Episcopal Church Women, Author at National Episcopal Church Women

Episcopal Church Women in the News 05-25-24

Third deputy declares candidacy for vice president as candidates prepare for upcoming forums

Rev. Ruth Meyers, a Church Divinity School of the Pacific professor and a six-time deputy from the Diocese of California has entered the field.

The wilderness of a rural ministry circuit

I’m now a half-time “missional coach” to a six-church parish. I have many questions.

The General Theological Seminary celebrates its 201st commencement

The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., President of GTS, said: “The General Theological Seminary honors those whom God has prepared…

Julia E. Whitworth elected 17th bishop of Massachusetts

Whitworth was elected on the fourth ballot, receiving 118 clergy votes and 155 lay votes

Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves shares thoughts from 2024 Anglican Primates’ Meeting

The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves, vice president of the House of Bishops, attended the 2024 Anglican Primates’ Meeting in Rome

June 22 revival, learning party in Louisville to feature prayer, worship, music and workshops

…as well as the chance for The Episcopal Church to say thank you to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry for his nine years of leadership.

Former Executive Council member announces candidacy for House of Deputies president

The House of Deputies presidential election is now a three-way race

Background checks, essential for kids’ ministry, often remain a mystery

“The sense is that no one is above a background check,” she said.

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Episcopal Church Women2024-05-24T14:48:32+00:00May 24th, 2024|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 05-18-24

Bishops, deputies differ on outcome of proposed resolution requiring baptism before receiving Communion

The committees also voted on four other resolutions with deputies and bishops agreeing

Episcopal Church unveils new Pride shield in celebration of LGBTQ+ inclusion

“As a longtime ally of LGBTQ+ people, I was so excited to work on this Pride shield for The Episcopal Church,” said Melissa Walker, senior graphic designer.

Cathryn Beeks puts spotlight on women of Ramona in new video, song

The Rev. Hannah Wilder, a priest at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, is one of the Ramona women

Taking a cue from the pews, Texas churches expanding mental health services

There’s a partnership between the mental health organization and St. Phillips Episcopal Church.

Glad You Asked: What’s the difference between Episcopalians and Catholics?

On this episode of the podcast, guest Bryan Cones discusses the origins of the Episcopal Church

Cut flowers rescued from landfills, given to people in the community

“We make them for the schools, for the teachers,” said Kay Phillips, the coordinator of the Petal Pushers. – San Diego, CA

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Episcopal Church Women2024-05-17T15:01:09+00:00May 17th, 2024|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 05-11-24

Committees hear testimony on additions to the church calendar, proposed hymnal supplement

The calendar, often known as Lesser Feasts and Fasts, is considered part of the Book of Common Prayer

St. Paul’s church readies for May Luncheon fundraiser

The almost 150-year-old tradition is returning to the church this week along with the Episcopal Church Women’s Group annual bake sale. – Columbus, MS

Capitol Hill church looking to build affordable housing units on campus

St. Mark’s Cathedral on Capitol Hill is one of Seattle’s most iconic churches.

General Convention to consider endorsing ‘migration with dignity’ principles

They are among the people Jesus speaks of and they face unjust and evil systems…

St. Peter’s in Morristown to host screening of ‘The Philadelphia Eleven,’ May 18

Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion featuring the Rev. Nancy H. Wittig

Resolution would allow ‘local ecumenical partnerships’ between Episcopal, Presbyterian churches

The new proposal would allow for what is called a “limited, orderly exchange of ministers.”

Eastern Orthodox Church ordains Zimbabwean woman as its first deaconess

For years, debates over the ordination of deaconesses have divided Orthodox Christians worldwide.

Navajoland Episcopalians one step closer to becoming a missionary diocese

Last week, testimonials were given in support of Resolution C009, including one from the Rev. Leon Sampson

Spring Meeting of Province III Executive Committee May 5-6

The committee reviewed comprehensive Triennial overview and the meeting of the ECW national board.

They also had the opportunity to view an excellent documentary on the “Philadelphia 11,” with discussion led by Bishop Marianne Budde, Diocese of Washington, and hear the President of the House of Deputies, Julia Ayana Harris, during a concurrent session with the Province III Synod. Very productive meeting—See you in June! Dr. Renèe Escoffery Torres

“Revealing Faith: Women’s Voices Heard,” on the diocesan YouTube channel

Join us as we explore the diverse experiences, wisdom, and insights of Episcopal women from across our diocese. They offer unique perspectives on spirituality, leadership, and service. Each week, we delve into compelling stories that challenge conventions and inspire hope, reminding us that the strength of our community lies in the richness of its voices.

