but there are many ways to give to UTO that do not involve gathering at church. Everyone is encouraged to send their Spring Ingathering using one of the following methods:

Text to give: INGATHER to 41444
Give online: unitedthankoffering.org/give
Mail your check directly to the bank. Simply make the check out to UTO with Ingathering Diocese of (name) in the memo line and mail it to: The United Thank Offering – DFMS – Protestant Episcopal Church, PO Box 958983, St. Louis MO 63195-8983

Every donation will be acknowledged with a card and will be recorded. If you want to ensure that your parish/ECW chapter recordkeeping can keep track of the offerings given by parishioners, simply ask them to note their church and diocese on the memo line of their checks or in the comment/memo box at the bottom of the online donation page and it will be recorded appropriately in UTO’s records. Dioceses can request their donation lists quarterly from the UTO staff. If you usually hold your Spring Ingathering at a retreat or luncheon, we encourage you to hold that event online. If you need help with Zoom or would like Heather to speak at your Zoom event please email her; she is happy to help.

Please remember that UTO is about gratitude first, money second. Encourage people to practice gratitude and place monetary offerings into their Blue Boxes if they can, but if they can’t give money encourage them to write notes of thanks for their blessings and put those into their Blue Boxes. They can later read all of those notes, remember their blessings, and give thanks again, either with simply a prayer or with a monetary offering. First, practice gratitude, which will help them and their loved ones get through this difficult time.

Second, the UTO Board plans to change our focus for the next round of grants to center around recovery efforts from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will give you all of the details on this new focus if it is approved by the Executive Council in June, but we wanted you to know about this change as soon as possible so you wouldn’t put effort into grants based on our previously announced focus for 2021 and would know that UTO will be there to help with the spiritual and economic recovery process. We plan to return to the important creation care focus in 2022, so just put those grant ideas on hold for now.

As always, the UTO Board gives thanks every day for the work of ECW and everyone else who participates in the United Thank Offering by practicing gratitude—noticing the blessings in their lives, giving thanks for those blessings and making an offering to share their blessings. And gratitude is even more important than usual during these difficult times because it helps with emotional health and resilience. Practicing gratitude is like staying home to protect yourself and others from COVID-19—it’s good for you and good for everyone around you. Stay safe, stay well, and stay grateful.

Episcopal Church Women2020-08-17T19:34:32+00:00July 21st, 2020|

Herstory: Church Women Making a Difference

Sharon from St Monica's by Ann Smith, Former National Episcopal Church Director of Women in Mission and Ministry and Companion of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross

There is a long herstory of church women taking an active role in helping when needed. During the Civil War, church women in both the South and the North made bandages from whatever materials were available. In the movie “Gone with the Wind,” Scarlett O’Hara complained that rolling bandages hurt her fingers.

During World War I, in February 1918, the Omaha Red Cross chapter sent its largest shipment overseas of church women’s rolled bandages and knitting. It included 30,560 bandages, 7,000 sweaters and 5,000 pairs of socks.

During World War II, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was often photographed knitting for the war effort, or at least carrying her voluminous knitting bag. She effectively launched the World War II knitting effort at a Knit for Defense tea held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on September 31, 1941.

The herstory of Episcopal church women helping during war and other times of crises continues today with the sewing of facemasks. Many Chapters of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross heard the need for facemasks in Immokalee, Florida. The Rev. Ema Rosero-Nordalm, Social Justice Representative of Episcopal Church Women National Board, and I, a Companion of the Holy Cross and Companions of the Holy Cross of the Southeast Region, put out the call: Grandmothers, mothers and children of the town of Immokalee, Florida, need your help: 27,000 farmworkers and thousands of others are in danger of contacting the coronavirus and are without protection or treatment. They need facemasks, so please get out your sewing machines and tell others.

I wrote a prayer and the Companions sent it out to all chapters. It was translated into Spanish to accompany the facemasks. Chapters from both the north and the south answered this call to help Immokalee farmworkers. St Monica’s Episcopal Church, Naples, Florida, located just miles away from Immokalee, heard the call and the Church Women armed their sewing machines.

Almighty God, Creator of all life. We praise you and thank you for your love and protection.

Open our ears to hear from medical experts how to keep our families safe from the deadly Coronavirus.

Sooth our fears and make us strong during the crisis.

Help us to be your disciples in carrying for ourselves, our families and the people of Immokalee.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen

Angie Morris, SCI Representative, ECW Diocesan Board

Angie Morris I heard the desperate cry for masks in the medical community in the middle of March. My husband Bill and I started making masks right away to donate. We have personally made over 1,500 masks for essential workers in the community and for friends and family since March 11. I joined a newly formed Stitched Together Long Island group of 2,262 sewers who heard the same cry and together we donated so far over 72,000 masks to needs on Long Island and in the five boroughs. Requests to us were coming in at a rapid pace. Some requests totaled thousands a day. The need was very desperate in March and April. Our selfless, giving group consists of people who sew, people who donate fabric and supplies, people who make the deliveries all across the area. Trucks came to Huntington from Manhattan to pickup masks for the homeless, for hospitals and nursing homes. Now thank God, the requests aren’t over yet,, but they are slowing down. And that is a wonderful sign that we are getting better!

Lynn Fitzgibbon reports from St. Martha’s in Papillion, NE

In our parishes we are helping where needed – making masks, serving meals to those who need them, operating food pantries and working with food distribution centers. We watch worship services either from our own parishes or take the opportunity to watch services from other churches within or outside our diocese. We take part in Zoom gatherings to celebrate Morning Prayer, virtual coffee hour, Centering Prayer, and study time together. Our prayers are for those affected by the virus, directly or indirectly, and for our nation.

