ECW - Episcopal Church Women | The Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts

Episcopal Church Women are women of all ages, ethnic origins and socioeconomic backgrounds who hold a variety of views. However, the common denominator of our members is love of God and the wish to do His work.

Eastertide Day of Meditation for May 14 has been cancelled.

A few United Thank Offering notes:

--Our Combined 2010 United Thank Offering was $15,330.84 with 38 Churches participating.

--Please mail spring ingathering offerings by June 22, 2011 to: The Episcopal Diocese of W MA, ATTN: Esther Barker, Diocesan Accounting Manager, 37 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01103. Make check to: The Episcopal Diocese of WMA, with UTO in the memo.

--UTO Grant applications are available October 1,, 2011 email ecw.wma(at)gmail.com for more information The application must be completed by December 1, 2010.

--For UTO information in the diocese email: ECW.wma(at)gmail.com

--You can find UTO resources at: www.episcopalchurch.org/uto

Diocese of WMA Episcopal Church Women Quilt Project

Did you know that the Diocesan Episcopal Church Women have an ongoing Quilt Project to make and distribute quilts for children who are in need?

Over the years hundreds of quilts were donated, blessed, and sent on their way to provide love and comfort to ill and other children. For the past eight years the driving force behind the Quilt Project has been Ginny Benoit of St. Paul’s Church, Holyoke.

I talked to Ginny recently and she said that in the last three years she has received and distributed 56 Quilts and a few knitted afghans!

The Quilts come from parishioners of a variety of diocesan churches. One church had a 2-day quilt-making marathon and donated 19 quilts, and Ginny’s church, St Paul’s, Holyoke has been a regular contributor making on average 10 to 15 quilts a year.

Any quilts that are donated are brought to the diocesan convention and blessed during the Eucharist. Then, Ginny brings the quilts to the Bay State Hospital Children’s and Neonatal Intensive Care Units; the Shiners’ Hospital for Children; the Ronald McDonald House; a Home for Abused Children, Holyoke Hospital maternity unit, and The Care Center for single mothers age 16-21.

A quilt information and instruction flier is emailed to all parishes with the request that the secretary print and post it to a bulletin board.
You can download it here.

Susan Howland, Diocese of WMA ECW president

Reports to the Diocese

Church Periodical Club 2010 Report

ECW and UTO 2010 Report

Mission Statement

“The Mission of the Episcopal Church Women, Diocese of Western Massachusetts is to become a cornerstone of community, learning and ministry that seeks to invite all women into fellowship.”

Adopted September 9, 2000

National ECW Mission and Vision

Mission - Centered in congregations, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) empowers women to do Christ's ministry in the world.

Vision - Our vision for all women of the Episcopal Church is that we become a vibrant blend of all ages, coming together as a peacemaking, healing part of the Church. We aspire to be a Godspark - shining and sharing the love of Christ.

You'll find a link to the most recent issue of Communiqué, the National ECW newsletter, on this page of the National ECW website. Just scroll to "Other Resources" mid-page and click on the Communiqué 'download' link.

ECW Asks for Your Support

The Episcopal Church Women ask for you support to help empower women throughtout the Diocese. Read and download this important document by clicking here.

The National UTO website has a lot of good information www.episcopalchurch.org/uto.

For diocesan UTO information contact the Episcopal Church Women’s board at ecw.wma@gmail.com

Episcopal Church Women's Prayer

Almighty God, we pray that you will bless our work in mission and ministry in the world. Help us to pray fervently, labor diligently and give liberally to make known the power of your love given through your Son Jesus Christ. Let us not forget the lessons from the past nor future. Anoint us with your grace and shine in our hearts as we reflect your light throughout the world. AMEN.

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