This series is more than just a collection of videos; it celebrates faith and hope in the Episcopal Church and beyond. Beginning June 7th

If you want to participate and share your story, please contact Canon Alexis Guszick.

Scarf Project from the women of the Episcopal Churches in the state of Wisconsin – Update

They collected 11 ditty bags, 12 hats, 13 sets of hat and scarf, 344 scarves, Total items were 380

These items came from 55 parishes across the State of Wisconsin. Thanks to all who contributed – it was an astounding, colorful, chaotic table with many smiles

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Episcopal Church Women2024-05-10T15:50:59+00:00May 10th, 2024|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 05-04-24

United Methodists strike down ban on ordination of gay clergy

Still to be voted on is a larger measure to remove from the rule book, called the Book of Discipline, a 1972 addition that says homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching.”

As pro-Palestinian protests continue on college campuses, Episcopal chaplains, churches offer support to protesters

The protesters are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza

Israeli-Palestinian conflict dominates General Convention International Policy committees’ hearings

“Peace after a ceasefire will only be achieved when both Israelis and Palestinians have equal rights, freedoms and self-determination.”

Navajoland on a Glide Path to Self-Determination

Witnesses from both Navajoland and the broader church gave ringing endorsements to the resolution.

Methodists Approve Full Communion with Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church has a long history of seriously pursuing unions with other American Protestant churches

Church’s ‘A Closer Look’ on immigration series addresses LGBTIQ+ migration issues

“LGBTQIA2S+” stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, and the “+” symbol represents…

Faith: Children, like religious pilgrimage, open our eyes

We are all pilgrims in this life.

Obstacles remain as women seek more leadership roles in America’s Black Church

Throughout its long history, the Black Church in America has – for the most part – been a patriarchal institution.

Wisconsin’s Diocese of Fond du Lac receives $7.9 million gift from the Sisterhood of the Holy Nativity

As fewer women were entering religious orders in the latter part of the 20th century, the order stopped accepting novices in the early 2000s.

Hometown podcast features interviews with people resettled to the U.S. as refugees

episodes include advocacy and policy updates on a wide variety of issues, webinar recordings, and opportunities to get involved in the ministry

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The Union of Black Episcopalians is proud to present our 56^th Annual Business Meeting and Conference (ABMC), which is scheduled for June 18-21, 2024, at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Our Exhibitor area is designated as a marketplace and educational center for our conference attendees from around the world.

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Episcopal Church Women2024-05-03T15:38:39+00:00May 3rd, 2024|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 04-27-24

Faith: Creation Care returns us to the original Earth Day

Caring for the Earth is not new to religions.

New head of Mt. Airy church has come a long way

“It was so remote that we had no electricity or running water,” said Rev. Tanya Regli – Mt. Airy, PA

Harnessing the Power of Interfaith Collaboration to Reduce Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls in Libera

One young woman spoke about how she had been a child bride at twelve or thirteen.

Episcopal bishop of Mass. apologized for removing female priest’s collar during Easter Vigil at Boston cathedral

“It was a devastating and demeaning act…” – Boston, MA

Navajoland seeks to become missionary diocese in resolution proposed to 81st General Convention

The Episcopal Church’s ministry on the 27,000-square-mile Navajo reservation dates back more than a century

Musician Turned to God in Her Grief

Leila Way is a songwriter in residence at Resurrection South Austin, a church of the Diocese of Texas

Faith communities come together to learn about mental health and mental illness

“I think there’s a staggering amount of people in our community, in all communities, that their only companion right now is that darkness.”

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Episcopal Church Women2024-04-26T13:15:58+00:00April 26th, 2024|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 04-20-24

Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe nominated by petition for election as presiding bishop

The election will take place on June 26 during The Episcopal Church’s triennial General Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

Executive Council welcomes back presiding bishop, as outgoing members prepare to say goodbye

House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris welcomed Curry back with “joy and gratitude” in her opening remarks. “Your presence among us has been missed,” she said

Historic Cincinnati church honored with road renaming

A section of Reading Road was honorarily named for the Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church. – Bond Hill, OH

Religious Landscape Study – Pew Research Findings

Is it true that less than 75% of Episcopalians attend church?

Blackwell: GreenGrace team seeks to build a modern-day ark

Green Grounds focuses on projects that create a “calming sanctuary and respite not just for people, but also birds, pollinators and all possible urban wildlife.” – Chattanooga, TN

Episcopal Church’s presiding officers sign documents to create Coalition for Racial Equity and Justice

Ayala Harris called it “a historic step forward in our church’s ongoing work to dismantle systemic racism and build a more just and equitable future for all God’s children.”