Episcopal Church Women2020-08-17T19:33:54+00:00July 21st, 2020|

Visita a la misión del “Buen Pastor” en Puerto Defiance, Arizona

Navajoland Cross “Nos damos al Espíritu Santo a través
De nuestra cultura que alberga los mandatos
Del Evangelio para que así, como iglesia que somos,
nos sintamos llenos de fuerzas para responder a las necesidades de nuestra comunidad”

En el mes de febrero de 2020, tuve la oportunidad de viajar y visitar la misión del Buen Pastor en Fort Defiance, con Canon Martha K. Estes, el vicepresidente/NECW representante para la provincia VIII. La invitación y el propósito de la visita fue para ayudar a Madeline Sampson, otrora presidente diocesana en la tierra Navajo del grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal a revitalizar el capítulo del Grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal e instalar a los recién electos oficiales del grupo de mujeres de la iglesia episcopal para la misión del “Buen Pastor.” Como miembro del Grupo de mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal en la iglesia de la Transfiguración en Arcadia, California, donde Martha y yo crecimos, yo estuve más que dispuesta de acompañarla! Nunca había estado en la tierra Navajo, pero estaba emocionada por ver la belleza y conocer a las amigas de Martha.

A lo largo del camino a la tierra navajo que comenzó el viernes, 29 de febrero, Martha y yo discutimos el anuncio del virus COVID-19 y como estaba siendo reportado como una pandemia. Como todavía el virus no era lo suficientemente conocido, nos encontramos con tiendas y restaurantes cerrados, la necesidad de mantenerse a seis pies de distancia, y el hecho de que hay que ponerse un barbijo. Martha estuvo leyendo los lineamientos en la página web del Centro para las enfermedades (CDC) para tener mayor claridad, y nos dimos cuenta de que las preparaciones se estaban materializando en nuestras comunidades. Lavarse las manos era lo más importantes, lo cual Martha en su rol de enfermera promocionaba constantemente! Pero poco sabíamos que el pánico y el miedo ya estaba empezando a machacar al mundo, lo cual resultaría en el acaparamiento de artículos tales como papel higiénico y alcohol en gel.

Salimos el sábado en la mañana desde Flagstaff, Arizona hasta la parte este de la autopista 40 que desemboca hasta el Puerto Defiance, disfrutando del paisaje. El contacto con Javier, el jardinero de la misión fue constante y frecuente mientras esperaba nuestra llegada. Toda vez que llegamos a Puerto Defiance y conducimos varias veces hasta llegar a ninguna parte. En ese momento, decidimos estacionar en una oficina del correo postal para llamar a Javier y avisarle que estábamos perdidos. Sin embargo, durante nuestra conversación Telefónica miramos a nuestra derecha y allí estaba la valla que indicaba el camino hacia la misión del Buen Pastor, a diez pies de distancia. Nos reímos debido a que estábamos donde teníamos que estar a pesar de nuestra desorientación. Javier nos dio la cálida bienvenida a la misión y nos mostro la casa de retiro Hozho, donde nos hospedaríamos por dos días. Hozho significa unidad, balance, harmonía en la vida. La casa de retiro puede albergar de 12 a 15 personas. No obstante, nosotros éramos los únicos visitantes ese fin de semana. Los días de semana la casa de retiro sirve para que los estudiantes de enfermería de la Universidad del Norte de Arizona realicen sus actividades académicas dentro los predios de la misión.

(L-R) Elsie Slim, Paula Elmore, Canon Martha Estes, Genevieve White, Madeline Sampson, Winnie Follett

El domingo por la mañana nos reunimos en la capilla del “Buen Pastor” para asistir a la eucaristía. Fuimos recibidos por varias personas incluyendo Winnie Follett, la antigua presidente de la Provincia VIII del Grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal, y su compañera Connie, quien vino desde Sedona para la instalación del servicio del Grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal. La capilla fue diseñada por el arquitecto de Santa Fe, John Gaw Meem, y fue decorada con arte Navajo – la cruz colgante detrás del altar siendo la pieza de arte mas prominente, la cual esta adornada con plata y turquesa. Esta majestuosamente desplegada como pueden divisar en la foto abajo mostrada.

Antes de que el servicio empezara, el reverendo Leon Sampson, anuncio la manera correcta de saludarnos los unos a los otros durante la “Paz”. El demostró el “saludo con el codo” y dijo que nos abstuviéramos de saludar con las manos o abrazarnos Adicionalmente, el reverendo agrego que la “comunión” seria ofrecida de manera instintiva – no bebiendo de la copa. Esta fue nuestra primera experiencia con el “distanciamiento social” y un abreboca de lo que estaba por venir.

El primer domingo de servicio pascual fue conducido por el vicario Reverendo Cathlena Plummer y el Reverendo león Sampson. La iglesia estaba repleta de los feligreces del “Buen Pastor.” Ellos estaban ansiosos de compartir sus culturas y costumbres, y yo en lo particular disfrute inmensamente de la experiencia de oración y los himnos en la lengua Navajo.

La instalación de los nuevos oficiales del Grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal fue hermosa, plagada de Himnos y sellos alusivos al Grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal presentados por Genevieve White, jefa del Grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal; Elsie Slim, Co-jefa del Grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal; y Paula Elmore, Tesorera y secretaria del Grupo de mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal. Después del servicio, todo el mundo se reunió en el salón parroquial para tener tertulias y degustar de comidas y postres deliciosos. Canon Martha le hablo a las mujeres (Y hombres presentes) que estaban interesados en el ministerio y la construcción de su propio anexo del Grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal. Martha explico el propósito del Grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal con puntos de conversación y describió los deberes de las varias posiciones oficiales. Discusiones pertinentes se llevaron a cabo con variopintos comentarios e inquietudes, culminando con entusiasmo y bendiciones del Grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal perteneciente al “Buen Pastor.” La fuerza de esta iglesia y el ministerio del Grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal seria necesitado solo en pocas semanas, durante la temporada pascual, mientras el coronavirus se extendía.

Más tarde ese día, el reverendo Leon Sampson y su esposa, Madeline, nos ensenaron la misión y otros edificios construidos ya hace 100 anos. La misión tiene planes de renovación para estos edificios con el propósito de usarlos para retiros y expandir los servicios comunitarios. También hicimos un tour de la fábrica de jabón ubicada en los predios de la misión. Paula Elmore, la gerente general de la fábrica, explico cómo los jabones y otros productos son hechos de ingredientes naturales cultivados por la comunidad. El aroma del romero y otras flores y hierbas cultivadas en la casa de campo son usadas en la producción. El maíz azul es cosechado para hacer el jabón, y productos de piel. Paula también gerencia las colmenas de abejas de donde se saca la miel, la cual está disponible para la venta. La tienda también es el centro de distribución para el frente Unido. De mas esta decir, Martha y yo compramos productos de la tierra navajo.

