ECW Fall 2016 Meeting and Ingathering Nov 10, 2016

The Episcopal Church Women, Diocese of Rhode Island,

Cordially invites you to

 The Annual Meeting and United Thank Offering

Fall Ingathering

Thursday, November 10th, 2016

St. Mary's Home for Children

420 Fruit Hill Avenue

North Providence, R.I. 02911

Annual Meeting will begin at 10 a.m.

Noon Day Eucharist with Bishop Knisely,

including the  Installation of E.C.W. Officers

and

Presentation of  Parish United Thank Offerings

Catered Luncheon to follow

Prior to the morning meeting, coffee will be served during Registration, beginning at 9:30 a.m.  There will also be a short presentation about the wonderful work that goes on at St. Mary's Home for Children and tours will be offered of the facility which is supported by Episcopal Charities and the Episcopal Church Women of Rhode Island.   It is also an opportunity to learn more about the work of your Diocesan E.C.W. and perhaps get involved. We look forward to seeing you!!!   Thank You!!!

Reservations for the catered luncheon are required. 

Cost : $10.00 per person. Deadline is November 3rd.

Please mail your reservation, with check made payable to

ECW-Diocese of RI to: 

Mrs. Carol Blackinton, 20 Judy Terrace, West Warwick, RI 02893

The United Thank Offering Ingathering and High Tea Celebration

More Pictures are online here.

Women from around the diocese gathered as guests of St. Thomas Church, Greenville to present their parishes contributions to the National United Thank Offering.  The day began with a greeting by Marjorie Reeves-Briden who explained the spirit of the offerings which is to save coins for those daily moments that give us pleasure, relief, and maybe a delightful surprise.  She said that those coins of thanksgiving mount up during the year, and, at the end, the fruits of giving thanks reach throughout the country to give others cause for thanksgiving.  The women and men throughout the diocese contributed over $3,000 to the National UTO during this ingathering.

Bishop Knisely celebrated communion and preached about God’s abundance, likening it to the bursting forth of growth in the spring.  The Reverend Susan Carpenter, rector of St. Thomas Church, Greenville, shared her parish’s joyful experience in participating in the Church Beyond Walls.  In their giving to others they have grown in the joy of sharing fellowship and nurturance of others, both in their community and in the Burnside Park Ministry.  The offering at the Eucharist went to support the ministry of Church Beyond Walls and it was bolstered by a wonderful raffle of baskets of tea and tea related items.

The high tea party was a wonderful success.  The women of St. Thomas Church prepared delicate tea sandwiches and sweets that were presented in beautiful fashion as those present sat around round tables and shared good fellowship.  Tables were bedecked with fine china, and many women wore fancy hats to match the fine old tradition of high tea.

Elaine Oliveira of Rhode Island ECW Passes Away

 Elaine Oliveira (Haworth) of Pawtucket died July 13, 2013. She served many years at St. Luke's Episcopal Church as parish administrator. She was an active member of Episcopal Church Women, most recently serving as secretary.  Elaine’s cheerful and kind face greeted many throughout the diocese at registration tables during diocesan events.  She was a wonderful lady who will be missed by family and friends.  She is survived by five children and five grandchildren.  For more information visit www.pawtuckettimes.com/obituaries

UTO Spring Donations the highest in several years

The Rhode Island spring diocesan ingathering for the United Thank Offering reached $7, 292.05 due to increased participation of the parishes in the diocese.  This spring over 50%The Rhode Island parishes responded to Bishop Knisely's designation of the last Sunday in April as UTO Sunday.  His support recognizes the commitment the diocese has to mission and the important role that UTO has in funding projects throughout the world.  The Episcopal Church Women of Rhode Island is hopeful that parish participation will continue to increase in the future.  This year the United Thank Offering has provided 46 grants totaling over a million and a half dollars to assist projects ranging from soup kitchens to building schools and providing power and clean water to underprivileged areas.  The application period for UTO grants for 2014 will occur in the fall of 2013.  The ECW thanks everyone for their support of UTO either through saving in little blue boxes or by generous giving at the time of an ingathering.  Our change changes lives.

UTO InGathering Held at St Mark's in Warwick

The United Thank Offering Spring Ingathering was held on May 11,2013 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Warwick, RI. 
After a brief introduction and summary of the mission of UTO by Marjorie Reeves Briden who serves as UTO chairman for the diocese, The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisely celebrated the Eucharist.  The Rev. Susan Wrathall, rector of St. Marks, gave an inspiring sermon about the historical role of women in the church and the continuing importance of the unique ministry that women offer in the spiritual life of the church.  Each parish represented brought their UTO offering to the altar. 
After the Eucharist the group joined together for a lunch and a presentation by The Rev. Susan Wrathall.  She showed slides of her educational journey to Turkey, bringing those watching into the sites of St. Paul's travels, and the reported residence of St. Mary.  She offered the group information on archeological excavations, preservations, and historical interpretation.
          

ECW of RI aids those at home and abroad

During the year 2012 the E.C.W. of Rhode island distributed funds to 1,000 Jobs Haiti, Seaman’s Institute, Solar Sister, Inc., McAuley House,  Johnny Cake Center, Episcopal Charities, George Hunt H.E.L.P. Center, Hispanic Ministry,  Meal Site Grant, The Blessing Way, Planned Parenthood, W.A.R.M. Center, Women’s Center

R.I. ECW serving as leaders in the Province 1 ECW

Rhode Island ECW members have leadership roles on the board of Province One ECW.  Marjorie Reeves Briden is the Provincial President, and Priscilla McFarland is the Provincial Treasurer and Bernice Belt is the Secretary.  In addition Rhode Island members serve on the following committees:  2012 Annual Meeting/Retreat Committee: Elaine DaRosa (chair), The Budget and Finance Committee- Priscilla Mcfarland, The Nominations Committee-Margaret Noel (chair) , Bylaws Committee- Margaret Noel