ECW Women Articles-Poems-Announcements Archives - Page 8 of 23

Episcopal Church Women in the News 04-16-22

Summary

LI Herald Long Beach – City’s ‘unsung heroes’ honored – “It’s phenomenal,” Welker said. “We all appreciate it. It really shows respect, because a lot of the time we can get overlooked and underappreciated.”

Gaston Gazette – New rector at All Saints Episcopal likes emphasis on service to others – Orville, 62, became rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Gastonia late in 2021.

The Alpena News – Local women plan Ukrainian refugee relief fundraiser – If you’ve been wondering how to help the people of Ukraine, a group of local women have come up with some ideas: rummage sale, bake sale, silent art auction, and bazaar

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City’s ‘unsung heroes’ honored

LI Herald – Long Beach, NY

On April 3, 1968, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tenn. He was assassinated the next day. On Monday, the 54th anniversary of King’s assassination, representatives of two Long Beach churches — St. James-Jerusalem Episcopal and New Life Church of Christ — visited the city’s Sanitation Department to offer the workers sandwiches, drinks, snacks, dessert and gifts, honoring King’s memory and the work he did on behalf of the Memphis workers.

New rector at All Saints Episcopal likes emphasis on service to others

Gaston Gazette – Gastonia, NC
The metaphor is not her own, but the Rev. Lynn Orville shares it as a vision of what churches are facing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. When Lewis and Clark set out to find a route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean they had assumed they would be on the water, in canoes, for the entire journey.

Local women plan Ukrainian refugee relief fundraiser

Alpena News – Alpena, MI

If you’ve been wondering how to help the people of Ukraine, a group of local women have come up with some ideas. A rummage sale, bake sale, silent art auction, and bazaar will be held in the ballroom at the APlex, 701 Woodward Ave. Donation drop-off will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 20 and 21, and the sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, April 22 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 23.

The 44 Percent: Black Miami churches, Dwayne Haskins & Miami-Dade disparity study

Miami Herald – Miami, FL

I’ve always wondered why many Black Americans feel a sense of kinship with the church. And while doing some reporting for our recent Miami churches story, I found my answer. It came about during my chat with Gaile Holland, a parishioner at the historic Saint Agnes Episcopal Church which is nearly as old as Miami itself (the church was established 1898, the city 1896). Many families, including Holland’s, have been attending the church for generations.

Episcopal bishops join lobby day at Michigan’s Capitol to advocate for gun safety legislation

Episcopal News Service – Michigan

Episcopalians in Michigan joined other advocates of gun safety legislation for a lobby day April 13 at the Capitol in Lansing, where they met with lawmakers and held a news conference to promote the recently launched End Gun Violence Michigan campaign.

Stone Soup fundraiser happening today to benefit residents in need

WITN News – Greenville, NC

A church is stewing up soup Wednesday to benefit those in need. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is hosting its annual Stone Soup fundraiser with 12 local restaurants serving up their best recipes. This year’s event is drive-thru style, so people can place orders, drive up to the church and pick up their meals from 4:30 p.m.- 6 p.m.

Register now for virtual Episcopal Latino Ministry Competency Course

The Episcopal Church Office of Latino/Hispanic Ministries offers this intensive session for those interested in expanding their competency about Latino culture, spirituality, and ministry. The course includes 20 hours of online classroom presentation, worship services, and group dialogue. Register till May 6th.

16 Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) will be awarded for full completion of the ELMC course. If you have any questions about any aspect of the course, please contact Anthony Guillén. For questions about your registration, contact Angie Cabanban. or at 212-716-6186.

