EPISCOCHAT. a Newsletter for Women in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. To see more photos click Facebook. ECW President Winsome Stern

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1 EPISCOCHAT a Newsletter for Women in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida Volume V Issue 1 Feb 2017 To see more photos click Facebook ECW President Winsome Stern Dear Sisters in Christ, I hope you all had an enjoyable and joyous Christmas and best wishes for a happy and healthy I pray for God s blessings and guidance for the challenges we may face in all that we do in the ensuing year. Thank you for your support during the previous year and attendance at the annual meeting. The evaluations of the meeting overall, were very good, however, we do have to improve on the registration process and restructuring of the reports. The Board held a meeting in December, 2016 and established our goals, which are basically the same as last year with some revision shown below: To improve communication to women and clergy in the diocese via the Internet, social media, and newsletter. To provide leadership training for women in the diocese using a tailored version of the Women of Vision program. To develop new chapters / women s groups; improve and strengthen existing ones. We felt it necessary to communicate more effectively with the priests with the hope that they would encourage the women in their parishes to become more active in the ECW if they were not currently involved or to form new ECW groups There are some monetary issues where our expenditure exceed income, which we need to address as was demonstrated during the budget report/discussion at the annual meeting. We need your help to correct the deficit possibly through fund raising efforts and or more churches need to actively support the ECW through their donations of Gifts of Support. These donations allow us to cover the cost of sending delegates to Provincial and Triennial meetings. In addition, there is the expenditure for the annual meeting and other administration costs such as dues to National and Province IV, and social communication services. Your donations enable the ECW Board to accomplish its goals and obligations.

2 President s Message Continues The Church Periodical Club (CPC) is an organization that also needs more support by a greater number of churches in our diocese. Seven churches donated $1, in If your church is not yet supporting the CPC please consider doing so. The CPC is the ministry of the written word which provides bibles, books, audio/video tapes, computer software etc. for individual study for the priesthood, deaconate, schools, Sunday schools, library, prisons and Missions, domestic and international. Donations can be given on CPC Sunday May 7, 2017 and for more information visit Currently, the United Thank Offering (UTO) is well supported receiving $ in 2016 which is used to fund the UTO Grants. The UTO Grants are now available, details are on the UTO website. The deadline for submission of application to the diocese is Friday February 10, :00 pm EST. The 2017 ECW Special Project is the Timothy Fund for Seminary Education. Please make an extra effort to raise funds for this worthy cause. All donations must be sent in to the diocese by August 31, Please remember to put on the check, memo ECW Timothy Fund Project. The Spring Deanery meetings are scheduled April /May, details are on the Announcement page. I hope you will try to attend and share your parish activities/news. I look forward to seeing many of you at the deanery meetings, as well as, at the Diocesan Convention, January 27-28, 2017 at the Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park. Our ECW theme continues to be, Building Bridges of Peace and Reconciliation. May we each play our part in making it a reality. Wishing you God s joy, love and peace, Winsome Building Bridges of Peace and Reconciliation 2

3 Episcochat News St Mary s, Belleview ST. MARY'S, BELLEVIEW CELEBRATES 30 YEARS On November 20, 2016, approximately 175 past and present members celebrated a special service with Bishop Brewer, Canon Tim Nunez, Rev. Lisa Hinkle and former clergy that included confirmations and a baptism. A luncheon followed the service at the Elks Club in Belleview and there was music by The Joyful Noise, a slide show of pictures from over the years featuring the building of the first church as well as the new church and many of the St. Mary's ministry activities. Items were presented to be placed in a time capsule that will remain closed until our 50 th Anniversary celebration in A timeline of historical milestones was included in the time capsule as well as a special 30 th Anniversary edition of the Church Directory. This enjoyable occasion has been in the planning process for several years and the Anniversary Committee included involvement from all of St. Mary's ministries. Please enjoy other photos located in the Episcochat Gallery. Heather Devlin, Anniversary Chairwoman Kringle Christmas at St. Mary s, Belleview "Kringle Christmas" is a fun, annual family and community event that was established many years ago and held at Belleview s City Hall. However, two years ago, the chair was passed to one of our ECW members, Linda Thomas. The venue was changed to St. Mary s Episcopal Church this year to cut the high cost of tent rentals. Children play games, win pries, visit with Santa, have lunch and pick gifts from Santa s Workshop. St. Mary s ECW, Youth Group and members all worked together to make this event a success. Normal attendance is children. Winsome Stern is pictured with our kitchen crew and Rev. Lisa Hinkle with our elves. Please enjoy more photos located in the Episcochat Gallery. Rummage Sale at St. Mary s, Belleview The Annual Rummage Sale for St. Mary s Episcopal Church was held on November 11th & 12th, This is a fund raising event for the church. Friends and members donated items of clothing, house wares and other household goods, small appliances, books, sporting and garden items. A number of church members were involved in the activities. The event was very productive and we were happy to be of service to the community. 3