Bishop Budde on Courage in Decisive Moments

Budde rightly notes that “we learn from the courage of others.”

Founder of women’s support network visits OKC’s new Magdalene House: ‘Love is the sole force for change’

The new social enterprise was founded by the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma

An Unknown History of Central Park: The Story of Hettie Anderson and the Sherman Monument

Hettie Anderson, an African-American woman whose legacy has been largely overlooked.

Social Justice & US Policy committees hear testimony on gun violence, homelessness, religious nationalism, pacifism and just war

Forty-six people attended the virtual hearing of the House of Bishops’ and House of Deputies’ committees.

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Episcopal Church Women2024-04-19T16:04:56+00:00April 19th, 2024|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 04-12-24

Testimony on range of constitutional, canonical proposals includes support for changes relating to marriage equality

“The Holy Spirit was at work in our open and gracious conversations.”

Give us your date

Do you know what percent of parishes in your diocese have, on average, more than 100 people at Sunday worship?

Episcopal Church’s African Descent Ministries hosts 2024 International Black Clergy Conference in Baltimore

“We’re seeing our churches close. We don’t have enough priests to prepare, and we have gentrification going on all over the country, and of course in the church,”

Traditional view of marriage could make a comeback at the US General Convention

The US Episcopal Church has been presented with proposals to protect clerics who hold the view that marriage is intended to be a covenant made only between a man and a woman.

TikTok Turns to Nuns, Veterans and Ranchers in Marketing Blitz

In a TV commercial, Sister Monica Clare, a nun in northern New Jersey, walks through a church…

Proposals take aim at church health plan inequities that left those in Navajoland uninsured

At the root of the challenges to health equity are policies adopted by past General Conventions that limit the Church Pension Group’s ability to adjust insurance rates based on regional variations

Task force’s resolutions affirm ‘big tent’ church despite lingering same-sex marriage divisions

Same-sex blessings and marriage rites have been among the most hotly contested issues at the past several meeting of General Convention.

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Episcopal Church Women2024-04-12T18:37:20+00:00April 12th, 2024|

Algunos pensamientos acerca de la oración

Cuando cada Oración no comienza con el “Padre Nuestro” o culmina con “Amen”

A veces la oración es la vía a la respuesta.

A veces la oración es la llave que se usa para liberar la respuesta.

A veces es el candado que se abre para recibir la respuesta.

A veces es nuestro asombro y ofertorio en contestación a la respuesta.

Pero sin menoscabo alguno, en todas las cosas y siempre, la oración es la respuesta.

“Yo oro porque no lo puedo evitar. Yo oro porque estoy desahuciado. Yo oro porque la necesidad de hacerlo se desborda fuera de mi todo el tiempo, caminando y durmiendo. No cambia a Dios. Me cambia a mí.”

―C. S. Lewis

Como C. S. Lewis, oro porque no puedo evitarlo. Oro porque hay una necesidad en mí de hacerlo. Ya sea para hacer una petición o intercesión, ofrecer contrición o acción de gracias, buscar guía divina o protección, o simplemente expresar mi total dependencia de Dios, ya sea en la congoja o celebración, mi alma clama, con o sin palabras.

Después de años de tratar de encontrar la fórmula correcta, las palabras correctas, la forma correcta de rezar y de atribuir resultados no deseados a mi fracaso en “hacerlo bien”, me he dado cuenta de que el poder de la oración no es tanto el resultado de las palabras que proferimos cuando oramos si no la actitud con la que oramos. Se trata de nuestra total confianza en Aquel a quien oramos. “Sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios”, nos dice hebreos 11:6. “Para cualquiera que quiera acercarse a Dios, primero debe creer que Dios existe y que recompensa a quienes lo buscan sinceramente”. Las palabras ya Dios las conoce: “Antes que una palabra esté en mi lengua, tú, Señor, la conoces plenamente (Salmo 139:4)”.

Creo que a Dios le importa más lo que dicen nuestros corazones que nuestras palabras, cuando rezamos. Así que nunca dejes de rezar porque no sabes que decir. Incluso en el silencio, Dios escuchará lo que el corazón tiene que decir. A veces las palabras pueden incluso interponerse o estorbar.