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Episcopal Church Women2022-04-15T14:32:06+00:00April 16th, 2022|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 04-09-22

Summary

Republican Journal – St. Margaret’s introduces new rector at April 3 service – The Rev. Barbara Briggs will preach for the first time as rector of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Belfast ME

Daily Pilot – Touched by its support, Costa Mesa woman from Ukraine offers sweet thanks to local church – I want to come and say thanks to the people of the church for supporting Ukraine even though they don’t know Ukrainians

Greenfield Recorder – Faith Matters: The anointing woman – I love this story not only for its emotional power and for its portrayal of Jesus’ humanity in the days before his death, but also because it provides a fascinating

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St. Margaret’s introduces new rector at April 3 service

Republican Journal – Belfast, ME

The Rev. Barbara Briggs will preach for the first time as rector of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Belfast, at the 9:30 a.m. service on Sunday, April 3. The incoming priest will celebrate Eucharist, at which the consecrated wine will be offered in individual cups rather than a common chalice. Those attending are asked to voluntarily wear masks because of close spacing in the church. The Women of St. Margaret’s will hold a meeting open to all following the service at 11 a.m. in the adjoining parish house.

Touched by its support, Costa Mesa woman from Ukraine offers sweet thanks to local church

Daily Pilot – New Port Beach, CA

It was the sight of the blue and yellow banner hanging on the outside wall of St. James Episcopal Church in Newport Beach that prompted to deliver a Ukrainian cake to church the following Sunday. “When I was passing by the church and saw the flag ‘Pray For Ukraine’ outside, I asked myself, ‘Are there any Ukrainians in that church?’” said Zamaraieva. “‘Or do they know of any Ukrainians?’”

Faith Matters: The anointing woman

Greenfield Recorder – Greenfield, MA

The gospel text for this Sunday in many Christian denominations is John’s account of the woman who anoints Jesus. As with other texts for these days approaching Holy Week, it is somber in tone, and this story is particularly poignant. In it, a woman anoints Jesus with perfumed oil (a rather shockingly intimate gesture). Another disciple objects to the action as representing a waste of funds that could have gone to the poor, and Jesus defends the expenditure on the oil as preparation for his burial.

St. Martha’s donates $27K to Ukraine response fund

Coastal Point – Bethany Beach, DE

A check for $27,070 donated by members of St. Martha’s Episcopal Church in Bethany Beach will be mailed to the Episcopal Relief & Development’s Ukraine Crisis Response Fund this week, to help those affected by the invasion of Ukraine.

Slave descendants eligible for scholarship from Episcopal Diocese of Long Island

Greater Long Island – Long Island, NY

The Reparations Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island is championing equity in education with their latest scholars program. According to their website, Black, African-American and Caribbean-American students who are descendants of enslaved people are encouraged to apply for the “Barbara C. Harris Scholars Program.”

‘Love in a Backpack’ returns for third year, raises collection goal

Greenfield Recorder – Greenfield, MA

Conway resident Mary McClintock says the group seeking donations for the “Love in a Backpack” project is getting even more ambitious as the drive enters its third year.

“I think we packed 50 backpacks last year,” recalled McClintock, community collaboration coordinator with Community Action Pioneer Valley. “We’re going for 85 this year.”

The Medical Loan Closet Ministry of St. John’s, Bandon

Diocese of Oregon – Bandon, OR

In 2017 we opened the St. John’s Medical Loan Closet in Bandon with four volunteers, a 13’ x 15’ space for operations, one wheelchair, and few expectations.

Since then our collection has grown to 194 pieces of durable medical equipment (DME) including wheelchairs, walkers, toileting and bathing aids, knee scooters, crutches, and canes. The word is out and each year we serve hundreds of clients who come from a region stretching from Reedsport to Brookings, and inland to Myrtle Point. Our clients are recovering from surgeries and accidents, are dealing with illness, or are facing the end of life.

Church Periodical Club – Ministry of the Written Word is pleased to announce our quilt winners.

Hawaiian Vintage Quilt: Winnifred Folett, Sedona, AZ. Winnie is the incoming Treasurer for Province VIII ECW.

Cracker Barrel quilt: Kathy Mank, Loveland OH. Kathy is President of Province V ECW & has served on the National ECW Board

Our auction raised over $3000.

Thank you to all. See you next year! – Maryfran Crist

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Episcopal Church Women2022-04-08T14:56:36+00:00April 9th, 2022|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 03-19-22

Summary

The Virginian Pilot – Virginia Beach Girl Scout creates cookbook for food bank – The idea for Ivy Edwards’ cookbook struck as she was bagging giant beets and neckbone cuts of beef and pork.

