Episcopal Churh Women

God, make a fresh start in me. Shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Psalm 51:10
The Message

      HISTORY OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN
     It is our desire as speedily as possible to find together the various parochial Missionary Societies already existing, to organize new ones wherever they may be desired by every means within our power to awaken deeper and more permanent interest to each one in the Missionary work among the women of the Church.
     We long to have each one feel she, individually has something to do for Christ and for the coming of his Kingdom, not alone or as a member of a single parish but one of that great company wherein in their own special station, wait and watch and labor for their Lord.
     We do not seek to control or direct the labor of the Society or the offering of the individual, she designates.
     We seek to quicken the missionary spirit, and urge it to prompt and generous action. We offer you gifts of time, strength, intellect for our, your Master. There are hundreds more earnest, faithful, devoted women who would be cheered if only they knew what is being done by their sisters in the church and see their offering, small and insignificant as it seems, increased and multiplied by the union with the gifts of others.
     We wish all to draw closer to each other, labor more unitedly, give more nobly, pray more fervently, follow Christ's example.
     We shall be glad to hear not only from Rectors of parishes but any and all earnest Christian women who seek further information and direction with regard to it.
From the Spirit of Missions, Volume XXXVII for 1872

WHY WOMEN ONLY

As women have become integrally involved in the life and work of the Church, the need for a women's group is not as readily apparent. An important 'why': women simply enjoy getting together with other women-whether it is to fellowship, Bible study, or working on a project. Another important aspect is the opportunity for women to grow into the life of the Church through women's ministries. Many of the women in the leadership roles in the larger body of the Church began their involvement/ministry with the Episcopal Church Women.
Episcopal Church Women groups most importantly offer an environment for spiritual growth and opportunities for ministry. Participation in these groups also promotes an understanding of the structure and functionality of the Church.

WHY EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN:

From our beginning as Women's Auxiliary, and following through many changes in purpose and activities, the Episcopal Church Women have played a significant role in the work of the Episcopal Church. Cherished memories of the contributions of resources-ranging from financial to missionary to training to spirituality- which women have made throughout our history, are a source of satisfaction and pride for all of us.
The old stereotype of Episcopal Church Women as 'cooks' and 'fundraisers' is fading as we move into the future with new ideas, relevant programs, and unlimited opportunities for spiritual growth and service. Support is available to you through Episcopal Church Women in your local parish, convocation or deanery, diocese, province, and nationally.

www.edow.org/diocese/outreach/ecw.html