ECW Women Articles-Poems-Announcements

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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View Past Women in Action News Blasts

2024-05-17T15:01:09+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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View Past Women in Action News Blasts

2024-05-10T15:50:59+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

The Union of Black Episcopalians is proud to present our 56th 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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View Past Women in Action News Blasts

2024-05-03T15:38:39+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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View Past Women in Action News Blasts

2024-04-26T13:15:58+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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View Past Women in Action News Blasts

2024-04-19T16:04:56+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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View Past Women in Action News Blasts

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

Renewal Prayers – Communique Spring 2024

Lord,

Renew us with your love
Energize our souls
Nourish our spirit
Empower us to show our faith
Walk with you
Abide with us
Lead us and we will follow

Amen

By Cindy Mohr

God our Father, Lord of Creation

Refresh our spirits
Encourage inspiration
Nudge us to action
Enliven our hearts
Water buds of hope
Abolish seeds of doubt
Lift us with your light
To be new and greater visions of your love
As Episcopal Church Women
In this time and place.

by Rev. Jennifer Kenna

Dear Lord, again we come to you, weary and worn. Listening and watching conflict, rudeness, discrimination, war, and hatred must be as hard for you as it is for us. You gave us the way to lasting peace, but we have turned away. Please give us that spark, that hope, that flame that cannot be quenched. Please let us honor you with our actions and words. Touch hearts, dear Lord, touch minds, that we will remember the gift of your son, Jesus, and listen to his words and follow his example.

By Beth Agar

2024-04-09T14:43:04+00:00April 9th, 2024|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 02-17-24

Episcopal Church’s ‘Election Activators’ program aims to mobilize voters for 2024 election

One of the Episcopal Election Activators in the current cycle is 69-year-old Emily Hopkins of the Episcopal Diocese of California…

Gardner church provides a monthly free laundry service to people in need

Susan Hubbard, organizer of Laundry Love, said the church is always looking for ways to engage and help people

Online Extremism is a Growing Problem, But What’s Being Done About It?

A hate crime occurs nearly every hour in the U.S.

Diocese of Southern Ohio to ordain female bishop for the first time

Rev. Kristin Uffelman White was elected bishop in the fall after having served as canon to the ordinary in the Diocese of Indianapolis since 2018

Fundraiser To Support Upcoming Youth Adventure

The trip is being organized by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for youth who are currently enrolled in or have completed the church’s confirmation class.

Diocese of Florida is a ‘psychologically unsafe environment’ says Bishop

Rt Revd Mary Gray-Reeves, who has been trained in mediation, was brought in by the diocese as it sought to bring people together

Letter: A Christian perspective on ending child hunger

The imperative for Christians is clear — to recognize the divine movement and align ourselves with the purpose of God.

All Shall Be Well: What’s That Somethin’, Somethin’ On Your Forehead?

By Pastor Nicolé Raddu Ferry – Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church

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View Past Women in Action News Blasts

2024-02-15T16:53:50+00:00February 15th, 2024|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 12-02-23

About the General Convention

The General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church. Every three years it meets as a bicameral legislature

Executive Council approves 38 grants for new Episcopal communities

A diverse array of 38 new church and missional communities received approval for $734,150 in grants during the Episcopal Church Executive Council’s meeting in October.

Curry-Inspired Documentary to Get One-Day Run in Theaters

“A Case for Love will be shown in 1,000 theaters nationwide, one night only, on January 23, 2024,”

Reno mobile food pantry steps in amid rising prices, inflation

Not only do volunteers visit motels every first and third Saturday of the month, they deliver food to senior living facilities. – NV

House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris’ remarks on full communion agreement with Church of Sweden

In this agreement, we do not become one church. We remain autonomous while also binding ourselves to one another.

DeKalb church group donates to retirement home fund

The fund provides residents a safe and welcoming home. – IL

Surprise You Sale a Buffalo tradition

The first sale was 138 years ago. It wasn’t the first fundraiser held by St. Luke’s, however. That was in 1884. – WY

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View Past Women in Action News Blasts

2023-12-01T17:12:33+00:00December 1st, 2023|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 11-18-23

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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View Past Women in Action News Blasts

2023-11-17T16:58:46+00:00November 17th, 2023|
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