Episcopal News Service – Episcopal churches offer menstrual products, dignity to women, girls. Period – “Period poverty” is not a term routinely used in church to describe economic inequality

Alive – Founder of Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing receives presidential awards – Dr. Catherine Meeks was awarded The President Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award and the Presidential Volunteer Service Award medal. Along with her personal recognition, the center

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Virginia Beach Girl Scout creates cookbook for food bank

The Virginian Pilot – Virginia Beach, VA

The idea for Ivy Edwards’ cookbook struck as she was bagging giant beets and neckbone cuts of beef and pork.

Volunteering at Chapel Pantry at Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church, a large food bank that receives unsold fresh meats, dairy and produce from local grocers, Ivy began wondering if clients would know how to prepare some of the more unusual items.

“I wouldn’t have had a clue how to cook them,” she says. “I felt like a lot might go to waste, especially if people didn’t have time or the resources to look things up.”

Episcopal churches offer menstrual products, dignity to women, girls. Period

Episcopal News Service – Jackson Hole, WY

“Period poverty” is not a term routinely used in church to describe economic inequality, but now a growing number of Episcopal congregations are using it in their efforts to help low-income women and girls access menstrual hygiene products.

Twenty-three percent of students ages 13-19 struggled to afford menstrual products and 51% had worn such products longer than is recommended, according to “State of the Period 2021.” A separate survey of low-income women by the Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that nearly two-thirds were unable to buy the tampons or pads they needed at some point in the previous year.

Founder of Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing receives presidential awards

Alive – Atlanta, GA

A founding executive director for the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racing Healing was awarded two presidential awards, along with the center being recognized.

Dr. Catherine Meeks was awarded The President Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award and the Presidential Volunteer Service Award medal. Along with her personal recognition, the center was named a 2022 Presidential Award Lifetime Achievement Honoree.

Freedom Kits help girls in developing countries stay in school

Yakima Herald Republic – Yakima, WA

Refugees and many who stayed behind would need safe shelter, food, clothing and medical items. For women struggling with unpredictable supply chains or life in refugee camps, that could include tampons and pads.

The 57-year tradition of Calvary Church in Stonington holding Lenten Luncheons

The Day – Stonington Borough, CT

Carole Barnard of Stonington, who heads up ECW, has been involved with the Lenten Luncheons for almost two decades and says that raising money for worthy organizations “is such a wonderful thing, such a satisfying thing.”

Blessing boxes at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer helping people in a time of need

NBC 15 News – Mobile, AL

It was about four years ago when the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer put blessing boxes in front of its property at 7125 Hitt Road in Mobile. There’s a total of three there including an emergency pantry, a toiletries box, and another one for books.

Leading with Heart workshop

The Episcopal Church Women of Province VIII are offering a workshop at United Nations CSW Forum on March 20th, 2022 9am Pacific time. The focus of the forum is the environment, so that is the theme as we model circular leadership. All are welcome and invited. The main circle will be recorded and offered at our website ecwprovinceviii.org – there is no cost to sign up for this.

Green Tent Circle Workshop: Caring for one another and Mother Earth

Storytelling, photography, art, ceremony, ritual, circle conversations, creativity, and celebrations transform apathy into climate actions. Interactive workshop starting with a panel of women from Earth Child Institute and Green Tent Circle. LIVESTREAM: www.facebook.com/GreenTentCircleEvent

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Episcopal Church Women2022-03-18T17:38:09+00:00March 19th, 2022|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 03-05-22

Summary

Washington Post – For many immunosuppressed, churches stopped being a safe place – For centuries, Christians have met in sacred places that also provided safety for those seeking asylum

John Deere – The Soil and the Soul – Elizabeth DeRuff’s ministry is rooted in farming. Divine inspiration strikes in all sorts of ways and all sorts of places.

The Georgetowner – Mapping Georgetown: A Story of Love Stretching Back to The Mayflower – This sweet story is made doubly so because it threads together more than several centuries of connections back to those married at Plymouth Rock.”

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For many immunosuppressed, churches stopped being a safe place

Washington Post – Washington D.C.

