Announcements

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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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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Constituting group for racial equity and justice coalition meets in person to advance structural work

As Heidi Kim, one of the Deputies of Color, said, “The opportunity for the coalition is to go local and deep and over time.”

Food insecurity a growing concern in Doylestown

“The need is great, obviously,” said Mary Lou Parry, chair of St. Paul’s outreach committee. “We have difficulty keeping up with it…” – PA

St. Anne’s Episcopal Church offers ‘non-religious, non-denominational’ support for grandparents/relatives raising their grandkids

It’s more common than you may think: grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles raising a relative’s children. – Crystal River, FL

Applications open for 250 priests to join Virginia Theological Seminary’s Thriving in Ministry initiative

This program is being expanded after receiving $500,000, five-year sustainability grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc.

Episcopal Coalition for Racial Equity and Justice moves closer to launch as independent nonprofit

The coalition’s goal “is not to supplant or replace the work of the church…”

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Forum will address helping homeless women and children in Great Falls

“Women have to believe they’re worthy….” – MT

The Oldest Church in North Carolina Is Filled With Rich History

The St. Thomas Episcopal Church became one of five parishes in the colony due to the Vestry Act of 1701.

Diocese of San Joaquin nears its renewable energy goal, with 95% reliance on solar power

The diocese has created an organization it calls the Episcopal Renewable Energy Nonprofit.

Presiding bishop says ‘stop the killing’ in Middle East as death toll rises from Israel-Hamas war

“Today I raise my voice for love because more than 10,000 people have died in Gaza, including more than 4,000 children,” Curry said.

‘The need is really still huge:’ Second Harvest preps to help those in need for holiday season

As we near the holiday season, organizations like the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and their partner agencies are preparing to feed people for Thanksgiving.

Celebrating 15 years of shared ministry

What started as an effort by two young boys who collected coins from students during Sunday School – Bethesda, MD

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Episcopal Church Approves Committee to Investigate Forced Adoptions

The committee is to investigate the church’s involvement with forced adoptions that occurred between the 1940s and ’70s.

Historic P’ville Church Welcomes its New Priest to the Community

“When we interviewed her, she had such a positive outlook. In addition to having met all the requirements, she seemed to have an energy about her that would build community and that was really important for us.” – Westchester County, NY

After Texas law forces closure of LGBTQ+ center, Houston campus ministries offer space for students

“just to say no matter what religious messages you’ve heard, no matter what other churches have told you … what our faith teaches us is you are loved.”

Transylvania Habitat initiates Faith Build Program with local churches

The Faith Build program aims to engage congregations of varying faiths in partnership with Transylvania Habitat for Humanity. – Brevard, NC

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The ECW National Board is meeting in Omaha, NE this weekend.

Ms. Beth Agar, Province VI representative set up an event filled weekend to coincide with the board’s visit. Saturday’s lunch is expected to be visited by many members of the local church women. Watch the Facebook page for images and updates.

Using Picture Books for Racial Healing

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

November  8, 15 from 1 to 3 p.m.). Sign up here.

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

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

Episcopal Church Women of North Carolina Annual Meeting 

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

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

Featured presenters include

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

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

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

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

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Open Position: Staff Officer for Gender Justice and Women Ministries

The Staff Officer for Gender Justice Ministries is housed within the Department of Reconciliation, Justice and Creation Care, the team that equips, inspires and gathers Episcopalians for faithful response to justice challenges and opportunities in the church and in the world.

Ketchum Community Dinners Needs Help as Food Pantries Run Bare

The Idaho Foodbank has had trouble keeping its pantries stocked as inflation—high food and housing costs–continues to chip away at Idahoans’ ability to put food on the table.

Diocese of Florida’s proposed resolution would eliminate an estimated 88 clergy from voting rolls

“Some people were dissatisfied with clergy being in other states having nothing to do with the Diocese of Florida except show up for convention to elect a bishop.”

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

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

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

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

Southern Ohio Bishop-Elect’s Church Roots Go Deep

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

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

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

Lay Preachers Meet Growing Need

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

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Arkansas ECW Fall Gathering – Oct 13 – 14

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

Episcopal Church Women Diocese of Mississippi Annual/Fall Conference

Saturday, October 21, 2023

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

Using Picture Books for Racial Healing

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

Choose 1 month:

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

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

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

2023 Fall Speaker Series – ECW Diocese of Chicago

by Zoom – Register here

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

October 18 – Sustainable Gardening

Episcopal Church Women of North Carolina Annual Meeting 

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

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

Featured presenters include

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

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

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

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

View Past Women in Action News Blasts

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

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

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry released from hospital, resting at home

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

Local artist displays new collection at All Angels gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ann Ritonia consecrated bishop suffragan for armed forces and federal ministries

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

Kristin Uffelman White elected 10th bishop of Southern Ohio

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

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ECW of Delaware ECW Annual Meeting, Luncheon and Worship

October 7, 2023.

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

Arkansas ECW Fall Gathering – Oct 13 – 14

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

Episcopal Church Women Diocese of Mississippi Annual/Fall Conference

Saturday, October 21, 2023

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

Using Picture Books for Racial Healing

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

Choose 1 month:

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

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

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

2023 Fall Speaker Series – ECW Diocese of Chicago

by Zoom – Register here

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

October 18 – Sustainable Gardening

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View Past Women in Action News Blasts