El reverendo Sampson y su esposa Madeline también nos llevaron a conocer la “Ventana de lo roca”, lo cual está a unas millas de distancia de la misión. La “Ventana de la Roca” o “Window Rock” en inglés es un arca de tipo natural. Debajo de la “Ventana de la roca” está el parque de la tribu navajo y su oficina al igual que un memorial para los militares caídos. La estatua de un navajo me llamo la atención. Yo aprendí que, durante la segunda guerra mundial, muchos mensajes enviados entre las fuerzas aliadas fueron interceptados y decodificados por el ejército japonés. Veintinueve oficiales de Marines Navajo fueron reclutados para idear un código usando su lenguaje autóctono. Ya la final de la guerra, más de 400 marines Navajo fungieron como descifradores de códigos. El uso de este código innovador fue tan exitoso que los descifradores de códigos salvaron innumerables vidas de marines y allanaron el camino para la victoria en el pacifico sur.

El día 13 de marzo de 2020, el parque cerro hasta próximo aviso debido a la pandemia de COVID-19.

Como pueden notar, nuestro pequeña y significativa visita estuvo llena de entusiasmo y maravillas. Nos dio mucha tristeza el tener que marcharnos y hablamos con el reverendo Leon y su esposa Madeline de posibles visitas de retorno. El amor y la hospitalidad provista por toda la comunidad del “Buen Pastor” y el Grupo de Mujeres de Iglesia Episcopal estará por siempre en nuestros corazones. Después de partir del Puerto Defiance el lunes 2 e marzo, nos dirigimos hacia el parque nacional Canyon de Chelly, el monumento las cuatro esquinas, La misión episcopal de San Cristobal en las afueras de Bluff, Utah, y luego nos fuimos al monumento del valle. Visitar todos estos parques fue algo espectacular.

Al momento de regresar a nuestros hogares, el número de personas diagnosticadas con el virus COVID-19 a nivel mundial había incrementado dramáticamente, y los requerimientos de la distancia social ya estaban en efecto. Había órdenes para quedarnos en casa y evitar el contagio. Si tenías que salir, debías usar un mascara. Centros comerciales, restaurantes, tiendas e iglesias estaban cerradas. No se permitían reuniones con más de 8 o 10 personas. Bodas, funerales, y reuniones familiares no existían. Artículos que obteníamos con suma facilidad eran posibles de procurar.

La misión de residente y las comunidades circunvecinas a lo largo de la tierra Navajo no se les permitía hacer sus compras rutinarias, y la falta de insumos, de agua, y de comida se ha convertido en un dilema peligroso. Contactar a las Iglesias episcopales y los Grupos de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal ha sido de vital importancia para la diócesis de la tierra navajo. Ha habido grandes respuestas según canon Martha. El Grupo de mujeres de la iglesia Episcopal de la Iglesia San Mary de Valley, Ramona, California, fabrico cientos de barbijos, y el grupo de mujeres de la iglesia episcopal de la diócesis de Los Ángeles y el Grupo de mujeres de la Iglesia episcopal en Maui, Hawaii ayudaron económicamente con donaciones. Las personas del “Buen Pastor” han sido empoderadas para proveer comida a lo largo y ancho de su comunidad.

The Vicar The Rev. Cathlena Plummer and The Rev. Leon Sampson

Como respuesta a nuestra petición en cómo ayudar, la misión nos ha pedido los siguientes artículos: Donaciones monetarias, papel higiénico, papel desinfectante, cloro, agua, y barbijos del tipo N95.

Good Shepherd Mission
1 Kit Carson Drive
Ft. Defiance, AZ 86504

www.goodshephmission.org

Episcopal Church of Navajoland: www.ecofnavajoland.org

Oremos. Señor Jesus, porfavor protege a nuestros hermanos y hermanas en la tierra Navajo. Guárdalos, de manera saludable y aliméntalos. De la mano de tu glorioso amor, apacigua sus miedos and provéelos para lo que necesitan para la continuación de su trabajo. En tu nombre. Amen.

Episcopal Church Women2022-09-28T17:12:46+00:00July 21st, 2020|

Visit to Good Shepherd Mission, Fort Defiance, Arizona

“We open ourselves to the Holy Spirit through
our culture that embraces the teachings
of the Gospel so that, as a church, we are
empowered to respond to the needs of
our community”

In the month of February 2020, I was given the opportunity to travel and visit Good Shepherd Mission in Fort Defiance, Arizona with Canon Martha K. Estes, the VP/NECW representative for Province VIII. The invitation and purpose of the visit was for Martha to help Madeline Sampson, past Navajoland ECW Diocesan president, restart the ECW Chapter and install the newly elected ECW officers for Good Shepherd Mission. As a member of ECW at my Church of the Transfiguration in Arcadia, Calif., where Martha and I had grown up together, I was more than delighted to tag along! I had never been to Navajoland but was excited to see the beauty and meet Martha’s friends there.

As the drive to Navajoland began Friday, February 29, Martha and I discussed the announcement of the COVID-19 virus and how it was being reported as a pandemic. As much was still not known about the virus, we did not encounter stores or restaurants being closed or the need to stay six feet apart, let alone the need to wear a mask as we traveled. Martha was reading the CDC website for clarity, and we became aware that preparations were starting in communities for this coronavirus. Hand washing was most important, which Nurse Martha encouraged often! Little did we know that panic and fear was beginning to grip the world, which would result in the hoarding of everyday items such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

At the wheel, we headed out on Saturday morning from Flagstaff, Ariz., down Highway 40 eastbound toward Fort Defiance, “getting our kicks” on Route 66 and enjoying the scenery. Contact with the groundskeeper of the Mission property, Javier, was frequent as he was expecting our arrival. Once we arrived in Fort Defiance and drove up and down the street a few times, we pulled into the Post Office parking lot and called Javier to say we were lost. However, during the phone call, we looked to our right and there was the sign for Good Shepherd Mission – 10 feet away. We chuckled out loud as we were right where we were supposed to be! Javier welcomed us to the Mission and showed us to the Hozho’ Retreat House, where we would be staying for a couple of days. Hozho’ means unity, balance, harmony in life. The Retreat House can house about 12-15 people; however, we were the only guests for that weekend. During the weekdays the Retreat House is home to student nurses attending the Northern Arizona University RN program located on the Mission property.