For centuries, Christians have met in sacred places that also provided safety for those seeking asylum, including runaway slaves and undocumented immigrants. But those same sanctuaries where many sing and embrace each other have become anxiety-inducing, and possibly dangerous, for many Americans who are considered higher risk for covid-19.

More than 7 million Americans have weakened immune systems that make them more vulnerable to contracting the coronavirus and can make covid-19 more deadly.

The Soil and the Soul

Healdsburg, CA

Divine inspiration strikes in all sorts of ways and all sorts of places. For Rev. Elizabeth DeRuff, an ordained Episcopal priest who describes herself as an agricultural chaplain, a field of wheat is a perfect place to connect with God.

At a California family camp where she served as chaplain and dean, DeRuff met a woman in 2003 who declined communion because of her bread allergy. That prompted DeRuff to begin exploring the connections among land, health, regeneration, and wheat.

Mapping Georgetown: A Story of Love Stretching Back to The Mayflower

Georgetowner – Washington D.C.

I want to share this sweet story. It is truly an American love story that began with those who came a long time ago to our shores and finds its way through the ages to a boy and girl by a stream sharing a cup of water who lived happily ever after in Washington D.C.

The boy and girl were my grandparents. Harold Whiting Burnside met Enid Holden when he was a young man of 15 and she, a little tow head of 12. While Harold was picking strawberries in the field below Enid’s Grandpa’s house in Hyattsville Md and drinking from the pasture spring, she showed him where they hid the drinking cup. Grandpa said he was smitten right then and there. They married in 1917 and lived over fifty years in the District.

St. John’s Episcopal Church Women to host Two Sip ‘n’ Paint Workshops

Pine Island Eagle – St. James City, FL

Local artist Mary Linden Ragains will guide participants through a water color session on Monday, Feb. 28, and an acrylic painting class on Monday, March 14, both from 2-4 p.m. in St. John’s Comfort Hall, 7771 Stringfellow Road, St. James City. To register for either or both of these classes, please call Janet Pinnell at 239-558-8135 for tickets. The watercolor class is $25, the acrylics class is $30, with all materials provided, as well as coffee, wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Triennial News

Registration for the 80th General Convention will open on Friday, March 18 and will be a two-part process. In March, diocesan coordinators, other authorized persons, and individuals who register for attending the entire convention will be able to pre-register those attending as deputies, alternates, bishops, ECW delegates, and visitors.

Resolved, the Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements adopts the following vaccination policy for all attendees of the 80th General Convention: Read the full resolution.

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Episcopal Church Women2022-03-04T14:25:11+00:00March 5th, 2022|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 02-19-22

Summary

Tapinto.net – Meet the Leaders: Q&A with Reverend Susanna Cates, Pastor of All Saints Episcopal Church in Scotch Plains – “I never predicted ordained ministry as part of my journey”

NJ Herald – Breaking the stained-glass ceiling: How women are rising to leadership in the Black church – Rev. Ratona Stokes-Robinson’s … phone buzzed with excitement.

Salem News – Shining light on an untold story – For years, Sheila Cooke-Kayser, a former National Park Service employee, has been researching these stories as a volunteer with the Danvers Historical Society. If the walls of the Page House in Danvers Square could talk

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Meet the Leaders: Q&A with Reverend Susanna Cates, Pastor of All Saints Episcopal Church in Scotch Plains

Tapinto.net – Scotch Plains, NJ

“I grew up in Gainsville, FL, and lived there until my early 20s. Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, and so it’s a very diverse town. Lots of folks from all over the world attend school and teach there, and some of them decide to stay, bringing their traditions and worldviews with them. It makes for a community that’s very flexible, open-minded, and willing to learn from others. In that way, this part of New Jersey feels a lot like home. We are so close to NYC, and our surrounding areas have just about every kind of person from every kind of place. It’s one of the many things I love about living here.”

Breaking the stained-glass ceiling: How women are rising to leadership in the Black church

NJHerald – Thorofare, NJ

After the Rev. Ratona Stokes-Robinson was appointed to lead St. James AME Church in South Jersey last summer, her phone buzzed with excitement. But the joy was short-lived. She wound up delivering her first Sunday sermon not from the front of the small white church in Thorofare, but outside its locked doors. Officers of the Gloucester County church refused to hand her the keys, reportedly unwilling to let a female pastor take over.

