Episcopal Church Women, Author at National Episcopal Church Women

Province VII ECW Zoom Conference – Sept 12 2020

All women in Province VII are invited to this conference. Province VII, also called the Province of the Southwest, consists of the Dioceses of Arkansas, Dallas, Fort Worth, Kansas, Northwest Texas, Oklahoma, Rio Grande, Texas, West Missouri, West Texas, Western Kansas and Western Louisiana. The National ECW President, Karen Patterson, will be joining us. Come and be filled with the Holy Spirit as we share our stories and ideas regarding women’s ministries in the Episcopal Church.

This is a free Zoom conference, but we would appreciate participants registering so we will know how many will be attending.
The live conference will be limited to the first 100 registrants, however a recording of the event will be available to those unable to join us live.
Once registration is full, all additional registrants will be notified once the recording is available.

Keynote Speaker

Cynthia Davis has been involved in what she calls “Telling the Story of the People of God” for most of her life. Even as a child, Davis found joy in discussing the Bible stories that form the foundation of our faith. Her grounding in the Word of God has helped her see God’s action throughout her faith journey. Her novels, blog posts, and other writings grew out of sharing the truth that God is Love. “Women and men within the Bible were real people, just like each of us, yet God chose to love them,” Davis says. “God chooses to loves us, too, even with our faults and failings.” As retreat leader and speaker, Davis presents a variety of topics, reminding attendees of their call as God’s Beloved children, and telling the story of God’s work with all of us. Since 2000, Davis has authored a dozen books, including seven books of Biblical fiction. She tells the ‘rest of the story’ by imagining what might have been and enjoys introducing the stories of Bible women and men during her retreats.

Carry the Light of Love

Cynthia (Cindy) Davis will help us find inspiration by looking at women throughout the ages who shared the light of the God’s Love in the world of their time. These faith-filled women can in-spire our faithful response to our own challenges. Women like Miriam, Mary, Julian of Norwich, Hildegard of Bingen, and even Florence Nightingale all listened to the voice of God in difficult times. They responded with love. Their lives show us the light of God’s Love and teach us how to carry God’s Love into the world today.

Schedule

Saturday September 12, 2020(All times indicated are Central Time)9:00-9:15 am Welcome and Introduction of ECW Leadership9:15-9:30 am Opening Prayer

9:30-9:45 am Karen Patterson – National ECW President

9:45-10:00 am Break time

10:00-11:00 am Women as Light Bearers Cynthia Davis

11:00-11:30 am Share Time

11:30-12:00 pm Closing Worship

Episcopal Church Women2020-10-23T21:08:59+00:00August 10th, 2020|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 08-08-20

Summary

Huffpost – US Edition – I Condemned Trump’s Bible Photo-Op And Went Viral. Here’s What That Moment Taught Me – “It seemed to others that I was being brave. It felt more like I was being summoned to stand with others who were being brave.”

The Journal – Cortez, CO – Dueling rallies held on Main Street in Cortez – Two rallies, one for Black Lives Matters and one for peace and justice.

Spectrum News 1 – East Longmeadow, MA – Granddaughter Creating Bracelets for Local Church in Memory of Grandmother – “I was absolutely devastated and my faith was really shaken,” Gartell said. Gartrell felt a sense of loss after her grandmother’s passing.

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Huffpost

US Edition

I Condemned Trump’s Bible Photo-Op And Went Viral. Here’s What That Moment Taught Me

“It seemed to others that I was being brave. It felt more like I was being summoned to stand with others who were being brave.”

’ve been thinking all summer about the power of decisive moments ― those times in our lives when we actively choose a particular path or way of being in the world, one that requires us to be brave. We all want to be brave when it counts, to be one who steps up, leans in, does the right thing when it matters most. While the more dramatic of those moments can catch us by surprise, in the sense that we may not have woken up that morning knowing such courage would be required of us, looking at those moments through the wider lens of time, we realize that they are not isolated events. […]

The Journal

Cortez, CO

Dueling rallies held on Main Street in Cortez

Hundreds participated in two rallies Saturday morning on Main Street in Cortez.

“Walk for Justice and Peace” was organized by St. Barnabas Episcopal Church and has been held every Saturday in July. Marchers carry signs calling for social justice, racial equality and police reform.