On Sunday morning we gathered at the Good Shepherd Chapel to attend Eucharist. We were greeted by many including Winnie Follett, Past Province VIII ECW president, and her partner, Connie, who came in from Sedona for the ECW installation service. The chapel was designed by Santa Fe architect John Gaw Meem and is decorated with Navajo art – the most prominent being the large cross hanging above the altar, which is adorned with silver and turquoise. It is awesomely displayed as you can see from the photograph above.

Before the service started, The Rev. Leon Sampson, Curate priest, announced the recommended way to greet one another during the Peace. He demonstrated the “elbow bump” and stated we should refrain from shaking hands or hugging. Additionally, he added that communion would be offered by intinction only — no drinking from the cup. This was our first experience with “social distancing” and a hint of what was to come.

The 1st Sunday of Lent service was conducted by the Vicar The Rev. Cathlena Plummer and The Rev. Leon Sampson. The church was full of the Good Shepherd parishioners, including St. Mark’s Chapel, Coalmine, N.M. They were eager to share their culture and customs, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of prayers and hymns presented in Navajo language.

The ECW installation of new officers was beautiful with singing and blessed ECW pins presented to Genevieve White, ECW chair; Elsie Slim, ECW vice chair; and Paula Elmore, ECW secretary/treasurer. After the service everyone joined together in the Parish Hall for lively conversations and ate delicious food and desserts. Canon Martha spoke to the women (and men present) who were interested in the ministry and building their ECW chapter. Martha explained the purpose of ECW with talking points and described the duties of the various official positions. Discussions were pertinent with many comments and questions, ending the time feeling enthusiasm with blessings from the ECW Good Shepherd. The strength of this church and ECW ministry would be much needed in just a few weeks, during Lenten Season, as the coronavirus would spread.

(L-R) Elsie Slim, Paula Elmore, Canon Martha Estes, Genevieve White, Madeline Sampson, Winnie Follett

Later that day, The Rev. Leon Sampson and his wife, Madeline, showed us around the Mission grounds and several stone buildings built over 100 years ago. The Mission has plans to renovate these buildings for retreat purposes and to use the property to expand services to the community. We also toured the SHIMA Soap Factory located on Mission property. Paula Elmore, the general manager of the factory, explained how the soaps and other products are made with natural ingredients cultivated by the community. The scent of rosemary and other flowers and herbs grown in their greenhouse and used in production filled the air. Blue Corn is grown and harvested to make soap, cornmeal and skin products. Paula also manages the on-sight beehives producing honey, which is available for purchase too. There are many people involved in the SHIMA production, from growing the ingredients to helping at the store. The store is also the Distribution Center for United Thank Offering (UTO). Needless to say, Martha and I purchased several SHIMA products – shimaofnavajoland.com

The Rev. Sampson and his wife Madeline then treated us to a visit to Window Rock, which is just a few miles away from the Mission. Window Rock is a pothole-type natural arch caused by many years of weather erosion. Just below Window Rock is the Navajo Tribal Park and Veteran’s Memorial and the Navajo Nation Office. The statue of a Navajo Code Talker caught my eye. I learned that during World War II, many of the messages sent between the allied forces were intercepted and decoded by the Japanese. Twenty-nine Navajo marines were recruited to devise a secret code using their native language. By the end of the war, over 400 Navajo marines were serving as Code Talkers. The use of this innovative code was so successful that the Code Talkers were credited with saving the lives of countless marines and also for paving the way to an early victory in the South Pacific.

On March 13, 2020, the park closed until further notice due to COVID-19.

As you can tell, our short, meaningful visit was full of warmth and wonder. We were sad to leave The Rev. Leon and Madeline and talked of return visits. The love and hospitality provided to us by the Good Shepherd Mission, ECW and community will be forever in my heart. After leaving Fort Defiance on Monday, March 2, we headed out to see Canyon de Chelly National Park, Four Corners Monument, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Mission outside of Bluff, Utah, and then continued on to Monument Valley. Visiting these spectacular parks was amazing.

By the time we returned home, the number of people diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus worldwide had dramatically increased and new social distancing requirements were in place. There were orders to stay home or, if you had to go out, to wear a mask. Malls, parks, restaurants and churches were all closing. No gatherings larger than eight or 10 people were allowed. Weddings, funerals and family get-togethers became nonexistent. Items we were used to obtaining easily were no longer available and sometimes impossible to procure.

The Vicar The Rev. Cathlena Plummer and The Rev. Leon Sampson

The Mission residents and the surrounding communities throughout Navajoland are not able to travel to their usual shopping areas, and the lack of supplies, water and food has become a dangerous dilemma. Reaching out throughout the Episcopal churches and ECW has been vitally important for the Diocese of Navajoland. There have been great responses according to Canon Martha. The ECW from St. Mary’s in the Valley, Ramona, Calif., made hundreds of masks and sent fabric, and the ECW in the Diocese of Los Angeles and ECW Diocese of Hawaii and ECW Good Shepherd Maui helped out with financial donations. The Good Shepherd people have been empowered to provide food and mask distributions for weeks throughout their community.

In response to our request on how to help, the Mission has asked for the following items: monetary donations, toilet paper, paper towels, disinfectant wipes, bleach, water, spray bottles, cloth masks, and N95 masks.

Good Shepherd Mission
1 Kit Carson Drive
Ft. Defiance, AZ 86504

www.goodshephmission.org

Episcopal Church of Navajoland: www.ecofnavajoland.org

Let us pray. Dear Lord, please watch over our brothers and sisters in Navajoland. Keep them safe, healthy and fed. Along with your glorious love, ease their fears and provide what they need to continue your work. In your name we pray. Amen.