Shining light on an untold story

Salem News – Danvers, MA

If the walls of the Page House in Danvers Square could talk, the stories that they would tell are ones of bravery, strength and mystery. For years, Sheila Cooke-Kayser, a former National Park Service employee, has been researching these stories as a volunteer with the Danvers Historical Society and is now primed to share her findings of one individual with a larger audience.

Iona Celtic Retreat with Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows

Episcopal News Service

From June 18-25, 2022, join Bishop Jennifer and members of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis in a Celtic retreat on the sacred Isle of Iona, off the western coast of Scotland. The retreat will be led by the Rev. John Philip Newell, an internationally known expert on Celtic spirituality.

Nonprofits Benefit From Shop Of St. Philip’s

Transylvania Times – Brevard, NC

The Episcopal Church Women of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church announced they were able to award grants totaling $81,000 to nonprofit groups serving families and children in Transylvania County for 2022. The grants are intended to help with operating expenses. The Family Place, The Haven, Pisgah Legal, Meals on Wheels, Rise & Shine, and Free Rein are among the 20 grant recipients.

Musician for Triennial

Elaine Conger is a native of Nashville and life-long musician and music educator. After years of teaching and touring, she’s finally settled down in the mountains of East Tennessee for another chapter in her musical journey. Her current passion is writing and performing worshipful songs that stir the soul and encourage spiritual reflection.

Chaplin for Triennial

Gayle Fisher-Stewart was ordained in 2015 and currently serves as the interim rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC. A native Washingtonian, prior to accepting the call to ordained ministry, she retired from the Metropolitan Police Department as a captain and then taught at the university level.

Episcopal Church Women2022-09-28T18:08:04+00:00February 22nd, 2022|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 01-29-22

Summary

Guideposts – 3 Questions: Rev. Pamela Conrad – The Episcopal priest and astrobiologist on how her faith and scientific work coexist and impact each other.

Religion News Service – Dilemma for houses of worship: Openness or safety? – Our hope as those who attend and lead religious institutions is to maintain our humaneness and treat others with compassion, while keeping ourselves and others safe.

Episcopal News Service – Transgender priests ask church to ‘live fully into’ LGBTQ+ inclusion during Executive Council plenary session – Transgender priests ask church to ‘live fully into’ LGBTQ+ inclusion during Executive Council plenary session

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3 Questions: Rev. Pamela Conrad

Guideposts – Glen Burnie, MD

Rev. Pamela Conrad is rector of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Glen Burnie, Maryland. She is also a research scientist at Washington, D.C.’s Carnegie Institution of Science, a member of the tactical operations team for the Mars Perseverance rover mission and a co-investigator at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She takes us behind her two heavenly pursuits.

What inspired you to pursue the scientific and the spiritual?
One night in 1957, Dad, a scientist, pointed out this tiny speck in the sky—Sputnik, the first satellite. I was almost five. I kept looking up at the stars, delighted. He made a model of the U.S. launch rocket and satellite Explorer, and I ran all around the house with it, captivated by the idea of exploring something as big as the sky. I loved science and music and got my undergraduate and graduate degrees in the latter. I went back to graduate school 20 years later to study geology, focusing on geobiology.

Dilemma for houses of worship: Openness or safety?

Religion News Service

On a cold day, a stranger comes to the door of the sanctuary and asks for shelter. What should happen next?

The Bible’s Book of Deuteronomy says, “God loves the stranger, giving them food and garments.” The next verse goes on to tell us to do likewise: “Love therefore the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” The Christian New Testament, in Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews, says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

Transgender priests ask church to ‘live fully into’ LGBTQ+ inclusion during Executive Council plenary session

Episcopal News Service

In an afternoon plenary session during Executive Council’s virtual meeting on Jan. 25, transgender and nonbinary Episcopal priests shared stories of the difficulties they face in a church where they are accepted on paper but often not in practice, telling council that the church’s work toward LGBTQ+ inclusion is not finished.

