You can still join the diocesan One Book One Diocese monthly study of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's book Love is the Way. Follow the link for registration info.
There is a special Zoom about UTO on May 1 at 2PM with the Rev. Heather Melton. This is for anyone interested in learning more about how UTO can make a difference in your personal and parish life. Please Register at https://tinyurl.com/7zet9ebr or email Cindy Davis (CynthiaDavisAuthor@gmail.com) to receive the link. Download a flyer to share.
On April 24, the Rev. Susan Hutchins gave an impactful presentation about the history and work of Rio Grande Borderland Ministry. She also spoke about the current situation and some of what can and cannot be done. Forty percent of the border between the US and Mexico is in the Diocese of the Rio Grande (about 800 miles). The Rev. Susan Hutchins has been active in this ministry almost since the beginning. The Rev. Mike Wallens is now the co-chair and Ana Reza is the Chaplain.
The ministry also offers humanitarian support at the border to welcome asylum seekers with dignity. more info is on the Borderland Ministry website.
One way to support this ministry is via "Canvas of Hope" an online auction on May 1. You can view the art and other things available at Canvas of Hope — Rio Grande Borderland Ministries.
Ways that women's ministry groups, individuals, and parishes can offer ongoing support is via online donations, in kind donations of cotton fabric and thread for the Coopertiva in Palomas, making Christmas shoeboxes for children in Palomas, Mexico who attend school in Columbus, NM, Contact Susan Hutchins for information about these needs.
Susan also talked a little about the Armenian genocide. A book suggested by Women's Ministry council member Linda White is The Sandcastle Girls, by Chris Bohalian. It's a story about Armenia and the genocide but also about a granddaughter of one of the Armenian men who survived and came to the US. Bohalian himself is Armenian, of course, so he draws upon personal knowledge, although the book is considered a historical novel.
You can watch the video of Susan's presentation
Our next gathering will be May 22 with the Rev. Jan Hosea talking about Mothers, Mentoring, and Loving as a Mother.