4 Episcochat News ANNOUNCEMENTS ECW 2017 Special Project -The Timothy Fund for Seminary Education Please start your fund-raising efforts early. All donations MUST be received by August 31, Make checks payable to The Diocese of Central Florida, memo ECW - Timothy Fund Special Project (Please send copy of check to ECW Treasurer- Danielle Rogers 1501 San Marco Dr. Apt.202, Ormond Beach, FL 32174) Please see Funds Submission Form on the ECW website - as a guide for all monies sent to the Diocesan ECW New Officers for 2017? Please use Officer up -date form on pages 9-10 or on the ECW website to keep us informed to facilitate two-way communication. SAVE THE DATES 2017 Spring Deanery Meetings April / May: Northeast: Saturday, April 22nd St. Timothy s, Daytona Southwest: Saturday April 29th Camp Wingmann, Avon Park. Northwest: Saturday May 6th St. Ann, Crystal River Southeast: Saturday May 13th St Augustine of Canterbury, Vero Beach Central: Saturday May 20th St John-the-Baptist, Orlando United Thank Offering (UTO) Spring Ingathering - April/May ( your choice of date) Church Periodical Club (CPC) Sunday - May 7th Province IV ECW Annual Retreat, June 5-7, 2017 New Venue - Camp Mc Dowell, Nauvoo, Alabama th Annual ECW Meeting, October 28 th 2017 St Augustine of Canterbury. Vero Beach - S E Deanery 4

5 Episcochat Gallery 30th Anniversary at St. Mary s, Belleview Inside St. Mary s Group Photo at the Luncheon Winsome Stern, ECW Diocesan President & Heather Devlin, St. Mary s ECW President Note from the Editor: Please feel free to send pictures of your events so they can be included in the Episcochat. We d love to see what you re doing. -Marty 5

6 Episcochat News Church of Our Savior, Palm Bay Church of Our Savior ECW hosted a Sisterhood Birthday Bash ending the Twelve Days of Christmas. We were unable to hold our annual Silver Tea this year so we chose to invite all women in the church to celebrate the 12 months of birthdays for our Christian sisters, January - December. Each one had an opportunity to share the answer to three questions: 1. Do you have a favorite verse? 2. Do you have a story of how much Church of Our Savior means to you? 3. Do you have a testimony of how you came to faith in Jesus? These ladies are actively involved in the parish, including - Altar Guild, Choir, DOK {both senior and junior daughters}, Flower Guild, Order of St. Luke, Reading assistant at elementary schools, Sewing Bee (donating items for children in the hospitals and annual Silent Auction), Small Study Groups, Birthday party for Jesus, working in the Welcome Center, and supporting the Youth Group activities. Comments expressed indicated the Sisterhood Birthday Bash was enjoyed by all. MEMO Please send your articles & pictures for the newsletter as soon as you have them available, you don t need to wait on the deadline. episcochat@gmail.com Thank you Marty Hartman - Editor 6