While much of The Episcopal Church feels comfortable with the “LGB” part of the LGBTQ+ community, the speakers said the situation is very different for the “TQ+” – people who are transgender, queer or otherwise outside the traditional gender binary.

“We’ve done an amazing job of beginning the process of inclusion at the churchwide level but it just isn’t translating to the diocesan and parish levels,” said the Rev. Gwen Fry, a former president of the Episcopal LGBTQ+ group Integrity and one of six speakers, five of whom were transgender clergy.

Presiding bishop nominating committee plans history-making presence at General Convention

For the first time in Episcopal Church history, the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop plans to be at General Convention in July to hear Episcopalians’ hopes and dreams for the church’s next presiding bishop, who will be elected in 2024.

The postponement of the 80th General Convention from 2021 to 2022 created the opportunity for the committee to attend convention to speak with bishops, deputies, and other participants. General Convention is scheduled for July 7-14 in Baltimore, Maryland.

“The committee members are committed to hearing from as many Episcopalians as possible as we prepare to write a profile and call for discernment for the 28^th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church,” said Canon Steven Nishibayashi, committee co-chair. “We feel blessed that we have this opportunity to visit with the part of the church that will be in Baltimore for convention this summer.”

Episcopal Church Women2022-01-28T15:51:04+00:00January 29th, 2022|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 12-25-21

Summary

The News Herald – Hot meals have warmed hearts and souls for 38 years at St. James Episcopal Church Lunch Program in Painesville – No questions are asked of those who turn out at St. James Episcopal Church in Painesville for a free hot meal four days a week…

Coastal Point – Pretti continues ‘spiritual journey’ with priesthood at St. Martha’s – If Jesus were on earth today, what would he think of mankind?

The Conway Daily Sun – Christ Episcopal Church Thrift Shop donates $8,400 to local non-profits – The Christ Episcopal Church Thrift Shop makes donations each year to a number of local non-profits that provide important support and assistance in the Mount Washington Valley community.

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Hot meals have warmed hearts and souls for 38 years at St. James Episcopal Church Lunch Program in Painesville

The News Herald – Willoughby, OH

No questions are asked of those who turn out at St. James Episcopal Church in Painesville for a free hot meal four days a week.

“We average 50 to 60 people for each meal,” explained Alice Griffith, executive director of the church’s Lunch Program, conducted year round at the church, 131 N. State St. “Some are couch surfing or staying at Project Hope (for the Homeless) while others are sleep-in-the-woods homeless.” […]

Pretti continues ‘spiritual journey’ with priesthood at St. Martha’s

Coastal Point – Bethany Beach, DE

If Jesus were on earth today, what would he think of mankind?

Certainly, theologians have pondered the topic, and maybe it’s a question that has been posed to pastors. Certainly, it interested the Rev. Victoria Pretti during a recent conversation with the Coastal Point. She thought for a moment before saying, “Part of me thinks he would not be mad, but he would be very sad,” the new rector at St. Martha’s Episcopal Church in Bethany Beach said. […]

Christ Episcopal Church Thrift Shop donates $8,400 to local non-profits

The Conway Daily Sun – Conway, NH

The Christ Episcopal Church Thrift Shop makes donations each year to a number of local non-profits that provide important support and assistance in the Mount Washington Valley community.

This year, the Thrift Shop board approved donations to 14 organizations, 11 of which the thrift shop has supported for many years: Angels & Elves, Children Unlimited, Conway Area Humane Society, Gibson Center-Meals on Wheels, Jen’s Friends, RSVP of Carroll County, Starting Point, The Revolving Closet, Vaughan Community Services Food Pantry, Visiting Nurse, Home Care & Hospice and the White Mountain Community Health Center. […]

Lewiston’s Episcopal Church and its vicar share ties to Christmas

Lewiston Tribune – Lewiston, ID

When it comes to beginnings, the Episcopal Church in Lewiston stands in pretty good company.

