Episcopal Church Women | ECW

Feb 2

Welcome to the webpage for Redeemer’s Episcopal Church Women (ECW). ALL women of Redeemer are members of ECW. Through our many projects and activities, ECW members support our church, families throughout the community, and each other. We are always delighted to welcome ECW members to participate in all we have to offer! Please join us as we share in faith, fellowship and service, and invite your friends as well!

ECW’S MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Redeemer’s ECW is to empower, motivate and nurture women and increase our sense of community through outreach, spiritual growth, service, and fellowship. By showing the love of Christ and applying our gifts and talents, we will have a meaningful impact on the broader community of God’s kingdom.

ECW’s SYMBOL

ECW’s symbol reflects a cherished tradition of faith, service and fellowship throughout the Episcopal Church.

The cross represents Christ and our service to Him in the world.

The Circle stands for our hope for wholeness in our lives.

The out-flowing lines from the center depict the many works of the Episcopal Church Women throughout the world.

The intertwined lines represent our lives centered in Christ.

OUR PRAYER

ECW’s prayer was written by Board members in 2013, under the leadership of President Beth Daniel. The prayer includes parts of the National ECW prayer. We use this prayer to open regular Board meetings, retreats, and other gatherings during the year.

Almighty God, Heavenly Father, source of all knowledge and truth, be present with each of us meeting together as the Women of the Episcopal Church. Grant us open minds, compassionate hearts, honest words and gentle ways. Give us the grace to know your will, the courage to accept it and the strength to accomplish it. May we not forget the lessons from the past nor fear the challenges of the future. Bless us with your peace today and all the days to come, and may we ever pray, “Thy will be done.” We live in your presence and pray in your Holy Name. Amen.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

In keeping with our mission statement, ECW serves our church and the broader community through its sponsorship of numerous activities each year. Because of the Covid pandemic in 2020, most activities were cancelled, but we are looking forward to resuming activities in 2021 and beyond. Examples of activities and events that ECW arranged or sponsored are:

ECW’s CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

always held in November, is an annual ECW tradition, and is its main fundraising event. Funds raised from the rental of vendor booths and the sale of refreshments at the Bazaar are donated to a number of different organizations chosen each year by ECW members. In 2020, the proceeds from the Bazaar held in 2019 were donated to the following organizations:

Cristo Rey – a network of high schools that delivers a career focused, college preparatory education for students with limited economic resources
Chanco on the James
The Chesterfield Food Bank
Peter-Paul Development Center
VCU Covid-19 Response Fund
The Hawthorne Cancer Foundation
The James Center - a nonprofit organization that provides shelter and serves to victims of domestic abuse in the tri-cities

BENSLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Throughout the year, ECW members serve Bensley Elementary School in Chesterfield County by collecting donations to purchase and deliver backpacks and school supplies for approximately 110 kindergarten children, by reading to students several times a year, and by volunteering to assist during Teacher Appreciation Week.

PETER PAUL DEVELOPMENT CENTER

For many years, ECW has partnered with Redeemer’s Outreach Commission to provide a special Christmas event for families and children in Richmond’s Church Hill community. A fun day of gift giving and gingerbread house-making is an annual tradition that is particularly joyful for ECW members.

FELLOWSHIP

In addition to its service initiatives, ECW also arranges trips, retreats and activities that are enjoyed by all. Recent activities included a bus trip to the Washington National Cathedral, a trip to the Louisa Bird Sanctuary, and a Bunco game night. Plans are underway to visit nearby plantations and wineries and historic Virginia churches once the pandemic quarantines are lifted. We are also looking forward to arranging spiritual retreats.