“Our congregation wanted an event to bring awareness to wider issues,” said Pastor Doug Bleyle.

JFargo’s Family Dining & Micro Brewery has organized the “Back The Blue” rally during the same time every week to support local law enforcement and first responders. The restaurant frequently h hosted events along with first responders.

“It’s about standing up for our freedom. We are a free country, and we want to keep it that way,” said Jeff Coulon. “We are showing support for our first responders and police. They are relied on by the community.” […]

Spectrum News 1

East Longmeadow, MA

Granddaughter Creating Bracelets for Local Church in Memory of Grandmother

“I was absolutely devastated and my faith was really shaken,” Gartell said.

Gartrell felt a sense of loss after her grandmother’s passing. She was on Facebook and stumbled upon a virtual service from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in East Longmeadow. She said through that, she found a sense of comfort and hope she never thought she’d feel again.

Father Peter Swarr, Rector at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church East Longmeadow started virtual services back in March. The church has been able to expand and do night time prayers and services throughout the day.

“It’s good to know the babbling i do over there and the prayers I do over there are actually meaningful and touch people in the midst of this pandemic,” said Fr. Swarr. […]

Episcopal Church Women2022-09-28T18:04:52+00:00August 8th, 2020|

Healing in Yarn with the Diocese of Chicago

Chaplain Micheal at Rush Hospital Chicago

Bishop Anderson House provides spiritual care training to lay persons as well as caring for the spiritual needs of the patients, families and staff of Stroger Cook County Hospital and other Illinois Medical District hospitals. Chaplains serve people who are shaken by gun violence and severe traumatic injuries. The Teddy Bear Ministry shares cuddly bears with pediatric patients, but often adult patients or medical staff appreciate a Teddy Bear for comfort. Prayer shawls have become a welcome part of Bishop Anderson’s outreach. The following is an article that they posted honoring the creators of these special care items.

She hurried up to the chaplain, asking if there were any more prayer shawls at the office; the medical unit stash was depleted. When the chaplain returned with an especially attractive shawl, the nurse threw up her arms excitedly, grabbed the shawl and wrapped it around her own shoulders. A devoted cadre of knitters and crocheters create these beautiful symbols of caring and love for the patients, families and staff that chaplains Micheal and Rose visit at Stroger and Rush hospitals. We are especially grateful to the following Prayer Shawl and Knitting Ministries for their donations:

• Trinity Episcopal Church, Wheaton
• Church of the Holy Nativity, Clarendon Hills
• St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Wilmette
• St. Paul & the Redeemer, Chicago
• Emmanuel Episcopal Church, LaGrange
• Church of the Holy Spirit, Lake Forest
• St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Barrington

The Chicago ECW has a program called “knitogether” where knitting ministries can share ideas and projects. We have prayer cards for knitters that might be useful. They are posted on our website: https://www.ecwchicago.org/knitogether

Submitted by: Beth Petti

Episcopal Church Women2020-08-14T15:09:50+00:00August 5th, 2020|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 08-01-20

Summary

Religious News Service – Columbia, MO – In emerging role, chaplains are providing spiritual care for activists in movements across the nation – The Rev. Kimberly Jackson remembers the execution of Troy Davis…

The Review – East Liverpool, OH – Peach Festival returns, with changes, in Weirton – Members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church peel hundreds of pounds of peaches for annual Festival…

Brown County Democrat – Brown County, IN – Quenching a ‘food desert’: Northern Brown County Food Alliance – St. David’s Episcopal Church, Pastor Mary Bargiel and her church community stepped up to mobilize volunteers…

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Religious News Service

Columbia, MO

In emerging role, chaplains are providing spiritual care for activists in movements across the nation

The Rev. Kimberly Jackson remembers the disappointment and devastation that erupted after the execution of Troy Davis nearly 10 years ago in Jackson, Georgia.

Years of canvassing and protesting ended with activists weeping and embracing outside the prison after Davis was put to death by lethal injection. Davis, a Black man who maintained his innocence, was on death row for two decades after being convicted of murdering a Savannah police officer.