Yours in Christ—Linda E. Hughes
Vestry Member / ECW Treasurer
Church of the Transfiguration, Arcadia, CA

Episcopal Church Women2020-10-23T21:08:22+00:00July 21st, 2020|

La comunidad en tiempos de COVID-19

Community in Covid Escrito por Nancy Young, presidenta nacional de la comunidad Episcopal

¿Como Podemos estar ahí cuando no podemos estar ahí? Esta es una pregunta que los grupos religiosos a lo largo de la iglesia están teniendo que responder durante la pandemia de COVID-19. En tiempos cuando debemos practicar la distancia social y el aislamiento, nos enfrentamos con dos retos primarios:

¿Como nos apoyamos mutuamente en estos tiempos de separación, confusión, y dolor?
¿Como llevamos adelante la misión y negocios de nuestro grupo?

Esta no es una nueva pregunta para la comunidad Episcopal. El grupo fue formado en el 2010 durante un tiempo de cambio y confusión dentro de la iglesia nacional-la ordenación de mujeres, la consagración de un obispo gay, disputas sobre las propiedades de la iglesia, y la formación de congregaciones separadas. En el 2010, mientras la nieve caía suavemente afuera de las ventanas de la capilla San María dentro de la catedral de San Felipe localizada en Atlanta, Georgia, un grupo de mujeres se comprometió a formar una nueva organización de mujeres dentro de la Iglesia Episcopal – Una comunidad ordenada sacramentalmente por medio de la regla de San Benedicto y anclada en el pacto bautismal, una comunidad que apoyaría a sus miembros en la profundización de sus vidas espirituales a la vez que apoyan con sus oraciones a los clericós episcopales, parroquias, diocesis, e iglesia nacional.

Las 4 mujeres reunidas ese día eran provenientes de todas partes del país. Aunque unidas a través de un deseo común para vivir una vida “marcada por Cristo para siempre.” ¿Como podría integrarse un grupo tan separado a nivel geográfico de la comunidad?

El primer paso fue seleccionar un estudio fundacional común y crear conexiones al asignar a cada posible miembro un mentor personal para el respectivo estudio. Mentores fueron seleccionados de mujeres que fueron reconocidas por tener dones en el área educativa y formativa en el ámbito espiritual. El libro “las herramientas de San Benedicto” escrito por Jane Tomaine fue seleccionado para ser disertado. Mentores interactuaron individualmente en grupos pequeños con posibles miembros por medio de llamadas telefónicas, correos electrónicos, correos de tipo snail, diarios compartidos, discusiones con líderes, y el uso de comunicaciones electrónicas han sido el soporte constitutivo para la comunidad episcopal para estar allí presente cuando no se puede estar presente del todo.

Las lecciones aprendidas tempranamente en la vida de la comunidad nos han servido a lo largo de los años, pero tomaron especial relevancia durante este tiempo de distanciamiento social y restricciones de viaje. Dicho esto, ¿Como nos cercioramos de que la salud y seguridad de nuestros miembros esté garantizada mientras simultáneamente satisfacemos las necesidades de la comunicad y la adoración comunitaria?

Mientras los miembros lidian con la soledad, ira, miedo, dolor, inseguridad económica y falta de normalidad, como mantenemos las conexiones, ¿Se podrá continuar el ministerio y a la vez satisfacer las necesidades de nuestros miembros?

Revistas electrónicas, llamadas y reuniones por medio de Zoom han sido importantes maneras de estar conectados. Un miembro compartió, “El hecho de que estén allí es un alivio.” Hemos ofrecidos discusiones en línea por vía de la plataforma zoom para que los miembros puedan verse y escucharse los unos a los otros mientras comparten ideas y conocimientos. Un estudio reciente se tituló “El Don de Maravillar: Practicas creativas para deleitar a Dios” escrito por Aroney-Sine.

El libro de Aroney-Sine nos enseña como a través de la creatividad nos podemos deleitar en Dios de la misma manera que Él se deleita en nosotros. Aunque el libro no fue escrito con esta Pandemia en mente, ella sugiere actividades que pueden ser hechas en la naturaleza, lo cual nos lleva a ser cocreadores en el reino de Dios. Compartir todas estas actividades solitarias vía zoom y Facebook nos une comunitariamente. Otro miembro dijo, “Esto me da una conexión personal con aquellos que deciden compartir las fotos de su vida diaria.” Hemos utilizados devocionales en Facebook para crear conexiones, más recientemente “La regla de Benedicto: Una espiritualidad para el siglo 21”, escrito por Joan Chittister.

Miembros son acompañados por la oración en diferentes maneras: La oración comunitaria, Un ciclo de oración mensual, y una lista de oraciones de cada uno de los miembros que circulan electrónicamente a través de la comunicación contante y nuestro grupo de Facebook privado.

La comunidad episcopal del ciclo de oración enseña a estar familiarizado con “El Libro Común de oración” y nos une en oración comunitaria. Por ejemplo, el 10 de cada mes oramos por nuestras parroquias, sus clérigos, empleados, laicos, y miembros usando las oraciones en la página 817 del libro antes mencionado. El día 27 oramos por nuestras familias usando las oraciones del libro común de oración en las paginas 828 y 831. Miembros son recordados del objetivo de las oraciones diarias a través de nuestro grupo de seguidores en Facebook en la comunidad de la iglesia episcopal. Uno de nuestros seguidores en Facebook comento, “Es un lugar positivo en donde comenzar el día. Cada vez que me detengo experimento una paz interior que dura todo el día.” Continuamente recibimos mensajes reconfortantes: “El ciclo de oración diaria me mantiene enfocada en los demás y no en mí misma.”

Este año nos enfrentamos a una semana santa diferente. Las iglesias estuvieron cerradas a los miembros. La oración comunal de la semana y los servicios de la semana santa fueron interrumpidos. ¿Como podríamos cumplir con nuestro deseo para la adoración comunal?

La comunidad episcopal ofreció las horas canónicas cada domingo por la noche por medio de la plataforma Zoom liderado por miembros voluntarios y nuestro capellán nacional. Mirándonos a las caras y escuchando nuestras voces mientras orábamos nos afirmaba a cada uno de nosotros de que estábamos juntos en esto, y Dios también estaba con nosotros.

Una miembro de la zona rural del estado de Nevada compartió lo siguiente en la hora del café, “Gracias por haberme invitado. Me he sentido tan solitaria.” Una miembro en Michigan agrego, “Las horas canónicas del domingo por la noche nos da un tiempo para reencontrarnos por la noche.”