7 Chaplain s Corner January 2017 Many of us are doing two things this month of January. First, we may be reflecting on the year past; with longings, perhaps some sadness; with relief that it s over; with unfulfilled hopes and dreams and also with happiness of new jobs, grandchildren, hearts, minds and bodies restored to health. Second, we change our focus to the future and our resolutions for the days to come: an empty calendar lies before us, ready to fill with places to go, people to meet, purposes to be realized, and prayers to be prayed and answered. As this New Year begins, I m reminded of a song that is sung the morning of the Third Day of the Cursillo Weekend: There s a New World Coming. The tune and simple words bubbled up in my mind and heart Christmas morning and I hope it gives each of us comfort and strength for the New Year and the New World that lies ahead. There s a New World coming and it s coming round the bend, There s a New World coming and it s waiting there my friend. There s a new voice calling and it s calling you and me, Coming in peace, coming in joy, coming in love. May it be so for us all in the New Year ~ Pastor Greer McBryde 7

8 United Thank Offering As I write this article (1/11/2017) I am still getting adjusted to the fact that the holidays are over and a new year has begun. Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year and praying that all of you will have many blessings from above in UTO Grants You will find all the information for the 2017 UTO Grants online at The focus this year is "The Jesus Movement - evangelism, reconciliation, and following Jesus' way of creating loving, liberating and life-giving relationships with God, each other, and all creation." All of the information necessary for submitting a Grant Application is available at this website and also at The deadline for getting your application to the Diocesan office is February 10, 2017 by 5:00 p.m. So don't delay, get your application in asap; and a word of warning, make sure it is complete when you send it in. If it is not complete, it will be "out of criteria" and will not be accepted. Spring Ingathering Yes, while it may still be winter, the time is fast approaching for the Spring Ingathering, a time when the parish UTO coordinators or others collect the thank offering boxes or envelopes from the members of their congregations. Each parish can choose their own time for this. When you submit the check to the diocesan office in the spring don't forget to put ECW/UTO on the memo line and send a copy of the check to the Diocesan Treasurer, Danielle Rogers (address information on page12 Board of Directors) Please note that I am changing my address for all communications to: scheeredithe@gmail.com. Yours in Christ, Edith E. Therrien Diocesan U.T.O. Coordinator scheeredithe@gmail.com. 8

9 Officers Form - Up-date Mail to Helen Laughton 2692 Abell Road, Lake Placid, FL 33852; or send scanned copy to: pipkinlaughton@aol.com and ecwofctrlfl@outlook.com Date: Church Name: City: Deanery Immed. Past President President: Preferred Telephone: Vice President: Preferred Telephone: Secretary: Preferred Telephone: Treasurer: Preferred Telephone: UTO Coordinator: Address: City: Zip: Preferred Telephone: CPC Coordinator: Address: City: Zip: Preferred Telephone: CONTACT INFORMATION Continues on next page 9

10 CONTACT INFORMATION for other ORGANIZATIONS / GROUPS (Altar Guild, DOK, Women s Guild / Ministries etc.) Name of Organization/ Group Date: Church Name: City: Deanery 1. Name Preferred Telephone 2. Name Preferred Telephone Name of Organization/ Group Date: Church Name: City: Deanery 1. Name Preferred Telephone 2. Name Preferred Telephone 10

11 Episcochat Altar Guild The ALTAR GUILD is one of the most essential and often most invisible ministries of the church. Its primary purpose is to prepare for celebrations of the Holy Eucharist and other sacraments of the church. The Altar Guild sets the table for the Eucharistic Feast. The Altar Guild s work provides both order and beauty for worship services. This is a very special ministry that we offer to Our Lord, as we prepare for His presence among us. Sometimes the ALTAR GUILD includes a FLOWER GUILD, a LINEN SEWING GUILD, and/or a WEDDING GUILD. The FLOWER GUILD prepares the Altar flowers each week and decorates the church for special occasions like Palm Sunday, Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other festivals. The LINEN SEWING GUILD makes and repairs the Altar linens. This ministry uses their skill of fine hand sewing and embroidery to supply the linens used throughout the church and chapel. Some Linen Sewing Guilds now use sewing machines to make their linens. The WEDDING GUILD assists with all the details of the weddings and helps ensure the wedding runs smoothly. This ministry helps make the day a memorable and holy occasion. The Diocesan Altar Guild newsletter advises churches and Altar Guilds on subjects that make their ministry easier and more effective. Annual meetings are held to provide workshops and an opportunity to meet and learn from Altar Guild members from other churches. Judy Henderson, Altar Guild Directress Who We Are We are Episcopal Church Women of all ages, ethnic origins and socioeconomic backgrounds who hold a variety of views. However, the common denominator of our members is love of God and the wish to do His work. Mission &Vision Find us on the Web: and Facebook: Mission Centered in congregations, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) empowers women to do Christ s ministry in the world. Vision Our vision for all women of the Episcopal Church is that we become a vibrant blend of all ages, coming together as a peacemaking, healing part of the Church. We aspire to be a Godspark -shining and sharing the love of Christ. Episcopal Church Women s Prayer Almighty God, we pray that You will bless our work in mission and ministry in the world. Help us to pray fervently, labor diligently and give liberally to make known the power of your love given through your Son Jesus Christ. Let us not forget the lessons from the past nor fear the challenges of the future. Anoint us with your grace and shine in our hearts as we reflect your light throughout the world. Amen. 11