“Not In My Name” and “I am Troy Davis” slogans emblazoned T-shirts and protest signs in Georgia. […]

The Review

East Liverpool, OH

Peach Festival returns, with changes, in Weirton

WEIRTON — Though they will be distributing their popular peach shortcakes, pies and other food in a different way, members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church will be carrying on a long tradition when the church’s annual Peach Festival returns from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 8.

Over the years many have gathered inside the church’s social hall to partake of a shortcake topped with a generous helping of peaches, whipped cream and ice cream on the side. […]

Brown County Democrat

Brown County, IN

Quenching a ‘food desert’: Northern Brown County Food Alliance

Ever since the pandemic brought challenges to life continuing as usual, the Bean Blossom Farmers Market and St. David’s Episcopal Church have been looking for ways to continue to reach out to their northern Brown County neighbors.

This area has been considered a food desert for its lack of access to affordable and nutritious food. Not being able to continue with the farmers market at St. David’s this year was especially wrenching. […]

Episcopal Church Women2022-09-28T18:06:28+00:00August 1st, 2020|

Episcopal Women’s Ministries Fall Retreat

September 25 and 26 on Zoom – 2020

Living our Call as Disciples – a Virtual Retreat – Led by the Reverend Canon Kristin White, Canon to the Ordinary for Congregational Development and Leadership.

ALL are welcome to participate – women, men, couples, youth; from the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis or beyond

Registration is FREE! Here is the registration link: https://bit.ly/EWM_Fall20. Call-in, audio-only option available.

Friday Sept 25 – 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM EDT – Opening prayer, meet & greet with Canon White and other attendees, and overview of our Virtual Retreat.

Saturday 8:00 AM EDT – Yoga Session – Optional

Saturday Sept 26 – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT – Over 2 morning sessions and 2 afternoon sessions including teaching, discussion, prayer and silence, we will reflect on discipleship and learn practices to help us grow as disciples.

Please register promptly. Each person attending should fill out their own registration form even if in the same household as other attendees. For a more detailed description of the retreat, or a biographical note about of Canon White, see the EWM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/303823720781051/

For other questions or if you would like technical assistance, please email Retreat Chair: Louise Boling at copperboling@gmail.com

Submitted by:

Lisa Matucheski
Secretary & Co-Chair EWM
Episcopal Women’s Ministries
Diocese of Indianapolis

Episcopal Church Women2022-09-28T17:37:20+00:00July 29th, 2020|

St. Asaph’s Prays through Epidemic Times

July 19, 2020

Rev. Joy delivers Homily

July 19, 2020

Service in Pavilion

St-Asaphs-Epidemic-Times-July-20,-20120-24-attended-service

July 20, 2020.

Twenty Four attended service

We, at St. Asaph’s Church in Bowling Green, Virginia, are now able to hold services in our pavilion next to the church. We gather each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. following social distancing and wearing our face masks.

The Rev. Charles Joy, officiates at morning prayer. Music is played. Each person has a small water bottle. It has been nearly 100 degrees many mornings in July. But after so many weeks of not having our service it is a joy to be back together thanking God for the brightness of the day and the time we can share with Him and our friends. Bishop Susan Goff has given her blessing for us to meet. We are grateful.

Submitted by: Dale Brittle

Episcopal Church Women2020-07-28T16:23:01+00:00July 28th, 2020|

St George Mask Makers Respond To An Urgent Call for Help

St George Mask Makers Haven House, a domestic abuse shelter in Leesburg, FL, had an urgent need for face masks for the 40 children in its care. Trusting in their longtime supporter, Christine Berti of St George Episcopal Church (The Villages, FL), they reached out for help. Christine sprang to action.

The ECW/Women’s Guild of St George had already distributed about 75 face masks to members of the congregation when it became apparent that every Floridian would need one. Five members of the Women’s Guild made masks and then other members delivered them to needy congregants.

Christine reached out to the Women’s Guild Board for help. The Board contacted all the mask makers (including Christine!) and Christine took it from there. Those that could help: Pat Barry, Jennifer Gore and Christine herself, launched into action and in 3 days had made 64 masks for the children of Haven House. Chris then coordinated pick-up and delivery.