It was on Christmas Day, in 1864, that the church had its first service in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley — hence the name, Church of the Nativity, according to the Rev. Beverly Hosea. […]

Grace Episcopal group raises money to help local women and children: Good news in Ocala

Ocala Star Banner – Ocala, FL

The Grace Episcopal Church Women (ECW) hosted the 75th annual Church Bazaar in the parish hall on Nov. 13, according to an email from Mary Baggs, an ECW member.The Grace Episcopal Church Women hosted the 75th annual Church Bazaar on Dec. 4, raising more than $7,500 to benefit local Marion County women and children in need.

More than $7,500 was raised to benefit local Marion County women and children in need through the donations and purchases of holiday decor, baked goods, frozen meals, jewelry, raffle tickets and more, Baggs said. […]

Diocese of Albany announces arrangement for handling same-sex marriage oversight

Episcopal News Service – Albany, NY

In an effort to foster communion across differences regarding the use of same-sex marriage rites in the Diocese of Albany, the standing committee has invited the Rt. Rev. Carol J. Gallagher to provide supplemental episcopal pastoral support. […]

Fun News about Triennial Crosses

For those who have followed the saga of the NECW board trying to locate all the previous ‘Triennial Crosses’, we have been successful.

The 1988 cross has proved elusive but finally, the donator is Debora Williams was in a delegation of 6 women who attended in 1988 and a past ECW President in the Diocese of Virginia. The cross was “tracked down” by Anna Lou Flynn, who has also served as ECW President in the Diocese of Virginia.

All the prior Triennial Crosses will be on display at Triennial 2022, Baltimore, MD. https://ecwnational.org/triennial-meetings/2018-2022/

Toward GC80: Vaccinations to be required of all attendees

All those attending The Episcopal Church’s 80th General Convention in Baltimore in July will be required to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or submit a medical exemption in advance for approval, according to a newly adopted resolution by the Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements.

Read the full resolution.

Episcopal Church Women2021-12-24T15:18:17+00:00December 25th, 2021|

A Favorite Chapter Christmas Version of 1 Corinthians Chapter 13

If I design fabulous Christmas cards, with flaw-less family photos and write newsy, clever Christmas letters about my perfect life, but have not love, I’m a phony friend.

And if I have super power to remember the correct sizes and color preferences of everyone on my list; and if I have faith to find parking on Black Friday, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give my Christmas bonus to the church, and work all day Saturday greening up the church, handing out shower towels and free soup, but have not love, I gain nothing.

If I trim the tree with Waterford angels and Pottery Barn stars, attend the Bishop’s Christmas party, and sing in the community chorus, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops to comfort a whimpering child and then wipe up the broken eggs. Love climbs down the ladder to set aside her many strings of lights, to hang a wreath for an elderly neighbor next door.

Love is kind… and tired; a lot of tired.

Love does not envy the animated Disney characters, dancing to surround-sound music on the neighbor’s light-covered rooftop.

Love does not yell at the kids to get the basket-ball off the breakfast table, but is thankful for a family breakfast together.

Love seeks to encourage, support and intentionally help.

Love rejoices in giving to those who cannot.

Love does not engage in political angst, but seeks common ground and celebrates the freedom to disagree.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails.

Love is action. Love is work; hard work.

Barbie’s shoes will be lost, remote control batteries will die, sweaters will shrink, jewelry will tarnish – Santa might even be elected; but the gift of love will last forever.

Because the greatest of these is love.

By Cindy Cutts, Talk Story Editor-in-Chief – St. Jude’s Episcopal Church on Hawaii Island

“Love is kind… and tired; a lot of tired”

Episcopal Church Women2021-12-03T15:35:15+00:00December 3rd, 2021|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 11-27-21

Summary

WPRI Providence – Providence church carries on 103-year-old parishioner’s wish to help the less fortunate – What started as an idea to help those living on the margins 40 years ago has blossomed into so much more for 103-year-old Elsie Nickerson…

Merrill Foto News – Ascension Episcopal Church welcomes Rev. Amy Heimerl as Vicar – The Rev. Amy Heimerl has accepted a call and started service as Vicar of Ascension Episcopal Church in Merrill on a part-time basis. Rev. Amy Heimerl is a 1990…

The Living Church – Nebraska Parish, Yazidi in Thriving Relationship – A long-established relationship continues to thrive between a Lincoln, Nebraska, Episcopal parish and a non-Christian minority community that has faced worldwide discrimination and genocide.

