ECW Notes

What is ECW? It's Episcopal Church Women-so if you are an Episcopal Woman, you are a member of ECW. You don't have to have a 'chapter', or even be active in any women's groups--it's automatic!  

As Women's Ministry of the Diocese of the Rio Grande, we are part of that larger connection; AND we open our arms to women from all denominations who may want to participate in our events and retreats. Being actively part of ECW also means women from around the province can and have joined in our gatherings and retreats! 

The ECW website states simply, "Since 1871, the National Episcopal Church Women, ECW, have championed women’s rights and the Christian foundation of God and family. They are an affiliate of the Episcopal Church and celebrate that Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Their women’s ministry and children’s programs feed, educate, and provide community grants around the world. They are a volunteer organization that creates a legacy for Episcopal Church Women to lead future generations with stewardship in Christ."

Having been recently elected as the Prov. 7 ECW Vice President I will try to keep you all informed of what is happening in our Province. Let me know if you have questions or comments. I don't anticipate any sudden changes to the way we minister as Women of the Diocese of the Rio Grande as we are actually one of the dioceses that is actively ministering. (Something you call each pat yourselves on the back for!) We'll just be a little more conscious of our broader connection to women in the Province and the wider church! 

As a diocese in ECW, we are able to make donations and request grants. We can be in prayer for those dioceses in Province 7 (our province of the Episcopal Church) who don't currently have active women's ministry: NWTX, W-MO, W-KS. We can pray for and come alongside the W-LA area that includes the Lake Charles area devastated by the hurricanes. We can nominate women to serve and we can attend Triennial gatherings. Via the Communique, we can keep up with news from across ECW. Check out the full ECW website for a lot more information about history and activities. 

Thoughts from the Retreat that didn't happen

As many of you know, the decision to cancel the ReLent retreat was made as a way to be loving stewards of each other's welfare in this strange time. The first cases of Corona virus had just been diagnosed in NM, so it seemed wisest not to risk the slightest chance of accidentally sharing it by gathering from various places in the Diocese.

Canon Lee Curtis was kind enough to record a video with some thoughts for us. His focus in the video is on ways to live and act DURING the challenges of social distancing and no in-person church services. Please take time to watch, and act, and maybe even respond with your own ideas. The cool thing about online is that you can do this anytime you have a few free minutes. 

Here are a few ideas that I offer, as ways to worship virtually until we can safely gather again. 

One important resource is the  Diocesan listing of online worship opportunities for every day of the week, and you can find Diocesan information about Corona virus on the diocesan website, too. 

Bishop Hunn is offering an interesting weekly Lenten Podcast on the Book of 1 Peter. Join at any time and follow along. 

The National Church and Presiding Bishop are continuing to add resources. If you subscribe to the Episcopal Church newsfeed, you can keep up with all of them. 

Plans continue for our Summer Events, and other opportunities to rejoice together. Keep up with them here, and via the calendar page.
Note: the Lectionary Study is on hiatus until the Great 50 Days of Easter. 

Meanwhile, I have been returning to a prayer from the New Zealand Prayer book, which may offer you some inspiration, too. 

God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to us
as we wait in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make us the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring us courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.