As is customary, the national board dresses and enters the Triennial opening ceremony attired as a prior leader of the Church, the Bible, or historical figure. These representations illustrate ideals each board member wishes to share with the women gathered at Triennial. As you read through this issue of the Communique’, be aware of the blue ECW crosses. Each of the woman’s persona is marked with this cross.
Triennial President by Karen Patterson
From Julia Chester Emery in 1876 to the present day, The Episcopal Church Women have led the work in support of missions throughout the church, support of women’s issues and women’s rights to serve as deputies and be ordained, as well as reaching out to those less fortunate throughout the Episcopal Communion and the world.
Lydia by Pat Wellnitz
Lydia ran a successful business, selling a luxury product, purple cloth. This was a unique achievement for a woman during the male-dominated Roman empire. Lydia and her entire household were baptized in the waters of the river. Thus, she became the first woman of Macedonia to be enrolled as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Esther by Samar Fay
Esther was a young woman who rescued her people, the Jewish minority, in the Persian empire. She begins as a humble person and becomes an active figure in the court, employing the age-old strategies of the powerless, especially women: sex, persuasion, and hospitality (the dinners she staged).
Esther tells the story of how the Jews rely on their own devices and find resources they never knew they had.
Esther’s uncle Mordicai says, “Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.” Esther 4:14.
By her manipulation of her husband, Ahasuerus, Esther thwarts the intent of the evil minister Haman to destroy all the Jews in Persia.
Ruth Cummings Jellison by Margaret Noel
At Ruth Jellison’s funeral the eulogist said: “Your loss is commensurate with the joy, wisdom and care that she gave to your life.” He asked: What did you learn from Ruth Jellison? Did you learn about civic responsibility? Did you learn about organizing people to create a better community? Did you learn about commitment to family, community, church and God? Did you learn to put a worm on a hook that you could go fishing? Did you learn that it was better to be a person who made the “other” feel important, special and above all loved, unconditionally loved?” Ruth lived from 1923 – 2010.
Martha and Mary by Jennifer Kenna
I am Martha and Mary,
because, you see,
I believe some of each
dwells in me.
As Martha I host, I serve, I feed
but deep inside something else I need.
To be like Mary: to sit with the Lord,
to watch and listen, to heed his words.
And then renewed with the faith I need
Go host and serve, go love and feed.
Mary Magdalene by Cindy Mohr
Mary Magdalene was one of the woman who accompanied and supported Jesus and the apostles. She was present at the crucifixion. Mary was also the first to witness the resurrection, which Jesus told her to announce to his disciples. She is known as the “apostle to the Apostles.” Mary Magdalene is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on July 22.
Amelia Earhart by Mary Beth Welch
December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, NC and 12 seconds that changed the world forever – a plane made of fabric and wood flew! This feat was an inspiration to adventure-loving Amelia Earhart. A cradle Episcopalian, she was one of the first women pilots. She set many records, among them being the first woman pilot to cross the Atlantic Ocean solo. Amelia used her fame to tell women how to pursue their dreams.
Eleanor Roosevelt by Jan Goossens
Eleanor Roosevelt had a very public life. She was First Lady of the United States, First Chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, First United States Representative to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. She established a planned community for unemployed miners. Lived 1884-1962.
St. Teresa of Avila by Beth Agar
St. Teresa was born near Avila, Spain in 1515. From an early age, she felt the call to spiritual practices, studying saints’ lives. Poor health plagued her all her life. It necessitated the cessation of her studies at the convent where she was being educated, and later, removal from the Carmelite Convent of the Incarnation where she had been a postulant. After suffering as an invalid for three years, she returned to the convent. However, she was bothered by the laxness that she observed in the Carmelite rule and became more interested in meditation, which resulted in visions. She began a Reformed Carmelite order that required more of the members and traveled for the next 25 years around Spain establishing 17 convents. She was a gifted writer, sharing her thoughts and concerns and still today, we benefit from her words.
Ruth the Moabite by Lisa Bortner
For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Ruth 1:16
Annie Wauneka by Madeline Sampson
Annie Dodge Wauneka (née Dodge; April 11, 1910 – November 10, 1997) was an influential member of the Navajo Nation as member of the Navajo Nation Council. As a member and three term head of the council’s Health and Welfare Committee, she worked to improve the health and education of the Navajo. Wauneka is widely known for her countless efforts to improve health on the Navajo Nation, focusing mostly on the eradication of tuberculosis within her nation. She also authored a dictionary, which translated English medical terms into the Navajo language.
Debora, the Judge by Luz – Province IX
Words that described Debora: Leadership, Empowerment, Fighter, Warrior, Wisdom, and Faith Strong Full of God Knew
Liderazgo
Empoderamiento
Luchadora
Guerrera
Sabiduría y Fe
Fuerte
Llena de Dios
Sabia