La incapacidad de reunirnos en persona también afecta la conducta al negocio per se. Debido a que nuestras miembros y nuestros lideres viven a lo largo de los Estados Unidos, nuestras reuniones de liderazgo se llevan a cabo por medio de la plataforma Zoom. Nuestras reuniones anuales de liderazgo, sin embargo, son usualmente en persona. En los años de la convención general de la iglesia nacional, las susodichas son sostenidas en la convención donde la capilla sirve como sede para las mismas. Este junio nos reunimos en Atlanta para celebrar nuestro décimo aniversario y para agasajar a los miembros de los Estados Unidos. Preocupados por el bienestar y la seguridad de nuestros miembros y ateridos a las recomendaciones del Centro de Tratamiento para la Enfermedades (Siglas en inglés: CDC), y la iglesia nacional episcopal, hemos cancelados nuestra reunión en Atlanta. Por tanto, nos reuniremos vía Zoom.

Los retos de esta pandemia aun no han culminado. Debemos encararlos con adaptabilidad e innovación. Juntos saldremos airados de esto.

Nancy Young

9365 Buckhorn Road

Loveland, CO 80538

(850) 814-6637

youngnf50@gmail.com

Episcopal Church Women2020-08-17T19:29:24+00:00July 21st, 2020|

Community in the Time of COVID-19

Community in Covid by Nancy Young, National President, The Episcopal Community

How can we be there when we can’t be there? This is a question that religious groups throughout the church are having to answer during this COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when we must practice social distancing, a time we cannot travel, a time of isolation, we face two primary challenges:

How do we support each other in this time of separation, turmoil, and grief?
How do we carry on the mission and business of our group?

This is not a new question for The Episcopal Community. The group was formed in 2010 during a time of change and turmoil within the national church—the ordination of women, the consecration of a gay bishop, disputes over church property and the formation of breakaway congregations. In 2010, as snow fell softly outside the large glass windows of St. Mary’s Chapel of St. Philip’s Cathedral in Atlanta, Ga., a group of women pledged to form a new women’s organization within the Episcopal Church—a vowed community anchored in the Baptismal Covenant and Rule of St. Benedict, a community that would support its members in deepening their spiritual lives as they gave prayerful support to their Episcopal clergy, parishes, dioceses, and the national church.

The 40-plus women gathered that day were from all over the country. Although united by a common desire to live a life “Marked as Christ’s Own for Ever,” how could a group so geographically separated live as a community?

The first step was to select a common foundational study and to create connections by assigning each prospective member a one-on-one mentor for the study. Mentors were selected from women who were recognized as having gifts in education and/or spiritual formation. The book “St. Benedict’s Toolbox” by Jane Tomaine was selected for the study. Mentors interacted individually and in small groups with prospective members through phone calls, email, snail mail, shared journals and Skype. The use of common study and devotional materials, the provision of mentors and discussion leaders, and the use of electronic communications have been building blocks for The Episcopal Community in being there when you can’t be there.

The lessons learned early in the life of The Community have served us well through the years but have become especially important during this time of social distancing and travel restrictions. How do we ensure the health and safety of our members while simultaneously meeting their needs for community and communal worship?

As members deal with loneliness, anger, fear, grief, economic insecurity and a loss of normalcy, how do we maintain connections, continue our ministry and meet the needs of our members?

Newsletter emails, phone calls and Zoom meetings have been an important way for members to stay connected. A member shared, “the fact you all are there is a comfort.” We have offered Zoom online book discussions so that members can see and hear each other as they share ideas and insights. Our most recent study was “The Gift of Wonder: Creative Practices for Delighting in God” by Christine Aroney-Sine.

Aroney-Sine’s book teaches how through childlike creative play with nature we can delight in God as He delights in us. Although not written with this pandemic time in mind, she suggests activities that can be done alone with the natural environment found in the place we are self-isolating that can make us co-creators in God’s kingdom. Sharing those solitary creative episodes via Zoom and Facebook unites us in community. Another member said, “This gives me a personal connection to those that chose to share pictures of their daily life.” We have also used common devotionals with daily sharing on Facebook to create connections, most recently “The Rule of Benedict: A Spirituality for the 21st Century” by Joan Chittister.

Members are also joined through prayer in several ways: the prayer of the community, the praying of a common monthly prayer cycle, and a prayer list of member personal requests that is circulated electronically to members through both Constant Contact and through our private Facebook group.

The Episcopal Community prayer cycle teaches familiarity with “The Book of Common Prayer” (BCP) and unites us in common prayer. For example, on the 10th day of every month we pray for our parishes, its clergy, staff, lay ministries, and members using the prayers on page 817 of the BCP. On day 27 we pray for our families using the BCP prayers on pages 828 and 831. Members are reminded of the daily prayer target through our Facebook group page and may share comments on the page. Members of the public are invited to join us in prayer through our Facebook group Followers of The Episcopal Community. One of our Facebook followers commented, “It’s a feel-good place to start the day. Each time I stop in I experience an outward and inward spiritualness that lasts all day.” We continually receive uplifting messages: “The daily prayer cycle keeps me focused on more than myself.”

This year we faced a far different Holy Week. Churches were closed to physical attendance of members. Weekly church communal worship and special Holy Week services were disrupted. How could we help meet the need for communal worship?

The Episcopal Community offered Compline each Sunday evening via Zoom video calls led by volunteer members and our national chaplain. Looking into each other’s faces, hearing each other’s voices as we prayed affirmed that we are in this together. We are in this together, and God is with us.

A member in rural Nevada shared in the coffee hour, “Thank you for inviting me to this. I have felt so lonely.” A member in Michigan added, “Sunday evening Compline provides a time to re-center for the evening” and “provides preparation for the coming week.”

The inability to meet in person also affects the conduct of business. Because our membership and our leaders live across the United States, our leadership meetings are held primarily through Zoom. Our annual full membership national meetings, however, are usually in person. In the years of the General Convention of the national church, they are held at the convention where we also provide the Chapel for the convention. This June we were to meet in Atlanta both to celebrate our 10-year anniversary and to fellowship with our members from across the country. With concern for the health and safety of our members and in keeping with the recommendations of the CDC and the national Episcopal Church, we have cancelled our Atlanta meeting. We will meet via Zoom.