12 EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Revised October 15, 2016 OFFICERS President Winsome Stern 2880 SW 162nd Lane Ocala, FL (mobile) St. Mary's, Belleview 1st Vice President Elizabeth Herrick 8556 SW 61 Ct, Ocala, FL (mobile) Advent, Dunnellon 2nd. Vice-President Dr.. Dee Deborah HensonGovernor Ed. D 137 Aleatha Drive Daytona Beach FL hensongorvenor@gmail.com St. Timothy s Daytona Beach Secretary Brenda Perry 1329Iaurel Drive, Daytona Beach, FL (mobile) bp0721@aol.com St. Timothy s Daytona Beach Treasurer Danielle Rogers 1501 San Marco Dr. Ap.t 202 Ormond Beach Florida H/C danisupreme@gmail.com St Mary s Daytona Beach United Thank Offering Coordinator (UTO) Edith Therrien 3345 Delaware Ave., Sebring, FL (mobile) scheeredithe@gmail.com St. Francis of Assisi, Lake Placid Church Periodical Club Director (CPC) Carol Campen SW 18th Place, Ocala, FL (mobile) cccampen@cfl.rr.com Holy Faith, Dunnellon Central Deanery Director Dr. Karen Adderly Clarke Ed. D Coach House Blvd., Orlando, FL (mobile) Karac915@gmail.com St. John the Baptist, Orlando Northeast Deanery Director Riek Fitzpatrick 1012 Collins Ave. Orange City, Fl riekfitzpatrick@yahoo.com St. Jude s, Orange City Northwest Deanery Director Louise Adams SE 91st.Ave., Summerfield FL (mobile) ceemoc@yahoo.com St. Mary, Belleview. Southeast Deanery Director Carol Paris 6756 Mar Pacifico Court. Fort Pierce, FL (mobile) parisce1228@yahoo.com St. Augustine of Canterbury, Vero Beach Southwest Deanery Director Helen Laughton 2692 Abell Road Lake Placid, FL pipkinlaughton@aol.com St. Francis of Assisi, Lake Placid Ex-Officio Members x 3 1 LaVerne Collins Past-Pres Nash Loop The Villages, FL (mobile) laverne_c 20774@yahoo.com. St. George The Villages 2 Diocesan DOK President Barbara Spencer 5055 SW 154 Loop Ocala, FL eqbarbie@yahoo.com Advent, Dunnellon 3 Altar Guild Directress. Judy Henderson 1978 Red Bug Circle NW Palm Bay FL (mobile) jem2415@earthlink.net Holy Trinity, Melbourne Parliamentarian Dr. Lorraine K. Harris, Ed.D 2701 Windward Court, Orlando, Fl drlharris08@att.net St John-the-Baptist, Orlando Chaplain Pastor Greer K Mc Bryde Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death Grief Ministry, LLC 1155 C.R. 753, S, Webster, FL (mobile) gkmcbryde@aol.com Webmaster: Sara Castelli ecwcentralfl.org/home Facebook: ECW Diocese of Central FL. Epicochat Newsletter Editor: Marty Hartman martyhartman@embarqmail.com 12