Women’s Ministry
What is the ECW?
The Episcopal Church Women, or ECW, brings women at Christ Church together to serve God in our church, our community and the world. Every woman at Christ Church is invited to come and participate in any of the things we do.
(Scroll down to see activities for women of Christ Church)
Giving:
- Originally called the Women’s Auxiliary to the Board of Missions, the ECW continues the priority of giving to missions. We make financial donations to Our Little Roses in Honduras, a ministry of the Episcopal Church, USA. Our Little Roses provides a home and education for orphaned and abused girls from infancy to eighteen. Started in 1988 in a small house, a small campus now offers a safe haven and opportunities to 75 girls. Once graduated from high school, the young women who enter the university live in a transitional home provided by the ministry. ( http://www.ourlittleroses.org)
- The United Thanks Offering (UTO) is a ministry of the Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. Through UTO men, women and children nurture the habit of giving daily thanks to God for our many blessings. Those who participate in UTO discover that thankfulness leads to generosity. ECW administers the offering twice each year. (http://www.ecusa.anglican.org/110043_ENG_HTM.htm)
- Here in Charlottesville, we provide a dinner for the men ministered to by PACEM (People and Churches Engaged in Ministry). Through PACEM, churches in the community offer housing and dinners to homeless men during the colder months. Other organizations in the community and at the University assist with meals and fellowship. Because of our limited restroom facilities, Christ Church cannot provide housing but works with Wesley Memorial Methodist Church. (http://pacemshelter.org)
- The ECW contributes financially to the Christ Episcopal Church College Ministry, an outreach to UVa students. Our members help with the dinners after the 5:00 service. ( http://www.christchurchcville.org/getting-connected/anglican-college-ministry/)
- The ECW donates money to The Pregnancy Center of Central Virginia in Charlottesville, which supports women with pregnancy testing, counseling and information and limited medical services at no charge. (http://www.virginiapregnancy.org)
Through ECW you can minister to members of our congregation too.
- Meals and Receptions – Help prepare or serve a meal after a service or class. Or, host a reception for bereaved family members and friends after a funeral or memorial service. Or, arrange flowers and make refreshements. Donna Murray at 842-1772 or donna@christchurchcville.org
- Casseroles and Cards - Bake a casserole for a parishioner that needs a boost . . . Recipes upon request! Or, write a note or card. This on-going ministry can be done at the convenience of your home. Merle Robertson at 973-2349 or robertson844@va.net
- Knitting and Prayer Shawl Ministry - Join other knitters or knit when you can to make a gift for a newborn in the congregation or a warm wrap for someone ill or grieving. Ladies, please let Merle know when you are expecting a baby. Merle Robertson at 973-2349 or robertson844@va.net
- Pen Pal Ministry – Write to offer encouragement and caring to a woman incarcerated at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women. Barbara Campbell at 973-3518 or barbcambell@comcast.net
Other Activities for the Women of Christ Church:
Monthly Meetings – From September through May, the women of Christ Church meet each month to share ideas for activities that can strengthen the bonds among us and to work on ministries that help others. Two of our meetings are luncheons. We are looking for convenient ways for more women to participate, so meeting times will vary.
Watch the Sunday bulletin and The Messenger for schedules of our meetings and events. Check-out the bulletin board at the entrance of Meade Hall.
Our chair is Martha Smythe at 977-0502 or marthasmythe@centurylink.net. She would like you join us and welcomes your ideas and suggestions.
Ladies’ Night Out – Each month we gather at the home of a member for fun and food. The hostess provides the beverages and paper goods, and we guests bring an appetizer or dessert. It is an easy way for your outside friends to meet some women in the church. Watch the bulletin and The Messenger for announcements. Valerie Knapp at 227-0526 or gmama12@hotmail.com
Studying God’s Word – Women’s Bible Studies
- Thursday Mornings at Christ Church in the Gibson Room 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. Carrie Souter at 974-6529
- Tuesday Evenings in a woman’s home from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. during the school year. Adrienne Keller at 760-0996 or vabutsy@gmail.com