The challenges of this pandemic are not over. We must face them with adaptability and innovation. Together we will come through.

Nancy Young

9365 Buckhorn Road

Loveland, CO 80538

(850) 814-6637

youngnf50@gmail.com

Episcopal Church Women2020-08-17T19:28:51+00:00July 21st, 2020|

Sociedad de Chicas Amigables Covid-19

Escrito por Catherine Sopko, Delegada para la Sociedad de Chicas Amigables en USA

La pandemia del Coronavirus a nivel mundial ha tenido un efecto masivo en la iglesia y la Sociedad de Chicas Amigables. Aunque estos tiempos han sido duros y ha habido un periodo de ajuste, con la ayuda de plataformas de comunicación como Zoom y otras herramientas en el internet, hemos podido conectarnos de maneras nunca antes pensadas.

El Concilio Mundial de la Sociedad de las Chicas Amigables, el cual se iba a llevar a cabo en Sur África en el mes de Julio de 2020, ha sido pospuesto para el verano del mes de Julio de 2020. Holly Shafer, un embajador de la Sociedad de las Chicas Amigables y miembro de la diócesis de California, dijo, “El coronavirus es algo que todavía se está investigando en lo atinente a sus ramificaciones y al cómo combatirlo. Ergo, me siento confiada en que La Sociedad de Chicas Amigables a nivel mundial está haciendo lo que está en el mejor interés de sus miembros al posponer tan magno evento para una fecha posterior.” Muy a pesar de que los miembros vislumbraban compartir días tan ricos culturalmente este verano, entendemos que es lo mejor debido a la seguridad de los participantes posponer el evento para el año entrante. Toda vez que el año entrante arribe, la espera habrá valido la pena.

Nuestra reunión primaveral de la Sociedad americana de las Chicas Amigables y fin de semana de retiro, el cual se hubiese llevado a cabo en la casa de veraneo de la sociedad de las Chicas Amigables en Cape Bay, New Jersey, también fue cancelada. La reunión de la junta se materializo vía una llamada Zoom. La reunión fue del todo positiva, y gracias a que la plataforma Zoom es tan accesible, hubo muchas más caras amigables en la llamada, lo cual fue magnifico. Muchas actividades diocesanas de la Sociedad de las Chicas Amigables también hubo que cancelarlas esta primavera – Servicios de aniversario, Días de arte creativo, Días de rally, y Campamentos de casa de veraneo. Sin embargo, por medio de la plataforma Zoom, Las diócesis de la Sociedad de Chicas Amigables han creado nuevos eventos. La diócesis de la Sociedad de Chicas Amigables en Los Ángeles utilizo la plataforma Zoom para ser la anfitriona de varios eventos para sus miembros – “Vuela bien alto con la sociedad de chicas amigables”, un viaje lejos de la tierra de COVID-19 a la tierra del cuidado propio para explorar el ámbito espiritual.

Las parroquias de la Sociedad de Chicas Amigables también han empezado a tener reuniones vía Zoom con un gran rango de actividades – Una celebración del día de la tierra donde aprendimos de planes, tuvimos una sesión de preguntas y respuestas con el párroco, una silla para hacer yoga, un show de magia, y discusiones sobre la salud mental y emocional. El éxito de nuestra reunión para la junta directiva, actividades diocesanas y reuniones en general de verdad demuestra lo capaz que es la plataforma Zoom para congregarnos a todos.

Lydia Kugler, líder de la sucursal en New Jersey, remarco que “Zoom ha permitido el reunirse, planear, y que todos nos veamos desde la comodidad de nuestros hogares y hasta utilizando nuestras Pijamas, si es deseable. ¡Que podría ser mejor que ello! A pesar de que los miembros están lejos, el internet y sus herramientas nos permiten estar más cerca que nunca.

Debido al coronavirus y a la distancia social, las actividades diocesanas fueron canceladas. En Nueva Jersey, nuestra convención diocesana, fue cancelada, lo cual fue decepcionante. El evento no solo es una reunión, pero también es un día en donde se repasan las políticas y practicas usadas en nuestra diócesis. En dicha reunión, veía a personas que hacía ya tiempo no veía, y asistía de igual manera a un servicio oficiado por el Obispo William Stokes (el mejor servicio de todos.) Aunado a ello, también caminaba el centro de convenciones aprendiendo de todas las organizaciones presentes, que juntas, conforman una gran diócesis.

Es un extraño tiempo en el que vivimos y muchas personas están sufriendo. A pesar de aquellos que están enfermos o en recuperación, por quienes oramos todos los días, hay estudiantes de secundaria y universidades que se han perdido sus ceremonias de graduación, al igual que novias que no han podido llegar al altar y contraer nupcias. Hay muchos sistemas de apoyo, y Holly Shafer, quien es una profesional de la salud mental, y consejera matrimonial, quisiera que todo el mundo supiera que” “Yo he estado trabajando a lo largo de la pandemia y he visto los efectos que el distanciamiento social está teniendo en mis clientes y la comunidad en general. Me gustaría recordarles a las personas que lo que están experimentado es real y que busquen ayuda lo más pronto posible.

Si alguien necesita ayuda o desea apoyo, tus amigas de la Sociedad de Chicas Amigables, siempre te apoyaran. Por favor llámalas si estas sufriendo en cuantía.

La señora Sopko es miembro de la diócesis de New Jersey. Ella se involucró en la sociedad de las chicas amigables cuando yo tenía 5 años de edad. “Yo encuentro a la sociedad de las chicas amigables como un lugar donde puedo ser yo misma, un lugar para desarrollar amistades, y donde aprender a ser tenaz y por ultimo a personificar el lema de la Sociedad de Chicas Amigables – Ayúdense a llevar los pesares de unos y otros.”

Episcopal Church Women2020-08-17T19:28:14+00:00July 21st, 2020|

Girls’ Friendly Society and Covid-19

by Catherine Sopko, GFSUSA Junior Delegate

The outbreak of the coronavirus worldwide has had a massive effect on the church and the Girls’ Friendly Society (GFS). Though these times have been hard and there has been a major adjustment period, with the help of Zoom and other online tools, we have been able to connect in ways never thought possible before.