Con el pasar de los años, he escrito algunas de mis ideas y observaciones sobre la oración, que compartiré aquí en el resto de este artículo, pero no con la intención de asesorar, instruir o recomendar prácticas para la oración. Mi deseo es simplemente compartir estas ideas con la esperanza de que puedan ampliar sus maneras de abordar la oración, lo cual tal vez de alguna manera pueda ayudar a enriquecer su vida de oración.

La oración es como volver a tu amado…aquel que te ama y te espera…con júbilo…no algo hecho por deber u obligación…sino con alegría y anhelo…con ansias de disfrutar de la compañía una vez más…. A veces es un regreso muy esperado…a veces ese regreso se hace desde una distancia mucho mayor….a veces cargando una cruz más pesada que en tiempos anteriores…pero sabiendo…empero…que Tu amado…Aquel que es el amante y cuidador de tu alma…Aquel que te adora y adora y es digno de ser adorado…estará allí para darte la bienvenida…se deleitará en escuchar tu voz y hablarle a tu corazón…de profundidad a profundidad…estando allí en tu presencia…recibiendo tu alabanza y petición…proporcionándote descanso…y refrigerio…haciendo que todas las cosas estén bien y sean renovadas…una vez más…solo para ti. Sí, la oración, en su máxima expresión… es como pasar tiempo con tu amado… ¡amando y siendo amado en reciprocidad!

Señor, te doy gracias porque no importa qué, cómo o cuándo oro, Tú escuchas… que la ausencia de palabras no es una barrera para Ti.… que puedes discernir con la misma facilidad los susurros, los suspiros e incluso el silencio cuando dibujo. cerca de ti. Señor, te doy gracias porque en Tu misericordia escuchas mi oración y respondes al clamor de mi corazón.

Manteniéndonos recargados

Vivimos en un mundo impulsado por la tecnología, lleno de dispositivos que ayudan a satisfacer nuestras necesidades o satisfacer algún deseo. Dependemos de estos dispositivos para que nos den direcciones, administren nuestros horarios y nos mantengan conectados. Sin embargo, desde el primer clic de la mañana y con cada clic o golpe posterior, su suministro de energía se va agotando. Necesitan recargarse constantemente para funcionar según lo diseñado.

Para mantenerlos operativos, tenemos cargadores en nuestras casas, en nuestros automóviles, en nuestros bolsillos o carteras. Nos volvemos frenéticos y frustrados cuando no podemos encontrar uno o cuando la batería se está agotando. Tememos perder el poder. La oración es como esos cargadores. Nos permite acceso inmediato a Dios, nuestra principal fuente de poder. La oración nos mantiene cargados y conectados. Nos da poder para seguir andando.

Ora. Sin cesar. Te ayudara a evitar un corte de energía.

Solo ora

¿Acaso la preocupación te abruma sobre el que dirás?

¿Cuándo lo único que quiere Dios de nosotros es que simplemente oremos?

Ven ante la presencia de Dios

Pasa tiempo con El, que nos escuche

Ven a El

No importa el lugar, el tiempo del día

O lo manera.

Solo ora.

Cielos azules o grisáceos

Ora de cualquier forma.

Si las palabras no salen perfectamente

Eso está bien

¿Qué es la perfección de cualquier manera?

No te preocupes por la postura o la posición al hacerlo

arrodillados, parados o postrados

Tu opción es orar sin que importe nada.

Dios es escuchando lo que tu corazón quiere decir

Sin importar las circunstancias que rodeen tu vida

Dios siempre está cerca cuando oras

Solo ora.

Elementos adicionales a petición:

Kathy Culmer es autora, educadora cristiana, narradora profesional, oradora, maestra y líder de retiros. Se graduó de Spelman College, la Universidad del Sur de Florida y el United Theological Seminary (Seminario Teologal Unido) con un Doctorado en Ministerio especializado en Narración Bíblica.

Episcopal Church Women2024-04-09T16:34:41+00:00April 9th, 2024|

Some Thoughts on Prayer

When Every Prayer Doesn’t Begin with “Our Father” or End with “Amen”

Sometimes prayer is the way to the answer.

Sometimes prayer is the key that is turned to release the answer.

Sometimes it is the lock that is opened to receive the answer.

Sometimes it is our awe and offering in response to the answer.

But no matter what, in all things and always, prayer is the answer.

“I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God. It changes me.”

―C. S. Lewis

Like C. S. Lewis, I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because there is a need in me to do so. Whether to make a petition or intercession, offer contrition or thanksgiving, seek direction or protection, or to express my utter dependence on God, whether in sorrow or celebration, my soul cries out—with or without the words.