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Providence church carries on 103-year-old parishioner’s wish to help the less fortunate

WPRI TV – Providence, RI

What started as an idea to help those living on the margins 40 years ago has blossomed into so much more for 103-year-old Elsie Nickerson.

Thankful for all that she had, Nickerson started a soup kitchen at Saint Peter’s and Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church back in the 1970s.

“I felt there was a need for it,” Nickerson said.

She never thought that, four decades later, it would also become a food pantry, thrift store and so much more. […]

Ascension Episcopal Church welcomes Rev. Amy Heimerl as Vicar

Merrill Foto News – Merrill, WI

The Rev. Amy Heimerl has accepted a call and started service as Vicar of Ascension Episcopal Church in Merrill on a part-time basis. Rev. Amy Heimerl is a 1990 graduate from Merrill High School. She earned a B.A. in Education from St. Norbert College, a special education degree from UW-Stevens Point, a health education degree from UW-LaCrosse, and a M.A. in Education from Viterbo University. She was an educator for 27 years and focused on working with students with emotional and behavioral struggles and who learn differently. She was instrumental in developing the Link Crew Program at MHS. […]

Nebraska Parish, Yazidi in Thriving Relationship

The Living Church – Lincoln, NE

A long-established relationship continues to thrive between a Lincoln, Nebraska, Episcopal parish and a non-Christian minority community that has faced worldwide discrimination and genocide.

The Yazidis are an ancient community originally from the Middle Eastern area of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Tukey. The Yazidis are Kurdish, not Muslim, which has been a source of confusion and derision for centuries. In August 2014, the Yazidi faced genocide by ISIS, with a reported 7,000-plus men, women, and children killed. As a result of this terror, thousands fled the Middle East to start their lives in exile, including to the United States. […]

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Applications open for General Convention Official Youth Presence 2022

The Episcopal Church invites teens age 16 to 19 to apply to become part of the 80th General Convention’s Official Youth Presence, a group whose members have seat and voice in the House of Deputies.

Diocesan Profile Published, Now Accepting Nominations

The Bishop Search Committee is pleased to announce the Diocesan Profile has been published and requests nominations for the election of the 12th bishop of Louisiana. The Diocesan Profile articulates who we are as a diocese and where God is calling us to go.

Completed nomination packets should be emailed to nominations@edola.org or mailed to Jay Albert, dcn., 335 Carr Drive, Slidell, LA 70458, for arrival no later than Friday, December 31, 2021.

Apply soon for Constable Fund and Roanridge Trust grants!

Deadline: Dec. 12
These grant opportunities are offered annually by The Episcopal Church.

Constable Fund: These grants focus on work in the area of religious education.

Roanridge Trust: These grants support leadership development in small towns and rural communities.

Episcopal Church Women2021-11-26T15:41:25+00:00November 27th, 2021|

Article Request: Food Pantries and Meal Programs – Communique spring 2022

Feeding the hungry is a daily task and the ECW has been involved in food support programs for over a century. This issue of the Communique is dedicated to all the food pantries, community kitchens, and meal programs overseen or staffed by ECW members.

We wish to celebrate the long hours of dedicated work and community giving your ministry provides to families in need. To do this, we are looking for articles that speak about how your food program operates, difficulties you face in starting and maintaining the program, the blessings that have bloomed for your program, as well as those who are served by your food program.

As you gather your notes for the article, consider what information the next generation or the Episcopal Church across the state would want to receive as a roadmap to opening their own food program. This is a chance for you to teach and show other women around the country all about your program, and how much it is needed and respected within the community.

Be a teacher and share your wisdom so that others may emulate your charitable giving.

Pictures speak as loud as word so feel free to include several images of your members at work as well as your facility.

Contact the editor for question or submissions editor@ecwnational.org

Article Specifications:

500 to 2000 words
Times New Roman 12 pt.
Word document
ECW will edit the final version of the article and translate into Spanish.
Approved articles will appear in the print version of the Communique and online.

Episcopal Church Women2021-11-01T15:59:13+00:00November 1st, 2021|

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