The Girls’ Friendly Society World Council, which was set to be held in South Africa in July 2020, has now been moved to the summer of 2021. Holly Shafer, a GFS ambassador and member from California, said, “The coronavirus is something that is still being researched and in trial phases of how to fight it, therefore I feel confident that GFS World is doing what is in the best interest of its members and attendees by postponing World Council and rescheduling for a later date.” Though all members were looking forward to spending 10 days in such a culturally rich country this summer, we understand that it is for our best interest and safety and are looking forward to next year. Once we get there, we will be even more excited since we had to wait so long.

Our GFS USA national spring board meeting and weekend retreat, which would have been held at our GFS Holiday House in Cape May, New Jersey, was also canceled. The board meeting took place as a Zoom call instead. The meeting went well, and since Zoom is so accessible, there were even more friendly, smiling faces on the call, which was nice to see. Many GFS diocesan activities also had to be cancelled this spring – anniversary services, Creative Arts Days, Rally Days and Holiday House Camp Weeks. However, using Zoom, GFS dioceses have created new events. The GFS of the Diocese of Los Angeles used Zoom to host a series of meetings for its members – “Fly Away With GFS,” a trip away from the land of COVID-19 to the land of self-care to explore spiritual, social and professional self-care.

GFS parish branches have also begun to hold Zoom meetings with a wide range of activities – an Earth Day Celebration with learning about plants and compost, a Q & A with a parish priest, chair yoga, a magic show, and discussions about mental and emotional health. The success of our Board meeting, diocesan activities and Branch meetings really shows how capable Zoom is at bringing people together.

Lydia Kugler, a branch leader in New Jersey, remarked that “Zoom has allowed us to meet, plan and ‘see’ each other in the comfort of our own homes and even in our PJs if desired. What could be better!” Though our members may be physically apart, the internet and all of its tools has brought us even closer together.

Because of the coronavirus and the social distancing guidelines that have been put in place, diocesan activities were cancelled. In New Jersey, our Diocesan Convention was cancelled, which was quite disappointing. This event is not only a social gathering, but it is an important day to go over the policies and procedures used in our diocese. Personally, I looked forward to the convention every year. I was able to see members of the church whom I did not get to see that often, and to attend a service led by Bishop William Stokes (the best kind of service) and to stroll the convention center floor learning about and looking at all the different organizations that, when put together, make up a great diocese.

This is a strange time that we’re living through and lots of people are suffering. Besides those who are sick and/or recovering, whom we pray for every day, there are also the high school and college seniors who are missing their graduation ceremonies, as well as brides who have to reschedule their big day. There are many support systems in place, and Holly Shafer, who is a professional in the mental health field, and a marriage and family therapist, would like everyone to know that “I have been working throughout the pandemic and have seen the effects that social isolation is having on my clients and the community as a whole. I would like to remind people that what they are experiencing is real and to reach out and ask for help as needed.”

For anyone who is in need or wants additional support, your GFS sisters will always be there to help or to be a shoulder to cry on. Please reach out to others if you are struggling, and we can get through these times together.

Ms. Sopko is a member of the Diocese of New Jersey. She become involved in The Girls’ Friendly Society when she was five years old. “I found GFS as a place where I could be myself, a place where I developed friendships, I learned confidence and the meaning of the GFS motto – Bear Ye One Another’s Burdens.”

Episcopal Church Women2020-08-17T19:26:15+00:00July 21st, 2020|

St. Francis Episcopal Church Sews Masks for Local Hospital

When shortages of PPE were reported throughout the nation as the pandemic took hold in mid-March, the women of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Eureka, Missouri mobilized to offer their services to St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield. The volunteer coordinator at St. Luke’s asked if they could make cloth masks for the support staff giving the quantity thought to be needed in the near future. Overwhelmed with the number given them, Donna Bernert, a member of St. Francis contacted the Diocese of Missouri ECW Board, asking if they could mobilize volunteers across the diocese to sew cloth masks.

The ECW Board approved the appeal and Deborah Caby, current president of the ECW Board, Dio.MO, made sure all logistics and safety protocols were in place and put out an appeal to the women of the diocese asking for help in sewing masks. Within the hour of being published, the phone began to ring with dozens of women from the various parishes in the diocese offering their time and talent in sewing cloth masks. The diocesan ECW Board acted as liaison between individual volunteers and the women of St. Francis, and took over the administrative details.

Donna Bernert and Sally Hader, members of St. Francis, spearheaded this pickup ministry. They designed a system where sewing materials were prepared, assembled into kits complete with all materials needed to make 25-30 masks. Delivery of kits followed stringent safety protocols to keep everyone safe during this project. Several men assisted with driving and member Charlie Coleman made meals for the women at St. Francis so they could utilize their time assembling kits and sewing masks. Not a detail was skipped. In a few short weeks, over 3100 masks were delivered to St. Luke’s.

This was all accomplished without members from St. Francis or members throughout the Diocese of Missouri leaving their home. Social contact was perhaps a wave from a window, but many times, no one saw each other’s face. While the work was solitary, the bonds of sisterhood and friendship grew.

Blessings seem to overflow when doing the work of The Lord. St. Francis is a very small parish but met the challenges of shortages of materials as businesses shut down and lack of funding for the ministry, with the belief God would provide what was needed to do the work. They found friends along the way who donated materials and money to make sure the support staff at St. Luke’s had cloth masks. There were several volunteer sewers who did not attend church, but hopefully will remember the seeds of Love planted through this ministry.

With thanksgiving, the women of St. Francis acknowledge the outpouring of love from women around our diocese. The women of St. Francis have now turned their attention to sewing cloth masks for the Episcopal churches in the diocese, as they begin opening their doors for worship. Over 500 masks were delivered to various parishes with an additional 25 specially designed masks by Sally Hader were delivered to St. Thomas Deaf Episcopal Church with clear plastic inserts added, allowing worshipers the ability to read lips.

Submitted by Deborah Caby, President

ECW Board, Diocese of Missouri

Episcopal Church Women2020-08-18T14:20:16+00:00July 18th, 2020|

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