Submitted by: LaVerne Collins

Episcopal Church Women2020-07-27T14:06:07+00:00July 27th, 2020|

A Breathless Moment

It is a breathless moment
when, coming to the edge
Of what confounds me,
I pause and ask myself
if I have courage
To trust completely
and risk failure,
Sometimes I have faltered,
Turned back into the
Wilderness of self-contained
existence and stumbled,
But when I listen to the
beating of my heart
I hear the voice of
My Creator calling me
to step outside myself,
And I am always held
safe and secure.

by C.C. Johnson

Diocese of Lexington
Parish – St. Raphael the Archangel

Episcopal Church Women2020-08-18T14:22:29+00:00July 27th, 2020|

Triennial 2021 Status Update

I wanted to bring you all up to date on the status for Triennial 2021. Basically at this time, we are not certain as to how we will proceed, whether Triennial will be rescheduled, held in a virtual meeting or exactly how it will evolve. We will keep you all informed as we know. Triennial is held in conjunction with General Convention and we cannot determine how we will proceed until their arrangements are confirmed. This has not yet been decided.

To date, General Convention’s Chairs and Vice Chairs, parliamentarians and chancellors of both houses and the executive officer have met to consider alternative plans for General Convention. The task group is working actively to consider various scenarios and will make a report to the Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements. That body will make a recommendation to the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies, who will then ask Executive Council for their advice and consent to their decision about how and when the 80^th General Convention will proceed.

All of this sounds very detailed, I know, but we must take so many factors into consideration. As many of you know, Pat Wellnitz and I serve on the Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements. The Committee, as well as others, are exploring new ways to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we go forward.

Karen Patterson Episcopal Church Women President 2018 to 2021 Karen O Patterson
Episcopal Church Women
President 2018 to 2021

Episcopal Church Women2020-07-25T19:59:46+00:00July 25th, 2020|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 07-25-20

Summary

Western Mass News – Springfield, MA – Springfield women’s article finalist in ‘Nicest Places in America’ contest – The article is now vying for a spot in Reader’s Digest for the nicest place in America…

The Oklahoman – Oklahoma City, OK – St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral names new dean – St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral… has chosen a woman as its new leader for the first time in the cathedral’s history…

The Times – Gainesville, GA – How a centuries-old practice is offering peace in a pandemic at one Gainesville church – Grace Episcopal clergy and staff members Cheryl Kelley, Cynthia Park and Jennifer Williams make up the team that brought the interactive walk to life. The trio finished the project on July 17…

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Western Mass News

Springfield, MA

Springfield women’s article finalist in ‘Nicest Places in America’ contest

A Springfield woman wrote an article highlighting on how the community has worked together to help each other during the coronavirus pandemic.

The article is now vying for a spot in Reader’s Digest for the nicest place in America with a possibility of being published in the November issue.

“I’ve met the nicest people in the entire world,” said Sandy Miliefsky. […]

The Oklahoman

Oklahoma City, OK

St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral names new dean

St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, one of the more prominent houses of worship in Oklahoma City, has chosen a woman as its new leader for the first time in the cathedral’s history.

Canon Katie Churchwell from the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in St. Petersburg, Florida, will become the new dean of St. Paul’s.

Susan Urbach, one of St. Paul’s senior leaders, recently announced the selection of Churchwell via a video featured on the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma’s website. […]

The Times

Gainesville, GA

How a centuries-old practice is offering peace in a pandemic at one Gainesville church

Fourteen wooden crosses stand in different locations around Grace Episcopal Church in Gainesville, inviting community members to walk and pray through the grief they’ve encountered.

Starting with location No. 1, in the shade of a tree near the church’s bell tower, visitors take an immersive journey through Jesus’ crucifixion — from his condemnation to his death to his body being placed in the tomb. And they experience it by walking through a labyrinth, drawing sand mandalas and creating journal entrees, among other practices. […]

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View Past Women in Action News Blasts

Episcopal Church Women2022-09-28T17:57:05+00:00July 25th, 2020|

Episcopal Church Women

About Episcopal Church Women

Keynote Speaker

Carry the Light of Love

Schedule

Huffpost

The Journal

Dueling rallies held on Main Street in Cortez

Spectrum News 1

Religious News Service

The Review

Brown County Democrat

Quenching a ‘food desert’: Northern Brown County Food Alliance

Western Mass News

Springfield women’s article finalist in ‘Nicest Places in America’ contest

The Oklahoman

The Times