After years of trying to find the right formula, the right words, the right way to pray, and attributing undesired outcomes to my failure to “get it right,” I have realized that the power of prayer isn’t nearly as much the result of words we speak when we pray as it is about the attitude with which we pray. It is about our complete trust and confidence in the One to whom we are praying. “Without faith it is impossible to please God,” Hebrews 11:6 tells us. “For anyone who wants to come to God must first believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” The words God already knows: “Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely (Psalm 139:4).”

I think God cares more about what our hearts are saying than our words, when we’re praying. So never fail to pray because you don’t know the words to say. Even in the silence, God will hear what the heart has to say. Sometimes the words can even get in the way.

Over the years, I have written some of my insights and observations on prayer, which I will share here in the remainder of this article, but not with the intent to advise, instruct or in any way recommend practices for prayer. My desire is simply to share these insights in hopes that they might broaden your perspectives on prayer, perhaps in ways that may somehow help to enrich your prayer life.

Prayer is like a return to your beloved…one who loves you and awaits you…with joy…not a thing done out of duty or obligation…but with joy and anticipation…with eagerness to share company once more…. Sometimes it is a long awaited return…sometimes returning from a greater distance….sometimes carrying a heavier weight…but knowing…nonetheless…that Your beloved…the One who is the lover and caretaker of your soul…the One who adores you and adores being adored…will be there to welcome you…delights in hearing your voice and speaking to your heart…deep to deep…being in your presence…receiving your praise and petition…providing you rest…and refreshment…making all things well and new…once more…for you. Yes, prayer, at its best…is like spending time with your beloved…loving and being loved!

Even when the utterance of my heart cannot be articulated by tongue and lips to form a single word…or cannot by the human ear be audibly heard…perhaps not even my own…my heart still speaks…in a language that You, O Lord, alone can hear and discern.

Lord, I Thank You that no matter what or how or when I pray, You hear…that the absence of words is no barrier to You…that You can just as easily discern whispers, sighs and even silence when I draw near…to You. Lord, I thank You that in Your mercy, You hear my prayer and answer my heart’s cry.

Staying Charged

We live in a technology-driven world, full of devices to help meet our needs or satisfy some desire. We rely on these devices to give us directions, manage our schedules and keep us connected. From the first click of the morning, however, and with each subsequent click or stroke, their energy supply is being depleted. They constantly need recharging to function as designed.

To keep them operational, we have chargers in our homes, our cars, in our pockets or purses. We become frantic and frustrated when one can’t be found, or when the battery is running low. We fear losing power. Prayer is like those chargers. It allows us immediate access to God, our ultimate power source. Prayer keeps us charged and connected. It gives us power to keep running.

Pray. Without ceasing. It will help you avoid a power outage.

Just Pray

Could it be we worry too much about what we will say,

When all God wants us to do is just pray?

Come into God’s presence

Spend some time, have our say

Come to Him

No matter the place, the time of day

Or the way.

Just pray.

Blue skies or gray

Pray anyway.

If the words are not perfect

That’s okay

What’s perfect anyway?

Don’t worry about posture or position

Kneeling, upright or prostrate lay

Your choice to pray any way.

God is listening for what your heart has to say

Whatever circumstance in life comes your way

God is never farther than a prayer away

Just pray.

Kathy Culmer is an author, Christian educator, professional storyteller, speaker, teacher and retreat leader.

She is author of the 2020 story series for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas: “Moving Forward in Truth: The African American Experience of Episcopalians in the Diocese of Texas.”

Episcopal Church Women2024-04-09T16:30:49+00:00April 9th, 2024|

St Thomas and the Abbey – Grant

St Thomas Grant The Rev. Josiah Rengers
2870 Acton Rd.,
Birmingham, Al

Dear Reverand Rengers:

Thank you for your recent request for a National ECW Board Universal grant for $5,000.00 to help the collaborative outreach ministry between Saint Thomas and the Abbey.

We are honored to fund this Grant because it will be helping a worshipping community in the inner city of Birmingham, Alabama. Please make sure that you file a written report to the NECW on how the funds were used and how the purpose/objective was achieved and evaluated.

Again, congratulations and we look forward to hearing from you.

God bless,

Annie Kate Jacobs, Chairperson

NECW Social Justice

Episcopal Church Women2024-04-09T16:22:59+00:00April 9th, 2024|

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Cuando cada Oración no comienza con el “Padre Nuestro” o culmina con “Amen”

When Every Prayer Doesn’t Begin with “Our Father” or End with “Amen”